Troy-Bilt 12208 User Manual
Owner’s Manual
REAR-TINE TILLERS
• Safety
• Assembly
• Controls
• Operation
• Maintenance
$4.50
Models
12217-3.5HPTUFFY®
• Parts List
12208- 4.5 HP Super TUFFY®
12209- 5.5 HP BRONCO™
12210- 6.5 HP Super BRONCO™
GARDEN WAY INCORPORATED
Dear Owner:
Table of Contents
You now own one of the finest standard-rotating-tine tillers
available. Your new tiller allows you to till and cultivate your
garden with ease, and accomplish dozens of other property
management projects as well. 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 assemble, operate and maintain your machine
(four tiller models are covered in this Manual... be sure to
use only the information appropriate to your tiller model).
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 property damage.
Of course, if you should ever have any problems or
questions, please contact your local authorized dealer or
call the Factory (see back cover of this Manual). We want to
be sure that you are completely satisfied at all times.
NOTE; Be sure to fill out and return the Warranty Registra
tion Card that was supplied with this Manual.
See Back Cover for
Customer Service Information
SECTION 1: SAFETY..................................................................... 3
Safety Decals.............................................................................. 5
SECTION 2: ASSEMBLY................................................................ 6
Attach Flandlebar........................................................................ 7
Move Tiller Off Shipping Platform............................................... 7
Install Forward Clutch Cable....................................................... 8
Install Reverse Clutch Cable (Models 12209/12210)
Check Level of Transmission Gear Oil
Add Motor Oil to Engine.............................................................. 9
Check Hardware for Tightness.................................................. 9
Check Air Pressure in Tires
SECTION 3: FEATURES & CONTROLS
Wheel Drive Pins....................................................................... 10
Forward Clutch Bail
Reverse Clutch Control (Models 12209/12210)
Depth Regulator........................................................................ 12
Handlebar Height Adjustment................................................... 12
SECTION 4: OPERATION
Break-In Operation.................................................................... 13
Starting and Stopping the Engine
Operating the Tiller.................................................................... 14
Tilling Tips & Techniques.......................................................... 16
Power Composting.................................................................... 18
Loading and Unloading the Tiller
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11
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13
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18
9
9
9
Safety Alert Symbol
This is a safety alert symbol, it is used in this
manual and on the unit to alert you to
A
Failure to obey safety messages could result in personal
injury or property damage.
potential hazards. When you see this symbol,
read and obey the message that follows it.
This machine meets voluntary safety standard B71.8
- 1996, which is sponsored by the Outdoor Power
Equipment Institute, Inc., and is published by the
American National Standards Institute.
A WARNING
The engine exhaust from this product contains
chemicals known to the State of California to cause
cancer, birth defects or other reproductive harm.
SECTION 5: MAINTENANCE
Required Maintenance Schedule.............................................. 19
Tiller Lubrication........................................................................ 20
Check for Oil Leaks................................................................... 20
Check Hardware
Check Tire Pressure
Transmission Gear Oil Service
Bolo Tines................................................................................. 21
Checking and Adjusting Forward Drive Beit Tension
Forward Clutch Bail Adjustment................................................ 22
Checking and Adjusting Reverse Drive Belt
Tension (Models 12209/12210)
Engine Cleaning....................................................................... 23
Air Cleaner Service
Engine Oil Service
Spark Plug Service.................................................................... 24
Spark Arrester Screen Service.................................................. 24
Carburetor/Governor Control Adjustments
Off Season Storage
Troubleshooting......................................................................... 25
Tiller Attachments
PARTS LIST
CUSTOMER SERVICE INFORMATION............... Back Cover
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20
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Section
il 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.
Training
1. Carefully read this
Owner’s 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
and its engine. Know how to stop the unit
and disengage the controls quickly.
2. Never allow children to operate the
tiller. Never allow adults to operate the
tiller without proper instruction.
3. Keep the area of operation clear of all
persons, particularly children and pets.
4. Keep in mind that the operator or user
is responsible 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. Be sure all tiller controls are released
and both wheels are in the Wheel Drive
position before starting the engine.
3. Do not operate the tiller without
wearing adequate outer garments. Avoid
loose garments or jewelry that could get
caught in moving parts.
4. Do not operate the tiller when barefoot
or wearing sandals, sneakers, or light
footwear. Wear protective footwear that
will improve footing on slippery surfaces.
5. Do not till near underground electric
cables, telephone lines, pipes or hoses. If
in doubt, contact your telephone or utility
company.
6. Warning: Handle fuel with care; it is
highly flammable and its vapors are
explosive. Be sure to take the following
precautions:
a. Store fuel in containers specifically
designed for this purpose.
b. The gas cap shall never be removed
or fuel added while the engine is
running. Allow the engine to cool
for several minutes before adding
fuel.
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 running (unless recommended by
manufacturer).
Operation
1. Do not put hands or feet near or under
rotating parts.
2. Exercise extreme caution when on or
crossing gravel drives, walks, or roads.
Stay alert for hidden hazards or traffic. Do
not carry passengers.
3. After striking a foreign object, stop the
engine, remove the wire from the spark
plug wire and prevent it from touching
the spark plug. Thoroughly inspect the
machine for any damage and repair the
damage before restarting and operating
the machine.
4. Exercise caution to avoid slipping or
falling.
5. If the unit 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.
6. Stop the engine, disconnect the spark
plug wire and prevent it from touching
the spark plug whenever you leave the
operating position, before unclogging the
tines, or when making any repairs, adjust
ments or inspections.
Section 1: Safety
7. Take all possible precautions when
leaving the nnachine unattended. Stop the
engine. Disconnect spark plug wire and
move it away from the spark plug. Be
sure both wheels are in the Wheel Drive
position.
8. Before cleaning, repairing, or inspect
ing, stop the engine and make certain all
moving parts have stopped. Disconnect
the spark plug wire and prevent it from
touching the spark plug to prevent acci
dental starting.
9. The flap on the tine hood must be
down when operating the tiller.
10. Never use the tiller unless proper
guards, plates, or other safety protective
devices are in place.
11. Do not run engine in an enclosed
area. Engine exhaust contains carbon
monoxide gas, a deadly poison that is
odorless, colorless, and tasteless.
12. Keep children and pets away.
13. Never operate the tiller under
engine power if the wheels are in the
Freewheel position. In the Freewheel
position, 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 wheels with
the wheel drive pins in the Wheel Drive
position before starting the engine or
engaging the tines/wheels with the
Forward Clutch Ball (all Models) or the
Reverse Clutch control (Models
12209/12210 only).
14. Be aware that the tiller may unex
pectedly bounce upward or jump
forward if the tines should strike
extremely hard packed soil, frozen
ground, or buried obstacles like large
stones, roots, or stumps. If in doubt
about the tilling conditions, always use
the tollowing operating precautions to
assist you in maintaining control of the
tiller:
a. Walk behind and to one side of the
tiller, using one hand on the han
dlebars. Relax your arm, but use a
secure hand grip.
b. Use shallower depth regulator
settings, working gradually
deeper with each pass.
c. Use slower engine speeds.
d. Clear the tilling area of all large
stones, roots and other debris.
e. Avoid using downward pressure
on handlebars. If need be, use
slight upward pressure to keep the
tines from digging too deeply.
f. Before contacting hard packed soil
at the end of a row, reduce engine
speed and lift handlebars to raise
tines out of the soil.
g. In an emergency, stop tines and
wheels by releasing whichever
clutch control is engaged. Do not
attempt to restrain the tiller.
15. Do not overload the tiller’s capacity
by attempting to till too deeply at too fast
a rate.
16. Never operate the tiller at high
transport speeds on hard or slippery
surfaces. Look behind and use care when
backing up.
17. 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. Never permit the tiller
to freewheel down slopes.
18. Never allow bystanders near the unit.
19. Only use attachments and acces
sories that are approved by the manufac
turer of the tiller.
20. Use tiller attachments and acces
sories when recommended.
21. Never operate the tiller without good
visibility or light.
22. Never operate the tiller if you are
tired, 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 to protect the engine and
all moving parts from damage caused by
overspeed. Authorized service shall be
sought if a problem exists.
24. Do not touch engine parts which may
be hot from operation. Let parts cool
down sufficiently.
25. Please remember: You can always
stop the tines and wheeis by releasing the
Forward Clutch Bail or on Models 12209
and 12210 the Reverse Clutch control,
(whichever control is engaged), or by
moving the ignition switch and/or throttie
control lever on the engine to “OFF” or
“STOP”.
26. To load or unload the tiller, see the
instructions in Section 4 of this Manual.
27. Use extreme caution when reversing
or pulling the machine towards you.
28. Start the engine carefully according to
instructions and with feet well away from
the tines.
29. Never pick up or carry a machine
while the engine is running.
Maintenance and Storage
1. Keep the tiller, attachments and acces
sories 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 inside a building where ignition
sources are present such as hot water
and space heaters, furnaces, clothes
dryers, stoves, electric motors, etc.).
Allow engine to cool before storing in any
enclosure.
4. To reduce the chances of a fire hazard,
keep the engine free of grass, leaves, or
excessive grease.
5. 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.
6. Refer to the Maintenance sections of
this Manual and the separate Engine
Owner’s Manual for instructions if the
tiller is to be stored for an extended
period.
7. Never perform maintenance while the
engine is running or the spark plug wire
is connected, except when specifically
instructed to do so.
8. If the fuel tank has to be drained, do
this outdoors.
Decals
For your safety and the safety of
others, various safety and opera
tional decals are located on your
unit (see Figure 1).
Keep the decals clean and legible at
all times. Contact your local
service dealer or the factory for
replacements if any decals are
damaged or missing.
Refer to the Parts List pages in this
Manual for decal locations, descrip
tions and part numbers.
Forward Clutch Bail
Operating Instruction
Starting Stabilization
Message (on engine)
Section 1: Safety
Reverse Clutch Control
Operating Instruction
(Models 12209/12210)
Warning Messages
Operating Symbols
Various symbols (shown here, with word
descriptions) are used on the tiller and engine.
Your unit m^ not have all of the symbols.
^oy
FAST
SLOW
STOP
• 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 UNCLOG
GING 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.
Hot Surtaces/Moving Beits
Warning (on belt cover)
Figure 1: Location of Safety and Operating Decals (5.5HP Model shown).
H M
CHOKEONCHOKE
OFF
TILLER DIRECTION
R
REVERSE
—T
ROTATING
TINES
O ^
LEVER DIRECTION
f l ^
BAIL BAIL
ENGAGED DISENGAGED
WARNING
TO AVOID SERIOUS INJURY:
Section
2 Assembly
A 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.
Introduction
Carefully follow these assembly steps to
correctly prepare your tiller for use. It is
recommended that you read this Section
in its entirety before beginning assembly.
MOTE: Various tiller models are presented
in this Manual. Use only the information
appropriate for your tiller model.
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 us at the factory if
you need assistance in this matter.
STEP 1: Unpacking Instructions
NOTE: Be careful not to severely bend any
of the control cables on the unit.
listed below (contact your local dealer or
the factory if any items are missing or
damaged). NOTE: Use the screw length
template (Fig. 2-1) to identify screws.
Loose Parts List
Qty.
1 Handlebar Support (see A, Fig. 2-2,
1 Handlebar Assembly (see K, Fig. 2-2)
1 Slotted hd. screw, #10-24 x 2”
1 Hex hd. screw, 1/4-20 X1-1/4”
6 Hex hd. screw, 5/16-18 X1-1/2"
2 Hex hd. screw, 3/8-16 x 3/4"
2 Flat washer, 3/8”
6 Split lockwasher, 5/16"
1 Hex locknut, 1/4”-20
6 Hexnut, 5/16"-18
1 Hex nut, #10-24
2 Hex locknut, 3/8”-16
1 Spring, cable (see W, Fig. 2-5,
1 Bracket, forward clutch cable (see
IMPORTANT: Motor oil must be added to
the engine crankcase before the engine is
started. Follow the instructions in this
“Assembly” Section and in the separate
Engine Owner’s Manual.
Description
page 7)
The following items
are in the hardware bag:
page 8)
P, Fig. 2-4, page 8)
Tools/Materials Needed for Assembly
(1) 3/8” open-end wrench*
(2) 7/16" open-end wrench*
(2) 1/2" open-end wrench*
(2) 9/16” open-end wrench*
(1) Large adjustable wrench (Models
12209/12210 only)
(1) Scissors (to trim plastic ties)
(1) Ruler (for belt tension check)
(1) Biockof wood (to support tiller
when removing wheels)
(1) Tire pressure gauge (for models with
pneumatic tires)
(1) Clean oil funnel
(1) Clean, high-quality motor oil. Refer
to the Engine Owner’s Manual for
motor oil specifications and quantity
required.
* Adjustable wrenches may be used.
1
1. Remove any cardboard inserts and
packaging material from the carton.
Remove any staples from the bottom of
the carton and remove the carton.
2. The tiller is heavy (approximately 133
lbs.). Do not attempt to remove it from
the shipping platform until instructed to
do so in these “Assembly” steps.
3. Remove all unassembled parts and
the separate hardware bag from the
carton. Check that you have the items
NOTE: LEFT and RIGHT sides of the tiller
are as viewed from the operator’s
position behind the handlebars.
2-
Figure 2-1: To identify length of screw,
place screw on template as shown and
measure distance between bottom of screw
head and Up of screw.
STEP 2: Attach Handlebar
1. Loosely attach the two legs of the
handlebar support (A, Fig. 2-2) to the
inner sides of the tiller frame using two
3/8"-16 X 3/4" hex hd. screws (B), 3/8" flat
washers (C) and 3/8”-16 hex locknuts (D).
2. There are three height adjustment holes
in the two handlebar support brackets (E
and F, Fig. 2-2). Choose a setting that will
position the handlebars at approximately
waist level when the tines are 3“-4" into
the soil. Loosely attach the support
brackets to the handlebar support (A)
using two 5/16"-18 X1-1/2" screws (G),
5/16“ split lockwashers (H) and 5/16“-18
hex nuts (I). NOTE; If a support bracket
will not move, loosen attaching screw (J)
and nut.
3. Attach the handlebar assembly (K) to
the handlebar support (A) using four
5/16"-18 x 1-1/2" screws (G), 5/16" split
lockwashers (FI) and 5/16"-18 hex nuts (I).
Tighten the four screws securely.
4. Tighten all handlebar mounting
hardware securely.
Section 2: Assembly
STEP 3: Move Tiller Off Shipping Platform
To move the tiller without the engine
running, put the wheels in the
FREEWFiEEL position, as described below.
1. Use a sturdy block under the transmis
sion to raise one wheel about 1” off the
ground.
2. Remove the hairpin cotter (L, Fig. 2-3)
and wheel drive pin (M). Slide the wheel
inward on the wheel shaft (N). Reinstall
the wheel drive pin through the wheel
shaft only (not through the wheel hub)
and secure it with the hairpin cotter (push
hairpin cotter in as far as it will go).
Repeat with the other wheel.
3. Using the handlebar as a lever, roil the
tiller to a flat area.
IMPORTANT: Before starting the engine,
the wheels must be placed in the WHEEL
DRIVE position (pins through wheel hubs
and wheel shaft). This procedure is
described in “Wheel Drive Pins” in
Section 3.
Fig. 2-2: Attach handlebar (5.5HP Model shown).
Fig. 2-3: Wheel in FREEWHEEL position
(wheel drive pin through wheel shaft
only).
Section 2: Assembly
STEP 4: install Forward Clutch Cable
1. Attach the forward clutch cable bracket (P,
Fig. 2-4) to the handlebar support (A) with a
1/4"-20 X 1-1/4" hex hd. screw (R, Fig. 2-4) and
1/4“-20 hex locknut (S). Tighten securely.
2. Carefully unwrap the forward clutch cable
(cable without a knob) from its shipping
position and slide the thin cable wire (T, Fig. 2-
4) into the slot in the cable bracket. Push the
cable connector (U, Fig. 2-4) up through the
hole in the bracket until the groove in the
connector snaps into place.
3. Insert the #10-24 x 2" slotted hd. screw (V,
Fig. 2-5) into the cable spring (W) until the
screw threads extend through the spring.
4. Thread the #10-24 hex nut (Z, Fig. 2-5)
halfway onto the screw (V).
5. Thread the screw into the cable adjuster (X).
6. Hook the cable spring (W, Fig. 2-6) into the
“V”-shaped bend in the Forward Clutch Bail (Y).
7. Check for correct tension on the forward
drive belt by taking two measurements of the
cable spring, as follows:
a. With the Forward Clutch Bail (Y, Fig. 2-6) in
an open (released) position, measure the
length of the cable spring (W) from fhe
outermost coil to the outermost coil.
b. Lift and hold the Forward Clutch Bail against
the handlebar (see Fig. 2-7) and re-measure
the length of the coils while the spring is
under tension. The belt tension is correct if
this second measurement is between 1/16" to- 3/16" longer than the first measurement.
If so, turn the hex nut (Z, Fig. 2-7) tightly
against the cable adjuster (X) while prevent
ing the adjuster from turning.
c. If the spring length is incorrect, you must
adjust the cable tension as described in
“Checking and Adjusting Forward Drive Belt
Tension” in Section 5. Incorrect tension on
the forward drive belt can result in belt
slippage (tension too loose) or unintentional
tine movement when the clutch ball is in
Neutral (tension too tight).
Fig. 2-4: Installing forward dutch cable bracket and cable.
Fig. 2-6: Install forward clutch cable.
spring and adjuster.
Fig. 2-7: To check forward belt tension, lake two measurements of the
overall length ot the colls in the spring - first with the clutch bail open,
then with the dutch bail dosed against the handlebar.
Section 2: Assembly
STEP 5: Install Reverse Clutch Cable (Models 12209/12210)
1. Unwrap the reverse clutch cable (cable
with a knob, a large hex nut and a bracket
attached to it) from its shipping position
and route the cabie (CC, Fig. 2-8 and Fig.
2-9) up to the handlebar. Be sure that the
cable is routed beneath the Forward
Clutch Bail.
2. Remove the two self-tapping screws
(AA, Fig. 2-8) from the handlebars,
position the reverse cable mounting
bracket (BB, Fig. 2-8) as shown, and
reinstail the two self-tapping screws.
3. Insert the cable (CC) through the slot in
the cable bracket and position the threaded
assembly so that the flat side is aligned
with the flat side of the mounting hole.
Slide the large hex nut (DD) up the cable
and tighten it securely.
Fig. 2-8: Install reverse cable bracket and
reverse clutch cable.
Fig. 2-9: Route reverse clutch cable (CC) as
shown. Attach with cable tie (EE).
4. Fasten the reverse clutch cable to the
left side handlebar with a cable tie (EE,
Fig. 2-9).
5. Test the function of the reverse clutch
cable by pulling the knob out and
releasing it. The knob should return to its
neutral position (resting against bracket).
If it doesn’t, contact your local dealer or
the factory for technical assistance.
STEP 6: Check Level of Transmission Gear Oil
The transmission was filled with gear oil
at the factory. However, you should check
the gear oil level to make certain it is
correct.
IMPORTANT: Do not operate the tiller if
the gear oil level is low. Doing so will
result in severe damage to the transmis
sion components.
1. With the tiller on level ground, pull the
Depth Regulator Lever (FF, Fig. 2-10)
back and then all the way up until the
lowest notch in the lever is engaged.
2. Remove the oil fill plug (GG, Fig. 2-11)
from the transmission housing cover and
locate the main drive shaft situated inside
the housing.
3. The gear oil level is correct if the gear
oil is approximately halfway up the side of
the main drive shaft.
4. If the gear oil level is low, add gear oil
by referring to “A. To Check the Transmis
sion Gear Oil Level” in Section 5.
STEP 7: Add Motor Oil to Engine
The tiller is shipped without oW in the
engine.
IMPORTANT: Do not start the engine
without first adding motor oil. Severe
engine damage will result if the engine is
run without oil.
1. Refer to the separate Engine Owner’s
Manual for engine oil specifications and
capacities.
2. With the tiller on level ground, move
the Depth Regulator Lever (FF, Fig. 2-10)
up or down until the engine is level.
3. Add motor oil as described in the
Engine Owner’s Manual.
Fig. 2-10: Adjust Depth Regulator Lever.
Fig. 2-11: Remove gear oil fill plug.
4. Move the Depth Regulator Lever all
the way down until the highest notch is
engaged. This places the tines in the
“travel” position.
STEP 8: Check Hardware for Tightness
Check all nuts and screws for tightness.
STEP 9: Check Air Pressure in Tires (units with pneumatic tires)
If the tires are equipped with air valves,
check the air pressure with a tire gauge.
Deflate or inflate the tires equally to 15-
to-20 PSI (pounds per square inch). Be
sure that both tires are inflated equally or
the unit will pull to one side.
IMPORTANT: This completes the
assembly steps. Before operating your
tiller, make sure you read the following
Sections in this Manual, as well as the
separate Engine Owner’s Manual:
• Section 1; “Safety”
• Section 3: “Features and Controls”
• Section 4; “Operation”
Section
3 Features and Controls
A WARNING
Before operating your machine,
carefully read and understand all
safety, controls and operating instruc
tions in this Manual, the separate
Engine Owner’s Manual, and on the
decals on the machine.
Failure to follow these instructions can
result in serious personal injury.
Forward
Clutch Bail
Depth Regulator
Reverse Clutch
Control (Models
12209/12210)
Introduction
This section describes the location and
function of the controls on your tiller.
Refer to the following section
“Operation” for detailed operating
instructions.
Practice using these controls, with the
engine shut off, until you understand the
operation of the controls and feel
confident with each of them.
IMPORTANT: Refer to the separate
engine manufacturer’s Engine Owner’s
Manual for information about the
controls on the engine.
Wheel Drive Pins
A WARNING
Never allow either of the wheels to be
in the FREEWHEEL position when the
engine is running. Always put both
wheels in the WHEEL DRIVE position
before starting the engine.
Failure to comply could cause loss of
tiller control, property damage, or
personal injury.
Each wheel is equipped with a Wheel
Drive Pin (A, Figures 3-2 and 3-3) that
secures the wheel to the wheel shaft (B).
The wheels can be positioned in either a
WHEEL DRIVE or a FREEWHEEL mode.
Figure 3-1: Features and controls (5.5HP Model shown)
Before starting the engine, put both
wheels in the WHEEL DRIVE position by
inserting the Wheel Drive Pins through
the wheel hubs and the wheel shaft. This
“locks” the wheels to the wheel shaft,
causing the wheels to turn when either
the Forward Clutch Bail or the Reverse
Clutch Control (Models 12209/12210) is
engaged.
Use the FREEWHEEL mode only when the
engine is not running. In FREEWHEEL,
the Wheel Drive Pins are placed only
through the holes in the wheel shaft (not
the wheel hubs), thus allowing the wheels
to turn freely when the tiller is pushed or
pulled by hand.
Handlebar Height
Adjustment
Wheel Drive Pin
(on each wheel)
To Place the Wheels in WHEEL DRIVE or
FREEWHEEL:
A WARNING
Do not place the tiller on its side when
changing the wheel drive positions as
doing so could result in gasoline
leaking from the fuel tank.
Failure to follow this instruction could
result in personal injury or property
damage.
1. Stop the engine, disconnect the spark
plug wire from the spark plug and allow
the engine to cool.
2. Raise one wheel off the ground and
place a sturdy support under the
transmission.
3. Remove the hairpin cotter (C, Figures
3-2 and 3-3) from the wheel drive pin (A).
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Section 3; Features and Controls
4. FOR WHEEL DRIVE mode (Figure 3-2):
Slide the wheel outward and align the
holes in the wheel hub (D, Figure 3-2) and
the wheel shaft (B). insert the wheel drive
pin (A) through the wheel hub and the
wheel shaft. Secure the wheel drive pin
with the hairpin cotter (C) by pushing the
hairpin cotter in as far as it will go. Repeat
for the other wheel and then remove the
support from beneath the transmission.
5. FOR FREEWHEEL mode (Figure 3-3):
Slide the wheel inward and insert the
wheel drive pin (A, Figure 3-3) only
through the hole in the wheel shaft (B).
Secure the wheel drive pin with the
hairpin cotter (C) by pushing the hairpin
cotter in as far as it will go. Repeat for the
other wheel and then remove the support
from beneath the transmission.
A WARNING
Before starting the engine, be sure that
both wheels are in the WHEEL DRIVE
position. See “Wheel Drive Pins” for
instructions.
Engaging the Forward Clutch Bail or the
Reverse Clutch Control (if so equipped)
when the wheels are not in the WHEEL
DRIVE position could allow the tines to
rapidly propel the tiller forward or
backward.
Failure to comply could cause loss of
tiller control, property damage, or
personal injury.
Forward Clutch Bail
The Forward Clutch Bail (E, Figure 3-4)
controls the engagement of forward drive
to the wheels and tines.
To Operate the Forward Clutch Bail:
1. Put the wheels In the WHEEL DRIVE
position (see the “WARNING” statement
above).
2. Lift and hold the bail against the
handlebar. The wheels and tines will
rotate in a forward direction.
3. Release the bail to disengage (stop)
the wheels and tines. All forward motion
will stop (the engine will continue to run).
Reverse Clutch Control (Models 12209/12210 only)
The Reverse Clutch Control (F, Figure 3-4)
controls the engagement of reverse drive
to the wheels and tines. This reversing
feature is used for maneuvering the
tiller only - never engage the tines in
the ground whiie going in the reverse
direction.
To Operate the Reverse Clutch Control:
A WARNING
• Use extreme caution when reversing
or pulling the machine towards you.
Look behind to avoid obstacles.
• Never attempt to till in reverse.
Failure to follow this warning could
result in personal injury or property
damage.
1. Put the wheels in the WHEEL DRIVE
position (see the “WARNING” statement
at the left).
2. Stop all tiller motion by releasing the
Forward Clutch Ball.
3. Lift up the handlebar until the tines
clear the ground, look behind you to avoid
any obstacles, and then pull the reverse
clutch control knob out. The wheels and
tines will rotate in a reverse direction.
4. Release the reverse clutch control
knob to disengage (stop) the wheels and
tines. All reverse motion will stop (the
engine will continue to run).
Figure 3~4: All models have a Forward Clulch
Bail (E). Only Models 12209/12210 have the
Reverse Clutch Control (F).
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