Poulan HDR500H User Manual

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OWNER'S MANUAL

MODEL NO. HDR500H

5 HP 17 Inch
Tiller

Assembly

• Operation

• Customer Responsibilities

• Service and Adjustments

• Storage

• Troubleshooting

• Repair Parts

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

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

iv:i 1

Poulan

167577 Rev. 1 1.14.99 TR

PRINTED IN U.S.A.

A

SAFETY RULES

Safe Operation Practices for Walk-Behind Powered Rotary Tillers

A

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, particu

larly small children, and pets.

PREPARATION

® Thoroughly inspect the area where the equipment ii

be used and remove ail foreign objects.

® Disengage ail clutches and shift into neutral before

starting the engine (motor).
Do not operate the equipment without wearing ad

equate outer garments. Wear footwear that wiil im
prove 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).

;isto

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 in
spect the tiller for any damage, and repair the damage
before restarting and operating the tiller.

Exercise caution to avoid slipping or failing.
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 ma
chine 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

til! 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
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.

CONGRATULATIONS on your purchase of a new tiller. It

has been designed, engineered and manufactured to give
you the best possible dependability and performance.

PRODUCT SFBCiPiCATIONS

HORSEPOWER: 5.0 HP

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”.

MODEL

DISPLACEMENT:

GASOLINE CAPACITY:

OIL (API-SF/SG/SH):
(CAPACITY: 20 OZ./0.6L) SAE 5W-30 (Below 32‘=F/0°C)

12.57 cu. in. (206cc)

3 Quarts (2.8L)
Unleaded Regular

SAE 30 (Above 32°F/0°C)

NUMBER HDR500H
SERIAL

NUMBER

__________

SPARK PLUG ; Champion
(GAP: .030"/0.76mm)

RJ19LM

DATE OF PURCHASE
THE MODEL AND SERIAL NUMBERS WILL BE

FOUND ON THE MODEL PLATE ATTACHED TO
THE TOP OF THE TRANSMISSION.

YOU SHOULD RECORD BOTH SERIAL NUMBER
AND DATE OF PURCHASE AND KEEP IN A SAFE
PLACE FOR FUTURE REFERENCE.

IMPORTANT: THIS UNIT IS EQUIPPED WITH AN INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE AND SHOULD NOT BE USED ON OR

NEAR ANY UNIMPROVED FOREST-COVERED, 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 CALlFORNiA, 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 FOR SPARK ARRESTER.

CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES

« Read and observe the safety rules.
» Follow a regular schedule in maintaining, caring for and

using your tiller.

* Follow insiructions under “Customer Responsibilities”

and “Storage” sections of this Owner’s Manual.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

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

CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES......................3,13-15

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS ................................... 3

WARRANTY ........................................................ 4

ASSEMBLY..........................................................

OPERATION

...........

......................................... 8-12

..5-7

MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE
SERVICE & ADJUSTMENTS

......

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

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

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

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

REPAIR PARTS-TILLER

......................................21-27

LIMITED WARRANTY

The Manufacturer warrants to the original consumer purchaser that this product as manufactured is free from defects in
materials and workmanship. For a period of two (2) years from date of purchase by the original consumer purchaser, we will
repair or replace, at our option, without charge for parts or labor incurred in replacing parts, any part which we find to be
defective due to materials or workmanship. This Warranty Is subject to the following limitations and exclusions.

1. This warranty does not apply to the engine, other than FHP manufactured transaxle/transmission components, battery
{except as noted below) or components parts thereof. Please refer to the applicable manufacturer's warranty on these
items,

2. Transportation charges for the movement of any power equipment unit or attachment are the responsibility of the
purchaser. Transportation charges for any parts submitted for replacement under this warranty must be paid by the
purchaser unless such return is requested by Frigidaire Home Products.

3. Battery Warranty: On products equipped with a Battery, we will replace, without charge to you, any battery which we find
to be defective in manufacture, during the first ninety (90) days of ownership. After ninety (90) days, we will exchange the

Battery, charging you 1/12 of the price of a new Battery for each full month from the date of the original sale. Battery must

be maintained in accordance with the instructions furnished.

4. The Warranty period for any products used for rental or commercial purposes is limited to 90 days from the date of
original purchase.

5. This Warranty applies only to products which have been properly assembled, adjusted, operated, and maintained in
accordance with the instructions furnished. This Warranty does not apply to any product which has been subjected to
alteration, misuse, abuse, improper assembly or installation, delivery damage, or to normal wear of the product.

6. Exclusions: Excluded from this Warranty are belts, blades, blade adapters, normal wear, normal adjustments, standard

hardware and normal maintenance.

7. In the event you have a claim under this Warranty, you must return the product to an authorized service dealer.

Should you have any unanswered questions concerning this Warranty, please contact:

Frigidaire Home Products
Outdoor Products Customer Service Dept.

250 Bobby Jones Expressway
Augusta, GA 30909 USA

giving the model number, serial number and date of purchase of your product and the name and address of the authorized
dealer from whom it was purchased.

THIS WARRANTY DOES NOT APPLY TO INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES AND ANY IMPLIED WARRAN
TIES ARE LIMITED TO THE SAME TIME PERIODS STATED HEREiN FOR OUR EXPRESSED WARRANTIES. Some areas
do not allow the limitation of consequential damages or limitations of how long an implied Warranty may last, so the above

limitations or exclusions may not apply to you. This Warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may have other rights

which vary from locale to locale.
This is a limited Warranty within the meaning of that term as defined in the Magnuson-Moss Act of 1975.

In Canada contact:
Frigidaire Home Products

7075 Ordan Drive
Mississauga, Ontario
L5T 1K6

13

....15-18

19

20

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) Tire pressure gauge
(1) Pair of pliers
(1) 9/16" wrench

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 handies).

(2) Handle Locks

(1) Flat Washer 13/32 x 1 x 11 Gauge

[■B

CONTENTS OF HARDWARE PACK

(1) Carriage Bolt

3/8-16 UNCxI Grades

(1) Center Locknut

3/8-16 UNC

(1) Pivot Bolt

3/8-16 UNG Grade 5

Extra Shear Pins & Clips

ASSEMBLY

UNPACKING CARTON (See Fig. 2)

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

A

IMPORTANT: WHEN UNPACKING AND ASSEMBLING

TILLER, BE CAREFUL NOT TO STRETCH OR KINK
CABLES.

« While holding handle assembly, cut cable ties securing

handle assembly to top frame. Let handle assembly

rest on tiller.
® Remove top frame of carton.
* Slowly ease handle assembly up and place on top of

carton.

" Cut down right hand front and right hand rear comers

of carton, lay side carton wall down,

* Remove packing material from handle assembly.

cartoning material.

INSp^LL HANDLE (See Figs. 3, 4, and 5)

* insert one handle lock (with teeth facing outward) In

gearcase notch. (Apply grease on smooth side of
handle lock to aid in keeping lock in place until handle
assembly is lowered into position.)

Grasp handle assembly. Hold in “up" position. Be sure
handle lock remains in gearcase notch. Slide handle
assembly into position.

Rotate handle assembly down, insert rear carriage bolt
first, with bolt head on L.H. side of tiller and loosely
assemble locknut (See Fig. 5).

Insert pivot bolt in front part of plate and tighten.
Cut down remaining corners of carton and lay panels

flat.
Lower the handle assembly. Tighten nut on carriage

bolt bolt so handle moves with some resistance. This
will allow for easier adjustment.

Place flat washer on threaded end of handle lock lever.

Insert handle lock lever through handle base and
gearcase. Screw In handle lock lever just enough to
hold lever in place.

Insert second handle lock (with teeth inward) in the slot
of the handle base (just inside of washer).

With handle assembly in lowest position, securely
tighten handle lock lever by rotating clockwise. Leav
ing handle assembly in lowest position will make it
easier to remove tiller from carton.

ASSEMBLY

ATTACH CLUTCH CABLE (See Fig, 6)

» Hook end of clutch cable through hole in control bar

bracket if necessary.

REMOVE TILLER FROM CRATE

“ Make sure shift lever indicator is in “N’* position (See

Fig. 7)

• Tilt tiller forward by lifting handle. Separate cardboard
cover from leveling shield.

• Rotate tiller handle to the right and pull tiller out of

carton.

CHECK TIRE PRESSURE

The tires on your unit were overinfiated at the factory for
shipping purposes. Correct and equal tire pressure is
important for best tilling performance.

• Reduce tire pressure to 20 PS! (1.4 kg/cm^).

HANDLE HEIGHT

• Handle height may be adjusted to better suit operator.
(See “TO ADJUST HANDLE HEIGHT” In the Service

and Adjustments section of this manual).

CONNECT SHIFT ROD (See Fig. 7)

• Insert end of shift rod into hole of shift lever indicator.

» Insert hairpin clip through hole of shift rod to secure.

OPERATION

KNOW YOUR TILLER

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

Compare the iiiusirations with your tiiier to familiarize yourseif 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.

RUN

I

FNRA©©4»-^i\ii-fir

TILLING FORWARD NEUTRAL REVERSE CAUTION ENGINE ENGINE

OR WARNING ON OFF

FAST SLOW CHOKE

FUEL

OIL

STOP

o

MEETS ANSI SAFETY REQUIREMENTS

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

THROTTLE CONTROL - Used to control engine speed.
DRIVE CONTROL BAR - Used to engage tiller.
DEPTH STAKE - Controls depth at which tiller will dig.
LEVELING SHIELD - Levels tilled soil.
OUTER SIDE SHIELD - Adjustable to protect small plants

from being buried.

SHIFT LEVER - Used to shift transmission gears.
SHIFT LEVER INDICATOR - Shows which gear the trans

mission is in.

RECOIL STARTER HANDLE - Used to start the engine.

CHOKE CONTROL - Used when starting a cold engine.

a

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 over spectacles or
standard safety glasses.

HOW TO USE YOUR TILLER

Know how to Operate a!i controls before adding fuel and
oil or attempting to start engine.

STOPPING (See Fig. 9)

TINES AND DRIVE

• Release drive control bar to stop movement.
« Move shift lever to “N” (neutral) position.

ENGINE

» Move throttle control to “STOP” position. If equipped

with stop switch, move switch to “STOP” position.

« Never use choke to stop engine.

TINE OPERATION - WITH WHEEL DRIVE

» Always release drive control bar before moving shift

lever into another position.

• Tine movement is achieved by moving shift lever to ®)
till position and engaging drive control bar.

HARD TO SHIFT GEARS

* Briefly engage drive control bar and release or rock

tiller forward and backward until are able to shift gears.

DEPTH STAKE (See Fig. 10)

The depth stake can be raised or lowered to allow you more
versatile tilling and cultivating, or to more easily transport
your tiller.

TILLING (See Fig. 11)

» Release depth stake pin. Puli the depth stake up for

increased tilling depth. Place depth stake pin in hole of
depth stake to lock in position.

• Place shift lever indicator in till position.

• Hold the drive control bar against the handle to start
tilling movement. Tines and wheels will both turn.

• Move throttle control to “FAST’ position for deep tilling.
To cuItivatOi throttle control can be set at any desired
speed, depending on how fast or slow you wish to
cultivate.

IMPORTANT: ALWAYS RELEASE DRIVE CONTROL BAR

BEFORE MOVING SHIFT LEVER INTO ANOTHER
POSITION.

FORWARD-WHEELSONLY/TINESSTOPPED

• Release drive control bar and move shift lever Indicator
to “P (forward) position. Engage drive control bar and
tiller will move forward.

REVERSE - WHEELS ONLY/TINES STOPPED

DO NOT STAND DIRECTLY BEHIND TILLER.
Release the drive control bar.
Move throttle control to “SLOW” position.
Move shift lever indicator to “R” (reverse) position.
Hold drive control bar against the handle to start tiller

movement.