Troy-Bilt 12234 User Manual
GARDEN WAY INCORPORATED
OWNER’S MANUAL
Tiller/Edger
• Safety
• Assembly
• Features and Controls
• Operation
• Maintenance
• Parts List
Model
12234
SAFETY FIRST!
Before operating this equipment, read this
Owner's Manual and the separate manual
supplied by the engine manufacturer.
2
Dear Owner:
Congratulations on your purchase of a Tiller/Edger. It has
been designed, engineered and manufactured to give you the
best possible dependability and performance.
Please carefully read this Manual which provides information on how to safely and easily set-up, operate and maintain
your machine. Be sure that you and any other operators care-
fully follow the recommended safety practices at all times.
Failure to do so could result in personal injury or property
damage.
If you should ever have any problems or questions, please
contact your local authorized service dealer or call the Factory.
See the back cover of this Manual for Customer Service information.
We want to be sure that you are completely satisfied at all
times.
See Back Cover for
Customer Service Information
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.
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.
The engine exhaust from this product contains chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer,
birth defects or other reproductive harm.
WARNING
Table of Contents
SECTION 1: SAFETY ........................................... 3
Training......................................................................... 3
Preparation ................................................................... 3
Operation...................................................................... 4
Maintenance/Storage.................................................... 4
SECTION 2: ASSEMBLY........................................ 5
Unpacking Instructions............................................... 5
Assembly Steps.......................................................... 5
SECTION 3: FEATURES AND CONTROLS..................... 6
SECTION 4: OPERATION ...................................... 7
Pre-start Preparation.................................................. 7
Stopping and Starting the Engine............................... 7
Tilling and Cultivating................................................. 8
Attachments ............................................................... 9
SECTION 5: MAINTENANCE .................................. 10
Required Maintenance Schedule ................................ 10
Equipment Maintenance............................................. 10
Engine Maintenance ................................................... 11
Tine Removal and Installation..................................... 11
Storage....................................................................... 12
Troubleshooting.......................................................... 12
PARTS LIST ..................................................... 13
Safety and Operating Decals....................................... 15
CUSTOMER SERVICE INFORMATION.............. BACK COVER
TO AVOID INJURY:
• READ THE OPERATOR’S MANUAL.
• KNOW LOCATION AND FUNCTION OF ALL CONTROLS.
• KEEP ALL SAFETY DEVICES AND SHIELDS IN PLACE AND
WORKING.
• NEVER ALLOW CHILDREN OR UNINSTRUCTED ADULTS TO
OPERATE MACHINE.
• 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.
WARNING
TRAINING
• Read this Owner’s 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 replacement Manual
is available by contacting your authorized
dealer or 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, particularly 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 exhaust contains carbon
monoxide gas, a deadly poison that is
odorless, 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/Tines
Control Lever is squeezed. The tines continue to rotate until the operator releases
the Throttle/Tines Control Lever.
• Before inspecting or servicing any part
of the equipment, 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 influence of alcohol, medication,
or when you are tired or ill.
PREPARATION
• Thoroughly inspect the area where the
equipment is to be used and remove all
foreign objects.
• Make sure that the Throttle/Tines 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.
• 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
rotating 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
container.
d. Fill fuel tank outdoors and with ex-
treme caution. Never fill fuel tank
when indoors. Use a funnel or
spout to prevent spillage.
e. Replace all fuel tank and fuel con-
tainer 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’s Manual).
• The correct operator’s position is when
you are standing behind and gripping the
handlebar, facing forward toward the
engine. Do not leave this position while
using the engine Throttle/Tines lever.
• Do not put hands or feet near or under
rotating parts.
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.
Safety
1
Section
3
LEFT and RIGHT sides of the Tiller/Edger
are from the operator’s position behind
the handlebar (unless noted otherwise).
OPERATION
Operator’s Position
RIGHT SIDE
LEFT SIDE
• 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 all 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. 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 unclogging the tines, or
when making any repairs, adjustments or
inspections.
• Take all possible precautions when
leaving the machine unattended. Always
stop the engine. Disconnect the spark
plug wire and prevent it from touching the
plug.
• Before cleaning, repairing, or
inspecting, 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
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 exhaust fumes from the engine
contain extremely dangerous carbon
monoxide gas. This gas is colorless,
odorless, tasteless and deadly poisonous.
• Keep children and pets away.
• Be aware that the equipment may unex-
pectedly bounce upward or jump forward
if the tines should strike extremely hard
packed 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 following operating precautions to assist
you in maintaining control of the
equipment:
a. Stand behind the equipment, using
both hands on the handlebar. 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 engine Throttle/Tines
lever on the handlebar. To stop the
engine, 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 slip-
pery 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 influence of alcohol, drugs,
or medication.
• Do not tamper with the engine gov-
ernor 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 overspeed. Authorized
service shall be sought if a problem
exists.
• Do not touch engine parts which may
be hot from operation. Allow parts to
cool before inspecting, cleaning or
repairing.
• Remember: you can stop the tines by
releasing the engine Throttle/Tines 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, refueling or
lubrication.
• Use extreme caution when reversing or
pulling the machine toward you.
• Start the engine carefully according to
instructions and with feet well away from
the tines.
MAINTENANCE/STORAGE
• Keep the Tiller/Edger, attachments and
accessories in safe working condition.
• Check all nuts, bolts, and screws at fre-
quent 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 reduce 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 recommenda-
tions for safe loading, unloading, transport and storage of machine.
Section 1: Safety
4
INTRODUCTION
Carefully read these instructions in their entirety before you
attempt to assemble or operate your new equipment.
UNPACKING INSTRUCTIONS
1. Inspect your machine immediately. If you find or suspect
damage to the carton or contents, contact your local authorized dealer or the Factory for assistance.
2. Remove any packing material. Check for loose parts
before discarding the packing material or carton. Loose parts
include:
(2) Long Bushings
3. Perform the assembly on a clean, level surface. Be careful
not to severely bend any of the control cables on the unit.
ASSEMBLY STEPS
STEP 1: UNFOLD AND ADJUST HANDLEBAR
IMPORTANT: Be careful not to pinch any control cables.
Push the cables out and away before swiveling the handlebar.
1. Loosen the two handlebar knobs (A, Figure 1) and unfold
the handlebar into the operating position. Do not use force
— if there is binding, continue to loosen the knobs.
2. There are two height setting holes in the upper handlebar.
The unit is shipped with the handlebar knobs in the lowest
height setting holes. If this height is correct for you, simply
tighten the two handlebar knobs. If desired, reposition the
handlebar knobs, mounting screws and washers in the other
set of holes.
3. Check the six (6) plastic ties (C, Figure 1). Ties must be
positioned as shown.
NOTE: There is only one handlebar storage position – folded
over and down as originally shipped.
STEP 2: INSPECT AND TIGHTEN HARDWARE
Check all nuts, bolts and screws on your unit and tighten as
needed.
Tools Needed to Check for Loose Hardware:
• Adjustable wrench
• Slotted-head screwdriver
• Phillips-head screwdriver
• 7/16" socket and extension
(to check hardware at ends of handlebar)
STEP 3: ADD MOTOR OIL TO ENGINE
IMPORTANT: The engine is shipped without oil in the
crankcase. Do not start the engine without first adding motor
oil. Severe engine damage will result if the engine is run
without motor oil.
1. Refer to the separate Engine Owner’s Manual for motor oil
specifications and capacities.
2. Add oil as described in the Engine Owner’s Manual (the
engine is a vertical type, GX 31 model).
Assembly
2
Section
Figure 1
C
C
A
A
C
B
C
C
C
5
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.
WARNING
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