Troy-Bilt 200 Series, Series 200 Operator's Manual

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

OperatOr’s Manual

World Rear Wheel Tiller — Series 200

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.

P. O. Box 1386, 97 KENT AVENUE, KITCHENER, ON N2G 4J1

Printed In USA

WARNING

769-07679

(11.18.11)

To The Owner

Thank You

Thank you for purchasing a machine manufactured by MTD. 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. MTD

Table of Contents

1

reserves the right to change product specifications, designs and
equipment without notice and without incurring obligation.

If you have any problems or questions concerning the machine,
phone your local authorized MTD service dealer or contact us

directly. MTD’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.

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

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

Controls ................................................................... 8

Operation ................................................................. 9

Service .....................................................................12

Troubleshooting .....................................................13

Parts List ..................................................................14

Warranty ................................................................. 15

Maintenance & Adjustment .................................11

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 machine. This information will be
necessary, should you seek technical support via our web site,
Customer Support Department, or with an authorized service
dealer.

Model NuMber

Serial NuMber

Customer Support

Please do

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:

NOT

return the unit to the retailer from which it was purchased, without first contacting Customer Support.

◊ Visit our web at www.troybilt.ca

◊ Locate your nearest dealer from Customer Support: 1-800-668-1238

◊ Contact Troy Bilt • P.O. Box 1386 • 97 Kent Avenue • Kitchener, Ontario, Canada • N2G 4J1

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!

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

quickly.

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

machine. Children 14 and over should read and understand

the instructions and safe operation practices in this manual
and on the machine and be trained and supervised by an
adult.

4. Never allow adults to operate this machine without proper

instruction.

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

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.

3

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.

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.

4 Section 2 — impo rtant Safe operation practice S

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 arrester meeting applicable local or provincial laws (if any).

If a spark arrester is used, it should be maintained in effective working order by the operator. A spark arrester for the

muffler is available through your nearest engine authorized service dealer.

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!

5Section 2 — impo rtant Safe operation practice S

Assembly & Set-Up

Handle Crank

Washer

Retainer

Bracket

Nuts

Bolt

Contents of Carton

• OneTiller • One20oz.bottleSAE30Woil • OneTillerOperator’sManual

• OneEngineOperator’sManual

3

NOTE: Standbehindthetillerasifyouweregoingtooperate
it.Yourrighthandcorrespondstotherightsideofthetillerand
yourlefthandcorrespondstotheleftsideofthetiller.

NOTE: Thisoperator’smanualmaycovervariousmodelsoftillers.
Themachinesillustratedmayvaryslightlyfromyourtiller.

NOTE: Thetillerisshippedwithoutgasolineoroilintheengine.
Fillupgasolineandoilasinstructedintheaccompanyingengine
manualbeforeoperatingyourmachine.

Assembly

Handle

1. Removethehandlecrank,bolt,washer,retainerbracket
andtheflangelocknutsfromthelowerhandle.See
Fig.3-1.

Washer

Bolt

Handle Crank

Nuts

Retainer

Bracket

2. Positiontheupperhandleontothelowerhandle.SeeFig.
3-2.Aligntheholesonthelowerhandlewiththeholeson
theupperhandle.

Figure 3-2

3. Insertthehandlecrankthroughthelowerholeonthe
handleandsecurewiththenutremovedinstep1.See
Fig.3-2.

4. Inserttheboltandwasherthroughtheholeinthehandle
andsecurewiththeretainerbracketandthentheupper
nutremovedinstep1.SeeFig.3-2.

Figure 3-1

6

Cotter Pin

Clevis Pin

5. Insert the clutch cable handle fitting into the hole on the
right side of the upper handle. See Fig. 3-3.

Figure 3-3

6. Insert the Z-fitting on the clutch cable into the hole on the

tine clutch control. Hook the “Z” end into the opening from
the inside to the outside as shown in Fig. 3-4.

Set-Up

Gas & Oil Fill-Up

Service the engine with gasoline and oil as instructed in the
separate engine manual packed 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 machine indoors or

while the engine is hot or running.

Adjustments

Wheels

The tiller is shipped with the wheels adjusted such that the
unit sits level. Before tilling, the wheels must be raised. To do
this, remove the clevis and cotter pins, raise the wheels to the
desired position, then reattach pins to secure, Figure 3-5. For
transporting the tiller, reverse the steps to lower the wheels.

Figure 3-4

Figure 3-5

7Section 3 — ASSemb ly & Set-Up

Controls & Features

Back of Tiller

Depth

Stake

Rear

Wheels

Tine Clutch Control

Clutch Cable

Handlebar Height Adjustment

4

Depth Stake

Rear Wheels

Figure 4-1

NOTE: This Operator’s Manual covers several garden tiller

models. The tiller depicted may differ from yours.

Tine Clutch Control

The clutch control lever is located on the upper handle.
Squeezing the lever against the handle engages the tine drive.
Release the lever to stop the tines from turning.

Handlebar Height Adjustment

The handlebar height is adjustable to three different settings. In
general, adjust the handlebars so they are at waist level when the

tines are 3-4” in the ground.

Tines

Depth Stake

The depth stake acts as a brake for the tiller and controls the
depth and speed at which the machine will operate.

Rear Wheels with Depth Stake

The rear wheels can be raised and lowered for transport and

storage. Refer to the Maintenance & Adjustments Section for
instructions on depth stake adjustment and the Assembly & Set-

Up Section for instructions on wheel adjustment.

Engine Controls

Refer to the engine manual for information and function of the
engine controls.

8

Operation

54 32 1

5

WARNING! Read, understand, and follow all

instructions and warnings posted on the machine, in
this manual and in the separate engine manual
before operating.

WARNING! Be sure no one other than the operator

is standing near the tiller while starting the engine
or operating the unit. Never run the engine indoors
or in enclosed, poorly ventilated areas. Engine
exhaust contains carbon monoxide, an odorless and
deadly gas. Keep hands, feet, hair and loose clothing
away from any moving parts on the engine and the
tiller.

Starting & Stopping the Engine

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

1. Check unit for loose or missing hardware. Service as
required.

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

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

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

WARNING! GASOLINE IS HIGHLY FLAMMABLE AND

ITS VAPORS ARE EXPLOSIVE. Follow the gasoline
safety rules in the Important Safe Operations
Practices section of this manual. Failure to follow
gasoline safety instructions can result in serious
personal injury and property damage.

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

6. Attach the spark plug wire to the spark plug.

WARNING! Never run the engine indoors or in an

enclosed, poorly ventilated area. Engine exhaust
contains carbon monoxide, an odorless and deadly
gas. Avoid the engine muffler and nearby areas.
Temperatures in these areas may exceed 150° F.

7. Release all of the controls on the tiller.

8. Start and stop the engine as instructed in the Engine
Operator’s Manual

The working depth of the machine may be predetermined by
setting the depth stake so that the wheels are about four inches
from the ground when the tines and depth stake are resting on
the ground. This setting will permit a working depth of about
four inches. When presetting the working depth, the handles
should be adjusted so the hand grips are a little above the waist.
The tiller will be lower when the tines and depth stake penetrate
the ground.

For tilling, the depth stake must be lowered and the wheels
must be raised. See Fig. 5-1.

Figure 5-1

When tilling, leave approximately eight inches of untilled soil
between the first and second tilling paths, then make the third
path between the first and second. See Fig. 5-2.

Using Your Tiller

Your tiller is designed for seed bed preparation, cultivating,
furrowing, and mulching.

Controlling Tilling and Depth Speed

By increasing the depth of the depth stake, the forward speed
of the machine is reduced and the working depth is increased.
When the depth stake is raised, the working depth of the
machine is reduced and the forward speed is increased.

9

Figure 5-2

In some soils, the desired depth is obtained the first time over
the garden. In other soils, the desired depth is obtained by going
over the garden two or three times. Passes should be made
across the length and width of the garden alternately. Rocks
which are turned up should be removed from the garden area.

Handle Pressure

Further control of tilling depth and travel speed can be obtained
by variation of pressure on the handles. A downward pressure
on the handles will reduce the working depth and increase the
forward speed. An upward pressure on the handles will increase
the working depth and reduce the forward speed. The type of
soil and working conditions will determine the actual setting of
the depth stake and the handle pressure required.

Cultivating

For cultivating, a two to three inch depth is desirable. With
the outer tines installed (Series 240), the working width of the
machine is 22 or 24 inches. The working width of Series 220
machines is fixed at 16 inches

For cultivation, the tine width can be reduced to 13 inches
(Series 240), by removing the outer tines, refer to the Adjustment
Section. When laying out plant rows, be sure to allow enough
width to permit cultivation between the rows. In growing corn or
similar crops, check-row planting will permit cross cultivation and
practically eliminate hand hoeing, Fig. 5-3.

For proper decaying action, fertilizer should be applied and
worked in with the mulch materials. Breaking up leaves and straw
and mixing it with several inches of soil allows proper aeration of
the plant root system and retards the growth of weeds.

Transporting and Storing the Tiller

To transport the tiller, lower the wheels and move the depth
stake to the highest position. See Fig. 5-4.

Figure 5-3

The tiller has many uses other than tilling and cultivating a
garden. One of these is the preparation of lawn area for seeding.
The tiller will prepare a deep seed bed which will be free of hard
untilled spots, allowing a better stand of grass to grow. The tiller
is very useful for loosening hard soil for excavation with a shovel;
No tedious handwork will be necessary. Your tiller may be used
for mixing compost in the pile or for mixing it with the soil in
your garden. This should be done after the soil has been broken
to the full working depth. The compost should be worked in
to a depth of six to seven inches. This may be done by working
the length of the garden and then by making separate passes
across its width. The addition of decayed organic matter will
substantially increase the fertility of your garden.

Figure 5-4

To store the tiller, lower the wheels and orient the depth stake so
both are touching the ground. See Fig. 5-5.

Figure 5-5

10 Section 5— operation