Poulan HDF550M User Manual

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OWNER'S MANUAL

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MODEL NO. HDF550M

5 HP 26 Inch
Tiller

• Assembly

• Operation

• Maintenance

• Service and Adjustments

® Storage

® Troubleshooting

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

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

• Repair Parts

Poulan

184860 12.03.02 TR

PRINTED IN U.S.A.

SAFETY RULES

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 how to 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, par
ticularly small children, and pets.

PREPARATION

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

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

Do not operate the equipment without wearing ade
quate 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 cross

ing 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 spark plug, thoroughly inspect

the tiller for any damage, and repair the 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 all 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.

Never operate the tiller without proper guards, plates,
or other safety protective devices in place.

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
working condition.

• 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 ex

tended 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 im
portant safety precautions. It means

A

A

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

CAUTION: Always disconnect spark
plug wire and place wire where it can
not contact spark plug in order to pre

vent accidental starting when setting
up, transporting, adjusting or making
repairs.

^WARNING A

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

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS

GASOLINE CAPACITY;

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”.

3 Quarts (2.8L)
Unleaded Regular

SAE 30 (Above 32“F/0°C)
SAE 5w-30(Below 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“Maintenance” and “Storage”

sections of this Owner’s Manual.

IMPORTANT: THIS UNIT IS EQUIPPED WITH AN INTERNAL
COMBUSTION ENGINE AND SHOULD NOT BE USED ON
OR NEAR ANY UNIMPROVED FOREST-COVERED. BRUSH­COVERED 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 OF THE 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

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS
CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES
ASSEMBLY

OPERATION ...............................................................

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

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

........................................ 3

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

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

2

....3

6-9

MAINTENANCE ...................................................

SERVICE & ADJUSTMENTS................................. 13-15

STORAGE.................................................................. 16

TROUBLESHOOTING .............................................

REPAIR PARTS-TILLER

WARRANTY

........

....................................................... 24

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

10-12

17

....18-23

ASSEMBLY

Your new tiller 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 all 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) 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).

CONTENTS OF HARDWARE PACK

LEFT

FRONT

fEOn

RIGHT

OPERATOR'S POSI
TION

Tig. 1

(2) Hex Bolts 5/16-18x3/4

(2) Hex Bolts 5/16-18 x 1-1/4

§1

(2) Hex Bolts 5/16-18 x 1

(6) Lock Washers 5/16

(4) Washers 3/8 x 7/8 x 14

(6) Hex Nuts 5/16-18

ASSEMBLY

UNPACK CARTON & INSTALL HANDLE (See
Fig. 2)

CAUTION; Be careful of exposed
staples when handling or disposing

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, route cable(s) as shown

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. Repeat for opposite side. Tighten all
hardware securely.

• Cut cable ties securing tiller to skid and remove tiller

from skid.

• Remove screws securing depth stake to skid and dis

card the screws.

of cartoning material.

INSTALL DEPTH STAKE ASSEMBLY
(See Fig. 3)

• Loosen nut “A”.

• Insert stake support between engine bracket halves
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.

FIG. 3

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 OP
ERATION 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 illustrations with your tiller to 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 mean
ing.

RUN

STOP

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

OR WARNING ON OFF

O

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.

OPERATION

S*fH¥ CUSSES

in sewere eye damage. Always wear safety glasses or eye shields before starting your tiller
and while tilling. We recommend a wide ¥Ísion safety mask for over spectacles or standard
safety glasses.

HOWTO 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 move

ment.

® Release reverse tine control to stop reverse move

ment.

ENGINE
® Move throttle control to “STOP” position.
® Never use choke to stop engine.

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

REVERSE

CONTROL

\

FORWARD TINE CONTROL IN

“OFF” (UP) POSITION

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 normal tilling, set depth stake at the second or third

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.

FORWARD TINE CONTROL

IN “ON” (DOWN) POSITION

THROTTLE
CONTROL

CHOKE'
CONTROL

FIG. 5

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 transporting,
allow tiller engine and myffler to cool.

A

AROUNDTHEYARD

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

spring.
® Push tiller handles down, raising tines off the ground.
® Push or pull tiller to desired location.

AROUND TOWN

• Disconnect spark plug wire.

• Drain fuel tank.
® Transport in upright position to prevent oil leakage.

Disconnect spark plyg 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 approx

imate 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 nec

essary. Replace oil filler plug.

• For cold weather operation you should change oil for

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

• To change engine oil, see the Maintenance section of

this manual.

ADD GASOLINE

• Fill fuel tank to bottom of filler neck. Do not overfill.
Use fresh, clean, regular unleaded gasoline with a
minimum of 87 octane. (Use of leaded gasoline will
increase carbon and lead oxide deposits and reduce

valve life). Do not mix oil with gasoline. Purchase fuel
in quantities that can be used within 30 days to assure
fuel freshness.

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

A

IMPORTANT: WHEN OPERATING IN TEMPERATURES

BELOW32“F(0°C), USE FRESH, CLEAN WINTER GRADE
GASOLINE TO HELP INSURE GOOD COLD WEATHER
STARTING.

CAUTION: Alcohol blended fuels (called

gasohol or using ethanol or methanol) can at
tract moisture which leads to separation and
formation of acids during storage. Acidic gas
can damage the fuel system of an engine while
in storage. To avoid engine problems, the 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 Instructions for additional
information. Never use engine or carburetor
cleaner products in the fuel tank or permanent
damage may occur.

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

Wipe off any spilled oil or fuel. Do not
store, spill or use gasoline near an
open flame.

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.

• Turn fuel shut-off valve 1/4 turn to open position.

• Move choke control to choke position.

• Grasp recoil starter handle with one hand and grasp
tiller handle with other hand. Pull rope out slowly until
engine reaches start of compression cycle (rope will
pull 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. Pull recoil starter handle 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 start
ing engine.