Yard-Man RT65 User Manual
Operator’s Manual
Rear Tine
21A-458B401
Tiller
RT65
IMPORTANT: Read safety rules and instructions carefully before operating equipment.
Warning:
covered, brush-covered or grass-covered land unless the engine’s exhaust system is equipped with a spark arrester meeting
applicable local or state laws (if any). If a spark arrester 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 arrester for the muffler is available through your nearest engine authorized
service dealer or contact the service department, P.O. Box 368022 Cleveland, Ohio 44136-9722.
PRINTED IN U.S.A.
This unit is equipped with an internal combustion engine and should not be used on or near any unimproved forest-
MTD PRODUCTS INC P.O. BOX 368022 CLEVELAND, OHIO 44136-9722
FORM NO.
770-10085C.fm
(9/99)
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Content Page
Important Safe Operation Practices................................................................... 3, 4
Loose Parts ...................................................................................................... 5
Assembling Your Tiller....................................................................................... 6
Know Your Tiller................................................................................................. 8
Operating Your Tiller ..........................................................................................9
Making Adjustments .......................................................................................... 10
Maintaining Your Tiller ....................................................................................... 11
Service............................................................................................................... 11
Off-Season Storage ........................................................................................... 13
Troubleshooting ................................................................................................. 13
Parts List............................................................................................................ 14
FINDING MODEL NUMBER
This Operator’s Manual is an important part of your new Tiller. It will help you assemble, prepare and
maintain the unit for best performance. Please read and understand what it says.
Before you start assembling your new equipment, please locate the model plate on the
equipment and copy the information from it in the space provided below. The information on
the model plate is very important if you need help from our Customer Support Department or
an authorized dealer.
• You can locate the model number by standing in the operating position behind the unit and looking
down at the center of the rear tine cover. A sample model plate is explained below. For future
reference, please copy the model number and the serial number of the equipment in the space below.
Copy the model number here:
Copy the serial number here:
MTD PRODUCTS INC
P.O. BOX 368022
CLEVELAND, OHIO 44136
CALLING CUSTOMER SUPPORT
If you have difficulty assembling this product or have any questions regarding the controls, operation or
maintenance of this unit, please call the Customer Support Department.
Call 1-(800)-800-7310 or 1-(330) 220-4MTD to reach a Customer Support representative.
Please have your unit’s model number and serial number ready when you call. See previous
section to locate this information. You will be asked to enter the serial number in order to
process your call.
2
SECTION 1: 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 YOUR TILLER. FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THESE INSTRUCTIONS MAY RESULT
IN PERSONAL INJURY. WHEN YOU SEE THIS SYMBOL— HEED ITS WARNING.
WARNING: The Engine Exhaust from this product contains chemicals known to the State of
California to cause cancer, birth defects or other reproductive harm.
DANGER: Your tiller was built to be operated according to the rules for safe operation 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 tiller is capable of amputating hands and feet. Failure to observe the following safety
instructions could result in serious injury or death.
GENERAL OPERATION
• Read this operator’s manual carefully in its entirety
before attempting to assemble this machine. Read,
understand, and follow all instructions on the
machine and in the manual(s) before operation. Be
completely familiar with the controls and the proper
use of the machine before operating it. Keep this
manual in a safe place for future and regular
reference and for ordering replacement parts.
• Your tiller is a powerful tool, not a plaything.
Therefore, exercise extreme caution at all times.
Your unit has been designed to perform one job: to
till soil. Do not use it for any other purpose.
• Never allow children under age 14 to operate the
unit. Children 14 years and older should only
operate the unit under close parental supervision.
Only responsible individuals who are familiar with
these rules of safe operation should be allowed to
use your unit.
• Do not operate tiller while under the influence of
alcohol or drugs.
• Keep the area of operation clear of all persons,
particularly small children and pets. Stop the engine
when they are in the vicinity of your tiller.
• Wear sturdy, rough-soled work shoes and close
fitting slacks and shirt. Shirt and slacks that cover
the arms and legs and steel-toed shoes are
recommended. Do not wear loose fitting clothes or
jewelry and secure hair so it is above shoulder
length. They can be caught in moving parts. Never
operate a unit in bare feet, sandals or sneakers.
• Operate tiller only in daylight or good artificial light.
• Do not start tiller unless the shift lever (if provided)
is in the neutral (N) position.
• Do not allow anyone to stand or walk in front of tiller
when starting or running engine.
• Do not place feet or hands on or near the tines
when starting the engine or while the engine is
running.
• Never attempt to make depth bar, tine width, cable,
handle, or wheel adjustments while the engine is
running.
• Do not leave the tiller unattended with the engine
running.
• Before attempting to remove rocks, bricks and
other objects from tines, stop the engine and be
sure the tines have stopped completely. Disconnect
the spark plug wire and move it away from the
spark plug.
• If your machine should start making an unusual
noise or vibration, immediately stop the engine and
allow the machine to come to a complete stop.
Disconnect the spark plug wire and move it away
from the spark plug. Take the following steps:
• Inspect for damage.
• Repair or replace any damaged parts.
• Check for any loose parts and tighten to assure
continued safe operation.
• Muffler and engine become hot and can cause a
burn. Do not touch.
• Keep all shields, guards and safety devices in place
and operating properly.
• Use caution when tilling near fences, buildings and
underground utilities. Rotating tines can cause
damage or injury.
• Do not operate engine if air cleaner or cover over
carburetor air intake is removed, except for
adjustment. Removal of such parts could create a
fire hazard.
• Only use accessories approved for this machine by
the manufacturer. Read, understand, and follow all
instructions provided with the approved accessory.
3
• If situations occur which are not covered by this
manual, use care and good judgment. Contact your
dealer for assistance.
CHILDREN
• Tragic accidents can occur if the operator is not
alert to the presence of small children. Children are
often attracted to the tilling activity. Never assume
that children will remain where you last saw them.
• Keep children out of the work area and under the
watchful eye of a responsible adult other than the
operator.
• Be alert and turn the unit off if a child enters the
area.
• Never allow children under the age of 14 to operate
the tiller.
SERVICE
• Use extreme care in handling gasoline and other
fuels. They are extremely flammable and the
vapors are explosive.
• Store fuel and oil in approved containers, away
from heat and open flame, and out of the reach of
children. Check and add fuel before starting the
engine. Never remove gas cap or add fuel while the
engine is running. Allow engine to cool at least two
minutes before refueling.
• Replace gasoline cap securely and wipe off any
spilled gasoline before starting the engine as it may
cause a fire or explosion.
• Extinguish all cigarettes, cigars, pipes and other
sources of ignition.
• Never refuel unit indoors because flammable
vapors will accumulate in the area.
• Never store the machine or fuel container inside
where there is an open flame or spark such as a
gas hot water heater, space heater, clothes dryer or
furnace.
• Never run your machine in an enclosed area as the
exhaust from the engine contains carbon
monoxide, which is a odorless, tasteless and
deadly poisonous gas.
• To reduce fire hazard, keep engine and muffler free
of leaves, grass, and other debris build-up. Clean
up fuel and oil spillage. Allow unit to cool at least 5
minutes before storing.
• Before cleaning, repairing, or inspecting, make
certain the tines and all moving parts have stopped.
Disconnect the spark plug wire and keep wire away
from spark plug to prevent accidental starting. Do
not use flammable solutions to clean air filter.
• We do not recommend the use of pressure
washers to clean your unit. They may cause
damage to electric components, spindles, pulleys,
bearings or the engine. The use of pressure
washers will result in shortened life and reduce
serviceability.
• Keep all nuts, bolts, and screws tight to be sure the
equipment is in safe working condition.
• Never tamper with safety devices. Check their
proper operation regularly.
• Do not alter or tamper with the engine’s governor
setting. The governor controls the maximum safe
operating speed of the engine. Overspeeding the
engine is dangerous and will cause damage to the
engine and to other moving parts of the machine.
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.
Figure 1 Safety labels found on your unit
4
SECTION 2: LOOSE PARTS
Handle
Assembly
Control
Rod
Depth
Stake
Assembly
NOTE: Cable tie not shown.
5
SECTION 3: ASSEMBLING YOUR TILLER
IMPORTANT:
GASOLINE or OIL. After assembly, see separate
engine manual for proper fuel and engine oil
recommendations.
NOTE: Left and right is determined from the operator’s
position, standing behind the tiller.
The Engine is shipped WITHOUT
TOOLS REQUIRED FOR ASSEMBLY
Adjustable Wrenches
Pair of Pliers
Screw Driver
TO REMOVE UNIT FROM CARTON
• Remove staples, break glue on top flaps, or cut
tape at carton end and peel along top flap to open
carton.
• Remove loose parts included with unit (i.e.,
operator’s manual, bottle of oil,etc.).
• Cut corners and lay carton down flat.
• Remove packing material.
• Roll or slide unit out of carton. Check carton
thoroughly for loose parts.
• Extend control cable and lay on the floor. Be careful
not to bend or kink control cable.
ATTACHING DEPTH STAKE ASSEMBLY
• Tip the tiller forward so it rests on front
counterweight.
• Raise the tine shield hinge flap assembly. Remove
"T" knob, flat washer and hex bolt from depth stake.
Insert the depth stake assembly in front of spacer
(under the tine shield) and up through the tine
shield assembly as shown in Figure 2.
• Insert clevis pin through the tine shield and the
second hole from top of the depth stake. Secure
with hairpin clip.
• Insert hex bolt into the top hole of the depth stake
assembly. Place flat washer on hex bolt and thread
“T” knob onto the hex bolt. See Figure 2. Tighten
securely.
• Tip the tiller back down so it rests on the depth
stake (transport position).
ATTACHING THE HANDLE ASSEMBLY
Remove
Handle
Ass’y
T-Knob Hex Bolt
Depth
Washer
Depth Stake
StakeStake
Figure 2
T-Knob
Hex Bolt
Washer
Handle
Bracket
Clevis Pin
Hairpin Clip
Figure 3
• Remove top two bolts and flange lock nuts from
handle mounting brackets as shown in Figure 3. Do
not remove the bottom bolt and nut.
• Place handle assembly in position between the
handle mounting brackets. See Figure 3.
• Line up holes in handle with holes in handle
mounting brackets. Secure with hardware removed
in step 1.
6
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