Troy-Bilt 12087 User Manual

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Page 1

$4'

Owner/Operator

Manual PTO HORSE

Tiller

• Safety

• Assembly

Models

12087 (7HP Standard) 12088 (7HP Electric) 12089 (8HP Standard) 12090 (8HP Electric) 12204 (10HP Electric)

• Features and Controls

• Operation

• Maintenance

GARDEN WAY INCORPORATED

Page 2

Dear Owner,

You now own one of the finest reartine rototillers available. Your new PTO Horse Model tiller allows you to till and cultivate your garden with ease, and ac complish dozens of other property man agement projects as well. Its PTO capa bility allows it to power a variety of at tachments, including a chipper/shredder and a log splitter. Your tiller is famous for its ruggedness, performance and high-quality engineering. We know you’ll enjoy using it.

Please carefully read this Manual. It

tells you how to safely and easily assem

ble, operate and maintain your machine.

Be sure that you and any other operators carefully follow the recommended safety

practices at all times. Failure to do so

could result in personal injury or prop

erty damage.

Of course, if you should ever have any problems or questions, please contact your local authorized service dealer or call us Toll-Free. Our telephone num bers and mailing addresses are listed on Page 4 and on the back cover of this Manual.

We want to be sure that you are com pletely satisfied at all times.

This is a safety alert

this symbol, read and obey the safety message that follows it. Failure to obey tfie safety message could result in personal injury or property damage.

symbol. It is used in this Owner/Operator Manual to alert you to potential hazards. Whenever you see

Be Sure To Return Your Owner Registration Card

Be sure to fill out and return your Owner

Registration

Card, which is

located in your

literature pack age. The infor

mation con tained on this card wiil register your machine with us and entitle you to full coverage under our Warranty.

i'jI; ■ ...

This machine meets voluntary safety stan dard B71.8 - 1996, which is sponsored by the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute, Inc., and is published by the American National

Standards Institute.

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.

Page 3

Owner’s Record

Please write the Model and Serial numbers of your machine in

the spaces provided. You can find the location of these numbers by refer

ring to the illustration

below.

Model Number:

Serial Number;

Model and Serial Number location

SERVICE INFORMATION.................................................4

SECTION 1: SAFETY.....................................................5

Training..................................................................................................5

Preparation............................................................................................6

Operation...............................................................................................6

Maintenance and Storage......................................................................8

Decals....................................................................................................8

SECTION 2: ASSEMBLY...................................................9

SECTION 3: FEATURES AND CONTROLS

Tiller Features and Controls Identification

Engine Features and Controls Identification........................................23

SECTION 4: OPERATION

Break-In Operation Test Forward Interlock Safety System Starting and Stopping the Engine

Cold Weather Operation......................................................................28

To Operate Tiller..................................................................................29

Turning Around

Transporting Your Tiller.......................................................................31

To Change Belt Speeds.......................................................................32

Tilling in the Garden.............................................................................34

The PTO Power Unit............................................................................40

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

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

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

SECTION 5: MAINTENANCE & REPAIRS

Required Maintenance Schedule.........................................................44

Tighten Bolts and Nuts.........................................................................45

Tiller Lubrication...................................................................................46

Transmission Gear Oil Maintenance....................................................46

Drive Belt Maintenance........................................................................49

Reverse Drive Maintenance

Bolo Tine Maintenance........................................................................54

Tine Shaft Maintenance.......................................................................56

Tire and Wheel Maintenance

Engine Oil Maintenance.......................................................................56

Air Cleaner, Throttle Cable, Ignition System, Spark Plug

Battery Care.........................................................................................58

Storing the Tiller...................................................................................60

Inspect Forward Interlock Wiring System

Troubleshooting Forward Interlock Safety System

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

25 26 27

60 60

TROUBLESHOOTING PROCEDURES..................................61

ATTACHMENTS & ACCESSORIES..

TILLER SPECIFICATIONS....

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

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

INDEX.................................................................. 66

Page 4

If you have any

HOWTO

REACH

GARDEN WAY

INCORPORATED

1 Garden Way

Troy. NY 12180

USA and

Canada:

Customer

Service:

1-800-437-8686

Technical

Service-

1-800-520-5520

Parts Service:

1-800-648-6776

FAX:

(518) 391-7332

Outside the

USA and Canada:

Customer

Service:

(518) 391-7007

Technical

Service:

(518) 391-7008

Parts Service:

(518) 391-7006

FAX:

(518) 391-7332

Questions or Problems...

...Please contact your local TROY-BILT® Tiller authorized dealer or call or write the Factory. When calling or writing, please be sure to provide the Model and Serial Numbers of your machine (refer to Page 3).

If You Need Engine

Service:

If your engine should ever require service or re pair, contact your nearest authorized engine service dealer.

To find the name and address of your nearest authorized engine service dealer, look in the Yellow Pages of the telephone book under

If You Need Parts:

Factory specified replacement parts for your machine are avail able from either your TROYBILT® Tiller authorized dealer or directly from the Factory.

To order a part from the Factory, refer to your separate Parts Catalog to find the part number.

“Engines-Gasoline” (call us if you

need assistance in obtaining en

gine service or parts).

Please remember that your engine is covered by the engine manufac turer’s Limited Warranty. Any unauthorized work performed on the engine during the warranty pe riod may void the warranty. For full details on the engine manufac turer’s Limited Warranty, refer to the separate Engine Owner’s Manual.

description, and quantity of the part you need. Then, call or write

our Parts Department, being

sure to provide the Model

and Serial Numbers of your

machine.

Our trained parts special ists will gladly assist you if you have any difficulty

in identifying the part that

you need.

Page 5

Section

Please read and follow all of fhs safety rules in this Safety Section Failure to comply could result in serious personal injury or prop erty damage.

If you should lend this equipment to another person, make sure that he or she reads, understands, and always follows these safety in structions.

If you are not completely sure about any of the information found here or elsewhere in the Manual, please contact either your local authorised dealer or the factory for assistance.

WARNING TO ALL CALIFORNIA

AND OTHER POWER EQUIPMENT OPERATORS

Under California law, and under the laws of several other states,

you are not permitted to operate an internal combustion engine

using hydrocarbon fuels on any forest-covered, brush-cov-

^ ered, or grass-covered land, or on land covered with grain,

^ \ hay, or other flammable agricultural crop, without an en

gine spark arrester in continuous effective working order.

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 continu ous effective working order. The spark arrester must be attached to the engine exhaust system in such a manner that flames or heat from the system will not ig nite flammable material. Failure of the owner/operator of the equipment to com ply with this regulation 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. Contact your authorized engine dealer for in formation about obtaining a spark arrester.

TRAINING

4. Keep in mind that the operator or user is responsible for accidents or hazards occurring to other peo ple, their property, and themselves.

This is a safety alert symbol. It is used

in this Owner/ Oper ator Manual and on your equipment to alert you to poten tial hazards.

Whenever you see this symbol, read and obey the safety

message that fol

lows it. Failure to

obey those safety

messages could re sult in serious per sonal injury or cause

property damage.

1. Read this Owner/Operator

Manual and the separate Engine Owner’s Manual carefully before operating this equipment. Be com pletely familiar with the controls and the proper use of this equip ment. Know how to stop the unit and disengage the controls quickly.

2. Never allow children or un trained adults to operate this equip ment.

3. Keep the area of operation clear of all persons, particularly small children and pets. Keep by

standers at least 25 feet away from

5. Familiarize yourself with all of the safety and operating decals on this equipment and on any of its attachments or accessories.

6. Do not mn engine in an en closed area. Engine exhaust con tains carbon monoxide gas, a deadly poison that is odorless, col orless, and tasteless.

7. Do not allow hands or any other part of the body or clothing near the rotating tines or near any

other moving part. The tines begin to rotate forward once

WARNING

the engine

starts, the

Tines/PTO

Clutch Lever is

in the ENGAGE

position, the Forward Interlock

Levers are squeezed closed and

the Wheels/Tines/PTO Drive Lever

Page 6

Safet^

is shifted to FORWARD. The tines rotate in Reverse whether the In terlock Levers are closed or open.

8. Before inspecting or servicing any part of the equipment, shut off

PREPARATION

1. Thoroughly inspect the area where the tiller will be used. Re move foreign objects before tilling.

2. Put the Wheels/Tines/PTO

Drive Lever in NEUTRAL before starting the engine.

3. Do not operate the tiller without wearing suitable clothing. Avoid loose garments or jewelry that could get caught in moving parts of the tiller or its engine.

4. Do not operate the tiller when you are barefoot, in sandals, sneak ers or other light footwear. Wear

the engine, wait for all moving parts to come to a complete stop, disconnect spark plug wire from spark plug and move wire away from the spark plug.

protective footwear that grips well on slippery surfaces.

5. Do not till near underground electric cables, telephone lines, pipes, or hoses. Contact your tele phone or utility to verify locations of underground cables or lines.

6. Handle gasoline with care; it is flammable, the vapors explosive. Take the following precautions;

a. Use an approved gas container. b. Gas cap shall never be re

moved or fuel added with en gine running. Engine shall be allowed to cool before refuel ing. Operators shall not smoke.

c. Keep matches, cigarettes,

cigars, pipes, open flames, or

9. Do not operate this equipment if you are under the influence of alcohol, medication, or when you are tired or ill.

sparks away from the fuel tank and fuel container.

d. Fill fuel tank outdoors using

extreme caution. Never add fuel indoors. Use a funnel or spout to prevent spillage.

e. Replace all fuel tank and con

tainer caps securely.

f. If fuel is spilled, do not at

tempt to start engine, but move the machine away from the area of spillage and avoid cre ating any source of ignition until fuel vapors dissipate.

7. Never attempt to make any ad

justments while the engine is run

ning or the spark plug wire is con

nected, except when so instructed.

OPERATION

1. Do not put hands or feet near or under rotating parts.

2. Use extreme caution when on or

crossing gravel driveways, walks or roads. Be alert for hidden hazards or traffic. Do not carry passengers.

3. If you hit a foreign object, stop the engine (remove key on electric start models), let all moving parts come to a complete stop, discon nect spark plug wire and move wire away from the spark plug, and inspect for damage. Repair dam age before restarting.

■

4. Exercise caution to avoid slip ping or falling.

5. If abnormal tiller vibration oc curs, stop engine immediately, dis connect the spark plug wire and move wire away from spark plug. Check for the cause. Carefully in spect for any damage. Fix the prob lem before using the tiller again. Vibration is generally a warning sign of trouble.

6. Stop the engine, remove the key

on electric start models, and dis connect the spark plug wire and move wire away from spark plug before leaving the operating posi tion, unclogging tines, or making repairs, adjustments or inspections.

7. Take all possible precautions when leaving the machine unat tended. Shift into neutral, stop en gine (remove key on electric start models), and disconnect spark plug wire and move wire away from plug to prevent accidental starting.

8. Before cleaning, repairing or in specting, stop the engine (remove key on electric start models), let all moving parts stop, and disconnect spark plug wire and move wire away from spark plug to prevent accidental starting. For electrical safety on electric start models, al ways disconnect the negative (-) cable from the battery post.

9. Flap on tine hood must be down when running tiller, unless using the hiller/furrower attachment.

10. Never operate the tiller unless safety guards or other protective safety devices are in place.

11. Do not run the engine in an enclosed area. Engine exhaust contains carbon monoxide gas, a deadly poison that is odorless, col orless, and tasteless.

12. Keep children and pets away.

Page 7

13. Never operate the tiller under engine power if the Wheel Speed Lever is in the FREEWHEEL posi tion. In EREEWHEEL, the wheels will not hold the tiller back and the revolving tines could propel the tiller rapidly, possibly causing loss of control. Always engage the Wheel Speed Lever in either EAST or SLOW position before starting the engine or engaging the tines with the Wheel s/Tines/PTO Drive Lever.

14. The tiller could unexpectedly bounce upward or jump forward and be propelled away from you if the tines strike or catch very hardpacked soil, sod, frozen ground, or

any buried obstacle such as large stones or roots. Let go of the han dlebars and all controls. Do not try to restrain it. If in doubt about till ing conditions, use the following precautions to assist you in main taining tiller control:

a. Walk behind and on either

side of the tiller, using one hand on the handlebars. Relax your arm, but use a se cure hand grip.

b. Use shallow depth regulator

settings, gradually working deeper with each tilling pass.

c. Use slower wheel, tine and en

gine throttle speeds.

d. Clear the tilling area of big

stones, roots and other debris.

e. Avoid putting downward pres

sure on the handlebars. If necessary, apply slight upward pressure to prevent the tines from digging too deeply.

f. Avoid contacting hard-packed

soil or sod at the end of a row

by reducing engine speed and

lifting handlebars up to raise

tines out of the soil.

g. In an emergency, stop the

tines and wheels by shifting the Wheels/Tines/PTO Drive

Lever to NEUTRAL. If you can not reach the lever or have lost control of the tiller, let go

of the handlebars and all con trols. Do not try to restrain it.

15. Do not overload the machine capacity by trying to till too deeply at too fast a rate.

16. Never use the tiller at high ground speeds on hard or slippery surfaces. Look behind and use care when backing up.

17. Do not operate tiller on a slope too steep for safety. On slopes,

slow down and be sure you have good footing. Don’t let the tiller “free-wheel” down slopes.

18. Clear the area of bystanders be fore tilling.

19. Use only attachments and acces

sories approved by Garden Way Inc.

20. Use tiller attachments and ac

cessories when recommended.

21. Never operate the tiller without

good visibility or light.

22. Never operate the tiller if you

are fatigued, or under the influence of alcohol, drugs or medication.

23. Operators shall not tamper with

the engine-governor settings on the machine; the governor controls the maximum safe operating speed and protects the engine and all moving parts from damage caused by over speed. Authorized service shall be

sought if a problem exists.

24. Do not touch engine parts that

may be hot from operation (muffler, fins, etc.). Make certain all parts have cooled down before inspect ing, cleaning or repairing.

25. POISON/DANGER—

CAUSES SEVERE BURNS. The battery on electric start models con

tains sulfuric acid. Avoid contact

with skin, eyes or clothing. Keep

out of reach of children.

Antidotes: External- Elush imme

diately with lots of water.

Internal- Drink large quantities of

water or milk. Eollow with milk of

magnesia, beaten eggs or vegetable

oil. Call a doctor immediately.

Eyes- Flush with water for 15 min

utes. Get prompt medical attention.

26. DANGER-BATTERIES PRODUCE EXPLOSIVE GASES. Keep sparks, flame or smoking materials away. Ventilate when charging battery or using in an enclosed space. Always wear safety goggles when working near battery.

27. Remember—To stop tines and wheels, either put Wheels/ Tines/PTO Drive Lever in NEU TRAL, or move Throttle Lever to STOP position. If you lose control

of the tiller and can not reach the

levers, let go of the handlebars and controls and do not try to restrain the tiller. The Forward Interlock

Safety System will stop the engine.

28. Look behind and exercise cau

tion when backing up. For added

safety, put Wheel Speed Lever in

SLOW position before reversing.

29. When loading or unloading the

tiller, always disengage tines and

use slower wheel and engine throt

tle speeds. Use sturdy ramps wide

and strong enough to easily support

the tiller (280-to-325 lbs., depend

ing on model) and operator. Never go down ramps in FORWARD drive—the tiller could tip forward, exposing you to the tines (which should be disengaged). Always use REVERSE drive and back down ramps. To go up ramps, use FOR WARD drive and follow the tiller.

30. The Forward Interlock Safety System should be tested for correct

functioning every time the tiller or pro power unit is used. See

Section 4 in this Manual.

31. If using the optional Dozer Blade, either remove the tine attach ment, or disengage the tines with the Tines/PTO Clutch Lever. Revolving tines are dangerous.

32. Use extreme caution when re versing or pulling machine towards you.

33. Start the engine carefully ac cording to instructions and with feet well away from the tines.

34. Never pick up or carry a ma chine while the engine is running.

Page 8

MAINTENANCE AND

STORAGE

3. Check all nuts, bolts, and screws frequently for proper tightness. Always verify your equipment is in safe working condition.

4. Never store the machine with fuel in the fuel tank inside a build ing where fumes may reach an open flame or spark, or where igni

tion sources are present (such as

1. Never perform maintenance when engine is running or spark

plug wire is connected except

when specifically directed to do so.

2. Keep tiller, attachments and ac

cessories in safe working condition.

hot water and space heaters, fur

naces, clothes dryers, etc.).

5. Let the engine cool down before storing it in an enclosure.

6. To reduce fire hazard possibili

ties, keep the engine free of grass, leaves or grease.

SAFETY DECALS

Make certain that all safety decals on this equipment are kept clean and in good condition. The safety decal locations are shown (at a reduced size) below. There are other decals located on your equipment for

7. Store gasoline in a cool, wellventilated area, safely away from any spark- or flame-producing equipment. Store gasoline in an approved container, safely out of the reach of children.

8. Refer to the Maintenance sec tion in this Manual for storage in formation if your tiller is to be

stored for an extended period.

9. If the fuel tank has to be drained, do so outdoors.

10. Follow manufacturer’s recom

mendations for safe loading, unload

ing, transport, and machine storage.

operation and controls identification. They are shown in your Parts Catalog. If you need a replacement decal, please refer to the Parts Catalog that accompa nied this Manual.

A) WARNING: Hot Surfaces decal.

On Briggs & Stratton engines, located on top of the air cleaner housing.

F) Engine Stabilization

decal. On Briggs & Stratton engines, located on the fuel tank.

Decal Locations

C) WARNING: Operating and

Safety Instructions decal.

B) WARNING: Engine Ignition. On elec

tric start models only.

E) Forward

Interlock Lever decals (2).

D) Power Unit Operating

Instructions decal.

Page 9

Section

Please carefully follow the steps in

this Section to propeily assemble

your new machine. These steps will not take vciy long and they will assure you of having assem bled your machine correctly.

WARNING

To prevent personal injury or

property damage, do not start the

engine until all assembly steps are complete and you have read and understand the safety and

operating instructions in this

Manual.

Tools Needed:

One 3./8 Open End or

Adjustable Wrench

One 9./16' Open End or

Adjustable Wrench

One 3/4' Open End or

Adjustable Wrench

Two 7/16 Open End or

Adjustable Wrenches

Two 1/2' Open End or

Adjustable Wrenches

One Flat Blade Screwdriver

Scissors ito trim plastic ties) Quality Motor Oil (refer to the

Engine Owner Manual provided with your unit

for motor oil specifica

tions and capacities). Tire Pressure Gauge A strong 4 /7 high prop (a

w'ood box. a brick, or

boards)

Subjects covered in this Section:

• Inspection After Delivery

• Unpacking and Checking Contents

• Attach the Handlebars

• Remove Tiller from Shipping Platform

• Connect Forward Interlock Wire Harness

• Attach Wheels/Tines/PTO Drive Lever

• Check Gear Oil Levels in Power Unit and Tine Attachment Transmissions

• Add Motor Oil to Tiller Engine

• Attach Engine Throttle Lever to Handlebar

• Adjust the Air Pressure in the Tires

• Assembling the Electric Start System

Inspection After Delivery

Inspect your machine immediately after it has been delivered. Make sure that neither the carton nor the contents have been damaged.

If you find or suspect any damage, contact the carrier (trucking com pany) right away. Inform them of the specific damage and that you wish to file a claim. To protect your rights, be sure to put this in writing to the carrier within 15 days after your machine arrives. The carrier will let you know how to proceed with your claim.

Please let us know if you need any assistance with this matter.

IMPORTANT: Motor oil must be added to the engine before it is started. The procedure for

adding oil is explained later on in these assembly instructions.

STEP1; Unpacking Contents

If you haven’t done so, unpack and check the loose parts as listed in the table on page 10. Contact us if any parts are missing.

A. Remove the handlebars and the Wheels/Tines/PTO Drive Lever

(Items 1 and 2 in Photo 2-1). You may need to cut a plastic tie to free the handlebars from its shipping location. Set them on a clean sur face. Do not get dirt on the wire harness plug located at the bottom of the handlebars!

B. Remove the loose parts from

the plastic envelope that contained these instructions (Items 3 through

8 in Photo 2-2). C. If you ordered an Electric Start

Tiller, take out the items from a sealed plastic hardware package under the battery clamp (Items 9 through 11 in Photo 2-3). Your ig nition keys are in the keyswitch.

Page 10

.sseiii

wmmmiimmiiimmMmsmmmin

Wire Harness Plug

1- Handlebars

2- Wheels/Tines/ PTO Drive Lever

Photo 2-1. Put Handlebars (Item #1) and Wheels/Tines/PTO Lever (Item #2) aside.

Table 1 - Carton Contents Parts List

KEY

QTY

DESCRIPTION FOR MODEL:

7HP 7HP 8HP 8HP

Elec. Std. Elec.

Std.

Photo 2-1:

1 1

2 1

Handlebars

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

Wheels/Tines/PTO Drive Lever

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

Photo 2-2:

3 1 Clutch Pa\A/l Spring.....................................

1 Belt Adjusting Tool.......................................

2 6 1 7 1 8 1

Plastic Cable Ties Curved Head Bolt, 1/4“-20 x 2" (Grade 5).. Flanged Lock Nut, 1/4"-20 Panhead Screw, #20 -24 x 1/2"

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

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

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

•

• • •

•

• • •

• • • •

• • •

•

• • • •

• • •

•

Use This Ruler to Check the Hardware Lengths

Photo 2-2. Parts inside the litera ture envelope.

Photo 2-3:

2 Nuts, 1/4"-20, for battery terminals

10 2

Bolts, 1/4"-20 X 5/8“, for battery terminals

1 Battery Vent Tube........................................

Keys for Electric Start Models......................

(located in ignition keyswitch)

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

•

• •

•

Photo 2-3. Parts for Electric Start

Tiller models. (Ignition keys are

not shown.)

Page 11

STEP 2: Attach the Handlebars

Do not move tiller off shipping platform unless handlebars are at tached. This makes moving the tiller easier and more controllable.

All the parts shown in Figure 2-4

(except the handlebars) are shipped assembled. You must disassemble these parts in order to attach the

handlebars. A. Unwind the Handlebar Height

Adjustment Lever (Figure 2-4)

counterclockwise. Be prepared to catch the nut, left clamp and left ratchet as you remove the lever.

Completely withdraw the lever,

taking with it the right clamp and right ratchet. Keep mating clamps

and ratchets grouped together.

Asseiiiblv

B. Place the handlebar ends on ei

ther side of the handlebar base and

the wire harness at the bottom of

the handlebars at the rear of the

base (Fig. 2-4).

C. Hold the right-side ratchet and

right-side clamp in position next to

right handlebar arm. Insert adjust

ment lever through the clamp, han

dlebar, ratchet and the base. Let

the adjustment lever protrude from

the other side of the base.

Note: The lever should pass freely

through the holes in the handlebar

ends. If it won’t- do not force it.

The wires to the Forward Interlock

Safety System may be blocking the

lever. Push a pencil through the

holes to gently move the wires

aside.

D. Position the left-side ratchet

and left-side clamp next to the left handlebar arm (see Fig. 2-4). Move the adjustment lever all the way through these parts. Hold the nut in place and screw the lever into it. Don’t fully tighten the lever yet.

E. Raise the handlebars (jiggling them on the ratchets helps) to one of two pre-set height settings. Then tighten the lever (Photo 2-5).

Figure 2-4. Unwind the Handlebar Height Adjustment Lever to separate the handiebar assembly parts. Keep the mating ieft-side ratchet and damp

grouped together, and the right-side ratchet and damp grouped. Place the

handlebars so the ends are on either side of the handlebar base. Reas semble ail parts securely.

Left Side Clamp With Nut

Photo 2-5. When handlebars are in position, reassemble all the compo nents. Insert the Handlebar Adjustment Lever from right to left through all

the parts. As shown above, securely tighten the lever.

Page 12

STEP 3; Remove Tiller from

Shipping Platform

A. The Depth Regulator Lever

(Photo 2-6) may be secured to its own mounting bracket with a plas

tic tie strap. Removing the tie

strap lets you move the Depth Regulator Lever up or down. To check, lift the hinged flap at the end of the hood and look for a tie strap around the lever. Use a scis sors to cut it loose.

B. Move the Wheel Speed Lever (Photo 2-6) to FREEWHEEL posi tion which lets the wheels turn

freely. FREEWHEEL position is midway be tween SLOW and EAST positions. Then lift the handlebars up to clear the tines from the platform. Pull the handlebars firmly back to roll the wheels out of the platform wheel wells.

C. Roll the tiller to a level area where you

can complete the as

sembly steps.

Photo 2-6. Move tiller off shipping platform. Move

Wheel Speed Lever up or down to take wheels out

of gear.

STEP 4: Connect Forward Interlock Wire Harness

B. Before connecting the plug, be sure that it and the receptacle it’s going into are clean.

A. Connect the plug on the wire harness that leads from the lower ends of the handlebars into the wire harness receptacle on the top,

right side of the transmission

(Photo 2-7). This connection com

pletes the wiring circuit for the

Forward Interlock Safety System. It must be connected or the engine will not start.

^ WARNING

To avoid personal injury, test the Forward Interlock Satety System prior to each use of the tiller to be sure it is func tioning properly. See Section 4 in this Manual for the test ing procedure to use.

STEP 5: Attach the Wheels/Tines/PTO Drive Lever

This control lever is shown in Photo 2-1. To attach

it, you’ll need the clutch pawl spring (see Photo 2-2). A. Loosen the large bolt at the top

of the handlebar base (Photo 2-8) with a 3/4" wrench. Don’t remove it. Swing the handlebars out of the way to the right side of the tiller.

B. With two 1/2" wrenches, re move and save the nut, star washer, bushing and bolt from the hole at the rear of the clutch yoke assem bly plates (see Fig. 2-9, items A, B, C, D).

C. Using two 1/2" wrenches, re move (and save) the nut, star washer and bolt (items E, E, and G, Eigure 2-9) attaching the short ver tical link to the center of the yoke. Keep the short link (with a bushing inside it) upright after the bolt

Photo 2-8. Loosen the large bolt securing the handlebar base. Swing handlebars to right side.

comes out. If it swings down, reposition it upright again.

Photo 2-7. Connect forward inter lock wire harness plug to recepta cle.

Tools required: one 3/4" and two 1/2" wrenches.

D. Slide the plates located at the

end of the PTO drive lever over the yoke and align the upper hole in the plates with the hole at the rear of the yoke (refer to Photo 2-10). Insert the bushing (C, Figure 2-9) inside the yoke and install the bolt through the lever’s plates, bushing and yoke. (Tap the bolt if neces sary.) Add the star washer and nut and tighten the nut finger-tight.

Page 13

Figure 2-9. First remove hardware from rear of yoke plates (hardware items A, B, C, and D); then remove hardware securing short, upright steel link to yoke plates (hardware items E, F, and G).

E. Look at both ends on the clutch pawl spring. One hook end has a wider opening. Insert the end with the wider opening fully into the small hole in the lever (hook point ing down). See A, Figure 2-11.

F. Tilt the lever fully up and insert the other end of the spring in the hole in the top of the long steel link (B, Figure 2-11). A pliers may help. Do not overstretch the

spring. (Note: push handlebars to

Figure 2-11. Install clutch pawl spring.

the right for extra clearance.) G. Pull the lever back down. See

Photo 2-12. Insert bolt removed earher (per paragraph C) back in the remaining holes in the lever, yoke

and short vertical link. Add star

washer and nut.

H. Securely tighten both bolts. I. Swing handlebars to the

straight-ahead position and tighten

the bolt in the handlebar base. J. Test the operation of the lever.

Push it down until it’s engaged in the FORWARD position. See Photo 2-13 (the roller at the end of

Photo 2-13. Push lever down into FORWARD position. The roller must go under the adjustment block.

the shift linkage must be engaged beneath the belt adjustment block). Next, move the lever up to the

NEUTRAL position- lift or tap it up and let it go. The roller should

be resting on the face of the belt

adjustment block (Photo 2-14).

Last, lift and hold the lever all the

way up in REVERSE positionthen let it go. It should automati cally return to the NEUTRAL po-

Photo 2-10. Insert bushing, then in

stall bolt through upper hole in

lever and yoke plates. Loosely add the star washer and the hex nut.

Photo 2-12. Pull lever back down. Reinstall last bolt, star washer and nut as shown above.

Photo 2-14. When lever is in NEU TRAL, roller rests against the face of the adjustment block.

sition. If not, do not use the tiller. See your local authorized Dealer or call our Technical Service Department for instmctions.

Page 14

Asseiniii?

STEP 6: Check Gear Oil Levels in Power Unit Transmission and Tine Attachment Transmission

Your tiller has two separate transmissions: one for the Power Unit; the other for the Tine Attach ment. Both were filled with SAE

#85W-140 weight gear oil (with an A.P.I rating of GL-4) at the Factory. Please check level in both transmissions to verify that levels are still correct.

To Check Power Unit Transmission:

A. Put the tiller on level ground. B. Pull Depth Regulator Lever

back and then up so tines are rest

ing on the ground (Photo 2-15). C. Use a 3/8" wrench to remove

oil level check plug on left side of the transmission (just above the wheel shaft). See Photo 2-16. You may need to break the grip of any dried paint on the check plug.

D. Oil should seep out hole if level is correct (in cold weather, it will seep out slowly). Reinstall plug securely if gear oil level is correct.

E. If no oil seeped out, see if tilt ing tiller slightly toward check hole (roll right wheel on a 1" thick board) causes oil to seep out. If oil starts to seep, only a, small amount should be added. But - if there is still no oil seeping out, the oil level may be seriously low. In either case, add the correct amount of gear oil before using the tiller —

see “Adding or Changing Gear Oil” in Section 5 of this Manual.

To Check Tine Attachment Transmission:

Two different gear oil level checking procedures for the tine attachment transmission follow. Use the procedure described first

for Tine Attachment dipsticks

with a ‘Check Cold’ marking.

Use the second procedure if dip stick has both ‘cold’ and ‘hot’ markings at end. First remove dipstick from tine transmission

(Photo 2-17) to see which type

dipstick you have. Then replace dipstick.

For Dipsticks With ‘Check Cold’ IVIarkina:

A. Put the tiller on level ground. B. Pull Depth Regulator Lever

back, then push it down all the way to engage its top notch. This raises tines off ground and lets tiller rest on drag bar.

C. Place a support under engine to prevent tiller from tilting too far. Now slide three pieces of 2" x 4" lumber under drag bar - raising drag bar about 4-1/2" above ground. This elevation is needed to take an accurate “cold” gear oil

reading (“cold” means tiller was

never operated, or 2 hours have

passed since it was used last).

D. Wait two hours with tiller ele vated (allow more time if tempera ture is below 40°F).

E. Loosen and remove transmis

sion dipstick. (Photo 2-17). Wipe

with a clean rag. F. Holding dipstick so markings

face rear of tiller, lower it straight down into sump hole until it touches driveshaft inside (Photo 2-

17). Don’t force or try to thread it back in - or reading won’t be cor rect.

G. Remove dipstick and check oil

level. It should be within crosshatched area or even slightly above the ‘Max’ marking. If correct, re place dipstick and remove boards.

H. If no oil showed on dipstick, correct amount of oil must be added to tine transmission. For complete instructions, see “Adding or Changing Gear Oil” in Section 5 of this Manual.

For Dipsticks With Hot/Cold Markings:

A. Follow Steps A and B given for other type of dipstick.

B. Put one 2"x4" board under drag bar- raising tiller and drag bar about 3-1/2” above ground. This elevation is for a ‘cold’ gear oil

reading (tiller never used or 2

hours since used last). C. Follow Steps D, E, and F given

for other dipstick type.

Photo 2-15: Pull Depth Regulator

Lever back and then up to lower

the tines to the ground.

Photo 2-16: Gear oil should seep out from oil level check hole in

power unit transmission.

Photo 2-17: Remove dipstick to check gear oil in tine attachment

transmission. Insert dipstick so

markings face rear of tiller.

Page 15

D. Remove dipstick and check that gear oil level is within or above ‘Cold’ range marking (use of ‘Hot’ marking is explained in

Section 5). If correct, replace dip stick and remove the board.

E. If the level is incorrect, see

“Adding or Changing Gear Oil” in Section 5 of this Manual.

IMPORTANT

Recheck gear oil level in both trans missions after the first two hours of new tiller operation, then every 30 operating hours thereafter. See

Section 5 for instructions.

STEP 7: Add Motor Oil to Engine

Add high-quality API-rated “SF” or “SG” motor oil to engine before starting. Refer to the Engine

Owner Manual provided with your unit for motor oil specifications and capacities.

To Add Oil:

A. Park the tiller on level ground.

Place a sturdy block under the drag bar at the rear of the tiller to level the base of the engine.

B. An oil fill tube is located on each side of the engine. Either can be used. See Photo 2-18.

C. Clean around the oil fill tube and remove the oil fill plug. Use a clean funnel and slowly pour motor oil

into the tube until the oil reaches the

top of the fill hole.

D. Reinstall the oil fill plug and re

move the block under the drag bar.

IMPORTANT:

> Always maintain oil level at the

overflow point in the oil fill tube.

' Check engine oil level every 5

hours of operation or daily.

' Change engine oil after first 5

hours of new operation.

Photo 2-18: Add oil until it reaches

top of oil fill tube.

STEP 8: Attach Engine Throttle

Lever to Right Handlebar

The throttle cable (with throttle lever) is wound around the engine for shipping purposes. Carefully

unwind the cable. If the throttle control decal is covered with a pro tective coating, peel it off. Attach the lever as follows.

A. You will need the curved head bolt, flange locknut, panhead screw and two plastic ties which are shown in Photo 2-2, Page 10.

B. Run the throttle cable up the in side edge of the right handlebar and position the lever as shown in Photo 2-19.

C. From the outside of the handle

bar, insert the curved head bolt

through the handlebar and the cen ter hole in the throttle lever mount ing bracket.

D. Loosely install the locknut. E. Move the throttle lever to the

STOP position. F. From the lever side of the

bracket, thread the panhead screw into the small hole in the throttle lever bracket and into the handle bar. See Photo 2-19. Tighten the

screw securely. G. Use a 7/16" wrench to securely

tighten the locknut and the curved head bolt.

H. Using two plastic ties, secure the throttle cable to the right han dlebar in two places, as shown in Photo 2-20. Loop each tie around the handlebar and cable (serrated

side faces in) and pull the ties

tight. Trim the ends.

Photo 2-19: Attach engine throttle lever to handlebar.

Page 16

¿4 Cl

Photo 2-20: Use plastic ties in two places to hold cable to handlebars.

WARNING

On electric start tillers, to avoid electric shock from a short circuit, never allow throttle cable to touch the battery. Route cable below the battery, on the outside of the battery holder.

STEP 9; Adjust the Air Pressure in the Tires

A. For shipping purposes only, the tires are overinflated.

B. Before using the tiller, check the air pressure and adjust it to betiveen 10-to-20 psi (pounds per square inch). Each tire should be inflated to the same pressure.

Important If you have a recoil start tiller, it is now completely assem bled. If you have an electric start tiller, please continue with the few remaining steps.

ASSEMBLING THE ELECTRIC START SYSTEM

The following steps explain battery activation, battery charging and installation. For your safety, follow all steps and observe all accompanying safety messages. Section 5 has further general battery maintenance and recharging instructions you will find helpful.

STEP 1: Activating and Charging the Battery

Important The battery was shipped “dry.” It needs battery elec

trolyte fluid (battery-grade sulfuric acid) added to it. It must then be fully charged

with a battery charger before being used.

Adding electrolyte fluid to the battery and battery charging can be dangerous work. The electrolyte contains acid that can burn or blind you. Battery charging also pro duces explosive gases.

To ensure that the battery is properly activated and charged, you should review these instruc tions with your battery technician.

It is strongly recommended that you have the battery acti vated and charged by a trained professional (Troy-Bilt Dealer,

service station, farm equipment dealer, etc.) if you are not experi enced with these procedures.

DANGER

Battery produces explosive gases.

• Keep sparks, flames, and cigarettes away.

• Ventilate area when charg ing or using battery in an en closed space.

• Make sure venting path of battery is always open once battery is filled with acid.

DANGER

Battery electrolyte fluid is poisonous and burns severely.

Electrolyte is a sulfuric acid solution. Avoid spills or con tact with skin, eyes, clothing.

• To prevent accidents, wear protective clothes, rubber gloves and shield eyes with safety goggles when working on or near the battery.

• Neutralize acid spills with a baking soda and water solu tion. Neutralize electrolyte container with same solution. Then rinse with clear water. Antidote: External- Flush with water; Eyes- Flush with water for 15 minutes and get imme diate medical attention.

Antidote: Internal- Drink large quantity of water or milk. Follow with milk of magnesia, beaten eggs, or vegetable oil. Call a doctor immediately.

Page 17

To Activate the Battery:

WARNIHG

Remove metal jewelry before working near the battery or near the electrical system. Failure to comply may cause a short circuit, resulting in electrical burns, a shock, or explosion of battery gases.

For shipping purposes only, the unserviced battery and its hold down clamp were installed back wards at the factory. When rein stalling the battery and hold-down clamp, be sure to turn them around so they face in the opposite direc tion from which they were shipped.

A. Use a 7/16" wrench to remove the two WA” long bolts and the two

1/4" whiz nuts securing the front and rear hold-down clamp legs to the battery bracket (Photo 2-23). Lift off the clamp. Remove battery.

Save the hardware.

B. If there is a short piece of

sealed plastic tubing covering the vent fitting on the negative side of

the battery (see Photo 2-23), re

move and discard it. C. Put the battery on a level work

surface, far away from heat- or flame-producing sources like stoves, water heaters, dryers, fur

naces, etc.

D. Take off the six filler caps on

top of the battery. Put them aside. Refer to Photo 2-24.

E. Be sure you are wearing pro

tective clothes, rubber gloves and

eye protection. Fill each cell to the

“Upper Level” line printed on the battery case using battery-grade electrolyte solution. (This is 1.265

specific gravity sulfuric acid.) Temperature of battery and elec trolyte is ideal when between bO^^F-to-SO^F. Do not add water or any other liquid to the battery dur ing this initial activation.

F. Let battery stand for 30 min

utes. Check electrolyte level in each cell. Add more electrolyte

solution if needed. Don’t overfill

battery-this could lead to flooding

from the cells during charging.

Photo 2-23: Remove hold-down damp (A).

Remove the piece of clear plastic tub ing (B)if so supplied.

Photo 2-24: Remove all six filler

caps (A). Fill each cell up to the

“Upper” level line (B).

To Charge the Battery:

A. Follow one of the three charg ing methods described next for maximum starting capacity and longest battery life.

Note: The electrolyte solution

within the cells is gassing freely

when the surface of the electrolyte

is covered with small bubbles. When checking for bubbles, al

ways wear safety goggles to pro

tect eyes. A flashlight makes the

inspection easier. Inspect all cells.

Our Recommended Method:

Charge the battery at a rate of 1-to2 amperes until all cells gas freely. Do not exceed 24 hours charging.

First Alternative Chai^g Method:

Charge the battery at a rate of 4-to6 amperes until all cells gas freely. Do not exceed 8 hours charging.

Page 18

Second Alternative Charging Mdhod:

Charge the battery at a rate from 6-to-12 amperes until all cells gas freely. Do not exceed 4 hours charging time.

B. Turn off the charging equip ment and disconnect the charger cables from the battery terminals.

C. Recheck electrolyte level in each cell. Top off any low cells with electrolyte solution up to the “Upper” level line.

D. Securely replace all six filler caps. Use a baking soda and water mixture to rinse off electrolyte that may have spilled on the battery.

A DANGER

Never jump start the battery with a vehicle battery or charg ing system. This may produce a battery explosion, causing acid or electrical burns.

DANGER

To Avoid Personal Injury or Property Damage;

• Batteries produce explosive gases - always keep sparks and flame away from battery.

• Ventilate area when charg ing or using the battery.

• During charging, don’t leave battery unattended. Charging time need not be

continuous.

• Follow safety rules and in

structions supplied by battery and charger manufacturers.

• Do not charge battery at a

rate higher than 12 amperes to avoid generating excessive heat and gassing which could damage the battery.

DANGER

To Avoid Personal Injury or

Property Damage:

• Do not touch positive bat tery terminal and any sur rounding metal objects with tools, jewelry or other metal items. Failure to comply could cause a short circuit leading to electrical burns or explosion of battery gases.

• Never bring a gas can near the positive (+) battery termi nal. A short circuit could occur leading to an explosion of the gasoline or the battery gases. Always fill the engine fuel tank from the front or side of the engine.

STEP 2: Connect the Wire Harness Receptacle

A. The keyswitch (A, Figure 2-25) is part of the hold-down clamp as sembly (D). The prongs at the

back of the keyswitch must be se curely inserted into the plastic wire harness receptacle (B).

B. Remove the pair of ignition keys from the keyswitch. Store

them safely away. Do not put a key in the keyswitch until you have read the sections in this Owner/Operator Manual covering features, controls and operation.

Figure 2-25: First connect Keyswitch (A) to wire harness (B). Then, the acti

vated battery must be secured to mounting platform (C) using the hold down clamp (D) with its mounting hardware (H, I). Last, install plastic vent tube (E) over the vent fitting (F), and down into vent tube shield (G).

Page 19

STEP 3: Installing the Battery

A. Carefully place the activated battery back on the battery mount

ing platform as seen in Fig. 2-25,

The side of the battery with the terminals (the posts) and the fill lines on it must face the rear of the tiller. [Another way to verify

the correct placement of the bat

tery is when the positive (-I-) bat

tery post is on the left side of the

tiller as you face forward when

standing behind the handlebars.]

B. Place the battery hold-down

CAUTION

Incorrect installation of the battery can resuit in eiectrical system damage.

Follow these installation in structions carefully to avoid damage to your tiller.

clamp (D, Figure 2-25) over the

battery, and secure the two legs of

the clamp to the platform (C) using

the two bolts and whiz nuts (FI, I)

removed previously. Insert the

bolts up from the bottom. Tighten

the hardware to make the battery

secure, but don’t overtighten the nuts or the clamp tabs will bend.

STEP 4: Installing the

Battery Cables

A. Locate the two (2) 5/8" long bolts and l/4"-20 hex nuts shown

in Photo 2-3 on page 10. Use them to connect the loose ends of the two battery cables to the two bat tery terminals (posts).

B. On the left side of the tiller (as

viewed from behind the handle bars), connect the loose end of the positive (+) battery cable (A, Figure 2-26 - this is the red cable already attached at the other end to the solenoid) to the positive (+) battery post (B). Flold the cable terminal against the side of the post facing the keyswitch. Install and tighten a bolt (E) and nut (F) with two wrenches.

C. Slide the pre-installed black rubber boot (G) completely over the battery post and hardware.

D. Repeat this procedure on the

right side of the battery. Position the end of the negative cable (C) against the negative battery post

(D) as shown, and secure it with

the remaining bolt (E) and nut (F).

Again, slide the black rubber boot

completely over the battery post. E. Check the lower end of the vent

tube shield into which you inserted the clear plastic vent tube. The lower end of the black shield must

be located in front of the wheel

shaft axle. Move it there if neces sary. Your electric start tiller is now fully assembled.

C. The clear plastic vent tubing must be installed next. If coiled up, straighten it out. Slide one end of the tube (E, Figure 2-25) over the vent fitting (F) at the top of the

battery. Slide the other end down

into the black vent tube shield (G).

WARNING

Improper battery venting can cause a battery to explode, resulting in severe personal injury.

Be sure the vent tube is not crimped, pinched or folded.

Figure 2-26: Connect positive (+) cable (A) to positive battery post (B).

Connect negative (-) cable (C) to negative battery post (D). Be sure to posi tion bolts (E) and nuts (F) as shown. After the connections are secure, slide

black rubber boots (G) completely over battery posts.

Page 20

Section

Learn the locations of the features and controls on your machine before slatting the engine, laking the time now to understand the lo cation. tunction and opeiation of

these controls Vi/ill greatly add to the productive use, safe operation, and enjoyment of your machine,

for detailed step-by-step operating instructions, please refer to

“Section 4: Operation."

TILLER FEATURES AND CONTROLS IDENTIFICATION

The major tiller controls and features are identified and illustrated on the next few pages. The use and operation of each control and feature is cov ered in detail in Section 4 “Operating Instructions.”

A WARNING

TO AVOID PERSONAL INJURY OR

DAMAGE TO EQUIPMENT: Before using your tiller or PTO

Power Unit for the first time, be come thoroughly familiar with the operation of the controls by mov ing them to their various posi

tions while the engine is not run

ning. The proper operation of

each control is discussed in detail

in Section 4.

NOTE: All references to left, right,

front and rear of the machine are

determined by standing behind the handlebars and facing the direction of forward travel

Figure 3-1; A- Wheels/Tines/PTO Drive Lever; B- Forward Interlock Levers; C- Wheel Speed Lever; D- Tines/PTO Clutch Lever; E~ Depth Regulator Lever; F- Handlebar Height Adjustment Lever.

Wheels/Tines/PTO Drive Lever

This lever (A, Figure 3-1) engages and disengages power from the engine to the transmis sion. It has three operating posi tions: FORWARD, NEUTRAL and REVERSE.

To stop the wheels, tines or any PTO attachment, move the lever to NEUTRAL by lifting or tapping the lever upwards and letting it go (in NEUTRAL the clutch roller will be located on the face of the adjustment block, as shown in

Photo 3-lB). FORWARD - Lever moved down until it engages in drive position (clutch roller at end of lever is en gaged below adjustment block, as shown in Photo 3-1 A). Use this setting for forward motion of the wheels and tines, or to apply power to any optional PTO (Power Take Off) attachment.

REVERSE - Lever moved all the

way up and held in that position

(clutch roller will be located higher

on the face of the adjustment

block, as shown in Photo 3-lC). Use this setting for moving the machine in reverse. To stop mov ing in reverse, let go of the lever and it will automatically return to the NEUTRAL position.

Page 21

Check Position of Clutch Rolier

• Do not operate the tines or any PTO attachment when in REVERSE.

A'^ you shill hoiwoL'ii i'ORWARI). NI A.' I RAI.

;inJ Kl A'liRSt'. iho diildi rolli.-r the hoUtuii of

iho Icwr should Iv fK'sitioiiod as shown in Pholos

1 \. Ò-1 f5 and A-IC. Chix’k iho posilion of ilio

diitoh rollor as you shill the le\er. IT ii is noi po-

siiioncd eonvelly. eontael the I’aclory or see \i'iir loeal aulhoii/od dealer.

Photo 3-1 A: When the Wheels/Tines/PTO Drive Lever is in

the FORWARD position, the clutch roller will be engaged

b^ow the adjustment block.

NEUTRAL - Lever moved in between FORWARD and REVERSE positions. Use this setting to stop the wheels, tines or any PTO attachment.

• Always shift to NEUTRAL before starting the engine or before engaging the wheels, tines or any

PTO attachment.

Forward Interlock Levers

A Forward Interlock Lever (B, Figure 3-1) is

located below each handlebar grip.

At least one of these interlock levers must be kept

squeezed against a handlebar grip whenever the 'N^eels/Tines/PTO Drive Lever is engaged in FOR WARD. (The levers do not affect operation when the Wheels/Tines/PTO Drive Lever is in REVERSE.)

If both interlock levers are released before first returning the Wheels/Tines/PTO Drive Lever to NEUTRAL, the engine will stop.

Important - This is a safety feature should you lose control of your tiller and cannot stop forward mo tion by moving the Wheels/Tines/PTO Drive Lever into NEUTRAL.

Photo 3-1B: When the Wheels/Tines/PTO Drive Lever is in

the NEUTRAL position, the clutch roller (G) must be located

approximately as shown on the face of toe adjustment block

Photo 3-1C: When the Wheeis/Tines/PTO Drive Lever is held up in the REVERSE position, the clutch roller (G) must be

located higher on the face of the adjustment block (H).

Wheel Speed Lever

Use this lever (C, Fig. 3-1) to select a wheel speed

or the freewheel position. There are three operating positions; SLOW, FAST and FREEWHEEL.

SLOW - Lever moved all the way down. Use for nor mal tilling or for low-speed transporting.

FAST - Lever moved all the way up. Use for cultivat ing or for fast-speed transporting.

FREEWHEEL - Lever in between SLOW and FAST positions (wheels will roll freely). Use for transporting the machine on level ground without engine power and when using stationary PTO attachments.

• To avoid transmission damage, always put the Wheels/Tines/PTO Drive Lever in NEUTRAL before shifting the Wheel Speed Lever.

• When shifting into SLOW or FAST, gently roll the machine to help fully engage the wheel gears. When engaged, the wheels will not turn unless the engine

is running and the Wheels/Tines/PTO Drive Lever is engaged in FORWARD or REVERSE.

Page 22

Figure 3-2: A- Wheels/Tines/PTO Drive Lever; B- Forward Interiock

Levers; C- Wheel Speed Lever; D- Tines/PTO Clutch Lever; E- Depth Regulator Lever; F- Handlebar Height Adjustment Lever.

Tines/PTO Clutch Lever

Use this lever (D, Figure 3-2) to engage or disengage power from the transmission PTO clutch to the tines or any PTO attachment. It has two operating positions: ENGAGE and DISENGAGE.

ENGAGE - Lever moved into de tent slot furthest from engine. Use to operate tines or other PTO attach ments. After shifting to ENGAGE, briefly operate machine in FORWARD to help fully engage the PTO clutch.

DISENGAGE - Lever moved into

Depth Regulator Lever

Use this lever (E, Figure 3-2) to regulate the tilling depth of the tines. It also has a TRAVEL posi tion, which places the tines out of the ground.

To operate the lever, pull it

straight back and then slide it up or

down to any of the eight notched

settings.

The highest notch is the TRAVEL setting. For shallow till ing and cultivating, use the second

or third notch from the top. The other notches are for deeper tilling and for power composting.

detent slot nearest engine. Use to disengage power to tines or other PTO attachments before transport

ing, loading, turning, or backing up.

• To avoid transmission damage, always put the Wheels/Tines/ PTO Drive Lever in NEUTRAL

before shifting the Tines/PTO

Clutch Lever.

WARNING

To avoid personal injury, always place the tines in the TRAVEL position before start

ing the engine. This prevents the tines from touching the ground until you are ready to begin tilling.

Handlebar Height Adjustment Lever

Use this lever (F, Figure 3-2) to adjust the handlebars at one of the two preset height settings.

To change the height, hold the

handlebars with one hand and loosen the lever in a counterclock wise direction. Move the handle bars to one of the two preset height

settings and retighten the lever.

• Swapping the positions of the in

side handlebar ratchets (see Page

11) will change the preset set

tings by a few inches.

WARNING

For use with the PTO Chipper/ Shredder attachment only, the handlebars can be swung 30° to tbe right side by loos ening the mounting bolt at the bottom of the handlebar base. Never operate your tiller or other attachments with the handlebars swung out to the right side. This could result in unsafe han dling and personal injury.

ENGINE FEATURES AND

CONTROLS IDENTIFICATION

The following are descriptions

of the controls on your engine.

Additional engine information is provided in Section 4 “Operation” and in the engine manufacturer’s Owner’s Manual which was in cluded in your literature package. Be sure to read the engine Owner’s Manual carefully and save it for fu ture reference.

WARNING

To avoid serious personal in jury or damage to equipment, do not start your engine at this time. Complete starting instructions are described in Section 4 “Operation.”

Page 23

Figure 3-4: 7HP Briggs & Strattori engine. H- Choke controi, i- Recoii starter.

Figure 3-5:8HP and 10HP Briggs & Stratton engines. H- Choke controi; i- Recoii starter; L- ON/OFF Switch; M- Secondary engine throttie control lever.

Engine Throttle Lever

The throttle lever on the right

handlebar (G, Figure 3-3) is used

to adjust the

engine speed as well as start and stop the engine (a

„ secondary

Figure 3-3 throttle lever

is located on the front of the 8HP and lOHP engines—see M, Fig. 3-5.)

Move the lever away from the STOP position before starting the engine. Engine speeds can be var ied between the FAST and SLOW settings. Use the STOP position to turn the engine off.

Engine Choke Control

The choke control lever (H, Figures 3-4 or 3-5) makes starting a cold engine easier. The choke in creases or decreases the amount of air in the carburetor’s fuel-air mix ture. Use the CHOKE position when starting a cold engine. After

starting, gradually return the lever

to the RUN position.

Engine Recoil Starter

The recoil starter (I, Eigures 3-4 or 3-5) is used to manually start the engine. Before pulling the starter rope, the Wheels/Tines/PTO Drive Lever must be in NEUTRAL and your free hand must be on top of the fuel tank to stabilize the tiller.

Keyswitch Starter

The keyswitch starter on electric

start models (J, Eigure 3-6) has

three posi tions: OEE,

RUN and START. Turn the key to START to start the en

Figure 3-6

gine. Release

the key and it

will return to the RUN position.

Turn the key to OFF to stop the en

gine. (A second way to stop the engine is to move the engine throt tle lever to the STOP position.)

Fuel Shut-Off Valve

The shut-off valve (K, Fig. 3-7) is located under the fuel tank. The valve must be in the ON position (1/4 turn counterclockwise) to operate the engine. Close the shut off valve when the tiller is trans ported or not in operation to pre vent fuel leakage.

On/Off Switch

The 8 HP and lOHP Briggs &

Stratton engines have an On/Off Switch (L, Figure 3-5) which must be switched to ON before operat ing the engine.

Page 24

Section

This Section explains how to:

• Perform Pre-Starting Break-In and Preparation

• Test the Forward Interlock Safety System

As v.ilh any other piece of outdoor powered equipment, getting the "feel" for how your machine oper ates and getting to know tlie best techniques for particular jobs are very important to overall good per formance.

Read this Section very thoroughly before you start the engine. The

instructions given here will help you familiarize yourself with the tiller and have you operating it effi ciently in a short time.

A WARNING

Before operating your machine, be sure you read and understand all safety, controls, and all operating instructions in this Owner/Operator Manual and on

the decals on your machine.

• Start and Stop the Engine

• Operate and Turn the Tiller Around

• Transport the Tiller

• Change Belt Range Speed (from High to Low and back)

• Till in the Garden

• Till Up and Down Slopes

• Use Special Tilling Techniques

• Remove and Replace the Tine Attachment

• Use the PTO Power Unit with Other Attachments

Failure to follow these instructions can result in serious injury or property damage.

NOTE: All references to left, right,

front and real of the machine are de

termiried by standing behind the

handlebars and facing the direction of forward travel.

Page 25

Before operating the tiller, be

sure you have first read and under

stood all Safety Instructions in Section 1 and Controls information

in Section 3. First practice using the tiller in an open, level area. Practice without the tines revolving

- disengage the tines with the Tines/PTO Clutch Lever. After a thorough practice session, the tiller

can then be moved to the garden.

WARNING

Your tiller and its optional PTO attachments are capable ot causing serious injury to untrained or careless opera tors.

To avoid serious personal in jury or property damage, read the Owner/Operator Manual provided with any op tional accessories or attach ments before using the tiller or PTO power unit.

Break-In Operation

During the first few hours of

new tiller operation, the following

maintenance steps are required. For subsequent maintenance proce dures, refer to Section 5 — Maintenance.

1. Change Engine Oil. Change

the oil after the first 5 hours of new operation. Thereafter, change oil

after every 10 operating hours. Increase the frequency of oil

changes under very dirty or dusty

conditions.

2. Check Transmission Gear Oil

Level. After the first 2 hours of

new operation, check the gear oil

levels in the PTO power unit and

the tine attachment transmissions.

Thereafter, check them every 30

hours.

3. Check Drive Belt Tension.

Due to belt seating, a tension ad justment may be needed after the

first 2-to-3 hours of new operation.

Thereafter, check belt tension

every 10 operating hours.

4. Check Hardware, After 2 hours of new operation, check for loose bolts and nuts. Thereafter, do this every 10 operating hours.

Preparation Before Starting

Make the following checks and

perform the following services be

fore starting the engine.

1. Check Engine Oil Level.

2. Check the Air Cleaner. It must be securely assembled and clean.

3. Check Safety Guards. All

guards and covers must be securely in place.

4. Attach Spark Plug Wire,

5. Check Engine Cooling System.

The cooling fins and air intake screen must be clear of debris.

6. Adjust Handlebar Height.

7. Check Battery Fluid Level.

Cells must be filled to proper level, cell caps must be tight, and all electric wire connections secure.

8. Add Gasoline to Fuel Tank.

Use fresh, clean, lead-free automo tive gasoline. A minimum of 77 octane is recommended. DO NOT MIX OIL WITH GASOLINE!

DANGER

Gasoline is highly flammable and its vapors are explosive. Follow these safety practices to prevent injury from fire or explosion:

• Never fill tank if engine is running or hot from use. Let engine and muffler cool down before refueling.

• Do not permit open flames, sparks, matches or smoking in the fueling

area.

• Fill fuel tank outdoors in a well-ventilated area. Wipe up any fuel

spills and move tiller away from fumes before starting the engine.

• Use only an approved fuel container and lock it safely away from children.

• Store fuel and the tiller in a well-ventilated area. Do not store fuel or

tiller where fuel vapors may reach an open flame or spark, or an igni tion source (a hot water heater, furnace, clothes dryer, electric motor,

or the like).

• Let engine cool before storing.

• Never bring a metal fuel can near battery post on electric start model

tillers. An electrical short circuit could result, causing an explosion of the gasoline or of battery gases.

Refer to the separate Engine Owner’s Manual for detailed fuel recommendation s.

Note: The use of gasoline which contains alcohol, such as gasohol, is not recommended. However, if gasoline with alcohol is used, it must contain less than 10% Ethanol and must be removed from the engine during storage. Do not

use gasoline which contains

Methanol. Purchase fuel in a quantity that can

be used within 30 days. This will

assure fuel freshness and volatility tailored to the season. The use of a

fuel stabilizer additive will prevent

gum from forming in the fuel sys tem or on essential carburetor parts. See the “Storage Instructions” in the Engine Owner’s Manual.

To Add Gasoline:

a. Clean the fuel cap area before removing the fuel cap. b. Using a clean funnel, fill tank to within 1/2" of the top to prevent

spills and to allow for fuel expan sion. Replace the fuel cap securely

before starting the engine.

Page 26

Test Operation of Forward Interlock Safety System

The Forward Interlock Safety System is designed to shut the tiller engine off immediately if

you loose control of the tiller and cannot stop forward motion hy moving the Wheels/Tines/PTO Drive Lever into NEUTRAL.

Simply, it is an electrical

grounding system that connects the two Forward Interlock Levers on the handlebars to the engine’s igni tion system. Either one (or both) of the Forward Interlock Levers must be kept squeezed against the handlebar grip(s) whenever the Wheels/ Tines/ PTO Drive Lever is engaged in FORWARD.

If you release both the Forward Interlock Lever(s) before first moving the Wheels/Tines/PTO Drive Lever to NEUTRAL, the in terlock system will ground out the

engine’s ignition system and stop the engine. (The interlock system

also prevents the engine from start ing if the Wheels/ Tines/PTO Drive

Lever is engaged in FORWARD.)

This system has an electro-me

chanical design, and so is subject to normal wear and possible malfunc tion. As such, it must be checked for proper operation before you use the

tiller or PTO power unit each time.

How to Check the interlock System:

1. Move tiller outside on level

ground. Remove any obstacles.

2. Check that the Forward Interlock wire harness plug at the bottom of the handlebars is firmly connected to the receptacle on the top, right side of the transmission. See Photo 4-2.

Photo 4-2: Plug and receptacle of Forward Interlock Safety System must be securely connected.

3. Move Wheel Speed Lever to SLOW position and move Tines/ PTO Clutch Lever to DISENGAGE.

4. Start engine as described later in this section. Set engine throttle lever to SLOW, and let engine warm up.

5. Squeeze and holdjust one of the Forward Interlock Levers against the

handlebar grip while moving the Wheels/ Tines/ PTO Drive Lever down to FORWARD. (See Photo 4-3). As the tiller moves forward, release the Forward Interlock Lever briefly. The engine should start to

stall out if the interlock system is working properly. If it does start to

stall, quickly squeeze the lever up against the handlebar grip, and then return the Wheels/ Tines/ PTO Drive Lever to NEUTRAL. Repeat this test to check that the engine begins to stall out when the other Forward Interlock Lever is released.

6. If the engine does not begin to shut off when either Forward Interlock lever is released, shut the engine off, remove the key (if elec tric start), and do not operate the

tiller or PTO power unit until the system has been repaired and is functioning properly.

IMPORTANT - To avoid possible damage to the Forward Interlock Safety system, do not use highpressure sprays near the wire har ness receptacle or neutral plunger

assembly.

DANGER

The Forward Interlock Safety System is designed for the operator’s satety. Do not dis connect or attempt to defeat the purpose of the system. If the system malfunctions, im mediately contact your local authorized dealer or the TROY-BILT Technical Service Department for assistance. Do not use the tiller or the PTO power unit until the Forward Interlock Satety System is functioning prop erly. Always test the system before using the tiller or PTO power unit.

Photo 4-3: Squeeze one Forward Interlock Lever and

then move Wheels/Tines/PTO Drive Lever down to FOR

WARD.

Page 27

Engine Choke Control (at front of engine)

Recoil Start Rope (at front of engine)

Figure 4-4: Tiller and engine controls.

Clutch Lever

Starting and Stopping the Engine

IMPORTANT- Use the following steps to practice starting and stopping the engine ONLY. Do not attempt to drive tiller or PTO Power Unit until you have

read all operating instructions in

this Owner/Operator Manual.

To Start the Engine:

1. With the engine off, place the Wheels/Tines/PTO Drive Lever in the NEUTRAL position (see Figure 4-4). If in the FORWARD position, tap or lift the lever up and then release it to obtain NEUTRAL.

2. Lower the Depth Regulator Lever (see Figure 4-4) until the tines are off the ground.

3. Move the Wheel Speed Lever (Figure 4-4) to either the SLOW or FAST position. Be sure to roll the

wheels while shifting the lever until the wheels are engaged.

Note: If using a PTO stationary at tachment, move lever to FREE WHEEL and block the wheels to prevent the equipment from moving.

4. Put the Tines/PTO Clutch Lever in the DISENGAGE position (see Figure 4-4). (Use the ENGAGE po

sition if you want the tines to revolve or to apply power to a PTO-driven stationary attachment.)

5. The fuel tank shutoff valve must be in the OPEN position (see Figure 3-7, Page 23).

6. Move the Engine Throttle Lever on the handlebars forward (away from the STOP position). On the

8HP and lOHP engines, the Throttle Control Lever at the front of the en gine will also move.

7. On the 8HP and lOHP engines, put the ON/OFF switch on the top of the engine in the ON position.

8. On the 7HP engine, move the Choke Control Lever down to the CHOKE position (see Fig. 4-5). On

the 8HP and lOHP engines, put the Choke Control Lever in the CHOKE position (see Fig. 4-6). Note: Use of the CHOKE position may not be nec essary if the engine is still warm from recent operation.

9. For recoil start engines;

a.) Stabilize the tiller by placing one hand on the fuel tank.

b.) Check that area behind you is free of persons or obstacles. Use your other hand to slowly pull out the start rope until resistance is felt. Then rapidly pull the rope

out to start the engine. Let it

rewind slowly.

10. For electric start engines:

a. ) Turn key to START position. Do not hold key at START for more than a few seconds. Starter damage can occur if it is cranked more than 15 seconds per minute.

b. ) Release key when engine starts. It will move to RUN posi tion automatically.

11. If engine does not start after several tries, repeat start attempts with the choke opened slightly.

12. After the engine starts, slowly move the Choke Control Lever to a halfway position, then to the RUN position (lever fully opposite the CHOKE position). DO NOT oper

ate the engine with the lever in a

partial CHOKE position as exces

sive speeds may occur.

13. Move the Throttle Lever to the

SLOW position and allow the en gine to warm up.

Page 28

To Stop the Engine:

1. To stop the wheels and tines,

move the Wheel s/Tines/PTO Drive Lever to the NEUTRAL position and then release both Forward Interlock Levers.

Starting the Electric Start Engine

with the Recoil Starter Rope

If necessary, an electric start en gine may be started with the recoil start rope. Before doing so, follow the procedure below applying to you.

Figure 4-5: Choke Control Lever on the 7HP engine. Down for CHOKE; up for RUN.

Figure 4-6: Choke Control Lever on 8HP and 10HP engines. Left for

CHOKE; right for RUN.

2. Move the engine Throttle Lever to the STOP position (and on elec tric start models turn the key to OFF). Remove the key for safe keeping.

Note: The 8HP and lOHP engines have a Throttle Control Lever and an ON/OFF switch on the engine. Either control can also be used to stop the engine. On electric start models, always remove the key for safekeeping.

IMPORTANT - If the engine does not stop after moving the en gine controls to STOP or turning the keyswitch to OFF, then stop the engine by moving the Choke Control Lever to the CHOKE position. This will stall the en gine. Use this procedure only in

an emergency! Repair the engine control or keyswitch before reusing

the tiller.

1. If battery condition is OK (not “dead” or damaged), leave it con nected on the tiller so it gets

recharged during engine operation.

Be sure battery cells are full and

cables are connected before start ing the engine.

2. If battery is “dead” or dam aged, disconnect and remove it for

testing by a qualified mechanic. Before starting engine, wrap metal terminal at end of positive cable with electrical tape and secure the cable to the battery bracket to pre vent electrical sparking.

3. Before starting the engine with

the recoil start rope, turn the keyswitch to the RUN position. The Throttle Lever must be in the START position and the choke lever in the CHOKE position.

OCold Weather Operation

Below dO'^F, take the following steps to protect

your engine and transmission from damage:

1. Refer to the Engine Owner Manual provided with your unit for motor oil specifica tions appropriate for cold weather operation.

2. Let engine warm up before putting it under a load.

3. Use winter-blend gasoline.

4. Use the correct weight gear oil in PTO Power Unit transmission.

5. Warm up the transmission gear oil as follows: with engine running, move Wheel Speed Lever (see Figure

4-4) to FREEWHEEL

(then block wheels so

they can’t roll), put

Tines/PTO Clutch

Lever in DISEN

GAGE, then squeeze

one of the Forward

Interlock Levers and

shift the Wheels/

Tines/PTO Drive Lever

to FORWARD.

6. If wheels are frozen to

the ground, melt ice with warm water.

Page 29

To Operate the Tiller

CAUTION

To avoid serious personal injury or

damage to equipment:

• Always place Wheels/Tines/PTO Drive Lever in NEUTRAL before

starting engine, and before en gaging wheels, tines or other PTOdriven attachments.

• Be sure there are no obstacles behind you before reversing.

• Wheels/Tines/PTO Drive Lever

should automatically return to NEU TRAL when released from RE

VERSE position. If it does not, move lever to NEUTRAL manually and see Section 5 to adjust it.

• No reverse motion should occur if Wheels/Tines/PTO Drive Lever

is not held up in REVERSE. See

Section 5 for adjustment steps. Do

not use tiller unless properly ad

justed.

• Always return to NEUTRAL and let all motion stop before shifting to

FORWARD or REVERSE.

When first practicing, keep the Tines/PTO Clutch Lever in DIS ENGAGE position and the Wheel Speed Lever in SLOW position.

To Begin Tilling:

1. Start the engine (see previous instructions). The Wheels/Tines/ PTO Drive Lever must be in NEU TRAL before starting the engine. The Wheel Speed Lever must be in

either SLOW or EAST position.

2. Test the Forward Interlock

Safety System. See page 26.

3. Set Depth Regulator Lever to

desired depth and increase engine speed. (When “practicing”, keep tines in the “Travel” position.)

4. Move Tines/PTO Clutch Lever

to ENGAGE position (if practic ing, leave in DISENGAGE).

IMPORTANT - Do not move Tines/PTO Clutch Lever to EN GAGE unless Wheels/Tines/PTO Drive Lever is in NEUTRAL. Tiller damage may occur!

5. For forward motion of wheels

and tines, squeeze and hold either

or both Forward Interlock Levers (see Photo 4-7) against the handle bar grip, then move the Wheels/ Tines/ PTO Drive Lever down to FORWARD position.

6. When the tiller moves forward, relax and let the wheels power the tiller along while the tines dig. Walk behind and a little to one side

of the tiller (on the side that is not yet tilled - see Photo 4-8). Use a firm grip with one hand on the han dlebars, but keep your arm loose.

IMPORTANT- Let the tiller

move ahead at its own pace. Do not push it ahead—this reduces

operator control. Do not push handlebars down attempting

deeper digging— this takes

weight off the wheels, cuts trac

tion, and causes the tines to try to

propel the tiller.

WARNING

To avoid injury, keep hands, feet, legs, and clothing away from revolving tines.

Photo 4-7: Squeeze either or both Forward Interlock Levers UP before moving Wheels/Tines/PTO Drive Lever down into FORWARD.

Photo 4-8: Guide tiller with one hand.

Page 30

Operation

7. To stop forward motion: tap or lift Wheels/Tines/PTO Drive Lever

up to NEUTRAL and let go of the Forward Interlock Levers. The wheels and tines will stop and the en gine will continue running.

8. In an emergency, stop all for

ward motion by letting go of all handlebar control levers- this shuts off the engine too.

9. For reverse motion:

a. Do not till while in RE

VERSE.

b. Put TinesAVheels/PTO Drive

Lever in NEUTRAL and re duce engine throttle speed. Verify that the area behind you is clear.

Turning Around

Turning the tiller around is easy and just requires practice. First find the balance point between the engine and the tines by lifting up the handlebars. Once you have found the balance point, then let the powered wheels do the “turn ing” as you push sideways on the handlebars in the direction of the turn. Practice the turning maneu

ver described here in a large open area. Once comfortable turning the tiller, you can then take it to the garden area. See Photo 4-9 below.

c. Move Wheel Speed Lever to

the SLOW position.

d. Move the Tines/PTO Clutch

Lever to DISENGAGE.

e. Lift up handlebars until tines

are off the ground, then move (and hold) Wheels/

Tines/PTO Drive Lever all the way up. The Forward Interlock Levers do not need to be squeezed to use reverse.

10. To stop reverse motion:

Release the Wheels/Tines/PTO Drive Lever- it automatically re turns to the NEUTRAL position. This stops the wheels immediately. (The Forward Interlock Levers will not stop REVERSE motion.)

away from the tines (which should be disengaged). Let the powered

wheels do the hard work. The in side wheel will pivot in place while

the outside wheel drives the tiller

around in the direction of the turn. Refer to Photo 4-9.

Note: Use REVERSE if necessary to turn in a limited space.

4. When the turn is complete, shift to NEUTRAL and lower the han

To Stop the Engine

Move the engine throttle lever to the STOP position (and turn key to OFF on electric start models).

Remove the key for safekeeping.

CAUTION

To Help Avoid Personal Injury or Damage to Equipment;

• Be sure no obstacles are behind you before operating the tiller in REVERSE.

• Disengage the tines, reduce engine speed, and move the Wheel Speed Lever to SLOW position before operating in REVERSE. Avoid using FAST wheel speed until you are used to reversing.

dlebars. Move Tines/PTO Clutch Lever back to ENGAGE position and resume forward operation.

WARNING

To help avoid personal injury from revolving tines, always put the Tines/PTO Clutch Lever in DISENGAGE before turning tiller around.

Turning Procedure:

1. At the end of a row, move the Wheels/Tines/PTO Drive Lever to NEUTRAL position and reduce the engine speed.

2. Move the Tines/PTO Clutch Lever to DISENGAGE position.

3. Resume forward operation, and lift handlebars until tines are above the ground. Find the balance point between the engine and the tines. Then PUSH the handlebars to

swing the tiller around. Be very

careful to keep your feet and legs

Photo 4-9: To turn the tiller around most easily, lift up handlebars to find

“balance” point between engine and tines, then push against handlebars in

the direction of the turn while the powered wheels do the hard work.

Page 31

Transporting Your Tiller

The tiller’s powered wheels make moving the tiller to and from the garden easy when the engine is running. If the engine is off, you

can also roll the tiller to another lo cation if the Wheel Speed Lever is in the FREEWHEEL position.

WARNING

To help avoid personal injury from revolving tines, always

move Tines/PTO Clutch Lever

to DISENGAGE position be

fore transporting, loading or unloading tiller.

To Transport The Tiller Around Your Property;

1. Place the Tines/PTO Clutch

Lever in DISENGAGE position.

2. Move Depth Regulator Lever down all the way (TRAVEL setting).

3. If using engine power, move Wheel Speed Lever to either SLOW or FAST, and use the Wheels/Tines/PTO Drive Lever to drive the wheels.

4. If the engine is stopped, move Wheel Speed Lever to FREE WHEEL, and manually push tiller.

To Load Or Unload The Tiller:

1. Use loading ramps that are strong and wide enough to safely

hold the weight of the tiller and the

operator combined— your tiller weighs between 280 and 325 lbs.

2. Move the Tines/PTO Clutch Lever to DISENGAGE position.

3. Move Wheel Speed Lever to SLOW position and reduce the en gine throttle speed.

4. To go up ramps, use FOR WARD drive and follow the tiller up the ramps (Figure 4-10).

5. To go down ramps, use RE VERSE drive and back down the

ramps. Never go down the ramps

in FORWARD drive since the tiller could tip forward, exposing you to the tines (which should be

disengaged as we’ve recom mended). See Figure 4-11.

Page 32

To Change Belt Speeds

Your tiller has two belt-driven speed ranges - HIGH RANGE and LOW RANGE - you pick one or the other by deciding which set of pulley grooves you move the for ward belt into. By moving the belt from one speed range into the other, in combination with the FAST and SLOW wheel speeds of fered by the Wheel Speed Lever,

you obtain a choice of four differ ent forward wheel speeds and two different tine speeds.

Changing the belt from LOW range into HIGH range (or back again) is simply a matter of mov

ing the belt from one set of grooves on the engine and trans mission pulleys to a second set of grooves. This change is done quickly without tools. See Photos 4-12 through 4-16 for reference.

By using the two belt speed ranges with the two Wheel Speed Lever positions (FAST and SLOW), here are the wheel speeds / tine speeds available to you:

At 3000 RPM engine speed, the wheel and tine speeds you can choose from are:

Wheel

Speed Belt Position

Low Range Low Range

High Range

Lever

Position

Slow Fast Slow Fast

Wheel Speed

.5MPH

1.2I\/IPH .7MPH

1.72MPH

Tine Speed

146RPM 146 RPM 200 RPM 200 RPM

When the tiller is moving in REVERSE, the wheels and tines are powered by the rubber reverse disc and not by the belt. So you have only two reverse speeds as determined by the SLOW and FAST positions of the Wheel Speed Lever.

IMPORTANT: Proper belt ten sion is important to good perfor mance. Check tension after first 2 hours of new operation; then every 10 operating hours.

Photo 4-12: Belt range positions.

To Change From LOW Range to HIGH Range

1. To avoid personal injury, shut

off engine, let all moving parts

come to a complete stop, then dis connect the spark plug wire and move it away from the spark plug before making any adjustments.

2. Place Wheels/Tines/PTO Drive Lever in NEUTRAL.

3. Kneel on left side of tiller. To

create belt slack, reach over to

right side of the pulleys and push

in at the center of the belt with a finger. At the same time, use your left hand to work the belt part-way into the forward groove of the transmission (lower) pulley. See Photo 4-13. Now go to the other side of the tiller- finish seating the

belt in the forward groove.

4. On the left side of the tiller,

work the belt as much as possible into the forward groove in the en gine (top) pulley. See Photo 4-14. Finish seating it from the right side of the tiller.

Note: If extra belt slack is needed to move the belt, just raise the Wheels/Tines/PTO Drive Lever up into REVERSE. This lowers the engine pulley, creating the slack.

5. Check both sides of the pulleys to see the belt is seated in HIGH

range grooves of each pulley.

WARNING

To help avoid seri

ous personal in

jury, stop the en

gine, remove the

ignition key, dis connect spark plug wire and move the wire away Irom the spark plug, and let engine and muffler cool down before changing belf speeds.

Photo 4-13: Move belt on transmis sion pulley into the forward groove.

Photo 4-14: Move belt on the en

gine pulley into the forward groove.

Page 33

To Change From HIGH Range to LOW Range

1. To avoid personal injury, shut off engine, let all moving parts come to a complete stop, then dis connect spark plug wire and move it away from the spark plug before

making any adjustments.

2. Move the Wheel s/Tines/PTO Drive Lever to NEUTRAL.

3. Stand on left side of tiller. Use your right hand to hold the Wheels/Tines/PTO Drive Lever UP in REVERSE position. Then use

left hand to move belt from front groove to rear groove on the en gine pulley (top pulley). Refer to Photo 4-15. Go to right side of tiller and finish seating the belt.

4. Still holding the lever up in RE

VERSE position, move the belt

Photo 4-15: With Wheels/Tines/PTO Drive Lever held UP in REVERSE, move belt on engine (upper) pulley over into its rear groove.

from the front groove to the rear

groove on the lower transmission

pulley. Start at the left side of the

tiller and finish seating the belt from the right side (Photo 4-16).

Photo 4-16: Now move belt on transmission pulley (lower pulley) over into its rear pulley groove.

5. Check that the belt is fully

seated in the pulley grooves. Look

at this from both sides of the tiller.

Choosing Tiller Wheel

and Tine Speeds

Your tiller offers four wheel/tine

speed combinations to handle ev

ery tilling task and garden job. By

experimenting, you’ll find the right tilling depth, engine speed, and wheel and tine speed combination that is best for the soil in your gar den. Here’s how to approach jobs:

WHEEL SPEED AND BELT RANGE SELECTION GUIDE

IMPORTANT — For correct wheel speed and belt range choices when using attachments or accessories

other than tines, read the Owner/Operator Manual provided with the attachment or accessory.

SLOW GEAR, LOW BELT RANGE

Till in sod. Till in hard clay. Till under standing cornstalks

in tough soil conditions.

Till under cover crops.

Prepare a deep seedbed. Till in stony soil.

Till in residues and organic

matter.

Mix in fertilizers, manure.

SLOW GEAR, HIGH BELT RANGE

Till in sod or hard clay. Till under standing cornstalks

(slow, steady speed allows time to shred stalks).

Till under cover crops (best

wheel speed and belt speed range in most soils).

Prepare seedbeds (best speed

choice in most soils).

Till in stony ground.

Build raised garden beds. Mix in fertilizer. Use hiller wings in hard soil. Mix fertilizer and manure.

Till residues, organic matter.

1. Advance the throttle lever so the engine has sufficient power.

2. Do not set the depth regulator at too deep a setting to avoid having the engine labor or the tiller buck.

3. Your settings are “ideal” when the tines are breaking up the soil nicely, the engine is not laboring, and your progress is steady and smooth. See the Selection Guide below for hints.

FAST GEAR, LOW BELT RANGE

Go over seedbed for the last

time before planting crops.

Cover over seeds in wide row

or plot planting (raise han dlebars to avoid going too deep).

Best for hilling and furrowing.

Best for making raised beds.

Cultivate (raise handlebars to

avoid going too deep). Good for tiliing large areas. Till organic matter in. Cultivating between raised

beds with hiller-furrower at

tachment.

WARNING

The HIGH speed belt range position combined with a FAST wheel speed setting propels the tiller at the fastest pace. To help avoid personai injury or property damage if using this speed comhination, reduce the en gine throttle speed.

FAST GEAR, HIGH BELT RANGE

Prepare seedbeds for planting. Cover seeds with less need to

hold up the handlebars.

Cultivate (tiller travels faster,

rides higher on the soil; al lows engine RPM to be re duced; handlebars don’t have to be raised).

Keep large areas tilled and

cultivated in the summer.

Till under organic matter.

Move tiller location quickly.

Cultivate between raised beds

using the hiller/furrower.

Page 34

TILLING IN THE GARDEN

Here are tips and suggestions to help you get the most satisfaction and performance from your tiller.

Tilling Depths

When you begin tilling in the

garden, please go slowly and easily

at first. It’s very important that you not try to dig too deeply too quickly. Soil that hasn’t been tilled for some time must be tilled up gradually— it’s almost impossible to dig down 4"-to-5" on the first

pass with the tiller in compact soil.

IMPORTANT — Start tilling at a very shallow depth regulator setting, only 1" or 2" deep the

first time through the garden

area.

With each succeeding pass, you

can adjust the depth regulator lever

upward so the tines will dig an

other inch or two deeper. Hint -

water your garden area a few days before tilling to make the job much easier. If it is difficult to dig down

really deep, let the newly-worked

soil “rest” for a day or two. It will

then be easier to till.

Don’t till when the soil is too wet. Wet soil will leave large clumps after tilling - and will only harden later. Hint - test the soil by

squeezing it — if it compresses too easily it’s too wet to till.

Seedbed Preparation

In a well-prepared seedbed, the soil will be loose and fine-textured. Try to till the first time a few weeks before the planting date; till the second time a few days later; then till the third time on the day of planting. This will make the seedbed as loose and well-aerated as possible.

When preparing the soil, go

down the same path twice in the

first row, then overlap each suc

ceeding row by one-half the tiller’s

width. See Figure 4-18. Next,

make a second pass through the

seedbed at a right-angle to your

earlier rows (refer to Figure 4-19). Again, overlap each row by onehalf the width of the tiller. (In very hard ground, several passes over the seedbed may be needed.)

If there is not enough room to make a second pass at a right-angle, go back and repeat the first pass, overlapping the rows by one-quar

ter the width of the tiller.

Plan to expand your garden the following year? Bust up the sod in

the Fall - the ground will be com pletely broken down when Spring arrives. You can also plant a cover

crop in the Fall in that newly tilled area - the cover crop will keep the soil intact and enrichen it.

WARNING

To help avoid personal injury, be aware that the filler can unexpect edly bounce up or jump ahead and be propelled away trom you if the

tines strike hard or frozen ground,

or buried obstacles like large

stones, roots or stumps. Always

use the following precautions to help maintain control of the tiller;

• Walk behind and to the side of the tiller. Use one hand on the han dlebars, relaxing your arm but with a secure hand grip.

• Use shallow depth regulator set tings. Till gradually deeper.

• Use slower wheel, tine and en gine speeds.

• Clear the tilling area of all large stones, roots and other debris.

• Do not put downward pressure on the handlebars. If needed, apply slight upward handlebar pressure to keep the tines from digging too deeply.

• Avoid contacting hard soil or sod at the end of a row - reduce engine speed and lift handlebars to raise tines out of the soil.

• In An Emergency, stop tines and

wheels by moving Wheels/Tines/ pro Drive Lever to NEUTRAL. If you cannot reach the lever or have lost control. Let Go Of The Han

dlebars and All Controls.

Photo 4-17: Use shallow depth reg

ulator settings when tilling at first.

Figure 4-18: With each new row, overlap half of the previous row.

Figure 4-19: Till entire garden in one direction. Then at a 90° angle.

Page 35

Avoid Making Footprints

When making final tilling or cultivating passes through the garden, try to walk on the side of the tiller where you will be on as-yet unfilled soil. Don’t leave footprints as shown in Photo 4-20.

Eliminating footprints means more than just a good appearance in your garden. The lack of footprints aids in preventing soil erosion and keeps weed seeds from being “replanted” in the newly tilled soil. Soil that hasn’t been compacted by footprints is also easier for plant roots to grow in.

Cultivating

If you plan carefully before planting, you can leave enough room between plant rows for later cultivating

with the tiller. That will eliminate hand-weeding or hoeing chores during the growing season!

The tiller hood is 22-'A" across. Allow for that width between rows plus additional room for plant

growth (particularly bushy crops like beans, tomatoes,

peas, etc.) See Figure 4-21.

Photo 4-20: Avoid leaving footprints.

Power Composting

For a garden to be bountiful, the soil must be re

plenished regularly. Harvested produce removes ni trogen, phosphorous, and potassium from the soil — these plant nutrients must be replaced.

An easy and effective way to do this is to use your

tiller to chop, blend, and turn under all kinds of or ganic matter (crop residues, leaves, grass clippings, etc.). This material decomposes during the off-season and releases nutrients into the soil. See Photo 4-22.

When power composting with your tiller, adjust the

depth regulator to the deepest setting possible (move it up so one of the bottommost notches is engaged) without causing the engine to labor or the tiller to jump ahead. Till under crop residues as soon as possible after crop harvesting, as they’ll till under more easily when green. Use the HIGH belt range and SLOW Wheel Speed Lever position when power composting. If necessary, move the belt to LOW range to slow down the tine speed.

Figure 4-21: Allow sufficient mam between rows far cultivating.

Last, plant a cover crop to protect the soil during the non-growing season. Then, in the Spring, the cover crop can be tilled under a few weeks prior to planting, providing more organic matter to help feed the soil.

Photo 4-22: After harvesting produce, till under crop residues to add nutrients to the soil.

Page 36

SPECIAL TROY-BILT GARDENING TECHNIQUE— Till Under Standing Cornstalks

After com is harvested, the stalks should be tilled into the soil while still green. If you wait until they’ve dried out, they’ll be harder to till under, and the roots will break loose from the soil which you don’t want! (Don’tpull the

roots out by hand or cut the stalks before tilling — it is only when the

stalks are still firmly anchored by

their roots that the chopping and cutting action of the tines gets a chance to work best.)

Photo 4-23: First Pass Till along first

cornstalk row,

with right

tiller wheel up against but not touching cornstalks, to loosen the soil next to

the corn stalks.

Three Rules For Tilling Under Cornstalks

Knocking down cornstalks and tilling them into the soil is not hard to do if you understand three basic

principles: First - As you move

forward into a row of stalks, aim the tiller so the stalks go between

the left wheel and the transmission

case (see Photo 4-24). Don’t use

the right wheel because damage

could occur to the air cleaner, car buretor or throttle linkage.

Second- Each new pass should

overlap the previous pass by onehalf the width of the tiller. Third - Till as deeply as possible.

Pull the Depth Regulator all the

way UP and engage the lowest notch for deep tilling. Use either LOW or HIGH belt range and

SLOW wheel speed gear position.

Note: Depending upon the size

and height of the stalks, you may be able to use LOW belt range and PAST wheel speed gear.

Let the tilled in stalks decom pose for a week or so. Then till in the remaining residue as deep as possible. Again, overlap your till ing passes so everything gets thor oughly processed. After another week, sow a cover crop, like an nual rye grass.

Photo 4-24: Second Pass

- Approach the row of cornstalks from the op

posite direc

tion. Align tiller so row of stalks is

between left

wheel and

transmission case. Knock down stalks, partially burying them.

Photo 4-25: Third Pass Go back over

the stalks you knocked down from the opposite di rection. This buries much of the residue 3"-to-4" deep.

Photo 4-26: Fourth Pass

- Till be tween the buried row and the next standing row to loosen soil. Now re

peat instruc

tions given for the first three passes.

Page 37

Clearing Debris From The Tines

The Bolo Tines have a self cleaning action which reduces most vegetation tangling in the tines. However, grass, string, or tough vines can get tangled. It’s not necessary to remove all the

material, but you should get enough out so the action of the tines isn’t impaired.

To avoid tangling:

• Set depth regulator lever for deep

tilling- this results in maximum chopping action.

• Till under crop residues or cover crops while still green.

• Sway handlebars from side to side (6"-to-12" either way) when power composting - this can clear tangled tines.

If tangling occurs, stop the engine,

disconnect the spark plug wire, let all moving parts stop, then use a

pocket knife or linoleum knife to clear away the tangled materials.

WARNING

To help avoid personal injury, stop the engine, remove the electric start key, then dis connect the spark plug wire and move the wire away from

the spark plug hetore at

tempting to clean the tiller tines by hand.

Tilling Up And Down Slopes

Planting space may be so lim

ited that you only have sloped ground available for your garden. If so, please follow two very im portant guidelines for tilling on slopes: 1) till only on moderate slopes, never on steep ground where footing is difficult; 2) we recommend you plant rows up and down the slope (rather than terrac ing crossways) to get more plant ing room and also sufficient room for cultivating. See Photo 4-27.

Growing a garden vertically on a slope doesn’t have to mean soil erosion will be a major problem. You just need to put in enough or

ganic matter so the soil has good moisture-holding ability, and you

need to avoid making footprints or

leaving wheel marks. This keeps

erosion to a minimum.

CAUTION

TO AVOID SERIOUS PERSONAL INJURY OR DAMAGE TO EQUIPMENT:

• Do not operate tiller on a slope too steep for safe operation. Go slowly on any slope. Make sure you have good footing.

• Wear tootwear that increases stability and reduces slippage.

• Do not use FAST wheel speed position when on sloped ground.

• Do not shift the Wheel Speed Lever when heading up or down a slope. If lever is accidentally moved to FREE WHEEL position,

the tiller could roll out of control.

• To prevent engine damage due to oil starvation (on slopes,the engine is inclined and oil moves away from surfaces that need lu

brication), be sure the correct oii level is maintained during all uphill/downhill tilling operations. Check the level of the oil in your engine after every one-half hour of operation.

When tilling vertically on a slope, try to make the first pass in an uphill direction. The tines will dig more deeply than when going downhill. You may have to lift the handlebars slightly going uphill. When tilling down the slope, over lap the previous uphill pass by half a tiller width. Hint: for best re

sults, use the HIGH belt range and SLOW wheel speed lever position.

Photo 4-27: Tilling on a moderate slope. (Don’t till on steep ground.)

Page 38

Terrace Gardening

If a slope is too steep or not long enough for vertical tilling, it may be necessary to till across the

slope and create terraced rows. Terraces are rows that are cut into the side of a slope, creating a nar row, but flat area on which to plant. On a long slope, you can make several terraces, one below the other on the slope.

IMPORTANT: Do not till across a slope without creating terraces. Simply tilling across the slope and leaving unterraced rows on the slope creates hazardous foot ing for you, and invites soil ero sion. When you will be making rows across a slope, be sure they are terraced rows.

Terraces should be made about

two-to-three feet wide. This will

allow one or two rows of plants on the terrace, and allow enough room to till under crop residues. However, with a terrace this wide there may not he enough room for cultivating. Hint: If you make ter

races too wide, you ’ll be digging

far into the hillside, exposing poor

subsoil in which plants will not be their most productive.

Move the belt into LOW belt range and the Wheel Speed Gear Lever to SLOW position. Start to terrace at the top of the slope. Go all the way across the slope several times until the first terrace is made.

See Figure 4-28 and Photo 4-29. As you work down the slope, al ways keep the uphill wheel in the

soft, newly tilled soil. Each suc

ceeding terraced area is started by walking below the terrace you are preparing. In four or five passes, the tiller can carve out a flat and wide enough terrace for planting.

Don’t till the last 12-inches (leave at least that much soil un tilled ) of the downhill outside edge of each terrace. Keeping this strip untilled helps prevents your terraces from breaking apart and washing downhill. This untilled strip also gives you a walking path between terraces.

UPHILL

LEAVE 12 INCHES UNTILLED

4 REPEAT PROCEDURE

DOWNHILL

Figure 4-28: How to make a terrace in just 4 or 5 passes with the tilier.

Tilling Across Slopes Without Terraces

Tilling across a slope without forming terraces is

not recommended. Of course it can he done, but do

study your terrain carefully and try to avoid going across a slope without making terraces. See if it isn’t possible to till vertically up and down the slope or, as a second option, to create terraces.

making unterraced passes across the slope by starting at the very top of the slope. Make your second pass by overlapping half the width of the first pass. Always keep the uphill wheel in the soft, newly tilled soil. This will increase the stability of the tiller. For best results, move the belt into LOW belt range and the Wheel Speed Gear Lever into the SLOW position.

Photo 4-29: Make a terrace in just 4

or 5 passes with the tiller.

Soil Enrichment Idea

Trench Composting — Trench composting is easy with the op tional Hiiler-Furrower Attach ment (see Section 5). Just dig a trench, put in all kinds of or ganic matter, and cover with soil. Earthworms and microbes will break it down quickly.

Again, you should make certain that the slope is

not too steep to till on at all. If it’s safe, you can begin

Page 39

SPECIAL TROY<BILT GARDENING lECHUmE— Making Raised Beds For Planting

If you have wet soil or heavy

clay soil, most crops won’t grow

well due to a lack of air and nutri ents. Raised beds can help solve these problems. In addition, they provide a good irrigation system,

give more sun to the plants, and

foster good root growth. Raised beds are easily made too with the

optional Hiller-Furrower attach

ment.

You can even try wide-row planting on raised beds. Wide rows can be spaced from 30 inches to 36 inches apart, and from 8 inches to 10 inches high.

Photos 4-30 through 4-33 at right show you the steps to take to create raised beds. After working the soil to a fine seedbed, attach your Hiller-Furrower and use it to make your rows. The hiller wings will raise up the soil, creating the foundation for the raised beds. After you plant seeds on the ridges of each row, rake the ridges flat. Then use the tiller with the furrower to make irrigation trenches

at the end of each row.

Photo 4-30: Step 1 — Work soil to a deep, smooth, loose seedbed.

Photo 4-32: Step 3 — After planting seeds on the ridges, rake loose soil over the top. Firm the soil per seed directions.

Photo 4-31: Step 2 — Put row mark er stakes at proper intervals. At tach Hiller-Furrower to make rows.

Photo 4-33: Step 4 — Use furrower blade attachment to make irrigation trenches at the ends of each row.

SPECIAL TROY-BILT GARDENING TECHNIQUE—

Wide-row planting is a very productive gardening

technique we suggest you tiy. As the name implies, seeds are broadcast in bands anywhere from 10 inches to 2 feet wide or more, rather than in traditional, nar row single rows. As a result, you’ll typically grow anywhere from 3 to 4 times (or more) produce in the same space normally set aside for an area that has nar row, single rows.

Wide-row planting (see photos at right) automati cally shades the ground which keeps weed growth down and also holds moisture in the soil. And of course, harvesting is much easier - everything is right at hand to be picked. Preparing wide rows is easy — after you prepare the seedbed and mark off the rows with string, just hand-broadcast the seeds as seeding a lawn (not quite as much as lawn seed). Cover with soil and tamp the area firmly with a hoe.

Photo 4-34: Wide-row

planting on

the right com pared to sin gle-row plant

ing on the left.

Photo 4-35: After prepar

ing seedbed,

mark off the

row area as

wide as you

want, up to 4-

feet across.

Page 40

THE PTO POWER UNIT

As explained on Page 2 of this Manual, your tiller is really a selfcontained PTO power unit that was

shipped to you with a tine attach ment connected to it. The tine at tachment is quickly removed and replaced by other attachments that are available from us. The instruc tions given here will familiarize you with your PTO Power Unit.

Please read these pages carefully.

VERY IMPORTANT

Before operating your PTO Power Unit tor the tirst time, make sure

that you have:

• Read all the safety instructions in Section 1 of this Manual and in

the Manual supplied with any at tachment.

• Read the controls information

and operating procedures tor the tiller and engine described in Sections 3 and 4 ot this Owner/ Operator Manual.

• Reacf anct understand the assem

bly instructions, controls informa tion, arrd operating procedures for the attachment as described in the

Owner/Operator Manual that is supplied with the attachment.

Removing And Replacing The Tine Attachment

The following steps explain how

to remove and replace the tine at

tachment. The only tool you will

need is a 3/4" wrench (minimum

12" long for good leverage).

There are two optional acces sories that make the following steps easier. The Kickstand acces sory prevents the PTO Power Unit

(engine end) from falling forward

when an attachment is removed

(Photo 4-37). The Tine Attach ment Cradle accessory gives you a handy support in which to rest the tine attachment when it is removed from the tiller (see Photo 4-38). For more information about other accessories, refer to “Accessories” at the back of this Manual.

^ CAUTION

TO AVOID PERSONAL INJURY OR DAMAGE TO EQUIPMENT:

• Stop the engine, remove

the electric start key, discon

nect the spark plug wire and let the engine and muffler cool before removing or in

stalling any attachment.

• Do not place hands, tools, or any object near or inside

the PTO access hole when the engine is running.

• When removing or replac ing the tine attachment, be

careful of the sharp edges on the tiller hood. Wear thick gloves for hand protection.

• When the tine attachment is

removed, always place it in the Tine Cradle or prop it up to prevent the attachment from tailing torward.

Photo 4-37: The Kickstand acces sory prevents engine from tipping.

Photo 4-38: The Tine Attachment Cradle accessory is a handy option.

Photo 4-36: The PTO Power Unit with the tine attachment removed.

To Remove Tine Attachment:

1. First be sure the engine is stopped, the electric start key is re moved, and the spark plug wire is disconnected.

2. Place tiller on level ground.

3. Place the Wheels/Tines/PTO Drive Lever in NEUTRAL (refer to Photo 4-39).

Page 41

Engine Throttle

Photo 4-39: PTO Power Unit controls.

Tines/PTO Clutch Lever

4. Place Tines/PTO Clutch Lever in DISENGAGE (Photo 4-39).

5. Place Wheel Speed Lever in FREE WHEEL (Photo 4-39).

6. Place a strong support under the engine or use the Kickstand acces sory (if so equipped) to prevent the engine from tipping forward when

Forward Interlock Levers

Wheels/Tines/ PTO Drive Lever

Wheel Speed

Lever

wrapping will substitute) over the “dog” clutch coupling of the tine attachment to keep it clean.

10. The power unit is now ready to accept any other powered or non-powered attachment. See that attachment’s Owner/Operator Manual for installation and opera tion instructions.

To Replace Tine Attachment:

1. Follow Steps 1 -through 5 of the previous tine attachment removal instructions.

Photo 4-40: Block up engine.

the tine attachment is removed.

See Photo 4-40.

7. With a 3/4" wrench, loosen the two swing-out bolts that connect the power unit transmission to the tine attachment and swing the bolts outward. See Photo 4-41. Hint:

an extra-long wrench for leverage is very helpful.

Photo 4-41: Move both of the swing-bolts outward.

the guide hole in the tine attach ment. See Photos 4-42 and 4-43.

Note - Store tine attachment at level position to avoid gear oil leak age around dipstick.

9. Place the dust cap (comes with certain attachments; plastic

2. Move the two swing-out bolts on the power unit to their outward position (slide the washers next to the bolt heads too).

3. Slowly roll the power unit back to the tine attachment. Move the Kickstand down (or support the en gine with a wood block).

4. Remove the dust cap (or protec tive wrapping) from the clutch

coupling on the tine attachment.

8. Use one hand on the handlebars to tip the power unit forward about one inch while pulling the tine at tachment backward. The guide pin

on the power unit will release from

Photo 4-42: Lift handlebars while pulling attachment away from power unit.

Photo 4-43: Align the guide pin with the mounting hole.

Page 42

6. Move the two swing-bolts into the slots of the tine attachment. Alternately tighten each bolt until they are tight enough to make the concave washers on the bolts flat.

The bolts must be very tight - if

you have a torque wrench, tighten each one to between 70-80ft.-lbs.

See Photo 4-44.

IMPORTANT - The swing-bolts must be kept very tight to pre vent damaging wear to the ‘dog’ clutch couplings, alignment pin or the alignment hole. Check bolt tightness every 2-!^ operat ing hours.

7. Remove the engine support be fore moving the tiller in a forward direction.

Photo 4-44: Tighten both swing-bolts very securely with a long 3/4" wrench. Tighten them to between 70-to-80 ft. lbs.

PTO POWER UNIT OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

WARNING

To help avoid personal injury or damage to equipment, read the Owner/Operator Manual supplied with each attachment belore installing or operating the attachment. See all detailed use and op eration inlormation and all

safety instructions.

The following instructions de

scribe how to operate the PTO Power Unit only. Read the sepa rate Owner/Operator Manual sup plied with each attachment before attempting to assemble, attach, transport or operate the attach ment. If needed, please contact us for a replacement manual.

Some attachments have a drive

shaft or a hydraulic pump that is powered by the engine on the PTO Power Unit. These attachments

are called “Stationary

Attachments,” since they must re

main in one location when being

operated (they can be towed to a

work site by the PTO Power Unit

as described in “To Operate Non-

Powered Attachments”).

Other attachments are simply pulled or towed behind the PTO Power Unit. These attachments

are called “Non-Powered Attachments.”

Before Starting The Engine;

Important - Before operating in temperatures below 40®F, refer to “Cold Weather Operation” in structions in Section 4.

1. Move the Wheels/Tines/PTO Drive Lever to NEUTRAL. To find NEUTRAL (be sure engine is off), push lever down to engage it in FORWARD, then tap or lift the lever up and release it (Photo 4-39).

2. Move the Tines/PTO Clutch Lever to DISENGAGE.

3. For Stationary Attachments Only:

FREE WHEEL, then block all wheels to prevent the equipment from rolling. Refer to Photo 4-39

and Figure 4-45.

the Forward Interlock Wire Harness that leads from the bottom of the handlebars to the receptacle located on the top, right side of the transmission cover (see Figure

4-46).

WARNING

To help avoid personal injury, always disengage the Tines/ PTO Ciutch Lever before tow ing any attachment.

a. Move Wheel Speed Lever to

b. On the Power Unit, unplug

Figure 4-45: Block wheels on power unit and stationary attachment.

Page 43

Figure 4-46: Disconnect the Forward Interlock

Wire Harness coming from the handlebars that connects to the recepta cle on top of the trans mission. Then connect

the wire from your Stationary Attachment to

the receptacle on top of

the transmission. Verify

the connection is secure.

INTERLOCK WIRE HARNESS FROM HANDLEBARS

c. On the Stationary Attach

ment, locate the interlock wire and

be sure the plug is clean.

d. Connect the plug from the

Stationary Attachment to the re ceptacle on the Power Unit. See Figure 4-46. The connection must

be tight. This connection allows

you to operate the Wheels/Tines/ PTO Drive Lever in FORWARD without having to constantly squeeze one of the Forward Inter lock Levers.

4. For Non-Powered Attachments Only:

a. Move the Tines/PTO Clutch

Lever to DISENGAGE.

b. Move the Wheel Speed

Lever to either SLOW or FAST po

sition (roll tiller power unit while

shifting lever until wheels are en gaged.) See Photo 4-39.

c. Verify that the Forward

Interlock Wire Harness plug at the bottom of the handlebars is con

nected to the Forward Interlock Wire Harness receptacle on the top

right side of the transmission

(Figure 4-46).

5. Move the Engine Throttle Lever

away from the STOP position and

use the Choke Control if engine is

cold. Pull out the Recoil Start Rope (or use keyswitch on electric

start models). When engine starts, move Choke Control to CHOKE OFF and let engine warm up. (See

Section 4 - Page 27 for detailed

starting steps).

6. For non-powered attachments only, test the Forward Interlock

Safety System (Section 4 - Page 26).

WARNING

To avoid injury, do not run the engine in an enciosed or

poorly vented area. Engine exhaust contains carbon monox ide, an odorless and deadly gas.

To Operate Stationary

Attachments:

1. Put Tmes/PTO Clutch in ENGAGE.

2. To apply power to PTO-driven attachments, move Wheels/Tines/

PTO Lever down to FORWARD position (do not use REVERSE

with stationary attachments).

3. To Stop PTO Power: Tap or lift the Wheels/Tines/PTO Drive Lever up to NEUTRAL position.

To Operate Non-Powered Attachments (or to Tow Stationary Attachments):

1. To go forward, squeeze and

hold one Forward Interlock Lever

(refer to Photo 4-39) up against the

handlebars, and move the Wheels/

Tines/PTO Drive Lever down to

FORWARD.

2. To Stop Forward Motion: Tap or lift the Wheels/Tines/PTO Drive Lever up to NEUTRAL, then re lease Forward Interlock Levers.

3. To stop forward motion in an emergency- Let go of all power unit controls (this stops the engine).

4. For reverse motion, first reduce the engine speed and put the Wheel Speed Lever in SLOW. Then move and hold the Wheels/ Tines/PTO Drive Lever up for re

verse motion (the area behind you must be clear of all obstacles).

5. To Stop Reverse Motion:

Release the Wheels/Tines/PTO Drive Lever.

To Stop The Engine:

Move the Engine Throttle Lever to STOP (and turn Keyswitch to OFF on electric start models).

Page 44

Section

Carefully read this Section on tiller and engine maintenance and service. Performing the required mainte nance according to schedule will ensure the proper performance and long life of your machine.

Subjects covered in this Section include:

• Tiller Maintenance

• Engine Maintenance

• Storing Your Tiller

• Troubleshooting

• Specifications

• Attachments

REQUIRED MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE

A CAUTION

Before inspecting, cleaning or servicing the machine, shut off engine, wait for all moving parts to come to a complete stop, disconnect spark plug wire and move wire away from spark plug.

Failure to follow these instruc

tions can result in personal in

jury or property damage.

NOTE: All references to left, right, front and rear of the ma chine are determined by standing behind the handlebars and facing the direction of forward travei.

PROCEDURE Each 10 25 30 Noted

Check engine oil level

Clean engine cooling system

Test operation of Forward Interlock

Safety System

Forward Interlock Safety System -

check wire condition,connections

Check battery electrolyte level and

electrical connections

Recharge battery

Check drive belt tension

Check nuts and bolts

Clean tiller tine shaft

Lubricate tiller

Change engine oil*

Clean foam element air filter Check paper element air filter

Check for oil leaks

Check gear oil level in

both transmissions Check bolo tines for wear Check reverse disc for wear Check air pressure in tires

* During engine break-in period, change engine oii after first 5 hours of operation.

Before Every Every Every As

Use Hours Hours Hours

•

Every 5

operating hrs.

See Sec 4

Before/after

long storage

After initial

2 hours

After initial

2 hours

More often

in dusty or dirty areas

More often

in dusty or dirty areas

After initial

2 hours

After initial

2 hours

Page 45

TIGHTEN BOLTS AND NUTS

^WARNING

To help avoid personal injury, stop the engine, remove the electric start key, disconnect the spark plug wire and move the wire away from the spark

plug, and let the engine muf fler cool before inspecting or servicing the tiller or engine.

Check for loose or missing hardware every ten (10) operating hours. Failure to tighten or replace fasteners can cause poor perfor mance, equipment damage or oil leakage. See your Parts Catalog for complete fastener descriptions.

Most hardware on your tiller is

visible. Pay particular attention to

hardware shown in Photos 5-1, 5-2,

5-3, and Figure 5-3A.

1. Check the transmission pulley mounting bolt (Photo 5-1). If the washer behind the bolt head is loose, the bolt needs tightening. To do this, first insert a punch or thick screwdriver into the hole next to the bolt and wedge the tool

against the side of the motor mount casting. This “freezes” the pulley while you tighten the bolt.

2. Check jam nut on left side of neutral plunger assembly (Photo 5-

2). If loose, immobilize bolt head with one wrench and use another wrench to tighten the nut.

3. Check the three rear bearing cap screws under the depth regula tor mounting bracket (“A”, Photo 5-3). If any is loose, it can cause an oil leak or drive shaft end play.

4. Check the five bolts securing the tiller housing cover to the left side of the transmission (“B” in Photo 5-3). Gear oil can leak from a loose housing cover. To reach the bolts, remove the left side tine holder. See “Bolo Tine Maintenance” in this Section for tine holder removal directions.

5. Check both swing-bolts (“C”, Photo 5-3) that connect the power unit transmission to the tine attach ment. Both bolts should be checked every 2-1/2 hours of oper

ation. If loose, wear can occur on

the locating pin on the power unit,

and cause enlargement of the locat ing hole in the tine attachment. Using a torque wrench, tighten these bolts to 70-to-80 ft.-lbs.

6. Check the locknut that fastens

the shifting linkage to the eccentric

shifting lever (“D”, Photo 5-3). Do not tighten the locknut against the eccentric lever. It should be very close to, but not touching the lever.

7. Check the four bolts and nuts

securing left and right tine holders

to the tine shaft (Figure 5-3A).

IMPORTANT- Give screws or

bolts that go into the transmis

sion housing a coating of non

hardening gasket sealant to pre

vent gear oil from leaking.

Figure 5-3A: Tine hoider hardware must be tight.

Photo 5-1: Check bolt on transmission pulley.

Photo 5-2: Check jam nut on piunger assembly.

Photo 5-3: Gently tilt tiller forward to check fasteners.

Page 46

TILLER LUBRICATION

can cause the belt or disc to slip on the pulleys.

WARNING

To help avoid personal injury, stop the engine, remove the electric start key, disconnect the spark plug wire and move

the wire away from the spark

plug, and let the engine and muffler cool before inspect ing or lubricating the tiller.

Lubricate the numbered areas in

Photos 5-4 and 5-5, as follows:

1. Oil the wheel shaft between the wheel hubs and the transmission housing (Photo 5-4).

2. Oil all pivoting and connecting

points on the Wheels/Tines/PTO Drive Lever and the Wheel Speed Lever (Photo 5-4). If Wheel Speed

Proper lubrication of the tiller’s

mechanical parts is an essential part of good maintenance. Lubri cation should be done after every ten (10) hours of operation.

Use ordinary motor oil (#30

weight or lighter) where oil is

specified. Use a quality grease with a metal lubricant where grease is recommended (regular grease is acceptable). Do not over lubricate. If there is a build-up of dirt, remove the build-up and re apply oil or grease.

IMPORTANT - Do not allow oil or grease to contact the pulleys, drive belt or reverse disc. This

Lever has a grease fitting on pivot assembly, apply 2-to-3 strokes of multi-purpose grease at beginning and end of tilling season.

3. Grease the face of the belt ad

justment block (Photo 5-4).

4. Oil the Depth Regulator Lever, including the spring in the mount ing bracket (Photo 5-4).

5. Oil the full length of the throttle cable casing (Photo 5-4).

6. Oil threads on Handlebar Height Adjustment Lever (Photo 5-4).

7. Grease left- and right-side en gine mounting bars at the top, the middle, and bottom (Photo 5-4).

Photo 5-4: Tiller lubrication points (wheel removed

for clarity).

8. Grease the zerk

grease fitting lo cated on the pivot point at the end of the Wheel Speed Lever (Photo 5-4).

9. Keep the PTO access hole wellgreased (Photo 5-5). If the Tines/PTO Clutch Lever be comes hard to move,

squirt some oil into its access hole, and work it back and forth to disperse the oil.

TRANSMISSION GEAR OIL MAINTENANCE

WARNING

To help avoid personal injury, stop the engine, remove the electric start key, disconnect the spark plug wire and move it away from the spark plug, and let the engine and muf fler cool before inspecting or servicing the tiller.

A. Checking for Oil Leaks

At 25-hour operation intervals, check the tiller for oil leaks. In spect for oil accumulations on the tiller or the floor where it’s stored.

A small amount of oil seepage or wetness around a shaft opening or cover is no cause for alarm. But a heavy concentration of oil is more serious. You should tighten all bolts immediately, and replace any worn seals or gaskets.

It may be impossible to deter mine how much oil has been lost, so check the oil levels in the PTO

transmission and the tine attach

ment before using the tiller again.

Add any necessary gear oil.

Serious damage to the transmission

components can result from opera tion when gear oil levels are low.

If tilling during very hot

weather, the gear oil may heat up and expand inside the transmis

sions. To allow for this oil expan sion, both the power unit transmis

sion and the tine attachment trans missions have oil relief vents (see Figure 5-6).

Photo 5-5: Use grease liberally in PTO access hole.

Page 47

The vents allow small amounts of

oil to seep out.

If a serious leak is discovered, please contact our Technical Service Department for parts and

service advice.

B. Checking Gear Oil Levels

Every 30 hours of operation, check the gear oil level in both the power unit transmission and the tine attachment transmission. Op

erating them while low on gear oil (even briefly) can cause serious damage to internal components.

Preparation:

1. The transmissions must be cool, since hot gear oil expands

and gives a false reading.

2. The power unit transmission and the tine attachment transmis sion must be connected when checking (or adding) gear oil.

To Check the Power Unit Oii Levei:

1. Move the tiller to level ground. Move the Depth Regulator up so the tines rest on the ground.

2. Use a 3/8" wrench to remove the oil level check plug on the left

side of the transmission housing

(refer to Figure 5-7).

3. If the oil level is correct, oil will seep out of the check hole (allow extra time in cold weather). If it

does, the level is fine and you

should replace the check plug. If no oil seeps out, see “C. Adding or Changing Gear Oil.”

To Check the Tine

Attachment Oil Level:

Two different gear oil check ing procedures for the tine at tachment transmission are de scribed next. Use the first proce dure if the dipstick in your tine attachment has only a ‘Check

Cold’ marking. Use the second procedure if the dipstick has both ‘cold’ and ‘hot’ markings at the end. First remove the dip

stick from the tine attachment

transmission (Figure 5-8) to see which type dipstick you have.

Then replace the dipstick.

For Dipsticks With ‘Check Cold’ Marking:

1. Put the tiller on level ground.

2. Pull the Depth Regulator Lever

back, then push it down all the way

(to engage its top notch). This lifts

the tines off the ground and lets the

tiller rest on its drag bar.

3. As you’ll be propping up the

rear of the tiller next, first place a

support under the engine to prevent

the tiller from tilting too far. Now

slide three pieces of 2"x4" lumber

underneath the drag bar- raising

the drag bar about 4-V2" above

ground. This elevation allows an accurate “cold” gear oil reading (“cold” means 2 hours has passed since the tiller was used).

4. Wait two hours with tiller ele vated (allow more time if tempera ture is below 40^F).

5. Loosen and remove transmis

sion dipstick (Fig. 5-8). Wipe it

clean with a rag.

6. Hold dipstick so its markings face rear of tiller. Lower it straight down into the sump hole to touch the driveshaft inside (Fig. 5-8). Don’t force or try to thread it back in...an incorrect reading will result.

7. Remove dipstick and check oil level. It should be anywhere with

in the cross-hatched area or even slightly above the “Max” marking. If correct, replace dipstick and re move the boards used as props.

8. If oil level was low, gear oil must be added before using the tiller. See “C. Adding or Chang ing Gear Oil” next.

For Dipsticks With Hot/Cold Markings:

1. Follow Steps 1 and 2 given for

the other type of dipstick.

2, Put a 2"x4" board under the

drag bar- raising the tiller and drag bar about 3-V2" above ground.

This elevation is for a “cold” read ing which is preferable- 2 or more hours since tiller was last used. (If taking a “hot” reading- tiller was operated for more than 30 minutes within the past hour, do not use the wood prop to elevate the tiller.).

Figure 5-7: Remove oil level check plug. Gear oil should seep out if the level is sufficient.

Figure 5-8: Remove dipstick with a 9/16" wrench to check gear oil level in tine attachment transmission. Markings on dipstick must face rear of tiller when checking oii level.

4. Follow Steps 4, 5 and 6 given for the other dipstick type.

5. Remove dipstick and check level. It should be within or above the “Cold” range marking if taking a ‘cold’ reading. (If taking a “Hot” reading, the level should be within or slightly above the “Hot” range.)

Page 48

tCCP'*

C. Adding or Changing Gear Oil

For partial fill-ups (just a few ounces or less), use SAE 140, SAE 85W-140, or SAE 80W-90 weight gear oil with an API rating of GL-4

orGL-5. For full replacement, use SAE 140 or SAE 85W-140 gear oil with an API rating of GL-4 only. (At the Factory, SAE 85W140 weight gear oil is used.)

IMPORTANT - Do not use auto matic transmission fluid or en gine oil. They are too light in weight and will result in trans

mission damage.

The gear oil does not need to be

changed. Do so only if you know, or suspect, it is contaminated with dirt, sand or other foreign particles.

Gear oil is available at well-

stocked service stations, power equipment centers, or farm/heavy equipment outlets. (It may also be ordered from Troy-Bilt.)

Capacities: Power unit transmis sion holds approximately 60 ozs.; Tine Attachment transmission holds approximately 72-V2 ozs.

To Add Gear Oil to the Power Unit Transmission:

1. Follow steps 1 and 2 of “To Check the Power Unit Oil Level:” on the previous page.

2. Using a 3/4" wrench (or socket), remove the bolt securing the handlebar base to the top of the transmission (prop the handlebars first to prevent them from falling).

Then, unplug the Forward Interlock wire harness receptacle at the bottom of the handlebars. Set the handlebar base and bolt aside on a clean surface. The bolt hole in the top of the transmission is the gear oil fill hole. See Figure 5-9.

3. Slowly pour gear oil through a clean funnel into the transmission. Stop when gear oil begins to flow from the oil level check hole on the

Figure 5-9: Gear oil fill hole (A) and gear oil drain location (B).

left side of the transmission (Figure 5-7).

4. Reinstall the oil level check

plug. Tighten it securely.

5. Reinstall the handlebars using the mounting bolt previously re

moved. Align the handlebars so they point straight backwards, not at an angle. Then tighten the mounting bolt securely.

6. Reconnect the Forward Interlock wire harness to the recep tacle. Be certain it’s secure.

7. Test operation of the Forward Interlock Safety System — refer to Section 4 for procedure.

forward so any oil at the rear of the transmission will drain out.

4. Clean the drain plug threads, put non-hardening gasket sealant on the threads, and reinstall plug.

5. Refill the transmission with the correct amount of gear oil before operating the tiller again. When oil seeps from the oil level check hole, the right amount of gear oil has been added. Replace all plugs.

To Add Gear Oil to the Tine Attachment Transmission:

1. Select the right depth regulator lever setting:

a) If filling an empty transmission,

raise the Depth Regulator Lev

To Drain and Fill the Power Unit Transmission:

1. Place a shallow pan under the transmission gear oil drain plug (refer to B, Figure 5-9).

2. Remove the oil level check plug (see Figure 5-7) with a 3/8" wrench. This vents the transmis sion for faster oil draining.

3. Using the 3/8" wrench, remove the drain plug (B, Figure 5-9). The gear oil will drain quite slowly since it is thick. After about two quarts have drained, tilt the tiller

er so tines are on the ground.

b) If topping off the gear oil,

move Depth Regulator Lever down to engage its top notch.

2. Remove dipstick from tine at tachment (see Figure 5-8).

3. Slowly add gear oil in the dip stick hole. Add 1/2-ounce at a

time to avoid overfilling. It takes

about I2-V2 ounces.

4. Take dipstick readings fre

quently. Stop when oil reaches

“Cold” range marking on dipstick.

Replace dipstick securely.

Page 49

To Drain and Fill the Tine Attachment Transmission:

1. The tine attachment transmis sion is not equipped with an oil drain plug. To drain just a small amount of gear oil, remove the dip stick and tilt the attachment for ward (first uncoupling it from the Power Unit).

2. For complete drainage, remove the left-side tine assembly (refer to Bolo Tine Maintenance for instruc tions), then remove just one of the lower screws from the tiller hous ing cover (Photo 5-10). To speed drainage, remove the tine attach ment dipstick to vent transmission.

3. Once all gear oil has drained, reinstall the housing cover screw

securely (first coat its threads with

non-hardening gasket sealant).

4. Be certain to refill the transmis sion with the correct amount of gear oil before operating the tiller again.

Photo 5-10: Remove housing cover screw to drain tine attachment transmission gear oil.

Note: If you find a plastic washer on the cover screw you remove, discard the washer. There is no need to install a replacement washer.

DRIVE BELT MAINTENANCE

A. Measuring and Adjusting Drive Belt Tension

is installed), the belt tension will probably need to be adjusted after the first two (2) hours of operation. Thereafter, check belt tension every ten (10) operating hours.

WARNING

To help avoid personal injury, stop the engine, wait for all

moving parts to come to a

complete stop, remove the

electric start key, disconnect the spark plug wire and move the wire away from the spark

plug, and let the engine and

muffler cool before inspect

ing, adjusting or replacing the drive belt.

On a new tiller (or if a new belt

While checking belt tension, also inspect the belt for cuts, cracks, deterioration, etc. Don’t continue using a belt that isn’t in good shape. You’re sacrificing tiller performance by doing so.

Tips on keeping the drive belt in top condition include:

• Always put the Wheels/Tines/

PTO Drive Lever in NEUTRAL when the tiller is not in use.

• Keep tension adjusted correctly.

• Don’t “speed shift” when mov ing the Wheels/Tines/PTO Drive Lever between FORWARD and

REVERSE.

How to Measure Belt Tension:

1. Before taking a measurement,

be sure the linkages and pivot points on the Wheels/Tines/PTO Drive Lever are clean and lubri-

cated. If there is any binding, you won’t get true measurements. Also, you’ll need the belt adjust ment tool you received with your new tiller (see Photo 5-11).

2. Move the Wheels/Tines/PTO Drive Lever fully down to the EORWARD position. The clutch roller at the bottom of the lever

should be positioned underneath the belt adjustment block (Photo 5-12). Don’t let the clutch roller move during the next few steps. If it moves, you’ll get a false belt ten sion reading.

Maintaining the right tension is

important to good tiller perfor

mance and long belt life. If too loose, the belt will slip on the pul leys, and be unable to deliver full power to the wheels and tines. A

loose belt will also wear prema turely.

Photo 5-11: Use this belt adjust ment tool to measure and adjust drive belt tension.

Photo 5-12: Shift into FORWARD and measure distance between roller and upright bracket using the belt adjustment tool.

Page 50

3. The belt tension is correct if the front of the clutch roller is l/4"-to5/16" away from the face of the

upright bracket that holds the ad

justment block in place (Photo

5-12). To measure this distance: a) Without moving the clutch

roller, try inserting the 1/4"thick, slotted end of the belt ad

justment tool in between the

roller and the upright bracket. (The flat edge of the tool must

be facing the roller.) Refer to

Photo 5-13.

b) If only the slotted portion of the

tool will fit, the belt tension is correct as is.

c) If the slotted part of the tool will

not fit in, the belt is too loose.

d) If the full thickness (5/16") of

the tool easily fits in, the belt is too tight.

4. If the belt tension is correct,

move the Wheel s/Tines/PTO Drive

Lever back to NEUTRAL.

How to Adjust Belt Tension:

1. You adjust the drive belt tension

by loosening the bolt securing the belt adjustment block, then moving the block up or down. Moving it down will tighten the belt; moving it up loosens the belt. (Hint: the

distance the block moves approxi mately equals the distance the

roller moves.) In most cases, the

clutch roller will not have been very far out of position, so the ad

justment block will only need to be

moved slightly (up or down).

2. Move the Wheels/Tines/PTO Drive Lever to NEUTRAL posi tion. The clutch roller will come to rest anywhere on the face of the

belt adjustment block, depending

upon drive belt length and current belt tension adjustment.

3. Insert the belt adjustment tool through the hole in the side of the adjustment block, spacing the ends of the tool equally on both sides (see Photo 5-14). Rotate the tool so the slotted end faces down.

4. Place the Wheels/Tines/PTO Drive Lever in EORWARD posi tion. The arms of the clutch con trol yoke will be resting on the belt

adjustment tool and the clutch roller should be engaged slightly beneath the adjustment block (see Photo 5-15).

Photo 5-14: With Wheeis/Tines/PTO Drive Lever in NEUTRAL, insert tooi through hoie in adjustment

Photo 5-15: With Drive Lever in FORWARD position, dutch roller should be engaged slightly beneaXh

the adjustment biock.

Photo 5-13: Insert slotted end of belt adjustment tool between roller and bracket, with the flat side of the slotted end facing the rolier.

5. Use one hand to hold the drive

lever in FORWARD while using a

9/16" wrench to loosen (don’t re move) the bolt at the back of the belt adjustment block (Photo 5-16).

The adjustment block should be

free to move either up or down.

6. Push the drive lever down if the

belt needs tightening. Or pull the

lever up if the belt needs to be

loosened. Hold the drive lever in place and tighten the bolt in the ad

justment block firmly.

7. Let go of the drive lever and re

move the belt adjustment tool from

the hole in the adjustment block.

Photo 5-16: Hold Drive Lever while loosening boit. Push iever down to tighten belt; pull up to loosen belt.

8. Check the tension on the belt by following the previous instructions “How to Measure Belt Tension.”

Note: If the adjustment block is all the way down and the measure ment between the clutch roller and the bracket is less than 1/4", then a new drive belt is needed.

Page 51

tamteiiai

pairs

B. Replacing the Drive Belt

WARNINC

To help avoid personal injury,

stop the engine, remove the

electric start key, disconnect the spark plug wire and move the wire away from the spark

plug, and let the engine and

muffler cool before removing

or replacing the drive belt.

To Remove the Belt:

1. Move Wheel s/Tines/PTO Drive

Lever to NEUTRAL position.

2. While kneeling on the right side of the tiller, create slack in the belt

by reaching over to the left side of

the pulleys and pushing in on the

center of the belt with your finger.

3. Use your right hand to move the belt down and away from the lower pulley, in the direction of the en

gine (Photo 5-17).

4. As shown in Photo 5-18, push

the belt upward to create slack in

the belt.

5. Lift the top half of the belt up and over the upper pulley and the rubber reverse disc, moving it in front of the reverse disc (refer to Photo 5-19).

6. Push the Wheel s/Tines/PTO Drive Lever down into the FOR WARD position. This increases the distance between the upper and lower pulleys. Next, lift and pull the entire belt out between the pul leys (Photo 5-20).

3. Push belt forward then down until it is looped over the lower pulley (refer to Photo 5-18). Do not yet seat it in either of the lower pulley’s grooves. {Hint: a blunt

object, like a ruler, can help you

push the belt downward if needed.)

4. Move the top half of the belt up and over the rubber reverse disc, but do not seat it in either of the grooves in the top pulley.

5. Place the Wheels/Tines/PTO Drive Lever in NEUTRAL.

6. Move the top half of the belt

into the HIGH Range groove

(groove closest to the engine) on

the top pulley. See Photo 5-21.

7. Move the bottom half of the

belt into the HIGH Range groove

Photo 5-17: First move belt off the lower pulley.

Photo 5-18: Push belt upward to create slack.

Photo 5-19: Move top half of belt over pulley and reverse disc.

Photo 5-20: Shift into FORWARD and remove the belt.

To Replace the Drive Belt:

1. Place Wheels/Tines/PTO Drive Lever in FORWARD position.

2. Squeeze the belt in the middle and insert one end in between the pulleys (see Photo 5-20).

Photo 5-21: Seat belt in upper pul ley, then in lower pulley (“High Range” position shown).

of the lower pulley (groove closest

to engine). Photo 5-21. If extra

slack is needed, hold up Wheels/ Tines/PTO Drive Lever while mov ing the belt. Verify the belt is seated properly on the pulleys.

8. To move the belt to the LOW Range position, see “Changing Belt Speeds” in Section 4.

9. After installing the belt, check and adjust for correct belt tension as explained previously.

Page 52

REVERSE DRIVE MAINTENANCE

to inspect, replace or adjust the various reverse drive components.

drive system works: When you raise the Wheels/Tines/PTO Drive Lever up in REVERSE position, this lowers the rubberized reverse disc (it’s attached to the engine drive pulley) until this rotating disc contacts the transmission drive

pulley. The friction between the

rotating reverse disc and the trans

WARNING

To help avoid personal injury, stop the engine, wait for all moving parts to come to a complete stop, remove the electric start key, disconnect the spark plug wire and move the wire away from the plug, and let the engine and muf fler cool before inspecting, adjusting or replacing the re verse drive components.

These instructions explain how

But first, here’s how the reverse

mission pulley causes the transmis sion drive shaft to be powered in a counterclockwise direction (as viewed from the operator’s posi

tion behind handlebars). The drive shaft then turns the wheels and tine shafts in a reverse direction.

A. Reverse Disc Inspection

The reverse disc is made of steel

with a special, long-lasting rubber

Photo 5-22: Measure the edge of the reverse disc for wear.

compound bonded to the disc rim. Since this is a wearing part, it should be inspected after every 30 operating hours.

1. Measure the width of the out side edge of the disc as shown in

Photo 5-22. Replace the disc be

fore the rubber edge wears to a thickness of 1/8" or less. Failure to do so could cause the steel under neath the rubber to damage the transmission pulley.

2. Look for big cracks or missing chunks of robber from the disc. If

so damaged, the disc should be re placed immediately.

IMPORTANT - Extend the life of the reverse disc by always pausing in NEUTRAL before shifting between FORWARD and REVERSE. Also - the re verse disc is not suited for con tinuous or sustained reverse op eration. Use reverse sparingly.

B. Replacing the Reverse Disc

Follow these steps to replace the reverse disc. (If your tiller has a Bumper Attachment mounted, it must be removed first.)

To Remove the Reverse Disc:

1. Move Wheels/Tines/PTO Drive Lever in NEUTRAL position.

2. Wedge a 5/16"-thick board be tween the top of the engine pulley (avoid contacting the reverse disc) and the cast iron housing next to it. This “freezes” the pulley.

3. Use a 9/16" wrench to loosen the mounting bolt shown in Figure 5-23. Remember to freeze the pul ley with the wood wedge while loosening the bolt. If necessary, separate the disc from the pulley with the tip of a screwdriver. Back

the bolt out as far as possible. Then angle the disc a little to re move it. Bring the bolt and lockwasher along with the disc.

To Install a New Reverse Disc:

Just reverse steps l-through-3

described previously. Tighten the

mounting bolt securely, and check for correct operation — see next

page for checking instructions.

Figure 5-23: Immobilize the pulley with a wood wedge, then loosen the bolt so you can remove the rubber reverse disc. (The disc may need to be pried away from the pulley.)

Page 53

C. Checking and Adjusting the Reverse Drive System

WARNING

To help avoid personal injury, stop the engine, remove the electric start key, disconnect the spark plug wire and move the wire away from the plug, and let the engine and muf fler cool down before inspect

ing or adjusting the reverse drive parts.

When the Wheels/Tines/PTO

Drive Lever is moved up into RE

VERSE, the engine and engine mount move down to press on the

reverse adjustment bolt (see Photo

5-24). This action compresses the reverse spring and plunger assem bly, requiring you to hold the lever up in REVERSE. When you re lease the lever, the spring automat ically pushes the lever back into NEUTRAL position.

number of reverse drive operating problems, as explained next.

Check Action of Reverse Disc:

1. Verify that the linkages for the

Wheels/Tines/PTO Drive Lever are

lubricated with oil and the engine mount bars and the belt adjustment

block are lubricated with grease.

(See “Tiller Lubrication” in this section.)

2. Place the Wheels/Tines/PTO Drive Lever in NEUTRAL. Briefly pull out the engine recoil

start rope while watching the re verse disc. The disc should turn, but the lower pulley should not (refer to Photo 5-25). If the re verse disc turns the lower pulley, or if it is located closer than 3/16" to the pulley, the reverse adjustment bolt should be adjusted upward

(see instructions that follow). Moving the adjustment bolt up

ward will also solve the problem of

a tiller that goes into REVERSE on its own.

3. Use your left hand to hold the Wheels/Tines/PTO Drive Lever up in REVERSE, while briefly pulling out the engine start rope. The reverse disc should turn the lower pulley (see Photo 5-26). If not, or it requires a lot of pressure to hold the lever up in REVERSE, then the reverse adjustment bolt must be adjusted downward. When correctly adjusted, the Wheels/Tines/PTO Drive Lever should “pop” out of reverse when the lever is released, but not re quire exceptional effort to hold it up in the reverse position.

4. Shift the Wheels/Tines/PTO Drive Lever to REVERSE and then let it go. The lever should return to NEUTRAL. If not, the reverse ad justment bolt will have to be ad justed upward.

Photo 5-24: Spring and plunger as

sembly.

The spring and plunger assem bly is designed to prevent the re verse disc from making contact with the transmission pulley until you shift into REVERSE. When the lever is in NEUTRAL, the

switch body on the bottom of the

engine mount tab should be resting

squarely on top of the reverse ad

justment bolt (Photo 5-24). The

reverse adjustment bolt can be ad

justed up or down to correct a

Photo 5-25: With shift lever in NEU

TRAL, only the re

verse disc should turn when starter rope is pulled out.

Photo 5-26: With shift lever in RE

VERSE, the reverse

disc should turn

the transmission

pulley when the starter rope is pulled out.

Page 54

Adjusting Reverse Drive:

1. Place Wheels/Tines/PTO Drive

Lever in FORWARD position.

2. On left side of tiller, put a 1/2"

wrench on the plunger retaining bolt and another 1/2" wrench on the jam nut next to it (Photo 5-27). While holding the bolt steady, loosen the jam nut (counterclock wise) until it touches the bolt head.

Photo 5-27: Hold bolt steady while loosening or tightening jam nut.

3. Turn the bolt in until it tightens against the plunger inside the spring. The bolt must be tight to prevent plunger from turning - but

be careful not to overtighten and break the bolt.

4. Place a 7/8" wrench on the head of the reverse adjustment bolt and a 9/16" wrench on the jam nut

below it (see Photo 5-28). Hold

Photo 5-28: Loosen jam nut before turning reverse adjustment boit.

the bolt steady while loosening the

jam nut three or four turns.

5. Move the Wheels/Tines/PTO Drive Lever to NEUTRAL. The switch body on the bottom of the engine mount tab (see Photo 5-24) should be resting squarely on top of the reverse adjustment bolt, and the reverse disc should be at least 3/16" away from the transmission drive pulley. If the reverse disc is any closer than this, raise the re verse adjustment bolt (turn it coun terclockwise).

6. Check that the reverse disc is at least 3/16" away from the trans mission drive pulley. Then hold the reverse adjustment bolt steady with one wrench while tightening the jam nut with a second wrench (see Photo 5-28).

7. Place a chalk or pencil mark on the top edge of the plunger retain ing bolt. Now, while watching the mark, loosen the bolt 3/4-tum (see Photo 5-29). Do not exceed a 3/4 turn (this would disengage the bolt from the locking groove in the side

of the plunger).

8. Hold the plunger retaining bolt steady with a wrench while tight ening the jam nut against the side of the plunger housing (Photo 5-27).

9. Check the action of the reverse disc as explained previously.

Photo 5-29: Loosen plunger retain

ing bolt about 3/4-turn, then tighterr

jam nut against piunger housing.

IMPORTANT - If the above ad

justments have not corrected an

improperly working reverse drive, please contact our Technical Service Dept, for assistance.

BOLD TINE MAINTENANCE

^ WARNING

To help avoid personal injury,

stop the engine, wait for all moving parts to come to a complete stop, remove the

electric start key, disconnect the spark plug wire and move the wire away from the spark

plug, and let the engine and

muffler cool before inspect

ing, removing or replacing the fines or tine holders.

A. Checking Tines for Wear

Inspect the tines for wear or damage after every 30 operating hours. The rate of wear depends upon hours of use and soil condi tions. With use, the tines get shorter, narrower and more pointed (see Photo 5-30). If badly worn, they lose the ability to till deeply. Also, worn tines leave an ever-increasing “gap” in the middle of a tilled row. The normal gap is 3" between the tine tips - replace the tines when the gap widens to 5".

Tines can be replaced individually or as a complete set. See replace ment instructions that follow.

Photo 530: Check for tine wear every 30 operat ing hours.

Figure 531: Repiace tines when the gap be tween inner tines is 5" or more. (Normai

Page 55

B. Single Tine Replacement

WARNING

The tines or fine hood edges

may be sharp. Wear thick gloves to protect your hands

from cuts or scrapes.

1. Move the Wheels/Tines/PTO

Drive Lever to NEUTRAL, the Wheel Speed Lever to either FAST

or SLOW position, and the Tines/

PTO Clutch Lever to ENGAGE.

2. Gently tilt the tiller forward until the engine rests on the ground.

3. Raise the hood flap at the back

of the tiller and tie it up with string.

4. Before removing a tine, note in which direction the bent tip points. The new tine must be installed in the same direction.

5. Use two 9/16" wrenches to re move the two bolts and nuts secur ing the tine to the tine holder plate

(see Photo 5-32). Use penetrating oil on the hardware if it is rusted or hard to remove.

6. Mount the new tine exactly the

way the old tine was positioned.

(The sharp edge of the tine, which

Photo 5-32: Removing a single tine requires taking off two bolts and two nuts.

enters the soil first, must face for

ward when above the tine shaft.) Replace the bolts and nuts and

tighten them securely.

C. Removing and Replacing the Tine Holders

£k

WARNING

The tines or tine hood edges may be sharp. Wear thick gloves to protect your hands.

The 16 Bolo Tines are mounted eight per side on left-side and right-side tine holders - on either

Style A or Style B holders (refer to

Figures 5-33A and 5-33B to see

which style tine holder you have). Style “A” tine holders are secured

to the tine shaft with two bolts and

two nuts. Style “B” tine holders are secured with a single end bolt to the left and right sides of the tine shaft. Here’s how to replace the tines and holders as assemblies.

Removal Steps:

1. Follow steps l-through-3 in “Single Tine Replacement” above.

2. Identify the tine holders as Style A or Style B, then as left-side and right-side holders - they must be replaced on the same side from which they were removed. Use a piece of chalk or a grease pencil to mark them “L” and “R.”

3. With Style A holders, remove the two bolts and nuts securing each holder (Fig. 5-33A). With

Style B holders, remove the single

bolt (along with the washers) from

the very end of the tine shaft (Fig. 5-33B).

4. Use a soft mallet to drive the holder off the tine shaft. (Use a heavy

Style A Tine Holder

hammer and block of wood to drive off a “frozen” tine holder.)

5. When the holder is off, clean all dirt and de bris from the shaft and the holder. Apply fresh grease to the tine shaft.

Replacement Steps:

1. Replace the holder so

the sharp tine edges face

forward (toward front of

tiller). Tap tine holder

back on the tine shaft.

2. Grease the threads on the mounting bolt(s).

Install and tighten the

bolt(s) securely.

WARNING

Wear safety goggles to pro tect your eyes. When loosening hardware, do not hit a wrench with a metal toolthis could shat ter the tool or wrench, sending

metal particles into your eyes.

Non-Tapered Tine Shaft

r'*- * ‘ ^

Right-Side

Tine Holder

Left-Side Tine Holder

Figure 5-33A: Style “A ” Tine Holders— Left and

right-side tine holders are secured to the tine

shaft with two bolts and two nuts.

Figure 5-33B: Style “B” Tine Holders— Left and

right-side tine holders are each secured with a

single mounting bolt into the end of the tine

Page 56

TINE SHAFT MAINTENANCE

After every 10 operating hours, remove the left- and right-side Bolo Tine holders and clear away dirt and debris that have accumu

TIRE AND WHEEL MAINTENANCE

lated on the tine shaft or inside the tine holders. Please follow this maintenance recommendation, as

debris can cause premature wear to the tine shaft and its oil seals. Refer to the previous tine holder

removal instructions (see previous page). After cleaning away any debris and removing old grease from the tine shaft, apply fresh grease to the tine shaft.

Check tire air pressure every 30 operating hours. The recom mended pressure for tilling is 10to-20 psi (pounds per square inch). Both tires should be inflated equally. (Unequal pressure can cause the tiller to pull to one side.)

Removing the Wheels

WARNING

To help avoid personal injury, stop the engine, wait for all moving parts to come to a complete stop, remove the

electric start key, disconnect the spark plug wire and move the wire away from the spark

plug, and let the engine and

muffler cool before removing or replacing the wheels.

Each wheel is secured by a roll (spirol) pin that passes through the wheel hub and the wheel shaft. Drive the roll pin out to remove a wheel.

1. Prop the transmission up with a

sturdy block to raise the wheel you want to remove off the ground.

2. Move the Wheel Speed Lever to

either SLOW or FAST position to

prevent the wheels from turning.

3. Use a 5/16" drift pin (or a blunt point 16-penny nail) to drive the roll pin free.

A WARNING

Wear safety goggles when

driving the roll pin into or from the wheel hub to protect your eyes from the possibility of flying metal particles.

ENGINE OIL MAINTENANCE

Change engine oil after first five (5) hours of new operation. There after, change the oil every ten (10) operating hours. This may be more often than your engine manufac

turer literature recommends, how

ever your tiller may be operating in dirty or very dusty conditions.

Follow the engine manufac

turer’s literature for specific oil

changing procedures, quantity of oil, and particular grade and vis cosity of oil to use in your engine. Locations to check the oil level and to drain the oil are shown at right.

Note that there are two oil fill plugs (one on each side) on the

Briggs & Stratton engines.

Figure 5-35: Oil fill plug on 7HP Briggs & Stratton engine.

Figure 5-36: Oil fill plug on 8HP and

10HP Briggs & Stratton engines.

Figure 5-37: Oil drain plug on 7HP Briggs & Stratton engine.

Figure 5-38: Oil drain plug on 8HP

and 10HP Briggs & Stratton engines.

Page 57

AIR CLEANER MAINTENANCE

The engine is equipped with a dual element air cleaner that filters the air twice before it enters the carburetor to mix with the fuel.

It is critical that the filters be

kept clean and properly installed at

all times. See the location of the

air cleaner assembly on your en

gine by referring to Figure 5-39 or

Figure 5-40.

Refer to the engine manufac turer’s literature supplied with your tiller for complete air cleaner ser vice and maintenance information.

Figure 5-39: Air cieaner on the 7HP Briggs & Stratton engine.

Figure 5-40: Air cleaner on the 8HP

and 10HP Briggs & Stratton engines.

THROTTLE CABLE MAINTENANCE

WARNING

To help avoid personal injury, stop the engine, wait for all

moving parts to come to a complete stop,remove the electric start key, disconnect the spark plug wire and move the wire away from the spark

plug, and let the engine and

muffler cool before adjusting the throttle cable.

SPARK PLUG

MAINTENANCE

The spark plug (see Figure 5-

41) must be in good condition for proper engine operation. Remove

and inspect the plug every 50 oper ating hours or annually, whichever occurs first.

The throttle lever settings are factory-adjusted, so unnecessary adjustments should not be made. However, if the engine does not start or stop, or respond immedi ately to various throttle lever set tings, then adjustments may be necessary. Please refer to the en gine manufacturer literature sup plied with your tiller for specific adjustment instructions.

Of course, you may contact your nearest authorized engine ser vice dealer for throttle cable ad

justments by a qualified service

representative.

IGNITION SYSTEM MAINTENANCE

Your engine is equipped with electronic ignition. It does not have a condenser or points, so there is no need to perform any

regular “tune-up” maintenance on this system other than adjusting or replacing the spark plug.

The correct electrode gap for the Briggs & Stratton engine is .030". Check the gap with a feeler gauge.

Do not use a spark plug if the porcelain is cracked, the electrodes

are pitted or burned, or if other vis ible damage is present. Note: Do not wire brush or sandblast the spark plug to clean it - loose parti cles can enter the engine, causing damage!

Figure 5-41: Sparkplug (with boot on) is on the top of the engine (8HP/10HP engine shown).

To replace the plug, first tighten it securely by hand, then use a spark plug wrench to tighten the plug an extra 1/4 turn.

Page 58

BATTERY CARE AND MAINTENANCE

DANGER

POISON-CAUSES SEVERE BURNS

• Electrolyte is a sulfuric acid

solution.

• Avoid contact with skin, eyes and clothing.

• To prevent accidents, wear protective clothing, rubber

gloves, and shield eyes with safety goggles.

• Neutralize acid spills with

baking soda and water solu tion. Neutralize empty con tainer with baking soda and rinse with water.

ANTIDOTE: External- Flush with water. Eyes- Flush with water for 15 minutes and get prompt medical attention.

ANTIDOTE: Internal- Drink large quantities of water or milk. Follow with milk of magnesia, beaten eggs or vegetable oil. Call physician immediately.

KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN

DANGER — BATTERIES

PRODUCE EXPLOSIVE GASES

• Keep sparks, flame, cigarettes away at all times.

• Only charge or use the bat

tery in a well-ventilated area.

• Make sure venting path (vent

tube) of battery is always open.

DANGER

Never touch the positive (+) battery post and any other

surrounding metal with tools, jewelry, or other metal ob jects. Doing so can cause a short circuit that could result

in electrical burns, an electri

cal shock, or explosion of battery gas.

A. Battery Care in Service

1. Every month or every ten (10) operating hours, whichever comes

first, check the level of electrolyte

solution in the battery cells:

a) If the battery case has UPPER

and LOWER level lines on it, the solution should be maintained at the UPPER level line.

b) If the battery does not have level

lines on the case, maintain the solution level at the lowest part of the filler well within each cell.

Only use distilled or demineral

ized water to refill each battery cell. After filling, replace the bat tery caps securely, then wash off any spilled solution with a baking

soda and water mixture. Next, run the engine outdoors for about 20 minutes (at 3/4 throttle) to help recharge and recirculate the elec trolyte solution. For safety, do not leave the tiller unattended while the engine is running.

2. Keep the battery clean. If ter minals are corroded, remove bat tery and clean terminals with a wire brush, sandpaper or steel wool. {Avoid getting any of this

corrosive material on your skin or in your eyes.) Rinse battery with a

solution of baking soda and water. Coat the terminals with petroleum

jelly or silicone grease to prevent

further corrosion.

3. Periodically check entire elec trical system for loose connections

or loose hardware.

4. Check hardware securing the

battery holddown clamp. It should

be secure, but not overly tight.

5. Check the vent tube. It must not be crimped or bent.

WARNING

To help avoid personal injury,

be sure the battery vent tube

is not crimped or pinched anywhere aiong its iength. Improper venting could result in an explosion of battery gases.

B. Battery Care in Storage

Your engine has a recharging circuit that will properly maintain the battery’s state of charge during the normal tilling season. However, prior to storing your tiller away during the off-season, we recommend the battery be fully charged. At the end of the storage period, the battery should be recharged again.

DANGER

• While the battery is being charged, do not leave it unat tended. Charging time does not have to be continuous.

• Carefully follow all charg ing instructions and safety

rules provided by the manu facturer of the charging equipment.

• Never attempt to “jump start” the battery with an au

tomobile battery or its charg

ing system. This could result in serious personal injury or property damage from causes such as a battery explosion, or acid or eiectrical burns.

Page 59

Maiiitenaiice/Eepal rs

1. Remove the battery from the

tiller (see “Battery Removal” in structions on this page) and place on a stable, level surface.

2. Clean the battery if needed. If the battery is very cold, let it warm up to between 60-to-80°F.

3. Remove filler caps. Keep them off when filling and charging.

4. Carefully check the electrolyte

level. If low, add distilled or dem ineralized water (do not add bat tery acid) to bring the solution level in each cell up to the correct height. Avoid overfilling.

5. Charge the battery (with caps

removed) until all cells are gassing freely. (To check for gassing, wear protective goggles and inspect each

cell with a flashlight for bubbling of the electrolyte solution.) Use one of the following methods to charge the battery:

a) Recommended Method: charge

the battery at a rate of l-to-2 amperes until cells are gassing freely. Do not exceed 24 hours charging time.

b) First Alternative Method: charge

battery at 4-to-6 amperes until cells gas freely. Do not exceed 8 hours charging time.

c) Second Alternative Method:

charge the battery at a rate of 6to-12 amperes until cells gas freely. Do not exceed 4 hours charging time.

rect height. Then reconnect the charger cables to the battery and charge the battery for one more hour.

7. Replace the filler caps and wash off any spilled electrolyte with a baking soda and water solution.

8. Store the battery in a cool, dry location. Avoid freezing tempera tures. Batteries lose voltage when in storage, more so in hot weather than in cold. Ideal storage temper ature is 50°F.

C. Battery Removal and Replacement

WARNING

To help avoid personal injury, stop the engine, wait for all

moving parts to come to a complete stop, remove the electric start key, disconnect the spark plug wire and move wire away from spark plug,

and let the engine and muf fler cool before removing or

replacing the battery.

1. Disconnect the negative (-)

cable from the grounding screw on the right side of the battery bracket

(A, Photo 5-42) and bend the cable away from all metal parts.

2. Disconnect the negative cable from the negative (-) battery post

(B, Photo 5-42), and remove cable.

3. Disconnect positive (+) cable from positive battery post (C, Photo 5-42) and bend it safely away from metal parts. Cover cable terminal with rubber boot.

4. Remove the battery holddown clamp and remove the battery.

5. Reverse the previous steps to replace the battery. The battery

posts must face the rear of the tiller. (The positive post must be

on the left side as you face forward from the handlebars.)

6. Insert the vent tube (on positive side of battery) into the vent tube

shield. Be sure it is not crimped,

pinched or folded along its length.

WARNING

Wtren removing the battery, always disconnect the nega tive (-) cable first followed by the positive (■«•) cable. Re verse this procedure when re

installing the battery.

CAUTION

Do not charge the battery at a

rate higher than 12 amperes. A charge rate greater than this generates excessive heat

and gassing, and will perma

nently damage the battery.

6. When battery is fully charged, turn charging equipment off and

disconnect the cables. Check elec trolyte level in all cells. Add dis tilled or demineralized water if necessary to adjust level to the cor-

Photo 5-42: Follow battery removal and replacement instructions carefully.

Page 60

STORING YOUR TILLER

When your tiller won’t be used during the off-season, prepare it for storage with the following steps:

1. Clean the tiller and engine.

2. Do routine tiller lubrication and

check for loose hardware.

3. Protect the engine from deterio ration or damage by referring to the engine storage instructions in your engine manual literature.

4. When engine is still warm, drain oil from engine crankcase. Refill with fresh motor oil.

5. Protect the internal cylinder against rust by removing the spark plug and pouring one ounce of clean engine oil into the spark plug hole. Then slowly pull out the re coil start rope 2 or 3 times to dis tribute the oil internally. Replace the spark plug, but do not recon nect the plug wire. Pull the rope until resistance is felt — let rope

rewind. The valves are seated.

INSPECT FORWARD INTERLOCK WIRING SYSTEM

Every ten (10) operating hours, check the Forward Interlock wiring system for tight connections and to see that the insulation on the wires is unbroken (to prevent the system from shorting out).

1. Check the insulated wire har ness leading from the lower ends

of the handlebars over to the wire

harness connector on the top, right

side of the transmission cover. Be sure the connector is securely

mated.

2. Check the insulated tubing leading from the connector to the cast iron motor mount/belt shroud.

6. Charge the battery (if your tiller has the electric start option). Store battery in a cool, dry location.

7. Move Wheels/Tines/PTO Drive Lever to NEUTRAL position. Keep tiller in a clean, dry area.

8. Never store tiller with fuel in fuel tank in an enclosed area where gas fumes could reach an open

flame or spark, or where ignition

sources are present (space heaters,

hot water heaters, furnaces, etc.).

3. Check the wire leading from the tubing over to the switch assembly mounted on top of the tab on the cast iron motor mount-belt shroud. Also check the second wire that leads to the throttle cable mounting bracket on the right side, forward

portion of the engine.

TROUBLESHOOTING THE FORWARD INTERLOCK SAFETY SYSTEM

The wiring circuit for the For

ward Interlock Safety System is designed to ground out the engine’s ignition system.

There are three switches in the circuit which, when open, let the engine run. One switch is on the neutral plunger tab of the cast iron motor mount. This switch is open whenever the Wheels/Tines/PTO Drive Lever is in NEUTRAL or REVERSE positions. The other two switches are located inside the handlebars, directly above the two Forward Interlock Levers. The switches are wired in series, so when any are opened (by squeez ing one of the Forward Interlock Levers), the engine will run. There is a fourth switch located in the wiring harness connector on the top, right side of the transmission cover. It warns you if the connec tion is not mated by not letting the engine run while the

Wheels/Tines/PTO Drive Lever is

in FORWARD.

Only a few things can go wrong

with this circuit:

1. A broken or disconnected wire could let the engine run without you having to press one of the Forward Interlock Levers.

2. A bare wire touching tiller or

engine metal could ground out the engine’s ignition.

3. A switch that has failed may act as an open switch and allow the

engine to run. Or it may act as a

ground and prevent the engine

from running.

Refer to the Troubleshooting

pages at the end of this Manual if

your Forward Interlock Safety System is not operating correctly.

Page 61

PROBLEM

CHECK OR TEST

(Check or test in se quence shown until problem is resolved.)

Throttle Lever in START position Wheels/Tines/PTO Drive Lever

in NEUTRAL position

Forward Interlock Wire Harness connector securely mated

Forward Interlock Levers not being squeezed prior to shifting Wheels/ Tines/PTO Drive Lever to

FORWARD position Visually inspect for bare, broken

or disconnected wires

Check handlebar wire harness

Check transmission wire harness

Engine won’t start

Engine shuts off when Wheeis/Tines/ PTO Drive Lever is shifted into Forward

Engine does not shut off when Forward Interlock Levers are released while Wheeis/Tines/ PTO Drive Lever is in Forward

X X

X X X X

X X

TROUBLESHOOTtNG PROCEDURES

The following pages list possible problems (each one is numbered) that you might encounter with the tiller or its engine. After the problem, we list possible solutions, along with a reference location if appropriate. If

you have a problem not listed here, or find that a solution doesn’t work,

1 Wheels/Tines/PTO Drive Lever:

A. Lever does not stay in FORWARD-

• Drive belt may be too tight. Raise belt adjustment block a little. See Section 5.

• Clutch pawl spring at end of lever

may be overstretched. Install new

spring.

B. Lever bard to shift into REVERSE-

• Check reverse disc for wear. See

Section 5.

• Check adjustment of reverse disc and/or reverse spring and plunger as

sembly. See Section 5.

• Clean and re-lubricate motor mount bars, belt adjustment block and link ages on lever. See Section 5.

C. Tiller stays in REVERSE when lever is released-

• Lubricate motor mount bars, belt ad justment block and linkages on lever. See Section 5.

• Check adjustment of reverse spring and plunger. See Section 5. If problem persists, contact Technical Service

Department.

D. Lever sticks in FORWARD-

• Lubricate motor mount bars, belt ad justment block, and linkages on lever.

WARNING

To help avoid personal injury, stop the engine, wait tor all

moving parts to come to a tull stop, remove the electric start key, disconnect spark

plug wire and move the wire

away from the spark plug,

and let the engine and muf fler cool before performing any trouble-shooting checks.

See Section 5. if problem continues, contact the Technical Service

Department.

E. Lever hard to shift into FORWARD-

• Follow advice for Problem 1 -D. Also check for possible bent motor mount bar

that could be binding in engine mount

holes.

2 Wheel Speed Lever:

A. Lever hard to shift, or sticks in FAST or SLOW wheel gear positions-

• Lubricate eccentric lever at rear of power unit transmission. See Photo 5-

48. If rust is present, use penetrating

Page 62

oil and work eccentric lever back and forth by hand.

• Lubricate linkage that connects Wheel Speed Lever to eccentric lever. Photo 5-43.

• Clutch inside transmission may be binding. Disconnect linkage from ec centric lever and work eccentric lever by hand. If difficult or impossible to move, it may be due to a damaged key way on the wheel shaft. Contact

Technical Service Dept.

• Lubricate washers and castle nut on pivot of lever. If necessary, remove roll pin and back nut off 1/6th turn, Re place roll pin and test the movement.

• Apply grease to zerk fitting (if so

equipped) with grease gun until grease appears around washers.

Photo 5-43: Check connecting rod,

shifting linkage and eccentric lever.

B. Lever shifts into FAST wheel gear, but not into SLOW wheel gear-

• Connecting rod at end of lever might be backwards, or bent in toward trans mission housing and hitting it. Other shifting linkage might be bent. Straighten or replace linkage. See Photo 5-43.

• Clutch inside transmission may be binding. See Problem 2-A.

C. Lever moves freely, but won’t shift in or out of gear-

• Eccentric shifting pin inside transmis sion may be broken (rare) or worn. Disconnect linkage from eccentric lever and try moving eccentric lever by hand.

See Photo 5-43. If lever moves easily, contact the Technical Service Department.

3 Wheels and Tines Won’t Turn:

• Review operation of controls. See Sections 3 and 4.

• Check condition and adjustment of drive belt and reverse disc. See Section 5.

• Mounting bolt for transmission drive pulley may be loose. (See Photo 5-1). If so, drive belt or reverse disc will turn

pulley, but pulley won’t turn main drive shaft.

• Worm gears that drive wheel and

tiller shafts may be worn.

4 Wheels Turn, But Tines Won’t:

•Tines/PTO Clutch Lever must be in

ENGAGE position. See Section 3.

• Tines/PTO Clutch Lever may need adjustment.

• Key for “dog” clutch on tine attach ment main drive shaft may be missing, broken.

• Worm gears that drive the tine shaft may be worn.

• Hardware holding tine holders to tine shaft may be missing or broken. To

check, remove holders. See Section 5.

• Key for bronze worm gear on tine at

tachment main drive shaft may be

missing or broken.

5 Tines Turn, But Wheels Won’t:

• Check operation of Wheel Speed Lever. Refer back to Problem 2.

• Hi-Pro key inside wheel clutch may be missing, broken. If so, clutch will not turn wheel shaft.

• FAST and SLOW speed wheel gears may be worn. If only one gear is worn,

there will only be one wheel speed.

• Worm gear that drives pinion shaft and pinion gears may be worn.

• FAST and SLOW speed pinion gears may be worn. If only one gear is worn,

there will only be one wheel speed.

• Drive “dogs” on sides of wheel clutch may be worn or broken. If only one side

of clutch is affected, there will only be one wheel speed.

6 Wheels And Tines Turn On Top Of Ground, But Stop Or Hesitate In Soil:

• Drive belt may be loose. See Section

• Mounting bolt for transmission drive pulley may be loose. See Photo 5-1.

7 Tiller Jumps While Tilling:

• Depth Regulator Lever set too deep

for soil conditions. Lower lever for shallower setting.

• Engine throttle speed too fast.

• Tiller wheel speed too fast for soil

conditions. Change to LOW belt range or SLOW wheel speed.

8 Depth Regulator Lever

Difficult To Move:

• Lubricate spring assembly and depth

adjustment bar. See Section 5.

• Check for bent depth adjustment bar.

9 Wheel And Shaft Move Out To One Side:

• Snap ring on wheel shaft may be dis

lodged from its groove. Raise wheels off ground and check for back and forth play in shaft. If there is play, one or both snap rings is loose.

10 Tiller Pulls To One Side:

• Check tire pressure. See Section 5.

11 Tine Holder Bolt

Breaks Or Loosens:

• Earlier models have tine holder keys.

Check that keys are in keyways of tine shaft. Without key in holder, left-side

tine bolt will tighten and break; right-

side bolt will loosen. See Section 5.

12 Poor Traction:

• Bar tread tires, tire chains, or wheel

weights may be needed. See

“Attachments.”

13 Gear Oil Leak From Power Unit

Or Tine Attachment Transmissions:

• See Section 5.

14 Engine Lacks Power:

• Air cleaner restricted with dirt and/or

oil. See Section 5.

Page 63

• Spark plug wire loose or damaged. Spark plug worn or fouled. See

Section 5.

• Engine under excessive work load. Use SLOW wheel speed and LOW belt range.

• Throttle cable may be loose or mlsadjusted. See Section 5.

• Verify that engine isn’t running with choke partially engaged. See Section 3.

• Carburetor may need adjustment. See Section 5.

• Engine overheating. Check oil level and clean cooling tins. Oil may be very dirty. Let hot engine cool before

restarting.

• Dirt or water in fuel or fuel system.

• Engine crankcase low in oil, or over filled with oil. Check and adjust level.

• Low engine compression.

15 Engine Difficult To Start:

• Wheels/Tines/PTO Drive Lever not in

NEUTRAL position.

• Fuel tank low or empty.

• Dirt or water in fuel or fuel system.

• Fuel line is restricted.

• Choke not set properly. See Sections.

• Spark plug worn or fouled (weak spark). See Section 5.

• Air cleaner restricted with dirt and/or oil. See Section 5.

• Throttle cable not properly adjusted. See Section 5.

• Engine throttle lever not free to move through Its full operating range.

• Throttle wire and its linkage are bind ing, or are bent and not free to move.

• Low engine compression.

16 Engine Won’t Start:

• See “Troubleshooting the Forward

Interlock Safety System” In Section 5.

• Wheels/Tines/PTO Drive Lever not in NEUTRAL position.

• Fuel tank low or empty. Or fuel line restricted or clogged.

• Choke improperly set. See Section 3.

• Water or dirt in fuel, and /or fuel sys

tem.

• Spark plug fouled or worn. Spark plug wire loose or damaged. See Section 5.

• Carburetor may need adjustment.

• Air filter clogged with oil or dirt. See Section 5.

• Carburetor float faulty (or float valve leaking)- if so, tap side of bowl lightly with handle of screwdriver (or similar object).

• Fuel is stale- won’t vaporize prop erly, gums up carburetor float, chan nels and valves. Drain old fuel and add new fuel.

• Fuel tank shut-off valve not in “Open” position. See Section 3.

• On Briggs & Stratton engine, On/Off switch not in ON position.

On Electric Start Engines Only:

• Electrical connections loose or shorted against metal frames, brackets or covers. See Section 5.

• Battery discharged. See Section 5.

• Electric starter motor faulty.

17 Engine Shuts Off When Wheels/

Tines/PTO Drive Lever Is In Forward:

• See “Troubleshooting the Forward

Interlock Safety System” in Section 5.

18 Engine Overheats

• Clean the engine cooling fins, shroud

and covers. See Section 5.

• Check for broken flywheel fins (under

engine shroud). See Authorized Engine Dealer.

• Check oil level for correct amount.

19 Engine Runs Erratically:

• Water or dirt in gasoline or carbure

tor.

• Carburetor may need adjustment. See Engine Manufacturer literature.

• Spark plug fouled or dirty. Spark plug wire loose or damaged. See

Section 5.

• Loose or cracked carburetor.

• Governor linkage not adjusted prop erly or binding. See Authorized Engine Service Dealer. Don’t attempt to repair by yourself.

• Check pan gasket, engine seals and drain plugs for leaks. See your Authorized Engine Service Dealer.

20 Engine Runs Well,

But Labors Under Tiller Load

• Check governor linkage for freedom

of movement.

• Check throttle setting and carburetor adjustment. See Engine Manufacturer

literature.

• Tilling depth is possibly too deep. To

correct, lower the depth regulator lever.

• Possible worn bronze tiller worm

gear or loose drive shaft (on well-used

tiller).

21 Key Switch Will Not

Start The Engine

• Check battery terminals for corro

sion. See Section 5.

• Discharged battery. See Section 5.

• Defective solenoid.

• Short in key switch or key switch wire harness.

• Check starter motor mounting bolts for looseness. Flave Authorized Engine

Service Dealer inspect the starter motor.

Page 64

ATTACHMENTS AND ACCESSORIES FOR YOUR TILLER

Hiller-Furrower Attachment

The most popular attachment because it does so many jobs. Mounts to the rear of the depth regulator bracket. Furrower blade easily makes plant rows, trenches, ditches to 8" deep. When hiller wings are attached to furrower blade, attachment makes hilled rows and raised bed gardens. Converts from a furrower to a hiller and back again, in seconds, without tools.

Row Marker Attachment

Do you like very straight, even,

neat rows in your garden? If so, the Row Marker is a must attach

ment. Ftooks quickly to the Hiller/Furrower attachment- elimi nates the need for string, stakes, measuring tape, etc. You’ll like

the straight rows it helps you make

if you lay out furrows, dig compost

trenches, or make raised beds. The Row Marker extends from 28 "-to49%", letting you vary the width between rows to suit the crop you’re planting.

Dozer/Snow Blade Attachment

In the winter, moves up to one foot of light snow (or 6"-to-8" of heavy snow); at other times use it to move or spread sand, gravel, loose dirt, grain, sawdust, etc. Attaches easily to the front of the Wrap-Around Bumper Guard. Set the blade to several angles. Weighs 41-lbs.; measures 15" x 32".

Tire Chains

Chains provide extra traction when snowplowing, or under wet or slick conditions.

Tow Hitch Attachment

Converts your tiller to a tractortype hauling machine. Connects quickly to the rear of the tiller

Power Unit. This is a standard-

type tow hitch so it can tow many kinds of equipment.

Wheel Weights

Help increase traction by putting extra weight directly on the wheels. They reduce bucking and jumping when deep-tilling in heavy soil. They’re shipped empty- fdl them with material like concrete, sand, gravel, etc. They bolt directly to the tiller wheels.

Wrap-Around Bumper Guard

Order this Bumper Guard by it

self or receive it as one of the com ponents if you order the combina tion Dozer/ Snow Blade attach ment. Protects the engine from damage by wrapping around and protecting many of the engine components. 1" diameter, high-

strength steel tubing.

OTHER WORK-SAVING TROY-BILT ATTACHMENTS:

•Troy-Bilt® PTO Log Splitter

• Troy-Bilf PTO Chipper/Shredder

• Sweep Cultivator Attachment

• Troy-Bilt® Kickstand

• Tine Attachment Cradle

Page 65

TILLER SPECIFICATIONS

Height —

(Approximate minimum heights)

Handlebars in lowest setting: ?>!'£' * Handlebars in highest setting: 49ii" * Without Handlebars: 33'A” **

* Tines resting on ground. ** Measured from knob on Wheels/Tines/

pro Drive Lever to the ground.

Length —

(Approximate minimum lengths)

With Handlebars: 60"

Without Handlebars: 56i4"

Width —

Hood width: llVi" Tilling width: 20"

Weight —

(Approximate weight of assembled tiller including motor oil in engine, but exclud ing gasoline in fuel tank and weight of shipping container)

7HP Recoil Start Model: 284 lbs. 7HP Electric Start Model: 310 lbs.

8HP Recoil Start Model: 296 lbs. 8E1P Electric Start Model: 324 lbs.

lOHP Electric Start Model: 332 lbs.

Transmission —

Consists of two separate trans missions, the Power Unit transmis sion and the Tine Attachment transmission. Both transmissions are encased in cast iron housings and operate in separate baths of gear oil. The housings are se curely connected by a locking col lar, a dowel pin, and two large

swing-bolts. By loosening the swing-bolts, the Power Unit can be disconnected from the Tine Attachment and used as a separate power source for optional powered and non-powered PTO attachments.

Transmission Gear Oil —

Small Top-Offs: use SAE 140,

SAE 85W-140, or SAE 80W-90. Must have an API rating of GL-4

or GL-5.

Full Replacement: use SAE

140 or SAE 85W-140 with an API

rating of GL-4 only.

Power Unit Gear Oil Capacity: approximately 60 ounces. Impor tant- use the oil level check hole as your final guide for gear oil level correctness.

Tine Attachment Gear Oil Capacity: approximately 12'/2 ounces, but use the transmission dipstick as X\\e final guide.

Wheeis —

One-piece steel; 8" in diameter.

Tires —

4:80 X 8" bar tread tires.

Recommended air pressure is

lO-to-20 pounds/square inch.

Engine Specifications —

Please see the engine manufac turer literature supplied with your tiller for complete specifications

and details regarding the engine.

Wheel And Tine Speeds

At 3000 RPM (revolutions per minute) engine speed, the wheel and tine speeds are as follows:

BELT

POSITION

Low Range Low Range High Range Slow .7 MPH High Range Fast 1.72 MPH

WHEEL SPEED

LEVER POSITION

Slow

Fast

WHEEL

SPEED

TINE

SPEED

.5 MPH 146 RPM

1.2 MPH 146 RPM 200 RPM 200 RPM

Page 66

AirQeaner

Foam Pie-Cleaner, 57 Paper Element, 57 Service Schedule, 44

Air Coding System, Engine

Check Air Cooling, 25

Service Schedule, 44

Air Pressure, Tires, 16,44,56,65 Assembly

Carton Contents, 9 Electric Start System, 16-19 Engine Throttle Lever, 15 Forward Interlock Wire Harness, 12 Gear Oil Levels, 14-15

Handlebais, 11 Inspection on Delivery, 9 Motor Oil Adding, 15 Tile Air Pressure, 16 Wheels/Tmes/PTO Drive Lever, 12-13

Attachments and Accessories

Custom Tilling Tines, 64 Dozer/Snow Blade, 64 Hiller/Furrower, 39,64 Kickstand, 40 PTO Chipper/Shredder, 64 Row Marker, 64 Sweep Cultivator, 64

Tine Cradle, 40 Tire Chains, 64 Tow Hitch, 64 Wheel Weights, 64 Wrap-Around Bumper Guard, 64

Authorized Ei^ine Service, 4

g Batteiy,

Activation, 17 Care in Service, 58 Care in Storage, 58-59 Chaiging, 17-18 Installation, 19 Removal/Replacement, 59 Service Schedule, 44

Troubleshooting, 61-63

Beds, Raised, 39 Belt,

Adjusting Tension, 49-50

Changing Speed Ranges, 32-33 Inspection, 49 Replacement, 51

Bolo Tines (see “Tines”) Bolts and Nuts, 45 Break-In Operation, 25 Bumper/Guard, 64

Cable, Throttle (see ‘Throttle Lever’ Chains, Tire, 64 Chart, Maintenance, 44 Choke Contrd,

Function, 23 Operation, 23,27-28

Chipper^hredder, 64 autchRoHer,13,21,49 Cold Weather Operation, 28 Composting, 35 Controls,

Engine, 23 Tiller/Power Unit, 20-22

Cornstalks, 36 Cover Crops, 34-35 Cradle, Tine, 40 Crop Residues, 35 Cultivating, 35 Custom Tmii^ Tines, 64

D Decals, 8

Depth Regulator Lever,

Function, 22 Operation, 22,27 Tiller Depths, 22 Troubleshooting, 46,62

Disc Reverse,

Inspection, 52 Replacement, 52

Dozer/Snow Blade, 64 Drive Belt (see “Belt”)

E Eccentric Lever, 45,62

Electric Start System,

Assembly, 16-19 Maintenance, 58-59 Operation, 23,27 Starting with Recoil Rope, 28 Troubleshooting, 61-63 (Also see “Battery”)

Engine,

Air Cleaner, 57 Air Cooling System, 25 Authorized Service, 4 Choke Control, 23 Cold Weather Operation, 28 Controls, 23 Fuel, 25 Fuel Valve, 23 Ignition System, 23,57 Key Switch Stailer, 23 Model Code Number, 3 OlF-Season Storage, 60 OU, 15,25,56 Operation, 23,25,27-28 Recoil Starter, 23 SparicPlug, 57 Specifications, 65 Starting and Stopping, 27-28 Throttle Cable, 15,57

’) Throttle Lever, 15,23,57

Troubleshooting, 61-63

F Factory Service, 4

Footprints, 35 Forward Interiock Levers,

Function, 26 Inspection, 26 Operation, 26 Test Procedure, 26

Forward Operation, 20,29-30 Free Wheel, 21 Fuel, 25 Fuel Valve, 23 Furrower, 39,64

G Gardening,

Cornstalks, 36 Cover Crops, 34-35 Crop Residues, 35 Cultivating, 35 Green Manures, 35 Leaves, 35 Power Composting, 35 Raised Beds, 39 Seedbeds, 34 Slopes/Terraces, 37-38 Wide Rows, 39

Gasoline, 25 Gear Oil,

Adding, 48 Changing, 48-49 Checking for Leaks, 46 Checking the Level, 47 Type and Capacity, 48

Generator, 64 Grease, 46 Green Manures, 34-35

H Handlebar Height Adjustment, 22

Height, Tiller, 65 Hi^ Range Speed, 33 Hiller/Furrower, 39,64 Hitch, Tow, 64 Hotting Cover, Tiller, 45,49

I Ignititxi System, 57

Introduction, 2 Inspection After Ddivery, 9

K Key Switch Starter,

Connecting Keyswitch, 18 Function, 23 Operation, 23,27-28 Troubleshooting, 63

Kickstand, 40

T j Leaks, Oil, 46

Leaves, 35 Length, Tiller, 65 Levers,

Choke Control, 23,27-28

Depth Regulator, 22,27,46,62

Page 67

Engine Throttle, 15,23,57 Foi-ward Interlock, 26 Handlebai' Height, 22 Tmes/PTO Clutch, 22,27,42,46 Wheels/Tmes/PTO Diive, 20,27,29,61

Loading/Unloading, 31

Low Range Speed, 32

Lubrication Points, 46

]y^ Maintenance

Air Cleaner, 57 Air Cooling System, 25

Battery, 58-59

Bolo Tines, 54-55 Bolts and Nuts, 45 Chart, 44

Mve Belt, 49-51

Engine Oil, 56 Eorwai'd Interlock System, 60 Ignition System, 57 Lubrication Points, 46 Maintenance Schedule, 44 Reverse Drive, 52-54 SpaiicPlug, 57 Storage, 8,60 Throttle Cable, 57 Tme Shaft, 56 Tines, 54-55 Tines, 56 Transmission Geai' Oil, 46-49

Manures, Green, 34-35 Model Number, 3 Motor Oil (see “Oil, Engine”)

N Neutral (see‘‘Wheels/Tmes/PTO Drive

Lever”)

Non-Powered Attachments, Use, 43 Nuts and Bdts, 10,45

o Oil, Engine,

Adding, 15 Changing, 56 Checking Level, 56 Service Schedule, 44 Type and Capacity, 15

Oil, Transmisión Gear

Adding, 48-49 Changing, 48-49 Checking for Leaks, 46

Checking Level, 14-15,47

Type and Capacity, 48,65

Operating Instructions,

Power Unit, 42-43 Tiller, 29-39

Options/Attadiments (see “Attachments

and Accessories”)

Owner R^jistration Card, 2

P Parts Ordering, 4

Power Composting, 35 Preparation, Safety, 6

pro Power Unit,

Description, 2

Operation, 40-43

Pulley, Transmission, 32-33

Raised Beds, 39

Recoil Starter, 23,27-28 Reverse Drive Maintenance,

Adjustments, 53-54 Replacement, 52 Reverse Disc, 52-54

Reverse Operation (see

“Wheels/Tmes/PTO Diive Levef’)

Row Marker, 64 Safety Decals, 8

Safety Instructions, 5-8 Seedbeds, 34 Serial Number, Tiller, 3 Service,

Engine, 4 Factory, 4

Shredder/Chipper, 64 Slope Gardening, 37 Sdenoid, 63

Spark Hug, 57,63 Specifications, 65 Speeds, 32-33,65

Stationary Attachments Operation,

42-43

Startirg/Stopjang

Engine, 23,27-28 PTO Power Unit, 29-30,4243 Tiller, 28-29

Storage, 60

Sweep Cultivator, 64

Swing Bolts, 4142,45

T Table of Contents, 3

Terraces, 38

Throttle Cable, 15,57

Throttle Lever, 15,57

Tiller,

Controls, 20-22 Maintenance, 44-56,58-63 Operation, 29-30 Srfety, 5-8 Specifications, 65 Troubleshooting, 61 -63 Tilling, 34-39

Tilling Depths, 34 Tine Attachment, 4042,55 Tine Cradle, 40 Tine Holders, 55 Tme Shaft, 56 Tine Speeds, 33

Tines,

Cleaning, 37 Custom Tilling, 64 Inspection, 54 Single Tme Replacement, 55

TInes/EH’O Qutch Lever

Function, 22

Operation, 27,29-31

Maintenance, 46

Tires

Ail' PressuiE, 56 Bai'Tread, 65 Chains, 64

Wheel Removal, 56

Tow Hitch, 64 Training, Safety, 5 Transmission Gear Oil (see “Oil,

Transmission Geai^”)

Transporting Tiller, 31 Travd Setting, 22,29 Troubleshootii^, 61-63 Turning Around, 30

u Unloading/Loading, 31

Untai^ling Tines, 37 Uphill Tilling, 37

Vertical Tilling, 37 Viscosity,

Engine Oil, 15

Gear Oil, 14,48,65

W Warranty Transfer Card, 66-67

Weight, TIDer, 65 Wheel Speed Lever,

Function, 21

Operation, 27,29

Troubleshooting, 61-62

Whed/nne Speeds, 21,32-33 Wheel Weights, 64 Wheels (see “Tires”) Wheds/Ilnes/PTO Drive Lever,

Function, 20-21 Forwad Operation, 29 Neutral, 30 Reverse Operation, 30 Troubleshooting, 61

Wide Rows, 39

Width, TiUer, 65 Wrendi, PTO, 4042

X Y

Page 68

For customer assistance, contact your nearest authorized dealer or:

Customer Service: 1-800-437-8686 «Technical Service: 1-800-520-5520 • Parts Service: 1-800-648-6776

Customer Service: (518) 391-7007 • Technical Service: (518) 391-7008 • Parts Service: (518) 391-7006 • FAX (518) 391-7332

GARDEN WAY INCORPORATED • 1 Garden Way • Troy, New York 12180

• FAX: (518) 391-7332 • WEBSITE: Outside the United States and Canada

www.troybilt.com

1905396 (6/99)

Printed in U.S.A.

' 1999 Garden Way Incorporated

Troy-Bilt 12087 User Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual

Dear Owner,

Be Sure To Return Your Owner Registration Card

Owner’s Record

TRAINING

PREPARATION

OPERATION

SAFETY DECALS

Decal Locations

Tools Needed:

Inspection After Delivery

.sseiii

STEP 2: Attach the Handlebars

Asseiiiblv

STEP 4: Connect Forward Interlock Wire Harness

^ WARNING

STEP 5: Attach the Wheels/Tines/PTO Drive Lever

Asseiniii?

STEP 6: Check Gear Oil Levels in Power Unit Transmission and Tine Attachment Transmission

STEP 7: Add Motor Oil to Engine

WARNING

STEP 9; Adjust the Air Pressure in the Tires

ASSEMBLING THE ELECTRIC START SYSTEM

STEP 1: Activating and Charging the Battery

DANGER

DANGER

WARNIHG

DANGER

DANGER

STEP 2: Connect the Wire Harness Receptacle

STEP 3: Installing the Battery

CAUTION

WARNING

TILLER FEATURES AND CONTROLS IDENTIFICATION

Wheels/Tines/PTO Drive Lever

Forward Interlock Levers

Wheel Speed Lever

Tines/PTO Clutch Lever

Depth Regulator Lever

WARNING

Handlebar Height Adjustment Lever

WARNING

WARNING

Engine Throttle Lever

Engine Choke Control

Engine Recoil Starter

Keyswitch Starter

Fuel Shut-Off Valve

On/Off Switch

WARNING

Break-In Operation

Preparation Before Starting

Test Operation of Forward Interlock Safety System

DANGER

Starting and Stopping the Engine

OCold Weather Operation

WARNING

Operation

Turning Around

CAUTION

WARNING

Transporting Your Tiller

WARNING

To Change Belt Speeds

To Change From LOW Range to HIGH Range

To Change From HIGH Range to LOW Range

WARNING

TILLING IN THE GARDEN

Tilling Depths

Seedbed Preparation

Avoid Making Footprints

Cultivating

Power Composting

SPECIAL TROY-BILT GARDENING TECHNIQUE— Till Under Standing Cornstalks

Three Rules For Tilling Under Cornstalks

Clearing Debris From The Tines

WARNING