Simplicity 1694161, 1694906, 7800052, 1694162, 7800063 Operator's Manual

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Rear Tine TiJJer

6HP Rear Tine Tiller
Mfg.No. Description

1694161 6016RT, 6HP Rear Tine Tiller
1694908 6016RT, 6HP Rear Tine Tiller

7800052 6016RT, 6HP Rear Tine Tiller

7HP Rear Tine Tiller

Mfg.No. Description

1694162 7016RT, 7HP Rear Tine Tiller
1694909 7016RT, 7HP Rear Tine Tiller

7800053 7016RT, 7HP Rear Tine Tiller

1722732

Revision 02

Rev. Date 12/2005

TP 100-2627-02-RT-SMA
OM7016 RT / OM6016RT

TableOfContents

MODEL IDENTIFICATION .......................................... 1

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

Owner's Responsibility ............................................. 2

General .................................................................... 2

Preparation ............................................................... 2

Operation ................................................................. 3

Maintenance & Storage ............................................ 3

Safety Decals ........................................................... 4

FEATURES ................................................................. ,5

CONTROLS ................................................................ 6

Drive Safety Control Levers ...................................... 6

Reverse Handle ........................................................ 6

Engine Controls ........................................................ 7

ADJUSTMENTS ......................................................... 8

Wheel Lockpins ........................................................ 8

Wheel Lockouts ........................................................ 8

Handlebar Adjustments ............................................ 9

Depth Regulator Lever ........................................... 10

Belt Tension Adjustment ......................................... 10

OPERATION ............................................................. 11

Pre-Start Inspection ............................................... 11

Start-up .................................................................. 11

Shutting Down ........................................................ 12

Tilling...................................................................... 12

TIPS .......................................................................... 13

TillingTips .............................................................. 13

Cultivating Tips ....................................................... 13

NORMAL CARE ....................................................... 14

Schedule ................................................................ 14

Servicing The Rototiller .......................................... 15

STORAGE ................................................................. 19

Storage ................................................................... 19

TROUBLESHOOTING AND REPAIR ....................... 20

TroubleshootingGuide ............................................ 20

SPECIFICATIONS ..................................................... 22

Features ................................................................. 22

TECHNICAL MANUALS ........................................... 22

NOTES ...................................................................... 23

MODEL IDENTIFICATION

Record your model number, manufacturer number and
serial number in the space provided for easy reference.

The model and manufacturer numbers can be found on
the unit I.D.plate located on the unit's left engine mount.

Refer to the Engine Owner's Manual for location of
engine serial number.

If you have a service problem requiring special
assistance, contact a local dealer for help.

WARNING

You must read, understand and comply with all
safety and operating instructions in this manual
before attempting to setup and operate your

rototiller.
Failure to comply with all safety and operating

instructions can result in loss of machine control,
serious personal injury to you and/or bystanders,
and risk of equipment and property damage.The
triangle in the text signifies important cautions
or warnings which must be followed.

Model Description/Number

M/N (Manufacturer's Number)

D_aNte(Serial Number)

Dealer Name

Engine Make/Model

Engine ID/Serial Number

WARNING

Engine exhaust from this product contains
chemicals known, in certain quantities, to cause
cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm.

Page 1

Safety Rules

OWNER'S RESPONSIBILITY

Safe and effective use of the rototiller is the owner's
responsibility.

1. Read and follow all safety instructions.

2. Maintain the tiller according to directions and
schedule included.

3. Ensure that anyone who uses the tiller is familiar
with all controls and safety precautions.

GENERAL

The Safety Alert symbol shown here is used to

alert you to important safety information that must
be read, fully understood, and followed at alltimes
when handling, transporting, operating, servicing, or
storing your rototiller unit.

Each safety alert symbol is followed by a "signal word"
that advised you of the relative intensity, or level, of the
hazard the safety alert instructions pertain to.

The following list of signal words is being provided to
help you understand the intensity levels associated with
each signal word used in this manual.

_DANGER

The signal word "DANGER" is used when a

serious injury or fatality will result if the safety

instructions that follow this signal word are not

obeyed.

_ILWARNING

The signal word "WARNING" is used when a

serious injury or fatality could result if the safety

instructions that follow this signal word are not

obeyed.

_lL CAUTION

The signal word "CAUTION" is used when

personal injury, or property or equipment damage

could result if the safety instructions that follow
this signal word are not obeyed.

CAREFULLY READ THIS MANUAL AND
FOLLOW ALL INSTRUCTIONS.

Be familiar with all controls before operating the

tiller. Your tiller is equipped with a safety device that

enables you to stop the wheels and tines quickly in
an emergency. Learn how the drive safety control

levers work and how to control the tiller at all times.
Never allow children to operate the tiller. Keep small

children away from the area being tilled. Do not
allow adults to operate the tiller without proper

instruction.

L R

The right and left sides of your
rototiller are determined from the

operating position as you face the
direction of forward travel.

PREPARATION

Dress appropriately when operating the tiller. Always

wear sturdy footwear. Never wear sandals,

sneakers, or open shoes, and never operate the

tiller with bare feet. Do not wear loose clothing that

might get caught in moving parts.
Carefully inspect the area to be tilled, and remove

all foreign objects. Do not till above underground

water lines, gas lines, electric cables, or pipes. Do

not operate the tiller in soil with large rocks and

foreign objects which can damage the equipment.

Disengage all clutches and shift intoneutral before
starting the engine.

Handle fuel with care; it is highly flammable.
a. Use an approved fuel container.
b. Never add fuel to a running engine or hot engine.

c. Fill fuel tank outdoors with extreme care. Never fill

fuel tank indoors.

d. Replace gasoline cap securely and clean up

spilled fuel before restarting.

Never attempt to make any adjustments while the
engine is running.

Engine is shipped from factory without oil. You
must add engine oil before starting engine.

Page 2

Safety Rules

OPERATION

Never operate the tiller without guards, covers, and
hoods in place.

Never start the engine or operate the tiller with the
wheels in the free-wheel position. Make sure the
wheel lockouts or Iockpins are engaged through

wheel hubs and wheel axle. The wheels act as a

brake to keep the tiller at a controlled speed.

Disengage wheels to permit free-wheeling only when
engine is stopped.

Keep hands, feet, and clothing away from rotating

parts. Keep clear of tiller tines at all times.
Tines and wheels rotate when tiller is engaged in

forward or reverse--in forward, tines and wheels

rotate when the drive safety control levers are pulled
down; in reverse, wheels and tines rotate when the

reverse handle is pulled back towards the operator.

Releasing the drive safety control levers to neutral
stops the wheels and tines.

Be extremely cautious when operating in reverse.
Take extra care to avoid slipping or falling, and to

keep feet clear of tines.

Exercise extreme caution when operating on or
crossing gravel drives, walks, or roads. Stay alert for

hidden hazards or traffic.
After striking a foreign object, stop the engine,

remove the wire from the spark plug, thoroughly

inspect the tiller for any damage, and repair the
damage before restarting and operating the tiller.

If vegetation clogs the tines, raise the handlebars to
elevate the tines, and run the tiller in reverse. If this
does not clean clogged vegetation from the tines,

STOP THE ENGINE AND DISCONNECTTHE
SPARK PLUG WIRE before removing vegetation

by hand.

Engine muffler will be hot from operation. Do not
touch it with bare skin or a severe burn may result.

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

• 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.

Take all possible precautions when leaving the

machine unattended. Disengage all controls levers,
stop the engine, wait for all moving parts to stop,
and make certain guards and shields are in place.

When leaving the operating position for any reason:

- shut off the engine.

- wait for all moving parts to stop.

MAINTENANCE AND STORAGE

• Keep machine, attachments, and accessories in

safe working condition.

• Check shear bolts, engine mounting bolts, and other

bolts at frequent intervals for proper tightness to be
sure the equipment is in safe working condition.

• To prevent accidental starting, always disconnect

and secure the spark plug wire from the spark plug
before performing tiller maintenance.

• Never run the engine indoors.Exhaust fumes are

deadly.

• Always allow muffler to cool before filling fuel tank.

Never store equipment with gasoline in the tank
inside a closed building where fumes may reach an

open flame or spark. Allow the engine to cool before

storing in any building.

• Always refer to the operator's guide instructions for

important details if the tiller is to be stored for an
extended period.

Do not run the engine indoors; exhaust fumes are

dangerous.

Do not overload the machine capacity by attempting

to till too deep at too fast a rate.

Never operate the machine at high transport speeds
on slippery surfaces. Look behind and use care
when backing.

Page 3

Safety Rules

SAFETY DECALS

This rototiller unit has been designed and manufactured to provide you with the safety and reliability you would
expect from an industry leader in outdoor power equipment manufacturing.

Although reading this manual and the safety instructions it contains will provide you with the necessary basic
knowledge to operated this equipment safely and effectively, we have placed several safety labels on the tiller to
remind you of this important information while you are operating the unit.

These important safety labels are illustrated below, and are shown here to help familiarize you with the location and
content of the safety messages you will see as you perform normal tilling operations. Please review these labels
now, and if you have any questions regarding their meaning or how to comply with these instructions, reread the
complete safety instruction text on the preceding pages, or contact your local dealer.

Should any of these labels become unreadable because of being worn, faded, or otherwise damaged during the
use of your tiller, please use the part number information provided to order a replacement label from your local

authorized dealer.
These labels are easily applied, and will act as a constant visual reminder to you, and others who may use the

equipment, to follow the safety instructions necessary for safe, effective operation of your rototiller.

Part No. 1716747

OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS / Hood Decal

Part No. 1716839

FREE HAND / Bumper Guard Decal

AVOID INJURY FROM

ROTATING TINES!

Keep hands, feet,

and clothing away.

,,Tinesrotatewhentiller is

engagedinforwardor reverse.
Tinesandwheelsrotatewhen

drivecontrolleversarepulled
down.

,, inreverse,tinesandwheels

rotatewhenthereversehandleis
pulledbacktowardtheoperator.

o ReJeasingthe drivecontrol

JeverstoneutraJstopsthe
wheeJsandtines, EBL_I_E

Part No. 1716840

TINES DANGER / Hood Flap Decal

DO NOT START ENGINE UNLESS BELT
COVER IS ATTACHED. KEEP HANDS, FEET,
AND CLOTHING AWAY FROM MOVING BELTS

AND PULLEYS. FAILURE TO COMPLY COULD

] RESULT iN INJURY. SEE OWNER'S MANUAL

FOR FULL SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS.

k. L_L_6Cj

Part No. 1716800

WARNING / Belt Cover Decal

Page 4

Features

MODEL 7016RT*

Reverse

Reverse Belt Tension

Adjustment

Engine Controls

1722551 - Simplicity Logo Decal
1723522 - 7016 RT Decal
1723523- 6016 RT Decal

Drive Safety Control Lever

Console

Forward Belt Tension

Adjustment

Drag Stake

Detent Pin

Bumper Guard
(Standard on Model 7016RT)

Belt Cover

Wheel Lockouts
(Standard on Model 7016RT)

Serial No. Plate

* Hiller-Furrower Attachment
is standard on Model 7016RT

Page 5

Controls

DRIVE SAFETY CONTROL LEVERS

Engage wheels and tines into forward, releasing returns
machine to neutral.

Pulling down on drive safety control levers engages the
wheels and tines. Releasing drive safety control levers
disengages the wheels and brings the tiller to a
complete stop. It is now in the neutral position.

Drive Safety Control
Levers Engaged

_l_ CAUTION

This information is provided here only to introduce
the controls. DO NOT STARTTHE ENGINE ATTHIS

TIME. Starting and operating instructions are
given on page 11. Please read this section and all
operating and safety instructions before starting
your tiller.

REVERSE HANDLE

Engages wheels and tines in reverse.

Pulling reverse handle back towards operator reverses
tiller.

I

reverse handle

WARNING

Extreme caution should be used when

operating rototiller in the reverse direction.

1

,_ WARNING

ENGINE SHOULD BE OFF BEFORE ADJUSTING

ANY CONTROLS.

_lL CAUTION

4) As a safety precaution, the drive safety control

levers will not lock in the forward position.

4) To stop the wheels and tines at any time
release the drive safety control levers.

DANGER!

CAUTION

O

As a safety precaution, the reverse handle will

not lock in reverse.

O

To stop the wheels and tines at any time,

release the reverse handle.

O

Do not operate both the reverse handle and
drive safety control levers at the same time.

Page 6

ENGINE CONTROLS

Your new rototiller has been designed for both ease of
use and lasting reliability, and features a simplified
control system that requires just two operating controls.

These two operating controls, the Choke and the
Throttle, are conveniently located on the tiller engine
where they can be easily adjusted to start and run the
unit under a variety of operating conditions.

Throttle

The throttle controls engine speed, and allows you to
conserve fuel when idling, or to run the unit at maximum
speed for optimal tilling performance.

Choke

Put choke control in choke position if engine is cold. A
warm engine requires less choking than a cold engine.

Refer to your engine manual for further information.

Controls

Briggs & Stratton Intec Engine

Model 7016RT & 6016RT

1. Spark plug wire

2. Air cleaner

3. Choke

4. Carburetor

5. Fuel shut-off valve (if equipped)

6. Rope handle

7. Finger guard

8. Stop switch (if equipped)

9. Fuel fill

10. Fuel tank

11. Oil fill/Dipstick (if equipped)

12. Blower housing

13. Oil drain plug

14. Oil fill cap

15. Engine Id plate

16. Muffler

Briggs & Stratton Intec Engine

Page 7

Adjustments

WHEEL LOCKOUTS (7016RT)

Place wheels in tilling position.

1. Pull knob in center of wheel out, away from machine.

2. Rotate knob and lockout to align with slot on axle,
release knob. Rotate wheel to align slot in wheel hub

with lockout.

3. Wheel and axle should be firmly locked together
before tilling.

4. Repeat for other wheel.

Model
7016RT
(7-hp)

Wheel lockout in tilling position.

(hub & axle slot)

WHEEL LOCKPINS (6016RT)

Place wheels in tilling position.

1. Remove Iockpin. Align hole in axle with hole in wheel
hub.

,

Insert Iockpin through holes, fold Iockpin ring to

secure pin to axle.

,

Wheel and axle should be firmly locked together

before tilling.

4. Repeat for other wheel.

Model
6016RT

(6-hp)

Wheel lockpin in free-wheel position.

(axle hole only)

NOTE: Always have both wheel lockouts in or out.
Do not operate tiller with only one wheel locked.

Toplace wheels in free-wheel position.

1. Pull knob in center of wheel out, away from machine.

2. Rotate knob and lockout to align lockout with detent
in end of axle. Release knob.

3. Wheel should turn freely on axle.

NOTE: Always have both wheel lockouts in or out.
Do not operate tiller with only one wheel locked.

Toplace wheels in free-wheel position.

1. Remove Iockpin. Slide wheel inward toward machine.

2. Insert pin in axle only.

3. Wheel should turn freely on axle.

_1_ WARNING

Never start engine or operate tiller with wheels in
free-wheel position.The free-wheel position is for
transporting the tiller long distances over level
ground--do not attempt to move the tiller up or
down steep grades in the free-wheel position.

Page 8

HANDLEBAR ADJUSTMENTS

Adjustments

Height Adjustment

The ideal height of the handlebar varies with operator
height and the depth of tilling.

To adjust handlebar height:

1. Remove bolt from lower crossbar of handlebar and
pivot handlebar height adjuster.

2. Align handlebar to desired hole on the height
adjuster.

3. Install bolt and retighten.

Swivel Adjustment

Handlebar swivels 20 ° left or right for operator comfort.

To swivel handlebar:

1. Pull detent pin out of hole in pivot lock bar.

2. Rotate handlebar 20° left or right.

3. Insert detent pin in hole.

Pull Detent

Pin for Swivel

Adjustment

pivot handlebar

height adjuster

pivot

lock bar

Page 9

Adjustments

DEPTH REGULATOR LEVER

Tilling depth is controlled by the height of the depth

regualtor lever.

To adjust tilling depth.

1. Remove detent pin.

2. Raise the depth regulator lever to position tines at
chosen tilling depth.

3. Align hole indepth regulator lever with hole in depth

regulator bracket and replace detent pin.

detent pin / depth regulator lever

%

BELT TENSION ADJUSTMENT

Proper belt tension is critical to good performance. After

1/2 hour of operation, all cables may have to be
adjusted due to initial stretch. Thereafter, check tension
after every 2 hours of operation.

To increase belt tension:

1. Loosen upper jam nut.Turn nut up cable in 1/8"
increments.

2. Tighten lower jam nut.

3. Check adjustment.
This procedure can be repeated until conduit

adjustment bolts have no more adjustment left. If no
more adjustment can be made, belt may have to be
replaced.

Depth Regulator Lever Down = Shallower tilling. Place
the detent pin in the top hole of the depth regulator lever
for shallowest tilling.

Depth Regulator Lever Up = Deeper tilling. Place the
detent pin in the bottom hole of the depth regulator lever
for deepest tilling.

_, WARNING

Always set the depth regulator lever in the
transport position before starting engine, that is,

place the detent pin in the highest hole of the
depth regulator lever.

_, WARNING

Do not adjust tilling depth unless drive safety
control levers are released to neutral position.

brac

reverse cable "

t

co

0

jam nut

nut

cable

Page 10

PRE-START INSPECTION

1. Make sure all safety guards are in place and all nuts
and bolts are secure.

2. Check oil level in engine crankcase. See your engine
manual for procedure and specifications.

3. Inspect air cleaner for cleanliness. See your engine
manual for procedure.

4. Check the fuel supply. Fill the fuel tank no closer

than 1 inch from top of tank to provide space for
expansion. See your engine manual for fuel

recommendations.

5. Be sure spark plug wire is attached and spark plug is

tightened securely.

6. Check position of wheels and wheel lockouts.

7. Check depth regulator lever position.

_1= CAUTION

Please do not start your tiller until you have read
the Manual that came with your engine, and the
sections in this manual titled Controls,
Adjustments and Safety. If you have read these,
follow the steps below to start your tiller. Always
perform this pre-start checklist before starting the
engine.

Operation

ENGINE IS SHIPPED FROM FACTORY WITHOUT
OIL. YOU MUST ADD ENGINE OIL BEFORE
STARTING ENGINE.

START-UP

The controls required to start and run the rototiller are
located on the engine and are marked "Choke" and

"Throttle".
A more detailed description of engine operation and all

related precautions and procedures can be found in the
engine manufacturer's manual that accompanies each

tiller.

Cold Starts

1. Move choke lever to full choke position.

2. Move throttle lever to "start".

,

Pull starting rope out slowly one time and allow to
return normally.

,

Pull starting rope out rapidly, and allow rope to return
normally.

,

When engine starts, gruadually move choke lever to

"no choke" position and increase throttle speed.

WARNING

Gasoline is highly flammable and must be handled
with care. Never fill the tank when the engine is
hot or running. Always move outdoors to fill the

tank.

_1_ WARNING

Wheels must always be locked in the TILLING

position when engine is running. Do not operate
the tiller with the wheel lockouts unlocked. Always
set the wheels in tilling position before starting
engine.

,_ WARNING

Always put the depth regulator lever in the
transport position before starting engine. Tines
should clear the ground.

Restarting A Warm Engine

Restarting an engine that is already warm from
previous running does not normally require use of the

choke.

,

Move throttle lever to "start" position.

2.

Pull starting rope out rapidly until engine starts. Allow
rope to return normally.

3. Adjust throttle speed to "high" for best tiller action.

Idle Speed

Use the "low" position on the throttle lever to reduce
stress on the engine when tilling is not being performed.
Lowering the engine speed to "idle" the engine will help

extend the life of the motor, as well as conserve fuel
and reduce the noise level of the equipment.

Operating Speed

For normal tilling, set the throttle lever to "fast".

DANGER

Always keep hands and feet clear of rotating
machine parts.

Page 11

Operation

WARNING

Temperature of muffler and near by areas may
exceed 150° F.Avoid these areas.

WARNING

Do not move choke control to CHOKE to stop
engine. Backfire or engine damage may occur.

SHUTTING DOWN

DANGER

Engine and surrounding parts become extremely
hot during normal use, and will cause serious burn
injuries if touched before the engine has cooled.

Allow engine to cool completely before
touching these hot surfaces.

_l_ WARNING

To stop the engine at any time, move throttle
control to the off position. To stop wheels and
tines at any time, release drive safety control
levers to neutral position.

TILLING

1. Adjust the depth regulator lever to desired tilling
depth.

NOTE: Raise depth regulator lever up one hole at a
time, testing tiller operation after each raise.
Raising depth regulator lever too high can result in

loss of control of tiller!

2. Move the throttle control to fast.

3. Place the tiller in forward by pushing down on the
drive safety control levers--this will engage the

wheels and tines.

NOTE: You can slow the tiller's forward advance at
any time by putting slight downward pressure on

the handlebars, or you can stop the tiller by
releasing the drive safety control levers to the
neutral position.

WARNING

To stop wheels and tines at any time, release drive
safety control levers to neutral position.

,_ WARNING

Always release drive safety control levers to

neutral position before adjusting the depth
regulator lever.

Practice operating the controls and tiller with tines
out of ground before beginning to till. It is
important that you know how to use the tiller
properly, how to keep control at all times, how to
stop the tines and wheels from turning, and how
to stop the engine if necessary. Ifyou do not know
how to do these things, read the Controls,
Adjustments and Safety sections before
proceeding.

Page 12

Tips

TILLING TIPS

The key to successful tilling is to begin with a shallow
cut on the first pass, and then work an inch or two
deeper on each successive pass.

-_ Tilling depth will vary with ground conditions.
"_ When beginning to till in unbroken ground or in

extremely hard soil, set the detent pin in the highest

hole of the drag stake (follow instructions under
Tilling on previous page). This will allow for shallow
tilling. With the drag stake inthis position, make
several light passes over the area to be tilled. Reset
for deeper depths with successive passes.

If tiller jumps or skids uncontrollably, lower the drag
stake by placing the detent pin in a higher hole. This

will allow for shallower tilling. Hold firmly to the

handlebars to control sudden lurches.

-_ If weeds, tall grasses, vines, or other materials clog
or jam the tines, reverse the tiller to unwind

vegetation.

Immediately release the drive control levers ff the tines

jam or you strike a foreign object. With drive control

levers in neutral, push throttle control to stop position to
stop the engine. Disengage the spark plug wire. When
tines have stopped, remove foreign objects and check
for damage.

WARNING

Extreme caution must be taken in selecting tilling
depth. Ifyou attempt to till too deeply for soil conditions,
that is, with the drag stake in too high a position,

loss of control could result.

_, WARNING

If removing material from the tines by hand, stop
engine and remove spark plug wire first.

CULTIVATING TIPS

If you plan to use your tiller for cultivating:

-_ Plant rows on 20" - 22" centers for ease of turning.

-_ Set the drag stake with the detent pin in one of the
higher holes. This will allow the shallow cultivation

necessary to turn over weeds, and break up and

aerate the soil.

Page 13

Normal Care

SCHEDULE

Your rototiller has been designed and produced by the industry's leading manufacturer of outdoor power equipment
to provide you with years of reliable operation.

Keeping your tiller intop running condition will prolong its life, and help you obtain optimum performance whenever
you wish to till your garden.

Please read this normal care schedule, and observe these recommended care operating intervals to extend the life
of your unit.

Check forward/reverse belt tension 15 X

Change forward/reverse belt 16 X

Engine maintenance 17 X X

Check or fill oil sump 17, EM X

Check tiller transmission grease 18 X

Check tire pressure 18 X

Lubrication 18 X

Clean tine axle shaft 18 X

Lubricate wheel axle shaft 19 X

Check throttle control adjustment EM 1

EM = See engine manual

1

Adjust throttle control after first 3 hours of operation or if engine is hard to start or run-on occurs.

2

Change oil after first 5-8 hours of use, then after every 50 hours or every season. Change oil every 25 hours
when operating under heavy load or in high temperatures.

Page 14

Normal Care

SERVICING THE ROTOTILLER

General

The following information will help you make the
necessary checks and perform the procedures required

to follow the normal care recommendations made for
your rototiller unit.

If you prefer, your local authorized dealer can make
these checks and perform the required procedures for
you.

Check Forward Belt Tension

Forward belt tension may decrease over time. It must be
adjusted within the first half hour of operation, and
checked after every two hours of operation. Proper
adjustment will assure long belt life.Too much or too
little belt tension will cause premature belt failure. To
check and adjust the forward belt tension:

1. Turn off engine. Engine must be cool.

2. Remove and secure spark plug wire from spark plug.

3. With drive safety control levers in neutral position,

measure length of spring when compressed.

_lb WARNING

To prevent accidental starting:

wire

Engine must be turned off and cool, and spark plug

wire must be removed and secured from spark plug

before checking and adjusting engine or equipment.

iii

__J

1-1/4"

4. Pull down on drive safety control levers and

remeasure length of spring when stretched out. Ideal
length would be 1/4" longer.

Check Reverse Belt Tension

Reverse belt tension is not adjustable.

WARNING

Check forward belt tension regularly. Too much
or too little tension will cause premature belt

failure.

Page 15

Normal Care

Change Forward/Reverse Belt

1. Turn off engine. Engine must be cool.

2. Remove spark plug wire and secure from spark plug.

3. Remove belt guard.

-_ remove the forward belt from the forward engine
pulley:

- gently pull the engine recoil rope to rotate the
pulley.

- with the pulley turning, force the forward belt
out of the V-groove.

- slide the belt free of the engine pulley.

- pull the forward belt down and out of the way.

-_ remove the reverse belt from the reverse engine
pulley:

- gently pull the engine recoil rope to rotate the
pulley.

- with the pulley turning, force the reverse belt
out of the V-groove.

- slide the belt free of engine pulleys and reverse
belt guides.

- pull belt down and away from transmission
pulley.

-_ install new reverse belt:

- thread belt up from bottom.

- place belt around transmission pulley in groove.

- place belt under reverse belt guides.

- gently pull engine recoil rope while forcing the
belt over the edge of the engine pulley into the
V-groove.

-_ install new forward belt:

Forword Belt

- place forward belt in transmission pulley
groove.

- gently pull the engine recoil rope to rotate the
pulley while forcing the forward belt into the
V-groove.

4. Replace belt guard.

5. Attach spark plug wire.

Page 16

CAUTION

Do not operate tiller before reading the engine
manual provided in the parts packet.

_ WARNING

Temperature of muffler and near by areas may
exceed 150° F.Avoid these areas.

Engine can overheat and become damaged if
debris blocks the cooling system or rotating

screen.

Normal Care

Engine is shipped from factory without oil. You
must add engine oil before starting engine.

Check or Fill Oil Sump

1. Add oil according to engine manual. Do not overfill.
Use a clean, high quality detergent oil. Container

must be marked A.P.I. Service SF - SJ. Use no
special additives with recommended oils. Do not

mix oil with gasoline. Oil level must be full. Check

the oil level by removing oil fill plug. Oil level should

be up to the bottom of the fill plug opening.

2. Always check oil level before starting engine. Refer
to engine manual for capacity and type of oil to use.

Never run engine without complete air cleaner
installed on engine.

Engine Maintenance

Refer to the engine manual included in your parts

packet for information on engine maintenance. Your
engine manual provides detailed information and a
maintenance schedule for performing the following

tasks:

1. Check oil level before each use or after every 8
hours of operation.

2. Change oil after first 5-8 hours of operation. Change
oil while engine is warm. Refill with new oil of

recommended grade.

4. Check spark plug yearly or every 100 hours of
operation.

5. Service air cleaner.

6. Keep engine and parts clean.

7. Check engine and equipment often for loose nuts
and bolts, keep these items tightened.

High

Oil Fill

(if equipped)

[1] Place engine level and [2] Removedipstickandwipecleanwith

clean around oil fill area. cloth. Replace and tighten dipstick.

[3] Pour oil slowly. Fill to FULL line on

dipstick- recheck.

[4] Replace and tighten dipstick.

Oil Fill

[1] Place engine level and [2] Remove oil fill cap.

clean around oil fill area.

Remove and check oil level.

[3] Pour oil slowly. Fill to point of overflowing.
[4] Replace and tighten oil fill cap.

Adaptedfrom Briggs& Stratton Corporation,Form No.274263-10/99.

Page 17

Normal Care

Check Tiller Transmission Grease

TILLER TRANSMISSION IS SHIPPED FROM
FACTORYWITH THE PROPER AMOUNT OF

00 LIQUID GREASE.

Check the grease level annually. To check the grease
level:

1. Move tiller to level ground.

2. Remove grease level dipstick located between the
handlebar mounts in the front transmission cover.

Correct 00 grease level is indicated between the high
and low levels on the dipstick.

3. Replace grease level dipstick in the filler hole.

4. Note that the front wheel transmission and rear tine

transmission are one common reservoir. When you
add to the front transmission, you must wait a short

period of time for the 00 grease to flow rearward and

equalize in both front and rear. The dipstick will read
correctly on level ground for both gear units.

Check Tire Pressure

Recommended tire pressure is 20 PSI. If tires do not
have equal pressure, tiller will pull to one side.

Lubrication

Proper lubrication of moving mechanical parts of your
rototiller is a very important part of care and
maintenance. You should oil the moving parts shown at

10 hour intervals using a 30 weight oil.

Clean Tine Axle Shaft

1. Turn off engine. Engine must be cool.

2. Remove spark plug wire and secure from spark plug.

3. Tip the tiller forward. Block the tiller in position so
that it rests on the engine mount and the tines are
exposed.

4. Remove all vegetation, string, wire, and other

material that may have accumulated on the axle
between the inside set of tines and the seal on the

transmission housing.

5. Tip the tiller back to a level position.

6. Replace spark plug wire.

J

/

dipstick

dipstick hole

transmission

cover plate

When replacing grease, the tiller transmission
holds 18-22 ounces. DO NOT OVERFILL.

Page 18

PREPARE FOR STORAGE

Follow the steps below to prepare your tiller for storage.
Read your engine manual for detailed instructions on
preparing the engine for storage.

1. Protect wheels and axles from rust:
Loosen locking bolt inside wheel. Slide wheel

toward machine.
Coat the axles lightly with axle grease.

Move wheel back into position and snug locking
bolt. Back off locking bolt 1/16 turn and lock jam

nut.

2. Drain fuel system completely following engine
manufacturer's instructions or add fuel stabilizer to

prevent fuel from gumming up during extended

storage period.

3. While engine is still warm, drain the oil from the

engine. Refill with fresh oil of the recommended
grade.

4. Clean external surfaces, engine and cooling fan.

Storage

,

Remove spark plug, pour one ounce of SAE 30 oil
into spark plug hole.

,

Plug hole and pull starter cord slowly to distribute oil

evenly in cylinder head area.

,

Reinstall spark plug.

8.

Transport unit to a suitable storage location. If you

have chosen to use afuel stabilizer and have not

drained the fuel system, follow all safety instructions
and storage precautions in this manual to prevent the

possibility of fire from the ignition of gasoline fumes.

Remember, gasoline fumes can travel to distant
sources of ignition and ignite, causing risk of
explosion and fire.

,

If there is any possibility of unauthorized use or
tampering, remove the spark plug and store it in a
safe place before storing the rototiller unit away. Be
sure to plug the spark plug hole to prevent foreign

material from entering.

WARNING

Do not store tiller in an unventilated area where

fuel fumes may reach flame, sparks, pilot lights

or an ignited object. Drain fuel outdoors away from
any ignition sources. Use only approved fuel

containers.

Page 19

Troubleshootingand Repair

TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE

While normal care and routine maintenance will extend
the life of your rototiller, prolonged or constant use may

eventually require that service be performed to allow it
to continue operating properly. The troubleshooting
guide below lists the most common problems, causes

and remedies.

Practice safety at all times. Engine must be turned
off and allowed to cool, and spark plug wire must
be disconnected and secured before attempting
any maintenance or repair.

Failure to comply with this safety requirement can
result in serious personal injury to you or
bystanders.

PROBLEM REMEDY/ACTION

Engine will not start • Add gas to gas tank.

• Connect spark plug wire to spark plug

• Throttle must be positioned at choke for a cold start
(see page 11 for instructions)

Engine runs rough, floods during operation Clean or replace air cleaner

Engine is hard to start

• Drain old fuel and replace with fresh. Use gas stabilizer
at end of season

• Make sure spark plug wire is securely attached to spark
plug

• Drive safety control levers must be released to neutral
to start the engine

WARNING

Engine misses or lacks power

Engine will not stop when throttle control is positioned • See engine manual to check and adjust throttle linkage

at stop

Tiller moves forward during starting • Drive safety control levers must be released to neutral

Tiller is difficult to control when tilling (machine jumps • Lock wheels in tilling position, see page 8
or lurches forward) • Raise the tines for shallower tilling by lowering the

Tines turn, wheels do not turn • Lock wheels in tilling position, see page 8

Tines turn, wheels turn, tiller does not move • Lower the tines for deeper tilling by raising the depth

• Raise the tines for shallower tilling by lowering the
depth regulator lever, see page 10

• Remove and clean fuel tank

• Clean or replace air cleaner

• Improper carburetor adjustment, take to authorized
Briggs & Stratton service center
Replace spark plug and adjust gap

Drain and refill gas tank and carburetor

to start the engine

depth regulator lever, see page 10

• Internal transmission failure, see your dealer

regulator lever, see page 10

Page 20

PROBLEM REMEDY/ACTION

Belts squeal in neutral and/or reverse

Troubleshootingand Repair

• Adjust forward belt guide:

- turn engine off and allow muffler to cool

- disconnect spark plug wire and secure from spark plug

- remove belt guard

- pull down on drive safety control levers

- manually bend forward belt guide so there is 1/16 inch
or tess clearance between belt guide and belt

- replace belt guard and spark plug wire

Belts squeal in forward operation

Excessive heat build up in transmission/tine area
during tilling

• Adjust tabs on the reverse belt guide

- turn engine off and allow muffler to cool

- disconnect spark plug wire and secure from spark plug

- release drive safety control levers to neutral

- remove belt guard

- adjust tabs of reverse belt guide:

while drive safety control levers are released, bend

metal tabs on reverse belt guide to 1/64 inch or less
clearance from reverse belt

- replace belt guard and spark plug wire

° Remove vegetation by following instructions in Clean

Tine Axle Shaft on page 18 of Maintenance & Storage
section. FOLLOW ALL SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

° Check transmission fluid and fill if needed by following

instructions on page 18

Page 21

Specifications

FEATURES

7-HP Briggs & Stratton Engine (7016RT)
6-HP Briggs & Stratton Engine (6016RT)
Tractor Type Pneumatic Tires

All Gear Drive Transmission
Handlebar Height Adjustment

Forward/Reverse Control
Functional Depth Regulator System

Wheel Lockout Control (7016RT)
Wheel Lockpins (6016RT)

Drive Safety Control Levers
Self Cleaning Bolo Tines (7016RT)

Double Bolo Tines (6016RT)
Bumper Guard (7016RT)

Hiller-Furrower Attachment (7016RT)

TechnicalManuals

Additional copies of this manual, as well as a fully
illustrated parts manuals for your unit are also available.
The parts manuals show all of the assemblies and
individual parts as exploded views which show the
relationship of the parts and how they go together.
Important assembly notes and special torque values

are included in the illustrations. Standard hardware and
torque specification charts are also included.

Toorder copies of the manuals applicable to your
model, contact the Simplicity Customer Publications
Department at 414-284-8519.

Have the information on the form at the right available
when phoning in your request.

Model:

M/N (Mfg. No.):

S/N (Serial #):
Your Name:

Address:

City, State, Zip:
Visa/Mastercard No.:

Card Expiration Date:

Please allow 3 to 4 weeks for delivery.

Page 22

Bimplicil

MANUFACTURING, INC.
500 N Spring Street / PO Box 997

Port Washington, Wl 53074-0997

www.SimplicityMfg.com

Snapper Inc.
535 Macon Street

McDonough, GA 30253

www.snapper.com

© Copyright 2005 Simplicity Manufacturing, Inc.

All Rights Reserved. Printed in USA.