Troy-Bilt 8 HP User Manual
Owner/Operator
Manual
PTO HORSE
Tiller
• Safety
50
V.
7 HP
• Controls
• Operation
• Maintenance
8 HP
factory in Troy, N.Y, where tillers have been made since 1937. Please come and visit us.
fe call your machine the PTO HORSE Model
•BILT® Roto Tiller-Power Composter
hout this Owner/Operator Manual and in
r literature, we refer to your machine as the
RSE Model”. The name aptly describes its
3e ruggedness, and it distinguishes this
m the smaller ECONO-HORSE, PONY® and
models, as well as from other models that
n available in the past or that might be
I in the future.
;tory dates back to the old Rototiller Corpo-
5 company that introduced rear-tine rotary
WARNING TO ALL CALIFORNIA AND OTHER POWER EQUIPMENT OPERATORS
California law, and under the laws of several other states, you are not permitted to operate an
I combustion engine using hydrocarbon fuels on any forest covered, brush covered, or grass
dl land, or on land covered with grain, hay, or other flammable agricultural crop, without an
spark arrester in continuous effective working order.
gine on your power equipment, like most outdoor power equipment, is an internal combustion
that burns gasoline, a hydrocarbon fuel. Therefore, your power equipment must be equipped
spark arrester muffler in continuous effective working order. The spark arrester must be
id to the engine exhaust system in such a manner that flames or heat from the system will not
lammable material. Failure of the owner / operator of the equipment to comply with this
ion is a misdemeanor under California law, and may also be a violation of other state and / or
regulations, laws, ordinances, or codes. Contact your local fire marshal or forest service for
; information about what regulations apply in your area.
tillage to America in 1930. The first rear-tine tillers
Rototiller, Inc. built in Troy were manufactured in 1937,
in the same building where Garden Way built its first
HORSE Model in 1961. We’re still building our tillers
at the same location.
Over the years, the PTO HORSE Model has been
continually refined and improved. Its performance
and reliability have long been recognized by many
thousands of serious vegetable gardeners as being
unmatched by any othertiller of its size or design.
Off to a Safe Start!
The PTO HORSE Model TROY-BILT® Tiller meets
voluntary safety standard B71.8-1986, which is
sponsored by the Outdoor Power Equipment insti
tute, Inc. and is published by the American National
Standards Institute, Inc.
Your new tiller is basically a simple machine to
operate. However, as with all new and unfamiliar
powered equipment, you should thoroughly read
and understand this Owner/Operator Manual and
any other literature you received with your tiiler
before you attempt to start the engine. Please care
ful iy follow recommended operating instructicns
and safety practices closely at ail times. Failure to
do so could result in injury or property damage.
ASSEMBLY INSTBUCTIONS ^
NOTICE!
Included in your literature package is an As
sembly Instructions Manual that provides stef:>
by-step instructions on how to assemble your
new tilier. if you purchased your tiller un
assembled, then be sure to read and follow the
assembly instructions carefully.
Cali our Technical Service Department imme
diately (see page 4) if the Assembly Instructions
Manual is missing from your literature package,
or if you have any questions about assembly.
Please don’t attempt to assemble your tiller with
out proper instructions.
CONTENTS
Introduction
If You Need Service............................................
Section 1; Safety Instructions
Section 2: Controls and Functions
Section 3: Operation of Tiiler
Section 4: Tilling in the Garden ..........................
Section 5: The PTO Power Unit
Section 6: Maintenance and Service ....
Section 7: Troubleshooting
Section 8: Specifications
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4
6
16
25
32
36
65
70
?
I
»
A CAUTION
TO AVOID INJURY:
Read the Owner/Operator Manual.
Know location and function of all controls.
Keep all safety devices and shields in place.
Never allow children or uninstructed adults to
operate tiller.
Shut off engine and disconnect spark plug
wire before unclogging tines or making repairs.
Keep bystanders away from machine.
Keep away from rotating parts.
Section 9: Attachments and Accessories
Index .................................................................
“OPERATOR’S POSITION”
All references to LEFT and
RIGHT sides of the tiller
are given from the opera
tor’s position behind the
handlebars (unless speci
fied otherwise).
72
79
Introduction
i-
Welcome to “Power gardening
the TROY-BILT® Tiller way.” Your
new PTO HORSE Model Tiller is a
useful, productive gardening tool
that, with proper care, should last
for many years.
Your tiller was designed to easily
chop up, shred and bury all sorts
of vegetation and organic matter in
the garden in addition to preparing
seedbeds and cultivating. With op
tional tiller attachments it can also
be used for furrowing and hilling,
as well as light earthmoving and
snow removal chores.
The PTO HORSE Model’s design,
with powered wheels ahead of the
separately geared Bolo Tines in
the rear, gives it an outstanding
combination of tilling and com
posting capabilities that allows you
to enrich your soil far beyond your
abilities to do so by hand. This soil
enhancement is gained by tilling in
and burying organic materials such
as leaves, mulches, crop residues,
sod, green manure cover crops
and even standing cornstalks! By
using this method, you will soon
experience better yields in your
garden than ever before. This is
said to be the greatest single
benefit of power gardening “the
different, better, and so much more
enjoyable TROY-BILT® Tiller way.”
We have tried our best to build
your tiller as strong and trouble-
free as we know how. This, of
course, is to our mutual benefit. We
have fewer service problems and
you have a truly reliable machine.
VERY IMPORTANT!
Before trying to operate your tiller or PTO Power Unit
for the first time, please make sure that you:
Complete all of the tiller
assembly steps that are de
scribed in the separate As
sembly Instructions Manual
that came packaged with
this Manual.
Completely familiarize your
self with all of the operating
controls as described in Sec
tion 2 of this Manual.
REMEMBER ... PRACTICE SAFETY AT ALL TIMES!
Read and understand all of
the Safety Instructions in
Section 1 of this Manual.
Read and understand all of
the operating procedures for
the tiller and the PTO Power
Unit, as described in Sections
3, 4 and 5 of this Manual.
You also have a versatile PTO Power Unit...
In addition to being an incredibiy efficient tiller, your machine can
be quickly converted into a seifcontained PTO (Power Take-Off)
Power Unit that is capable of tow
ing or powering various TROY-BILT
PTO attachments (see Figure 2).
This ability to convert the tiller
into a PTO Power Unit is made
possible by the unique design of
the Horse Modei’s transmission.
As shown in Figure 3, the trans
mission is made up of two sepa
rate cast-iron housings that are
held together by a locking collar, a
dowel pin and two swing-bolts.
Figure 2: The tine attachment can be removed and various powered or nonpowered attachments can be connected to the Power Unit.
Each housing has separate drive
shafts that are joined by a tine
ciutch. This clutch can be engaged
or disengaged by moving the Tines/
PTO Ciutch Lever that is located
on the left side of the PTO Power
Unit transmission.
When the tine attachment is in
place, the lever allows you to
operate the tiller with the tines
disengaged, even when the wheeis
are in motion. This tine disconnect
feature provides added conven
ience when transporting, loading,
or unioading the tiller. When the
lever is in the engaged position.
the tine ciutch connects the two
drive shafts together, transmitting
power to the tines.
If the tine attachment is removed
(by ioosening the two swing-bolts
and sliding the attachment off), the
PTO Power Unit can be used to
tow moderate loads or drag-
behind implements, or to provide
engine power to powered station
ary attachments such as the TROYBILT® Generator, TROY-BILT® PTO
Log Splitter and TROY-BILT® PTO
Chipper/Shredder. This PTO capa
bility truly makes your tiller an allaround, all-season work horse.
For detailed instructions on how
to convert your tilier into a PTO
Power Unit piease refer to Section
5 in this Manual.
A word about
maintenance...
You can help ensure long-lasting
and proper performance from your
PTO HORSE Model by always re
membering to perform the sched
uled maintenance services that are
presented in Section 6 of this
Manual, and in the accompanying
engine manufacturer’s Owner’s
Manual.
By treating your machine with
good care in the manner described
in those pages, your efforts will be
returned many times over in the
form of a more satisfying and
easier operating machine, and
with much more bountiful garden
ing resuits.
Figure 3: The transmission consists of two housings, held together by swingbolts. Separate “dog” clutches on each drive shaft are engaged and disengaged
with the Tines/PTO Clutch Lever.
We’re here to serve you!
The whole idea behind TROYBILT® Tiller Factory Service is to
get parts, attachments and service
advice out to you just as quickly
as possible and to answer any
questions you may have about tilling
or gardening, by phone or by letter,
depending upon what is needed.
If you have a question
or problem ...
If you have a question or prob
lem that Is not answered In this
Manual, then please get in touch
with our Technical Service Depart
ment by phone or by letter. One of
our friendly, helpful tiller experts
will gladly help you out.
Nothing is more important to all
of us here at the factory than mak
ing sure that every owner is com
pletely satisfied 1JD0-percent of the
time. You’re always entitled to firstrate service. Please be assured
that we will do our very best to see
that you get it at all times.
Thank you.
Dean Leith, Jr., Sales Manager
For the fastest service, DIAL FREE from:
In the U.S.A..........................................(Toll-Free) 1-800-833-6990
In Canada (Garden Way Canada).... (Toll-Free) 1-800-225-3585
Our business hours are (Eastern Time):
In the U.S.A.: M-F 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Sat. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
In Canada: M-F 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
If you need a tiller part...
If you need to order a part for
your tiller, please refer to the sepa
rate Parts Catalog that came with
this Manual. There, you will find
detailed instructions on how to
identify parts and how to place
your order.
Our mailing address Is:
In the U.S.A. In Canada
Troy-Bilt Mfg. Co.
102nd St. & 9th Ave.
Troy, New York 12180
Garden Way Canada
1515 Matheson Blvd. E.
Mississauga, Ontario L4W 2P5
NOTE: When calling or writing, please provide us with your Tiller
Serial Number (See page 5).
If you need engine service or
For engine service or parts, con
tact your nearest engine service
dealer who is authorized to service
the particular make of engine that
is on your tiller. Look in the Yellow
Pages of your telephone directory
under “Engines—Gasoline” for
the name of your nearest service
dealer. The service dealer can
handle all parts, repairs and war
ranty service concerning the en
gine alone.
It is important to remember that
your engine is covered by the en-
parts...
gine manufacturer’s Limited War
ranty and any unauthorized work
done on the engine during the war
ranty period may void your engine
warranty. For full details on the
engine’s Limited Warranty, please
see the separate engine manufac
turer’s Owner’s Manual that came
with this Manual.
If you have any difficulty in find
ing an authorized service dealer
or in obtaining warranty service,
please contact our Technical Serv
ice Department for assistance.
RECORD YOUR TILLER SERIAL NUMBER
To help you as quickly as possi
ble when you write or call for serv
ice or parts, we will need to know
your Tiller Serial Number.
The arrow in the Figure at the
right points to a iocation on the
transmission where the serial
number is located. For ready
reference, please record this
number, aiong with the delivery
date of your tiiier, in the spaces
provided beiow.
Serial Number:
Date of Delivery:
RECORD YOUR ENGINE MODEL NUMBER
Should you ever need engine
service or parts, you may be asked
for the engine model code number.
On the 7HP Briggs & Stratton
engine, the number is stamped on
the top of the blower housing
cover, as shown in Photo 6.
On the 8HP Kohler engine, the
number is located on the right side
of the blower housing cover, be
hind the air cleaner cover (remove
wing nut to remove air cleaner
cover). See Photo 7.
Engine Code:
________________
PHOTO 6: Code number location on
7HP Briggs & Stratton engine.
... .
PHOTO 7: Code number location on
8HP Kohler engine.
SECTION 1:
The PTO HORSE Model Tiller
has been designed with many
safety features to help protect indi
viduals from harm and property
from being damaged. However, as
with any type of power equipment,
it is necessary for you and any
TRAINING
1. Read both this Owner/Operator
Manual and the separate engine
Owner’s Manual carefully. Be
thoroughly familiar with the con
trols and the proper use of the
tiller and its engine. Know how to
stop the unit and disengage the
controls quickly.
2. Read the Owner/Operator Man
operator to follow safe operating
practices at all times. Failure to do
so can result in personal injury or
damage to equipment or property.
Before operating or servicing the
tiller or the PTO Power Unit, care
fully read and follow all of the
A
SAFETY ALERT SYMBOL
This symbol is used to alert you to
important safety messages in this
Manual and on your tiller. When
you see this symbol, carefully read
and follow its safety message.
uals provided with any optional
accessories or attachments before
operating. The manuals provide a
detailed description of proper use
Safety Instructions found in this
Owner/Operator Manual and in the
separate Owner’s Manual provided
by the engine manufacturer. If you
have any questions, please call or
write us.
and operation, and point out other
important Safety Instructions.
3. Never allow children to operate
the tiller. Never allow adults to
operate the tiller without proper
instruction.
4. Keep the area of operation clear
of all persons (particularly small
children), and pets.
PREPARATION
1. Thoroughly inspect the area
where the tiller is to be used and
remove all foreign objects before
tilling.
2. Put the Wheels/Tines/PTO Drive
Lever in “NEUTRAL” before starting
the engine.
3. Do not operate the tiller without
wearing suitable outer garments.
Avoid loose garments or jewelry
that could get caught in moving
parts of the tiller or its engine.
4. Do not operate the tiller when
barefoot or wearing sandals,
sneakers, or similar lightweight
footwear. Wear footwear which will
improve footing on slippery sur
faces.
5. Do not till near underground
electric cables, telephone lines,
pipes, or hoses. If in doubt, contact
your telephone or utility company
to locate underground services.
6. Handle fuel with care; it is highly
flammable and its vapors are
explosive.
(a) Use an approved fuel con
tainer.
(b) Never remove gas cap or add
fuel to a running engine or to a
hot engine. Engine shall be al
lowed to cool before refueling.
(c) Keep matches, cigarettes,
cigars, pipes, open flames, or
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 spilling.
(e) Replace fuel cap securely and
clean up spilled fuel before
restarting.
7. Never attempt to make any ad
justments while the engine is
running or the spark plug wire is
connected, except where specifi
cally instructed to do so.
OPERATION
1. Do not put hands or feet near or
under rotating parts.
2. Exercise extreme caution when
operating on or crossing gravel
drives, walks, or roads. Stay alert
for hidden hazards or traffic.
3. After striking a foreign object,
stop the engine, remove the key on
electric start models, disconnect
the spark plug wire, and thoroughiy
i nspect the ti I ier for any damage.
Repair the damage before restart
ing and operating the tiller.
4. Exercise caution to avoid slip
ping or falling.
5. If the machine should start to
vibrate abnormally, stop the engine,
remove the wire from the spark
plug, and check immediately for
the cause. Vibration is generally a
warning of trouble.
6. Stop the engine, remove the key
on electric start models, and dis
connect the spark plug whenever
you leave the operating position,
before unclogging the tines, and
when making any repairs, adjust
ments, or inspections.
7. Take all possible precautions
when leaving the tiller unattended.
Shift into “NEUTRAL”, stop the en
gine, remove the key on electric
start models, and disconnect the
spark plug wire to prevent acci
dental starting.
8. Before cleaning, repairing, or in
specting, stop the engine, remove
the key on electric start models,
and make certain all moving parts
have stopped. Disconnect the
spark plug wire and keep the wire
away from the plug to prevent ac
cidental starting. For electrical
saftey, always remove the cable
from the negative (-) side of the
battery (on electric start models)
before attempting any repairs or
maintenance.
9. Always keep the flap on the tine
hood down when operating the
tiller, except when using the hiller/
furrower attachment.
10. Never operate the tiller without
proper guards, shields, plates, or
other safety protective devices in
place.
11. Do not run the engine in an en
closed area; exhaust fumes con
tain carbon monoxide gas, a deadly
poison that is odorless, colorless
and tasteless. Always make sure
there is adequate ventilation when
the engine is running.
12. Keep children and pets away.
13. Never operate the tiller under
engine power if the Wheel Speed
Lever is in the “FREEWHEEL”
position. In “FREEWHEEL”, the
wheels will not hold the tiller back
and the revolving tines could pro
pel the tiller rapidly, possibly caus
ing loss of control. Always engage
the Wheel Speed Lever in either
the “FAST” or “SLOW” wheel
speed position before starting the
engine or engaging the tines with
the Wheeis/Tines/PTO Drive Lever.
14. Be aware that the tiller may
unexpectedly bounce upward or
jump forward and be propelled
away from you if the tines should
strike or catch extremely hardpacked soil, sod, frozen ground, or
buried obstacles such as large
stones, roots, or stumps. If you are
in doubt about the tiling condi
tions, always use the following
operating precautions to assist you
in maintaining control of the tiller.
(a) Walk behind and to one side of
the tiller, using just one hand
on the handlebars. Relax your
arm, but use a secure hand grip.
(b) Use shallower depth regulator
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
settings, gradually working
down deeper with each tilling
pass.
(c) Use slowerwheel, tine and en
gine throttle speeds.
(d) Clearthetillingareaof all
large stones, roots, and other
debris.
(e) Avoid applying downward
pressure on the handlebars. If
necessary, apply slight upward
pressure to prevent the tines
from digging too deeply.
(f) Always avoid contacting hard-
packed soil or sod at the end
of a row by reducing the en
gine speed and lifting the han
dlebars to raise the tines out of
the soii.
(g) In an emergency, stop the tines
and wheels by shifting the
Wheels/Tines/PTO Drive Lever
into “NEUTRAL”. If you cannot
reach the lever or have lost
control of the tiller, LET GO of
the handlebars and all controls
and do not attempt to restrain
the tiller.
15. Do not overload the machine
capacity by attempting to till too
deeply at too fast a rate.
16. Never operate the tiller at high
transport speeds on slippery sur
faces.
17. Do not operate til Ier 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 free-wheel down
slopes.
18. Clear the area of bystanders
before tilling.
19. Use only attachments and
accessories that are approved
by Garden Way Manufacturing
Company.
20. Use tiller attachments and
accessories when recommended.
21. Never operate the tilier without
good visibility or light.
22. Never operate the tilier when
fatigued, or whiie under the in
fluence of alcohol, drugs, or
medication.
23. Do not change the engine
governor settings or overspeed
the engine.
24. Do not touch engine parts that
may be hot from operation. Allow
parts to cool before inspecting,
cleaning, or repairing.
25. POISON/DANGER-CAUSES
SEVERE BURNS. The battery on
electric start models contains
sulfuric acid. Avoid contact with
skin, eyes or clothing. Antidote:
EXTERNAL—Flush immediately with
lots of water.
INTERNAL—Drink large quantities
of water or milk. Follow with milk of
magnesia, beaten eggs or vegetable
oil. Call physician immediately.
EYES—Flush with water for 15 min
utes and get prompt medical atten
tion. Keep out of reach of children.
26. DANGER-BATTERIES PRO
DUCE EXPLOSIVE GASES. Keep
sparks, flame, or smoking materi
als away. Ventilate when charging
or using in an enclosed space.
Always shield eyes when working
near batteries.
27. Please Remember: You can al
ways stop the tines and wheels by
putting the Wheels/Tines/PTO Drive
Lever in “NEUTRAL”, or by moving
the Throttle Lever to the “STOP”
position. If you have lost control of
the tiller, and cannot reach the
levers, LET GO of the handlebars
and all controls and do not attempt
to restrain the tiller. The Forward
Interlock Safety System will stop
the engine.
28. Look behind and use care
when backing. For added safety,
put Wheel Speed Lever in “SLOW”
before reversing.
29. When loading or unloading
unit, always disengage the tines
and use slower wheel and engine
throttle speeds. Use sturdy ramps
that are wide and strong enough
to support both the tiller and oper
ator (tiller weighs between 280 and
325 lbs.). Never go down ramps in
“FORWARD” drive as the tiller
could tip forward, exposing you to
the tines (which should be disen
gaged). Always use “REVERSE”
drive and back down ramps. To go
up ramps, use “FORWARD” drive
and follow tiller up ramps.
30. The Forward Interlock Safety
System should first be tested for
proper functioning every time the
tiller or PTO Power Unit is used.
See Section 3 in this Manual for
the testing procedure to follow.
31. When snowplowing with the
optional dozer blade, either remove
the tines completely, or disengage
the tines with the Tines/PTO Clutch
Lever. Revolving tines could be
dangerous on slippery sidewalks
or driveways.
MAINTENANCE AND STORAGE
1. Never perform any maintenance
while the engine is running or the
spark plug wire is connected, ex
cept where specifically instructed
to do so.
2. Keep machine, attachments
and accessories in safe working
condition.
3. Check all nuts, bolts, and screws
at frequent intervals for proper tight
ness and to be sure the equipment
is in safe working condition.
4. Never store the machine with
fuel in the fuel tank inside a build
ing where fumes may reach an
open flame or spark, or where igni
tion sources are present (such as
hot water and space heaters, fur
naces, clothes dryers, stoves, elec
tric motors, etc.).
5. Allow the engine to cool before
storing in any enclosure.
6. To reduce fire hazard, keep the
engine free of grass, leaves or ex
cessive grease.
7. Store gasoline in a cool, wellventilated area, safely away from
any spark or flame-producing
equipment. Store gasoline in an
approved container, safely out of
the reach of children.
8. Refer to the Maintenance and
Service Section of this Manual if
the tiller is to be stored for an
extended period.
8
DECALS
Safety decals and operating in
struction decals are located on the
handlebars, the operator control
panel, the tine hood, the engine,
and the transmission. Contact us
immediately for replacement decals
if any are missing, illegible, or
damaged. See your Parts Catalog
for the exact location and part
number of each decal. Do not at
tempt to operate machine if any
decals are illegible or missing.
SECTION 2:
Before using your tiller or PTO
Power Unit for the first time, be
come thoroughly familiar with the
operation of the controls by mov
ing them to their various positions
Tiller and PTO Power Unit Controls
1. Wheels/Tines/ PTO Drive Lever
This lever engages power from
the engine to the transmission
(see Photos 2-1, 2-2, and 2-3).
There are three positions of this
lever: "FORWARD”, “NEUTRAL”
and “REVERSE”.
When you move the lever down
to the “FORWARD” position, it
raises the engine upward and tight
ens the drive belt located between
the engine pulley and the transmis
sion pulley. The transmission then
while the engine is not running.
Taking the time now to fully under
stand the location, function, and
operation of these controls will
greatly add to the productive use,
drives the wheels and tines in a
forward direction. (If the tines are
removed and replaced with a PTO
driven attachment, the lever will
apply power to the attachment.)
The lever will remain in “FOR
WARD” until you tap or lift it
upward and let it go.
When you move the lever all the
way up to the “REVERSE” position,
it lowers the engine and causes
the drive belt to go slack. At the
same time, the rubber reverse disc
on the engine pulley comes into
contact with the transmission pul
ley, causing the transmission to
rotate the wheels and tines (or any
PTO driven attachment) in a re
verse direction. The reverse oper
ation will continue as long as you
hold the lever up. When you re
lease the lever, it will automatically
return to “NEUTRAL”. This is a
safety feature for your protection.
When the lever is in “NEUTRAL”,
the engine will continue to run, but
power will not be transferred to the
transmission.
safe operation, and full enjoyment
of your new machine. The proper
operation of each control is dis
cussed in detail in this Section.
To operate the Wheels/Tines/
PTO Drive Lever:
A. Practice shifting the lever as
described next. As you do, note in
the accompanying photos the vari
ous positions that the clutch roller
takes on the belt adjustment block.
Your roller should be similarly po
sitioned when you shift the lever.
B. For forward motion of the wheels
and tines (or to apply power to any
PTO driven attachment), push the
iever all the way down and release
it. See Photo 2-1. To return to
“NEUTRAL”, tap or lift the lever up
and let it go (Photo 2-2).
2-1: Push lever down for “FORWARD”.
The clutch roller (lower photo) will be
engaged below the adjustment block.
IMPORTANT
Moving the lever to the “NEUTRAL”
position will stop all wheel and tine
motion, or power to any PTO driven
attachment.
2-2: Tap or lift lever up to return to
“NEUTRAL”. The clutch roller (lower
photo) will rest anywhere on the face
of the adjustment block, depending
upon drive belt length and tension.
C. Before shifting into “REVERSE”,
always look behind you to make
sure there are no obstacles in the
way. Then raise the tines out of the
soil by lifting up on the handlebars,
and slowly lift the lever all the
way up. See Photo 2-3. To return
to “NEUTRAL”, simply let go of
the lever.
Please remember that you should
never till when in “REVERSE” (al
ways disengage the tines with the
separate Tines/PTO Clutch Lever
before reversing). You should also
avoid using “REVERSE” with any
PTO driven attachments as they are
not designed for reverse operation.
Until you are completely com
fortable with handling the machine
when it is moving backward, it is a
good idea to use “REVERSE” only
at slower wheel and engine throttle
speeds. Many people never shift
into “REVERSE” when the separate
Wheel Speed Lever is in the “FAST”
wheel speed position. This is a
good rule to follow.
2-3: Lift handlebars, then lift and hold
lever up to go in reverse. Let go of
lever to stop reverse motion. (Note
that the clutch roller doesn’t move very
far from “NEUTRAL” to “REVERSE”.)
A CAUTION
TO AVOID PERSONAL INJURY OR
DAMAGE TO EQUIPMENT:
• Always place the Wheeis/Tines/
PTO Drive Lever in “NEUTRAL” be
fore starting the engine, and before
engaging the wheels, tines or other
PTO driven attachments.
• Always make sure there are no
obstacles behind you before oper
ating in “REVERSE”.
• The Wheels/Tines/PTO Drive
Lever should automatically return
to “NEUTRAL” when you release it
from the “REVERSE” position. If it
fails to do so, push it down into
“NEUTRAL”. Then, immediately re
fer to Section 6 of this Manual
for adjustment instructions.
• There should not be any reverse
motion if the Wheels/Tines/PTO
Drive Lever is not held in the “RE
VERSE” position. If there is, the
machine is badly out of adjustment
and it should not be operated until
the condition is corrected. See Sec
tion 6 for adjustment instructions.
• Always return to “NEUTRAL”
and allow all motion to stop before
shifting into “FORWARD” or “RE
VERSE”. This pause between shift
ing will protect the drive belt,
reverse disc, and other transmis
sion components from undue wear
and damage.
2. Forward Interlock Levers
There are two Forward Interlock
Levers, one located directly below
each handlebar grip. See Photo
2-4. One or both of the interlock
levers must be kept squeezed
against the handlebar grip(s) when
ever the Wheels/Tines/PTO Drive
Lever is engaged in “FORWARD”.
If you release both interlock
levers before first returning the
Wheels/Tines/PTO Drive Lever to
“NEUTRAL”, the engine will shut
off. This is a safety feature for your
protection should you ever lose
control of the machine and cannot
stop forward motion by moving the
Wheels/Tines/PTO Drive Lever into
“NEUTRAL”.
NOTE: The interlock levers do
not affect operation when the
Wheels/Tines/PTO Drive Lever is
in “REVERSE”.
To operate the
Forward interlock Levers:
A. Squeeze one of the interlock
levers against the handlebar grip
before engaging the Wheeis/Tines/
PTO Drive Lever in “FORWARD”.
Continue to squeeze one or both
of the interlock levers during all
forward operation.
B. To stop forward operation in
normal use, first shift the Wheels/
Tines/PTO Drive Lever into “NEU
TRAL” and then release BOTH in
terlock levers. All forward motion
will stop, but the engine will con
tinue to run.
C. To stop forward motion in an
emergency, release BOTH interlock
levers. This will cause the engine
to shut off, stopping all forward
motion.
10
2-4: The Forward Interlock Levers.
A WARNING
To help avoid personal injury, the
Forward Interlock Safety System
should first be tested for proper
functioning every time the tiller or
PTO Power Unit is used. See Sec
tion 3 in this Manual for the easy
testing procedure to follow.
CONTROLS mo FUUCTIONS
3. Wheel Speed Lever
This lever allows you to choose
between two different wheel
ground speeds: “SLOW” or
“FAST”. It also has a “FREE
WHEEL” position, in which the
wheels are free to turn without the
engine running. See Photo 2-5.
When the lever is engaged in
either “SLOW” or “FAST” and the
Wheels/Tines/PTO Drive Lever
is in either “FORWARD” or
“REVERSE”, the wheels will turn
under engine power.
When the lever is in the “FREE
WHEEL” position and the Wheels/
Tines/PTO Drive Lever is in “NEU
TRAL”, the machine can be moved
(on level ground) by pushing or
pulling on the handlebars. The
“FREE WHEEL” position is also
used when you are operating a
PTO driven stationary attachment,
in which case you would not want
the wheels to move when the
Wheels/Tines/PTO Drive Lever is
engaged in “FORWARD”.
IMPORTANT
By moving the forward drive belt
(see “Changing Belt Speeds” in
Section 3) into one of two different
belt ranges, you can obtain a total
of fod-' different forward wheel
ground speeds. There are, however,
only two reverse wheel ground
speeds (“SLOW” or "FAST”), be
cause the rubber reverse disc, not
the drive belt, drives the wheels in
the reverse direction.
the selected wheel gear. When the
clutch goes into gear, you will no
longer be able to roll the wheels.
When you shift the lever into
“FREE WHEEL”, the sliding clutch
is disengaged from both wheel
gears and the wheels will roll freely.
Note that there should not be any
“clicking” noise when you’re in
“FREE WHEEL”. If there is, shift the
lever a little more (either up or
down) to eliminate the noise—and
the rubbing of the clutch and gear
that causes it.
To operate the Wheel Speed
Lever:
A. With the Wheels/Tines/PTO
Drive Lever in “NEUTRAL”, roll the
wheels a few inches in either di
rection while you push the Wheel
A WARNING
Never put revolving tines in the soil
when the Wheel Speed Lever is in
“FREE WHEEL”. Doing so can
cause the tiller to be propelled rap
idly by the tines, possibly causing
loss of control and serious per
sonal injury. Always engage the
Wheel Speed Lever in either
“SLOW” or “FAST” wheel speed
before putting the tines in the soil.
FREE WHEEL
Speed Lever down to the “SLOW”
position, or up to the “FAST” posi
tion. See Photo 2-5. When the lever
is in gear, you will no longer be
able to roll the wheels.
B. With the Wheels/Tines/PTO
Drive Lever in “NEUTRAL”, move
the Wheel Speed Lever in between
the “SLOW” and “FAST” wheel
speed positions to place the wheels
in “FREE WHEEL”.
A CAUTION
TO AVOID PERSONAL INJURY OR
DAMAGE TO EQUIPMENT:
• Use the “SLOW” wheel speed
position when first learning to op
erate the machine and whenever
you operate in “REVERSE”.
• Do not shift the Wheel Speed
Lever when heading up or down a
slope. If the lever is accidentally
placed in “FREE WHEEL”, the ma
chine could roll out of control.
• Place the Wheels/Tines/PTO
Drive Lever in “NEUTRAL” before
shifting into “SLOW” or “FAST”.
This will prevent damage to the
clutch or wheel speed gears.
• Do not attempt to stop the
wheels by shifting the Wheel Speed
Lever. Always put the Wheels/
Tines/PTO Drive Lever in “NEU
TRAL” to stop the wheels.
When you shift the lever into
“SLOW” or “FAST”, it moves a slid
ing clutch inside the transmission
to the left or right to engage the
slow speed wheel gear or the fast
speed wheel gear. When engag
ing the clutch, you should roll the
wheels forward or backward a few
inches to help align the clutch with
SLOW /s
2-5: The Wheel Speed Lever.
11
4. Tines/PTO Clutch Lever
5. Depth Regulator Lever
This lever is located on the
left side of the transmission, just
forward of the tiller tine hood.
There are two operating positions:
“ENGAGE” and “DISENGAGE”.
See Photo 2-6.
When you move the lever to the
“ENGAGE” position, it moves the
“dog” clutch on the PTO Power ^
Unit drive shaft backward until it
engages the “dog” clutch on the
tine attachment drive shaft. (If the
tines are removed and replaced
with a PTO driven attachment, the
“dog” clutch on the power unit will
engage with the “dog” clutch on
the PTO driven attachment). Engine
power will then be applied to the
tines or PTO driven attachment
when the separate Wheels/Tines/
PTO Drive Lever is engaged in
“FORWARD” or “REVERSE”.
In the “DISENGAGE” position, the
“dog” clutches are disengaged,
and power will not be applied to
the tines or PTO attachment.
When operating the tiller, the
“DISENGAGE” position allows you
to stop the tines while the sep
arately controlled wheels continue
to rotate. You should use this fea
ture whenever you are transport
ing, loading or unloading, turning
around, or backing the tiller up.
You should also disengage the
lever before towing or transporting
any attachment.
When the tines are removed and
a PTO driven attachment that oper
ates from a stationary position is
installed, the “ENGAGE” position
allows you to power the attachment
while the wheels on the PTO Power
Unit are not moving.
Always place the Wheels/Tines/
PTO Drive Lever in “NEUTRAL” be
fore shifting the Tines/PTO Clutch
Lever. Doing so will help prevent
damage to the transmission that
could occur if you try to engage or
disengage the separate drive shaft
clutches while they are turning
under power.
To operate the Tines/PTO Clutch
Lever:
A. Put the Wheels/Tines/PTO Drive
Lever in “NEUTRAL”.
B. Pull the Tines/PTO Clutch Lever
out and then slide it into the “EN
GAGE” or the “DISENGAGE” slot.
C. After selecting the “ENGAGE”
position, do not immediately shift
the Wheels/Tines/PTO Drive Lever
into “REVERSE”. Always use “FOR
WARD” first, to help align the drive
shaft clutches inside the transmis
sion. NOTE: The lever should move
easily. If it doesn’t, then the “dog”
clutch inside the PTO Power Unit
transmission may need to be lubri
cated. See “Tiller Lubrication” in
Section 6 of this Manual.
A CAUTION
TO AVOID PERSONAL INJURY OR
DAMAGE TO EQUIPMENT:
• Always disengage the Tines/
PTO Clutch Lever before reversing,
transporting, turning around, or
loading or unloading the tiller or
PTO Power Unit.
• Do not attempt to stop the tines
or any PTO driven attachment by
disengaging the Tines/PTO Clutch
Lever. Always put the Wheels/
Tines/PTO Drive Lever in "NEU
TRAL” to stop all motion.
• Read the Owner/Operator Man
ual provided with any attachment
before attempting to operate the
attachment.
2-6: The Tines/PTO Clutch Lever.
This lever is located at the rear
of the tine hood—see Photo 2-7. It
is used to regulate the tilling depth
of the tines.
To operate the lever, pull it straight
back and then slide it up or down
to any of eight different notched
settings.
When the lever is moved all the
way down until it engages the high
est notch in the lever, it places the
tines in the “TRAVEL” position. In
this position the tines will clear the
ground by approximately 2-inches,
allowing you to transport the tiller
without the tines—which should be
disengaged—scraping your lawn
or driveway.
For shallow tilling and cultivat
ing, you should place the lever in
the second or third notch from the
top. These positions will allow the
tines to dig just a few inches into
the soil. The remaining notches
are used for deeper tilling (up to
8-inches deep, depending on the
soil conditions), and for turning
under organic matter.
Further details regarding the
proper use of this lever will be
found in Section 4 of this Manual
(see “Tilling Depths”).
A WARNING
To help avoid personal injury,
always place the tines in the
“TRAVEL” position before starting
the engine. This prevents the tines
from touching the ground until you
are ready to begin tilling.
2-7: The Depth Regulator Lever.
I
12
FüMCTiOMS
6. Handlebar Height
Adjustment Lever
This lever is located near the
bottom of the handlebars, on the
right side of the tiller. See Photo
2-8. It allows you to adjust the han
dlebars up or down to any of four
different settings.
As a general rule, the handlebars
should be adjusted to approxi
mately waist level when the tines
are 3 to 4-inches in the soil, but
you should try different settings to
find the one that is most comforta
ble for you.
» s
N
1
2-8: Handlebar Height Adjustment
Lever.
To operate the Height Adjustment
Lever:
A. Stop the engine before adjust
ing the handlebars.
B. Support the handlebars with
one hand while unwinding the lever
enough so that the teeth in the
ratchets are disengaged.
C. Move the handlebars up or
down to either of two preset height
adjustment settings and then re
tighten the lever securely.
D. Two additional height settings
can be obtained by switching the
inside handlebar ratchets, as
shown in Figure 2-9. This will
change the handlebar height a few
inches higher or lower than the
lowest setting obtained in Step C.
2-9: Switch ratchets to obtain two
more height settings.
A WARNING
For use with the PTO Chipper/
Shredder Attachment only, the
handlebars can be swung 30° to
the right side by loosening the
mounting bolt at the bottom of the
handlebar base. NEVER OPERATE
THE TILLER OR OTHER ATTACH
MENTS WITH THE HANDLEBARS
SWUNG OUT TO THE RIGHT SIDE.
Doing so could result in unsafe
handling and personal injury.
ENGINE CONTROLS
The following are descriptions of
the controls on your 7 HP Briggs &
Stratton Engine or 8 HP Kohler
Engine. Additional information on
the safe, efficient operation of your
engine is given in the engine man
ufacturer’s Owner’s Manual which
was included in your literature
package. Please read that literature
carefully and save it for future
reference.
A WARNING
To avoid personal injury or dam
age to equipment, do not attempt
to start your engine at this time.
Complete starting instructions for
the engine are given in Section 3,
“Operation of Tiller.”
1. Engine Throttle Lever
This lever is located on the right
side handlebar (see Photo 2-10). It
is used to regulate engine speeds
as well as to start and stop the
engine.
In general, faster engine speeds
will be required when breaking new
ground or tilling under heavy crop
residues, but remember to use
only as fast an engine speed as is
needed to do the job. Try to judge
when the engine is providing the
proper amount of power—not too
little, but not too much. The sound
of the engine running will be your
best guide.
IMPORTANT
Factory settings of the throttle cable
should be satisfactory for most con
ditions. If adjustments are needed,
refer to Section 6 of this Manual.
To operate the Engine Throttle Lever:
A. When starting the engine, first
make certain that the Wheels/
Tines/PTO Drive Lever is in “NEU
TRAL”. Then, place the lever ap
proximately halfway between the
“SLOW” and “FAST” throttle set
tings. This position should provide
the carburetor with sufficient gas
oline flow to start the engine. How
ever, you may need to experiment
the first few times to find that “just
right” starting position.
B. For faster engine speeds move
the lever forward toward the
“FAST” setting; for slower speeds
......
.
2-10: The Engine Throttle Lever.
move it backward toward the
“SLOW” setting.
C. To stop the engine, move the
lever all the way back to the
“STOP” position (during normal
operation you would first place the
Wheels/Tines/PTO Drive Lever in
“NEUTRAL” and then release both
Forward Interlock Levers before
stopping the engine).
13
2. Engine Choke Control
Your erigine is equipped with a
manually operated choke control
as shown in Photo 2-11 or 2-12.
The choke makes starting a cold
engine easier by decreasing the
amount of air in the carburetor’s
air-fuel ratio, thus creating a richer
fuel mixture. The use of the choke
for starting will vary, depending on
air temperature and altitude.
To operate the Choke Control:
A. Before starting a cold engine,
set the choke in the “FULL CHOKE”
position. On the 7 HP Briggs &
Stratton Engine, move the lever all
the way down. On the 8 HP Kohler
Engine, move the lever all the
way up.
B. When the engine starts, slowly
move the lever to the “CHOKE
OFF” position (all the way up for
the 7 HP Briggs & Stratton Engine;
all the way down for the 8 HP
Kohler Engine).
C. If the engine should falter with
the choke at “CHOKE OFF”, return
the lever to a position halfway be
tween “FULL CHOKE” and “CHOKE
OFF”. As soon as the engine runs
smoothly, return the lever to
“CHOKE OFF”.
D. When restarting an already
warm engine, you may not have to
use the choke at all. However, if
the engine falters or hesitates, try
using a “HALF CHOKE” position
until it runs smoothly, and then
return the lever to “CHOKE OFF”.
A CAUTION
Never operate the engine under a
load (tines, wheels, or PTO attach
ments engaged) without first return
ing the choke control to “CHOKE
OFF”. Failure to do so can quickly
build up carbon deposits that can
harm the engine.
3. Engine Recoil Starter
The recoil starter is located at
the front of the engine, as shown
in Photo 2-13 or 2-14. It is used to
start engines that are not equipped
with the optional key switch start
ing feature.
To operate the Engine Recoil
Starter:
A. When starting the engine, first
make certain that the Wheels/
Tines/PTO Drive Lever is in
“NEUTRAL”.
B. Place your free hand in the lo
cation shown in Photo 2-13 or 2-14
to help stabilize the machine.
C. Grasp the starter rope handle
with your other hand and pull the
CHOKE
OFF
H'
FULL
CHOKL-
2-11 : Choke control on 7 HP Engine. 2-12: Choke control on 8 HP Engine.
* '-A ■
?
FULL CHOKE
L -'
.if-
%
2-13: Starting the 7 HP Briggs &
Stratton Engine.
2-14: Starting the 8 HP Kohler Engine.
handle out slowly until it is harder
to pull because of engine compres
sion. Then pull the handle with a
rapid, continuous, full-arm stroke.
Let the starter rope rewind slowly
after each start attempt.
To help avoid personal injury, be
sure that the area behind you is
clear before pulling the starter rope.
A WARNING
14
CONTROLS AND FUNCTIONS
4. Key Switch Starter
The key switch starter for the
optional electric start engine is
located on the right side of the
battery hold-down clamp, as shown
in Photo 2-15. There are three op
erating positions identified on the
switch: “OFF”, “RUN” and “START”.
When the key is turned to the
“START” position, the battery sup
plies an electrical current to the
engine’s starter motor which then
cranks the engine over at a fast
enough speed for starting.
During engine operation, the bat
tery is recharged automatically via
a small recharging current that the
engine sends back to the battery
through the electrical system’s re
charging line.
. If the electrical system should
ever fail to start or stop the engine,
IMPORTANT
If the battery will not be used for
oxlondcd periods of time, it should
be fully charged before placing it
in storage. Before reinstalling the
battery after storage, give it a thor
ough recharge. See “Battery Care
and Maintenance” in Section 6 for
charging instructions.
refer to the “Electric Start Trouble
shooting” instructions found in
Section 6 of this Manual.
To operate the Key Switch Starter:
A. When starting the engine, first
make certain that the Wheels/
Tines/PTO Drive Lever is in “NEU
TRAL”. Also remember to set the
Engine Throttle Lever in the start
ing position and the Choke Control
in the “FULL CHOKE” position (for
cold starts).
B. Insert the key firmly into the key
switch slot and turn it all the way
to the right, to the “START” po
sition. When the engine starts,
release the key and it will auto
matically return to the “RUN” posi
tion. Do not hold the key in the
"START” position for longer than a
‘tti a::.l Lij: ftt,
2-15: The Key Switch Starter.
few seconds. Prolonged cranking
can damage the starter motor if it
is cranked more than 15 seconds
per minute.
C. There are two ways to stop the
engine:
(1) Put the Wheels/Tines/PTO
Drive Lever in “NEUTRAL”, re
lease both Forward Interlock
Levers, and then pull the throt
tle lever all the way back to the
“STOP” position. Turn the key
to “OFF” and remove the key.
(2) Put the Wheels/Tines/PTO
Drive Lever in “NEUTRAL”, re
lease both Forward Interlock
Levers, and then turn the key
to “OFF”. Put the throttle lever
in the “STOP” position and re
move the key.
NOTE: To stop forward motion in an
emergency, release both Forward
Interlock Levers. This will cause
the engine to shut off.
A WARNING
To avoid injury due to accidental
or unauthorized engine starting,
always remove the key from the
switch when leaving the machine
unattended.
5. Fuel Tank Shut-Off
Valve
Your engine is equipped with a
fuel tank shut-off valve. It is located
underneath the gasoline tank. See
Photo 2-16 or 2-17.
This valve stops the flow of gas
oline from the fuel tank to the car
buretor. Before starting, make sure
that the valve is in its OPEN posi
tion (rotate counterclockwise sev
eral turns) or the engine will quit
from lack of fuel shortly after you
start it.
NOTE: Close fuel shut-off valve
when engine is transported to pre
vent fuel leakage from carburetor.
2-16: Fuel shut-off valve on 7 HP
Briggs & Stratton Engine.
15
, 'pr;, m
2-17: Fuel Shut-off valve on 8 HP
Kohler Engine.
SECTION 3:
Before you attempt to operate
your tiller make sure that you’ve
read and fully understand all of the
Safety instructions in Section 1
and the Controls information in
Section 2. You should also read
this Section carefully before start
ing your engine.
You should practice with your
tiller in an open, level area before
you use it in your garden. While
practicing, do so without the tines
revolving (disengage the tines with
the Tines/PTO Clutch Lever).
When you’ve become completely
familiar with your tiller, you can
begin using it in your garden.
A WARNING
To avoid personal injury or damage
to equipment, read the Owner/Operator Manuals provided with any
optional accessories or attach
ments before operating the tiller or
PTC Power Unit. The Manuals pro
vide a detailed description of proper
use and operation, and point out
other important Safety Instructions.
Break-in operation
During the first few hours of new
machine operation, you must per
form the following maintenance.
For subsequent required mainte
nance, and the procedures to fol
low, please refer to Section 6 in
this Manual.
1. CHANGE ENGINE OIL. The en
gine oil must be changed after the
first 5 hours of new engine opera
tion. Thereafter, change the oil after
each 10 operating hours. Change
the oil more frequently when oper
ating in extremely dusty or dirty
conditions.
2. CHECK TRANSMISSION GEAR
OIL LEVEL. The gear oil levels must
be checked after the first 2 hours
of new tiller operation. Thereafter,
check the oil levels after every 30
operating hours.
■a
3. CHECK DRIVE BELT TENSION.
The tension on the drive belt may
need to be adjusted after the first 2
or 3 hours of new operation due to
initial belt wear and seating of the
belt with its pulleys. Thereafter,
check the tension after every 10
operating hours.
4. CHECK BOLTS AND NUTS.
Check for loose bolts and nuts
after the first 2 hours of new tiller
operation. Thereafter, check after
every 10 operating hours.
Preparation before starting
Make the following checks and
perform the services as required
before starting the engine.
1. CHECK ENGINE OIL LEVEL.
Check the oil level in the engine
crankcase. Do not run the engine
unless the proper oil level is
maintained.
2. SERVICE AIR CLEANER. Make
sure that the air cleaner elements
are not dirty.
3. CHECK SAFETY GUARDS. Make
sure that all safety guards and cov
ers are securely in place.
4. ATTACH SPARK PLUG WIRE. Be
sure that the spark plug wire is
securely attached to the spark
plug.
5. CHECK ENGINE COOLING
SYSTEM. The cooling fins and air
intake screen must be clean to
ensure adequate cooling.
■
1 I
mW
bWÜ
■'.a.', ■
............
.................................
6. ADJUST HANDLEBARS. Set the
handlebars to a comfortable oper
ating height.
7. CHECK BATTERY (Eiectric Start
Models). Make sure that the bat
tery is properly filled and that all
electrical connections are clean
and tight.
8. FiLL FUEL TANK WITH GASO
LINE. Avoid using gasoline that is
not fresh, as stale fuel can cause
gum deposits to form in the carbu
retor and fuel lines. Fuel should
not be stored for more than six
months. The use of unleaded gas
oline is recommended as it resuits
in fewer combustion deposits and
longer engine life. DO NOT MIX OIL
WITH THE GASOLINE.
(a) Clean the fuel cap and its sur
rounding area before removing the
cap.
(b) Use a clean funnel to add fuel
to the fuel tank.
(c) Do not fill the tank to the point of
overflowing. Fill to within Ta-inch of
the top of the tank to prevent spiils
and to allow for fuel expansion.
(d) For 7 HP Briggs & Stratton
Engines: use clean, fresh, lead-free
automotive gasoline (leaded gas
oline may be used if unleaded is
unavailable). Use gasoline that has
a minimum octane rating of 77. Do
not use gasoline containing Meth
anol. The use of gasoline which
contains alcohol (such as gasohol)
is not recommended. If you are
....
16
using gasohol, refer to the Briggs
& Stratton Operating and Mainte
nance Instructions booklet for
specific cautions and recommen
dations for this type of fuel.
(e) For 8 HP Kohler Engines: use
fresh, clean, unleaded regular auto
motive gasoline with a pump sticker
octane rating of 87 or higher.
(Leaded “Regular” grade gasoline
is an acceptable substitute). The
fuel tank capacity is Vk gallons.
(f) Replace the fuel cap securely
before starting the engine.
A DANGER
GASOLINE IS HIGHLY FLAMMABLE
AND ITS VAPORS ARE EXPLOSIVE.
FOLLOW THESE SAFETY PRAC
TICES TO PREVENT INJURY FROM
FIRE OR EXPLOSION!
• Never fill tank when engine is
running or still hot from operation.
Allow engine and muffler to cool at
least 2 minutes before refueling.
• Do not allow open flames,
sparks, matches or smoking in the
area.
• Fill fuel tank outdoors in a wellventilated area. Wipe up any spills
and move tiller away from gasoline
fumes before starting engine.
• Use only an approved gasoline
container and store safely out of
reach of children.
• Store gasoline and tiller in a
well-ventilated area. Do not store
where vapors may reach an open
flame or spark, or where ignition
sources are present (such as hot
water and space heaters, furnaces,
clothes dryers, stoves, electric
motors, etc.)
• Allow engine to cool before stor
ing in any enclosures.
• Never bring a gasoline can near
the battery posts on electric start
model tillers. A short circuit caused
by touching the positive (+) post
and any metal could cause an ex
plosion of the gasoline or of bat
tery gases.
Test operation of Forward Interlock Safety System
The Forward Interlock Safety
System consists of an electrical
grounding system that connects
the two Forward Interlock Levers
on the handlebars to the ignition
system of the engine. One or both
of the Forward Interlock Levers
must be kept squeezed against the
handlebar grip(s) whenever the
Wheels/Tines/PTO Drive Lever is
engaged in “FORWARD”. If you
release BOTH interlock levers be
fore first moving the Wheels/Tines/
PTO Drive Lever to “NEUTRAL”, the
interlock system will ground out the
engine’s ignition system and stop
the engine. The interlock system
also prevents the engine from start
ing if the Wheels/Tines/PTO Drive
Lever is engaged in “FORWARD”.
Because the interlock system is
an electrical/mechanical device, it
is subject to wear or possible fail
ure. Therefore, the interlock sys
tem should be checked for proper
operation each time the tiller or
PTO Power Unit is used.
^ DANGER
The Forward Interlock Safety Sys
tem is designed for your safety.
Never attempt to disconnect or to
otherwise defeat the purpose of
this system. If the interlock system
fails to operate properly, immedi
ately contact the TROY-BILT Tiller
Technical Service Department. Do
not operate the tiller or PTO Power
Unit until the system has been re
paired and is functioning properly.
Always test the system prior to
each use.
How to check the interlock system:
1. Move the machine outdoors and
park it on level ground. Make sure
the area around you is clear of any
obstacles.
2. Check to make sure that the
Forward Interlock Wire Harness
OPERATION OF TILLER
plug at the bottom of the handle
bars is firmly connected to the wire
harness receptacle located on the
top, right side of the transmission.
See Photo 3-2.
3. Place the Wheel Speed Lever in
“SLOW” and the Tines/PTO Clutch
Lever in “DISENGAGE”.
4. Start the engine as described
on Pages 18-19. Set the throttle
lever in a “SLOW” running position
and ailow the engine to warm up.
5. Squeeze one of the Forward
Interlock Levers against the handle
bar grip and then push the Wheels/
Tines/PTO Drive Lever all the way
down to “FORWARD”. See Photo
3-3. As the tiller starts to move
r
3-2: Check for good connection be
tween plug and receptacle of Forward
Interlock Safety System.
3-3: Squeeze one Forward Interlock
Lever and then move Wheels/Tines/
PTO Drive Lever down to “FORWARD”.
17
Starting and stopping the engine
forward, release the Forward Inter
lock Lever briefly. If the system
is working properly, the engine
should start to shut off when you
release the lever. If It does, quickly
squeeze the lever against the han
dlebar grip and then return the
Wheels/Tines/PTO Drive Lever to
the “NEUTRAL” position (tap or lift
the lever up and release It). Repeat
this test using the other Forward
Interlock Lever.
6. If the engine does not start to
shut off when the Fonward Inter
lock Levers are released, the sys
tem is not functioning correctly,
and you should stop the engine.
Cold weather operation
Before operating the machine in
cold weather (below 40 °F) you
should take the following steps to
protect your engine and transmis
sion from possible damage.
1. Use a lighter weight oil in the
engine crankcase. See “Engine Oil
Maintenance” in Section 6.
2. Allow the engine to warm up
thoroughly before putting it under
a load.
3. Use fresh, winter grade fuel
(gasoline suppliers change the
fuel blend seasonally).
4. Use the correct weight gear oil
in the PTO Power Unit transmis
sion. See “Transmission Gear Oil
Maintenance” in Section 6.
5. While the engine is warming,
place the Wheel Speed Lever in
“FREE WHEEL”, block the wheels
to prevent them from moving, and
remove the key (on electric start
models) and disconnect the spark
plug wire from the spark plug. Do
not operate the tiller or PTO Power
Unit again until the system is again
functioning properly. See Section 6
in this Manual for some simple
troubleshooting checks you can do
to correct a faulty Interlock system.
IMPORTANT
To avoid possible damage to the
Forward Interlock Safety System,
do not use high-pressure sprays
around the wire harness recepta
cle or neutral plunger assembly.
put the Tines/PTO Clutch Lever in
“DISENGAGE”. Then squeeze one
of the Forward Interlock Levers
against the handlebar grip and shift
the Wheels/Tines/PTO Drive Lever
into “FORWARD”. This will rotate
the drive shaft inside the transmis
sion and help to warm the trans
mission gear oil.
6. Do not try to move the machine
if the wheels are frozen to the
ground. First melt the ice with
warm water.
A DANGER
To avoid personal injury, do not run
engine in an enclosed or poorly
vented area. Engine exhaust con
tains carbon monoxide, an odor
less and deadly gas.
To start the engine:
IMPORTANT
Use the following steps to practice
starting and stopping the engine
ONLY. Do not attempt to drive the
tiller or PTO Power Unit until you
have read ALL of the operating
instructions in this Section and in
Section 5.
1. Place the Wheels/Tines/PTO
Drive Lever in “NEUTRAL” (Photo
3-4). To find “NEUTRAL” (while the
engine is not running), push the
lever down until it engages in
“FORWARD”. Then tap or lift the
lever up and release it.
2. Lower the Depth Regulator
Lever until the tines are off the
ground (Photo 3-4).
3. Put the Wheel Speed Lever in
either “SLOW” or “FAST” (Photo
3-4). Be sure to roll the wheels
while shifting the lever until the
wheels are engaged.
NOTE: If using a PTO driven sta
tionary attachment, put lever in
“FREEWHEEL” and place blocks
around all wheels to prevent
equipment from moving.
4. Move the engine throttle lever
forward, away from the “STOP”
position (Photo 3-4).
5. Put the Tines/PTO Clutch Lever
in the “DISENGAGE” position—
Photo 3-4. (Use the “ENGAGE” po
sition if you want the tines to turn
or if you want to apply power to a
PTO driven stationary attachment).
6. Move the choke control to the
“FULL CHOKE” position (Photo 3-5
or 3-6). NOTE: A warm engine may
start without choking.
18
ENGINE THROTTLE
FORWARD INTERLOCK
LEVERS
OPERATION OF TILLER
2. Move the engine throttle lever
to the “STOP” position (and turn
the key to “OFF” on electric start
models). Remove the key for
safekeeping.
TINES/PTO
CLUTCH
3-4: Tiller and engine controls.
NOTE; Be sure that fuel tank shut
off valve (see Page 15) is in “OPEN”
position.
7. For recoil start engines;
(a) Stabilize machine by placing
your free hand on the fuel tank
of the Briggs & Stratton Engine
or on the air cleaner cover of
the Kohler Engine.
(b) Use your other hand to slowly
pull the starter rope until you
feel resistance. Then rapidly
pull the rope. (Look behind you
before pulling rope out.) Let
the rope rewind slowly after
each start attempt.
8. For electric start engines;
(a) Turn the key to the “START”
position. Do not hold the key at
“START” for longer than a few
seconds as prolonged crank
ing can damage the starter
chok'éI
i
OFF
FULL ^
■ 'CHOKEpP^
3-5: Choke control on 7 HP Engine.
WHEELS/TINES/PTO
DRIVE LEVER
WHEEL SPEED LEVER
/
DEPTH REGULATOR
LEVER
motor if cranked more than 15
seconds per minute.
(b) When the engine starts, release
the key and it will return to the
“RUN” position.
9. If the engine fails to start in four
or five tries, let the engine set for
10 minutes and repeat the start
ing procedure.
10. When the engine starts, slowly
move the choke control (if used) to
the “HALF CHOKE” and then to
the “CHOKE OFF” positions.
11. Move the throttle lever to the
“SLOW” position and let the engine
warm up.
STOPPING THE ENGINE:
1. To stop the wheels and tines at
any time, move the Wheels/Tines/
PTO Drive Lever into the “NEU
TRAL” position and then release
both Forward Interlock Levers.
3-6: Choke control on 8 HP Engine.
IMPORTANT
If turning the key to “OFF” or mov
ing the throttle lever to “STOP"
does not shut the engine off, you
can move the choke control to the
“FULL CHOKE” position. This will
flood the engine and cause it to
stall. Use this procedure only in
emergencies, as continued use can
be harmful to your engine.
Starting the Electric Start Engine with the recoil starter rope
If necessary, the electric start
engine can be started with the re
coil rope. However, before doing
so be sure to follow the procedure
below that applies to your particu
lar situation.
1. If the battery is in good condi
tion (not “dead” or damaged), you
can leave it on the tiller which
allows it to be recharged during
engine operation. But, before start
ing the engine with the recoil rope,
make sure that the battery is filled
to the correct level with electrolyte
and that all of the cables and wires
are properly connected.
2. If the battery is “dead” or dam
aged, then it should be removed
from the tiller and tested by a qual
ified battery mechanic. While the
battery is removed, keep the loose
terminal on the positive (+) battery
cable (if cable is still attached to
solenoid) covered with a wrapping
of electrical tape and secure the
cable to the frame of the battery
bracket. This will prevent any pos
sibility of sparking from the cable
terminal.
3. Before starting the engine with
the recoil starter rope, place the
key switch in the “RUN” position,
the engine throttle lever in the
“START” position, and the choke
control in the “FULL CHOKE” posi
tion (for cold starts).
19
To operate the tiller
Now that you are familiar with
the operation of your engine, foilow these steps for operating your
tiller. When first practicing with
your tiller, please leave the Tines/
PTO Clutch Lever in the “DISEN
GAGE” position and put the Wheel
Speed Lever in the “SLOW” wheel
speed position.
A WARNING
To avoid personal injury, keep
hands, feet, legs and clothing away
from the revolving tines.
To begin tilling:
1. Start the engine by following
the previous engine starting in
structions. Be certain that the
Wheels/Tines/PTO Drive Lever is
in “NEUTRAL” before starting the
engine.
2. Test operation of Forward Inter
lock Safety System. See page 17.
3. Set the Depth Regulator Lever
to the desired digging depth and
increase the engine throttle speed
(when practicing with the tiller
leave the tines in the “TRAVEL”
position).
4. Move the Tines/PTO Clutch
Lever to the “ENGAGE” position
(when practicing with the tiller
leave the tines in the “DISEN-
GAGE” position).
5. For FORWARD MOTION of the
wheels and tines, squeeze and hold
one of the Forward Interlock Levers
(see Photo 3-7) against the handle
bar grip and then move the Wheels/
Tines/PTO Drive Lever down into
“FORWARD”.
6. As the tiller moves forward, re
lax and let the wheels pull the tiller
along while the tines do the dig
ging. Walk behind and to one side
of the tiller (walk on the side that is
not yet tilled to avoid making foot
prints in the freshly tilled soil),
and lightly, but securely, grip the
handlebars with one hand. See
Photo 3-8.
Allow the machine to work at its
own pace. Pushing it forward in an
attempt to make it go faster will
only make the tiller harder to con
trol. Also, please do not push down
on the handlebars in an attempt to
force the tiller to dig deeper. Doing
so takes the weight off the wheels,
reduces traction, and causes the
tines to attempt to propel the tiller
instead of just digging. This can
if / :/
' " V / ■ ■ '' ■ ’'■ '***■
1- 1
cause the tiller to hop and skip
rapidly across the garden.
7. TO STOP FORWARD MOTION:
Tap or lift the Wheels/Tines/PTO
Drive Lever up to “NEUTRAL” and
then release BOTH Forward Inter
lock Levers.
8. TO STOP FORWARD MOTION
IN AN EMERGENCY: Let go of ALL
handlebar control levers (this will
shut off the engine).
9. For REVERSE MOTION:
(a) Do not till while in “REVERSE”.
(b) Put the Wheels/Tines/PTO
Drive Lever in “NEUTRAL” and
reduce the engine throttle
speed. Make sure the area be
hind you is clear.
Put the Wheel Speed Lever in
(c)
the “SLOW” position.
Put the Tines/PTO Clutch Lever
(d)
in “DISENGAGE”.
Lift the handlebars until the
(e)
tines clear the ground and then
lift and hold the Wheels/Tines/
PTO Drive Lever all the way up
(you do not need to squeeze a
Forward Interlock Lever while
in “REVERSE”).
V
. £
■
3-7: Squeeze one Forward Interlock
Lever before engaging Wheels/Tines/
PTO Drive Lever in “FORWARD”.
3-8: Guide tiller with one hand.
20
A CAUTION
TO HELP AVOID PERSONAL INJURY
OR DAMAGE TO EQUIPMENT:
• Always make sure there are no
obstacles behind you before oper
ating in “REVERSE”.
• Disengage the tines, reduce the
engine throttle speed and move
the Wheel Speed Lever into the
“SLOW” position before operating
in “REVERSE”. Avoid using “FAST”
wheel speed until you are sure
you can control the machine at
this faster speed.
10. TO STOP REVERSE MOTION:
Release the Wheels/Tines/PTO
Drive Lever and it will automatically
return to the “NEUTRAL” position.
(The Forward Interlock Levers will
not stop “REVERSE” motion.)
TO STOP THE ENGINE:
Move the engine throttle lever
to the “STOP” position (and turn
the key to “OFF” on electric start
models). Remove the key for safe
keeping.
Turning around
It’s easy to turn your tiller
around. All you have to do is find
the balance point between the en
gine and the tines and then let the
power driven wheels do the work
as you push sideways on the
handlebars in the direction of
your turn.
Practice the following maneuver
in a large open area before taking
your tiller into the garden.
A WARNING
To help avoid personal injury, al
ways put the Tines/PTO Clutch
Lever in the “DISENGAGE” posi
tion before turning the tiller around.
1. At the end of a row, put the
Wheels/Tines/PTO Drive Lever in
“NEUTRAL” and reduce the engine
throttle speed.
2. Put the Tines/PTO Clutch Lever
in “DISENGAGE”.
3. Resume forward operation and
lift the handlebars until the tines
are out of the ground. Then, using
the wheels as a pivot point to bal
ance the engine and tines, PUSH
the handlebars to swing the tiller
around. Af all times, be careful to
keep your feet and legs away from
the tines (which should be disen
gaged). Let the powered wheels do
the work ... the inside wheel will
pivot in place while the outside
wheel drives the machine around.
See Photos 3-9 and 3-10.
NOTE: Use “REVERSE” if neces
sary, to turn in a limited space.
4. When the turn is completed,
shift into “NEUTRAL” and lower
the handlebars. When you are
ready to begin a new row, put the
Tines/PTO Clutch Lever in the
“ENGAGE” position and resume
“FORWARD” operation.
0
W-.'Îlî’
. ■ ‘V .
.•i U’.
3-9: Lift the handlebars and find balance point Then PUSH 3-10: Starting a new row.
handlebars to swing tiller around.
.ft
'9i‘
r
21
Transporting your tiller
The power driven wheels allow
you to easily move your tiller to
and from your garden when the
engine is running. Or, you can
move the tiller (on level ground)
without the engine running by us
ing the “FREE WHEEL” position on
the Wheel Speed Lever.
A WARNING
To help avoid personal injury, al
ways put the Tines/PTO Clutch
Lever in the “DISENGAGE” posi
tion before transporting, loading or
unloading the tiller.
To transport tiller:
1. Place the Tines/PTO Clutch
Lever in the “DISENGAGE” position.
2. Move the Depth Regulator Lever
all the way down to the “TRAVEL”
setting.
3. If using engine power, select the
“SLOW” or “FAST” wheel speed
position on the Wheel Speed Lever
and use the Wheels/Tines/PTO
Drive Lever to drive the wheels.
4. If the engine is stopped, put
the Wheel Speed Lever in “FREE
WHEEL” and manually move the
machine.
To load or unload tiller:
1. Use loading ramps that are wide
and strong enough to support both
the machine and the operator (ma
chine weighs between 280 and
325 pounds).
2. Place the Tines/PTO Clutch
Lever in the “DISENGAGE”
position.
3. Put the Wheel Speed Lever in the
“SLOW” wheel speed position and
reduce the engine throttle speed.
4. TO GO UP RAMPS, use “FOR
WARD” drive and follow the tiller
up the ramps (Figure 3-11).
5. TO GO DOWN RAMPS, use “RE
VERSE” drive and back down the
ramps. Never go down the ramps
in “FORWARD” drive as the tiller
could tip forward, exposing you to
the tines (which should be disen
gaged). See Figure 3-12.
Changing belt speeds
Your Tiller has both “LOW” and
“HIGH” speed belt ranges. By
moving the belt from one range to
the other you can obtain a total of
four different forward wheel speeds
and two different tine speeds. These
extra wheel and tine speeds permit
you to tailor your tiller’s action to
your specific needs in the garden,
with less strain on the engine.
Changing from one belt range to
the other is simply a matter of mov
ing the belt from one set of grooves
on the engine and transmission
pulleys to the other set of grooves.
See Photo 3-13. This change can
be made very quickly in the field
and without any tools.
3-13: Belt range positions.
By combining the use of the
“LOW” and “HIGH” speed belt
ranges with the “SLOW” and
“FAST” speed positions on the
Wheel Speed Lever, you can ob
tain four different forward wheel
speeds (Figure 3-14). The two dif
ferent tine speeds (Figure 3-14)
are determined by the belt range
position alone.
At 3000 RPM (Revolutions Per Minute)
engine speed, the w/heel and tine speeds are:
WHEEL
SPEED
BELT
POSITION
Low Range
Low Range
High Range
High Range Fast
3-14: Wheel and tine speeds.
LEVER WHEEL TINE
POSITION SPEED
Slow
Fast 1.2
Slow
.5 MPH 146 RPM
.7 MPH
1.72 MPH 200 RPM
SPEED
MPH 146 RPM
200 RPM
22
When the tiller is operating in
“REVERSE”, the wheels and tines
are powered by the rubber reverse
disc and not the belt. Therefore,
you have only two reverse speeds
as determined by the “SLOW” and
“FAST” positions of the Wheel
Speed Lever.
To change from “LOW” range to “HIGH” range:
Proper belt tension is critical to
good performance. Check the ten
sion after the first 2 hours of new
operation and every 10 hours
thereafter. See "Drive Belt Mainte
nance" in Section 6.
OPERATION OF TILLER
IMPORTANT
A WARNING
To help avoid personal injury, stop
the engine, remove the electric start
key, disconnect the spark plug
wire, and let the engine and muffler
cool before changing belt speeds.
Now go to the other side of the
tiller and finish seating the belt In
the groove.
3. On the left side of the tiller, work
the belt part way into the forward
groove of the engine (upper) pul
ley. See Photo 3-16. Then go to the
other side and finish seating the
(lower) pulley. See Photo 3-15.
1. Place the Wheels/Tines/PTO
Drive Lever in “NEUTRAL”.
2. While kneeling on the left side
of the tiller, create slack in the belt
by reaching over to the right side
of the pulleys and pushing in on
the center of the belt with your
finger. Then use your left hand to
work the belt part way into the
forward groove of the transmission
To change from “HIGH” range to “LOW” range:
belt. NOTE: If additional clearance
is needed to fit the belt over the
engine pulley, simply raise the
Wheels/Tines/PTO Drive Lever into
the “REVERSE” position. This will
lower the engine pulley.
4. Check both sides of the pulleys
to make sure that the belt is fully
seated in the “HIGH” range grooves
of each pulley.
3-15: Move belt on transmission puiiey into forward groove.
3-16: Move beit on engine puliey into
forward groove.
3-17: With drive lever held in “RE
VERSE”, move belt on engine pulley
into rear groove.
1. Place the Wheels/Tines/PTO
Drive Lever in “NEUTRAL”.
2. Stand on the left side of the
tiller and use your right hand to
hold the Wheels/Tines/PTO Drive
Lever up in the “REVERSE” posi
tion. Then use your left hand to
move the belt part way into the
rear groove of the engine (upper)
pulley. See Photo 3-17. Now go to
the other side of the tiller and fin
ish seating the belt in the groove.
3. While still holding the drive lever
in “REVERSE”, move the belt into
the rear groove of the transmission
(lower) pulley. Do this on both sides
of the tiller. See Photo 3-18.
4. Check both sides of the pulleys
to make sure that the belt is fully
seated in the “LOW” range groove
of each pulley.
23
3-18: Move beit on transmission puiiey into rear groove.
Choosing wheel and tine speeds
Your tiller offers a wheel and tine
speed combination for every tilling
task and situation in the garden.
With a little experimenting, you can
soon find the proper tilling depth,
engine throttle setting, and wheel
and tine speeds that are just right
for the piece of soil you are work
ing on. What this means is;
1. You advance the throttle lever to
keep the engine running at a suffi
cient power level to do the job.
2. You have the depth regulator
set in a notch which is not so deep
WHEEL SPEED AND BELT RANGE SELECTION GUIDE
IMPORTANT: For correct wheel speed and belt range choices when using attachments or
accessories other than the tines, read the Owner/Operator Manual provided with the attachment
or accessory.
that it causes the engine to labor
or causes the tiller to jump.
3. You have the tines turning over
fast enough to really break up the
soil with a minimum number of
passes. When your tiller is working
properly, you can hear that the
engine is not laboring very hard
and see that the tines are breaking
up the soil into small, thoroughly
tilled bits. At the proper match
of wheel and tine speeds, you will
get the job done quickly, and
achieve results which are better
and more satisfying.
To help guide you in your selec
tions of wheel and tine speeds,
please refer to the following chart.
A WARNING
The “HIGH” belt range and “FAST”
wheel speed combination will
propel the tiller at a fast pace.
To help avoid personal injury when
first using this belt range/wheel
speed combination, reduce the en
gine throttle speed setting to a
slower setting.
SLOW GEAR, SLOW GEAR, lAST GEAR,
LOW RANGE HIGH RANGE LOW RANGE HIGH RANGE
Till in sod
Till hard clay
Till in cornstalks
Till in cover crops
Till in sod Prepare last time over Prepare seedbeds for
Till hard clay seedbed for planting planting cover crops
Till in cornstalks (in vegetables and cover
most cases, much crop Cover seeds with less
FAST GEAR,
Mixing in lime
Prepare very deep faster) Cover seed in wide row holding up on handle-
seedbed Till in cover crops or plot planting. (In bars (faster than low
Till in stony soil (faster, better job in some soil, handlebars range)
Till in residues and
most soils)
organic matter Prepare seedbeds (in
must be held up to Cultivate (excellent.
keep from going too
saves engine because
Mix in fertilizers most soils better and deep) you don’t have to run
and manures faster) Hill and furrow very well it wide open, nor hold
Till in stony soils Raise beds easily up handlebars—with
Make raised beds Cultivate (In some soil.
rare exception—
Mix in fertilizer you may have to hold because it travels
Pull hiller in hard clay
soil
up on handlebars to faster and stays on
avoid going too deep) top)
Mix fertilizer and manure Handy in keeping large Keep large areas tilled
Till in residues and
organic matter
areas tilled and pre- and ready through
pared for a season to
improve soil
Till in some organic
matter in good soil
Mix in lime
Cultivating between
raised beds with
hiller/furrower
summer (saves a lot
of time)
Till in some organic
matter.
Moving tiller from one
place to another
Cultivating between
raised beds with
hiller/furrower.
24
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