Southern States 96092000301 Operator's Manual
OPERATOR'SMANUAL
MODEL NO.SOR550 (96092000301)
5.5 HP 17 Inch
Tiller
For Parts and Service, contact our authorized distributor: call 1-800-849-1297
SOUTHERN STATES
For Technical Assistance: call 1-800-829-5886
197284 01.18.05 TR
PRINTED IN U.S.A.
SAFE OPERATION PRACTICES FOR WALK-BEHIND POWERED ROTARYTILLERS
SAFETY RULES
TRAINING
• Read the Owner's Manual carefully. Be thoroughly
familiar with the controls and the proper use of the
equipment. Know how to stop the unit and disengage
the controls quickly.
• Never allow children to operate the equipment. Never
allow adults to operate the equipment without proper
instruction.
• Keep the area of operation clear of all persons, par-
ticularly small children, and pets.
PREPARATION
• Thoroughly inspect the area where the equipment is
to be used and remove all foreign objects.
• Disengage all clutches and shift into neutral before
starting the engine (motor).
• Do not operate the equipment without wearing ade-
quate outer garments. Wear footwear that will improve
footing on slippery surfaces.
• Handle fuel with care; it is highly flammable.
• Use an approved fuel container.
• Never add fuel to a running engine or hot engine.
• Fill fuel tank outdoors with extreme care. Never fill fuel
tank indoors.
• Replace gasoline cap securely and clean up spilled
fuel before restarting.
• Use extension cords and receptacles as specified by
the manufacturer forall units with electric drive motors
or electric starting motors.
• Never attempt to make any adjustments while the
engine (motor) is running (except where specifically
recommended by manufacturer).
OPERATION
• Do not put hands or feet near or under rotating parts.
• Exercise extreme caution when operating on or cross-
ing gravel drives, walks, or roads. Stay alert for hidden
hazards or traffic. Do not carry passengers.
• After striking a foreign object, stop the engine (motor),
remove the wirefrom the spark plug, thoroughlyinspect
the tiller for any damage, and repair the damage before
restarting and operating the tiller.
• Exercise caution to avoid slipping or falling.
• If the unit should start to vibrate abnormally, stop the
engine (motor) and check immediately for the cause.
Vibration is generally a warning of trouble.
• Stop the engine (motor) when leaving the operating
position.
• Take all possible precautions when leaving the machine
unattended. Disengage the tines, shift into neutral, and
stop the engine.
• Before cleaning, repairing, or inspecting, shut off the
engine and make certain all moving parts have stopped.
Disconnect the spark plug wire, and keepthe wire away
from the plug to prevent accidental starting. Disconnect
the cord on electric motors.
• Do not run the engine indoors; exhaust fumes are
dangerous.
• Never operate the tiller without proper guards, plates,
or other safety protective devices in place.
• Keep children and pets away.
• Do not overload the machine capacity by attempting
to till too deep at too fast a rate.
• Never operate the machine at high speeds on slippery
surfaces. Look behind and use care when backing.
• Never allow bystanders near the unit.
• Use only attachments and accessories approved by
the manufacturer of the tiller.
• Never operate the tiller without good visibility or light.
• Be careful when tilling in hard ground. The tines may
catch in the ground and propel the tiller forward. If this
occurs, let go of the handlebars and do not restrain the
machine.
MAINTENANCE AND STORAGE
• Keep machine, attachments, and accessories in safe
working condition.
• Check shear pins, engine mounting bolts, and other
bolts at frequent intervals for proper tightness to be
sure the equipment is in safe working condition.
• Never store the machine with fuel in the fuel tank inside
a building where ignition sources are present, such
as hot water and space heaters, clothes dryers, and
the like. Allow the engine to cool before storing in any
enclosure.
• Always refer to the operator's guide instructions for
important details if the tiller is to be stored for an ex-
tended period.
- IMPORTANT-
CAUTIONS, IMPORTANTS,AND NOTES ARE A MEANS OF
ATTRACTING ATTENTION TO IMPORTANT OR CRITICAL
INFORMATION INTHIS MANUAL.
IMPORTANT: USED TO ALERT YOU THAT THERE IS A
POSSIBILITY OF DAMAGING THIS EQUIPMENT.
NOTE: Gives essential information that will aid you to
better understand, incorporate, or execute a particular set
of instructions.
Look for this symbol to point out im-
portant safety precautions. It means
CAUTION!!! BECOME ALERT!!! YOUR
SAFETY IS INVOLVED.
CAUTION: Always disconnect spark
&
plug wire and place wire where it can-
not contact spark plug in order to pre-
vent accidental starting when setting
up, transporting, adjusting or making
repairs.
WARNING
The engine exhaust from this product contains
chemicals known to the State of California to
cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproduc-
tive harm.
PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS
Gasoline Capacity: 3 Quarts (2.8L)
Unleaded Regular
Oil (API-SG-SL): SAE 30 (Above 32°F/0°C)
(Capacity: 20 oz./0.6L) SAE 5w-30 (Below 32°F/0°C)
Spark Plug : Champion
(Gap: .030"/0.76mm) RC12YC
CONGRATULATIONS on your purchase of a new tiller. It
has been designed, engineered and manufactured to give
you the best possible dependability and performance.
Should you experience any problems you cannot easily
remedy, please contact your nearest authoriFed 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".
CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES
• Read and observe the safety rules.
• Follow a regular schedule in maintaining, caring for
and using your tiller.
• Follow instructions under"Maintenance" and "Storage"
sections of this Operator's Manual.
WARNING: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 un-
less the engine's exhaust system is equipped with a spark
arrester meeting applicable local or state laws (if any). Ifa
spark arrester is used, it should be maintained in effective
working order by the operator.
In the state of California the above is required by law (Sec-
tion 4442 of the California Public Resources Code). Other
states may have similar laws. Federal laws apply on federal
lands. SeeyourAuthoriFed Service Center/Department for
spark arrester. Refer to the Repair Parts section of this
manual for part number.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
SAFETY RULES ............................................................ 2
CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES ................................. 3
PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS ....................................... 3
ASSEMBLY ................................................................. 4-6
OPERATION ............................................................. 7-11
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE ...................................... 12
MAINTENANCE ..................................................... 12-14
SERVICE & ADJUSTMENTS ................................. 15-18
STORAGE .................................................................... 19
TROUBLESHOOTING ................................................. 20
WARRANTY ................................................................. 22
3
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 handles).
LEFT
FRONT
RIGHT
OPERATOR'S
POSITION
I/Y
(2) Handle Lock
(1) Flat Washer 13/32 x 1 x 11 Ga.
CONTENTS OF HARDWARE PACK
(1) Carriage Bolt
3/8-16 UNC x 1 Gr. 5
©
(1) Cable Clip
FIG. 1
@
(1) Center Locknut
3/8-16 UNC
(1) Handle Lock Lever
(1) Hairpin Clip
(1) Pivot Bolt
3/8-16 UNC Grade 5
4
(2) Shear Pins & Clips
ASSEMBLY
UNPACKING CARTON (See Fig. 2)
I_hl CAUTION: Be careful ofexposed staples
IMPORTANT: WHEN UNPACKING AND ASSEMBLING
TILLER, BE CAREFUL NOTTO 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 corners
of carton, lay side carton wall down.
• Remove packing material from handle assembly.
• Separate shift rod from handle assembly.
INSTALL 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.)
when handling or disposing of carton-
ing material.
SHIFT ROD
EMBLY
FIG. 2
VIEWED FROM R.H. SIDE OF TILLER
\X HANDLE AS-
_ SEMBLY GEARCASE
_ NOTCH
"_'_ / HANDLE
Grasp handle assembly. Hold in "up" position. Besure
handle lock remains in gearcase notch. Slide handle
assembly into position.
HANDLE ASSEMBLY
"UP" POSITION
TIGHTEN HANDLE
LOCK LEVER TO
HOLD
LOOSEN HANDLE
LOCK LEVER TO
MOVE
FIG. 4
• Rotate handle assembly down. Insert rear carriage bolt
first, with head of bolt on L.H. side of tiller and loosely
assemble Iocknut (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 so handle moves with some resistance. This will
allow for easier adjustment.
• Place flat washer on threaded end of handle lock le-
ver.
• 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).
• Raise handle assemblyto highest position and securely
tighten handle lock lever by rotating clockwise. Leaving
handle assembly in highest position will make it easier
to connect shift rod.
HANDLE
HANDLE
LOCK
LEVER
REAR
CARRIAGE
BOLT
GEARCASE LOCK FLAT
\ WASHER
SLOT_
FIG. 3
HANDLE
BASE
LOCKNUTS _ PIVOT BOLT
FIG. 5
5
ASSEMBLY
INSERT CABLE CLIP (See Fig. 6)
• Insert plastic cable clip into hole on the back of handle
column. Push cables into clip.
HANDLE
COLUMN
X
;ABLE CLIP
FIG. 6
CONNECT SHIFT ROD (See Fig. 7)
• Insert end of shift rod farthest from bend into hole of
shift lever indicator.
• Insert hairpin clip through hole of shift rod to secure
with bend of clip on right side.
ATTACH THIS END TO SHIFT
LEVER INDICATOR\
SHIFT ROD /
REMOVE TILLER FROM CRATE
• Adjust handle assemby to lowest position. Be sure lock
lever is tightened securely.
• Make sure shift lever indicator is in"N" (neutral) 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.
CHECKTIRE PRESSURE
The tires on your unit were overinflated at the factory for
shipping purposes. Correct and equal tire pressure is
important for best tilling performance.
• Reduce tire pressure to 20 PSI.
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).
SHIFT
SHIFT
HAIRPIN LEVER
CLIF INDICATO
FIG. 7
6
OPERATION
KNOW YOUR TILLER
READ THIS OWNER'S MANUAL AND SAFETY RULES BEFORE OPERATING YOUR TILLER.
Compare the illustrations with your tiller to familiarize yourself with the location of various controls and adjustments. Save
this manual for future reference.
These symbols may appear on your Tiller or in literature supplied with the product. Learn and understand their
meaning.
F N R& -= I\l
[LUNG FORWARD NEUTRAL REVERSE CAUTION ENGINE ENGINE FAST SLOW CHOKE
OR WARNING ON OFF
DRIVE CONTROL
BAR
DEPTH STAKE
LEVELING
SHIELD
OUTER SIDE
SHIELD
tHROTTLE CONTROL
CHOKE CONTROL
SHIFT LEVER
INDICATOR
RECOIL
STARTER
HANDLE
FIG. 8
MEETS ANSI SAFETY REQUIREMENTS
Our tillers conform to the safety standards of the American National Standards Institute.
CHOKE CONTROL - Used when starting a cold engine.
DEPTH STAKE - Controls depth at which tiller will dig.
DRIVE CONTROL BAR - Used to engage tiller.
LEVELING SHIELD - Levels tilled soil.
OUTER SIDE SHIELD - Adjustable to protect small plants
from being buried.
RECOIL STARTER HANDLE - Used to start the engine.
SHIFT LEVER - Used to shift transmission gears.
SHIFT LEVER INDICATOR - Shows which gear the trans-
....
mÁssÁÙnISIn.
THROTTLE CONTROL - Used to control engine speed.
7
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