Troy-Bilt 12157 User Manual
50
$4,
Owner/Operator
Manual
TROY-BILF
MINI-TILLER
CULTIVATOR
• Safety
Model
12157
• Assembly
• Operation
• Maintenance
• Parts List
GARDEN WAY INCORPORATED
To help you as quickly as possible when you
write or call for parts or service assistance, we'll
need to know your tiller serial number. This num
ber tells us when your machine was made and
what features it has.
The arrow in the picture to the right points to
the location of the serial number. For your con
venience and ready reference, please enter the
serial number below and fill in the date your tiller
was delivered.
The Serial Number On My Tiller Is:
Date Tiller was Delivered:
A CAUTION
The Tiller Serial Number location.
TO AVOID INJURY:
READ THE OWNER / OPERATOR MANUAL.
KNOW LOCATION AND FUNCTION OF ALL
CONTROLS.
KEEP ALL SAFETY DEVICES AND SHIELDS IN
PLACE AND WORKING.
NEVER ALLOW CHILDREN OR UNIN
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.
STRUCTED ADULTS TO OPERATE TILLER.
SHUT OFF ENGINE AND DISCONNECT
SPARK PLUG WIRE BEFORE UNCLOGGING
TINES OR MAKING REPAIRS.
KEEP BYSTANDERS AWAY FROM MACHINE.
KEEP AWAY FROM ROTATING PARTS.
USE EXTREME CAUTION WHEN REVERSING
OR PULLING THE MACHINE TOWARDS YOU.
A
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-covered, or grasscovered land, or on land covered with grain, hay, or other flammable agricultural crop, without an en
gine spark arrester in continuous effective working order.
WARNING TO ALL CALIFORNIA AND OTHER POWER EQUIPMENT OPERATORS
The engine on your power equipment, like most outdoor power equipment, is an internal combustion
engine that burns gasoline, a hydrocarbon fuel. Therefore, your power equipment must be equipped
with a spark arrester muffler in continuous effective working order. The spark arrester must be at
tached to the engine exhaust system in such a manner that flames or heat from the system will not
ignite flammable material. Failure of the owner / operator of the equipment to comply with this regula
tion is a misdemeanor under California law, and may also be a violation of other state and/or federal
regulations, laws, ordinances, or codes. Contact your local fire marshal or forest service for specific
information about what regulations apply in your area.
CONGRATULATIONS on your purchase of the TROYBILT Mini-Tiller / Cultivator. It has been designed, en
gineered and manufactured to give you the best pos
sible dependability and performance.
Should you experience any problems you cannot eas
ily remedy, please contact your nearest authorized
Dealer or the Factory.
Please read and retain this Manual. The instructions
will help you assemble and maintain your machine
properly. Always observe the “SAFETY RULES.”
PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS
HORSEPOWER:
DISPLACEMENT: 2.0 CU. IN.
FUEL CAPACITY; 20 ozs.
(24:1 gasoline to 2-cycle oil mixture)
SPARK PLUG (GAP 0.030-in.):
IGNITION Electronic
NET ENGINE WEIGHT
1.6 HP
Champion CJ-6Y*
or equivalent
7.5 LBS.
* In Canada, replace spark plug with a resistor plug.
MODEL NUMBER; 12157
SERIAL
NUMBER:
DATE OF
PURCHASE:_
THE MODEL AND SERIAL NUMBERS WILL BE
FOUND ON A DECAL LOCATED ON THE HAN
DLEBARS OF YOUR MACHINE.
YOU SHOULD RECORD BOTH THE SERIAL
NUMBER AND DATE OF PURCHASE AND KEEP
IN A SAFE PLACE FOR FUTURE REFERENCE.
_______________
This machine meets voluntary safety stan
dard B71.8 - 1986, which is sponsored by
the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute, Inc.,
and is published by the American National
Standards Institute.
WARNING: This machine is equipped with an internal
combustion engine and should not be used on or near
any unimproved forest-covered, brush-covered or
grass-covered land unless the engine’s exhaust sys
tem is equipped with a spark arrester meeting appli
cable local or state laws (if any). If a spark arrester is
used, it should be maintained in effective working
order by the operator.
In the state of California the above is required by law
(Section 4442 of the California Public Resources
Code). Other states may have similar laws. Federal
laws apply on federal lands. This engine is not
equipped with a spark arrestor for the muffler. A
spark arrester for the muffler is available through your
nearest authorized Engine Dealer.
TROY-BILT FACTORY
DIRECT 30-DAY TRIAL
TROY-BILT Mfg. wants you to be completely satisfied with your prod
uct. If you are not totally satisfied with the condition or performance of
your TROY-BILT product, you may exchange your product or receive a
refund of the purchase price of your merchandise. To receive your re
fund, you must contact us within 30 days after you receive your order,
and follow the return instructions.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Section 1: Safety.............................................................................................................6
Section 2: Easy Assembly................................................................................................9
Section 3: Operation
The Gasoline / Two-Cycle Engine Oil Mixture............................................................12
Starting and Stopping...............................................................................................12
Tilling And Cultivating...............................................................................................13
Tips and Techniques..................................................................................................14
Section 4: Maintenance
Engine Lubrication....................................................................................................16
Transmission Lubrication..........................................................................................16
Engine Air Cleaner....................................................................................................17
Carburetor Adjustment.............................................................................................17
Cooling System.........................................................................................................18
Spark Plug.................................................................................................................18
Tine Removal and Installation...................................................................................18
Narrow Cultivating................................................................................................... 19
Storage.....................................................................................................................19
Parts Ordering Information...........................................................................................2i
Replacement Parts....................................................................................................... 20
Maintenance Checklist................................................................................................. 23
Specifications............................................................................................................... 23
Warranty.........................................................................................................Back Cover
ENGINE SERVICE
If your tiller engine ever needs service or re
pair, or parts are required, please contact your
nearest Tecumseh Service Dealer.
To find the nearest Service Dealer, look in the
Yellow Pages of your telephone book under
“Engines- Gasoline”, or “Gasoline Engines.”
If you have problems getting engine service or
parts locally, let us know so we can provide you
with the name of the nearest Service Dealer.
QUESTIONS OR PROBLEMS?
1. Check this Owner/Operator Manual:
The answer to your question or problem may
be in this Manual. Refer to the Table of Contents
on the previous page in this Manual to find the
listing that concerns your problem. Turn to that
page and read the information provided.
2. Contact your Local Dealer or the Factory:
If you can't find the answer to your question or
problem in this Manual, please first contact your
local Authorized Dealer. Factory assistance is
available if needed. One of our helpful, friendly
tiller experts will gladly help you. Be ready to
provide your tiller model and the serial number of
your tiller.
3. If you need a part:
Contact your local Authorized Dealer, or call or
write to our Parts Department (see the Toll-Free
telephone number below). Please have your tiller
model and serial number at hand. Use the Parts
Listing to find the part number, description, and
quantity of the part you need. Remember that
you can purchase many of the common hard
ware items at your local hardware store as well
as ordering them from us.
For Customer Assistance, contact your nearest authorized dealer or:
Garden Way Incorporated • 1 Garden Way, Troy, New York U.S.A. 12180
Customer Service.............................................1-800-437-8686
Technical Service
Parts Service
FAX:
...............................................................
Outside the U.S.A.and Canada:
Customer Service
Technical Service
Parts Sertice
FAX:
...............................................................
............................................
..................................................
...............................................
...............................................
.....................................................
1-800-520-5520
1-800-648-6776
(518) 391-7332
(518) 391-7007
(518) 391-7008
(518) 391-7006
(518) 391-7332
Our Hours are (Eastern Standard Time):
Mon - Fri.- 8 A.M. to 7 P.M.
Saturday- 9 A.M. to 4 P.M.
IMPORTANT!
IF YOU NOTICE any freight damage or missing parts, either at the time of delivery or later during
assembly, make sure that you put it in writing, within 15 days, and send your letter to the shipper
to confirm that you intend to file a claim. Tell the driver, or inform the truck terminal, that you intend
to file a written claim. They will advise you as to how to proceed. HOWEVER, if you have any
problems with this procedure, please call us so that we can help you get satisfaction.
Section 1: Safety Instructions
Your Tiller has been carefully designed and assembled. However, as with any other piece of
powered equipment, the operator must follow safe operating practices at ail times. Failure to do
so could result in personal injury or damage to the equipment or property.
Before assembling, operating or servicing the Tiller or its engine, carefully read and follow all
of the safety instructions found in this Owner / Operator Manual, in the separate Engine
Owner’s Manual, and in any other literature you may receive. If you ever have any questions,
please contact your local Authorized Dealer, or contact us at the Factory.
If you ever lend your machine to someone, make sure that he or she reads, understands, and
follows the Safety Instructions. Always use this equipment carefully and keep safety in mind.
SAFETY ALERT SYMBOL. This symbol is used to alert you to im
portant safety messages in this Manual and on decals which are
on your tiller regarding potential hazards. When you see this sym
bol, carefully read and follow its safety message. Failure to do so can re
A
sult in personal injury or property damage.
TRAINING
1. Carefully read this Owner/Operator Manual,
the separate Engine Owner’s Manual, and any
other literature you may receive. Be thoroughly
familiar with the controls and the proper use of
the tiller/cultivator and its engine. Know how to
stop the unit and disengage the controls quickly.
2. Never let children or uninstructed adults oper
ate this equipment. Let adults operate the tiller
only if instructed properly.
3. Keep the area of operation clear of all per
sons, particularly small children and pets.
4. Keep in mind that the operator or user is re
sponsible for accidents or hazards occurring to
other people, their property, and themselves.
PREPARATION
1. Thoroughly inspect the area where the tiller is
to be used and remove all foreign objects.
2. Disengage all control levers before starting
the engine.
3. Do not operate the tiller without wearing ade
quate outer garments. Avoid loose garments or
jewelry that could get caught in moving parts of
the tiller/cultivator or its engine.
4. Do not operate the tiller when barefoot or wear
ing sandals, sneakers, or light footwear. Wear
footwear which grips well on slippery surfaces.
5. Do not till near underground electric cables,
telephone lines, pipes or hoses. If in doubt, con
tact your telephone or utility company.
6. Handle fuel with care; it is highly flammable and
its vapors are explosive. Follow these precautions;
a. Use an approved fuel container.
b. Add fuel before starting the engine. Never
remove the cap of the fuel tank or add fuel
while the engine is running or when the en
gine is hot.
c. Keep matches, cigarettes, cigars, pipes,
open flames, and sparks away from the fuel
tank and fuel container.
d. Fill fuel tank outdoors with extreme care.
Never fill fuel tank indoors. Use a funnel or
spout to prevent spillage.
e. Replace all fuel tank and container caps
securely.
f. If fuel is spilled, do not attempt to start the
engine, but move the machine away from
the area of spillage and avoid creating any
source of ignition until fuel vapors have
dissipated.
7. Never make adjustments when engine is run
ning (unless specifically recommended by the
manufacturer).
OPERATION
1. The correct operator’s position is when you
are standing behind the handlebars, hands on
handlebar grips, facing forward toward the en
gine. Do not leave this position while using the
engine throttle lever.
2. Do not put hands or feet near or under rotat
ing parts.
3. Exercise extreme caution when on or cross
ing gravel drives, walks, or roads. Stay alert for
hidden hazards or traffic.
4. After striking a foreign object, stop the engine,
disconnect the spark plug wire and prevent it
from touching the spark plug, then carefully look
at the tiller for damage, and repair damage be
fore restarting and operating the tiller.
5. Exercise caution to avoid slipping or falling.
6. If the machine should start to vibrate abnor
mally, stop the engine. Disconnect the spark plug
wire and prevent it from touching the spark plug,
and check immediately for the cause. Vibration is
generally a warning of trouble.
7. Stop the engine, disconnect the spark plug
wire and prevent it from touching the spark plug
whenever you leave the equipment, before un
clogging the tines, or when making any repairs,
adjustments or inspections.
8. Before leaving the tiller unattended, always
stop the engine. Disconnect the spark plug wire
and prevent it from touching the spark plug.
9. Before cleaning, repairing, or inspecting, shut
off engine and let all moving parts stop. Dis
connect spark plug wire and prevent it from
touching spark plug to prevent accidental starting.
10. Never operate tiller without proper guards,
plates, or other protective safety devices in place.
11. Do not run the engine in an enclosed area.
The exhaust fumes from the engine contain ex
tremely dangerous carbon monoxide gas.
Carbon monoxide gas is colorless, odorless,
tasteless and deadly poisonous.
12. Keep children and pets away.
13. Be aware that the tiller may unexpectedly
bounce upward or jump forward if the tines
should strike extremely hardpacked soil, frozen
ground, or buried obstacles such as large
stones, roots, or stumps. If you are in doubt
about the tilling conditions, always use the fol
lowing operating precautions to assist you in
maintaining control of the tiller:
a. Stand behind the tiller, using both hands on
the handlebars. Relax your arms, but use a
secure hand grip.
b. Start tilling at shallow depths, working grad
ually deeper with each pass.
c. Clear the tilling area of all large stones,
roots and other debris.
d. In an emergency, stop the tines by re
leasing the Engine Throttle Lever on the
right handlebar. To stop the engine,
move the Engine Ignition Switch to OFF.
14. Do not overload the tiller’s capacity by at
tempting to till too deeply at too fast a rate.
15. Never operate the tiller on slippery surfaces.
Look behind and use care when backing up.
16. Do not operate the tiller on a slope that is
too steep for safety. When on slopes, slow down
and make sure you have good footing.
17. Never allow bystanders near the unit.
18. Only use attachments and accessories that
are factory-approved.
19. Never operate the tiller without good visibility
or light.
20. Never operate the tiller if you are tired, or under
the influence of alcohol, drugs or medication.
21. Do not tamper with the engine governor set
tings on the machine; the governor controls the
maximum safe operating speed and protects the
engine and all moving parts from damage caused
by overspeed. Authorized service shall be sought if
a problem exists.
22. Do not touch engine parts which may be hot
from operation. Allow parts to cool before inspect
ing, cleaning or repairing.
23. Remember: You can stop the tines by releas
ing the Engine Throttle Lever. Move the Engine
Ignition Switch to OFF to shut the engine off.
24. Never transport this machine when the engine
is running. Shut the engine off before transporting
the machine.
25. Terminals and non-insulated electrical parts
shall be protected against shorting during normal
servicing, refueling or lubrication.
MAINTENANCE AND STORAGE
1. Keep the tiller, attachments and accessories
in safe working condition.
2. Check all nuts, bolts, and screws at frequent
intervals for proper tightness to be sure the
equipment is in safe working condition.
3. Never store the tiller with fuel in the fuel tank in
side a building where fumes may reach an open
flame or spark (hot water and space heaters, fur
naces, clothes dryers, stoves, electric motors, etc.).
4. Allow the engine to cool before storing it.
5. To reduce the chances of a fire hazard, keep the
engine free of grass, leaves, or excessive grease.
6. Store gasoline in a cool, well-ventilated area,
safely away from any spark or flame-producing
equipment. Store gasoline in an approved con
tainer, safely away from the reach of children.
7. Never perform maintenance while the engine
is running or the spark plug wire is connected, ex
cept when specifically instructed to do so.
DECALS
If any of the decals below become illegible, damaged, or missing, order replacements immediately.
See the Parts Ordering information at the back of this Manual.
Photo 1: Decals
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