Troy-Bilt BRONCO 12209, 12217, Super BRONCO 12210, TUFFY 12217, Super TUFFY 12208 Owner's Manual

Models

12217- 3.5HPTUFFY®
12208- 4.5HPSuperTUFFY®

12209- 5.5HP BRONCOTM
12210- 6.5HP SuperBRONCOTM

GARDEN WAY INCORPORATED

Owner'sManual

TILLERS

• Safety

• Assembly

• Controls

• Operation

• Maintenance

• PartsList

Model
122O8

Model

Model
12210

DearOwner:

You now own one of thefinest standard-rotating-tine tillers

available.Your newtiller allows you to till and cultivateyour
gardenwith ease,and accomplish dozensof other property
managementprojects as well. Yourtiller is famous for its
ruggedness,performance and high-quality engineering. We

know you'll enjoy using it.
Pleasecarefully readthis Manual. It tells you how to safely

and easilyassemble,operateand maintainyour machine
(four tiller models are covered in this Manual ... be sureto

useonly the information appropriateto your tiller model).

Besure thatyou andany other operatorscarefully follow
the recommendedsafety practices at alltimes. Failure to

do so could result inpersonal injury or property damage.

Ofcourse, if you should ever haveany problems or
questions, pleasecontactyour local authorizeddealer or
callthe Factory (see backcover of this Manual). We want to
be surethat you arecompletely satisfied at all times.

NOTE: Besure to fill out and returnthe Warranty Registra-

tion Cardthat was supplied with this Manual.

See Back Cover for

Customer Service Information

Safety Alert Symbol

,_. This isa safetyalert symbol. It is used in this

manual and onthe unit to alert you to
potential hazards. When you seethis symbol,

read andobey the messagethat follows it.
Failureto obey safetymessagescould result in personal
injury or property damage.

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 product contains
chemicals known to the State of California to cause

cancer, birth defects or other reproductive harm.

TableofContents

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

SafetyDecals .................................................................... 5

SECTION2: ASSEMBLY....................................... 6

AttachHandlebar............................................................... 7

Move Tiller Off Shipping Platform...................................... 7

Install ForwardClutch Cable.............................................. 8

Install ReverseClutchCable(Models 12209/12210) ......... 9

CheckLevelof Transmission GearOil................................ 9

Add Motor 0il to Engine..................................................... 9

CheckHardwarefor Tightness........................................... 9

CheckAir PressureinTires................................................ 9

SECTION3: FEATURES& CONTROLS........................ 10

WheelDrive Pins............................................................... 10

Forward Clutch Bail............................................................ 11

ReverseClutch Control (Models 12209/12210) ................. 11

Depth Regulator................................................................. 12

HandlebarHeight Adjustment............................................ 12

SECTION4: OPERATION...................................... 13

Break-in Operation............................................................. 13

Starting andStopping the Engine...................................... 13

Operatingthe Tiller ............................................................ 14

TillingTips & Techniques.................................................. 16

Power Composting ............................................................ 18

Loading and Unloadingthe Tiiier ....................................... 18

SECTION5: MAINTENANCE.................................. 19

Required MaintenanceSchedule........................................ 19

Tiller Lubrication................................................................ 20

Checkfor Oil Leaks............................................................ 20

CheckHardware................................................................. 20

CheckTire Pressure........................................................... 20

Transmission GearOilService........................................... 20

Bolo Tines.......................................................................... 21

Checkingand Adjusting Forward Drive BeltTension.......... 22

Forward ClutchBailAdjustment......................................... 22

Checkingand Adjusting ReverseDrive Belt

Tension (Models 12209/1221g)...................................... 23

Engine Cleaning................................................................. 23

Air CleanerService............................................................. 23

Engine OilService............................................................. 24

Spark Plug Service............................................................. 24

SparkArrester ScreenService........................................... 24

Carburetor/Governor Control Adjustments ........................ 24

Off SeasonStorage............................................................ 24

Troubleshooting................................................................. 25

Tiller Attachments............................................................. 25

PARTSLIST ..................................................... 26

CUSTOMERSERVICEINFORMATION.............. BackCover

SPARKARRESTERWARNINGTO RESIDENTSOFCALIFORNIAANDSEVERALOTHERSTATES

Under CaIifornialaw, and underthe laws of severalother states,you arenot permitted to operatean
internal combustion engineusing hydrocarbonfuels on anyforest, brush, hay, grain, or grass

covered land; or Iand coveredbyany flammable agricultural crop without an enginespark attester in
continuous effectiveworking order.

Theengine onthe unit is an internal combustion enginewhich burns gasoline, ahydrocarbon fuel, andmust beequippedwith a
spark arrester muffler in continuous effectiveworking order. The spark arrester must beattachedto the engineexhaust system in

such amanner that flames or heatfrom the system will not ignite flammable material. Failureof the owner/operator of the unit to
comply with this regulation is amisdemeanor underCalifornia law (and other states) andmay also be a violation of other state

and/or federal regulations,laws, ordinances or codes. Contactyour localfire marshal or forest service for specificinformation
aboutwhich regulationsapply inyour area.

Training

1. Carefully readthis
Owner's Manual,the

separateEngineOwner's
Manual,and anyother literatureyou may

receive.Bethoroughly familiar with the
controls and the proper useof the tiller
and its engine. Know how to stop the unit
and disengagethe controls quickly.

2. Never allow children to operatethe
tiller. Neverallowadults to operate the

tiller without proper instruction.

3. Keepthe areaof operationclear of all
persons, particularly children and pets.

4. Keepin mind that the operator or user
is responsible for accidents or hazards

occurring to other people,their property,

and themselves.

Preparation

1. Thoroughly inspectthe areawhere the

tiller isto be usedand remove allforeign
objects.

2. Besure all tiller controls are released

and both wheelsare in the WheelDrive
position beforestarting the engine.

3. Do not operate the tiller without

wearing adequateouter garments.Avoid
loose garments or jewelry that could get
caught inmoving parts.

4. Do not operatethe tiller when barefoot
or wearing sandals,sneakers,or light

footwear. Wear protectivefootwear that
will improve footing on slippery surfaces.

5. Donot till near undergroundelectric
cables,telephone lines, pipesor hoses. If

in doubt, contact your telephone or utility

company.

6. Warning: HandlefueI with care;it is
highly flammable and its vaporsare

explosive. Besure to take the following
precautions:

a,

b,

StorefueI in containers specifically

designedfor this purpose,

Thegascap shall neverbe removed

or fuel addedwhile the engineis

running. Allow the engineto coot

for several minutes beforeadding
fuel.

C.

Keepmatches, cigarettes, cigars,

pipes, openflames,and sparks
awayfrom the fuel tankand fuel

container.

d. Fillfuel tank outdoors with extreme

care. Neverfill fuel tank indoors.
Use afunnel or spout to prevent

spillage.

e. ReplacealI fuel tankand container

caps securely.

I. If fuel is spilled, do not attempt to

start the engine,but movethe
machine awayfrom the areaof

spillage and avoid creating any
source of ignition until fuel vapors

havedissipated.

7. Nevermakeadjustments when engine
is running (unlessrecommended by
manufacturer).

Operation

1. Do not put handsor feet near or under
rotating parts.

2. Exerciseextremecaution when on or

crossing gravel drives, walks, or roads.
Stay alertfor hidden hazardsortraffic. Do

not carry passengers.

3. After striking a foreign object, stop the

engine, remove the wire from the spark
plug wire andprevent it from touching
the spark plug. Thoroughly inspectthe
machine for any damageand repair the
damage before restartingand operating

the machine.

4. Exercisecautionto avoid slipping or

falling.

5. If the unit should start to vibrateabnor-

mally, stop the engine, disconnect the
spark plugwire and prevent it from
touching the spark plug, andcheck
immediately for the cause.Vibration is
generallya warning of trouble.

6. Stop the engine, disconnectthe spark

plug wire and prevent itfrom touching
the spark plugwheneveryou leavethe

operating position, before unclogging the

tines, or when making any repairs,adjust-

ments or inspections.

Section1: Safety

7. Takeall possible precautions when

leavingthe machine unattended.Stop the
engine. Disconnectspark plug wire and

move itawayfrom the spark plug. Be
sure both wheels are inthe Wheel Drive

position.

8. Beforecleaning, repairing, or inspect-
ing, stop the engineand makecertain all
moving partshavestopped. Disconnect
the spark plugwire and prevent it from
touching the spark plug to prevent acci-
dental starting.

9, Theflap on thetine hood must be

down when operatingthe tiller.

10. Neverusethe tiller unless proper
guards, plates,orother safetyprotective
devicesare in place.

11. Do not run engine inan enclosed
area.Engineexhaustcontains carbon

monoxide gas,a deadlypoison that is

odorless, colorless, andtasteless.

12. Keepchildren and pets away.

13. Heveroperatethe tiller under

enginepoweritthe wheels are in the
Freewheelposition.In the Freewheel

position, the wheels will not hold the tiller
back andthe revolving tines could propel

the ti!ler rapidly, possibly causing toss of
control. Alwaysengagethe wheeIswith
the wheeldrive pins inthe Wheel Drive
position beforestarting the engine or
engaging the tines/wheelswith the

Forward ClutchBail(all Models) or the
ReverseClutch control (Models
12209/12210 only).

14. Be aware that the tiller may unex-
pectedlybounceupwardorjump

forwardif the tinesshouldstrike
extremely hardpackedsoil, frozen

ground,or buriedobstacleslike large
stones,roots,or stumps.If in doubt

aboutthe tillingconditions,alwaysuse
thefollowingoperatingprecautionsto

assistyouin maintainingcontrolofthe
tiller:

a. Walk behindandto oneside ofthe

tiller, usingone handonthe han-

dlebars. Relaxyourarm, butuse a
securehandgrip.

b. Useshallowerdepthregulator

settings,workinggradually
deeperwith eachpass.

c. Useslower enginespeeds.
d. Clear thetilling area ofall large

stones, reotsand otherdebris.

e. Avoidusingdownwardpressure

onhandlebars. If needbe, use
slight upwardpressureto keepthe

tines fromdiggingtoodeeply.

f. Beforecontactinghardpackedsoil

atthe end ofa row, reduce engine
speedandlift handlebarsto raise

tines outofthe soil.

g.

In an emergency,stoptines and

wheels byreleasingwhichever

clutchcontrolis engaged.Do not
attemptto restrainthe tiller.

15. Donot overload the tiller's capacity

by attempting to till too deeplyat too fast
a rate,

16. Neveroperatethe tiller at high
transport speeds onhard or slippery

surfaces. Look behind and usecarewhen
backing up.

17. Donot operatethe tiller on a slope
that is too steepfor safety.When on
slopes, slow down and makesureyou

havegood footing, Neverpermit the tiller

te freewheel down slopes.

18. Neverallow bystanders nearthe unit.

19. Only useattachments and acces-
sories that are approved bythe manufac-

turer of the tiller.

20. Usetiller attachments andacces-
sories when recommended.

21. Neveroperatethetiller without good
visibility or light.

22. Neveroperatethe tiIIer if you are
tired, or under the influence of alcohol,

drugs or medication.

23. Operators shall not tamper with the
engine-governor settings onthe machine;

the governor controls the maximum safe

operatingspeedto protect the engineand
all moving parts from damagecausedby
overspeed. Authorized service shall be
sought if aproblem exists.

24. Do not touch engine partswhich may
be hot from operation. Let parts cool
down sufficiently.

25. Pleaseremember:You canalways
stop thetines and wheels by releasingthe

ForwardClutch Bailor on ModeIs 12209
and 12210the ReverseClutch control,

(whichevercontrol is engaged),or by
moving the ignition switch and/or throttle
control leveron the engineto "OFF"or

"STOP".

26. To loador unloadthetiller, seethe
instructions in Section4 of this Manual.

27. Useextreme caution when reversing
or pulling the machine towards you.

28. Start the engine carefully according to
instructions and withfeet well away from

the tines.

29. Never pick up or carry a machine
while theengine is running.

Maintenance and Storage

1. Keepthetiller, attachments and acces-
sories insafe working condition.

2. Checkall nuts, bolts, and screws at
frequent intervaIsfor proper tightness te

be surethe equipment is in safeworking
condition.

3. Neverstorethe tiller with fuel inthe
fuel tank inside a building where ignition

sources are presentsuch as bet water
and spaceheaters,furnaces, clothes
dryers, stoves, electric motors, etc.).
Allow engineto cool before storing in any

enclosure.

4. To reducethe chancesof afire hazard,
keepthe enginefree of grass, leaves,or

excessivegrease.

5. Store gasolinein a cool, welI-ventilated
area,safelyawayfrom any spark- er
flame-producing equipment. Store
gasoline in anapproved container, safely
away from the reach of children.

6. Referto the Maintenancesections of
this Manualandthe separateEngine

Owner'sManualfor instructions if the

tiller isto be stored for an extended

period.

7. Never performmaintenance while the
engine is running or the spark plug wire

isconnected, exceptwhen specifically
instructed to do so.

8. If the fuel tankhasto be drained, do
this outdoors.

4

Section1: Safety

Decals

Foryour safety and the safetyof
others, various safety andopera-
tional decals arelocated on your
unit (seeFigure1).

Keepthe decals clean and legibleat
all times. Contact your local

servicedealer orthe factory for
replacementsif any decals are

damagedor missing.
Referto the Parts List pagesin this

Manualfor decallocations, descrip-

tions andpart numbers.

ForwardClutchBail

OperatingInstruction

StartingStabilization
Message (onengine)

WarningMessages

ReverseClutchControl

OperatingInstruction

(Models12209/12210)

HotSurfaces/MovingBelts

Warning(onbeltcover)

Figure1: LocationofSafetyand OperatingDecals(5.5HP Model shown),

OperatingSymbols I"1 I÷l

Various symbols (shown here,with word CHOKE CHOKE REVERSE
descriptions)areusedonthetillerandengine. ON OFF

Yourunitmaynothaveallofthesymbols.

FAST SLOW STOP TILLER DIRECTION

R

ROTATING

TINES

LEVERDIRECTION

BAIL

ENGAGED

BAIL

DISENGAGED

TO AVOID SERIOUS INJURY:

• READTHEOWNER'SMANUAL.

• KNOWLOCATIONSAND FUNCTIONSOF ALLCONTROLS,

• KEEPALLSAFETYDEVICESAND SHIELDSIN PLACEANDWORKING.

• NEVERALLOWCHILDRENOR UNINSTRUCTEDADULTSTO OPERATETILLER.

• SHUTOFFENGINEANDDISCONNECTSPARKPLUGWIRE BEFOREMANUALLYUNCLOG-
GINGTINES OR MAKINGREPAIRS.

• KEEPBYSTANDERSAWAYFROM MACHINE.

• KEEPAWAYFROM ROTATINGPARTS.

• USEEXTREMECAUTIONWHENREVERSINGORPULLINGTHEMACHINETOWARDSYOU.

Assembly

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
satety andoperatinginstructionsin this

mannal.

Introduction

Carefullyfollow these assemblysteps to
correctly prepareyour tiller for use. It is

recommendedthat you read this Section
in its entirety before beginningassembly.

NOTE:Various tiller modelsare presented
in this Manual. Use only the information
appropriate for your tiller model.

Inspectunit

Inspectthe unit and cartonfor damage
immediately afterdelivery, Contactthe

carrier (trucking company) if you find or
suspect damage. Inform them of the
damageand request instructions for filing
a claim. To protect your rights, put your

claim inwriting and mail a copy to the
carrier within 15days after the unit has

beendelivered.Contact us atthe factory if
you needassistancein this matter.

STEP1: Unpacking Instructions

NOTE:Becareful notto severely bendany

of the control cableson the unit.

1. Removeanycardboard inserts and
packagingmaterialfrom the carton.
Removeany staplesfrom the bottom of

the carton andremove the carton.

2.Thetiller is heavy(approximately 133
Ibs.). Do not attempt to remove itfrom

the shipping platform until instructed to

do so in these "Assembly" steps.

3. Remove all unassembledpartsand
theseparate hardwarebagfrom the
carton. Checkthatyou havethe items

listed below (contact your local dealeror
the factory if anyitems are missing or
damaged). NOTE: Usethe screw length
template (Fig. 2-1)to identify screws.

LooseParts List

Qty. Description

1 HandlebarSupport (seeA, Fig.2-2,

page7)

1 HandlebarAssembly(seeK, Fig.2-2)

Thefollowing items

are in the hardware bag:

1 Slotted hd. screw,#10-24 x 2"
1 Hexhd. screw, 1/4-20 x 1-1/4"
6 Hex hd.screw, 5/16-18 x 1-1/2"
2 Hex hd.screw, 3/8-16 x 3/4"
2 Flatwasher, 3/8"
6 Split Iockwasher,5/16"
1 Hexlocknut, 1/4"-20
6 Hexnut, 5/16"-18
1 Hex nut, #10-24
2 Hexlocknut, 3/8"-16

1 Spring, cable(seeW, Fig. 2-5,

page8)

1 Bracket, forward clutch cable (see

P, Fig. 2-4, page8)

IMPORTANT:Motor oil must be addedto

the engine crankcasebeforethe engineis

started. Followthe instructions in this
"Assembly" Section and in the separate

Engine Owner's Manual

NOTE:LEFTand RIGHTsidesof the tiller
are asviewed from the operator's

position behindthe handlebars.

Tools/MaterialsNeeded

for Assembly

(1) 3/8" open-end wrench*
(2) 7/16" open-end wrench*
(2) 1/2" open-end wrench*

(2) 9/16°open-end wrench*

(1) Large adjustablewrench (Models

12209/12210 only)

(1) Scissors (to trim plastic ties)
(1) Ruler (for belttension check)

(1) Block of wood (to support tiller

when removing wheels)

(1) Tire pressure gauge(for modelswith

pneumatictires)
(1) Cleanoil funnel
(1) Clean.high-quality motoroil. Refer

to the Engine Owner's Manualfor

motor oil specifications and quantity
required,

Adjustable wrenches maybe used.

Figure2-1: Toidentifylengthofscrew,

placescrewontemplateasshownand

measuredistancebetweenbottomofscrew
headandtip ofscrew,

6

Section2: Assembly

STEP2: AttachHandlebar

1. Looselyattach thetwo legs ofthe

handlebar support (A, Fig. 2-2) to the
inner sidesof the tiller frame using two
3/8"-16 x 3/4" bexhd, screws (B), 3/8"flat
washers (C)and 3/8"-16 bex Iocknuts(D).

2. Therearethree heightadjustment holes
in the two handlebar support brackets(E
and F,Fig.2-2). Chooseasetting that will
positionthe handlebarsat approximately

waist levelwhenthe tines are 3"-4"into

the soil. Loosely attachthe support

brackets to the handlebarsupport (A)
using two 5/!6"-18 x 1-1/2" screws (G),
5/16" split Iockwashers(H) and 5/16"-18
bex nuts (I). NOTE:If a support bracket
will not move,loosen attaching screw (J)

and nut.

3. Attach the handlebarassembly (K)to

the handlebar support (A) using four

5/16"-18 × 1-1/2" screws (G), 5/16" split
Iockwashers (H) and5/16"-18 hex nuts (I).

Tighten thefour screws securely.

4. Tighten all handlebarmounting
hardwaresecurely.

STEP3: Move Tiller Off Shipping

Platform

To movethe tiller without the engine

running, putthe wheels in the
FREEWHEELposition, as described below,

1. Useasturdy block under the transmis-

sion to raiseone wheel about !" off the

G

J

"'_B H

C

D

Fig.22: Attachhandlebar(5,5HPModelshown).

G

ground,

2. Removethehairpin cotter (L, Fig.2-3)

and wheeldrive pin (M). Slidethe wheel

inward on the wheel shaft (N). Reinstall

the wheel drive pin through the wheel
shaft only (not through the wheel hub)
and secureit with the hairpin cotter (push
hairpin cotter in as far as it will go).

Repeatwith the other wheel.

3. Usingthe handlebar asa lever, rollthe

tiller to afiat area.
IMPORTANT:Before starting the engine,

the wheels must be placedin the WHEEL
DRIVEposition (pins through wheel hubs
and wheel shaft). This procedure is

described in "Wheel Drive Pins" in
Section 3,

I

N0

\

L

Fig. 2-3: Wheel in FREEWHEELposition
(wheel drivepin throughwheel shaft

only).

Section2: Assembly

STEP4: InstallForwardClutchCable

1. Attachthe forward clutch cablebracket (P,
Fig. 2-4) to the handlebarsupport (A) with a
1/4"-20 x 1-1/4" hexhd. screw (R, Fig. 2-4) and

1/4"-20 hexIocknut (S).Tighten securely,

2. Carefully unwrapthe forward clutch cable
(cablewithout a knob) from its shipping
position andslidethe thin cablewire (T, Fig. 2-

4) into the slot inthe cable bracket, Push the

cableconnector (U, Fig. 2-4) upthrough the

hole inthe bracket until the groove in the
connector snaps into place.

3. Insert the#10-24 x 2" slotted hd. screw (V,
Fig.2-5) into the cablespring (W) until the

screwthreads extendthrough the spring.

4. Threadthe #10-24 hex nut (Z, Fig,2-5)
halfwayonto the screw (V),

5. Threadthe screw into the cableadjuster (X).

6. Hook the cablespring (W, Fig. 2-6) into the
"V"-shaped bendin the Forward Clutch Bail (Y).

7. Checkfor correct tension on the forward
drive belt by taking two measurementsof the

cablespring, asfollows:
a.With the Forward Clutch Bail (Y, Fig.2-6) in

an open(released)position, measurethe
length of the cable spring (W) from the

outermost coil to theoutermost coil,

b. Lift andhold the ForwardClutch Bail against

the handlebar(seeFig. 2-7) and re-measure
the length ofthe coilswhile the spring is

under tension. The belttension is correct if

this secondmeasurement is between 1/!6"-
to- 3/16" longerthanthe first measurement.

If so,turn the hex nut (Z, Fig.2-7) tightly
againstthe cableadjuster (X) while prevent-

ing theadjuster from turning.

c. Ifthe spring length is incorrect, you must

adjust the cabletension as describedin

"Checkingand Adjusting Forward Drive Belt

Tension" in Section 5. Incorrect tension on
the forward drive belt can result in belt

slippage(tension too loose)or un}ntentional

tine movement whenthe clutch bail is in

Neutral (tensiontoo tight).

R

Fig. 2-4: Installing forward clutchcable bracket andcable.

w--[

Z-- V

X--

Fig.2-5:Assemble

springandadjuster.

Fig.2-6. Installforwardclutchcable.

Fig. 2-7: Tocheckforward belt tension, take two measurementsofthe
overall lengthof thecoils in the spring- first with theclutchbail open,
then withtheclutchbait closedagainstthe handlebar.

Section2: Assembly

STEP5: Install ReverseClutch
Cable(Models12209/12210)

1. Unwrapthe reverse clutch cable (cable

with aknob, a largehex nut anda bracket
attachedto it) from its shipping position
and routethe cable (CC,Fig.2-8 andFig.
2-9) upto the handlebar. Besurethat the

cable is routed beneaththe Forward
Clutch Bail.

2. Removethe two self-tapping screws
(AA,Fig.2-8) from the handlebars,
position the reversecable mounting
bracket(BB,Fig. 2-8) as shown, and

reinstall thetwo self-tapping screws.

3. Insertthe cable (CC)through the slot in

the cablebracketand position thethreaded
assembly sothat the flat side is aligned
with the flatside of the mounting hole.
Slide the largehex nut (DD) up thecable
and tighten it securely.

Flat Side

Fig. 2-8: Install reverse cable bracketand
reverseclutchcable.

Fig.2-8: Routereverseclutchcable(CC)as
shown.Attachwithcabletie (EE).

4. Fastenthereverseclutch cable to the
left side handlebarwith a cabletie (EE,

Fig. 2-9).

5. Testthefunction of the reverse clutch
cableby pulling the knob out and

releasingit. Theknob should return to its
neutral position (resting against bracket).

If it doesn't, contact your local dealeror

the factory for technical assistance.

STEP6: CheckLevelof
TransmissionGearOil

Thetransmission was filled with gear oil
atthe factory, However, you should check

the gear oil level to makecertain it is

correct.
IMPORTANT:Do not operatethe tiller if

the gear oil level is low. Doing so will

result in severedamageto the transmis-
sion components.

1. With the tiller on levelground, puII the
Depth RegulatorLever (FF,Fig.2-10)
back andthen a!l the way up until the
lowest notch in the lever is engaged.

2. Removethe oil fill plug (GG,Fig, 2-11)
from the transmission housing cover and

locate the main drive shaft situated inside
the housing.

3. The gear oil levelis correct if the gear
oil isapproximately halfway upthe side of

the main drive shaft.

4. Ifthe gear oil levelis low, add gear oil
by referringto "A. To Checkthe Transmis-
sion GearOilLevel" in Section 5,

STEP7: AddMotorOilto Engine

Thetiller is shipped withoutoil in the

engine.
IMPORTANT: Donot start the engine

without first adding motoroiL Severe
engine damagewill result if the engine is

run without oil.

1. Referto the separate EngineOwner's
Manual for engine oil specificationsand
capacities,

2. With the tiller on levelground, move
the Depth RegulatorLever (FF,Fig. 2-10)
up or down until the engineis level.

3. Add motor oil as described in the
Engine Owner's Manual.

Fig. 2-10: Adjust DepthRegulator Lever.

Fig. 2-11: Removegear oil fill plug.

4. Movethe Depth Regulator Lever all
the way down until the highest notch is

engaged. This placesthe tines in the
"travel" position.

STEP8: Check Hardware for
Tightness

Checkallnutsandscrewsfortightness,

STEP9: CheckAirPressurein
Tires(unitswith pneumatictires)

If the tires are equipped with air valves,
checkthe air pressure with atire gauge.
Deflateor inflatethe tires equallyto 15-

to-20 PSI (pounds per square inch). Be
surethat both tires areinflated equally or
the unit will pull to one side.

IMPORTANT: This completesthe
assembly steps. Beforeoperating your
tiller, makesureyou readthe following

Sections in this Manual,as well as the
separateEngineOwner'sManual:

* Section 1: "Safety"

• Section 3: "Featuresand Controls"

• Section 4: "Operation"

9

FeaturesandControls

Before operating your machine,
carefully read and understand oil

safety, controls and operating instruc-
tions in this Manual, the separate

Engine Owner's Manual, and on the
decalsonthe machine.

Failure to follow these instructionscan
resultin serious personalinjury.

Introduction

This section describes the location and
function of the controls on your tiller.

Refer to the following section
"Operation" for detailedoperating

instructions.
Practice usingthese controls, with the

engine shut off, until you understandthe
operation of the controls andfeel

confident with eachof them.
IMPORTANT:Refer to the separate

engine manufacturer's EngineOwner's
Manualfor information about the

controls on the engine.

Wheel Drive Pins

Never allow either of the wheelsto be
in the FREEWHEELposition when the

engine is running, Always put both
wheels in the WHEEL DRIVE position
beforestartingthe engine.

Failure to comply could cause loss of
tiller control, property damage, or
personalinjury.

Eachwheel is equippedwith a Wheel

Drive Pin(A, Figures 3-2 and 3-3) that
securesthe wheel to the wheel shaft (B).
Thewheels can be positionedin either a

WHEELDRIVEor aFREEWHEELmode.

\

Forward Reverse Clutch

ClutchBail Control(Models

12209/12210)

ulator

Adjustment

DrivePin

(on eachwheel)

Figure3-1: Featuresand controls(5.5HP Model shown)

Beforestarting the engine, put both
wheels inthe WHEELDRIVEposition by

inserting theWheel Drive Pins through
thewheel hubs and the wheelshaft. This

"locks" the wheels to the wheelshaft,
causing thewheelsto turn when either

the Forward Clutch Bailor the Reverse
Clutch Control (Models 12209/1221O)is

engaged.
Usethe FREEWHEELmodeonly when the

engine is not running. In FREEWHEEL,
the WheelDrive Pinsare placedonly
through the holes in the wheel shaft (not

the wheel hubs), thus allowing the wheels
to turn freely whenthe tiller is pushedor

pulled by hand,

To Place theWheels in WHEELDRIVEor

FREEWHEEL:

Do notplace the tiller on its side when
changing the wheel drive positionsas
doing so could result in gasoline

leakingfromthe fuel tank°
Failure to follow this instructioncould

result in personal injury or property
damage.

1. Stop the engine, disconnect the spark
plugwire from the spark plugand allow

the engineto cool,

2. Raiseonewheel off the ground and
placea sturdy support under the

transmission.

3. Removethe hairpin cotter (C, Figures
3-2 and3-3) from the wheeldrive pin (A).

10

Section3: FeaturesandControls

4. FORWHEELDRIVEmode (Figure3-2):

Slidethe wheeloutward andalign the
holes in the wheel hub (D,Figure 3-2) and
the wheeIshaft (B). Insert the wheel drive
pin (A)through the wheel hub andthe
wheelshaft. Securethe wheeldrive pin
with the hairpin cotter (C) by pushingthe

hairpin cotter inas far as it will go. Repeat
for the other wheel andthen removethe

support from beneaththe transmission.

5. FORFREEWHEELmode (Figure3-3):
Slide the wheelinward and insertthe

wheel drive pin (A, Figure3-3) only
through the hole in the wheelshaft (B).
Securethe wheeldrive pinwith the
hairpin cotter (C)by pushingthe hairpin
cotter in as far as it will go. Repeatfor the
other wheel andthen remove the support
from beneaththe transmission.

0 1

Figure3.2: WHEELDRIVEposiUon.

Figure3-3: FREEWHEELposition.

Beforestartingthe engine, be surethat

bothwheels are in the WHEELDRIVE
position. See "Wheel Drive Pins" for

instructions.
Engagingthe ForwardClutchBailor the

ReverseClutchControl(if so equipped)

when the wheels are notin the WHEEL

DRIVEpositioncould allew the tines to
rapidly propel the tiller forward or

backward.
Failure to comply could cause loss of

tiller control, property damage, or

personalinjury.

Forward Clutch Bail

TheForwardClutchBail(E,Figure3-4)
controlstheengagementof forwarddrive

tothewheelsandtines.

To Operatethe ForwardClutchBail:

1. Putthe wheels in the WHEELDRIVE
position(seethe "WARNING" statement

above).

2. Lift and hold the bail against the
handlebar. Thewheels and tines will
rotate ina forward direction.

3. Releasethe bailto disengage(stop)

the wheels andtines. All forward motion
will stop (the engine will continue to run).

Figure3-4:AllmodelshaveaFonverdClutch
Bail(E). OnlyModets1220971_I0havethe

ReverseClutchControl(F).

ReverseClutchControl(Models
12209/12210 only)

The ReverseClutchControl (F, Figure3-4)

controls the engagementof reversedrive

to the wheels and tines. Thisreversing

feature is usedformaneuveringthe
tiller only- neverengagethetines in
the groundwhile going inthe reverse

direction.

To Operatethe Reverse ClutchControl:

• Use extremecautionwhen reversing
or pullingthe machinetowardsyou.

Lookbehind toavoidobstacles.

• Neverattemptto till in reverse.

Failure to follow this warning could
result in personal injury or property
damage.

1. Putthe wheels in the WHEELDRIVE
position (seethe "WARNING"statement

atthe left).

2. Stop all tiller motion by releasingthe
Forward Clutch Bail.

3. Lift up the handlebaruntil the tines
clearthe ground, look behindyouto avoid
any obstacles,and then pull the reverse

clutch control knobout. The wheelsand
tines will rotatein a reversedirection.

4. Releasethe reverseclutch control
knob to disengage (stop) the wheelsand

tines. All reversemotion will stop (the
engine will continueto run).

11