Snapper 8.5 TP User Manual

OPERATOR’S

Not for

Reproduction

MANUAL

Rear Tine Tiller

8.5 TP Rear Tine Tiller

Mfg. No. Description

1695583 6016RT, 8.5 TP Rear Tine Tiller
1695577 6016RT, 8.5 TP Front Tine Tiller

1737349

Revision A

Rev. Date 10/2008

TP10000000

OM6016RT

Not for

Reproduction

2

Table of Contents

Not for

Reproduction

Unpack Tiller ............................................................

Attach Handlebar to Tiller ........................................

Fill Engine Crankcase ..............................................

FEATURES ................................................................ 8

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

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

Start-up ................................................................... 9

Idle Speed ...............................................................

Operating Speed .....................................................

Shutting Down ........................................................

Tilling ......................................................................

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

10
10
10
10

11

Wheel Lock Pins ..................................................

3

Handlebar Height Adjustment ..............................

4

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

4

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

4

Tilling Tips .............................................................

4

Cultivating Tips .....................................................

4
5

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

5

Maintenance Schedule ..........................................

6

Servicing the Rototiller ...........................................

Change Forward/Reverse Belt ...............................

7

Engine Maintenance ..............................................

7

Check or Fill Engine Crankcase ............................

7

Check Tiller Transmission Grease .........................

7

Check Tire Pressure ..............................................

Lubrication .............................................................

Clean Tine Axle Shaft ............................................

9

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

9

Prepare for Storage ...............................................

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

Troubleshooting Guide ...........................................19

TECHNICAL MANUALS .......................................... 21

12
12

13
13
14
14

15

15
15
16

17
17

17

17

18
18

18

18

19

3

Safety Rules

Not for

Reproduction

OWNER’S RESPONSIBILITY

Accurate assembly and safe and effective use of the rototiller is the
owner’s responsibility.

s Read and follow all safety instructions.

s Carefully follow all assembly instructions.

s Maintain the tiller according to directions and schedule included

in this Earthquake operator’s manual.

s Ensure that anyone who uses the tiller is familiar with all

controls and safety precautions.

SPECIAL MESSAGES

Your manual contains special messages to bring attention to potential
safety concerns, machine damage as well as helpful operating and
servicing information. Please read all the information carefully to avoid
injury and machine damage.

NOTE: General information is given throughout the manual
that may help the operator in the operation or service of the
machine.

IMPORTANT SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

Please read this section carefully. Operate the tiller according to the

safety instructions and recommendations outlined here and inserted
throughout the text. Anyone who uses this tiller must read the instruc­tions and be familiar with the controls. 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 lever operates
and how to control the tiller at all times.

This symbol points out important safety instructions
which if not followed could endanger your personal
safety. Read and follow all instructions in this manual
before attempting to operate this equipment.

s Do not allow children to operate this rototiller. Keep small children away

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

PREPARATION

s 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.

s 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.

s Disengage all clutches and leave all control levers in the neutral

position before starting the engine.

s Handle fuel with care; it is highly fl ammable.

a. Use an approved fuel container.

b. Never add fuel to a running engine or hot engine.

!

DANGER

DANGER INDICATES A SERIOUS INJURY OR FA­TALITY WILL RESULT IF THE SAFETY INSTRUC­TIONS THAT FOLLOW THIS SIGNAL WORD ARE
NOT OBEYED.

WARNING

!

WARNING INDICATES A SERIOUS INJURY OR FA­TALITY COULD RESULT IF THE SAFETY INSTRUC­TIONS THAT FOLLOW THIS SIGNAL WORD ARE
NOT OBEYED.

!

CAUTION

CAUTION INDICATES YOU CAN OR YOUR EQUIP­MENT CAN BE HURT IF THE SAFETY INSTRUC­TIONS THAT FOLLOW THIS SIGNAL WORD ARE
NOT OBEYED.

IMPORTANT

IMPORTANT INDICATES HELPFUL INFORMATION
FOR PROPER ASSEMBLY, OPERATION, OR
MAINTENANCE OF YOUR EQUIPMENT.

!

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.

CALIFORNIA PROPOSITION 65 WARNING
ENGINE EXHAUST FROM THIS PRODUCT
CONTAINS CHEMICALS KNOWN TO THE STATE
OF CALIFORNIA TO CAUSE CANCER, BIRTH
DEFECTS, OR OTHER REPRODUCTIVE HARM.

4

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

Not for

Reproduction

tank indoors.

d. Replace gasoline cap securely and clean up spilled fuel
before restarting.

s Never attempt to make any adjustments while the engine is

running.

OPERATION

s Never operate the tiller without guards, covers, and hoods in

place.

s Never start the engine or operate the tiller with the wheels

in the free-wheel position. Make sure the wheel lock pins
are engaged through the wheel hubs and wheel axle. The
wheels act as a brake to keep the tiller at a controlled speed.
Disengage wheel lock pins to permit free-wheeling only when
engine is stopped.

s Keep hands, feet, and clothing away from rotating parts. Keep

clear of tiller tines at all times.

s Tines and wheels rotate when tiller is engaged in forward or

reverse-- in forward, tines and wheels rotate when the drive

safety control lever, labeled “FORWARD”, is pulled toward the
handlebar. In reverse, wheels and tines rotate when the drive
safety control lever, labeled “REVERSE”, is pulled toward
the handlebar. Releasing the drive safety control levers to the
neutral position stops the wheels and tines. Do not operate
both drive safety control levers at the same time.

s Be extremely cautious when operating in reverse. Take extra

care to avoid slipping or falling, and keep hands and feet clear
of tines.

s5SE extreme caution when operating on or crossing gravel

drives, walks, or roads. Stay alert for hidden hazards or
traffic.

s!FTER 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.

s)FVEGITATION 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
DISCONNECT THE SPARK PLUG WIRE before removing
vegetation by hand.

s%NGINE

bare skin or a severe burn may result.

s)F the unit should start to vibrate abnormally, stop the engine

and check immediately for the cause. Vibration is generally a
warning of trouble.

s$O not run the engine indoors; exhaust fumes are deadly.

s$O not overload the machine capacity by attempting to till too

deep at too fast a rate.

sNever operate the machine at high transport speeds on

slippery surfaces. Look behind and use care when backing.

will be hot from operation. Do not touch it with

Safety Rules

IMPORTANT

THE RIGHT AND LEFT SIDES OF
YOUR ROTOTILLER ARE DETER­MINED FROM THE OPERATING POSI­TION AS YOU FACE THE DIRECTION
OF FORWARD TRAVEL.

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

s.ever allow bystanders near the unit.

s5se only attachments and accessories approved by the

manufacturer of the tiller.

s.ever operate the tiller without good visibility or light.

s"E careful when tilling in hard ground. The tines may catch

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

sTake all possible precautions when leaving the machine

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

s7HEN leaving the operating position for any reason:

- shut off the engine.

- wait for all moving parts to stop.

MAINTENANCE AND STORAGE

sKeep machine, attachments, and accessories in safe working

condition.

s#HEck shear bolts, engine mounting bolts, and other bolts at

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

sTo prevent accidental starting, always disconnect and secure

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

s.ever run the engine indoors. %XHAUST fumes are deadly.

s!Lways allow

sNever store equipment with gasoline in the tank inside a closed

building where fumes may reach an open
the engine to cool before storing in any building.

s!Lways refer to the operator’s guide instructions for important

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

s!DD a fuel stabilizer to gas tank and run for 10-15 minutes to

prevent fuel from gumming up during an extended storage
period.

to cool before fuel tank.

or spark. !LLow

5

Safety Rules

Not for

Reproduction

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. 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 the safety 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.

The safety labels are easily applied, and will act as a constant visual reminder to you, and others who may use the equipment. Follow
the safety instructions necessary for safe, effective operation of your rototiller.

Part No. 1716747SM

WARNING INSTRUCTIONS

Hood Decal

PLACE FREE

HAND HERE

Part No. 1716800SM

WARNING

Belt Cover Decal

Part No. 1716839SM

FREE HAND HERE

Bumper Guard Decal

6

Part No. 1716840SM

TINES DANGER

Hood Flap Decal

Your rototiller comes fully assembled except for a few parts. The fol-

Not for

Reproduction

lowing instructions will help you unpack your tiller and assemble and
adjust your tiller’s depth regulator lever, cable tension and handlebar
height. You will need 2- 9/16” wrenches.

UNPACK TILLER

1. Open top of carton and remove handlebar assembly.

ap . Find parts2 cket. Parts packet contains:

4- 3/8-16 x 3/4” hex head bolts
4- 3/8-16 locknuts
1- 5/16-18 x 3/4” hex head bolt
1- detent pin
1- five star knob

:yb enihcam evomer dna notrac fo dne . Cut open3

a. Removing lock pins on wheels.
b. Roll tiller from carton.

ATTACH HANDLEBAR TO TILLER

1. Place handlebar stems on outside of lower handlebar mount and
align lower holes. (SEE FIGURE 1)

2. Insert one 3/8-16 x 3/4” bolt for each side in lower holes at the
desired handlebar height.

3. Start 3/8-16 nuts on each bolt.

4. Insert one 3/8-16 x 3/4” bolt for each side in upper holes.

5. Tighten all 3/8-16 nuts.

Unpacking and Assembly

IMPORTANT

THE RIGHT AND LEFT SIDES OF YOUR
ROTOTILLER ARE DETERMINED FROM
THE OPERATING POSITION AS YOU
FACE THE DIRECTION OF FORWARD
TRAVEL.

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

TILLER TRANSMISSION IS SHIPPED
FROM FACTORY WITH THE PROPER
AMOUNT OF LIQUID GREASE.

!

CAUTION

DO NOT TRY TO LIFT THE ROTOTILLER FROM THE
CARTON.

DO NOT ADD ENGINE OIL INTO GEAR CASE DIP­STICK HOLE.

gear case

dipstick

FILL ENGINE CRANKCASE

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.

3/8-16

nuts

NO ENGINE OIL!

lower handlebar

mount

height

adjustment

holes

FIGURE 1

3/8-16 x 3/4”

bolts

gear case

dipstick hole

handlebar

stem

7

Features

Not for

Reproduction

forward & reverse cable

forward drive safety control lever

reverse drive safety control lever

bumper guard

recoil start

depth regulator lever

detent pin

belt guard

wheel lock pin

serial number plate

8

Not for

Reproduction

Operation

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.

8. Examine underneath and around engine for signs of oil or fuel
leaks.

9. Inspect fuel hoses for tightness and fuel seepage.

10. Look for signs of engine damage.

11. Remove excessive debris from

area and recoil starter.

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”.

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

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

5. When engine starts, gradually move choke lever to “no choke”
position and increase throttle speed.

RESTARTING A WARM ENGINE

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

1. Move throttle lever to “start” position.

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

3. Adjust throttle speed to “high” for best tiller action.

!

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.

!

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.

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.

ALWAYS PUT THE DEPTH REGULATOR LEVER IN
THE TRANSPORT POSITION BEFORE STARTING
ENGINE. TINES SHOULD CLEAR THE GROUND.

IMPORTANT

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

!

DANGER

ALWAYS KEEP HANDS AND FEET CLEAR OF
ROTATING MACHINE PARTS.

9

Operation

Not for

Reproduction

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” 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”.

SHUTTING DOWN

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 lever labeled “FORWARD”--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. You
can stop the tiller by releasing the drive safety control levers
to the neutral position.

!

WARNING

TEMPERATURE OF MUFFLER AND NEAR BY AREAS
MAY EXCEED 150 F. AVOID THESE AREAS.

DO NOT MOVE CHOKE CONTROL TO CHOKE TO
STOP ENGINE. BACKFIRE OR ENGINE DAMAGE
MAY OCCUR.

TO STOP WHEELS AND TINES AT ANY TIME, RE­LEASE DRIVE SAFETY CONTROL LEVERS TO
NEUTRAL POSITION.

ALWAYS RELEASE DRIVE SAFETY CONTROL
LEVERS TO NEUTRAL POSITION BEFORE
ADJUSTING THE DEPTH OF THE REGULATOR

LEVER.

!

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.

IMPORTANT

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,
KEEP CONTROL AT ALL TIMES, STOP THE TINES
AND WHEELS FROM TURNING, AND STOP THE
ENGINE IF NECESSARY. IF YOU DO NOT KNOW
HOW TO DO THESE THINGS, READ THE CONTROLS,
ADJUSTMENTS AND SAFETY SECTIONS BEFORE
PROCEEDING.

10

DRIVE SAFETY CONTROL LEVERS

Not for

Reproduction

FORWARD LEVER

Engages wheels and tines into forward.

Pulling the drive safety control lever labeled (FORWARD) toward the
handlebar engages the wheels and tines. Releasing the lever stops
the wheels and tines and brings the tiller to a complete stop.

forward lever engaged

REVERSE LEVER

Engages wheels and tines into reverse.

Pulling the drive safety control lever labeled (REVERSE) toward the
handlebar reverses tiller. Releasing the lever stops the wheels and
tines.

Operation

!

CAUTION

DO NOT OPERATE BOTH “FORWARD” AND
“REVERSE” DRIVE SAFETY CONTROL LEVERS AT
THE SAME TIME.

THIS INFORMATION IS PROVIDED HERE ONLY TO
INTRODUCE THE CONTROLS. DO NOT START THE
ENGINE AT THIS TIME. STARTING AND OPERATING
INSTRUCTIONS ARE GIVEN ON PAGE 8. PLEASE
READ THIS SECTION AND ALL OPERATING AND
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE STARTING YOUR
TILLER.

s AS A SAFETY PRECAUTION, THE DRIVE SAFETY

CONTROL LEVERS WILL NOT LOCK IN THE
FORWARD OR REVERSE POSITION.

s AS A SAFETY PRECAUTION, THE REVERSE

DRIVE SAFETY CONTROL LEVER WILL NOT
LOCK IN REVERSE.

s TO STOP THE WHEELS AND TINES AT ANY TIME

RELEASE THE DRIVE SAFETY CONTROL LE­VERS OR RELEASE THE REVERSE HANDLE.

s DO NOT OPERATE BOTH THE REVERSE AND

FORWARD DRIVE SAFETY CONTROL LEVERS
AT THE SAME TIME.

reverse lever engaged

reverse lever

!

WARNING

ENGINE SHOULD BE OFF BEFORE ADJUSTING
ANY CONTROLS.

EXTREME CAUTION SHOULD BE USED WHEN
OPERATING ROTOTILLER IN THE REVERSE
DIRECTION.

11

Operation

Not for

Reproduction

WHEEL LOCK PINS

Place wheels in tilling position.

1. Remove lock pin. Align hole in axle with hole in wheel hub. (SEE

FIGURE 2)

2. Insert lock pin through holes, fold lock pin ring to secure pin to

axle.

3. Firmly lock wheel and axle together before tilling.

4. Repeat for other wheel.

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

To place wheels in free-wheel position.

1. Remove lock pin. Slide wheel inward toward machine.

2. Insert pin in axle only.

3. Wheel should turn freely on axle.

HANDLEBAR HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT

Adjust handlebar height.

The ideal height of the handlebar varies with operator height and the
depth of tilling. To adjust handlebar height: (SEE FIGURE 3)

1. Unscrew nuts and remove top and bottom bolts on each side.

2. Align handlebar to desired holes on the lower handlebar mount.

3. Install bolts and nuts. Retighten.

!

WARNING

NEVER START ENGINE OR OPERATE TILLER WITH
WHEELS IN FREE-WHEEL POSITION. THE FREE­WHEEL 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.

Wheel lock pin in free-wheel position.

(axle hole only)

FIGURE 2

height

lock nuts

adjustment bolts

11

height

adjustment holes

FIGURE 3

height

adjustment bolts

DEPTH REGULATOR LEVER

Not for

Reproduction

Tilling depth is controlled by the height of the depth regulator lever.

To adjust tilling depth. (SEE FIGURE 4)

1. Remove detent pin.

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

3. Align hole in depth regulator lever with hole in depth regulator
bracket and replace detent pin.

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.

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: (SEE FIGURE 5)

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 are
fully adjusted. If no more adjustment can be made, belt may have to
be replaced.

Operation

!

WARNING

DO NOT ADJUST TILLING DEPTH UNLESS DRIVE
SAFETY CONTROL LEVERS ARE RELEASED TO
NEUTRAL POSITION.

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.

detent pin

depth regulator
bracket

depth regulator lever

forward cable

reverse cable

FIGURE 5

FIGURE 4

upper jam nut

lower jam nut

12

Operation

Not for

Reproduction

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.

s4ILLING depth WILL vary WITH gROUND CONDITIONs.

s7HEN 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 4ILLING SECTION. 4HIS WILL ALLow for SHALLow TILLING.
7ITH the drag stake IN THIS POSITION make severAL LIGHT passes

over the area to be TILLED. Reset for deeper depths WITH SUCCESSIve
passes.

sIf tILLer jumps or skIds UNCONTROLLabLy Lower the drag stake by pLaCINg

the DETENT PIN IN a HIGHER HOLe.

(OLD

s 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 if the tines jam or you
strike a foreign object. With drive control levers in neutral position,
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.

CULTIVATING TIPS

If you PLAN to use your TILLER for CULTIvATING

s0LANT rows ON 20" - 22" CENTERS for ease of turNING

sSet the depth REGULATOr Lever WITh the DETENt PIN IN ONe of the HIGHEr

HOLEs. 4HIS WILL ALLow for SHALLow CULTIvATION NECESSAry to turN over

weedsANDBREAKUPANDAErATETHESOIL

to the HANDLEBARS to CONTROL SUDDEN LURCHEs.

4HIS WILL ALLow for SHALLower TILLING.

!

WARNING

EXTREME CAUTION MUST BE TAKEN IN SELECT­ING TILLING DEPTH. IF YOU ATTEMPT TO TILL
TOO DEEPLY FOR SOIL CONDITIONS, THAT IS,
WITH THE DRAG STAKE IN TOO HIGH A POSITION,
LOSS OF CONTROL COULD RESULT.

IF REMOVING MATERIAL FROM THE TINES BY
HAND, STOP ENGINE AND REMOVE SPARK PLUG
WIRE FIRST.

14

Maintenance

Not for

Reproduction

MAINTENANCE 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 in top running condition will prolong its life, and help you obtain optimum performance.

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

Maintenance Operation Page

Change forward/reverse belt 16 X

Engine maintenance 17 X X

Check or fill engine crankcase 17, EM X 2

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.

Before

Each Use

50 hours or

Every Season

SERVICING THE ROTOTILLER

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.

15

!

WARNING

To prevent accidental starting:

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.

Maintenance

Not for

Reproduction

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.

s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.

s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.

sINSTALL new reverse belt:

NOTE: V side of belt should be up, away from pulley.

- 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.

sINSTALL new forward 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.

!

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.

IMPORTANT

ENGINE CAN OVERHEAT AND BECOME DAMAGED
IF DEBRIS BLOCKS THE COOLING SYSTEM OR
ROTATING SCREEN.

NEVER RUN ENGINE WITHOUT COMPLETE AIR
CLEANER INSTALLED ON ENGINE.

Reverse Belt,
V side up

ENGINE PULLEY

Forward Belt

16

TRANSMISSION
PULLEY

ENGINE MAINTENANCE

Not for

Reproduction

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.

CHECK OR FILL ENGINE CRANKCASE

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.

Maintenance

IMPORTANT

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

IMPORTANT

TILLER TRANSMISSION IS SHIPPED FROM FACTORY
WITH THE PROPER AMOUNT OF LIQUID GREASE.

WHEN REPLACING GREASE, THE TILLER TRANSMISSION
HOLDS 18-22 OUNCES. DO NOT OVERFILL.

gear case
dipstick

CHECK TILLER TRANSMISSION 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 on the engine mount. Correct 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 grease to
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.

rearward

transmission
cover plate

17

Maintenance

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Reproduction

LUBRICATION

Proper lubrication of moving mechanical parts is critical for proper
care and maintenance. Oil the moving parts 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.

STORAGE

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:

- Remove lockpin and slide wheel off hub.

- Coat the axles lightly with axle grease.

- Slide wheel back on hub and insert lock pin.

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.

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

6. Plug hole and pull starter cord slowly to distribute oil evenly in
cylinder head area.

7. Reinstall spark plug.

8. Transport unit to a suitable storage location. If you have chosen to
use a fuel stabilizer and have not drained the fuel system, follow all
safety instructions 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.

9. 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. 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.

18

Maintenance

Not for

Reproduction

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.

PROBLEM REMEDY/ACTION

Engine will not start

Engine runs rough,

Engine is hard to start

during operation

!

WARNING

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
CAN RESULT IN SERIOUS PERSONAL INJURY TO YOU
OR BYSTANDERS.

s!DD gas to gas tank.
s#ONNECT spark plug wire to spark plug
s4HROTTLE must be positioned at choke for a cold start

s#LEAN or replace air cleaner

s$rain old fuel and replace with fresh. Use gas stabilizer

at end of season
s-Ake sure spark plug wire is securely attached to spark
plug
s$rive safety control levers must be released to neutral
position to start the engine

REQUIREMENT

Engine misses or lacks power

Engine will not stop when throttle control is positioned at
stop

Tiller moves forward during starting

Tiller is difficult to control when tilling
(machine jumps or lurches forward)

Tines turn, wheels do not turn

Tines turn, wheels turn, tiller does not move

s2AISE the tines for shallow tilling by lowering the depth
regulator lever

s2EMove and clean fuel tank
s#LEAN or replace air cleaner
s)MPROPER carburetor adjustment, take to authorized

engine service center

s2EPLACE spark plug and adjust gap
s$rain and

s3EE engine manual to check and adjust throttle linkage

s$rive safety control levers must be released to neutral

position to start the engine

s,Ock wheels in tilling position
s2AISE the tines for shallower tilling by lowering the

depth regulator lever

s,Ock wheels in tilling position
s)NTErnal transmission failure, see your dealer

s,ower the tines for deeper tilling by raising the depth

regulator lever

gas tank and carburetor

19

Maintenance

Not for

Reproduction

Belts squeal in neutral and/or reverse s Adjust forward belt guide:

Belts squeal in forward operation s Adjust tabs on the reverse belt guide

PROBLEM REMEDY/ACTION

-

turn engine off and allow 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 less clearance between belt guide and belt

- replace belt guard and spark plug wire

turn engine off and allow

-

- disconnect spark plug wire and secure from spark plug

- release drive safety control levers to neutral position

- 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

to cool

Excessive heat build up in transmission/tine
area during tilling

s Remove vegetation by following instructions in Clean
Tine Axle Shaft of Normal Care section.
FOLLOW ALL SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
s Check transmission

and if needed

Page 20

Technical Manuals

Not for

Reproduction

Additional Technical Literature Available

Additional copies of this manual are available, as well as
fully illustrated parts lists. These manuals show all of the
product’s components in exploded views (3D illustrations
which show the relationship of parts and how they go
together) as well as part numbers and quantities used.
Important assembly notes and and torque values are
also included.

Technical manuals can be downloaded from:

www.simplicitymfg.com
www.snapper.com.

21

Not for

Reproduction

22

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Reproduction

23

www.simplicitymfg.com

Not for

Reproduction

www.snapper.com

Briggs & Stratton Power Products Group, L.L.C.
Copyright © 2008 Briggs & Stratton Corporation
Milwaukee, WI USA. All Rights Reserved
www.BRIGGSandSTRATTON.com