Troybilt 21D-65M1066, 21D-64M1066 Owner’s Manual

Safe Operation Practices • Set-Up • Operation • Maintenance • Service • Troubleshooting • Warranty

®

ATORrS

ANUAL

Bronco, Super Bronco & Pro=Line CRT Tillers

TROY=BILT LLC, P.O. BOX 361131 CLEVELAND, OHiO 44136=0019

PrintedIn USA FormNo.769-07548

(December13,2011)

ToTheOwner

ThankYou

1

Thank you for purchasing a Troy-Bilt Tiller. It was carefully
engineered to provide excellent performance when properly

operated and maintained.
Please read this entire manual prior to operating the equipment.

It instructs you how to safely and easily set up, operate and
maintain your machine. Please be sure that you, and any other
persons who will operate the machine, carefully follow the

recommended safety practices at all times. Failure to do so could
result in personal injury or property damage.

All information in this manual is relative to the most recent
product information available at the time of printing. Review

this manual frequently to familiarize yourself with the machine,
its features and operation. Please be aware that this Operator's

Manual may cover a range of product specifications for various
models. Characteristics and features discussed and/or illustrated

in this manual may not be applicable to all models. We reserve
the right to change product specifications, designs and

equipment without notice and without incurring obligation.

1"able of Contents

Safe Operation Practices ........................................ 3

Assembly & Set-Up .................................................. 7

Control & Features ................................................. 10

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

Maintenance & Adjustment ................................. 13

If applicable, the power testing information used to establish
the power rating of the engine equipped on this machine can be

found at www.opei.org or the engine manufacturer's web site.
If you have any problems or questions concerning the machine,

phone a authorized Troy-Bilt service dealer or contact us directly.
Troy-Bilt's Customer Support telephone numbers, website
address and mailing address can be found on this page. We want

to ensure your complete satisfaction at all times.
Throughout this manual, all references to right and left side of the

machine are observed from the operating position
The engine manufacturer is responsible for all engine-related

issues with regards to performance, power-rating, specifications,
warranty and service. Please refer to the engine manufacturer's
Owner's/Operator's Manual, packed separately with your

machine, for more information.

Service ..................................................................... 17

Troubleshooting ..................................................... 19

Replacement Parts ................................................ 20

Warranty .................................................. Back Cover

EecordProduct information

Before setting up and operating your new equipment, please
locate the model plate on the equipment and record the

information in the provided area to the right. You can locate the

model plate by standing at the operator's position and looking
down at the front right corner of the tine shield. This information
will be necessary, should you seek technical support via our web
site, Customer Support Department, or with a local authorized

service dealer.

MODEL NUMBER

[3131313131313131313D

SERIALNUMBER

[3D[3D[3D[3D[3DD

CustomerSupport

Please do NOT return the machine to the retailer or dealer without first contacting the Customer Support Department.

If you have difficulty assembling this product or have any questions regarding the controls, operation, or maintenance of
this machine, you can seek help from the experts. Choose from the options below:

0 Visit us on the web at www.troybilt.com

See How-to Maintenance and Parts Installation Videos at www.troybilt.com/tutorials

0 Call a Customer Support Representative at [phone] or [phone]

0 Write to Troy-Bilt LLC • RO. Box 361131 • Cleveland, OH • 44136-0019

ImportantSafeOperationPractices

WARNING! This symbol points out important safety instructions which, if not followed,
could endanger the personal safety and/or property of yourself and others. Read and follow

all instructions in this manual before attempting to operate this machine. Failure to comply

with these instructions may result in personal injury.
When you see this symbol. HEED ITS WARNING!

CALIFORNIA PROPOSITION 65

2

_1 ARNING! Engine Exhaust, some of its constituents, and certain vehicle components

contain or emit chemicals known to State of California to cause cancer and birth defects
or other reproductive harm.

_ ARNINGI Battery posts, terminals, and related accessories contain lead and lead

compounds, chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and reproductive
harm. Wash hands after handling

DANGER! This machine was built to be operated according to the safe operation practices in

this manual. As with any type of power equipment, carelessness or error on the part of the

operator can result in serious injury. This machine is capable of amputating fingers, hands,

toes and feet. Failure to observe the following safety instructions could result in serious

injury or death.

Training 2.

1. Read, understand, and follow all instructions on the

machine and in the manual(s) before attempting to
assemble and operate. Keep this manual in a safe place for
future and regular reference and for ordering replacement
parts.

2. Be familiar with all controls and their proper operation.

Know how to stop the machine and disengage them
quickly.

3. Never allow children under 14 years of age to operate this

machine. Children 14 and over should read and understand
the instructions and safe operation practices in this manual

and on the machine and be trained and supervised by an
adult.

4.

Never allow adults to operate this machine without proper
instruction.

5.

Keep the area of operation clear of all persons, particularly
small children and pets. Stop machine if anyone enters the
atea.

Preparation

1.

Thoroughly inspect the area where the equipment is to
be used. Remove all stones, sticks, wire, and other foreign
objects which could be tripped over and cause personal

injury.

Wear sturdy, rough-soled work shoes and close fitting
slacks and shirt. Loose fitting clothes or jewelry can be
caught in moving parts. Never operate this machine in bare

feet or sandals.

3. Disengage clutch levers and shift (if provided) into neutral
("N") before starting the engine.

4. Never leave this machine unattended with the engine
running.

5. Never attempt to make any adjustments while engine is
running, except where specifically recommended in the

operator's manual.

SafeHandling 0f Gas01ine:

To avoid personal injury or property damage use extreme care
in handling gasoline. Gasoline is extremely flammable and the
vapors are explosive. Serious personal injury can occur when

gasoline isspilled on yourself or your clothes which can ignite.
Wash your skin and change clothes immediately.

a. Use only an approved gasoline container.
b. Never fill containers inside a vehicle or on a truck

or trailer bed with a plastic liner. Always place
containers on the ground away from your vehicle
before filling.

When practical, remove gas-powered equipment
from the truck or trailer and refuel it on the ground.
If this is not possible, then refuel such equipment on

a trailer with a portable container, rather than from a
gasoline dispenser nozzle.

d_

Keep the nozzle in contact with the rim of the fuel
tank or container opening at all times until fueling is
complete. Do not use a nozzle lock-open device.

e_

Extinguish all cigarettes, cigars, pipes and other
sources of ignition.

f.

Never fuel machine indoors.

g.

Never remove gas cap or add fuel while the engine
is hot or running. Allow engine to cool at least two

minutes before refueling.

h. Never over fill fuel tank. Fill tank to no more than 1/2

inch below bottom of filler neck to allow space for
fuel expansion.

i. Replace gasoline cap and tighten securely.

j. If gasoline is spilled, wipe it off the engine and

equipment. Move unit to another area. Wait 5
minutes before starting the engine.

k. To reduce fire hazards, keep machine free of grass,

leaves, or other debris build-up. Clean up oil or fuel
spillage and remove any fuel soaked debris.

I. Never store the machine or fuel container inside

where there is an open flame, spark or pilot light
as on a water heater, space heater, furnace, clothes
dryer or other gas appliances.

Operation

1. Do not put hands or feet near rotating parts. Contact with
the rotating parts can amputate hands and feet.

2. Do not operate machine while under the influence of
alcohol or drugs.

3. Never operate this machine without good visibility or light.
Always be sure of your footing and keep a firm hold on the

handles.

4. Keep bystanders away from the machine while it is in
operation. Stop the machine if anyone enters the area.

5. Be careful when tilling in hard ground. The tines may catch
in the ground and propel the tiller forward. If this occurs,
letgo of the handle bars and do not restrain the machine.

6. Exercise extreme caution when operating on or crossing
gravel surfaces. Stay alert for hidden hazards or traffic. Do
not carry passengers.

7. Never operate the machine at high transport speeds on
hard or slippery surfaces.

8. Exercise caution to avoid slipping or falling.

9. Look down and behind and use care when in reverse or
pulling machine towards you.

10. Start the engine according to the instructions found in this
manual and keep feet well away from the tines at all times.

11. After striking a foreign object, stop the engine, disconnect
the spark plug wire and ground against the engine.
Thoroughly inspect the machine for any damage. Repair

the damage before starting and operating.

12. Disengage all clutch levers (if fitted) and stop engine
before you leave the operating position (behind the
handles). Wait until the tines come to a complete stop
before unclogging the tines, making any adjustments, or

inspections.

13. Never run an engine indoors or in a poorly ventilated area.
Engine exhaust contains carbon monoxide, an odorless
and deadly gas.

14.

Muffler and engine become hot and can cause a burn. Do
not touch.

15.

Use caution when tilling near fences, buildings and
underground utilities. Rotating tines can cause property
damage or personal injury.

16. Do not overload machine capacity by attempting to till soil
too deep at too fast of a rate.

17. If the machine should start making an unusual noise or
vibration, stop the engine, disconnect the spark plug wire
and ground it against the engine. Inspect thoroughly for
damage. Repair any damage before starting and operating.

18. Keep all shields, guards, and safety devices in place and
operating properly.

19. Never pick up or carry machine while the engine is running.

20. Use only attachments and accessories approved by the
manufacturer. Failure to do so can result in personal injury.

21. If situations occur which are not covered in this manual, use
care and good judgement. Contact Customer Support for
assistance and the name of you nearest servicing dealer..

Maintenance & Storage

1. Keep machine, attachments and accessories in safe
working order.

2. Allow a machine to cool at least five minutes before
storing. Never tamper with safety devices. Check their

proper operation regularly.

3. Check bolts and screws for proper tightness at frequent
intervals to keep the machine in safe working condition.

Also, visually inspect machine for any damage.

4. Before cleaning, repairing, or inspecting, stop the engine
and make certain the tines and all moving parts have

stopped. Disconnect the spark plug wire and ground it
against the engine to prevent unintended starting.

5. Do not change the engine governor settings or over-speed
the engine. The governor controls the maximum safe
operating speed of engine.

6. Maintain or replace safety and instruction labels, as
necessary.

7. Follow this manual for safe loading, unloading,
transporting, and storage of this machine.

8. Always refer to the operator's manual for important details
if the machine is to be stored for an extended period.

4 J SECTION 2 -- IMPORTANT SAFE OPERATION PRACTICES

9_

If the fuel tank has to be drained, do this outdoors.

10.

Observe proper disposal laws and regulations for gas, oil,
etc. to protect the environment.

11.

According to the Consumer Products Safety Commission
(CPSC) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA),
this product has an Average Useful Life of seven (7) years,
or 130 hours of operation. At the end of the Average Useful

Life have the machine inspected annually by an authorized
service dealer to ensure that all mechanical and safety
systems are working properly and not worn excessively.
Failure to do so can result in accidents, injuries or death.

Notice Regarding Emissions

Engines which are certified to comply with California and federal
EPA emission regulations for SORE (Small Off Road Equipment)

are certified to operate on regular unleaded gasoline, and
may include the following emission control systems: Engine
Modification (EM), Oxidizing Catalyst (OC), Secondary Air
Injection (SAI) and Three Way Catalyst (TWC) if so equipped.

SparkArrestor

internal combustion engine and should not be used

WARNING! This machine is equipped with an

on or near any unimproved forest-covered,

brushcovered or grass-covered land unless the
engine's exhaust system is equipped with a spark
arrestor meeting applicable local or state laws (if

any).

Ira spark arrestor 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 arrestor for the muffler is available through your
nearest engine authorized service dealer or contact the service
department, P.O.Box 361131 Cleveland, Ohio 44136-0019.

SECTION 2 -- IMPORTANT SAFE OPERATION PRACTICES S

SafetySymbols

This page depicts and describes safety symbols that may appear on this product. Read, understand, and follow all instructions on the
machine before attempting to assemble and operate.

READ THE OPERATOR'S MANUAL(S)
Read, understand, and follow all instructions in the manual(s) before attempting to

assemble and operate

WARNING-- ROTATING TINES

Do not put hands or feet near rotating parts. Contact with the rotating parts can amputate
hands and feet.

WARNING-- ROTATING TINES

Do not put hands or feet near rotating parts. Contact with the rotating parts can amputate
hands and feet.

WARNING--GASOLINE ISFLAMMABLE
Allow the engine to cool at least two minutes before refueling.

A

WARNING-- CARBON MONOXIDE

Never run an engine indoors or in a poorly ventilated area. Engine exhaust contains carbon
monoxide, an odorless and deadly gas.

WARNING-- HOT SURFACE

Engine parts, especially the muffler, become extremely hot during operation. Allow engine

and muffler to cool before touching.

WARNING! Your Responsibility--Restrict the use of this power machine to persons who read, understand and
follow the warnings and instructions in this manual and on the machine.

6 I SECTION 2 -- IMPORTANT SAFE OPERATION PRACTICES

SAVETHESEINSTRUCTIONS!

Assembly& Set-Up

Contents of Carton

OneTiller
One Operator's Manual

One 20 oz. Bottle SAE 10W30 Oil
One Engine Operator's Manual

3

One Handlebar Assembly

NOTE:This Operator's Manual covers several garden tiller
models. The tiller depicted may differ from yours.

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.

RecommendedToolsfor Assembly

Two 1/2"open-end wrenches
Block of wood (to support tiller when removing wheels)
Tire pressure gauge

Clean oil funnel
Motor oil. Refer to the Engine Operator's Manual for oil

specifications and quantity required.

Assembly

UnpackingInstructions

NOTE:While unpacking, do not severely bend any of the control
cables.

1. The tiller is heavy, do not attempt to remove it from
the shipping platform until instructed to do so in these

Assembly steps.

2. Remove any packaging material from the carton. Remove
any staples from the bottom of the carton and remove the
carton from the shipping platform.

3. Remove all loose parts from the carton. Check that you
have the items listed in the Contents of Carton list (contact

your local dealer or the factory if items are missing or
damaged).

Handle

NOTE:All references to the right or left side of the tiller are from
the operator's position.

1. Remove two hex screws (sA6-18x 1.50), two flange lock
nuts (sA6-18),carriage bolt (sA6-18x 6.75), bell washer (.326 x

.875 x .145) and knob (sA6-18) from the lower handlebar and
support brackets. See Fig. 3-1.

Flange

Lock

Nuts

Lower

Figure 34

Hex Screw

2.

Using two hex screws and two flange lock nuts, loosely
attach the handlebar support using the upper holes.
Tighten the two screws securely. See Fig. 3-2.

He× Screw

Upper Handle

Figure 3-2

3.

Loosely attach the support brackets to the outside of the
handlebar assembly using the carriage bolt, bell washer
and knob. Refer to Fig. 3-3.

Knob

Carriage Bolt Bell Washer

eLock Nut

4.

There are three height adjustment holes in the handlebar
support bracket. Use a setting that will position the
handlebars at approximately waist level when the tines are
3-4" into the soil. To adjust the height of the handlebars

loosen the knob on the handle, pull out on the carriage
screw, adjust to the desired setting, push the carriage
screw in until the square portion of the screw locks into
place and re-tighten the knob. See Fig. 3-4.

F

Carriage Screw

Figure 3-4

4. Tighten all the handlebar mounting hardware securely.

Move Tiller Off Crate
To roll the tiller off the shipping platform, put the wheels in

freewheel, as follows:

1. Place a sturdy block under the transmission to raise one
wheel about 1" off the ground.

2. Remove the wheel drive pin from the wheel hub and wheel
shaft. See Fig. 3-5.

f- -,_

Wheel Drive Pin

Figure 3-3

NOTE: If a support bracket will not move, loosen the
attaching hex screws (sA6-18x .75) and flange lock nuts (sA6-

18) at the base of the support brackets.

NOTE:The support brackets must be assembled to the
outside of the handlebar assembly.

8 I SECTION3-- ASSEMBLY& SET-UP

Wheel Shaft

Figure 3=5

3.

Slide the wheel fully inward on the wheel shaft. Reinstall
the wheel drive pin through the wheel shaft only (not
through the wheel hub). See Fig. 3-5. The wheel should

now spin freely (freewheel) on the wheel shaft. Repeat with
the other wheel.

4. Use the handlebar to roll the tiller to a flat area.
NOTE: Before starting the engine, the wheels must be placed in

the WHEEL DRIVE position (pins through wheel hubs and wheel
shaft).

Forward ClutchCable

1.

Carefully unwrap the forward clutch cable from its shipping

)osition. Pull the cable up through the bottom hole of the
cable bracket and push the cable connector up through
the hole until the groove in the connector snaps into place.
See Fig, 3-6.

Z=Connector .............

ReverseClutchCable(If s0 equipped)

1. Carefully unwrap the reverse clutch cable (Red end fitting)
from its shipping position. Pull the cable up through the
top hole of the cable bracket and push the cable connector

up through the hole until the groove in the connector
snaps into place. See Fig. 3-7.

Z=Connector

Figure 3-6

2.

Place the Z-connector into the hole in the forward clutch
bail from the outside of the bail to the inside. See Fig. 3-6.

Figure 3-7

2.

Place the Z-connector into the hole in the reverse clutch
handle assembly from the inside of the handle to the

outside. See Fig. 3-7.

Set-tip

TirePressure

Check the air pressure with a tire gauge. Deflate or inflate the
tires equally to between 15and 20 PSI.

NOTE: Be sure that both tires are inflated equally or the tiller will
pull to one side.

Gas&OilFill Up

gasoline. Gasoline is extremely flammable and the
WARNING! Use extreme care when handling

vapors are explosive. Never fuel the machine

• indoors or while the engine is hot or running.

Extinguish cigarettes, cigars, pipes and any other
sources of ignition.

Service the engine with gasoline and oil as instructed in the
Engine Operator's Manual packed separately with your tiller.

Read the instructions carefully.

SECTION 3 -- ASSEMBLY& SET-UP 9

Controls& Features

Reverse Handle Assembb

Forward Clutch

4

ulator Lever

ight Adjustment

NOTE:This Operator's Manual covers several garden tiller
models. The tiller depicted may differ from yours.

EngineControLs

For detailed information on all engine controls refer to the
separate Engine Operator's Manual.

WheelDrive Pins

Each wheel is equipped with a wheel drive click pin that secures
the wheel to the wheel shaft. The wheels can be positioned in

either a wheel drive or a freewheel mode.

ForwardClutchBail

The forward clutch bail controls the engagement of the forward
drive of the wheels and tines.

Tines

Drive Pin

Figure 4=1

ReverseHandleAssembly(i[ soequipped)

The reverse handle assembly controls the engagement of the
reverse drive of the wheels and tines.

Depth Regulator Lever

This lever controls the tilling depth of the tines.
Pull the lever back and slide it up or down to

engage the notched height settings.

Handlebar Height Adjustment

The handlebar height is adjustable to three different settings. In
general, adjust the handlebars so they are at waist level when the
tines are 3-4" in the ground.

Operation

WARNING! Before operating your machine,
carefully read and understand this manual and all of
its safety, operating and maintenance sections and
instructions, along with all of the decals on the

machine. Failure to follow these instructions can
result in serious personal injury.

Introduction

Read this Operation Section and the Engine Operator's Manual
before you start the engine. Then, take the time to familiarize
yourself with the basic operation of the tiller before using it in
the garden.

Find an open, level area and practice using the tiller controls
without the tines engaging the soil (put tines in "transport"

setting).
Only after you've become completely familiar with the tiller

should you begin using it in the garden.

Break-inOperation

Perform the following maintenance after the first five (5) hours of 1.
new operation (see Maintenance & Adjustments Section in this 2.

manual). 3.

1. Change engine oil.

2. Check for loose or missing hardware on the tiller. Tighten
or replace as needed.

3. Check transmission gear oil level. See the Maintenance &
Adjustments section.

7. Fill the fuel tank with gasoline according to the directions
in the separate Engine Operator's Manual. Follow all
instructions and safety rules carefully.

8. If necessary, Attach the spark plug wire to the spark plug.

Starting the Engine

damage to equipment, put both wheels in the WHEEL
WARNING!To help prevent serious personal injury or

DRIVE position. Never have wheels in FREEWHEEL

position when the engine is running. When the wheels
are in FREEWHEEL, they do not hold back the tiller and
the tines could propel the tiller rapidly forward or

backward. Put the Forward Clutch Bail in neutral

(disengaged) positions by releasing the lever.

WARNING! Never run the engine indoors or in an
enclosed, poorly ventilated area. Engine exhaust

contains carbon monoxide, an odorless and deadly

gas. Avoid the engine muffler and nearby areas.
Temperatures in these areas may exceed 150° F.

Complete the Pre-Start Checklist above on this page.
Put the wheels in the WHEEL DRIVE position.
Move the depth regulator lever all the way down to the

"travel" position, so that the tines clear the ground. To
change the depth setting, pull back on the depth regulator

lever (A) and lift up or down (B), then release the lever (C) to
secure in the desired position. See Fig, 5-1.

Startingthe Engine

Pre-StartChecklist

With the spark plug wire disconnected from the spark plug,
perform the following checks and services before each use:

1. Read the Safe Operation Practices and the Features &
Controls Section in this manual. Read the separate Engine

Operator's Manual provided with the tiller.

2. Put the wheels in the WHEEL DRIVE position (wheel pins
must be through holes in wheel hubs and wheel shaft).

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.

3.

Check the tiller for loose or missing hardware. Service as
required.

4.

Check the engine oil level. See the Engine Operator's
Manual.

5.

Check that all the safety guards and covers are in place.

6.

Check the air cleaner and engine cooling system. See the
Engine Operator's Manual.

Figure 5-1

4. Release all of the controls on the tiller.

5. Start the engine asinstructed in the Engine Operator's Manual.

Stoppingthe Engine

I. To stop the wheels and tines, release the Forward Clutch Bail.

2. Refer to the Engine Operator's Manual for instructions on
stopping the engine.

11

EngageDrive& Tines

1. For forward motion ofthe wheels and power to the tines pull
the Forward Clutch Bail up against the handlebar. Release
the bail to stop the forward motion of the wheels and tines.

2. When tilling, relax and let the wheels pull the machine while
the tines dig. Walk behind and a little to one side of the tiller.
Use one hand, yet keep a light-- but secure -- grip on the
handlebar (while keeping your arm loose). See Fig. 5-2. Let
the tiller move at its own pace and do not push down on the

handlebars to try and force the tines to dig deeper-- this
takes weight offthe wheels and reduces traction.

Reverse Handle

Figure 5-2

WARNING! Donot pushdown on thehandlebarstotry
to makethetillertill moredeeply.Thispreventsthewheels
from holdingthe tillerbackandcanallowthe tinesto

rapidlypropel thetillerforward,which could resultinlossof

control,propertydamage,or personalinjury.

3. To move in reverse:
a. On models with reverse handle:

Look behind and exercise caution when
operating in reverse. Do not till while in reverse.

Stop all forward motion. Lift the handlebar
with one hand until the tines are off the ground
and then pull the Reverse Handle back. To stop
reversing, let go of the Reverse Handle.

If longer distances need to be covered in reverse,
shut offthe engine, then place the two wheels in
freewheel.

b. On models without reverse handle:

Release the forward clutch bail. Then lift the
handlebar until the tines are off the ground.

Swing the handlebar to the left so the right
wheel takes a "step" backward. Next swing the
handlebar to the right so the left wheel "steps"
backward. Repeat as needed.

If longer distances need to be covered in
reverse, shut offthe engine, then place the two

wheels in freewheel.

12

SECTION S-- OPERATION

I

Turningthe Tiller

Practice turning the tiller in a level, open area. Be very careful to
keep your feet and legs away from the tines.

1. To begin a turn, lift the handlebars until the tines are out of
the ground and the engine and tines are balanced over the

wheels. See Fig. 5-3.

Figure 5-3

2. With the tiller balanced, push sideways on the handlebar
to steer in the direction of the turn. See Fig. 5-3.

3. After turning, slowly lower the tines into the soil to resume
tilling. See Fig. 5-3.

Clearingthe Tines

The tines have a self-clearing action which eliminates most tangling
of debris in the tines. However, occasionally dry grass, stringy stalks

or tough vines may become tangled. Follow these procedures to
help avoid tangling and to clean the tines, if necessary.

To reduce tangling, set the depth regulator deep enough to
get maximum "chopping" action as the tines chop the material

against the ground. Also, try to till under crop residues or cover
crops while they are green, moist and tender.

While tilling, try swaying the handlebars from side to side (about
6" to 12").This "fishtailing" action often clears the tines of debris.

If tangling occurs, lift the tines out of the soil and run the
tiller in reverse for a few feet. This reversing action should
unwind a good deal of debris.

the engine, allow all moving parts to stop and

WARNING! Before clearing the tines by hand, stop

disconnect the spark plug wire. Failure to follow this

warning could result in personal injury.

TillingTips& Techniques

TillingDepth

utilities company and inquire if underground equipment
WARNING! Before tilling, contact your telephone or

__ electric cables, telephone lines, pipes or hoses.

or lines are used on your property. Do not till near buried

This is a CRT (counter-rotating tine) tiller. As the wheels
pull forward, the tines rotate backward. This creates an
"uppercut" tine action which digs deeply, uprooting soil
and weeds. Don't overload the engine, but dig as deeply as
possible on each pass. On later passes, the wheels may tend
to spin in the soft dirt. Help them along by lifting up slightly
on the handlebar (one hand, palm up, works most easily).

J

Avoidthetemptationtopushdownonthehandlebarsinan
attempttoforcethetillertodigdeeper.Doingsotakesthe
weightoffthepoweredwheels,causingthemtolosetraction.

Withoutthewheelstoholdthetillerback,thetineswill
attempttopropelthetillerbackward,towardstheoperator.

Whencultivating(breakingupsurfacesoilaroundplantsto
destroyweeds,seeFig.5-4),Adjustthetinestodigonly1"
to2"deep.Usingshallowtillingdepthshelpspreventinjury

totheplantswhoserootsoftengrowclosetothesurface.
Ifneeded,liftuponthehandlebarsslightlytopreventthe
tinesfromdiggingtoodeeply.(Cultivatingonaregularbasis
notonlyeliminatesweeds,italsoloosensandaeratesthe
soilforbettermoistureabsorptionandfasterplantgrowth.)

Wateringthegardenareaafewdayspriortotillingwillmake
tillingeasier,aswilllettingthenewlyworkedsoilsetfora
dayortwobeforemakingafinal,deeptillingpass.

Whenfinishedinonedirection,makeasecondpassat
arightangle,asshowninFig.5-6.Overlapeachpassfor
bestresults(inveryhardground,itmaytakethreeorfour

passestothoroughlypulverizethesoil.)

_m

IIIimll _ mllmlm IImm

Imam

J

Figure 5-6

If the garden size will not permit lengthwise and then crosswise
tilling, overlap the first passes by one-half a tiller width, followed

by successive passes at one-quarter width. See Fig. 5-7.

Figure 5-4

SuggestedTilling Patterns

When preparing a seedbed, go over the same path twice in
the first row, then overlap one-half the tiller width on the
rest of the passes. See Fig. 5-5.

f

Figure 5-7

Figure 5-5 SECTION S -- OPERATION 13

Tilling ona Slope

Loading& Unloadingthe tiller

steep for safe operation. Till slowly and be sure you

WARNING! Do not operate the tiller on a slope too

have good footing. Never permit the tiller to
freewheel down slopes. Failure to follow this
warning could result in personal injury.

1. Till only on moderate slopes, never on steep ground where
the footing is difficult.

2. Tilling up and down slopes is recommended rather than
terracing. Tilling vertically on a slope allows maximum

planting area and also leaves room for cultivating.
NOTE:when tilling on slopes, be sure the correct oil level

is maintained in the engine (check every one-half hour
of operation). The incline of the slope will cause the oil to
slant away from its normal level and this can starve engine

parts of the required lubrication. Keep the motor oil level at
the full point at all times.

Tilling Up& D0wna Slope

1. To keep soil erosion to a minimum, be sure to add enough
organic matter to the soil so that it has good moisture-holding
texture and try to avoid leaving footprints or wheel marks.

2. When tilling vertically, try to make the first pass uphill as the
tiller digs more deeply going uphill than it does downhill.

In soft soil or weeds, you may have to lift the handlebars
slightly while going uphill. When going downhill, overlap the
first pass by about one-half the width of the tiller.

TerraceGardening

1. To create a terrace, start at the top of the slope and work down.
Go backand forth across the first rowas shown in Fig. 5-8.

vehicle is potentially hazardous and doing so is not

WARNING! Loading and unloading the tiller into a

recommended unless absolutely necessary, as this
could result in personal injury or property damage.

If it is necessary to load or unload the tiller, follow these guidelines.

Stop the engine, wait for all parts to stop moving,
disconnect the spark plug wire and let the engine and

muffler cool.
The tiller is too heavy and bulky to be lifted safely by one

person. Two or more people should share the load.
Use sturdy ramps and manually -- with the engine shut

off-- roll the tiller into and out of the vehicle. Two or more
people are needed to do this.

The ramps must be strong enough to support the combined
weight of the tiller and any handlers. The ramps should

provide good traction to prevent slipping, they should have
side rails to guide the tiller along the ramps and they should
have a locking device to secure them to the vehicle.

The handlers should wear sturdy footwear that will help
prevent slipping.

Position the loading vehicle so that the ramp angle is as flat
as possible (the less incline to the ramp, the better). Turn
the vehicle's engine off and apply its parking brake.

When going up ramps, stand in the normal operating
position and push the tiller ahead of you. Have a person at
each side to turn the wheels.

When going down ramps, walk backward with the tiller
following you. Keep alert for any obstacles behind you. Position
a person at each wheel to control the speed of the tiller. Never

go down ramps tiller-first, asthe tiller could tip forward.
Place wooden blocks on the downhill side of the wheels

if you need to stop the tiller from rolling down the ramp.
Also, use the blocks to temporarily keep the tiller in place
on the ramps (if necessary), and to chock the wheels in

place after the tiller is in the vehicle.
After loading the tiller, prevent it from rolling by engaging

the wheels in the wheel drive position. Chock the wheels
with blocks and securely tie the tiller down.

Figure 5-8

2. Each succeeding lower terrace is started by walking below
the terrace you're preparing. For added stability of the
tiller, always keep the uphill wheel in the soft, newly tilled

soil. Do not till the last 12" or more of the downhill outside
edge of each terrace. This untilled strip helps prevent the

terraces from breaking apart and washing downhill. It also
provides a walking path between rows.

SECTION S-- OPERATION

Maintenance&Adjustments

MaintenanceSchedule

Check After

first 2 hours

Before each

use

Every

5 Hours

Every

10 Hours

30 Hours

CheckMotorOilLevel _

CleanEngine _

CheckDriveBeltTension _

CheckNutsandBolts M/ M/

LubricateTiller

CheckGear0il LevelinTransmission V/

CheckTinesfor Wear VII

CheckAirPressureinTires V/

WARNING! Before inspecting, cleaning or servicing

the machine, shut off the engine, wait for all moving

parts to come to a complete stop, disconnect the
spark plug wire and move the wire away from the
spark plug. Failure to follow these instructions can
result in serious personal injury or property damage.

Lubrication

After every 10 operating hours, oil or grease the lubrication
points shown in Fig. 6-1 and described below.

Handlebar / /

Maintenance

Every

See Engine

Manual

Engine

Refer to the Engine Operator's Manual packed with your tiller for
all engine maintenance.

TirePressure

Check the air pressure in both tires. The air pressure should be
between 1,5-20 PSI. Keep both tires equally inflated to help

prevent machine from pulling to one side.

Hardware

Checkfor loose or missing hardware after every 10 operating
hours and tighten or replace (asneeded) before using tiller

Besure to check the screws underneath the tiller hood that
secure the transmission cover and the Depth Regulator Lever to

the transmission.

\ J

Figure 64

15