Troy-Bilt 12001C User Manual

S7.50

Owner/Operator Manual

TROY-BILT® MINI-TILLER CULTIVATOR

Model

• Safety

• Assembly

• Operation

• Maintenance

• Parts Listing

12001

12001C

GARDEN WAY INCORPORATED

To help you as quickly as possible when you

write or call for parts or service assistance, we'll need to know your tiller serial number. This num ber tells us when your machine was made and what features it has.

The arrow in the picture to the right points to

the location of the serial number. For your con venience and ready reference, please enter the serial number below and fill in the date your tiller was delivered.

The Serial Number On My Tiller Is:

Date Tiller was Delivered:

A CAUTION

The Tiller Serial Number location.

TO AVOID INJURY: READ THE OWNER / OPERATOR MANUAL. KNOW LOCATION AND FUNCTION OF ALL CONTROLS. KEEP ALL SAFETY DEVICES AND SHIELDS IN PLACE AND WORKING. NEVER ALLOW CHILDREN OR UNIN STRUCTED ADULTS TO OPERATE TILLER. SHUT OFF ENGINE AND DISCONNECT SPARK PLUG WIRE BEFORE UNCLOGGING

TINES OR MAKING REPAIRS. KEEP BYSTANDERS AWAY FROM MACHINE. KEEP AWAY FROM ROTATING PARTS. USE EXTREME CAUTION WHEN REVERSING OR PULLING THE MACHINE TOWARDS YOU.

Under California law, and under the laws of several other states, you are not permitted to operate an internal combustion engine using hydrocarbon fueis on any forest-covered, brush-covered, or grasscovered land, or on land covered with grain, hay, or other flammable agricultural crop, without an en gine spark arrester in continuous effective working order.

WARNING TO ALL CALIFORNIA AND OTHER POWER EQUIPMENT OPERATORS

A WARNING:

The engine exhaust from this product contains chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth de fects, or other reproduc tive harm.

The engine on your power equipment, like most outdoor power equipment, is an internal combustion engine that burns gasoline, a hydrocarbon fuel. Therefore, your power equipment must be equipped with a spark arrester muffler In continuous effective working order. The spark arrester must be at tached to the engine exhaust system in such a manner that flames or heat from the system will not ignite flammable material. Failure of the owner / operator of the equipment to comply with this regula tion is a misdemeanor under California law, and may also be a violation of other state and/or federal regulations, laws, ordinances, or codes. Contact your local fire marshal or forest service for specific information about what regulations apply in your area.

TO THE OWNER:

Congratulations on the purchase of your new tiller/cuitivator. You’ll find it to be a very heipfui

addition to your current gardening tools. You can easily carry your equipment right to the garden or flower bed and begin tilling or spot cultivating.

The tiiler is a rugged, easily operated and very dependable gardening tool, if properly cared for, it

can give years of gardening enjoyment.

We have prepared this Manual to make sure that you know how to safely operate and maintain your

machine. Please read this Manual all the way through before you assemble and operate your equip ment. Before you even start the engine, make sure that you know both the functions of all controls and

the procedure for quickly stopping the engine.

if someone else uses your tiller, give that person this Manual to read. Before using the machine,

make sure that the operator knows how to safely operate and shut it off.

Of course, if you should ever have a question, need more information, or must order replacement

parts, please contact your local Authorized Dealer or contact the Factory directly. The Factory tele phone numbers and addresses are listed on the back cover of this Manual.

Thank you!

TROY-BILT FACTORY

DIRECT 30-DAY TRIAL

TROY-BILT Mfg. wants you to be completely satisfied with your product. If you are not totally satisfied with the condition or performance of your TROY-BILT product, you may exchange your product or receive a refund of the purchase price of your merchandise. To receive your refund, you must contact us within 30 days after you receive your order, and follow the return instructions.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Section 1: Safety.......................................................................................................................................... 6

Section 2: Easy Assembly.............................................................................................................................9

Section 3: Operation

The Gasoline / Two-Cycle Engine Oil Mixture.......................................................................................12

Starting and Stopping..............................................................................................................................12

Tilling And Cultivating.............................................................................................................................13

Tips and Techniques................................................................................................................................14

Section 4: Maintenance

Engine Lubrication................................................................................................................................. 16

Transmission Lubrication.......................................................................................................................16

Engine Air Filter.......................................................................................................................................17

Carburetor Adjustment............................................................................................................................17

Cooling System........................................................................................................................................17

Spark Plug............................................................................................................................................. 17

Tine Removal and Installation................................................................................................................ 18

Narrow Cultivating...................................................................................................................................19

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

Maintenance Checklist.................................................................................................................................20

Parts Ordering Information.........................................................................................................................20

Exploded Parts View.................................................................................................................................... 2i

Specifications...............................................................................................................................................23

Warranty.........................................................................................................................................Back Cover

ENGINE SERVICE

If your tiller engine ever needs service or re

pair, or parts are required, please contact your nearest Tecumseh Service Dealer.

To find the nearest Service Dealer, look in the Yellow Pages of your telephone book under “Engines- Gasoline”, or “Gasoline Engines.”

if you have problems getting engine service or

parts locally, let us know so we can provide you with the name of the nearest Service Dealer.

QUESTIONS OR PROBLEMS?

1. Check this Owner/Operator Manual:

The answer to your question or problem may

be in this Manual. Refer to the Table of Contents

on the previous page in this Manual to find the

listing that concerns your problem. Turn to that page and read the information provided.

For Fastest Service, Use The Toll-Free Numbers Below

Within the U.S.A.;

Technical Service

Parts Service

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

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

2. Contact your Local Dealer or the Factory;

If you can't find the answer to your question or problem in this Manual, please first contact your local Authorized Dealer. Factory assistance is available if needed. One of our helpful, friendly tiller experts will gladly help you. Be ready to provide your tiller model and the serial number of your tiller.

3. If you need a part:

Contact your local Authorized Dealer, or call or write to our Parts Department (see the Toll-Free telephone number below). Please have your tiller

model and serial number at hand. Use the Parts Listing to find the part number, description, and

quantity of the part you need. Remember that you can purchase many of the common hard ware items at your local hardware store as well

as ordering them from us.

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

(800) 520-5520 (800) 648-6776

Within Canada:

All Calls

From Overseas;

Please Call

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

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

Our Hours are (Eastern Standard Time):

In the U.S.A.

Mon - Fri.- 8 A.M. to 7 P.M.

Saturday- 9 A.M. to 4 P.M.

If you would rather write to us, our mailing addresses are:

In the U.S.A. In Canada

Garden Way Incorporated

102nd St. & 9th Ave. 320 Van Sickle Road, Unit 12,

Troy, New York 12180

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

In Canada

Mon - Fri- 8 A.M. to 5 P.M.

Garden Way Incorporated,

St. Catherines, Ontario L2R 6P7

(800) 225-3585

(518) 391-7000

IMPORTANT!

IF YOU NOTICE any freight damage or missing parts, either at the time of delivery or later during

assembly, make sure that you put it in writing, within 15 days, and send your letter to the shipper to confirm that you intend to file a claim. Tell the driver, or inform the truck terminal, that you intend to file a written claim. They will advise you as to how to proceed. HOWEVER, if you have any

problems with this procedure, please call us so that we can help you get satisfaction.

Section 1: Safety Instructions

Your Tiller has been carefully designed and assembled. However, as with any other piece of

powered equipment, the operator must follow safe operating practices at ail times. Failure to do so could result in personal injury or damage to the equipment or property.

Before assembling, operating or servicing the Tiller or its engine, carefully read and follow all of the safety instructions found in this Owner / Operator Manual, in the separate Engine Owner’s Manual, and in any other literature you may receive. If you ever have any questions, please contact your local Authorized Dealer, or contact us at the Factory.

If you ever lend your machine to someone, make sure that he or she reads, understands, and follows the Safety Instructions. Always use this equipment carefully and keep safety in mind.

SAFETY ALERT SYMBOL. This symbol is used to alert you to im

bol, carefully read and follow its safety message. Failure to do so can re sult in personal injury or property damage.

portant safety messages in this Manual and on decals which are on your tiller regarding potential hazards. When you see this sym

TRAINING

1. Carefully read this Owner/Operator Manual, the separate Engine Owner’s Manual, and any other literature you may receive. Be thoroughly familiar with the controls and the proper use of the tiller/cuitivator and its engine. Know how to stop the unit and disengage the controls quickly.

2. Never let children or uninstructed adults oper ate this equipment. Let adults operate the tiller only if instructed properly.

3. Keep the area of operation clear of all per sons, particularly small children and pets.

4. Keep in mind that the operator or user is re sponsible for accidents or hazards occurring to other people, their property, and themselves.

PREPARATION

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

2. Disengage all control levers before starting

the engine.

3. Do not operate the tiller without wearing ade quate outer garments. Avoid loose garments or jewelry that could get caught in moving parts of the tiller/cuitivator or its engine.

4. Do not operate the tiller when barefoot or wear

ing sandals, sneakers, or light footwear. Wear

footwear which grips well on slippery surfaces.

5. Do not till near underground electric cables, telephone lines, pipes or hoses. If in doubt, con tact your telephone or utility company.

6. Handle fuel with care; it is highly flammable and

its vapors are explosive. Follow these precautions:

a. Use an approved fuel container.

b. Add fuel before starting the engine. Never

remove the cap of the fuel tank or add fuel

while the engine is running or when the en gine is hot.

c. Keep matches, cigarettes, cigars, pipes,

open flames, and sparks away from the fuel tank and fuel container.

d. Fill fuel tank outdoors with extreme care.

Never fill fuel tank indoors. Use a funnel or spout to prevent spillage.

e. Replace all fuel tank and container caps

securely.

f. If fuel is spilled, do not attempt to start the

engine, but move the machine away from the area of spillage and avoid creating any source of ignition until fuel vapors have dissipated.

7. Never make adjustments when engine is run ning (unless specifically recommended by the manufacturer).

OPERATION

1. The correct operator’s position is when you are standing behind the handlebars, hands on handlebar grips, facing forward toward the en gine. Do not leave this position while using the engine throttle lever.

2. Do not put hands or feet near or under rotat ing parts.

3. Exercise extreme caution when on or cross ing gravel drives, walks, or roads. Stay alert for hidden hazards or traffic.

4. After striking a foreign object, stop the engine, disconnect the spark plug wire and prevent it from touching the spark plug, then carefully look

at the tiller for damage, and repair damage be fore restarting and operating the tiller.

5. Exercise caution to avoid slipping or falling.

6. If the machine should start to vibrate abnor mally, stop the engine. Disconnect the spark plug wire and prevent it from touching the spark plug, and check immediately for the cause. Vibration Is generally a warning of trouble.

7. Stop the engine, disconnect the spark plug wire and prevent it from touching the spark plug whenever you leave the equipment, before unciogging the tines, or when making any repairs, adjustments or inspections.

8. Before leaving the tiller unattended, always stop the engine. Disconnect the spark plug wire and prevent it from touching the spark plug.

9. Before cleaning, repairing, or inspecting, shut off engine and let all moving parts stop. Dis connect spark plug wire and prevent it from touching spark plug to prevent accidental starting.

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

11. Do not run the engine in an enclosed area. The exhaust fumes from the engine contain ex tremely dangerous carbon monoxide gas. Carbon monoxide gas is colorless, odorless, tasteless and deadly poisonous.

12. Keep children and pets away.

13. Be aware that the tiller may unexpectedly bounce upward or jump forward if the tines should strike extremely hardpacked soil, frozen ground, or buried obstacles such as large stones, roots, or stumps. If you are in doubt about the tilling conditions, always use the fol lowing operating precautions to assist you in maintaining control of the tiller:

a. Stand behind the tiller, using both hands on

the handlebars. Relax your arms, but use a secure hand grip.

b. Start tilling at shallow depths, working grad

ually deeper with each pass.

c. Clear the tilling area of all large stones,

roots and other debris.

d. In an emergency, stop the tines by re

leasing the Engine Throttle Lever on the right handlebar. To stop the engine, move the Engine Ignition Switch to OFF.

14. Do not overload the tiller’s capacity by at tempting to till too deeply at too fast a rate.

15. Never operate the tiller on slippery surfaces. Look behind and use care when backing up.

16. Do not operate the tiller on a slope that is too steep for safety. When on slopes, slow down and make sure you have good footing.

17. Never allow bystanders near the unit.

18. Only use attachments and accessories that are factory-approved.

19. Never operate the tiller without good visibility or light.

20. Never operate the tiller if you are tired, or under the influence of alcohol, drugs or medication.

21. Do not tamper with the engine governor set tings on the machine: the governor controls the maximum safe operating speed and protects the engine and ail moving parts from damage caused by overspeed. Authorized service shall be sought if a problem exists.

22. Do not touch engine parts which may be hot from operation. Allow parts to cool before inspect ing, cleaning or repairing.

23. Remember: You can stop the tines by releas ing the Engine Throttle Lever. Move the Engine

Ignition Switch to OFF to shut the engine off.

24. Never transport this machine when the engine is running. Shut the engine off before transporting the machine.

25. Terminals and non-insulated electrical parts shall be protected against shorting during normal servicing, refueling or lubrication.

MAINTENANCE AND STORAGE

1. Keep the tiller, attachments and accessories in safe working condition.

2. Check ail nuts, bolts, and screws at frequent intervals for proper tightness to be sure the equipment is in safe working condition.

3. Never store the tiller with fuel in the fuel tank in side a building where fumes may reach an open flame or spark (hot water and space heaters, fur naces, clothes dryers, stoves, electric motors, etc.).

4. Allow the engine to cool before storing it.

5. To reduce the chances of a fire hazard, keep the engine free of grass, leaves, or excessive grease.

6. Store gasoline in a cool, well-ventilated area, safely away from any spark or flame-producing equipment. Store gasoline in an approved con tainer, safely away from the reach of children.

7. Never perform maintenance while the engine is running or the spark plug wire is connected, ex cept when specifically instructed to do so.

DECALS

If any of the decals below become illegible, damaged, or missing, order replacements immediately.

See the Parts Ordering Information at the back of this Manual.

Engine

Ignition

Serial

Number

Photo 1: Decals

Warning

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