Safe Operation Practices • Set-Up • Operation • Maintenance • Service • Troubleshooting • Warranty
OperatOr’s Manual
Front Tine Tiller — Model Series 390
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.
NOTE: This Operator’s Manual covers several models. Features may vary by model. Not all features in this manual are applicable to all
models and the model depicted may differ from yours.
TROY-BILT LLC, P.O. BOX 361131 CLEVELAND, OHIO 44136-0019
Printed In USA
Form No. 769-11097
(September 15, 2015)
To The Owner
Thank You
Thank you for purchasing this product. 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 & Operation .............................................10
Maintenance & Service .........................................13
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 number, 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.
Troubleshooting .....................................................16
Replacement Parts .................................................17
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 front right corner of the tine shield. This information
will be necessary, should you seek technical support via our web
site, Customer Support Department, or with a local authorized
service dealer.
Model NuMber
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, want to order replacement parts/attachments/accessories, or want to view an online How-To video; you can
seek help from the experts. Have your full model number and serial number ready. Choose from the options below:
◊ Web: www.troybilt.com/equipment/troybilt
◊ Phone: (800) 828-5500
◊ Mail: 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
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.
• Use only an approved gasoline container.
• 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
• 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.
• 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.
• Extinguish all cigarettes, cigars, pipes and other
sources of ignition.
• Never fuel machine indoors.
• Never remove gas cap or add fuel while the engine
is hot or running. Allow engine to cool at least two
minutes before refueling.
• Never over fill fuel tank. Fill tank to no more than ½
inch below bottom of filler neck to allow space for
fuel expansion.
• Replace gasoline cap and tighten securely.
• If gasoline is spilled, wipe it off the engine and
equipment. Move unit to another area. Wait 5
minutes before starting the engine.
• 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.
• 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.
4 Section 2 — important Safe operation practiceS
9. If the fuel tank has to be drained, do this outdoors.
10. Observe proper disposal laws and regulations for gas, oil,
etc. to protect the environment.
11. According to the Consumer Products Safety Commission
(CPSC) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA),
this product has an Average Useful Life of seven (7) years,
or 130 hours of operation. At the end of the Average Useful
Life have the machine inspected annually by an authorized
service dealer to ensure that all mechanical and safety
systems are working properly and not worn excessively.
Failure to do so can result in accidents, injuries or death.
Notice Regarding Emissions
Engines which are certified to comply with California and federal
EPA emission regulations for SORE (Small Off Road Equipment)
are certified to operate on regular unleaded gasoline, and
may include the following emission control systems: Engine
Modification (EM), Oxidizing Catalyst (OC), Secondary Air
Injection (SAI) and Three Way Catalyst (TWC) if so equipped.
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.
5Section 2 — important Safe operation practiceS
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.
6 Section 2 — important Safe operation practiceS
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS!
Assembly & Setup
Forward Clutch Cable
Reverse Clutch Cable
A
B
1
2
3
Contents of Carton
• Tiller (1) • Handlebar Assembly (1) • Depth Gauge Assembly (1)
• Operator’s Manual (1) • Engine Operator’s Manual (1) • 20 oz. Bottle 10w30 Oil (1)
3
Assembly
References to the right and left side of tiller are observed from
the operating position.
Handle
1. Identify the forward and reverse clutch cables. See Figure 3-1.
3. Hook the “Z” end of the reverse clutch cable (B) into the
reverse tine engagement lever. See Figure 3-2.
4. Remove the hex bolt and cupped washer from the right
side of the frame. Hold the cable guide bracket on the left
side of the frame as it will fall when the bolt is removed.
Step 1 in Figure 3-3.
Figure 3-1
NOTE: Be sure not to kink cables while attaching.
2. Hook the “Z” end of the forward clutch cable (A) into the
forward tine engagement lever. See Figure 3-2.
Figure 3-2
Figure 3-3
5. Insert the handle into the tiller frame as shown in Step 2 of
Figure 3-3.
6. Insert the bolt through the cupped washer, frame, handle
and into the cable guide bracket (note the notch in the
cable guide bracket goes over the flange on the frame.)
Step 3 in Figure 3-3.
7
7. Tighten the bolt securely after securing the handle brace.
Carriage Bolt
Handle
Brace
Bell Washer
Hand Knob
Depth Stake
Assembly
Hex Bolts
Hex Bolts
Depth Stake
Assembly
Clevis
Pin
Cotter
Pin
Wh eel Yoke
Depth
Stake
See Figure 3-4.
Figure 3-4
8. Locate the carriage bolt, bell washer and hand knob
packed with your tiller.
9. Insert the carriage bolt through the welded bracket on the
handle, bell washer, handle brace and into the hand knob.
See Figure 3-4.
10. Select one of the three handle height positions (three
notches in the welded handle bracket) and tighten the
hand knob to secure the handle in the desired position. See
Figure 3-4. Return to the lower handle and tighten the hex
bolt securely.
Depth Gauge
1. Remove the two hex bolts from the depth stake assembly.
See Figure 3-5.
2. Insert the depth stake assembly into the frame and reinstall
the two hex bolts removed in step 1. Tighten the hex bolts
securely. See Figure 3-6.
Figure 3-6
3. Secure the pin with the clip. The depth stake can be placed
at various positions. For setup purposes it is suggested that
the depth stake be assembled with the stake just above
or level with the ground surface. For further instructions
on the Depth Stake refer to the Operation Section of this
manual.
Adjustments
Wheels
The tiller is shipped with the wheels adjusted so that the
machine sits level. The wheels need to be adjusted to meet
your tilling needs before operation. This adjustment is made
by removing the clevis pin from the wheel yoke and raising the
wheels to the desired height. See Figure 3-7.
8 Section 3— ASSembly & Setup
Figure 3-5
Figure 3-7
Clutch Cables Adjustment
Hex Nut
Cable Collar
Before operating the tiller the adjustment of the forward and
reverse drive cables must be checked.
1. Disconnect and ground the spark plug wire against the
engine.
2. Adjust either the forward or reverse clutch cable by
loosening the hex nut. See Figure 3-8.
Figure 3-8
3. Turn the cable collar section one or two turns to increase or
decrease tension on the cable. See Figure 3-8.
4. Retighten the lock nut against the cable collar. See Figure
3-8.
5. With the forward and reverse tine engagement handles in
the neutral — released — position, pull the starter rope
several times. The tines should not turn.
6. If they turn forward, adjust the forward tine engagement
cable to release tension using the previous steps in this
section. If the tines turn toward the rear, adjust the reverse
tine engagement cable to lesson the tension as with
previous steps.
7. Check again for correct tension on the cables.
8. After tilling, if the tines stop moving, re-adjust the cables.
Set-Up
Gas & Oil Fill-Up
Service the Engine with gasoline and oil as instructed in the
separate Engine Operator’s 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 the machine
indoors or while the engine is hot or running.
9Section 3 — ASSembly & Setup
Controls & Operation
Reverse Tine
Engagement Lever
Handle
Tiller Tines
End Cap
Depth Gauge
Handle Knob
Forward Tine
Engagement Lever
4
Engine Controls
See the separate Engine Operator’s Manual for information and
functions of the engine controls.
Forward Tine Engagement Lever
The forward tine control lever is located beneath the upper
section of the handle. Squeezing the lever against the handle
engages the tine drive. Release the lever to stop the tines.
Reverse Tine Engagement Lever
The reverse tine control lever is located on top of the upper
section of the handle. Pulling the lever toward the operator
engages the tines in reverse. Release the lever to stop the tines.
NOTE: Never engage both the forward and reverse tine drives at
the same time. Engaging both forward and reverse tine drives
at the same time could damage the belt drives and cause the
engine to stall.
10
Depth Gauge
The depth gauge controls the tilling depth.
Tines & End Caps
Tilling tines and end caps are used to cultivate, furrow and
prepare your garden for seeding. End caps are used to avoid
tilled soil from overflowing onto unwanted areas.
Handle Knob
The handle height may be adjusted. Loosen the knob to change
the position. Tighten the hardware when complete.
Starting & Stopping the Engine
WARNING! Read, understand, and follow all the
instructions and warnings posted on the machine
and in this manual before operating.
WARNING! Be sure no one is standing in front of
the tiller while the engine is running or being
started.
Attach the spark plug wire to the spark plug. Make sure the metal
cap on the end of the spark plug is fastened securely over the
metal tip on the spark plug and refer to the Engine Operator’s
Manual for starting and stopping instructions.
NOTE: Disconnect the spark plug wire and ground it to prevent
accidentally starting the tiller while it is unattended.
Setting the Depth
Yoke Forward
Place the wheel yoke so that the wheels are facing forward (angled
toward the tines) for shallow tilling, cultivating and transport. See
Figure 4-1.
Yoke Back
Place the wheel yoke so that the wheels are toward the rear (angled
toward the depth stake) for deep tilling and cultivating. See Figure 4-2.
Figure 4-2
Depth Gauge
The depth gauge acts as a brake for the tiller and controls the
depth and speed at which the machine will operate. Remove the
clevis pin and hairpin clip to raise or lower the depth stake. See
Figure 4-3.
Figure 4-1
Figure 4-3
11Section 4 — controlS & operation
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