Troybilt 21A-665B063 Owner’s Manual

TRnV BILT'"

Operator's Manual

Rear, tine Tiller Model

665B

IMPORTANT:READ SAFETY RULES AND INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY

Warning: This unit is equipped with an internal combustion engine and should not be used on or near any unimproved forest-covered, brush-

covered or grass-covered land unless the engine's exhaust system is equipped with a spark arrester meeting applicable local or state laws (if any).
If a spark arrester is used, it should be maintained in effective working order by the operator. In the State of California the above is required by law

(Section 4442 of the California Public Resources Code). Other states may have similar laws. Federal laws apply on federal lands. A spark arrester
for the muffler is available by contacting the service department at Troy-Bilt LLC, P.O. Box 361131 Cleveland, Ohio 44136-0019.

TROY-BILT LLC, P.O. BOX 361131, CLEVELAND, OH 44136-0019

PRINTED IN USA FROM NO. 770-10596

(11/2001)

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Content Page

Calling Customer Support .................................................... 2

Safety ................................................................... 3

Assembly ................................................................. 6

Features and Controls ....................................................... 9

Operation ................................................................ 11

Maintenance .............................................................. 15

Tiller Attachments .......................................................... 22

Troubleshooting ........................................................... 23

Parts List ................................................................. 24

Warrany Information ........................................................ Back Cover

FINDING MODEL NUMBER

This Operator's Manual is an important part of your new Rear-tine Tiller. It will help you assemble, prepare and main-

tain the unit for best performance. Please read and understand what it says.
Before you start assembling your new equipment, please locate the model plate on the equipment and copy the infor-

mation from it in the space provided below. This information is very important if you need help from our Customer
Support Department or an authorized dealer.

You can locate the model number by looking at the rear surface of the tine shield. A sample model plate is
explained below. For future reference, please copy the model number and the serial number of the equipment

in the space below

Copy Model Number Here

O BILT" TROY-BILT LL(

www.troybilt.com CLEVE_ND,OH_136

• 866-840-648_

P. O. BOX 361131

330-558-7220

Copy Serial Number Here

ENGINEINFORMATION

The engine manufacturer is responsible for all engine-related issues with regards to performance, power-rating, speci-

fications, warranty and service. Please refer to the engine manufacturer's Owner's/Operator's Manual packed sepa-
rately with your unit for more information.

CALLINGCUSTOMERSUPPORT

If you have difficulty assembling this product or have any questions regarding the controls, operation or maintenance
of this unit, please call the Customer Support Department.

your unit's model number and serial number ready when you call. See previous section to locate this

Call 1- [phone] or 1- [phone] to reach a Customer Support representative. Please have
information. You will be asked to enter the serial number in order to process your call.

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.

WARNING

The engine exhaust from this product contains
chemicalsknowntotheStateofCaliforniato cause

cancer,birthdefectsor otherreproductiveharm.

SafetyAlert Symbol

This is a safety alert symbol. It is used inthis

manualand on the unit to alert you to potential

hazards. Whenyou seethis symbol, read and
obeythe messagethat follows it. Failureto obey
safety messagescould result in personalinjury
or propertydamage.

Safety

ForwardClutch

ControlLever

Handlebar
Height

Adjuster

\

\

Recoil Rope Starter

ReverseClutchControl

Figure1-1

\\\\\\

_Wheel Gear Lever

ForwardClutch

ControlLever

Depth Regulator Lever

J

_Standard RotatingTines

TRAINING

1. Carefullyread this Owner's Manual the

separate EngineOwner's Manual,and any

other literature you may receive. Bethor-
oughlyfamiliar with the controls andthe
proper use ofthe tiller and its engine.
Knowhow to stop the unit and disengage

the controls quickly.

2. Neverallow children to operatethe
tiller. Neverallow adults to operate the
tiller without proper instruction.

3. Keepthe areaof operationclear ofall
persons,particularly children and pets.

4. Keepin mind that the operator or user
is responsiblefor accidentsor hazards
occurring to other people,their property,

and themselves.

PREPARATION

1. Thoroughly inspectthe areawherethe

tiller is to beusedand remove all foreign

objects.

2. Be sureall controls are releasedand

the WheelGearLeveris in ENGAGEbefore
starting theengine.

3. Do not operatethe tiller without

wearing adequateouter garments. Avoid

loosegarments or jewelry that could get

caught inmoving parts.

4. Donot operatethetiller when barefootor

wearingsandals,sneakers,orlight

footwear.Wearprotectivefootwearthatwill

improvefooting on slipperysurfaces.

5. Donottill nearundergroundelectric
cables,telephonelines,pipes or hoses.If in
doubt, contactyourtelephoneor utility
company.

6. Warning: Handlefuelwith care;it is
highlyflammableand its vaporsareexplo-

sive. Takethefollowing precautions:

a. Store fuel incontainers specifically

designedfor this purpose.

b. Thegascapshall never be removed

or fuel addedwhile the engine is

running. Allow the engineto cool

for severalminutes beforeadding
fuel.

c. Keepmatches, cigarettes, cigars,

pipes, openflames, and sparks

away from the fuel tankand fuel
container.

d. Fill fuel tank outdoorswith extreme

care. Neverfill fuel tankindoors.

Useafunnel orspout to prevent

spillage.

e. Replaceall fuel tank and container

caps securely.

f. If fuel is spilled, do not attempt to

start the engine, but movethe

machineawayfrom thearea of
spillageand avoid creatingany
source of ignition until fuel vapors

havedissipated.

7. Never makeadjustmentswhen engine
is running (unless recommended by
manufacturer).

OPERATION

1. Donot put handsor feet nearor under

rotating parts.

2. Exerciseextremecaution when onor

crossing graveldrives, walks, or roads.
Stay alert for hidden hazardsor traffic. Do

notcarry passengers.

3. After striking a foreign object, stop the

engine,disconnect the spark plugwire
and prevent itfrom touching thespark

plug,carefully inspectthetiller for any

damage,and repair the damagebefore

restartingand operating thetiller.

4. Exercisecaution to avoid slipping or

falling.

5. If the unit shouldstart to vibrateabnor-
mally,stop theengine.Disconnectthe spark

plugwireand preventit from touchingthe

spark plug,and checkimmediatelyforthe
cause.Vibration is generallya warning of

trouble.

6. Stopthe engine, disconnect the spark
plug wire andprevent it from touching the

spark plugwheneveryou leavethe operat-

ing position, beforeunclogging the tines,

or when making any repairs,adjustments
or inspections.

7. Takeall possible precautionswhen
leavingthe machine unattended.Stop the

engine. Disconnectspark plug wire and

move it awayfrom the spark plug. Move

Wheel GearLeverto ENGAGE.

8. Beforecleaning,repairing, or inspect-
ing, stop the engineand makecertainall
moving partshavestopped.Disconnect

the spark plug wire andprevent itfrom
touching the spark plugto preventacci-
dental starting.

9. Always keepthe tiller tine hood flap

down, unless using the hiller/furrower
attachment.

10. Neveruse the tiller unless proper

guards, plates,or othersafetyprotective
devicesare in place.

11. Donot run engine in an enclosed area.
Engineexhaustcontains carbon monoxide

gas, a deadly poisonthat is odorless, col-

orless,and tasteless.

12. Keepchildren and petsaway.

13. Never operatethe tiller underengine

powerifthe Wheel Gear Lever is in DIS-
ENGAGE(FREEWHEEL).In this position,

the wheelswill notholdthe tiller back
and the revolvingtinescouldpropelthe

tiller rapidly,possiblycausinglossof

control.Alwaysmove the Wheel Gear

Leverto ENGAGEbefore starting the

engine or engaging thetines/wheelswith

ForwardClutch Control or ReverseClutch
Control.

14. Beawarethat the tiller may unexpect-

edly bounceupward or jump forward if the
tines should strike extremely hard packed

soil, frozen ground, or buried obstacles
like largestones, roots, or stumps. If in

doubt aboutthe tilling conditions, always

usethefollowing operating precautionsto

assist you in maintainingcontrol of the
tiller:

a. Walk behindandto oneside of the

tiller, usingonehand onthe han-

dlebars.Relaxyour arm, butuse a
securehandgrip.

b. Useshallowerdepthregulatorset-

tings, workinggraduallydeeper
with each pass.

c. Use slower enginespeeds.
d. Clearthe tillingarea ofall large

stones,rootsand otherdebris.

e. Avoidusingdownwardpressureon

handlebars.If needbe, useslight
upwardpressureto keepthetines

from diggingtoodeeply.

f. Beforecontactinghardpackedsoil

at the endofa row, reduceengine
speedand lift handlebarsto raise

tines outofthesoil.

g. In an emergency,stoptinesand

wheels byreleasingwhichever
ClutchLever is engaged. Do not

attemptto restrainthetiller.

15. Do not overloadthe tiller's capacityby

attempting to till too deeplyat too fast a
rate.

16. Neveroperate tiller at high transport
speedson hard or slippery surfaces. Look
behind and usecare when backingup.

17. Do not operatethe tiller ona slope

that istoo steepfor safety.When on

slopes,slow down and makesure you
havegood footing. Neverpermit the tiller

to freewheel down slopes.

18. Neverallow bystandersnearthe unit.

19. Only useattachments and accessories

that areapproved by the tiller

manufacturer.

20. Usetiller attachmentsand accessories
when recommended.

21. Neveroperatethetiller without good
visibility orlight.

22. Neveroperatethetiller ifyou aretired, or
undertheinfluenceofalcohol,drugs or

medication.

23. Operatorsshallnottamperwith the
engine-governorsettingson themachine;

the governorcontrolsthemaximumsafe

operatingspeedto protecttheengineandall
moving partsfrom damagecausedby over-
speed. Authorizedserviceshallbesought if
a problemexists.

24. Donot touch enginepartswhich may be
hotfrom operation.Letpartscooldownsuf-

ficiently.

25. Thebatteryonelectricstart modeltillers
(if soequipped)containssulfuricacid.Avoid
contactwith skin,eyes,or clothing.Keepout

ofthe reachofchildren.

Antidote-ExternalContact:Flushimme-
diatelywith lotsofwater.

Antidote-Internal:Drink largequantities
ofwater or milk. Followwith milk of mag-
nesia,beateneggs or vegetable oil. Call
a doctor immediately.

Antidote-EyeContact:Flushwith water
for 15 minutes.Getpromptmedical

attention.

26. Batteriesproduceexplosivegases.Keep

sparks,flame,andsmokingmaterialsaway.

Ventilatewhencharging batteriesor when

usinga batteryin anenclosedspace.

ALWAYSwearsafetygoggleswhenworking

nearbatteries.

27. Pleaseremember:Youcanalwaysstop

thetinesand wheelsby releasingthe

ForwardClutchControlLeverorthe Reverse
ClutchControlknob(whichevercontrolyou

haveengaged),or by movingthe engine
switch (locatedonengine)to the OFF
position.

28.To loador unloadthe tiller, seethe
instructionsin Section4 ofthis Manual.

29. Useextremecautionwhen reversingor
pullingthemachinetowardsyou.

30. Startenginecarefullyaccordingto
instructionsandwith feet awayfrom tines.

31. Neverpick upor carrya machinewhile

theengineis running.

MAINTENANCEANDSTORAGE

1. Keepthe tiller, attachments and acces-
sories in safeworking condition.

2. Checkall nuts, bolts, andscrews atfre-
quentintervals for proper tightness to be

surethe equipment is in safeworking con-
dition.

3. Neverstorethe tiller with fuel inthefuel

tank insidea buildingwhereignitionsources
are presentsuchashotwaterandspace

heaters,furnaces,clothesdryers, stoves,
electricmotors,etc. Allowengineto cool
beforestoring inany enclosure.

4. Toreducethechancesof a fire hazard,
keepthe enginefree of grass,leaves,or
excessivegrease.

5. Storegasoline inacool, well-ventilated

area,safelyawayfrom anyspark- or flame-

producingequipment. Store gasoline in an

approvedcontainer,safelyawayfrom the

reachof children.

6. Referto the storageinstructions inthe
Maintenancesection of this Manualand in

the separateEngineOwner's Manualfor

instructions if the tiller isto bestored for

an extendedperiod.

7. Never perform maintenancewhile the
engineis running or the spark plug wire is

connected,exceptwhenspecifically
instructed to doso.

8. If thefuel tank has to bedrained,do this
outdoors.

DECALS

Foryour safety and the safety of others, various safety messagedecalsare on your unit (see Figure1-2). Keepthe decalsclean 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 in this manual for decal locations, part numbers and ordering instructions.

OperatingSymbols

Various symbols (shown here,with

word descriptions) may be used on the
tillerand engine.

FAST SLOW

STOP

H I÷1 R

CHOKE CHOKE REVERSE

ON OFF

ROTATING LEVERDIRECTION

TINES

<--qHE

TILLERDIRECTION

StartingStabilization

(onfrontofengine

assembly)

Figure1-2".Locationofsafetyand operatingdecals.

ControlDescriptions

TineWarning(onright

sideofhoodflap)

OperatingInstructions

andWarningMessages

HotSurfaces/MovingBelts

(ontopofbeltcover)

TO AVOID SERIOUS INJURY:

• READTHEOWNER'SMANUAL.

• KNOWLOCATIONSAND FUNCTIONSOFALL CONTROLS.

• KEEPALL SAFETYDEVICESANDSHIELDSIN PLACEANDWORKING.

• NEVERALLOWCHILDRENORUNINSTRUCTEDADULTSTO OPERATETILLER.

• SHUTOFFENGINEANDDISCONNECTSPARKPLUGWIRE BEFOREMANUALLYUNCLOG-

GINGTINES ORMAKINGREPAIRS.

• KEEPBYSTANDERSAWAYFROM MACHINE.

• KEEPAWAY FROMROTATINGPARTS.

• USEEXTREMECAUTIONWHENREVERSINGORPULLINGTHE MACHINETOWARDSYOU.

Assembly

HARDWARE BAG PARTS LIST

To prevent personal injury or property
damage, do notstart the engine untilall

assembly steps are complete and you
haveread and understandthe safetyand

operatinginstructionsin thisManual.

INTRODUCTION

Carefullyfollow these assembly steps to

correctly prepareyour tiller for use. It is

recommendedthat you read this Section
in itsentirety before beginning assembly.

INSPECTUNIT

Inspect the unit and carton for damage

immediately after delivery. Contactthe
carrier (trucking company) if you find or
suspect damage. Informthem ofthe
damageand requestinstructions for filing
a claim. To protect your rights, put your
claim inwriting and maila copy to the
carrier within 15days after the unit has

beendelivered. Contactus atthe factory if
you needassistance in this matter.

UNPACKINGANDASSEMBLY

INSTRUCTIONS

STEP 1: UNPACKING INSTRUCTIONS

1. Removeany cardboard insertsand

packagingmaterial from the carton.

Removeany staplesfrom the bottom of
the carton and remove the carton.

2. Cutthe large, plastic tie strapthat
securesthetransmission tube to the ship-

ping pallet. Leavethe handlebarson top of
the tiller to avoid damagingany cables.

3. A bagwith loose hardwareis insidethe

literature envelope. Checkthe contents
against the following list and Figure2-1.

Contactyour local dealer or the factory if
any items aremissing or damaged.

4. Thetiller is heavy. Youshould not
attempt to removeit from the shipping

platform until instructed to do so inthese

"Assembly" steps.

Fig.
Ref. Qty. Description

1 2 3/8-16x 1"Hex Hd. Screw
2 1 KeyedWasher

3 1 Wheel GearLeverKnob
4 1 HeightAdjustment Flange

Screw (SeeFigure2-1A)

5 2 3/8"FlatWasher
6 2 #10 Lockwasber

7 2 3/8"-16Nylock Lock Nut
8 2 #10-32 x 1/2" Round Hd.

Screw

9 1 CotterPin (not used)
10 4 PlasticTie Strap (2 not used)

Tools/Materials Needed
for Assembly

(1) 3/8"open-end wrench*
(2) 9/16"open-end wrench*
(1) 7/8" open-endwrench or 8"long

adjustablewrench

(1) Scissors (to trim plastic ties)
(1) Ruler

(1) Smallboard (to tap plastic knob on

lever)

(1) Tire pressure gauge
(1) Cleanoilfunnel

(1) Clean,high-quality motor oil. Referto

the separateEngineOwner's Manual
for motor oilspecifications and

quantity required.

* Adjustablewrenches maybe used.

IMPORTANT:Motor oil must beaddedto

the engine crankcasebefore the engineis

started. Followthe instructions in this
"Assembly" Section and in the separate

EngineOwner's Manual.
NOTE:LEFTandRIGHTsides of thetiller

are as viewedfrom the operator's position

behind the handlebars.

STEP 2: ATTACHHANDLEBARS

1. Cut the large,plastic cableties that

securethe handlebarendsto the handle-
bar mounting tabs on the transmission

top cover.

2. Gently lift handlebar (do not over-
stretch attached cable) and placehandle-
bar cross-brace (B, Figure2-2) in front of
curved height adjustmentbracket (C).

Figure2-1:Loosehardware(shownin
reducedsize).

Figure2-1A Handlebarheightadjustment
usestheflangeheadscrew.

Figure2-2: Forwardclutchcontrolcablenot

shownforclarity.

3. With forwardclutchcable (N, Figure

2-3) oninsideof handlebar, position

handlebarends on outside of the two
mounting tabs (M, Figure2-2) ontrans-

mission top cover.

4. Loosely attachthe handlebarsto the
mounting tabswith two 3/8-16 x 1"
screws (heads of screws goto insideof

tabs), 3/8"flat washersand 3/8"-16 lock

nuts (0, Figure2-3).

5. Move the handlebarsup or down to

align the threadedhole in the cross-brace
with oneof the four slots in the curved

heightadjustment bracket. Placethe
keyedwasher (E, Figure2-2) on theflange
headheight adjustment screw (F) with the
raisedkeys (edges) of thewasher facing

down.

STEP 3: ATTACHREVERSE
CLUTCH CONTROL CABLE

1. Carefully unwrap the reverseclutch

control cable(H, Figure2-5) from its ship-
ping positionand route it up alongthe
inside edgeof the left side handlebar. A
knob and large hexnut (I) is installedon

the cable.

LeftSide ReverseClutch

Handlebar ControlKnob

Figure2-3 Attachhandlebars,

6. Thread the height adjustment screw (F,
Figure2-2) intothe holein the handlebar
cross-brace, making sure that the raised
keys on the washerfit into the slot on the
height adjustment bracket. Tightenthe
height adjustment screwsecurely. Next,
securelytighten the two screwsand nuts

in the endsof the handlebar (M, Figure "-H
2-2). Figure2-5: Attach reverse clutchcontrol

assemblytoslottedholeinhandlebarpanel.

2. Insert the cable intothe slot in the
control paneland fit thethreadedassem-

bly into the holein the slot (seeFigure2-

5). Besure that the flat side of the

threaded assembly is alignedwith theflat

Figure2-4:CarefullyunwrapWheelGear side ofthe hole. Slidethe hex nut (I) up
Leverandmoveleverto DISENGAGE. the cableand tighten it securely.

3. Test the function of the reverseclutch

7. To removethetiller from itsshipping control cable by pullingthe knob out and
platform,first carefully unwrapthe wheel releasing it. The knobshould return to its

gear cable (with attached lever- seeFigure neutral position against the tapered
2-4) from around the chassis. Movethe bushing when itis released. If itdoesn't,

WheelGearLever(G) to the DISENGAGE contact your localdealer or the factory for
position--thisallows the wheelsto rotate technical assistance.

freely. Usethe handlebarsto roll thetiller
off the platform. STEP 4: ATTACHFORWARD
NOTE: TheWheel GearLeverwill be CLUTCH CONTROL CABLE

installed later in this procedure. 1. Removeanyfasteners (rubber bands,
IMPORTANT: Usethe DISENGAGEposi- tape, etc.) that may securethe Forward

tion only when the engineis not running. Clutch Control levers (J, Figure2-6) to the
Beforestarting theengine,the WheelGear handlebar.

Lever must beplacedin the ENGAGEposi-
tion (seeSection 3 for details).

2. Theforward clutch control cable (with
attachedspring) is hanging loosely near
the right-side wheel. Beingcareful not to

kink or stretch the cable, insert the z-con-
nector (L, Figure2-7 - end of the spring)

into the holeatthe end of the forward
clutch control linkage (K, Figure2-6).

Figure2-7

3. Attach the cableadjuster (A,Figure

2-8) to the bracketon the right-side han-
dlebar. Usetwo 1/2"wrenches to loosen

the two jam nuts (B) just enoughto slide
the cableadjuster ontothe bracket. Then

handtighten the jam nuts.

Figure2-8

Incorrectcable adjustmentcould cause

the wheels and tines to rotate unexpect-

edly. Follow adjustment procedures
carefully. Failure to do so couldresult
in personalinjury or propertydamage.

4. Checkfor correct spring/cabletension
as instructed in Section5, Checkingand

Adjusting ForwardClutch Belt Tension.

5. When tension iscorrect, tighten the
two jam nuts (B,Figure2-8) securely.

Figure2-6: ForwardClutchControllevers
(J), Forwardclutchcontrollinkage(K).

STEP 5: CHECKTRANSMISSION
GEAROIL LEVEL

Thetransmission was filled with gearoil at
the factory. However,besure to checkthe

oil levelat this time to makecertain it is
correct.

IMPORTANT:Do not operatethe tiller if

the gear oil level is low.Doing so will

result inseveredamageto the transmis-
sion components.

1. With thetiller on levelground, pull the
Depth Regulator Lever (L, Figure2-9) back

and then slide it to thesecond notch from
the top. NOTE:If the lever does not move,

lift the tine hood flap and look for aplastic

tie securing the lever in place. Cutand

removethe tie.

Figure2-12: Attach Wheel GearLever.

Figure2-11: Addinggear oil,

havinga viscosity of SAE140, SAE

85W-140 or SAE80W-90. if refilling
an empty transmission, use only GL-4

gear oil havingaviscosity of SAE
85W-140 or SAE140.

(c) Using a cleanfunnel, slowly add gear

oil until it flows from the gear oil level
checkhole (N, Figure2-11).

(d) Reinstalland tighten securely thegear

oil fill plug(M, Figure2-10).

Figure2-9:Putleverin secondnotch.

2. Removethe oil levelcheck plug (M,
Figure2-10) onthe left-side of the trans-
mission. (Dueto dried paint onthe plug

threads, it may require some force to

removethe plug thefirst time.) The gear
oil levelis correct if oil starts to flow out of

the hole asthe plug is removed. If so,

securelyreinstall the plug.

Figure2-10: Gear oil level checkplug.

3. If oil doesnot flow from the check
hole,add oil asfollows:

NOTE:Do not useautomatic transmission

fluid or motor oil in the transmission.

(a) Cleanareaaround the fill hole (N,

Figure2-11) andunscrew gearoil fill
plug.

(b) If adding only afew ouncesof gear oil,

useAPI rated GL-4 or GL-5 gearoil

STEP 6: ADD MOTOR OIL TO ENGINE

Thetiller is shipped withoutoil in the
engine.

IMPORTANT:Do notstart the engine
without first adding motor oil. Severe
engine damagewill result if the engine is

run without oil.

1. Referto the separateEngine Owner's
Manualfor motor oil specifications and

capacities.

2. With the unit on levelground, move

the DepthRegulator Lever(L, Figure2-9)

up or down until the engine is level.

3. Add motor oil asdescribed in the
EngineOwner's Manual.

4. Move the DepthRegulator Leverall the

way down until the highest notch is
engaged. This placesthetines inthe
"travel" position.

STEP 7: ATTACHWHEEL GEARLEVER

1. Insert theWheel GearLever (P, Figure

2-12) upthrough the slot in the control

panelthat is labeled"WHEELGEAR."

2. Insert two #10-32 x 1/2" round head

screws downthrough the "+" marks on
the control paneldecaland securelyattach
the wheelgear mounting bracketusing

two #10 Iockwashersand #1g-32 nuts.

3. Using a board,tap the Wheel Gear
Leverknob securely onto the lever.

Figure2-13: Attachwheelgearcableand
reverseclutchcablewithcableties(S).

4. Secure the wheelgear cableand the
reverseclutch control cableto the left-side

handlebarwith two plasticties (S, Figure

2-13) locatedabout two feetapart. Snip
off anyexcesstie lengthwith scissors.

STEP 8: CHECKAIR PRESSURE

IN TIRES
Usea tire pressuregauge to checkthe air

pressurein both tires. Deflateor inflate
bothtires equallyto 15-to-20 PSi(pounds
persquare inch). Besure that both tires

are inflated equally or the unit will pull to
one side.

STEP 9: CHECKHARDWARE FOR
TIGHTNESS

Inspectthe hardwareon the unit and

tighten any loosescrews, bolts and nuts.

This completes the assembly steps.
Besureto readtherest of thisManual

beforeyou operateyourtiller.

FeaturesandControls

Before operating your machine, care-

fully read and understand all safety,

controls and operating instructions in

this Manual, in the separate Engine

Owner's Manual, and on the decals on

the machine.

Failure to follow these instructionscan
resultin seriouspersonal injury.

INTRODUCTION

This section describesthe locationand

function of the controls on your tiller.

Referto Section 4: Operationfor detailed
operating instructions.

Practiceusing these controls, with the
engine shut off, until you understandthe
operation ofthe controls andfeel confi-

dentwith eachof them.
IMPORTANT:Referto the separateengine

manufacturer's EngineOwner's Manualfor
information aboutthe controls onthe

engine.

WHEEL GEAR LEVER

This lever (A,Figure 3-1) hastwo posi-
tions: ENGAGEand DISENGAGE.

In the ENGAGEposition, thewheels will
start turning when eitherthe Forward

ClutchControl or ReverseClutchControl
is engaged(the tineswill also start turning

when eitheris engaged).
TheDISENGAGE(freewheel) position

placesthe wheels in the freewheeling
modeto allow the unit to bemoved

without the enginerunning. Usethe DIS-
ENGAGEposition only when the engineis

not running. See"DANGER"statement
that follows.

Toshift to ENGAGE,gently (do not force)
move the leverforward while also rolling

thetiller a few inchesforward or back-
ward. Moving the tiller helpsto align the

shift mechanismwith thetransmission
wheeldrive gears.

Toshift to DISENGAGE,movethe lever
rearward, without rolling the tiller. The
wheelswill roll freely whenthe lever is
properly set into the DISENGAGEposition.

Figure3-1: Controlslocated on handlebar.

Never place the Wheel Gear Lever in
DISENGAGE (Freewheel) when the
engineis running.

Having the Wheel Gear Lever in
DISENGAGE and then engaging the

tines_heels with either ForwardClutch

ControlLever or ReverseClutch Control
couldallow the tines to propelthe tiller

rapidlyforwardor backward.
Failure to follow this instruction could

result in personal injury or property
damage.

Never engage the wheels andtines with
Forward Clutch Control Levers or

Reverse Clutch Control unless the
WheelGearLever is in ENGAGE.

EngagingForwardClutchControlLevers
or Reverse Clutch Control when the

wheels are notengaged couldallow the
tines to rapidly propelthe tiller forward

or backward.
Failure to follow this warning could

result in personal injury or property
damage.

FORWARD CLUTCHCONTROL
LEVERS

Thetwo interconnectedlevers(B, Figure
3-1) control the engagementofforward

drive to the wheels and tines.

To OperatetheForwardClutchControl:

1. Before engagingthe ForwardClutch

Control Levers, put the WheelGearLever
in the ENGAGEposition (see "WARNING"

above).

2. Lift and hold oneor both of the levers
against the handlebargrips to engagethe

wheels and tines.

3. ReleaseBOTHleversto disengage
(stop) the wheelsand tines. All forward
motion will stop (the enginewill continue

to run).

REVERSE CLUTCH CONTROL

The ReverseClutchControl (C,Figure3-1)
controls the engagementof reversedrive

to the wheelsand tines.

The reversingfeatureis usedfor maneu-
veringthetiller only- neverengagethe
tines in the groundwhile reversing.

To Operatethe ReverseClutchControl:

1. Putthe WheelGearLever in the
ENGAGEposition (seeprevious

"WARNING"statement).

2. Stop all tiller motion by releasingthe
ForwardClutch Control Levers.

3. Lift up the handlebars until thetines

clearthe ground, look behindyou to avoid
any obstacles,andthen pull the Reverse

ClutchControl knobout. The tines and

wheels will rotatein a reversedirection.

4. Releasethe ReverseClutchControl
knobto disengage(stop) the wheels and

tines. All reversemotion will stop (the
engine will continueto run).

• Use extreme cautionwhen reversingor

pullingthe machinetowardsyou. Look
behindto avoid obstacles.

• Neverattempttotill in reverse.

Failure to follow this warning could
result in personal injury or property
damage.

DEPTH REGULATORLEVER

This lever(D, Figure3-2) controls the
tilling depth of the tines. Pullthe lever

straight backand slide it up or down to

engagethe notched height settings.
Thehighest notch (lever all the waydown)

raisesthe tines approximately 1-1/2
inches off the ground. This "travel" posi-

tion allows the tiller to bemoved without
the tines digging into the ground.

Figure3-2: DepthRegulator Lever.

Moving the leverup increasesthe tilling
depth. The lowest notch allows atilling

depth ofapproximately six to eight inches,
dependingon soil conditions.

Forbestresults, always begintilling at a

very shallowdepth settingand gradually

increasethe tilling depth.

Completedetails on using the DepthReg-
ulator arefound in Section4 of this

manual.

• Do not attempt to till too deeply too
quickly. Gradually work down to

deepertilling depths.

• Place the DepthRegulatorLeverin the
"travel" position before starting the

engine. This position prevents the
tines from touching the ground until

youare readytobegintilling.

Failure to follow this warning could

result in personal injury or property
damage.

HANDLEBAR HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT

The handlebarheight is adjustable to four

different settings. When settingthe

height, keep in mind thatthe handlebars

will be lowerwhen the tines are engaged

in the soil.

To Adjustthe HandlebarHeight:

1. Stop the engine,wait for all parts to

stop moving and then disconnect the
spark plug wire. Removethe ignition key

on electric start models.

2. Loosen the two screws at the lower
ends of the handlebar.

3. Loosen the height adjustment flange
screw(F, Figure 3-3) andpull the keyed

washer (E) free of the slots in the curved

heightadjustment bracket.

Figure3-3

4. Move the handlebarsto the new slot
settingand insertthe raisedkeys on the

keyedwasher into the slot. Tighten the
heightadjustment flange screw securely.

5. Retighten the two screws at the ends
of the handlebar.

ENGINE CONTROLS

Referto theengine manufacturer's Engine

Owner's Manual(included in thetiller liter-
ature package)to identify the controls on

your engine.
IMPORTANT:The control for stoppingthe

engine is locatedon the engine.

SPECIALNOTICEREGARDING

"MOTOROILALERTSYSTEM"

The engine on your tiller is not
equipped with a functioning "Oil Alert

System" and you should ignore any
references in your Engine Owner's
Manual regarding this feature.

The "Oil Alert System" is not practi-
cal for use with your tiller because

the engine is frequently operated in
non-level applications that would

provide false readings to the
system's oil level sensor. These

false readings would result in fre-
quent, and unnecessary, engine shut

downs.
You can easily protect your engine

from damage caused by insufficient
oil in the crankcase by simply

remembering to dothe following:

• Check the motor oil level before
starting the engine.

• Checkthe motor oil levelafter every
five (5) hours of continuous

operation.

Operation

Beforeoperatingyourmachine, carefully
read and understandaii safety (Section

1), controls (Section 3) and operating
instructions(Section 4) in this Manual,
in the separate EngineOwner's Manual,

and onthedecals onthe machine.
Failure to follow these instructionscan

resultin seriouspersonalinjury.

INTRODUCTION

Readthis section of the manualthor-
oughly beforeyou start the engine. Then,

takethe time to familiarizeyourself with
the basic operation of the tiller before
using it in the garden. Findan open, level
areaand practice using the tiller controls
without the tines engagingthe soil (put

tines in "travel" setting). Onlyafter you've
becomecompletely familiar with the tiller

should you beginusing it inthe garden.

BREAK-INOPERATION

Perform the following maintenanceduring
thefirst 2 (two) hours of new operation
(seeSection 5 of this manual and the
Maintenancesection of the Engine
Owner's Manual).

1. Changemotor oil.

2. Checkfor loose or missing hardware
on unit. Tighten or replaceas needed.

3. Checktransmission gear oil level.

4. Checktension onforward clutch belt.

STARTING/STOPPINGENGINE

PRE-START CHECKLIST

Dothe following beforestarting the
engine:

1. Readthe Safetyand Featuresand Con-
trolssections in this manual. Readthe

separateEngineOwner's Manual provided
by theengine manufacturer.

2. Check unit for looseor missing hard-
ware. Serviceas required.

3. Check motor oil level. SeeEngine
Owner's Manual.

4. Checkthat all safetyguards andcovers
are in place.

5. Checkair cleanerand enginecooling
system. SeeEngineOwner's Manual.

ReverseClutchControl

ControlLever

HandlebarHeight

AdjustmentScrew

GASOLINEIS HIGHLY FLAMMABLEAND
ITSVAPORSAREEXPLOSIVE.

Followgasolinesafetyrules inthis manual
(see Section1) and in the separateEngine

Owner'sManual.
Failure to followgasoline safetyinstruc-

tions can result in serious personal

injuryandpropertydamage.

6. Fill the fuel tank with gasoline accord-

ing to the directions in the separateEngine
Owner's Manual. Followall instructions

and safety rulescarefully.

7. Attach sparkplug wire to sparkplug.

To help prevent serious personal injury

or damagetoequipment:

*Before starting engine, putWheel Gear

Leverin ENGAGEposition.

. Beforestartingengine,putForwardClutch

ControlLeversandReverseClutchControl
in neutral (disengaged) positions by

releasingcontrols.

. Neverrunengineindoorsorin enclosed,

poorlyventilated area. Engine exhaust
containscarbonmonoxide,an odorless

anddeadlygas.

*Avoid enginemuffler and nearby areas.

Temperaturesin these areas mayexceed

150OF.

STARTING THE ENGINE

Thefollowing steps describe howto start
and stop the engine.

eel Gear Lever

_Forward Clutch

ControlLever

Jlator Lever

Donotengagethe tines orwheels until

youhaveread all ofthe operating

instructionsin thissection,the safety
rulesin Section1: Safety,andthe con-

troisinformationin Section3: Features

andControls.

1. Completethe Pre-Start Checklistin this
section.

Keepawayfrom rotatingtines. Rotating

tines will causeinjury.

2. Putthe Wheel GearLever(Figure4-1)

in the ENGAGEposition.

3. Put the DepthRegulator Leverin the
"travel" position (leverall the way down)

so that the tines areclear of the ground.

4. Releaseall controls on the tiller.

5. Put the engineswitch in the ONposi-

tion, as instructed inthe separateEngine

Owner'sManual.

6. On enginesequippedwith a fuel valve,
movevalve to the ONposition as
instructed inthe separateEngineOwner's

Manual.

7. Chokeor prime engineas instructed in

the separateEngineOwner's Manual.
S. Put the throttle lever in the start posi-

tion as instructed in the separateEngine

Owner'sManual.

9. Operatethe recoil starter:

(a) Placeone handon fuel tank to stabi-

lizeunit whenyou pull the starter
handle.