Troy-Bilt TB154 User Manual
Operator’s Manual
Electric Garden Cultivator
TB154
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS
For service call 1-800-828-5500 in the United States, or
1-800-668-1238 in Canada to obtain a list of authorized service
dealers near you. For more details about your unit, visit our
website at www.troybilt.com.
DO NOT RETURN THE UNIT TO THE RETAILER. PROOF OF
PURCHASE WILL BE REQUIRED FOR WARRANTY
SERVICE.
THIS PRODUCT IS COVERED BY ONE OR MORE U.S.
PATENTS. OTHER PATENTS PENDING.
Service on this unit both within and after the warranty period
should be performed only by an authorized and approved
service dealer.
All information, illustrations, and specifications in this manual
are based on the latest product information available at the
time of printing. We reserve the right to make changes at any
time without notice.
Copyright© 2007 MTD SOUTHWEST INC, All Rights Reserved.
WARNING: When using the unit, you must follow
the safety rules. Please read these instructions
before operating the unit in order to ensure the
safety of the operator and any bystanders. Please
keep these instructions for later use.
P/N 769-02952 (01/07)
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Service Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1
Rules for Safe Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
Know Your Cultivator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
Assembly Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
Starting/Stopping Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
Operating Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
Maintenance and Repair Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
Troubleshooting Chart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10
Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10
Warranty Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14
Parts List . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .E12-E13
2
TRAINING
• Read, understand, and follow all instructions on the machine
and in the manual(s) before attempting to assemble and
operate. Be thoroughly familiar with the controls and the proper
use of the cultivator. Keep this manual in a safe place for future
and regular reference and for ordering replacement parts.
• Be familiar with all controls and their proper operation. Know
how to stop the machine and disengage tines quickly.
• Never allow children under 14 years old to operate this
machine. Children 14 years old and over should read and
understand the operation instructions and safety rules in this
manual and should be trained and supervised by a parent.
• Never allow adults to operate this machine without proper
instruction.
• Keep bystanders, helpers, pets, and children at least 50 feet
from the machine while it is in operation. Stop machine if
anyone enters the area.
PREPARATION
• 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.
• Extension Cord—Make sure your extension cord set is in
good condition, is heavy enough to carry the current your
cultivator will draw.
If in doubt, use the next heavier gage cord. The smaller the
gage number, the heavier the cord. An undersized cord will
cause a drop in line voltage resulting in loss of power and
overheating. To reduce the likelihood of disconnection of the
extension cord set from the cultivator, be sure to use the
cord restraint provided.
• If extension cord is damaged in any manner while plugged
in, disconnect extension cord from house receptacle.
• Inspect cultivator cord periodically, and if damaged, have it
repaired by an authorized service facility. Inspect extension
cord periodically and replace if damaged.
• Dress properly. Wear sturdy, rough-soled work shoes and
close-fitting slacks and shirts. Loose fitting clothes or jewelry
can be caught in movable parts. Never operate this machine
in bare feet or sandals. Use of rubber gloves is
recommended when working outdoors. Wear protective hair
covering to contain long hair.
• Wear safety glasses or goggles when operating this unit. Wear a
face or dust mask if the operation is dusty. Such protective equipment is available from your authorized service dealer or retailer.
• Use the right tool. Do not use cultivator for any job except
that for which it is intended.
• Grounding Instructions—The cultivator should be grounded while
in use to reduce the risk of electric shock to the operator. The
cultivator is equipped with a three-conductor cord and a threeprong grounding plug to fit the proper grounding receptacle. The
green (or green and yellow) wire conductor in the cord is the
grounding wire. Never connect the green (or green and yellow)
wire to a live terminal. Your cultivator has a plug as illustrated in
Fig. A. An adapter, illustrated in Fig. C, is available for connecting
plugs as illustrated in Fig. B to two-prong receptacles. The greencolored rigid ear, lug, or the like, must be connected to a
permanent ground, such as a properly grounded outlet box.
• Use only three-wire outdoor extension cords that have threeprong grounding plugs and grounding receptacles that
accept the cultivator’s plug.
• Keep handle dry, clean, and free from oil and grease.
• Fuses—The cultivator should be operated on a 15 or 20
AMP circuit. If difficulty in starting is experienced with a
standard 15 AMP fuse or circuit breaker or the cultivator’s
built-in overload protection switch frequently trips, contact
your nearest authorized service location. Do not use a higher
rated fuse without consulting your power company.
• Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) protection should be
provided on the circuit(s) or outlet(s) to be used for the
cultivator. Receptacles are available having built-in GFCI
protection and may be used for this measure of safety.
• Never attempt to make any adjustments while motor is running.
OPERATION
• Avoid dangerous environment. Don’t use cultivator in damp
or wet locations.
• Don’t use the cultivator in the rain.
• Do not operate cultivator on excessively steep slopes.
• Avoid unintentional starting. Don’t carry plugged-in cultivator
with your hands/fingers on the motor starting controls.
• Do not abuse cord. Never pull or carry the cultivator by cord
or yank the cord to disconnect it from the receptacle. Keep
cord away from heat, oil, and sharp edges.
• If extension cord is damaged in any manner while plugged
in, disconnect extension cord from house receptacle.
• Do not put hands or feet near rotating parts. Contact with
the rotating parts can amputate fingers, hands, and feet.
• Do not operate machine while under the influence of alcohol
or drugs.
• Only operate cultivator in daylight or good artificial light. Don’t
overreach. Keep proper footing and balance and a firm hold
on the handle at all times.
• Stay alert. Watch what you are doing. Use common sense.
Do not operate cultivator when you are tired.
• Don’t force cultivator. It will do a better job and with less
likelihood of a risk of injury if operated at the rate for which it
was designed.
RULES FOR SAFE OPERATION
• IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS •
WARNING:
When using the unit, you must follow
the safety rules. Please read these instructions before
operating the unit in order to ensure the safety of the
operator and any bystanders. Please keep these
instructions for later use.
WARNING: When using electric gardening
appliances, basic safety precautions should always
be followed to reduce the risk of fire, electric shock,
and personal injury, including the following:
WARNING: To reduce risk of electric shock use
only UL Listed extension cord suitable for outdoor
use, such as Type SW-A, SOW-A, STW-A, STOWA, SJW-A, SJOW-A, SJTW-A, or SJTOW-A.
WARNING: Do not change the plug on the
cultivator in any way.
MINIMUM WIRE SIZE FOR EXTENSION CORDS
FOR 120 VOLT APPLIANCES USING 6-10 AMPS
Cord Length (ft.) 25 50 100 150
Wire Size (AWG) 18 16 14 12
Cover of Grounded Outlet Box
Grounding Pin
Adapter
Rigid Ear/
Metal Screw
3
RULES FOR SAFE OPERATION
SAFETY AND INTERNATIONAL SYMBOLS
This operator's manual describes safety and international symbols and pictographs that may appear on this product. Read the
operator's manual for complete safety, assembly, operating and maintenance and repair information.
SYMBOL MEANING
• GARDEN CULTIVATORS – ROTATING
TINES CAN CAUSE SEVERE INJURY
WARNING: Stop the motor, unplug the
extension cord, and allow the tines to stop
before removing tines, or before cleaning or
performing any maintenance. Keep hands
and feet away from rotating tines.
• WARNING - READ OPERATOR'S MANUAL
Read the operator’s manual(s) and follow all
warnings and safety instructions. Failure to do
so can result in serious injury to the operator
and/or bystanders.
SYMBOL MEANING
• SAFETY ALERT SYMBOL
Indicates danger, warning or caution. May be
used in conjunction with other symbols or
pictographs.
• Keep bystanders, helpers, pets, and children at least 50 feet
from the machine while it is in operation. Stop machine if
anyone enters the area.
• Be careful when cultivating in hard ground. The tines may
catch in the ground and propel the cultivator forward. If this
occurs, let go of the handle and do not restrain the machine.
• Never operate the machine at high transport speeds on hard
or slippery surfaces.
• Exercise caution to avoid slipping or falling.
• Look down, behind, and use care when pulling machine
towards you.
• Start the motor according to the instructions found in this
manual and keep feet well away from the tines at all times.
• After striking a foreign object, stop the motor and disconnect
the power cord to prevent accidental starting. Thoroughly
inspect the machine for any damage. Repair the damage
before starting and operating.
• Stop the motor, disconnect the power cord to prevent
accidental starting and wait until the tines come to a
complete stop before unclogging the tines, making any
adjustments, or inspections.
• Use caution when cultivating near fences, buildings and
underground utilities. Rotating tines can cause property
damage or personal injury.
• Do not overload machine capacity by attempting to cultivate
soil too deep or too fast of a rate.
• If the machine should start making an unusual noise or vibration,
stop the motor and disconnect the power cord to prevent
accidental starting. Inspect machine thoroughly for damage.
Repair any damage before starting motor and operating.
• Keep all shields, guards and safety devices in place and
operating properly.
• To avoid an electrical shock hazard, never push or pull the
cultivator over the electrical cord while operating.
• When picking up the cultivator, use the handle provided. Don’t
grasp the tines when picking up or holding the cultivator.
Never pick up or carry machine while the motor is running.
• Use only attachments and accessories approved by the
cultivator manufacturer. Failure to do so can result in
personal injury and/or damage to your cultivator.
• If situations occur which are not covered in this manual, use
care and good judgment.
MAINTENANCE AND STORAGE
• Never tamper with safety devices. Check their proper
operation regularly.
• 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.
• Before leaving the equipment, changing tine width, cleaning,
repairing, making adjustments and the like, stop the motor,
disconnect the power cord to prevent accidental starting and
make certain the tines and all moving parts have stopped.
• Do not wash cultivator with a hose. Avoid getting water on
motor and electrical connections
• Maintain or replace safety and instruction labels, as necessary.
• Follow this manual for safe loading, unloading, transporting,
and storage of this machine.
• Always refer to the operator’s manual for proper instructions
on off-season storage. When not in use, cultivator should be
stored indoors in a dry, and high or locked-up place out of
the reach of children.
• Maintain cultivator with care. Follow instructions for
lubrication and cleaning.
• Check for damaged parts. Before further use, a guard or other
part that is damaged should be carefully checked to determine
that it will operate properly and perform its intended function.
Check alignment of moving parts, binding of moving parts,
breakage of parts, mounting, and any other condition that may
affect its operation. A guard or other part that is damaged should
be properly repaired or replaced by an authorized service center.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS
WARNING: 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.
4
APPLICATIONS
• Cultivating sod and light to medium soil
• Cultivating in garden areas, around trees, etc.
KNOW YOUR CULTIVATOR
Tine Engage
Control
Tine Shield
Tines
Overload
Protection Switch
Starter Button
Handlebar
Wheel
Cord Guide Bar
Cord
Retainer
Front Handle
Wheel Support
Bracket
Handlebar Knob
Cord Outlet
Receptacle
5
ASSEMBLING THE HANDLEBARS
Before you can operate the unit, you must install the
handlebars.
1. When you unpack the unit, hold the handle bar in the
position shown in Figure 1 and slide it onto the lower bars.
2. Align the holes in the handlebar with the holes in the lower
bars and insert the bolts through those holes.
3. Hold the handle in place while screwing the knobs onto
the bolts (Fig. 2).
4. Tighten the knobs to secure the handlebars in place.
NOTE: Do not over-tighten the knobs.
5. Check to make sure the bail is assembled into the switch
assembly (Fig. 1, Inset A).
NOTE: Take care not to pinch the switch cable when
positioning the handlebars.
6. Clip the switch cable to the cable restraint on the lower
bar as shown in Figure 1, Inset B.
Fig. 1
Fig. 2
ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS
WARNING: To prevent serious personal injury,
do not connect electric extension cord to unit until
fully completing cultivator assembly.
A
B
6
USING THE CORD RETAINER
There is an extension cord retainer to prevent the extension
cord from disconnecting during use. The retainer hangs from
the cord guide bar.
NOTE: Do not plug the extension cord into the power source
receptacle until the cord is connected to the cord
retainer and plugged into the unit.
To use the cord retainer:
1. Fold the extension cord in half, forming a tight loop near
the receptacle.
2. Push the loop through the bottom hole in the retainer (Fig. 3).
Fig. 3
Fig. 4
Fig. 5
ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS
3. Slide the loop over the retaining clip and pull down until the
cord fits snugly (Fig. 4).
NOTE: Use a UL-approved extension cord. A 100-foot, 14-
gauge cord is recommended. A 50-foot, 16-gauge
cord is acceptable.
The cord retainer keeps the extension cord safely to the side of
the operator by sliding to the left and right on the guide bar as
the unit is moved. Connect your extension cord to the unit as
shown in Figure 3.
7
STARTING INSTRUCTIONS
Connecting to an Electrical Power Source
NOTE: Connect your extension cord to the cultivator as
instructed on the previous page prior to plugging your
extension cord into an electrical outlet.
1. Plug your extension cord into any convenient (indoor or
outdoor) 120-volt, 60-cycle AC grounded outlet or
receptacle. Your cultivator will operate satisfactorily on a
circuit with a 15 ampere breaker.
NOTE: To avoid tripping circuit breakers, select an outlet on a
circuit that is not overloaded. Do NOT select an outlet that
is on a circuit hosting appliances such as a refrigerator.
2. Stand behind the cultivator, in the operating position.
3. Pivot the cultivator slightly toward the rear, so that its
weight is resting on the wheels and the tines are NOT in
contact with the ground
4. Depress the (red) starter button and hold it in (Fig. 6, no. 1).
NOTE: Starting the cultivator's motor also starts tillingaction.
5. While holding the starter button in, pivot the bail upward
against the handle (Fig. 6, no. 2) to start the motor and
engage the tines.
NOTE: The cultivator's motor will NOT start if you fail tohold
the starter button in while pivoting the bailupward.
6. Release the (red) starter button and grasp the handle and
bail together with both hands (Fig. 7).
STOPPING INSTRUCTIONS
1. Release the bail.
2. The starter button will pop out, the bail will pivot
downward and the motor will stop.
OVERLOAD PROTECTION SWITCH
This cultivator is equipped with an overload protection switch
to prevent overheating damage to the motor. If the overload
protection switch pops out:
1. Release the bail and do NOT re-start the cultivator for at
least one minute, allowing for the electric motor time to cool.
2. Press the overload protection switch inward to reset (Fig. 6,
no. 3).
If the overload protection switch pops out shortly after
resetting:
1. Release the bail and do NOT re-start the cultivator for at least
15 minutes to allow the electric motor extra time to cool.
2. Press the overload protection switch inward to reset.
3. Restart unit.
NOTE: If the overload protection switch pops out repeatedly
during operation or will not remain in when attempting to
reset, contact your Sears Parts and Repair Center to
arrange for repair.
STARTING / STOPPING INSTRUCTIONS
WARNING: Avoid accidental starting. Make sure
you are in the operating position behind the
cultivator when using it. To avoid serious injury, the
operator and unit should be in a stable position
while starting.
Fig. 6
Fig. 7
8
ADJUSTING THE WHEEL SUPPORT BRACKET
To adjust the wheel support bracket, proceed as follows:
1. Remove cotter pin from the clevis pin and slide pin out of
tailpiece bracket (Fig. 8).
2. Slide the wheel support bracket up or down in the tailpiece,
aligning the holes to the desired height.
3. Place the clevis pin through the hole and secure with a
cotter pin.
Fig. 8
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
WARNING: Avoid accidental starting. Stop
motor and disconnect extension cord prior to
adjusting the wheel support bracket.
USING YOUR CULTIVATOR
1. Move the cultivator to the work area prior to starting the
motor. Transport the cultivator by pushing or pulling it
along on its wheels. Or you may choose to carry the
cultivator by its front handle.
2. Start the cultivator following all steps under STARTING
INSTRUCTIONS on the previous page.
3. With both hands on the upper handle, slowly pivot the
cultivator forward until the tines make contact with the soil.
4. Once the tines are in the ground, cultivate at a moderate
pace until you are familiar with the controls and the
handling of the cultivator.
NOTE: Be aware of the extension cord's location at all times.
Never allow the cultivator's tines to come into contact with
the extension cord while operating.
5. To adjust the cultivating depth, adjust the wheel support
bracket. See Adjusting The Wheel Support Bracket.
NOTE: For cultivation, a two to three inch depth is desirable.
When laying out plant rows, be sure to allow enough width
to permit cultivation between the rows.
WARNING: Never pick up or carry the unit while
the engine is running. Serious personal injury
could result
WARNING: Avoid risk of injury. Keep the
extension cord clear of the tilling path at all times.
Do not allow the tines to contact the extension cord
9
Fig. 13
REMOVING AND REPLACING TINES
Cultivator tines are subject to wear and should be replaced if
any signs of damage are present. Tines should also be
removed and cleaned after each use.
To replace the cultivator's tines:
1. Remove the click pin found at the end of each tine shaft.
NOTE: Each tine assembly is stamped either "A" or "B" (Fig.
9). Note each tine's location on the shaft for easier
reassembly.
MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR INSTRUCTIONS
WARNING: To prevent serious injury, never
perform maintenance or repairs with unit running.
Always service and repair a cool unit.
WARNING: Avoid accidental starting. Stop
motor and disconnect extension cord prior to
performing any maintenance or repairs.
WARNING: Cultivator tines are sharp. Always
wear leather gloves to protect your hands when
handling tines.
WARNING: Do not wash cultivator with a hose.
Avoid getting water on motor and electrical
connections.
Bell Side
of Tines
Gearbox
Click Pin
Hubs
2. Carefully remove each tine assembly from the tine shafts.
3. Wipe each tine shaft clean with a damp cloth and apply a
light coat of oil (i.e. 3-N-One) or silicon-based lubricant to
each shaft. Do NOT use WD-40.
4. Rinse each tine assembly with water and thoroughly dry
each it before placing on tine shaft.
5. Re-insert each click pin to secure the tine assemblies in
place.
Tips for Replacing Tines
• Each tine shaft holds one tine assembly stamped "A" and
one tine assembly stamped "B".
• The bell sides of both tine assemblies (on each shaft)
should face each other (Fig. 9).
• The hub of each tine assembly (Fig. 9) should face outward
(away from the cultivator's gearbox).
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