Troy-Bilt Garden way 12215, 12215 Owner's Manual

GARDEN WAY

_ TRO_BILT TM

OWNER'SMANUAL

Tiller/Edger

Owner's

SAI

;T!

read this

manual

• Safety

• Assembly

• Features and Controls

• Operation

• Maintenance

• Parts List

Model

12215

GARDEN WAY INCORPORATED

DearOwner:

Congratulationson your purchaseof a Tiller/Edgerwith
EdgerAttachment. It hasbeendesigned, engineeredand
manufactured to giveyou the best possible dependabilityand
performance.

Pleasecarefully readthis Manualwhich provides information
on howto safely and easilyset-up, operateand maintain your
machine. Besure thatyou and any other operators carefully

follow therecommendedsafety practices at all times. Failure

todo so could result in personal injury orproperty damage.

If you should ever have any problems or questions, please
contact your localauthorized service dealer or call the Factory.

Seethe backcover of this Manualfor Customer Serviceinfor-
mation.

Wewant to be sure that you arecompletely satisfied at all
times.

See Back Cover for

Customer Service Information

SafetyAlert Symbol

_ his is a safety alert symbol. It is used in this

sagescould result in personal injury or property damage.

manualand on the unit to alert youto potential haz-
ards. Whenyou seethis symbol, readand obeythe

messagethat follows it. Failureto obeysafety mes-

Table of Contents

SECTION1: SAFETY........................................... 3

Training......................................................................... 3

Preparation................................................................... 3

Operation...................................................................... 3

Maintenance/Storage.................................................... 4

SECTION2: ASSEMBLY........................................ 5

UnpackingInstructions ............................................... 5

Assembly Steps.......................................................... 5

SECTION3: FEATURESANDCONTROLS..................... 7

SECTION4: OPERATION...................................... 8

Pre-start Preparation.................................................. 8

Stopping and Startingthe Engine............................... 8

Tilling and Cultivating ................................................. 9

Using the EdgerAttachment....................................... 10

Attachments ............................................................... 10

SECTION5: MAINTENANCE.................................. 11

RequiredMaintenanceSchedule ................................ 11

EquipmentMaintenance............................................. 11

EngineMaintenance................................................... 11

TineRemovaland Installation..................................... 12

Storage....................................................................... 13

Troubleshooting.......................................................... 14

Safetyand Operating Decals....................................... 14

PARTSLIST ..................................................... 15

INDEX............................................................ 19

CUSTOMERSERVICEINFORMATION.............. BACKCOVER

This machine meets voluntary safety standard
B71.8 - 1996, which is sponsored by the Outdoor

Power Equipment Institute, Inc., and is published by
the American National Standards Institute.

WARNING

The engine exhaust from this productcontains chemi-
cals known to the State of California to cause cancer,

birth defects or other reproductive harm.

2

TOAVOIDINJURY:

• READTHEOPERATOR'SMANUAL.

• KNOWLOCATIONANDFUNCTIONOFALL CONTROLS.

• KEEPALL SAFETYDEVICESAND SHIELDS IN PLACEAND

WORKING,

• NEVERALLOWCHILDRENOR UNINSTRUCTEDADULTSTO

OPERATEMACHINE.

• SHUT OFF ENGINEAND DISCONNECTSPARKPLUG WIRE

BEFORE MANUALLY UNCLOGGING TINES OR MAKING
REPAIRS,

• KEEPBYSTANDERSAWAYFROMMACHINE.

• KEEPAWAYFROMROTATINGPARTS.

• USEEXTREMECAUTIONWHEN REVERSINGOR PULLING

THEMACHINETOWARDSYOU.

Safety

SPARKARRESTERWARNINGTO RESIDENTSOFCALIFORNIAAND SEVERALOTHERSTATES

UnderCalifornia law, and under the laws of severalother states, you are not permitted to operatean internalcombustion engine
using hydrocarbon fuels on anyforest, brush, hay,grain, or grass covered land;or land covered by any flammable agricultural crop

without an enginespark arrester in continuous effectiveworking order.
Theengineon the unit isan internalcombustion enginewhich burns gasoline, a hydrocarbon fuel, and must be equippedwith a

spark arrester muffler in continuous effective working order. Thespark arrester must be attachedto the engine exhaust system in
such a mannerthat flames or heatfrom the system will not ignite flammable material. Failureof the owner/operator of the unit to

comply with this regulation is a misdemeanor under California law (and other states) and may also bea violation of other state
and/or federalregulations, laws,ordinances or codes. Contactyour local fire marshal or forest servicefor specific information
about which regulations apply in your area.

TRAINING

• Readthis Owner's Manual and the sep-
arateEngineOwner'sManualvery care-
fully beforeoperating this equipment. Be
completely familiar with the controls and
the proper useof the equipment. Know
how to stop the unit and disengagethe

controls quickly. A replacementManual
is availableby contacting your authorized
dealeror the Factory.

• Neverallow children or untrained
adults to usethis equipment. Let adults

operatethe unit only if instructed
properly.

• Keepthe areaof operation clear of all
persons, particularly small children and
pets. Keepbystanders at least 25 feet

from the areaof operation.

• Keepin mind that the operator or user
is responsible for accidents or hazards
occurring to other people,their property

andthemselves.

• Familiarizeyourself with all of the
safety and operatingdecals onthis equip-
ment and on anyof itsattachments or

accessories.

• Do not run engine in an enclosedarea.
Engineexhaustcontains carbon

monoxide gas, a deadlypoison that is
odorless, colorless, and tasteless. Do not

operatethis equipment near buildings,
windows, or air conditioning equipment.

• Do not allow handsor anyother part of
the bodyor clothing nearthe rotating
tines or near anyother moving part. The
tines begin to rotateforward oncethe
engine is startedand the Throttle/Tines
Leveris squeezed. The tines continue to
rotate until theoperator releasesthe

Throttle/Tines Lever.

• Before inspectingor servicing any part
of the equipment,shut off engine,make
sure all moving parts havecome to a
completestop, then disconnect spark

plug wire from spark plug and move wire
awayfrom the plug.

• Do notoperatethis equipment ifyou are
underthe influenceof alcohol, medication,

or whenyou aretired or ill.

PREPARATION

• Thoroughly inspectthe areawhere the
equipment is to be usedand removeall

foreign objects.

• Make sure that the Throttle/Tines Lever
is releasedand is in the neutral position

beforeyou begin to start the engine.

• Donot operate the machinewithout
wearingadequateouter garments. Avoid
loosegarments orjewelry that could get

caught in moving parts of the machine or
its engine.

• Donot operate the equipment when
barefoot or when wearing sandals,
sneakers,or similar lightweight footwear.
Wearprotective footwear that will protect

your feet and improve footing on all

surfaces.

• Wearapprovedsafety glasses when
operatingthis equipment. Theoperation
of any powered machine canresult in for-
eign objects being thrown by high-speed

rotating parts.

• Donot till near underground electric
cables,telephone lines, pipes, or hoses.
If in doubt, contact your utility or tele-
phone company to locate underground

services.

• Handlefuel with care. It is highly

flammable and has explosivevapors.

Takethese precautions:
a. Usean approved fuel container.

b. Addfuel before starting the engine.

Neverremovethe capof the fuel tank
or add fuel while the engine is running
or when the engine is hot. Operators

shall not smoke.

c. Keepmatches, cigarettes, cigars,

pipes, open flames, andsparks away
from the fuel tank and fuel container.

d. Fill fuel tank outdoors and with

extremecaution. Neverfill fuel tank
when indoors. Usea funnel or spout

to prevent spillage.

e. Replaceall fuel tank and fuel container

capssecurely.

f. If fuel is spilled, do not attempt to start

the engine,but movethe machineaway
from the area of spillageand avoid cre-
ating any source of ignition until fuel
vapors havedissipated.

• Nevermake adjustmentsto your equip-
ment when the engine is running or spark

plug wire is connected(unless specifically
recommendedin Owner'sManual).

OPERATION

Operator's Position

LEFTand RIGHTsides of the tiller are
from the operator'spositionbehindthe

handlebars(unlessnoted otherwise).

• Thecorrect operator's position iswhen
you arestanding behind and gripping
handlebar,facing forward toward the
engine. Do not leavethis position while
using the Throttle/Tines Lever.

• Do not put handsor feet nearor under
rotating parts.

Section1: Safety

• Exerciseextreme caution when on or
crossing gravel drives, walks or roads.

Stay alert for hidden hazardsor traffic.
Do not carry passengers.

• After striking a foreign object, stop the
engine,let all moving parts come to a
completestop, disconnectthe spark plug

wire and prevent it from touching the
spark plug, then carefully inspectthe
machinefor damage. Repairthe damage
beforerestarting andoperating the

machine.

• Exercisecaution to avoidslipping or
falling.

• If the machine should start to vibrate
abnormally,stop theengine. Disconnect

the spark plug wire and prevent it from
touching the plug. Check immediately for
the cause. Vibration is generallya

warning of trouble. Fixthe problem
beforeusing the equipment again.

• Stop the engine, disconnect thespark
plug wire and prevent it from touching the
spark plug wheneveryou leavethe equip-
ment, beforeunclogging the tines, or
when making anyrepairs, adjustments or
inspections.

• Takeall possible precautions when
leavingthe machine unattended. Always

stop the engine. Disconnect the spark
plug wire and prevent it from touching the

plug.

• Beforecleaning, repairing, or
inspecting, stop the engineand make
certain all moving parts havestopped.
Disconnectthe spark plug wire and
prevent it from touching the spark plug to
avoidaccidentalstarting.

• Neveroperate equipment without
proper guards, plates, or other protective

safety devices in place.

• Do not run the engine in an enclosed
area. The exhaust fumes from the engine
contain extremely dangerouscarbon
monoxide gas. Thisgas is colorless,
odorless,tastelessand deadlypoisonous.

• Keepchildren and pets away.

• Beawarethat theequipment may unex-
pectedlybounce upwardorjump forward
if the tines should strike extremelyhard
packedsoil, frozen ground, or buried
obstacles such as largestones,roots or
stumps. If you are in doubt about the

tilling conditions, always use the fol-

lowing operating precautionsto assist

you in maintaining control of the

equipment:
a. Standbehind the equipment, using

both handson the handlebars. Relax
your arms, but usea securehand

grip.

b. Start tilling at shallow depths, working

graduallydeeper with each pass.

c. Clearthe tilling areaof all largestones,

roots, and other debris.

d. In an emergency,stop the tines by

releasingtheThrottle/Tines Leveron
the handlebar. To stop the engine,
move the engineOn/Offswitch to OFE

• Donot overload the machine'scapacity
by attempting to till too deeplyattoo fast

a rate.

• Neveroperatethe equipment on slip-
pery surfaces. Look behind and usecare
when backing up.

• Donot operate the equipment on a
slopethat is too steep for safety. When

on slopes, slow down and makesure you
havegood footing.

• Neverallow bystandersnear the unit.

• Onlyuse attachmentsand accessories

that are factory-approved.

• Neveroperatethe equipment without
good visibility or good light.

• Neveroperatethe unit if you aretired,
or under the influence of alcohol, drugs,

or medication.

• Donot tamper with the engine gov-
ernor settings on the machine;the gov-

ernor controls the maximum safeoper-
ating speedand protects the engine and
all other moving parts from damage
causedby engine overspeed. Authorized
serviceshall be sought if a problem

exists.

• Do not touch engineparts which may
be hot from operation. Allow parts to
cool before inspecting, cleaningor
repairing.

• Remember:you can stop the tines by
releasingthe Throttle/Tines Lever. Move
theengine On/Off switch to OFFto shut

theengine off.

• Nevertransport this machinewhen the
engine is running.

• Terminalsand non-insulated electrical
parts shall be protected against shorting

during normal servicing, refueling or
lubrication.

• Useextreme caution when reversing or
pulling the machinetoward you.

• Start the engine carefully according to
instructions and with feet well awayfrom

thetines.

MAINTENANCE/STORAGE

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

• Checkall nuts, bolts, and screws atfre-
quent intervalsfor proper tightness to be

sureequipment is in safeworking
condition.

• Neverstore equipment with fuel infuel
tank inside a building where fumes may
reachan open flame or spark (hot water
and spaceheaters,furnaces, clothes

dryers, stoves, electric motors, etc.).

• Allow the engineto cool beforestoring
theequipment.

• Keep the engine freeof grass, leaves,
or greaseto reducethe chance of afire

hazard.

• Store gasolinein a cool, well-ventilated
area,safely awayfrom anyspark- or
flame-producing equipment. Storegaso-
line in an approvedcontainer,safelyaway

from the reachof children.

• Neverperform maintenancewhen
engine is running or spark plug wire is

connectedunless instructed to do so.

• If fuel tank must be drained,do so
outdoors.

• Follow manufacturer's recommenda-
tions for safe loading, unloading,

transport and storageof machine.

4

!,'£4"4U;_

2 Assembly

To prevent personal injury or property
damage, donot startthe engineuntil all

assembly steps are complete and you
haveread andunderstandthe safetyand
operatinginstructionsin this manual.

INTRODUCTION

Readthese instructions in their entirety
beforeyou attempt to assembleor
operateyour newequipment.

TheBorder/EdgerAttachment (H, Figure

5) doesnot needto be installed until you
are readyto doedging projects (refer to

instructions in this Section).
IMPORTANT:Thecorrect mixture of
unleadedautomotive gasolineand two-

cyclemotor oil (a 24:1 ratio of gasoline to
two-cycle oil) must be addedto the fuel
tank before starting theengine. See

instructions in this Section.

UNPACKINGINSTRUCTIONS

1. Inspect your machineimmediately. If
youfind or suspect damageto the carton

or contents, contact your local authorized
dealeror the Factoryfor assistance.

2. Removeany packing material. Check
for small parts beforediscarding the
packing material. Loose parts includethe
following:

(1) Wheel(for edging)
(1) EdgerTine
(2) *Long Bushings
(1) *Short Bushing

* Packedin a separateplastic bag.

3. Perform the assembly on a clean, level
surface. Becareful not to severely bend
anyof the control cables on the unit.

4. Beforestartingany assemblysteps,
disconnecttheengine sparkplugwire
from thesparkplug.

ASSEMBLYSTEPS

STEP 1: Unfold and
Adjust Handlebars

IMPORTANT: Becareful not to pinch any

wires or cables while unfolding and
adjusting the handlebars.

1. Loosen the two handlebarknobs (A,
Figure1) and unfold the handlebarsinto

the operatingposition. Donot useforce

-- if there is binding, continue to loosen
the knobs.

Figure 1: Loosenhandlebarknobsand
unfoldhandlebars. Slideplastic ties to the

locationsshown.

2. Thereare two height settings holes in

the upper handlebar.Theunit is shipped

with the handlebarknobs in the lowest
height setting holes. If this height is cor-

rect for you, simply tighten the two han-
dlebar knobs. If a higher setting is
desired, reposition the handlebar knobs,
mounting screws and washers in the

other set of holes.

3. Checkthe locations of thethree plastic

ties (C,Figure1). Theties must be posi-
tioned as shown.

NOTE:Thereisjust one handlebarstorage
position - folded over the engineas origi-

nally shipped.

STEP 2: Inspect

and Tighten Hardware

Checkall nuts, bolts and screws on your
unit and tighten as needed. NOTE:Usea

7/16" socketwith an extensionto check
hardwareat endsof handlebar.

ToolsNeededto Checkfor Loose

Hardware:

• Adjustable wrench

• Slotted-headscrewdriver

• Phillips-headscrewdriver

• 7/16"socket and extension

IMPORTANT:Do not tighten engine gov-
ernor screw (D, Figure 2). It isfactory-
adjustedfor proper engineoperation.

• Gasoline and its vapors are highly

flammable and explosive. Keepgaso-
line away from possible ignition

sources.

• Do not smoke while mixing the gaso-

line and two-cycle oil together or
whenfilling thefuel tank.

• Never fill fuel tankwhenengine is run-

ningor hot.

Failuretofollow theseprecautionscould
result in the fuel igniting, causing per-
sonalinjuryor propertydamage.

STEP 3: Add a Mixture of Gasoline
and Two-Cycle Oil to the Fuel Tank

IMPORTANT:Readthe separateEngine

Owner'sManual beforestarting the
engine.

1. Use clean, highquality2-cycle oil,
NMMATC-WII orTC-W3. DO NOTUSE

MULTI-VISCOSITYOIL!

2. Usefresh, clean, unleadedregular,
unleadedpremiumor reformulated
automotivegasolineonly. DONOTUSE

LEADEDGASOLINE.
NOTE:Do not usegasoline containing

methanol (wood alcohol). Fuel containing
up to 10% ethanol (gasohol) or up to
15% MTBE(Methyl Tertiary Butyl Ether)

may be used, but requires specialcare
whenthe engine is not usedfor extended
periods. See"STORAGE"instructions in
EngineOwner'sManualfor additional

information.

3. The fuel/oil mixratio is 24:1 with the
useofa NMMAclassifiedoil. Fornew

engines, use twice the normal oil quantity
for the first gallon of fuel. NOTE:Dueto

differences in fuel and oil availability
worldwide, Tecumsehrecommends a

16:1 mix ratio if NMMAoil isnot
available.

Figure2: Do not adjust or tightenthe engine
governorscrew.

Section2: Assembly

Chart 1: FUEL MIXTURE

(Mixture Ratio is 24 parts gasolineto

1 part two-cycle oil)

U.S. Gas U.S. Oil

1 Gal. 5 oz.
2 Gal. 11 oz.

MetricPetrol Metric Oil

4 liters 167 ml
8 liters 333 ml

4. Donot mix fuel directly inenginefuel
tank. Always usea clean, safety-

approvedfuel container.

• ToMix:

A,

Fill a clean,approvedcontainer one
quarterfull with recommended
gasoline.

B.

Add recommended amount of oil per
Chart 1: FUELMIXTURE.

C.

Screw cap on container and shake
vigorously. Thenunscrew cap and
fill container with gasoline per

Chart 1: FUELMIXTURE. Screwon
capand shakeagain. Once mixed,

oil and gasoline will not separate.

Fill FuelTank:

1. Enginemustbe cool. Cleanarea
around fuel tank cap and removecap.

Inserta clean funnel into the fuel tank.

2. Slowly pour gasoline/oil mixture into
fueltank. Filltank no higher than 1/2"
from top of tank to allow for gasoline
expansion. Install fuel capand clean up
anyfuel spills.

STEP 4: To Make Borders and Edges,
Install the Edger Attachment

Tocreate borders or edges nearwalks,
driveways,flower beds, etc., you must

removethe four tine sections and install

the EdgerAttachment (this attachment

was supplied with the unit - see Page5).

To Installthe EdgerAttachment:

1. Gathertogether the following parts
(seeFigure4): (A) Border/EdgerTine; (B)
Long Bushing; (C) Border/EdgerWheel
and (D) Short Bushing.

2. Prop the machine carefullyon thefront
of thetubular carrying handle. Thework

surfaceshould befirm and flat. NOTE:
Usuallythe Border/EdgerTineis mounted

on the right-side of the unit for right-
handedpersons, and on the left-side of

the unit for left-handed persons.

3. Flip open the ring on the two ring lock
pins (E, Figures3 and 4) and remove the

ring lock pin on eachtine shaft.
IMPORTANT:The ring lock pin is under

spring tension - use carewhen removing
or replacingthe ring lock pin.

4. It is importantfor proper tilling perfor-
mancethat thetine sections be later rein-

stalled in their original patterns. Markthe
position of eachtine section(Left-Outer,
Left-Inner,etc.)beforeremovingthem.
Referto Figures3 and 9 for tine pattern

information. Seealso fine Removaland
Installation in Section 5.

5. Install the short bushing (D, Figure4)
on the right-hand or left-hand tine shaft.
Thenplacethe Border/Edgerwheel (C)on

Figure3: Removeringlockpinsandtines
frombothsidesofthetineshaft. Keepleft
andright-sidetinesseparatedandmarked

for easierreinstallation.

thesame shaft - the wheel hub should
facetoward the tiller. Insert the ring lock

pin through the rounded side of thetine
shaft and snapthe ring down overthe
shaft (seeDETAIL- RingLock Pin,
Figure4).

6. Slidethe long bushing (B)on the
opposite side shaft. Theninstall the
Border/Edgertine (A) and secure it with

the ring lock pin.
SeeSection 4 for instructions on using

the Border/EdgerAttachment.
See Tine Removaland Installation in Sec-

tion 5 for information on how to reinstall
thetines.

DETAIL- Ring Lock Pin

Thisside

out

Contact with rotating tines or other

moving parts can cause serious per-

sonalinjury.

Before installing or removing attach-
ments, or adjusting or servicing the

machine,stopthe engine, letall moving
parts come to a complete stop, discon-
nect the sparkplug wire and move the
wire away from the sparkplug.

E

Figure4: TheBorder/Edgertine (A)can be mountedon left or right
sidesofmachine(with longbushingB). The Border/Edgerwheel
(C) mountson the otherside (withshortbushingD).