Troy-Bilt 12168 User Manual
Form 1905103 (3/98)
Owner’s Manual
5 H.P.
• Safety
• Assembly
• Controls
• Operation
• Maintenance
Model
12168
®
© 1998 GARDEN WAY INCORPORATED
TM
2
Dear Owner:
Thank you for purchasing the TROY-BILT
®
VersaTiller™. This unique piece of outdoor
power equipment gives you the deep tilling
power that rear-mounted counter-rotating tines
provide, and provides the outstanding convenience of a front tine cultivator and tiller as well.
The optional edger attachment and optional aerator
attachment install easily and work very effectively
to add even more versatility to your machine.
Please read this manual. It tells you how to
safely and easily assemble, operate and
maintain your machine. Be sure that you and
any other operator carefully follow the
recommended safety practices at all times.
Failure to do so could result in personal injury
or property damage. This manual is considered
a permanent part of the unit and it must stay
with the unit if it is resold. A replacement
manual can be obtained from the factory or
your local authorized dealer.
All information in this manual is based on the
latest product information available at the time
of printing. Review this manual frequently to
familiarize yourself with its features and operation.
If you have any problems or questions concerning the unit, contact your local authorized dealer
or the factory. Our telephone numbers and
mailing addresses are listed on Page 3.
We want to ensure your complete satisfaction at
all times.
Safety Alert Symbol
This is a safety alert symbol.
It is used in this manual and
on the unit to alert you to
potential hazards. When you see this
symbol, read and obey the message
that follows it. Failure to obey safety
messages could result in personal
injury or property damage.
Owner Registration Card
Please fill out and mail the enclosed
owner registration
card. The purpose of
this card is to register
each unit at the
factory in order to
keep the owner
informed with informational bulletins
and safety literature.
Warranty Service
The warranty statement is included in
the unit’s literature package.
Model/Serial Numbers
The Model/Serial Numbers are located
on the engine mounting bracket (see
figure below). For ready reference,
record these numbers in the spaces
below.
Date of purchase:
Model/Serial Numbers:
Left and Right Sides
Left and right sides of the unit are
determined from the operator’s
position behind the handlebar.
®
M
I
A
L
M
I
A
L
Model/Serial Numbers
The engine exhaust from this
product contains chemicals
known to the State of
California to cause cancer,
birth defects or other
reproductive harm.
WARNING:
3
Table of Contents
Owner Registration card ............................................................ 2
Warranty Service .................................................................... 2
Model/Serial Numbers .............................................................. 2
Customer Service and Technical Service ........................................ 3
Replacement Parts .................................................................. 3
Engine Service and Repair ......................................................... 3
SECTION 1: SAFETY ................................................................. 4
Safety Decals .................................................................................................. 6
SECTION 2: ASSEMBLY ............................................................. 7
Handlebar Assembly ....................................................................................... 7
Add Motor Oil to Engine .................................................................................. 8
Check/Adjust Tire Pressure.............................................................................. 8
Check Hardware Tightness.............................................................................. 8
How to Transport Machine in “Freewheel”....................................................... 8
SECTION 3: FEATURES & CONTROLS............................................... 9
Drive Bail......................................................................................................... 9
Swivel Handlebars........................................................................................... 9
Handlebar Locking Lever................................................................................. 9
Hood Release Pin............................................................................................. 9
Tines................................................................................................................ 9
Operational Interlock System........................................................................... 9
Engine Throttle Lever....................................................................................... 10
Fuel Primer Bulb.............................................................................................. 10
Recoil Starter................................................................................................... 10
Oil Fill Tube and Dipstick ................................................................................. 10
Fuel Tank......................................................................................................... 10
Spark Plug....................................................................................................... 10
Air Cleaner....................................................................................................... 10
Muffler............................................................................................................. 10
SECTION 4: OPERATION ............................................................. 11
Preparation Before Starting ............................................................................. 12
Break-In Operation........................................................................................... 12
The Operational Interlock System.................................................................... 13
Convert From Rear Tine Tiller to Front Tine Tiller/Cultivator............................ 14
Start and Stop the Engine................................................................................ 15
How to Operate Your Machine As A Rear Tine Tiller........................................ 15
Clearing Debris from Tines.............................................................................. 16
How to Operate Your Machine As A Front Tine Tiller/Cultivator....................... 16
Cultivating in Flower Beds/Shrubbery Areas.................................................... 16
Optional Attachments ...................................................................................... 17
Loading and Unloading the Tiller..................................................................... 18
SECTION 5: MAINTENANCE ......................................................... 19
Required Maintenance Schedule...................................................................... 19
Tiller/Cultivator Maintenance........................................................................... 20
Engine Maintenance......................................................................................... 23
Off Season storage.......................................................................................... 23
Troubleshooting.................................................................................. Back Cover
Customer Service and
Technical Service
If you have questions or
problems with the unit,
contact your local dealer
or call or write to the
factory. (When calling or
writing the factory,
provide the model/serial
number of the unit.)
Replacement Parts
Factory specified
replacement parts are
available from your
authorized dealer or
directly from the
factory. For parts ordering information,
refer to the parts catalog.
Engine Service and
Repair
For engine service or
repair, contact your
nearest authorized
engine dealer (look in
the Yellow Pages
under “Engines–Gasoline”). The engine
is warranted by the engine manufacturer.
Any unauthorized work performed on the
engine during the warranty period may
void this warranty. For complete details
on the engine warranty, refer to the
engine owner manual.
To Contact the Factory:
GARDEN WAY INCORPORATED
1 Garden Way
Troy, New York 12180
FAX: (518) 391-7332
Telephone Numbers:
Customer Service: 1-800-437-8686
Technical Service: 1-800-520-5520
Parts Service: 1-800-648-6776
Outside the United States and Canada:
Customer Service: (518) 391-7007
Technical Service: (518) 391-7008
Parts Service: (518) 391-7006
TO AVOID SERIOUS INJURY:
• READ THE OWNER’S MANUAL.
• KNOW LOCATIONS AND FUNCTIONS OF ALL CONTROLS.
• 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 MANUALLY
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.
CAUTION
Training
Read this Owner’s Manual and the
separate engine owner manual
carefully before operating this
equipment. Be completely familiar
with the controls and the proper use
of the unit. Know how to stop the
unit and disengage the controls
quickly. A replacement manual is
available by contacting us.
2. Never allow children to operate the
equipment. Never allow adults to
operate the equipment without
proper instruction.
3. Keep the area of operation clear of all
persons, particularly small children
and pets. Keep bystanders at least
25 feet away from the area of
operation.
4. Keep in mind that the operator or
user is responsible for accidents or
hazards occurring to other people,
their property, and themselves.
5. Familiarize yourself with all safety
and operating decals on the unit and
on any attachments or accessories.
6. Do not run the engine in an enclosed
area. Engine exhaust contains
carbon monoxide gas, a deadly
poison that is odorless, colorless,
and tasteless. Do not operate the
unit near buildings, windows, or air
conditioners.
7. Do not allow hands or any other part
of the body or clothing near the
rotating tines or near any other
moving part. Once the engine is
started and the unit is in rear tine
tiller mode, the tines and wheels
begin to rotate when the Drive Bail is
closed against the handlebar. If in
front tine cultivator mode, only the
tines rotate when the Drive Bail is
closed.
8. Before inspecting, servicing or
adjusting any part of the unit, shut
the engine off, wait for all moving
parts to stop, disconnect the spark
plug wire from the spark plug. Move
the wire away from the spark plug.
9. Do not operate the unit if you are
under the influence of alcohol,
medication, or when tired or ill.
Preparation
1. Thoroughly inspect the area where
the equipment will be used. Remove
foreign objects before tilling or
cultivating.
2. Let go of the Drive Bail before starting
the engine.
3. Do not operate this equipment 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, sneakers or
other light footwear. Wear protective
footwear that grips well on slippery
surfaces.
5. Do not till or cultivate near underground electric cables, telephone
lines, pipes or hoses. Contact your
telephone company or utility to verify
locations of 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 removed
or fuel added with engine running.
Engine shall be allowed to cool
before refueling. Operators shall not
smoke.
c.) Keep matches, cigarettes, cigars,
pipes, open flames, or sparks away
from the fuel tank and fuel container.
Section
1
Safety
SPARK ARRESTER WARNING TO RESIDENTS OF CALIFORNIA AND SEVERAL OTHER STATES
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, brush, hay, grain, or grass
covered land; or land covered by any flammable agricultural crop without an engine spark arrester in
continuous effective working order.
The engine on the unit is an internal combustion engine which burns gasoline, a hydrocarbon fuel, and must be equipped with a
spark arrester muffler in continuous 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 ignite flammable material. Failure of the owner/operator of the unit to
comply with this regulation is a misdemeanor under California law (and other states) 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 which regulations apply in your area.
4
Rear
Tine
Tiller
Mode
Front Tine
Cultivator
Mode
Drive
Bail
Section 1: Safety
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
roadways. Be alert for hidden
hazards or traffic. Do not carry
passengers.
3. If you hit a foreign object, stop the
engine, let all moving parts come to
a complete stop, disconnect spark
plug wire and move wire away from
the spark plug, and inspect for damage. Repair damage before restarting.
4. Exercise caution to avoid slipping or
falling.
5. If abnormal tiller vibration occurs,
stop engine immediately, disconnect
the spark plug wire, and move wire
away from spark plug. Check for the
cause. Carefully inspect for any damage. Fix the problem before using
the tiller again. Vibration is generally
a warning sign of trouble.
6. Stop the engine, let all moving parts
stop completely, disconnect the
spark plug wire and move the wire
away from the plug before leaving
the operating position, unclogging
tines, or making repairs, adjustments
or inspections.
7. Take all possible precautions when
leaving the machine unattended. Let
go of all controls. Stop engine, allow
all moving parts to stop completely,
disconnect spark plug wire and move
wire away from plug to prevent the
possibility of accidental starting.
8. Before cleaning, repairing or
inspecting, stop the engine, let all
moving parts stop completely,
disconnect the spark plug wire and
move wire away from spark plug to
prevent the possibility of accidental
starting.
9. The Operational Interlock System
should be tested for correct function
every time prior to using this equipment. See Section 4 in this Manual.
10. Never use equipment unless safety
guards and safety devices are in
place and working properly.
11. Do not remove the hood flap or in
any way alter its performance. Doing
so may allow stones to be thrown in
the operator’s direction, increase the
risk of accidentally coming into contact with the tines, or increasing the
possibility that the unit may unexpectedly be propelled backward.
12. Do not run the engine in an enclosed
area. Engine exhaust contains carbon
monoxide gas, a deadly poison that
is odorless, colorless and tasteless.
13. Keep children and pets away.
14. Never operate the equipment in the
rear tine tiller mode (operator
standing behind the tines) unless the
tine hood is properly installed over
the tines. Refer to illustrations on
Page 4. The tine hood may only be
removed after the handlebar is
swung around 180oto the front tine
tiller/cultivator mode (handlebar is
positioned over the engine). Never
till or cultivate in front tine tiller/
cultivator mode with the tine hood
installed— in this mode the tine
hood should always be off. Failure to
comply with these requirements
could result in serious personal
injury or damage to the tine hood. A
special safety interlock switch prevents the engine from running if the
tine hood is removed when the handlebaris in the rear tine tiller mode
(handlebars over hood and tines).
See illustration on Page 4.
15. When in rear tine tiller mode, the
tiller could unexpectedly jump
backward if the tines dig in too
deeply and the wheels lose traction.
To minimize the possibility of the
machine jumping backwards, do not
push down on the handlebar when in
rear tine tilling mode.
16. If in doubt about tilling conditions,
use the following precautions to help
you in maintaining tiller control:
a.) Walk on the left side of the
handlebar when in the rear tine tilling
mode. When front tine tilling or
cultivating, walk behind the handlebar.
b.) Use slower engine throttle speeds.
c.) When tilling, work gradually
deeper with each tilling pass.
d.) Clear the tilling area of big
stones, roots and other debris.
e.) When in rear tine tilling mode,
avoid putting downward pressure on
the handlebar which would cause the
wheels to lose traction. If necessary,
apply upward pressure to increase
wheel traction and to prevent the
tines from digging too deeply. When
in the cultivating mode, do the
opposite—apply downward
handlebar pressure to prevent the
tines from digging too deeply.
f.) In an emergency, release the control lever to stop tines and wheels.
17. Do not overload the capacity of the
machine by trying to till or cultivate
too deeply at too fast a rate.
18. Never use the tiller at high speed on
hard or slippery surfaces. Look
behind and use care when backing
up (there is no powered “reverse”).
19. Do not use this unit on steep slopes.
On modest slopes, slow down.
Obtain good footing. Don’t let unit
“freewheel” down slopes. When
possible, operate unit under power
with wheels engaged.
20. Clear the area of bystanders before
tilling or cultivating.
21. Use only attachments and accessories approved by Garden Way Inc.
22. Use tiller attachments and accessories when recommended.
23. Never operate this equipment without good visibility or light.
5
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
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
dissipate.
7. Never attempt to make any
adjustments while the engine is
running or the spark plug wire is
connected, except when so
instructed.
6
24. Never operate this equipment if
you are fatigued, or under the influence of alcohol, drugs or medicine.
25. Operators shall not tamper with
the engine-governor settings; 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.
26. Do not touch engine parts that
may be hot from operation
(muffler, fins, etc.). Be certain all
parts have cooled down before
inspecting, cleaning or repairing.
27. Remember—to stop tines and
wheels, let go of the Drive Bail.
Do not try to restrain the tiller. Let
go of the handlebar if necessary.
28. Use extreme caution when moving
backward or pulling unit toward you.
29. Start the engine carefully
according to instructions and with
feet well away from the tines.
30 Never pick up or carry equipment
while the engine is operating.
Section 1: Safety
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
accessories in safe working condition.
3. Check all nuts, bolts and screws frequently for proper tightness. Always
verify the equipment is in safe working
condition.
4. Never store the machine with fuel in
the fuel tank inside a building where
fumes may reach an open flame or
spark, or where ignition sources are
present (such as hot water and space
heaters, furnaces, clothes dryers, etc.).
5. Let the engine cool down before
storing it in an enclosure.
6. To reduce fire hazard possibilities, keep
the engine free of grass, leaves or
grease.
7. Store gasoline in a cool, well-ventilated
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 Section in
this Manual for storage information if
your equipment is to be stored for an
extended period.
9. If the fuel tank has to be drained, do
this outdoors.
10.Follow manufacturer’s recommendations for safe loading, unloading,
transport and machine storage.
Decals For your personal safety and the safety of
others, safety message decals have been affixed to your unit.
Keep them clean and legible . Contact your local service
dealer or the factory for replacements if any decals are
damaged or missing. Refer to the separate parts catalog for
decal locations, part numbers, and ordering instructions.
The safety and operational decals on your equipment are
shown below (not actual size).
Maintenance and Storage
1911359.A (1/98)
WARNING
1911362.B (3/98)
To Avoid Serious Injury:
• Read the Operator’s Manual.
• Know the location and functions
of all controls.
• Keep all safety devices and
shields in place and working.
• Keep away from rotating parts.
•
Never allow children or uninstructed
adults to operate machine.
• Shut off engine and disconnect spark
plug wire before manually unclogging
tines or making repairs.
• Use extreme caution when reversing
or pulling the machine towards you.
• Keep bystanders away from
machine.
• Do not operate tiller in rear
tine tilling mode without tine
hood in place, or in front tine
tilling mode with tine hood
installed.
PLACE FREE HAND
HERE
WHEN MANUALLY
STARTING ENGINE.
1915810 (12/97)
W ARNING
Keep away from
rotating tines.
Rotating tines will
cause injury.
1911361.A (1/98)
Decal located on front plate of handlebar.
Decal located on top
of handlebar– left side.
Decal located on bottom
of handlebar and on
hood flap.
Decal located on
fuel tank.
Decal located on
handlebar locking lever.
WARNING
Tines could propel tiller backwards
when rear-tine tilling!
Contact with tines will cause injury.
To avoid injury:
Let go of control lever.
Stand to left rear side of handlebar
when first setting down tines onto
sod or hard ground.
Follow these safe operating procedures before starting the engine:
1. When in rear-tine mode, check that the wheels are properly
engaged (NOT in Freewheel). When properly engaged, wheels
will not roll more than 10 inches before locking up.
2. Check that flap on tine hood is in place, freely hanging down and
trailing behind tiller (see illustration at right).
3. Check that tines are properly installed so that curved cutting
edges will enter the soil first.
4. Check the engine for fuel and oil. Check the tiller's safety items.
Curved Cutting Edge
Freely
Trailing
Flap
TILLING/CULTIVATING INSTRUCTIONS
See your Owner's Manual for complete operating and safety instructions before operating this machine; the following are just some key
reminders. (A replacement manual is available from your dealer or at the factory.)
1. For front-tine cultivating, remove the tine hood. Loosen
the Handlebar Locking Lever and swing the handlebar
around over the engine. Swing only toward the muffler
cage side of engine. Rotating the handlebar in the wrong
direction will damage the safety electrical interlock switch.
Tighten the locking lever.
2. For rear-tine tilling, attach the tine hood. Loosen the
Handlebar Locking Lever and swing the handlebars to the
rear position over the hood. Swing only toward the muffler
cage side of engine. Tighten the locking lever.
3. Squeeze the Drive Bail lever to operate. Release this
lever at any time to immediately stop the tiller.
4. For rear-tine mode, walk to one side (the left is easiest);
lift slightly on the handlebar for better wheel traction.
Wheels are automatically engaged.
5. For front-tine mode, walk right behind the handlebar;
wheels are automatically in Freewheel.
6. Use front-tine mode to roll machine across lawns or
driveways.
IMPORTANT: Check that safety interlock switch is clean and free of debris at all times. See "Maintenance" Section in
Owner's Manual.
1911507.A (5/98)
Decal located on top of tine hood.
7
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.
Inspect unit
Inspect the unit and carton for damage
immediately after delivery. Contact the
carrier (trucking company) if you find or
suspect damage. Inform them of the
damage and request instructions for filing
a claim. To protect your rights, put your
claim in writing and mail a copy to the
carrier within 15 days after the unit has
been delivered. Contact the factory if you
need assistance in this matter.
Tools/Materials Needed for
Assembly
(One) 1/2" wrench*
(Two) 9/16" wrenches*
(One) Automotive-type air pressure gauge
(One) Clean oil funnel
(One) Quart clean, high-quality engine oil.
Refer to the Engine Owner Manual
for engine oil specifications and
quantity required. Do not overfill.
* Adjustable wrenches may be
substituted.
IMPORTANT: Motor oil must be added to
the engine before starting. Follow the
instructions in this “Assembly” section
and in the Engine Owner’s Manual.
Unpacking Instructions
1. After opening the carton, remove cardboard support materials and packaging
material around handlebar and engine.
2. Lift up the carton to remove it.
3. Carefully put aside the upper section
of the handlebar (it is connected to the
machine by a control cable) and the hardware bag. See Fig. 2-1. Do not kink the
control cable connected to the uper handlebar section. Also cut the plastic tie on the
handlebar to free the drive bail (Fig. 2-1).
4. The assembly is easiest by leaving the
tiller on the wood shipping pallet until the
handlebar has been completely assembled.
If the unit must be moved off the pallet
and rolled to another location for assembly, see “Freewheel” message on Pg. 8.
5. Open the hardware bag and group the
hardware. Check the contents against the
following list and Fig. 2-1A above (hardware shown at a reduced size):
• four 5/16"-18 x 1-1/2" curved head screws
• four 5/16" lockwashers
• four 5/16"-18 hex nuts
• one 3/8"-16 x 3-1/4" screw
• one 3/8"-16 locknut
• two steel bushings (for handlebar)
STEP 1: Adjust Handlebar Height
1. Move the handlebar locking lever up
(A, Fig. 2-2), then tilt the lower handlebar
section upward to align the holes in the
base and the lower handlebar section (B).
2. Hold the lower handlebar section in
this position with the holes in the base
aligned. Move the handlebar locking
lever down to “freeze” the hole alignment.
STEP 2: Install Hardware in Base
and Lower Handlebar Section
1. Insert one bushing (C, Fig. 2-3) on the
end of the 3-1/4" long screw (D), and
slide the screw through the base of the
lower handlebar section. Put the other
bushing (C) on the screw on the other
side, sliding it on all the way.
2. Use 9/16" wrenches to install the 3/8"
locknut (E) on the screw (D). Tighten hardware securely. NOTE: Do not tighten the
other long screw next to this hardware – it
is factory tightened. See Fig. 2-3.
Section
2
Assembly
Fig. 2-1
Fig. 2-2
Upper
Handlebar
Section
Cut plastic tie to
free the drive bail
Fig. 2-3: Install hardware to secure lower handlebar section to the base.
C
C
D
B
Hardware Shipped
Fig. 2-1A
A
Lower Handlebar
Section
E
STEP 3: Attach Upper Handlebar
Section to Lower Handlebar Section
1. Align the mounting holes in the upper
handlebar section (F, Fig. 2-4) with the
corresponding mounting holes in the
lower handlebar section (G).
2. Insert four 5/16"-18 x 1-1/2" curved
head screws (H, Fig. 2-4) DOWN through
the holes in the two handlebar sections.
Install the top screws first for easiest
installation. Secure the screws with four
5/16" lockwashers (I), and four 5/16"-18
hex nuts (J). Tighten with a 1/2" wrench.
3. Press the handlebar control cable into
the plastic clip (K, Fig. 2-4) underneath
the left side of the control panel.
4. Lift up the handlebar locking lever and
swivel the handlebar toward the engine
starter rope to test hardware tightness at
the base of the handlebar. If the handlebar
seems secure and swivels smoothly, the
hardware is tightened properly. Tighten
the front bolt (D, Fig. 2-3) more if the
handlebar doesn’t seem secure enough.
Loosen the front bolt (D) a little if the
handlebar is hard to swivel. IMPORTANT:
This bolt must be tightened properly for
the handlebar to swivel properly. The
other long bolt next to it should not be
tightened now, but may at some time in
the future require tightening which is
explained in the Maintenance Section.
WARNING
DO NOT START THE ENGINE
UNTIL ENGINE CRANKCASE HAS
BEEN FILLED WITH OIL.
FAILURE TO FOLLOW THIS
INSTRUCTION WILL RESULT
IN SERIOUS ENGINE DAMAGE.
STEP 4: Add Motor Oil to Engine
1. Refer to the separate Engine Owner’s
Manual for the recommended type and
viscosity motor oil to use.
2. With the tiller on level ground,
unscrew and remove the oil fill dipstick
(L, Fig. 2-5). Using a funnel, pour fresh
motor oil into the dipstick opening. Add
oil gradually and check the level with the
dipstick several times to be sure not to
overfill the engine. Add oil until the level
is up to the “FULL” mark on the dipstick.
3. The oil level on the dipstick should
always be between the “ADD” and “FULL”
marks. Wait a few minutes after filling the
crankcase for the oil to settle. Re-check
the oil level and adjust as needed.
4. Wipe up any oil spillage and replace
the oil fill dipstick securely.
STEP 5: Check and Adjust
Tire Air Pressure
Use an automotive-type tire pressure
gauge to check the air pressure in both
pneumatic tires. Inflate both tires evenly
between 15-to-20 PSI.
STEP 6: Check External
Hardware for Tightness
Inspect the screws, bolts and nuts on the
tiller and make sure they are securely
tightened.
How To Move the
Machine in “Freewheel”
IMPORTANT: To “freewheel” (wheels
turn freely due to disengagement from
transmission gears) the machine off the
pallet to another location, unlock the
handlebar locking lever (see Pg. 9),
then swivel the lower section of the
handlebar (stand on the engine muffler
cage side only) 1800to position it over
the engine. Relock the lever. Using the
lower handlebar section for leverage,
roll the equipment to the desired
location. Swivel the handlebar back to
its original position over the tine hood to
return to the rear tine tiller mode. Do
not pick up the machine by the fenders
to avoid damage to the fenders.
8
Section 2: Assembly
Fig. 2-4
Fig. 2-5
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
Lower
Handlebar
Section
Upper
Handlebar
Section
Loading...