Troy-Bilt 12159 User Manual
$450
Owner/Operator
Manual
with Edger Attachment
Models
Safety
Assembly
Operation
Maintenance/Service
Repair Parts
12097
12159 2)6i.E^s
GARDEN WAY INCORPORATED
SAFETY RULES
CAUTION: ALWAYS DISCONNECT SPARK PLUG WIRE AND PLACE WIRE WHERE IT A
CANNOT CONTACT SPARK PLUG TO PREVENT ACCIDENTAL STARTING WHEN AK
A
SETTING UP, TRANSPORTING, ADJUSTING OR MAKING REPAIRS. **
TRAINING
• Read this Owner/Operator Manual and the separate
Engine Owner’s Manual very carefully before operating
this equipment. Be completely familiar with the controls
and the proper use of the equipment. Know how to stop
the unit and disengage the controls quickly. A replace
ment Manual is available by contacting the Factory.
• Never allow children or untrained adults to use this
equipment. Let adults operate the unit only if instructed
properly.
• Keep the area of operation clear of all persons, partic
ularly small children and pets. Keep bystanders at least
25 feet from the area of operation.
• Keep in mind that the operator or user is responsible
for accidents or hazards occurring to other people, their
property, and themselves.
• Familiarize yourself with all of the safety and operating
decals on this equipment and on any of its attachments
or accessories.
• Do not run engine in an enclosed area. Engine ex
haust contains carbon monoxide gas, a deadly poison
that is odoriess, colorless, and tasteless. Do not operate
this equipment near buildings, windows, or air
conditioning equipment.
• 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 the engine
is started and the throttle control lever is squeezed. The
tines continue to rotate until the operator releases the
throttle control lever.
• Before inspecting or servicing any part of the equip
ment, shut off engine, make sure all moving parts have
come to a complete stop, then disconnect spark plug
wire from spark plug and move wire away from the plug.
• Do not operate this equipment if you are under the in
fluence of alcohol, medication, or when you are tired or
• Do not operate the equipment when barefoot or when
wearing sandals, sneakers, or similar lightweight
footwear. Wear protective footwear that will protect your
feet and improve footing on all surfaces.
• Wear approved safety glasses when operating this
equipment. The operation of any powered machine can
result in foreign objects being thrown by high-speed ro
tating parts.
• Do not till near underground electric cables, telephone
lines, pipes, or hoses. If in doubt, contact your utility or
telephone company to locate underground services.
• Handle fuel with care. It is highly flammable and has
explosive vapors. Take 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 engine is hot. Operators shall not
smoke.
c. Keep matches, cigarettes, cigars, pipes, open
flames, and sparks away from the fuel tank and fuel con
tainer.
d. Fill fuel tank outdoors and with extreme caution.
Never fill fuel tank when indoors. Use a funnel or spout
to prevent spillage.
e. Replace all fuel tank and fuel 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.
• Never make adjustments to your equipment when the
engine is running or spark plug wire is connected (unless
specifically recommended in Owner/Operator Manual).
OPERATION
PREPARATION
• Thoroughly inspect the area where the equipment is to
be used and remove all foreign objects.
• Make sure that the throttle control lever is disengaged
and is in the neutral position before you begin to start the
engine.
• Do not operate the machine without wearing adequate
outer garments. Avoid loose garments or jewelry that
could get caught in moving parts of the machine or its
engine.
LOOK FOR THIS SYMBOL TO POINT OUT IMPORTANT SAFETY PRECAUTIONS.
A
IT MEANS-ATTENTION!!! BECOME ALERT!!! YOUR SAFETY IS INVOLVED.
• The correct operator’s position is when you are stand
ing behind the handlebars, hands on handlebar grips,
facing forward toward the engine. Do not leave this po
sition while using the engine throttle lever.
• Do not put hands or feet near or under rotating parts.
• Exercise extreme caution when on or crossing gravel
drives, walks or roads. Stay alert for hidden hazards or
traffic. Do not carry passengers.
• After striking a foreign object, stop the engine, let ail
moving parts come to a complete stop, disconnect the
spark plug wire and prevent it from touching the spark
plug, then carefully inspect the machine for damage.
SAFETY RULES
Repair the damage before restarting and operating the
machine.
• Exercise caution to avoid slipping or falling.
• If the machine should start to vibrate abnormally, stop
the engine. Disconnect the spark plug wire and prevent
it from touching the plug. Check immediately for the
cause. Vibration is generally a warning of trouble. Fix
the problem before using the equipment again.
• Stop the engine, disconnect the spark plug wire and
prevent it from touching the spark plug whenever you
leave the equipment, before unciogging the tines, or
when making any repairs, adjustments or inspections.
• Take all possible precautions when leaving the ma
chine unattended. Always stop the engine. Disconnect
the spark plug wire and prevent it from touching the plug.
• Before cleaning, repairing, or inspecting, stop the en
gine and make certain all moving parts have stopped.
Disconnect the spark plug wire and prevent it from
touching the spark plug to avoid accidental starting.
• Never operate equipment without proper guards,
plates, or other protective safety devices in place.
• Do not run the engine in an enclosed area. The ex
haust fumes from the engine contain extremely danger
ous carbon monoxide gas. This gas is colorless, odor
less, tasteless and deadly poisonous.
• Keep children and pets away.
• Be aware that the equipment may unexpectedly
bounce upward or jump forward if the tines should strike
extremely hardpacked soil, frozen ground, or buried ob
stacles 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 equipment:
a. Stand behind the equipment, using both hands on the
handlebars. Relax your arms, but use a secure hand
grip.
b. Start tilling at shallow depths, working gradually
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 releasing the en
gine throttle lever on the handlebar. To stop the en
gine, move the engine on-off switch to OFF.
• Do not overload the machine’s capacity by attempting
to till too deeply at too fast a rate.
• Never operate the equipment on slippery surfaces.
Look behind and use care when backing up.
• Do not operate the equipment on a slope that is too
steep for safety. When on slopes, slow down and make
sure you have good footing.
• Never allow bystanders near the unit.
• Only use attachments and accessories that are
factory-approved.
• Never operate the equipment without good visibility or
good light.
• Never operate the unit if you are tired, or under the in
fluence of alcohol, drugs, or medication.
• Do not tamper with the engine governor settings on
the machine; the governor controls the maximum safe
operating speed and protects the engine and all other
moving parts from damage caused by engine over
speed. Authorized service shall be sought if a problem
exists.
• Do not touch engine parts which may be hot from op
eration. Allow parts to cool before inspecting, cleaning
or repairing.
• Remember: you can stop the tines by releasing the en
gine throttle lever. Move the engine on-off switch to OFF
to shut the engine off.
• Never transport this machine when the engine is
running.
• Terminals and non-insulated electrical parts shall be
protected against shorting during normal servicing, refu
eling or lubrication.
• Use extreme caution when reversing or pulling the ma
chine toward you.
• Start the engine carefully according to instructions and
with feet well away from the tines.
MAINTENANCE/STORAGE
• Keep the tiller, attachments and accessories in safe
working condition.
• Check all nuts, bolts, and screws at frequent intervals
for proper tightness to be sure equipment is in safe
working condition.
• Never store equipment with fuel in fuel tank inside a
building where fumes may reach an open flame or spark
(hot water and space heaters, furnaces, clothes dryers,
stoves, electric motors, etc.).
• Allow the engine to cool before storing the equipment.
• Keep the engine free of grass, leaves, or grease to re
duce the chance of a fire hazard.
• Store gasoline in a cool, well-ventilated area, safely
away from any spark- or flame-producing equipment.
Store gasoline in an approved container, safely away
from the reach of children.
• Never perform maintenance when engine is running or
spark plug wire is connected unless instructed to do so.
• If fuel tank must be drained, do so outdoors.
• Follow manufacturer’s recommendations for safe load
ing, unloading, transport, and storage of machine.
WARNING:
Tlie engine exhaust from this product
contains chemicals known to the State of
California to cause cancer, birth defects, or
other reproductive harm.
A CAUTION
TO AVOID INJURY:
READ THE OWNER / OPERATOR MANUAL.
KNOW LOCATION AND FUNCTION OF ALL CON
TROLS.
KEEP ALL SAFETY DEVICES AND SHIELDS IN
PLACE AND WORKING.
NEVER ALLOW CHILDREN OR UNINSTRUCTED
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.
MODEL NUMBER;.
SERIAL
NUMBER:
DATE OF
PURCHASE:
THE MODEL AND SERIAL NUMBERS WILL BE
FOUND ON A DECAL LOCATED ON THE HANDLE
BARS OF YOUR MACHINE,
YOU SHOULD RECORD BOTH THE SERIAL
NUMBER AND DATE OF PURCHASE AND KEEP IN
A SAFE PLACE FOR FUTURE REFERENCE.
_______
_____
CONGRATULATIONS on your purchase of a
Tiller/Cultivator with Edger Attachment. It has been
designed, engineered and manufactured to give you the
best possible dependability and performance.
Should you experience any problems you cannot easily
remedy, please contact your nearest 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;
FUEL CAPACITY:
(24:1 gasoline to 2-cycle oil mixture)
SPARK PLUG (GAP 0.030-in.): Champion CJ-6Y*
IGNITION Electronic
NET ENGINE WEIGHT
* In Canada, replace spark plug with a resistor plug.
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 grasscovered land unless the engine’s exhaust system is
equipped with a spark arrester muffler meeting applica
ble local or state laws (if any). If a spark arrester muffler
is used, it should be maintained in effective working or
der 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.
2 HP
3.0 CU. IN.
20 ozs.
or equivalent
7.5 LBS.
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.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
SAFETY RULES................................................ 2
PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS
ACCESSORIES AND ATTACHMENTS
ASSEMBLY
.........................................................
..........................
..............
4
OPERATION................................................. 11
MAINTENANCE/SERVICE
...............................
16
INDEX
A
Accessories and Attachments ... .6
Aerator Attachment
Air Cleaner
Assembly
..................................
......................................
......................
6
17
8
B
Borders
Border/Edger Attachment .... 7, 10
..................................
10, 15
C
Carburetor
Cleaning......................................17
Control Lever, Engine Throttle ... 11
Cultivating
.................................
...................................
17
14
Features/Controls
Fuel Mixture .................................
Fuel Primer Bulb
Gasoline/Two-Cycle Oil
Handlebar Height Adjustment . .8,11
Hardware.......................................9
Location of Controls
Lubrication...................................16
6
8
F
......................
........................
G
H
L
STORAGE
.........................................................
TROUBLESHOOTING...................................... 19
DECALS
REPAIR PARTS - TRANSMISSION
REPAIR PARTS - GENERAL ASSEMBLY
..........................................................
.................
.........
S
Safety Rules...............................2-3
Safety Decals
Service Recommendation
Checklist
Spark Plug.....................................9
Starter Rope ..
Storage .......................................19
.............................
................................
...........................
...............
11
9
12
9
T
Tilling
........................................
Tilling Depth Adjustment ............11
...................
11
Tilling Widths
Tine Removal
Tips/Techniques
Troubleshooting
...............................
..............................
..........................
..........................
19
20
21
22
20
16
11
.14
15
18
15
19
D
Decals
Edging.........................................15
Engine
........................................
E
Air Filter...................................17
Carburetor...............................17
Cleaning .................................17
Fuel Mixture
Fuel Primer Bulb
On-Off Switch
Operation
Recoil Start Rope
Spark Plug
Speed
Starting Engine
Stopping Engine
Storage
Throttle Lever
..............................
....................
........................
................................
..................
................................
....................................
......................
....................
..................................
........................
20
12
11
13
11
11
13
13
19
11
M
Maintenance ...............................16
Model/Serial Number
....................
Unpacking ................................
4
U
7-8
w, X, Y, Z
0
Oil/Gasoline Mixture .....................9
Off-Season Storage
Operation
9
Parts List
Power Lawn Rake
9
Preparation ................................ 12
Product Specifications
Recoil Starter Rope
Repair Parts
.............
...............................
...........................
....................
....................
.13
P
21-23
.........................
..................
R
...................
21-23
19
11
RIGHT
SIDE jj 1^' j
6
4
FORWARD
11 \ /
/ ¡\
I
\y^ LEFT
SIDE
OPERATOR’S POSITION
References in this Manual to
LEFT and RIGHT sides of the
tiller are given from the oper
ator’s position behind the
handlebars (unless specified
otherwise).
ACCESSORIES AND ATTACHMENTS
These accessories and attachments were available when the Tiller/Cultivator was purchased. They are also available
at your local authorized Tiller/Cultivator dealer. Your dealer can order repair parts for you when you provide the model
number of your Tiller/Cultivator.
OPTIONAL ATTACHMENTS
Power Lawn Rake Attachment- Model 12575
Matted grass and debris not only looks unattractive, but
stifles lawn growth and overall health. This attachment
mounts without tools and features dozens of tempered
steel “fingers” that spring off the surface to penetrate and
loosen matted grass without disturbing root growth. An
18"-wide swath covers a large lawn area quickly.
The Power Lawn Rake is a valuable attachment be
cause it saves you a lot of time and it keeps your lawn
healthy and vigorous.
Lawn Aerator Attachment- Model 12574
Helps promote healthy, dense lawns by aerating the
lawn and loosening the soil to contribute to better root
growth. Four (4) tempered steel tines puncture the sur
face of the lawn, letting nutrients more easily reach the
roots. No tools are needed to mount or remove this op
tional attachment. When mounted, it takes the place of
the standard tine sections.
CONTENTS OF HARDWARE PACK
Parts packed separately in carton (not shown full size)
ASSEMBLY
Read these instructions in their entirety before you at
tempt to assemble or operate your new equipment. Your
new equipment has been assembled at the factory and
only requires an adjustment of handlebar height.
The Border Edger Attachment does not need to be
assembled or installed until you are ready to do edging
projects (refer to instructions in this Section).
To ensure safe and proper operation of your machine, all
parts and hardware you install or adjust must be tight
ened securely. Use the correct tools to ensure proper
tightness.
IMPORTANT: THE CORRECT MIXTURE OF UNLEAD
ED AUTOMOTIVE GASOLINE AND TWO-CYCLE MO
TOR OIL (USE A 24:1 RATIO OF GAS TO TWO-CYCLE
OIL) MUST BE ADDED TO THE FUEL TANK BEFORE
STARTING THE ENGINE. SPECIFICATIONS AND MIX
ING INSTRUCTIONS ARE COVERED IN THE “OPERA
TION” SECTION.
UNPACKING INSTRUCTIONS
• Inspect your machine immediately. Be sure neither
the carton nor contents have been damaged. If you find
or have reason to suspect damage, contact the Factory
for assistance.
• Remove any packing material from around the ma
chine. Before disposing of the carton or any of the pack
ing materials, be sure to check them thoroughly for any
small parts.
• Perform the assembly on a clean, level surface. If you
need to move the machine, be careful not to severely
bend any of the control cables on the equipment.
• Before starting any assembly steps, disconnect
the engine spark plug wire from the spark plug. Re
fer to Figure 4 on Page 9.
Tools Needed For Assembly:
An adjustable wrench, pliers, and slotted-head and
Phillips-head screwdrivers.
Figure 1: Loosen knob (A). Unfold handlebars (B). Slide
plastic ties (C) to the locations shown.
each within a slot. NOTE: Try the middle five slots first.
Move the upper handlebar to the desired height, then
rock the upper handlebar back and forth to “feel” when
the teeth and slots are engaged.
* Retighten the handlebar knob.
• Check the locations of the plastic ties (C, Figure 1)
which secure the control cables to the handlebars. The
ties must positioned as shown in Figure 1.
NOTE: There is just one storage position for the handle
bars- folded over and down as originally shipped to you.
ASSEMBLY STEPS
STEP 1: Unfold and Adjust Handlebars
• The unit was shipped with the handlebars folded over
in the storage position. (Be careful when you move the
upper handlebar not to pinch the control cables running
alongside the handlebars. Push the cables out and
away before swiveling the handlebar.) Loosen the han
dlebar knob (A, Figure 1) and carefully unfold the han
dlebars up into the operating position. Do not force the
handlebar — if it does not move freely, continue to
loosen the knob.
• There are three handlebar height settings. Select one
by aligning the five teeth on the handlebar ratchet with
five of the seven handlebar pivot slots- refer to Figure 2.
Carefully move the upper handlebar so all five teeth are
Figure 2: Move upper handlebar up or down to mate ratch
et teeth (A) with corresponding slots (B). Three height po
sitions are available. Retighten knob.
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