Poulan HDF550K User Manual

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OWNER'S MANUAL

MODEL NO. HDF550K

5 HP 26 Inch

Tiller

Assembly

• Operation
* Customer Responsibilities

• Service and Adjustments

• Storage

• Troubleshooting

• Repair Parts

For Parts and Service, contact our authorized distributor: call 1-800-849-1297

For Technical Assistance: call 1-800-829-5886

Poutan

176843 1.2.01 TR

PRINTED IN U.S.A.

SAFETY RULES

A

SAFE OPERATION PRACTICES FOR WALK-BEHIND POWERED ROTARY TILLERS

TRAINING

• Read the Owner’s Manual carefully. Be thoroughly
familiar with the controls and the proper use of the
equipment. Know howto stop the unit and disengage the
controls quickly.

Never allow children to operate the equipment. Never
allow adults to operate the equipment without proper
instruction.

Keep the area of operation clear of all persons, particu
larly small children, and pets.

PREPARATION

Thoroughly inspect the area where the equipment is to
be used and remove ail foreign objects.

Disengage all clutches and shift Into neutral before
starting the engine (motor).

Do not operate the equipment without wearing adequate
outer garments. Wear footwear that will improve footing
on slippery surfaces.

Handle fuel with care; It is highly flammable.
Use an approved fuel container.
Never add fuel to a running engine or hot engine.
Fill fuel tank outdoors with extreme care. Never fill fuel

tank indoors.

Replace gasoline cap securely and clean up spilled fuel

before restarting.

Use extension cords and receptacles as specified by

the manufacturer for all units with electric drive motors
or electric starting motors.

Never attempt to make any adjustments while the
engine (motor) is running (except where specifically
recommended by manufacturer).

OPERATION

Do not put hands or feet near or under rotating parts.
Exercise extreme caution when operating on or crossing

gravel drives, walks, or roads. Stay alert for hidden
hazards or traffic. Do not carry passengers.

After striking a foreign object, stop the engine (motor),
remove the wire from the sparkplug, thoroughly inspect

the tillerfor any damage, and repairthe damage before

restarting and operating the tiller.
Exercise caution to avoid slipping or falling.

If the unit should start to vibrate abnormally, stop the
engine (motor) and check immediately for the cause.
Vibration is generally a warning of trouble.

Stop the engine (motor) when leaving the operating
position.

Take alt possible precautions when leaving the machine
unattended. Disengage the tines, shift into neutral, and
stop the engine.

Before cleaning, repairing, or inspecting, shut off the
engine and make certain all moving parts have stopped.
Disconnect the spark plug wire, and keep the wire away

from the plug to prevent accidental starting. Disconnect
the cord on electric motors.

Do not run the engine indoors; exhaust fumes are
dangerous.

Neveroperate the tiller without properguards, plates, or
other safety protective devices in place.

A

Keep children and pets away.
Do not overload the machine capacity by attempting to

till too deep at too fast a rate.
Never operate the machine at high speeds on slippery

surfaces. Look behind and use care when backing.
Never allow bystanders near the unit.
Use only attachments and accessories approved by the

manufacturer of the tiller.
Never operate the tiller without good visibility or light.
Be careful when tilling in hard ground. The tines may

catch in the ground and propel the tiller forward. If this
occurs, let go of the handlebars and do not restrain the
machine.

MAINTENANCE AND STORAGE

• Keep machine, attachments, and accessories in safe
workingconditlon.

• Check shear pins, engine mounting bolts, and other
bolts at frequent intervals for proper tightness to be sure

the equipment is in safe working condition.

• Never store the machine with fuel in the fuel tank inside

a building where ignition sources are present, such as
hot water and space heaters, clothes dryers, and the
like. Allow the engine to cool before storing in any
enclosure.

• Always refer to the operator’s guide instructions for
important details if the tiller is to be stored for an
extended period.

- IMPORTANT -

CAUTIONS, IMPORTANTS, AND NOTES ARE A MEANS
OF ATTRACTING ATTENTION TO IMPORTANT OR
CRITICAL INFORMATION IN THIS MANUAL.

IMPORTANT: USED TO ALERT YOU THAT THERE IS A
POSSIBILITY OF DAMAGING THIS EQUIPMENT,

NOTE: Gives essential information that will aid you to better
understand, incorporate, or execute a particular set of
instructions.

Look for this symbol to point out impor
tant safety precautions, it means

A

A

The engine exhaust from this product con
tains chemicals known to the State of Califor
nia to cause cancer, birth defects, or other
reproductive harm.

CAUTION!!! BECOME ALERT!!! YOUR
SAFETY IS INVOLVED.

CAUTION: Always disconnect spark
plug wire and place wire where it cannot
contact spark plug in order to prevent
accidental starting when setting up,

transporting, adjusting or making re
pairs.

A WARNING A

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS

GASOLINE CAPACITY: 3 Quarts (2.8L)

Unleaded Regular

OIL (API-SF-SJ):
(Capacity: 20 OZ./0.6L)

SPARK PLUG;
(GAP: .03070.76mm)

CONGRATULATIONS on your purchase of a new tiller, it
has been designed, engineered and manufactured to give
you the best possible dependability and performance.

Should you experience any problems you cannot easily
remedy, please contact your nearest authorized service
center. We have competent, well-trained technicians and
the proper tools to service or repair this unit.

Please read and retain this manual. The instructions will
enable you to assemble and maintain your tiller properly.
Always observe the “SAFETY RULES”.

SAE30 (Above 32"F/0"C)
SAE 5w-30(Be)ow 32°F/0°C)

Champion RJ19LM

CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES

• Read and observe the safety rules.

• Follow a regular schedule in maintaining, caring for and
using your tiller.

• Follow instructions under “Customer Responsibilities”
and “Storage” sections of this Owner’s Manual.

IIVIPORTANT: THIS UNIT IS EQUIPPED WITH AN
INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE AND SHOULD NOT
BE USED ON OR NEAR ANY UNIMPROVED FOREST­COVERED, BRUSH-COVERED OR GRASS COVERED
LAND UNLESS THE ENGINE'S EXHAUST SYSTEM IS

EQUIPPED WITH A SPARK ARRESTER MEETING
APPLICABLE LOCAL LAWS (IF ANY). IF A SPARK
ARRESTER IS USED, IT SHOULD BE MAINTAINED IN

EFFECTIVE WORKING ORDER BY THE OPERATOR.

IN THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA, A SPARK ARRESTER IS

REQUIRED BY LAW {SECTION 4442 OFTHE CALIFORNIA

PUBLIC RESOURCES CODE). OTHER STATES MAY
HAVE SIMILAR LAWS. FEDERAL LAWS APPLY ON
FEDERAL LANDS. SEE YOUR AUTHORIZED SERVICE
CENTER/DEPARTMENT FOR SPARK ARRESTER.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

SAFETY RULES........................................................ 2

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS

CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES ......................3,10-12

ASSEMBLY
OPERATION

MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE...................................... 10

.............................................................. 4-5

................................................................

........................................

3

6-9

SERVICE & ADJUSTMENTS

STORAGE ..........................

TROUBLESHOOTING ......................... 16

REPAIR PARTS-TILLER
WARRANTY

.................................................................. 23

....................................

..................................... 15

............................................ 17-22

..12-14

ASSEMBLY

Your new iiiler has been assembled at the factory with exception of those parts left unassembled for shipping purposes. To
ensure safe and proper operation of your tiller ai! parts and hardware you assemble must be tightened securely. Use the correct

tools as necessary to insure proper tightness.

TOOLS REQUIRED FOR ASSEMBLY

A socket wrench set will make assembly easier. Standard
wrench sizes are listed.

(1) Utility knife
(1) Pair of pliers
(1) Screwdriver
(2) 1/2" wrenches

OPERATOR’S POSITION (See Fig. 1)

When right or left hand is mentioned in this manual, it means
when you are in the operating position (standing behind tiller
handles).

LEFT

FRONT

L J—H—L

F

OPERATOR'S
POSITION

FIG. 1

li—

RIGHT

ASSEMBLY

UNPACK CARTON & INSTALL HANDLE (See
Fig. 2)

CAUTION: Be careful of exposed staples
when handling or disposing of cartoning

A

IMPORTANT; WHEN UNPACKING AND ASSEMBLING

TILLER, BE CAREFUL NOT TO STRETCH OR KINK

CABLE{S).

• Cut cable ties securing handles.

• Slowly lift handle assembly up and align handle holes
with handle panel hole and slot.

• Loosely assemble hardware as shown. Be sure the
shorter (3/4” long) hex bolt is assembled in lower hole of
handle. Repeatforoppositeside, Tighten all hardware
securely.

• Cut cable ties securing tiller to skid and remove tiller

from skid.

material.

INSTALL REVERSE ROD (See Fig. 2)

• Secure upper reverse rod to lower reverse rod using
clevis pin. Secure with cotter pin.

INSTALL DEPTH STAKE ASSEMBLY
(See Fig. 3)

• Loosen nut “A”.

• insertsiake support between engine brackethalves with
stake spring down.

• Bolt stake support to engine brackets with bolts, lock
washers and nuts. Tighten securely. Tighten nut “A”.

• Depth stake must move freely. If it does not, loosen
support bolt.

HANDLE HEIGHT

• Handle height may be adjusted to better suit operator.
(See “HANDLE HEIGHT” in the Service and Adjust
ments section of this manual).

TILLING WIDTH

• Tilling width may be adjusted to better handle your tilling

conditions (See “TINE ARRANGEMENT” in the Service
and Adjustments section of this manual).

TINE OPERATION

• Check tine operation before first use. (See “TINE

OPERATION CHECK” in the Service and Adjustments
section of this manual).

OPERATION

KNOW YOUR TILLER

READ THIS OWNER'S MANUAL AND SAFETY RULES BEFORE OPERATING YOUR TILLER.

Compare the iitustrations with yourtillerto familiarize yourself with the location of various controls and adjustments. Save this
manual for future reference.

These symbols may appear on your Tiller or in literature supplied with the product. Learn and understand their meaning.

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TILLING FORWARD NEUTRAL REVERSE CAUTION ENGINE ENGINE FAST SLOW CHOKE FUEL OIL

OR WARNING ON OFF

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MEETS ANSI SAFETY REQUIREMENTS

Our tillers conform to the safety standards of the American National Standards Institute.

FORWARD TINE CONTROL - Engages tines in forward

direction.
REVERSE TINE CONTROL - Engages tines in reverse

direction.

THROTTLE CONTROL- Controls engine speed.

CHOKE CONTROL - Used when starting a cold engine.
DEPTH STAKE - Controls forward speed and the depth at

which the tiller will dig.
RECOIL STARTER HANDLE - Used to start the engine.

RH^m’ISBEHEn

tHMJpiaSÌGHT

OPERATION

The operation of any tiller can result in foreign objects thrown into the eyes, which can

result in severe eye damage. Always wear safety glasses or eye shields before starting your

tiller and while tilling. We recommend a wide vision safety mask for over spectacles or
standard safety glasses.

HOW TO USE YOUR TILLER

Know how to operate all controls before adding fuel and oil

or attempting to start engine.

STOPPING (See Fig. 5)

TINES

• Release forward tine control to stop forward movement.

• Release reverse tine control to stop reverse movement.

ENGINE

• Move throttle control to “STOP position.

• Never use choke to stop engine.

TILLING

The speed and depth of tilling is regulated by the position of
the depth stake and wheel height.

The depth stake should always be below the wheels for
digging. It serves as a brake to slow the tiller’s forward
motion to enable the tines to penetrate the ground. Also, the
more the depth stake is lowered into the ground the deeper
the tines will dig.

DEPTH STAKE (See Fig. 6)

Adjust depth stake by removing the hairpin clip and clevis
pin. Change depth stake to desired position. Replace the
clevis pin and hairpin clip.

• For norma! tilling, set depth stake at the second orthird
hole from the top.

WHEELS (See Fig. 6)

Adjust wheels by removing the hairpin clip and clevis pin.
Change wheel position. Replace the hairpin clip and clevis
pin.

• For normal tilling, set wheels at the second or third hole
from the top.

TINE OPERATION (See Fig. 5)

FORWARD

• Squeeze forward tine control to handle,

REVERSE

• With forward tine control “OFF” (up) position, pull back
and hold reverse tine control.

OPERATION

TO TRANSPORT

CAUTION; Before lifting or transport

ing, allow tiller engine and muffler to

A

AROUNDTHEYARD

• Tip depth stake forward until it is held by the stake
spring.

• Push tiller handies down, raising tines off the ground,

• Push or pull tiller to desired location.

AROUNDTOWN

• Disconnect spark plug wire.

• Drain fuel tank.

• Transport in upright position to prevent oil leakage.

cool. Disconnect spark plug wire. Drain
gasoline from fuel tank.

BEFORE STARTING ENGINE

IMPORTANT: BE VERY CAREFUL NOT TO ALLOW DIRT

TO ENTER THE ENGINE WHEN CHECKING OR ADDING
OIL OR FUEL. USE CLEAN OIL AND FUEL AND STORE
IN APPROVED, CLEAN, COVERED CONTAINERS. USE
CLEAN FILL FUNNELS.

FILL ENGINE WITH OIL (See Fig. 7)

• With engine level, remove engine oil filler plug.

• Fill engine with oil to point of overflowing. For approxi
mate capacity see “PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS" on
page 3 of this manual.

• Tilt tiller back on its wheels and then re-level.

• With engine level, refill to point of overflowing if neces

sary. Replace oil filler plug.

• For cold weather operation you should change oil for

easier starting (See “OIL VISCOSITY CHART” in the
Customer Responsibilities section of this manual).

• To change engine oil, see the Customer Responsibilities
section of this manual.

ADD GASOLINE

• Fill fuel tank. Use fresh, clean, regular unleaded
gasoline. (Use of leaded gasoline will increase carbon
and lead oxide deposits and reduce valve life.)

IMPORTANT: WHEN OPERATING IN TEMPERATURES
BELOW32°F(0“C), USE FRESH, CLEAN, WINTER GRADE
GASOLINE TO HELP INSURE GOOD COLD WEATHER
STARTING.

WARNING: Experience indicatesthat alcohol blended fuels
(called gasohol or using ethanol or methanol) can attract
moisture which leads to separation and formation of acids
during storage. Acidic gas can damage the fuel system of
an engine while in storage.

fuel system should be emptied before storage of 30 days
or longer. Drain the gas tank, start the engine and let it run
until the fuel lines and carburetor are empty. Use fresh fuel
next season. See Storage section of this manual for

additional information. Never use engine or carburetor
cleaner products in the fuel tank or permanent damage may
occur.

CAUTION: Fill to within 1/2 inch of top
of fuel tank to prevent spills and to allow

A

for fuel expansion, if gasoline is acci
dentally spilled, move machine away
from area of spill. Avoid creating any
source of ignition until gasoline vapors
have disappeared.

Do not overfill. Wipe off any spilled oil
or fuel. Do not store, spill or use gaso
line near an open flame.

To avoid engine problems, the

TO START ENGINE (See Fig. 8)

CAUTION: Keep drive control bar in

A

When starting engine for the first time or if engine has run out
of fuel, it will take extra pulls of the recoil starter to move fuel
from the tank to the engine.

• Make sure spark plug wire is properly connected.

• Move shift lever indicator to “N” (neutral) position.

• Place throttle control in “FAST” position.

• Move choke control to choke position.

• Grasp recoil starter handle with one hand and grasp tiiler
handle with other hand. Pull rope out slowly until engine
reaches start of compression cycle (rope will pul! slightly
harder at this point).

• Pull recoil starter handle quickly. Do not let starter
handle snap back against starter.

• If engine fires but does not start, move choke control to
half choke position. Puli recoil starterhandle until engine

starts.

• When engine starts, slowly move choke control to

"RUN" position as engine warms up.

NOTE: A warm engine requires less choking to start.

• Move throttle control to desired running position.

• Allow engine to warm up for a few minutes before

engaging tines.

“DISENGAGED” position when starting
engine.

8