Troy-Bilt Big Red Garden Tiller Owner's Manual

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

OperatOr’s Manual

Rear-Tine Tiller — Horse/Big Red

WARNING

READ AND FOLLOW ALL SAFETY RULES AND INSTRUCTIONS IN THIS MANUAL

BEFORE ATTEMPTING TO OPERATE THIS MACHINE.

FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THESE INSTRUCTIONS MAY RESULT IN PERSONAL INJURY.

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

Printed In USA

Form No. 769-08675

(November 16, 2012)

To The Owner

Thank You

Thank you for purchasing a Troy-Bilt Garden 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.

Table of Contents

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

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

Controls & Features ................................................13

Operation ................................................................14

Maintenance & Adjustments ................................ 26

1

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 .................................................................... 38

Troubleshooting .....................................................41

Replacement Parts ................................................ 42

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

Record Product 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 rear of the deck. 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

Serial NuMber

Customer Support

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:

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

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

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

◊ Write to Troy-Bilt LLC • P.O. Box 361131 • Cleveland, OH • 44136-0019

2

Important Safe Operation Practices

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

WARNING! 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.

WARNING! 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.

2

Training

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
quick ly.

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
area.

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.

2. 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.

Safe Handling of Gasoline:

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 is spilled 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.

3

c. 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 ½

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.

l. 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,
let go 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.

Section 2 — impo rtant Safe operation practiceS4

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.

Spark Arrestor

WARNING! This machine is equipped with an

internal combustion engine and should not be used
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).

If a 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 — impo rtant Safe operation practiceS

5

Safety Symbols

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.

Symbol Description

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 IS FLAMMABLE
Allow the engine to cool at least two minutes before refueling.

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.

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS!

Section 2 — impo rtant Safe operation practiceS6

Assembly & Set-Up

Height

Adjustment

Lever

Right

Clamp

Handlebars

Right

Ratchet

Left

Ratchet

Base

Left

Clamp

Nut

Wire Harness

Base

Bolt

Contents of Carton

• One Tiller • One Handlebar Support • One Handlebar Assembly

• One Hardware Pack • One Wheels/Tines PTO Lever • One Operator’s Manual

• One Engine Operator’s Manual

3

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.

Recommended Tools for Assembly

• ⁄” open-end wrench (1)

• ⁄” open-end wrench (2)

• ⁄” open-end wrench (2)

• ⁄” open-end wrench (1)

• ⁄” open-end wrench (1)

• Flat blade screwdriver (1)

• Scissors (to trim plastic ties)

• Tire pressure gauge (1)

• 4-⁄” high wood block to prop machine

Contents of Hardware Pack

• 26 oz. Bottle SAE 30W Oil (1)

• Clutch Pawl Spring (1)

• Belt Adjusting Tool (1)

• Plastic Cable Ties (2)

• Curved Head Screw, ⁄-20 x 2 (1)

• Flanged Lock Nut, ⁄-20 (1)

• Pan Head Screw, #10-32 x ⁄ (1)

• The following parts (electric start models only), packaged

separately.

• Nuts, ⁄-20 for battery terminals (2)

• Screws, ⁄-20 x ⁄ for battery terminals (2)

• Keys in ignition switch (2)

Assembly

Unpacking Instructions

NOTE: Do not severely bend any of the control cables on the
tiller.

1. The tiller is heavy. Do not attempt to remove it from

2. Remove all loose parts from the carton. The hardware bag

the shipping platform until instructed to do so in these
assembly steps.

is included in your literature packaging.

3. Check that you have the items listed above (contact your
local dealer or the Troy-Bilt Technical Service Department if
any items are missing or damaged).

Handle

NOTE: When disassembling the handlebar assembly, keep the
left-side clamp and ratchet separated from the right-side clamp
and ratchet.

1. Disassemble the handlebar assembly. To do this, remove
the height adjustment lever by turning the lever in a

counterclockwise direction. See Figure 3-1.

Figure 3-1

2. Place the handlebar ends on either side of the base, with

the wire harness toward the rear of the base See Figure 3-1.

3. Install the height adjustment lever through the right-side
clamp, handlebar end, ratchet, and base; then out through
the left-side ratchet, handlebar end, and clamp. See Figure

3-1. Secure with the nut, but do not fully tighten.

NOTE: Do not force the height adjustment lever through
the handlebars. The interlock wires may be blocking the
lever and could be damaged. You may gently move the
wires aside if this condition occurs.

4. Raise the handlebars to one of two height settings and
tighten the height adjustment lever. Also, make sure all
other mounting hardware is securely tightened.

7

Moving the Tiller off the Shipping Platform

Depth

Regulator

Lever

Wheel
Speed

Lever

1. Set the Depth Regulator Lever to the “TRAVEL” position.
Do this by lifting the tiller by the handlebars, then pulling
straight back on the lever and sliding down to the highest
notched setting. See Figure 3-2.

Figure 3-2

2. Set the Wheel Speed Lever to the Freewheel position. To
do this, move the lever approximately halfway between the
Fast and Slow settings while you rock the tiller forward and
backward until the wheels move freely. See Figure 3-2.

3. Lift the Handlebars high enough to clear the tiller tines
and pull back firmly to dislodge the tiller from the platform
wheel wells.

2. Connect the safety wire assembly (green and yellow wires).

See Figure 3-4.

Figure 3-4

3. Connect the tiller’s main harness connection to the neutral
safety switch receptacle. See Figure 3-5.

Wire Harness

1. Ground the green (and red for electric start tillers) wire(s) to
the engine block. See Figure 3-3.

Figure 3-3

Figure 3-5

Section 3— ASSe mbly & Set-Up8

Wheels/Tines PTO Drive Lever

Bushing

Yoke Plates

Screw

Nut

Star Washers

Short Link

Long Link

Plates

Wheel
Speed

Lever

Forward Hole

Wheels/Tines/PTO

Drive Lever

Bushing

Screw

Star

Washer

Nut

Clutch

Pawl

Spring

Long

Link

Bar

1. Loosen the bolt on the handlebar base and swing the
handlebars out to the right side. See Figure 3-1.

2. Remove both sets of nuts, star washers, screws, and one

bushing from the yoke plates. See Figure 3-6. There is a

bushing inside the short link. Be careful not to lose it when
removing screw.

Figure 3-6

3. Slide the plates at the end of the Wheels/Tines/PTO Lever
over the yoke plates. See Figure 3-7. To aid in the next step,
insert a screw temporarily into the forward most holes of
the yoke plates and the lever.

4. Align the rear most holes of the yoke plates and the
Wheels/Tines PTO Lever. Use long nose pliers to hold the

bushing in place while inserting the screw through the
lever and yoke plates. See Figure 3-8. Install the star washer
and the nut then hand tighten.

Figure 3-8

5. Retrieve the clutch pawl spring from hardware bag.
Remove the temporary screw from the forward holes

inserted in Step 3 and move the Wheels/Tines/PTO Lever

fully forward. Install the wider hook end of the clutch pawl
spring down into the small hole at the end of the handle.
Use pliers to insert the other end into the hole in the long

link bar. See Figure 3-9.

Figure 3-7

Figure 3-9

NOTE: Do not bend or over stretch the spring while
installing.

Section 3 — ASSemb ly & Set-Up 9

6. Pull the Wheels/Tines/PTO Lever back to align the forward

Forward Hole

Short Link Bar

Clutch Pawl Spring

Clutch Roller

Adjustment Block

Clutch Roller

Adjustment Block

most holes in the yoke plate with the holes in the lever
plates. Also align the bushing that is inside the short link
bar. Install the screw, star washer, and nut, then tighten
securely. Securely tighten all other hardware. Also ensure
that the spring is properly seated at both ends. Completed

assembly should appear as illustrated in Figure 3-10.

8. To test Reverse, lift and hold the lever all the way up in
the Reverse position, then let it go. The lever should
automatically return to the Neutral position. See Figure

3-12. If not, do not use the tiller. See your local authorized
dealer or call the TROYBILT Technical Service Department

for instructions.

Figure 3-10

7. Test the operation of the Wheels/Tines/PTO Lever. Push the
lever down until it engages in the Forward position. The
clutch roller must rest beneath the adjustment block. Next,

move the lever up to the Neutral position. See Figure 3-11.

Figure 3-12

Section 3— ASSe mbly & Set-Up10

Figure 3-11

Engine Throttle Lever and Cable

Pan Head

Screw

Curved Head

Screw

OIL

Screw

Negative

Battery

Post

Negative

Battery

Cable

Black

Rubber

Boot

Nut

Keyswitch

Harness

Receptacle

Selenoid

Black

Rubber

Boot

Positive

Battery

Cable

Positive

Battery

Post

For shipping purposes, the throttle cable, together with the
throttle lever, is wound around the engine. Carefully unwind
the cable. If the throttle control label is covered with a clear
protective coating, peel it off.

WARNING! To avoid electric shock from a short

circuit (electric start tillers only), never allow the
throttle cable to touch the battery. Route the cable
below the battery, on the outside of the battery
holder.

To attach the throttle lever and cable:

1. Run the throttle cable up the inside edge of the right
handlebar and position the lever as shown in Figure 3-13.

Electric Start System (If Equipped)

The following steps explain how to install and charge the battery
on electric start tillers. For your safety, follow all steps and
observe all accompanying safety messages. The Maintenance &
Adjustments section contains other general battery maintenance
and recharging instructions.

WARNING! Battery produces explosive gases. Keep

away sparks, flames, and cigarettes. Ventilate area
when charging or using battery in an enclosed
space. Make sure battery vent tube is always open
after battery is filled with acid.

WARNING! Remove metal jewelry before working

near the battery or near the electrical system. Failure
to comply may cause a short circuit, resulting in
electrical burns, a shock, or battery gas explosion.

NOTE: If the battery is put into service after the date shown on

the top of the battery, charge for a minimum of one hour at 6-10

amps. Refer to the Maintenance & Adjustments section of this
manual for more detailed instructions regarding proper battery
charging procedure.

WARNING! Never jump start the battery with a

vehicle battery or charging system. This may
produce a battery explosion, causing acid or
electrical burns.

1. Before installing the battery and its hold-down clamp,
insert the plastic wire harness receptacle into the prongs of
the keyswitch located on the hold-down clamp. See Figure

3-14 .

Figure 3-13

2. From the outside of the handlebar, insert the curved head
screw, through the handlebar and the center hole in the

throttle lever mounting bracket. See Figure 3-13.

3. Loosely install the flanged lock nut and move the throttle

lever back to the STOP position.

4. From the lever side of the bracket, thread a pan head screw

through the small hole in the throttle lever bracket and into
the handlebar. Tighten the screw securely.

5. Securely tighten both the flanged lock nut and the curved
head screw.

6. Use two plastic ties to secure the throttle cable to the
right handlebar in two places. Loop each tie around the
handlebar and cable (serrated side faces in) and pull the
ties tight. Trim the ends.

Figure 3-14

2. Remove the ignition keys from the keyswitch and store
them safely away. Do not insert the key into the keyswitch

until you complete this section and read the Operation
section. See Figure 3-14.

Section 3 — ASSemb ly & Set-Up 11

3. Use a ⁄” long screw and ⁄-20 hex nut to connect the
positive (+) battery cable to the positive (+) battery post.
Make sure that this is the cable on the left side, with one

end attached to the solenoid. See Figure 3-14.

WARNING! To Avoid Personal Injury or Property

Damage: Do not touch the positive battery terminal
and any surrounding metal objects with tools,
jewelry or other metal items. Failure to comply could
cause a short circuit leading to electrical burns or an
explosion of battery gases. Never bring a gas can
near the positive (+) battery terminal. A short circuit
could occur leading to an explosion of the gasoline
or the battery gases. Always fill the engine fuel tank
from the front or side of the engine.

4. Slide the black rubber boot completely over the battery
post and cable connector. See Figure 3-14.

5. Use a ⁄” long screw and ⁄-20 hex nut to connect the
negative (-) battery cable to the negative (-) battery post

and secure with screw and nut. See Figure 3-14.

6. Slide the black rubber boot completely over the battery
post and cable connector. See Figure 3-14.

Set-Up

Tires

For shipping purposes, the tires may be overinflated. Check the

air pressure in each tire and adjust them to between 10 and 20

pounds per square inch. You must inflate each tire to equal air
pressures to prevent the tiller from pulling to one side.

Gas & Oil Fill-Up

Service the engine with gasoline and oil as instructed in the

Engine Operator’s Manual packed separately with your tiller.

Read the instructions carefully.

WARNING! Use extreme care when handling

gasoline. Gasoline is extremely flammable and the
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.

Transmission Gear Oil

The transmission was filled with gear oil at the factory. However,
be sure to check the oil level at this time to make certain it
is correct. See the Maintenance & Adjustments section for
instructions on checking and adding transmission gear oil.

Section 3— ASSe mbly & Set-Up12

Controls & Features

Handlebar Height
Adjustment Lever

Wheels/Tines/PTO

Drive Lever

Forward

Interlock

Levers

Depth Regulator

Lever

Wheel Speed Lever

Tines/PTO Clutch Lever

4

NOTE: For detailed information on all engine controls refer to the

separate Engine Operator’s Manual.

Wheels/Tines/PTO Drive Lever

Use the Wheels/Tines/PTO Drive Lever to engage and disengage

power to the transmission.

Forward Interlock Levers

The Forward Interlock Levers are attached under the handlebar
grip and will stop the engine if both levers are released.

Wheel Speed Lever

The Wheel Speed Lever controls the speed at which the wheels
spin.

WARNING! Be familiar with all the controls and

their proper operation. Know how to stop the
machine and disengage it quickly.

Tines/PTO Clutch Lever

The Tines/PTO Clutch Lever is used to engage or disengage

power to the transmission.

Depth Regulator Lever

The Depth Regulator Lever is used to regulate the tilling depth
of the tines.

Handlebar Height Adjustment Lever

The Handlebar Height Adjustment Lever is used to adjust the
handlebars to one of two heights.

Engine Throttle Lever

Use the throttle lever to adjust engine speed as well as to start
and stop the engine.

Keyswitch Starter (If So Equipped)

The keyswitch starter on electric start models is used to start, run
and stop the tiller.

13

Operation

Blocks

Blocks

5

Starting the Engine

The following steps describe how to start and stop the engine.

NOTE: Do not attempt to engage the tines, wheels, or any PTO

attachment until you have read all of the operating instructions
in this section.

Pre-Start Checklist

Make the following checks and perform the following services
before starting the engine.

1. Read the Safe Operation Practices and Features & Controls

sections in this Manual. Read the separate Engine

Operator’s Manual.

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

3. Check the engine oil level. See Engine Operator’s Manual.

4. Shift the Wheels/Tines/PTO Drive lever into NEUTRAL

position. See the Controls and Features section for more
information on this lever.

5. Check the safety guards. All guards and covers must be
securely in place.

6. Check the air cleaner. See the Engine Operator’s Manual.

7. Attach the spark plug wire to the spark plug.

8. Check Engine Cooling System. Clear cooling fins and air

intake screen of debris. See the Engine Operator’s Manual.

9. Select High/Low Belt Speed range.

10. Adjust the Handlebar Height.

11. Fill the fuel tank with gasoline in accordance with the
directions in the separate Engine Operator’s Manual.

Follow all instructions and safety rules carefully.

WARNING! Never run the engine indoors or in an

enclosed, poorly ventilated area. Engine exhaust
contains carbon monoxide, an odorless and deadly
gas. Avoid engine muffler and nearby areas.

Temperatures in these areas may exceed 150° F.

NOTE: After the first two hours of operation, perform the
maintenance procedures shown in the Maintenance Schedule in
the Maintenance & Adjustments Section of this manual.

Starting the Engine

1. With the engine off, place the Wheels/Tines/PTO Drive
Lever in the NEUTRAL position. If in the FORWARD position,

tap the lever sharply upward, it should automatically move
into NEUTRAL position.

2. Put the Depth Regulator Lever in the Travel position (lever
all the way down) so that the tines are off the ground. To do
this, lift up on the handlebars, pull the lever back, and push
it down all the way to the top detent (notched) position.

3. Move the Wheel Speed Lever to either the SLOW or FAST
position. Be sure to roll the wheels while shifting the lever
until the wheels engage.

NOTE: If using a PTO stationary attachment, move the

Wheel Speed Lever into FREEWHEEL and block the wheels

to prevent the equipment from moving. See Figure 5-1.

Figure 5-1

4. Move the Tines/PTO Clutch Lever into DISENGAGE position.

NOTE: Use the ENGAGE position if you want the tines

to revolve or to apply power to a PTO-driven stationary

attachment.

5. If the engine is equipped with a fuel valve, turn the valve

to the OPEN position as instructed in the separate Engine
Operator’s Manual.

6. If the engine is equipped with an ON/OFF switch, move the
switch to ON. Move engine throttle lever away from STOP.

Choke or prime the engine as instructed in the separate

Engine Operator’s Manual.

7. If not equipped with an electric start system, place one
hand on the fuel tank to stabilize the tiller when you pull
the recoil starter rope.

8. If equipped with an electric start system, turn the key to
START position to crank the engine then release when the
engine starts. If the engine does not start right away, do
not hold the key at START for more than a few seconds.
Release then try again after a short pause. Damage to

the starter motor can occur if it is cranked more than 15

seconds per minute.

9. If the engine does not start after a number of tries, refer to
the Engine Operator’s Manual for specific instructions.

10. When the engine starts, move the Throttle Lever to the
SLOW position and then gradually move the choke lever
(on engines so equipped) to OFF or RUN position.

11. Move the throttle speed control to FAST setting when

tilling.

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