Troybilt 21A 682J063 User Manual TILLER Manuals And Guides L0403124

TROYBILT Rear Tine, Gas Tiller Manual L0403124 TROYBILT Rear Tine, Gas Tiller Owner's Manual, TROYBILT Rear Tine, Gas Tiller installation guides

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TRnV BILT
Operator's Manual

Rear-tine

PTO Tiller Models
682J--Horse TM
E682L--Horse TM

Model 682J Shown

IMPORTANT:READ

SAFETY

RULES AND INSTRUCTIONS

CAREFULLY

Warning: This unit 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 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 by contacting the service department at Troy-Bilt LLC, P.O. Box 361131 Cleveland, Ohio 44136-0019.

TROY-BILT
PRINTED

IN USA

LLC, P.O. BOX 361131, CLEVELAND,

OH 44136-0019
FORM NO. 770-10598A
(01/2002)

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Content

Page

Calling Customer Support ....................................................

2

Safety ...................................................................

3

Assembly .................................................................

6

Features and Controls .......................................................

11

Operation

14

................................................................

Maintenance ..............................................................

28

Troubleshooting

41

...........................................................

Attachments & Accessories

..................................................

43

Parts List .................................................................

44

Warrany Information ........................................................

Back Cover

FINDING MODEL NUMBER
This Operator's Manual is an important part of your new Rear-tine 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. This information is very important if you need help from our Customer
Support Department or an authorized dealer.
You can locate the model number by looking at the rear surface of the tine shield. 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 Model Number Here

•

Copy Serial Number Here

O BILT"

TROY-BILT
LL(
P. O. BOX 361131

www.troybilt.com

CL_E_ND, OH_136
330-558-7220
866-840-648_

ENGINEINFORMATION
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 unit for more information.

CALLINGCUSTOMERSUPPORT
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.

your unit's model number and serial number ready when you call. See previous section to locate this
Call 1- (330) 558-7220 or 1- (866) 840-6483 to reach a Customer Support representative. Please have
information. You will be asked to enter the serial number in order to process your call.

2

n

Safety

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.

Safety Alert Symbol

manual
on the
to alertItyou
to in this
This
is aand
safety
alertunit
symbol.
is used
potential hazards. When you see this symbol,
read and obey the messagethat follows it.
Failureto obey safety messages could result in personal
injury or property damage.

WARNING

,_

Training
1. Carefully read this Owner's Manual, the
separate Engine Owner's Manual, and any
other literature you may receive.Be thoroughly familiar with the controls and the
proper use of the tiller and its engine.
Know how to stop the unit and disengage
the controls quickly.
2. Never allow children to operate the
tiller. Never allow adults to operatethe
tiller without proper instruction.
3. Keepthe area of operation clear of all
persons, particularly children and pets.
4. Keep in mind that the operator or user
is responsible for accidents or hazards
occurring to other people,their property,
and themselves.

Preparation
1. Thoroughly inspect the area where the
tiller is to be used and remove all foreign
objects.
2. Put the Wheels/Tines/PTODrive Lever
into NEUTRALbefore starting the engine.
3. Do not operatethe tiller without
wearing adequate outer garments. Avoid
loose garments or jewelry that could get
caught in moving parts.
4. Do not operatethe tiller when barefoot
or wearing sandals, sneakers, or light
footwear. Wear protective footwear that
will improve footing on slippery surfaces.
5. Do not till near underground electric
cables,telephone lines, pipes or hoses. If
in doubt, contact your telephone or utility
company.

The engineexhaustfromthis productcontains
chemicalsknownto the State of Californiato cause
cancer, birth defects or other reproductive harm.

6. Warning: Handlefuel with care; it is
highly flammable and its vapors are
explosive. Be sure to take the following
precautions:
a. Store fuel in containers specifically
designed for this purpose.
b. The gas cap shall never be removed
or fuel added while the engine is
running. Allow the engine to cool
for several minutes before adding
fuel.
c. Keep matches, cigarettes, cigars,
pipes, open flames, and sparks
away from the fuel tank and fuel
container.
d. Fill fuel tank outdoors with extreme
care. Never fill fuel tank indoors.
Use a funnel or spout to prevent
spillage.
e. Replaceall fuel tank and container
caps securely.
f. If fuel is spilled, do not attempt to
start the engine, but move the
machine away from the area of
spillage and avoid creating any
source of ignition until fuel vapors
have dissipated.

oncethe engine starts, the Tines/PTO
Clutch Lever is in the ENGAGEposition,
the Forward Interlock Levers are squeezed
closed and the Wheels/Tines/PTODrive
Lever is shifted to FORWARD.The tines
rotate in Reversewhether the Interlock
Levers are closed or open.
2. Exerciseextreme caution when on or
crossing gravel drives, walks, or roads.
Stay alert for hidden hazards or traffic. Do
not carry passengers.
3. After striking a foreign object, stop the
engine, remove the wire from the spark
plug wire and prevent it from touching the
spark plug. Thoroughly inspect the
machine for any damage and repair the
damagebefore restarting and operating
the machine.
4. Exercisecaution to avoid slipping or
falling.
5. If the unit should start to vibrate abnormally, stop the engine, disconnect the
spark plug wire and prevent it from
touching the spark plug, and check immediately for the cause.Vibration is
generallya warning of trouble.

Operation

6. Stop the engine, disconnect the spark
plug wire and prevent it from touching the
spark plug whenever you leavethe
operating position, before unclogging the
tines, or when making any repairs, adjustments or inspections.

1. Do not put hands or feet near or under
rotating parts. Do not allow hands or any
other part of the body or clothing near the
rotating tines or near any other moving
part. The tines begin to rotate forward

7. Take all possible precautions when
leaving machine unattended. Stop engine.
Disconnect spark plug wire and move it
away from spark plug. Remove ignition
key on electric start models

7. Never make adjustments when engine
is running (unless recommended by
manufacturer).

Section1: Safety
8. Before cleaning, repairing, or inspecting, stop the engine and make certain all
moving parts havestopped. Disconnect
the spark plug wire and prevent it from
touching the spark plug to prevent accidental starting.
9. The flap on the tine hood must be
down when operating the tiller, unless
using the Hiller/Furrower attachment.
10. Never use the tiller unless proper
guards, plates, or other safety protective
devices are in place.
11. Do not run engine in an enclosed
area. Engine exhaustcontains carbon
monoxide gas, a deadly poison that is
odorless, colorless, and tasteless.
12. Keep children and pets away.
13. Never operatethe tiller under engine
power if the Wheel Speed Lever is in the
FREEWHEELposition. In FREEWHEEL,
the wheels will not hold the tiller back and
the revolving tines could propel the tiller
rapidly, possibly causing loss of control.
Always engagethe Wheel Speed Lever in
either FASTor SLOWposition before
starting the engine or engaging the tines
with the Wheels/Tines/PTODrive Lever.
14. Be aware that the tiller may unexpectedlybounceupwardor jump
forward if the tines shouldstrike
extremely hard packedsoil, frozen
ground,or buried obstacleslike large
stones,roots, or stumps. If in doubt
aboutthe tilling conditions,always use
the followingoperating precautionsto
assistyou in maintainingcontrolof the
tiller:
a. Walk behindand to one side of the
tiller, using one hand on the handlebars. Relax yourarm, but usea
secure handgrip.
b. Use shallowerdepth regulator
settings,working graduallydeeper
with each pass.
c. Use slowerwheel, tine and engine
speeds.
d. Clearthe tilling area of all large
stones,rootsand other debris.
e. Avoid using downwardpressureon
handlebars.If need be, use slight
upwardpressureto keepthe tines
from diggingtoo deeply.

f. Beforecontactinghard packedsoil
at the end of a row, reduceengine
speed and lift handlebarsto raise
tines out of the soil.
g. In an emergency, stoptines and
wheels byshiftingthe
Wheels/Tines/PTODrive Lever
into NEUTRAL.If you can not
reach the lever or have lost control
of the tiller, let go of the handlebars and all controls. Do not
attempt to restrain the tiller.
15. Do not overload the tiller's capacity by
attempting to till too deeply at too fast a
rate.
16. Never operatethe tiller at high
transport speeds on hard or slippery
surfaces. Look behind and use care when
backing up.
17. Do not operatethe tiller on a slope
that is too steep for safety. When on
slopes, slow down and make sure you
have good footing. Never permit the tiller
to freewheel down slopes.

Antidotes:
External- Flush immediately with lots of
water.
Internal- Drink large quantities of water
or milk. Follow with milk of magnesia,
beateneggs or vegetable oil. Call a
doctor immediately.
Eyes- Flush with water for 15 minutes.
Get prompt medical attention.
26. DANGER- BATTERIESPRODUCE
EXPLOSIVEGASES. Keepsparks, flame
or smoking materials away. Ventilate
when charging battery or using in an
enclosed space. Always wear safety
goggles when working near battery.
27. Pleaseremember: You can always
stop the tines and wheels by releasing all
controls, or by moving the ignition switch
and/or throttle control lever on the engine
to OFFor STOP.
28. To load or unload the tiller, seethe
instructions in Section 4 of this Manual.

18. Never allow bystanders near the unit.

29. Use extreme caution when backing or
pulling the machine towards you.

19. Only use attachments and accessories
that are approved by the manufacturer of
the tiller.

30. Start the engine carefully according to
instructions and with feet well away from
the tines.

20. Use tiller attachments and accessories when recommended.

31. Never pick up or carry a machine
while the engine is running.

21. Never operatethe tiller without good
visibility or light.

32. When loading or unloading the tiller,
always disengage tines and use slower
wheel and engine throttle speeds. Use
sturdy ramps wide and strong enough to
easily support the tiller (280-to-325 Ibs.,
depending on model) and operator.
Never go down ramps in FORWARD
drive--the tiller could tip forward,
exposing you to the tines (which should
be disengaged). Always use REVERSE
drive and back down ramps. To go up
ramps, use FORWARDdrive and follow
the tiller.

22. Never operatethe tiller if you are
tired, or under the influence of alcohol,
drugs or medication.
23. Operators shall not tamper with the
engine-governor settings on the machine;
the governor controls the maximum safe
operating speed to protect the engine and
all moving parts from damage caused by
overspeed. Authorized service shall be
sought if a problem exists.
24. Do not touch engine parts which may
be hot from operation. Let parts cool
down sufficiently.
25. POISON/DANGER--CAUSES
SEVEREBURNS.The battery on electric
start models contains sulfuric acid. Avoid
contact with skin, eyes or clothing. Keep
out of reach of children.

33. The Forward Interlock Safety System
should be tested for correct functioning
every time the tiller or PTOpower unit is
used. See Section 4 in this Manual.
34. If using the optional Dozer Blade,
either remove the tine attachment, or
disengage the tines with the Tines/PTO
Clutch Lever. Revolvingtines are
dangerous.

Section1: Safety
MaintenanceandStorage
1. Keepthe tiller, attachments and accessories in safe working condition.
2. Checkall nuts, bolts, and screws at
frequent intervals for proper tightness to
be sure the equipment is in safe working
condition.
3. Never store the tiller with fuel in the
fuel tank inside a building where ignition
sources are present such as hot water
and space heaters,furnaces, clothes
dryers, stoves, electric motors, etc.).
Allow engine to cool before storing in any
enclosure.

4. To reducethe chancesof a fire hazard,
keepthe engine free of grass, leaves, or
excessivegrease.
5. Store gasoline in a cool, well-ventilated
area, safely away from any spark- or
flame-producing equipment. Store
gasoline in an approved container, safely
away from the reach of children.

7. Never perform maintenancewhile the
engine is running orthe spark plug wire is
connected, exceptwhen specifically
instructed to do so.
8. If the fuel tank hasto be drained, do
this outdoors.

6. Refer to the Maintenancesections of
this Manualand the separate Engine
Owner's Manualfor instructions if the
tiller is to be stored for an extended
period.

Decals
For your safety and the safety of others,
various safety and operational decals are
located on your unit (Figure 1).

C) WARNING:Operating
and

A) WARNING:
HotSurfaces.
Topoftheair cleanerhousing.

SafetyInstructions

Keep the decals clean and legible at all
times. Contact your local service dealer
or the Factory for replacements if any
decals are damaged or missing.

D) PowerUnit

Referto the Parts List for decal locations,
descriptions and part numbers.
F) EngineStabilization.
Top of fuel tank.

B) WARNING:
EngineIgnition.
Electricstartmodelsonly.

Figure 1: Locationof Safety and OperatingDecals.
(Briggs & Stratton engine shown)

OperatingSymbols
Various symbols (shown here,with word
descriptions)are usedon thetillerand engine.
Yourunitmay nothaveallof thesymbols.

II
FAST

SLOW
STOP

CHOKE
ON

I÷I
CHOKE
OFF

TO AVOID SERIOUS INJURY:
READTHE OWNER'SMANUAL.
KNOWLOCATIONSAND FUNCTIONSOF ALL CONTROLS.
KEEPALL SAFETYDEVICESANDSHIELDSIN PLACEANDWORKING.
NEVERALLOWCHILDRENOR UNINSTRUCTEDADULTSTO OPERATETILLER.
SHUT OFF ENGINEAND DISCONNECTSPARKPLUGWIRE BEFOREMANUALLYUNCLOGGINGTINES OR MAKINGREPAIRS.
• KEEPBYSTANDERSAWAYFROM MACHINE.
• KEEPAWAYFROM ROTATINGPARTS.
• USE EXTREMECAUTIONWHEN REVERSINGOR PULLINGTHE MACHINETOWARDSYOU.
•
•
•
•
•

ROTATING
TINES

I1

Assembly
NOTE: Use the screw length template
(Figure 2-1) to identify screws.
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
safety and operating instructionsin this
manual.

Introduction
Carefully follow these assembly steps to
correctly prepareyour tiller for use. It is
recommended that you read this Section
in its entirety before beginning assembly.
NOTE:Various tiller models are presented
in this Manual. Use only the information
appropriate for your tiller model.

Inspect Unit
Inspect the unit and carton for damage
immediately after delivery. Contact the
carrier (trucking company) if you find or
suspect damage. Inform them of the
damage and request instructions for filing
a claim. To protect your rights, put your
claim in writing and mail a copy to the
carrier within 15 days after the unit has
been delivered. Contact us at the Factory
if you need assistance in this matter.

STEP1: UnpackingInstructions
NOTE:Do not severely bend any of the
control cables on the unit.
1. The tiller is heavy. Do not attempt to
remove it from the shipping platform until
instructed to do so in these Assembly
steps.
2. Removeall unassembled partsfrom
the carton. The hardware bag is included
in your literature packaging.
3. Checkthat you havethe items listed
below (contact your local dealer or the
Factory if any items are missing or
damaged).

6

LooseParts List
Qty.
Description
1 HandlebarAssembly
1 Wheels/TinesPTODrive Lever

2

Thefollowing items
are in the hardware bag:
20 oz. Bottles SAE 30W Oil

1
1
2

Clutch Pawl Spring
BeltAdjusting Tool
Plastic CableTies

1 Curved HeadScrew, 1/4-20 x 2
1 FlangedLock Nut, 1/4-20
1 Pan HeadScrew, #10-32 x 1/2
Thefollowing parts (electric start models
only), packagedseparately.
2 Nuts, 1/4-20
(for battery terminals)
2 Screws, 1/4-20 x 5/8
(for battery terminals)
2 Keys
(in ignition switch)
NOTE:LEFTand RIGHT sides of the
tiller are as viewed from the
operator's position behind the handlebars (unless otherwise noted).

Tools]MaterialsNeeded
for Assembly
(1)

3/8" open-end wrench*

(2)

7/16" open-end wrench*

(2)

1/2" open-end wrench*

(1)

9/16" open-end wrench*

(1)

3/4"open-end wrench*

(1)

Flat blade screwdriver

(1)

Scissors (to trim plastic ties)

(1) Tire pressure gauge
(1)

4-1/2" high wood block to prop unit

* Adjustable wrenches may be used.

Figure2-1: Toidentify lengthofscrew,
placescrewon templateas shownand
measuredistancebetweenbottomofscrew
headand tipofscrew.
STEP 2: Attach Handlebar
IMPORTANT: When disassembling
handlebar assembly, keep left-side clamp
and ratchet separated from the right-side
clamp and ratchet.
1. Disassemblethe handlebar assembly.
To do this, remove the height adjustment
lever by turning the lever in a counterclockwise direction (Figure 2-2).
2. Placethe handlebar ends on either side
of the base, with the wire harness toward
the rear of the base(Figure 2-2).
3. Install the height adjustment lever
through the right-side clamp, handlebar
end, ratchet, and base;then out through
the left-side ratchet, handlebar end, and
clamp (Figure 2-2). Securewith nut, but
don't fully tighten.
IMPORTANT:Do not force the height
adjustment lever through the handlebars.
The interlock wires may be blocking the
lever and could be damaged. You may
gently move the wires aside if this
condition occurs.

Section2: Assembly
4. Raisehandlebarsto one of two height
settings and tighten the height adjustment
lever. Also, make sure all other mounting
hardware is securely tightened.

Handlebam
Right
Clam

NOTE: Fully assembled handlebar
assembly should appear as shown in
Figure 2-3.

Base

Height
Adjustment
Lever

Left
Clamp
Nut

Base

Wire
Harness

Figure 2-3. Fully assembled handlebars.

FRONT
OF TILLER
Figure 2-2. Handlebar assembly.

STEP3: Move Tiller Off Shipping
Platform
1. Set the Depth Regulator Lever
(A, Figure2-4) to Travel position. Do this
by lifting the tiller by the handlebars, then
pulling straight back on the lever and
sliding down to the highest notched
setting.
2. Set the Wheel Speed Lever (B, Figure
2-4) to Freewheelposition. To do this,
move the lever approximately halfway
between the Fastand Slow settings while
you rock the tiller forward and backward
until the wheels move freely.
3. Lift Handlebars high enough to clear
tiller tines and pull back firmly to dislodge
the tiller from the platform wheel wells.

STEP4: ConnectForward
Interlock Wire Harness
1. Removeany dirt fromthe Forward
Interlock wire harness plug (C, Figure
2-5) and its receptacle (D).
2. Connect the Forward interlock wire
harness plug (C, Figure2-5) to the receptacle (D).

STEP5: Attach
WheelsiTines/PTODriveLever
1. Loosen the bolt (Figure2-2) on the
handlebar baseand swing the handlebars
out to the right side.

Figure 2-5. Forward Interlock Wire
Harness connection.

Figure 2-4: Photo shows the Depth
Regulator Lever (A) and the Wheel
Speed Lever (B).

2. Remove both sets of nuts, star
washers, screws, and one bushing
(A, B, C, D, E,F, G, Figure 2-6) from the
yoke plates (H). There is a bushing inside
the short link (I). Be careful not to lose it
when removing screw (G).
3. Slide the plates at the end of the
Wheels/Tines/PTOLever over the yoke
plates (Figure 2-9). To aid in the next
step, insert a screw temporarily into the
forward most holes (J, Figure 2-7) of the
yoke plates and the lever.

4. Align the rear most holes of the yoke
plates and the Wheels/Tines/PTOLever.
Use long nose pliers to hold the bushing
(L, Figure 27) in placewhile inserting the
screw (K) through the leverand yoke
plates. Install star washer (B, Figure 2-6)
and nut (A), then hand tighten.
5. Retrievethe clutch pawl spring (Figure
2-8) from hardware bag.

Section2: Assembly
Removethe temporary screw (J, Figure
2-7) from the forward holes and move the
Wheels/Tines/PTOLeverfully forward.
Install the wider hook end of the clutch
pawl spring (M, Figure2-8) down into the
small hole at the end of the handle. Use
pliers to insert the other end into the hole
in the long link bar (N).
NOTE:Do not bend or over stretch the
spring while installing.
6. Pull the Wheels/Tines/PTOLever back
to align the forward most holes (Q, Figure
2-9) in the yoke platewith the holes in the
lever plates. Also align the bushing that is
inside the short link bar (P). Install the
screw, star washer, and nut, then tighten
securely.
Securely tighten all other hardware (Q, R,
Figure 2-9). Also ensure that the spring
(S) is properly seated at both ends.

Completedassembly should appear as
illustrated in Figure 2-9.
7. Test the operation of the
Wheels/Tines/PTOLever. Pushthe lever
down until it engages in the Forward
position. The clutch roller (T, Figure210) must rest beneaththe adjustment
block (U). Next, move the lever up to the
Neutral position. The clutch roller (T,
Figure2-11) should rest on the face of the
adjustment block (U). To test Reverse,lift
and hold the lever all the way up in
Reverseposition, then let it go. The lever
should automatically return to the Neutral
position (Figure 2-11). If not, do not use
the tiller. See your local authorized dealer
or call the Factory Technical Service
Department for instructions.

Figure 2-9: Fully assembled
Wheels/Tines/PTO Lever assembly.

Figure 2-10 Forward position; roller
(T) rests under the adjustment
block (U).

Figure 2-6: Illustration shows the yoke plates (H), nuts, washers, and
screws (A, E, B, F, D, G), bushing (C), and long and short links (I, J).
Figure 2-11: Neutral position; roller
(7) rests against middle area of the
adjustment block (U).

STEP6: CheckGearOil Levels

Figure 2-7: Drive Lever assembly.

Figure 2-8: Clutch pawl spring. Tilt
WheelsiTinesiPTO Lever fully
forward before installing spring.

Your tiller has two separatetransmissions: one for the Power Unit (Figure 212), the other for the Tine Attachment
(Figure 2-13). Both transmissions were
filled at the factory with SAE #85W-140
weight gear oil (with an A.P.I rating of
GL-4). Check level in both transmissions to verify that they are still correct.
See Section 5, Transmission Gear Oil
Maintenancefor complete information
on how to check and fill the transmissions.

Section2: Assembly
IMPORTANT: Check gear oil level in both
transmissions after the first 2 hours of
new tiller operation, then every 30
operating hours thereafter. See Section 5
for instructions.

Oil Level Hole

STEP8: Attach EngineThrottle
Leverand Cable
For shipping purposes, the throttle cable,
together with the throttle lever, is wound
around the engine. Carefully unwind the
cable. If the throttle control label is
covered with a clear protective coating,
peel it off.

To avoid electric shock from a short
circuit (electric start tillers only), never
allow the throttle cable to touch the
battery. Routecable below the battery,
on the outside of the battery holder.

B
Figure 2-14: Engine Throttle Lever
position and installation.

To attach the throttle lever and cable:
Figure 2-12: Checking oil level on
Power Unit Transmission.

1. Run the throttle cable up the inside
edge of the right handlebarand position
the lever as shown in Figure 2-14.
2. From the outside of the handlebar,
insert the curved head screw (A, Figure 214), through the handlebar and the center
hole in the throttle lever mounting
bracket.
3. Loosely install the flanged lock nut
and move the throttle lever back to the
STOPposition.

Figure 2-13: Checking oil level on
Tine Attachment Transmission.

STEP7: AddMotor 0il to Engine
1. Beforeadding motor oil, park the tiller
on level ground. Levelthe engine by
placing a sturdy block under the tines or
the tines depth regulator bar.
2. Referto the Engine Owner's Manual
provided with your tiller for detailed information on how to add motor oil and for
motor oil specifications.
IMPORTANT:Two 20 oz. bottles of motor
oil are included with your tiller. Checkthe
oil level as instructed in the Engine
Owner's Manual provided with your tiller
BEFOREpouring the full amount of each
bottle into the engine.
IMPORTANT:
• Change engine oil after first 2 hours of
new operation.
• Check engine oil level every 5 hours of
operation or each use.

4. From the lever side of the bracket,
thread a pan head screw (B, Figure 2-14)
through the small hole in the throttle lever
bracket and into the handlebar. Tighten
the screw securely.
5. Securelytighten both the flanged lock
nut and the curved head screw.
6. Use two plastic ties to secure the
throttlecable to the right handlebar in two
places (Figure 2-15). Loop each tie
around the handlebar and cable (serrated
side faces in) and pull the ties tight. Trim
the ends.

Figure 2-15: Plastic Ties placement
on handlebars.

STEP 9: Adjust Air Pressure in
Tires
For shipping purposes, the tires may be
overinflated. Checkthe air pressure in
eachtire and adjust them to between 10
and 20 pounds per square inch. You
must inflate each tire to equal air
pressures to prevent the tiller from pulling
to one side.

Assembly is complete for recoil start
tillers. SeeAssembling TheElectric
Start System if you own an electric
start tiller; otherwise, refer to Section
3, Controls for information on tiller
controls.

Section2: Assembly
ASSEMBLING
THEELECTRIC
STARTSYSTEM
The following steps explain how to install and charge the battery on electric start tillers. For your safety, follow all steps and observe
all accompanying safety messages. Section 5 contains other general battery maintenanceand recharging instructions.

Battery producesexplosive gases.
*Keep away sparks, flames,
cigarettes.

and

. Ventilate area when chargingor using
battery in an enclosedspace.
. Make sure battery vent tube is always
openafter battery is filled with acid.

Remove metal jewelry before working
near the battery or near the electrical
system. Failure to complymay cause a
short circuit, resulting in electrical
burns, a shock, or battery gas
explosion.
NOTE:If the battery is put into
service after the date shown on the
top of the battery, chargefor a
minimum of one hour at 6-10

1. Use a 5/8" long screw (K, Figure 2-18)
and 1/4-20 hex nut (L) to connect the
positive (+) battery cable (B) to the
positive (marked +) battery post (C).
Make sure that this is the cable on the left
side, with one end attached to the
solenoid (D).
2. Slide the black rubber boot (E) completely over the battery post and cable
connector.
3. Use a 5/8" long screw and 1/4-20 hex
nut to connect the negative (-) battery
cable (F)to the negative (marked -)
battery post (G) and secure with screw
(H) and nut (I).
4. Slide the black rubber boot (J) completely over the battery post and cable
connector.

Assembly is complete for electric start
tillers. See Section 3, Controlsfor
information on tiller controls.

To Avoid Personal Injury or Property
Damage:
* Do not touch positive battery terminal
and any surrounding metal objects
with tools, jewelry or other metal
items. Failure to complycould cause
a short circuit leading to electrical
burns or explosionof batterygases.
* Never bringa gas can near the positive
(+) battery terminal. A short circuit
could occur leading to an explosionof
the gasoline or the battery gases.
Always fill the engine fuel tank from
the front or side of the engine.

Never jump start the battery with a
vehicle battery or chargingsystem. This
may produce a battery explosion,
causingacid or electrical burns.

amps. Refer to the Maintenence
section of this manual for more
detailed instructions regarding
proper battery charging procedure

STEP1: Connectthe Wire
HarnessReceptacle

K

1. Before installing the battery and its
hold-down clamp, insert the plastic wire
harness receptacle(A, Figure 2-18) into
the prongs of the keyswitch (M)located
on the hold-down clamp.

J

2. Removethe ignition keys from the
keyswitch and store them safely away.
Do not insert the key into the keyswitch
until you complete this section and read
Section 3, Controls.
STEP 2: Install the

Battery Cables
NOTE: The cableterminals should be
toward the rear (keyswitch side) of the
battery posts.
Figure 2-18: Battery cable assembly.

10

G(-)

n

FeaturesandControls
zG
Before operating your machine,
carefully read and understand all
safety, controls, operating instructions
in this Manual, the separate Engine
Owner's Manual and on the decals on
the machine.
Failure to follow these instructionscan
result in serious personalinjury.

Introduction
This section describes the location and
function of the controls and features on
your tiller. Refer to Section 4, Operation
for detailed operating instructions.
Practice using these controls, with the
engine shut off, until you completely
understand the operation of the controls
and feel confident with each of them.
IMPORTANT:Refer to the separate engine
manufacturer's Engine Owner's Manual
for information about the controls on the
engine.
NOTE: All referencesto left, right, front
and rear of the machine are basedon a
position behind the handlebarsand facing
forward.

PTOAttachmentsFeature
In addition to powerful tilling capability,
you can quickly convert your machine
into a PTO(Power Take-Off) Power Unit
that is capable of towing or powering
various TROY-BILTattachments.
You can access this capability by
removing the tines attachment (powered
by the PTOPower Unit). The PTO Power
Unit is then availablefor engine powered
attachments, or for pulling or towing nonpowered attachments. See Section 4,
PTO Power Unit for detailed information
on installing and operating TROY-BILT
PTOattachments.

WheelsiTines/PTODriveLever
Use the Wheels/Tines/PTODrive Lever (A,
Figure 3-1) to engage and disengage
power to the transmission.

Figure 3-1:
A- Wheels/Tines/PTO Drive Lever
B- Forward Interlock Levers
C- Wheel Speed Lever
D- Tines/PTO Clutch Lever

This lever has three operating positions:
FORWARD,NEUTRALand REVERSE.
FORWARDis engaged when the lever is
moved down until the clutch roller (G,
Figure 3-2) engages into the detent
position under the adjustment block (H,
Figure 3-2). You will definitely feel the
lever engage into this position.
Use the FORWARDsetting to move the
wheels and tines forward, or to apply
power to an optional PTO(Power Take
Off) attachment. (See also Forward
Interlock Levers.)
To stop the wheels, tines or any PTO
attachment, move the leverto NEUTRAL
by tapping the lever upwards (Figure
3-3) and releasing.
• REVERSEis engagedwhen the lever is
pushed (with an open palm) all the way
up and held in that position (Figure 3-4).
Use this setting to move the wheels in
reverse. To stop moving in reverse,
releasethe lever; it automatically returns
to the NEUTRALposition.

E- Depth Regulator Lever
F- Handlebar Height Adjustment
G- Engine Throttle Lever

Lever

IMPORTANT: Do not operate the tines or
any PTOattachment in REVERSE.
• NEUTRALis this control's normal nonoperating position. The lever returns to
NEUTRALwhen it is tapped out of the
FORWARDposition or releasedfrom the
REVERSEposition. NEUTRALposition
is between FORWARDand REVERSE
(Figure 3-3). Use this setting to stop
the wheels, tines or any PTOattachment.
IMPORTANT: Always shift to NEUTRAL
before starting the engine or before
engaging the wheels, tines or any PTO
attachment.
Forward Interlock

Levers

The Forward Interlock Levers (B,
Figure 3-1) are attached under each
handlebar grip.
You must squeezeat least one of these
interlock levers up against the handlebar
grip whenever the Wheels/Tines/PTO
Drive Lever is engaged in FORWARD
position.
11

Section3: FeaturesandControls
If both Forward Interlock Levers are
released before first returning the
Wheels/Tines/PTODrive Lever to
NEUTRAL,the engine will stop.

IMPORTANT: To avoid transmission
damage, always move the Wheels/Tines/
PTO Drive Lever into NEUTRAL before
shifting the Tines/PTOClutch Lever.

IMPORTANT: The Forward Interlock
Levers are a safety control that stops the
engine should you lose control while
going forward and cannot shift into
NEUTRAL.

DepthRegulatorLever

Wheel Speed Lever
Use the Wheel Speed Lever (C, Fig. 3-1)
to select one of three operating positions:
SLOW, FASTor FREEWHEEL.
- SLOW- Lever moved all the way down.
Most effective for normal tilling or for
low-speed transport.
., FAST- Lever moved all the way up.
Most effective for cultivating or for fastspeedtransport.
- FREEWHEEL- Leverin betweenSLOW

Figure 3-2: FORWARD posiUon;roller
(G) rests under lhe adj_t
block (H_

and FAST(wheelswill roll freely). Used
whentransporting the machineon level
ground without engine power, and when
using stationary PTOattachments.
IMPORTANT: To avoid transmission
damage, always move Wheels/Tines/PTO
Drive Lever into NEUTRALbefore shifting
the Wheel Speed Lever.
IMPORTANT: When shifting into SLOW
or FAST, gently roll the machine forward
or backward to help fully engage the
wheel gears. When engaged, the wheels
will not turn unless the engine is running
and the Wheels/Tines/PT0 Drive Lever is
engaged in FORWARDor REVERSE.

Figure 3-3: NEUTRAL position; roller
(G) rests against middle area of the adjustment block (H).

Tines/PTOClutchLever
Use this lever (D, Figure3-1) to engageor
disengagepower from the transmission
PTOclutch to the tines or any PTOattachment. This control hastwo operating
positions: ENGAGEand DISENGAGE.
- ENGAGE- Levermoved into detent slot
farthest from engine. Usethis position to
operatetines or other PTOattachments.
After shifting to ENGAGE,briefly operate
machine in FORWARDto help fully
engagethe PTOclutch.

Figure 3-4: REVERSE position; roller
(G) rests against upper area of the adjustment block (H).

12

• DISENGAGE
- Lever moved into detent
slot nearestengine. Usethis position to
disengagepower to tines or other PTO
attachmentsbeforetransporting, loading,
turning, or operating in reverse.

Use this lever (E, Figure3-1) to regulate
the tilling depth of the tines. This control
also has a TRAVELposition, which
enables transport with the tines off the
ground.
To operate the lever, lift up on the handlebars, pull the Depth Regulator Lever
straight back, and then slide it up or down
to one of the eight detent height settings.
The eight detent positions offer a range of
tine height settings. This enablesyou to
select the height that is most effective for
a particular condition. The top detent
position is the TRAVELsetting. Usethe
second or third detent from the top for
shallow tilling and cultivating. Use the
other detents for deeper tilling and for
power composting.

To
avoid
personal
injury,
always place the tines in the TRAVEL
position before starting the engine.
This prevents the tines from touching
the grounduntil you are ready to begin
tilling.

HandlebarHeightAdjustment
Lever
Use this lever (F, Figure 3-1) to adjust the
handlebarsto one of two height settings.
1. To changethe height, hold the handlebarswith one handand loosenthe leverin
a counterclockwisedirection.
2. Move the handlebarsto one of the two
preset heightsettings.
3. Retightenthe lever.
NOTE: You can swap the positions of the
inside handlebar ratchets to change the
two preset settings by approximately four
inches higher or lower. See Section 2,
Step 2: Attach Handlebarfor detailed
assembly information.

Section3: FeaturesandControls

The tiller handlebars can be swungout
30°to the right side for use onlywith the
PTO Chipper/Shredderattachment. This
is done by looseningthe mounting bolt
on the handlebar base. Never operate
your tiller or attachments, otherthan the
PTO Chipper/Shredder,with the handlebars in the right side position. Doing so
could result in unsafe handling and
personal injury.

Engine Controls
Referto the engine manufacturer's Engine
Owner's Manual (included in the tiller literature package)to identify the controls
on your engine.
IMPORTANT:An engine On/Off switch, a
secondary throttle control, a choke lever
and a fuel line shut-off control may be
located on the engine. Refer to your
Engine Owner's Manual for detailed
information.

EngineThrottle Lever
Use the throttle lever (G, Figure 3-1) to
adjust engine speed as well as to start
and stop the engine.
Move the lever away from the STOP
position before starting the engine.
Engine speeds are variable and range
between the FASTand SLOW. Use the
STOPposition to turn the engine off.

To avoid serious personal injury or
damage to equipment, do not start your
engine at this time. Complete starting
instructionsare describedin Section4,
Operation.

NOTE: A secondarythrottle lever is
located on the front of the 8HP and IOHP
engines. A separateOn/Offsw_ch may
also be availableon the engine. (See
Engine Owner'sManualfor information.)

KeyswitchStarter
The keyswitch starter on electric start
models (A, Figure 3-5) hasthree
positions: OFF,RUNand START. Turn
the key to STARTto start the engine.
Releasethe key and
it will return to the
RUN position. Turn
the key to OFFto
stop the engine.
(Another way to
stop the engine is to
move the engine
throttle lever to the Figure 3-5
STOPposition.)

13

n

Op ration
2. Check unit for loose or missing
hardware. Service as required.
Before operating your machine,
carefully read and understandall safety
(Section 1), controls (Section 3) and
operating instructions (Section 4) in
this Manual, in the separate Engine
Owner's Manual, and on the decals on
the machine.

3. Checkengine oil level. See Engine
Owner's Manual.

Failure to follow these instructionscan
result in serious personalinjury.

5. Check Safety Guards. All guards and
covers must be securely in place.

4. Shift the Wheels/Tines/PTODrive lever
(Figure 4-2) into NEUTRALposition. See
Section 3, Controls for more information
on this lever.

6. Checkair cleaner. See Engine Owner's
Manual.

INTRODUCTION
Readthis Section of the manual
thoroughly before you start the engine.
Then, take the time to familiarize yourself
with the basic operation of the tiller
before using it in your garden. Find an
open, level area and practice using the
tiller controls without the tines engaging
the soil (put tines in Travel setting-Section 3, Depth Regulator Lever). Only
after you've become completely familiar
with the tiller should you begin using it in
the garden.

7. Attach spark plug wire to spark plug.

Figure: 4-1

2. After the first 2 hours of new
operation, check the gear oil levels in the
PTOPower Unit and the tine attachment
transmissions.
3. Checkfor loose or missing hardware
on unit. Tighten or replaceas needed.

Break-InOperation
Perform the following maintenanceduring
the first hours of new operation (see
MaintenanceSection in this Manual and
maintenanceinformation in the Engine
Owner's Manual).
1. Changeengine oil after first 2 hours of
new engine operation.

14

9. Select High/Low Belt Speed range.
10. Adjust Handlebar Height.
11. Fillthe fuel tank with gasoline in
accordance with the directions in the
separate EngineOwner's Manual. Follow
all instructions and safety rules carefully.

4. Checktension on forward drive belt
after first 2 hours of operation.

Startingand Stoppingthe Engine
Your tiller and its optional PTO Power
Unit attachments are capable of
causing serious injury to untrained or
careless operators.
To avoid serious personal injury or
property damage, read the Owner's
Manual that is provided with any
optional accessories or attachments
before using the tiller or PTO Power
Unit.

8. Check Engine Cooling System. Clear
cooling fins and air intake screen of
debris.

The following steps describe how to start
and stop the engine.
IMPORTANT: Do not attempt to engage
the tines, wheels, or any PTO attachment
until you have read all of the operating
instructions in this Section. Also review
the safety rules in Section 1, Safety and
the tiller and engine controls information
in Section 3, Featuresand Controls.
Pre-Start Checklist
Make the following checks and perform
the following services before starting the
engine.
1. Readthe Safetyand Controls Sections
in this Manual. Readthe separate Engine
Owner's Manual provided by the engine
manufacturer.

GASOLINEIS HIGHLY FLAMMABLEAND
ITS VAPORSARE EXPLOSIVE.
Follow gasoline safety rules in this
Manual (Section 1) and in the separate
EngineOwner'sManual.
Failure to follow gasolinesafety instructions can result in serious personal
injury and propertydamage.

Section4: Operation
Wheels/Tines/PTO
DriveLever
EngineThrottle
Lever

\

_
J

Forward
InterlockLevers

Depth
Regulator
Lever
RecoilStartRope
(at frontofengine)
Tines/PTO

Figure 4-2." Tiller and engine controls.

Startingthe Engine:

To
help
prevent
serious
personalinjury or damage to equipment:
• Always place Wheels/Tines/PTO Drive
Lever into NEUTRAL before starting
engine, and before engaging wheels,
tines or other PTO-drivenattachments.
• Never run engine indoors or in
enclosed, poorly ventilated areas.
Engine exhaust contains carbon
monoxide, an odorless and deadly
gas.
• Avoid engine muffler and nearby
areas. Temperatures in these areas
may exceed 150OF.

3. Move the Wheel SpeedLever (Figure
4-2) to either the SLOWor FASTposition.
Be sure to roll the wheelswhile shifting the
lever until the wheels engage.
NOTE:If using a PTOstationary attachment, move the Wheel Speed Leverinto
FREEWHEEL
and block the wheels to
preventthe equipmentfrom moving(Figure
4-29 on page29).
4. Movethe Tines/PTOClutchLeverinto
DISENGAGE
position (Figure4-2).

11. If the enginedoesnotstart aftera
numberof tries, referto the EngineOwner's
Manualfor specificinstructions.

NOTE:Usethe ENGAGE
position if youwant
thetines to revolveor to applypowerto a
PTO-drivenstationaryattachment.

12. When engine starts, move the Throttle
Leverto the SLOWposition and then
gradually move choke lever (on enginesso
equipped) to OFFor RUN position.

5. If engine is equipped with a fuel valve,
turn valve to OPENposition as instructed
in the separate Engine Owner's Manual.
6. If engine is equipped with an ON/OFF
switch, move the switch to ON.

1. With the engine off, placethe
Wheels/Tines/PTODrive Lever (Figure
4-2) in the NEUTRALposition. If in the
FORWARDposition, tap the lever sharply
upward, it should automatically move into
NEUTRALposition.
2. Put the Depth Regulator Lever in the
Travel position (lever all the way down)
so that the tines are off the ground. To do
this, lift up on the handlebars, pull the
lever (Figure 4-2) back, and push it down
all the way to the top detent (notched)
position.

10. If equipped with an electric start
system, turn keyto STARTpositionto crank
enginethen releasewhenenginestarts. If
the enginedoes notstart right away,do not
hold keyat STARTfor morethan a few
seconds. Releasethentry againaftera short
pause. Damageto startermotor can occur if
it is crankedmorethan 15 secondsper
minute.

7. Move engine throttle lever (Figure 4-2)
awayfrom STOP.
8. Choke or prime engine as instructed in
the separate Engine Owner's Manual.
9. If not equipped with an electric start
system, placeone hand on the fuel tank to
stabilize the unit when you pull the recoil
starter rope. Use the recoil starter rope to
start the engine as instructed in the
separate Engine Owner's Manual.

13. Move the throttle speed control to
FASTsetting when tilling.
Starting Electric Start Engines
with the Recoil Starter Rope
You may, at some point, haveto start an
electric start engine with the recoil starter
rope. Beforeattempting to do so,
perform the following applicable steps:
• If you suspect the battery charge is
weak, and there is no visible damage.
Disconnect cables from battery and
clean both cableterminals, and the
battery posts in accordance with the
instructions provided in Section 5,
Battery Careand Maintenance.

15

Section4: Operation
Reconnectthe cables and securely
tighten to battery posts. The engine will
recharge the battery if the battery is still
good.

2. Move the engine Throttle Leverto the
STOPposition. Then on electric start
models, turn the key to OFF. Removethe
key for safekeeping.

• If you suspect the batter is "dead", or if
the battery is damaged, disconnect, and
remove it. Have it checkedby a
qualified technician.

NOTE: The engine may havea separate
Throttle Control Lever and ON/OFFswitch

• If battery has been removed, wrap cable
terminals at end of positive cable with
electrical tape and secure the cable to
the battery bracket. This will prevent
electrical discharge.
• Before pulling the recoil starter rope,
turn the keyswitch to the RUNposition.
Move the Throttle Lever away from
STOPposition and set the choke as
applicable. See Engine Owner's Manual.

on the engine. These controls can also be
used to stop the engine. Seethe Engine
Owner's manual for information specific
to your engine.

Movingthe Tiller Forwardand Tilling
1. Start the engine and gradually increase
engine speed to FAST (see Starting the
Engine,this Section).

The Forward Interlock Safety System is
designedfor the operator's safety. Do
not disconnector attempt to defeat the
purpose of the system. If the system
malfunctions,immediately contactyour
local authorized dealer or the

Operating the Tiller
Whenfirst practicing,keepthe Tines/PTO
TROY-BILT Technical Service DepartClutchLeverin DISENGAGE
positionand
ment for assistance. Do not use the
the WheelSpeedLeverin SLOWposition.

To avoid serious personal injury or
damageto equipment:

tiller or the PTO power unit until the
Forward Interlock Safety System is
functioning properly. Always test the
system before using the tiller or PTO
powerunit.

• Always place Wheels/Tines/PTODrive
Lever in NEUTRAL before starting
engine, and before engaging wheels,
tines or otherPTOattachments.

2. Test the Forward Interlock Safety
System. See TestingForward Interlock
System, this Section.

• Be sure there are no obstaclesbehind
you before movingin reverse.
• Wheels/Tines/PTODrive Lever should
automatically return to NEUTRAL
when released from REVERSE
position. If it does not, move lever to
NEUTRAL manually and discontinue
use until you adjust the lever. See
Section 5, Checking and Adjusting
Reverse Drive System.
• No reverse motion should occur if
Wheels/Tines/PTO Drive Lever is not
held up in REVERSE. See Section 5,
Checking and Adjusting Reverse
Drive System for adjustment steps.
Do not use tiller unless properly
adjusted.

Stopping the Engine and Tiller
1. To stop the wheels and tines, move the
Wheels/Tines/PTODrive Lever into
NEUTRALposition and then releaseboth
Forward Interlock Levers.

16

Keep away from rotatingtines. Rotating
tines will cause injury.
3. When practicing, set the Depth
Regulator Leverto Travel position.
Otherwise, set the Depth Regulator Lever
to a desired depth.
4. Move Tines/PTO Clutch Leverto
ENGAGEposition if you want the tines to
turn. If practicing, leavein DISENGAGE.

• Always return to NEUTRALand let all
motion stop before shifting to
FORWARDor REVERSE.

IMPORTANT: Do not move Tines/PTO
Clutch Lever to ENGAGE unless
Wheels/Tines/PTO Drive Lever is in
NEUTRAL.Tiller damagemay occur!

The following pages provide guidelines
for using your tiller effectively and safely
in various gardening applications. Be
sure to read Tilling Tips & Techniques,in
this Section, before you actually put the
tines into the soil.

5. To move the tiller forward and engage
the tines, squeezeand hold either Forward
Interlock Lever (Figure 4-3) against the
handlebargrip, then move the
Wheels/Tines/PTODrive Leverdown to
FORWARDposition.

This is a traditional standard-rotating-tine
(SRT) tiller with forward rotating tines. It
operates in a completely different manner
than counter-rotating-tine (CRT)tillers, or
from front-tine tillers.

Section4: Operation
MakingTurns
Turningthe tiller is easy and just requires
practice. First find the balance point
betweenthe engine and the tines by lifting
up the handlebars (Figure4-5). Onceyou
find the balancepoint, then let the
poweredwheels do the turning as you
pushsideways on the handlebars in the
direction of theturn. Practice theturning
maneuver described here in a large open
area. Oncecomfortable turning the tiller,
you can then take it to the garden area.

Figure 4-3: Moving tiller forward:
squeeze one Forward Interlock Lever
and then move Wheels/Tines/PTO
Drive Lever down to FORWARD.

1. At the end of a row, move the Wheels/
Tines/PTO Drive Lever (Figure 4-2) to
NEUTRALpositionand reducethe engine
speed.

Figure 4-4: Guide tiller with one hand.

6. When the tiller moves forward, relax
and let the wheels power the tiller along
while the tines dig. Walk behind and to
one side of the tiller. Walk on the side

Moving the Tiller in Reverse
IMPORTANT:
REVERSE.

that is not yet tilled (Figure4-4). Use a
firm grip on the handlebars but keepyour
arm relaxed.
IMPORTANT: Let the tiller move ahead at
its own pace. Do not push it ahead--this
reduces operator control and tilling efficiency. Do not push handlebars down in
an attempt to dig deeper-- this takes
weight off the wheels, reduces traction,
and causes the tines to try to propel the
tiller.

StoppingForwardMotion and Tines
1. To stop forward motion, tap
Wheels/Tines/PTODrive Lever upward
into NEUTRAL.Then releasethe Forward
Interlock Levers. The wheels and tines
will stop and the engine will continue
running.
2. In an emergency, releaseall of the
control levers. This stops forward motion
and shuts-off the engine.

To Help Avoid Personal Injury
Damage to Equipment:

or

• Be sure no obstaclesare behind you
before operatingthe tiller in REVERSE.
• Disengage the tines, reduce engine
speed, and move the Wheel Speed
Lever to SLOW position before
operating in REVERSE. Avoid using
FAST wheel speed until you are
familiar with backingthe tiller.

Do not till

while

in

1. Shift the Tines/Wheels/PTODrive Lever
(Figure 4-2) into NEUTRALand move the
Wheel Speed Lever to the SLOW position.
2. Move Tines/PTOClutch Lever (Figure
4-2) into DISENGAGEposition.
3. Verify that the area behind you is clear.
4. Lift up the handlebarsuntil the tines
are off the ground, then shift the
Wheels/Tines/PTODrive Lever all the way
up and hold. You do not need to squeeze
the Forward Interlock Leversto use
mve_e.

2. Move the Tines/PTOClutch Lever
(Figure4-2) into the DISENGAGE
position.
3. Resumeforward operation, and lift
handlebarsuntil tines are off the ground
(Figure4-5). Findthe balancepoint
betweenthe engine and the tines. Then
pushthe handlebars in the direction of the
turn. Be very careful to keep feet and legs
away from the tines (which should be disengaged). Let the poweredwheels do the
hard work. The inside wheel will pivotin
placewhile the outside wheel drives the
tiller around in the direction of the turn.

5. The unit immediately engages in
reverse. Periodically check behind you
while holding the handlebars up and the
Wheels/Tines/PTOLever in its upper-most
position.
Stopping Reverse Motion
Releasethe Wheels/Tines/PTODrive
Lever- the lever automatically returns to
the NEUTRALposition. This stops the
wheels immediately.(The Forward
Interlock Levers will not stop REVERSE
motion.)

Figure 4-5: Turning the tiller.

NOTE: Use REVERSEif necessaryto turn
in a limited space.

ToStopthe Engine
Move the engine Throttle Leverto the
STOPposition. Then, on electric start
models, turn key to OFF. Removethe key
for safekeeping.

17

Section4: Operation
4. When the turn is complete, shift to
NEUTRALand lower the handlebars.
Move Tines/PTOClutch Lever back to
ENGAGEposition and resume forward
operation.
Transporting The Tiller Around
Your Property
When the engine is running, the tiller's
powered wheels make moving the tiller to
and from the garden easy. If the engine is
not running set the Wheel Speed Lever to
FREEWHEELposition to roll the tiller to
another location.

To help avoid personal injury from
revolving tines, always put the
Tines/PTO Clutch Lever in DISENGAGE
positionbefore transporting,loading, or
unloadingUiler.
1. Placethe Tines/PTOClutch Lever in
DISENGAGEposition.

The ForwardInterlock Safety System is
designed for the operator's safety. Do
not disconnector attempt to defeat the
purpose of the system, if the system
malfunctions, immediately contactyour
local authorized dealer or the
TROY-BILT Technical Service Department for assistance. Do not use the
tiller or the PTO power unit until the
Forward Interlock Safety System is
functioning properly. Always test the
system before using the tiller or PTO
power unit.

Howto Checkthe Interlock System
The Forward Interlock System has an
electro-mechanical design, and so is
subject to normal wear and possible malfunction. Checkthe system for proper
operation each time prior to using the
tiller or PTOpower unit.

2. Move Depth RegulatorLeverdown all the
way into the Travel setting.

4. If the engine is stopped, move Wheel
Speed Lever to FREEWHEEL,and
manually push tiller.
Testing the Forward

IMPORTANT: The interlock system also
prevents the engine from starting if the
Wheels/Tines/PTODrive Lever is engaged
in FORWARD.
18

5. Squeezeand hold just one of the
Forward Interlock Levers against the
handlebar grip while moving the Wheels/
Tines/PTO Drive Lever down to
FORWARD(Figure 4-3). As the tiller
moves forward, releasethe Forward Interlock Lever briefly. The engine should
start to stall out if the interlock system is
working properly. If it does start to stall,
quickly squeezethe lever up against the
handlebar grip, and then return the
Wheels/Tines/PTO Drive Lever to
NEUTRAL. Repeatthis test to check that
the engine begins to stall out when the
other Forward Interlock Lever is released.
6. If the engine does not begin to shut off
when either Forward Interlock lever is
released, shut the engine off, remove the
key (if electric start), and do not operate
the tiller or PTO powerunit until the
system has been repaired and is functioning properly.
IMPORTANT: To avoid possible damage
to the Forward Interlock Safety system,
do not use high-pressure sprays near the
wire harness receptacleor neutral plunger
assembly.

3. If using engine power, move Wheel
Speed Lever to either SLOW or FAST,and
use the Wheels/Tines/PTODrive Leverto
drive the wheels.

Interlock Safety System
The Forward Interlock Safety System is
designedto shut the tiller engine off
immediately if you lose control and
cannot stop moving FORWARDby
shifting the Wheels/Tines/PTODrive Lever
into NEUTRAL. When you release both
Forward Interlock Levers,they send
ground to the ignition system thereby
stopping the engine. Squeezingone or
both levers up against the handlebars
enablesthe ignition system; therefore,
you must squeezeat least one lever
whenever the Wheels/Tines/PTODrive
Lever is engaged in FORWARD.

4. Start engine as described under
Starting and Stopping the Engine,in this
section. Set engine throttle lever to
SLOW, and let engine warm up.

Figure 4-6: Plug and receptacle of
Forward Interlock Safety System
must be securely connected.

To test the Forward Interlock System:
1. Move tiller outside to level ground.
Removeany obstacles.
2. Checkthat the Forward Interlock wire
harness plug, at the bottom of the handlebars (Figure4-6), is securely connected
to the receptacleon the top, right side of
the transmission.
3. Move Wheel Speed Lever (Figure 4-2)
to SLOW position and move Tines/PTO
Clutch Lever to DISENGAGE.

Loading and Unloading the Tiller
The following provides information on
tiller loading, unloading, and requirements
before loading and unloading the tiller.
Readthe following instructions carefully
before attempting to load or unload your
tiller.

Before Loadingor Unloadingthe
Tiller
• Ramps must be strong enough to
support the combined weight of the tiller
and handlers. They should provide good
traction to prevent slipping; they should
have side rails to guide the tiller along
the ramps; and they should havea
locking device to secure them to the
vehicle.
• Handlers should wear sturdy footwear
that will help to prevent slipping.

Section4: Operation
• Turn the vehicle's engine off and apply
its parkingbrake.

2. Move the Tines/PTOClutch Lever
(Figure 4-2) to DISENGAGEposition.

• Position the loading vehicle so that the
ramp angle is as flat as possible (the
less incline to the ramp, the better).

3. Set the Depth Regulator Lever (Figure
4-2) to the Travel position.

Loadingthe Tiller
1. Use loading ramps that are strong and
wide enough to safely hold the weight of
the tiller and the operator combined-your tiller weighs between 280 and 325
Ibs.
2. Move the Tines/PTOClutch Lever
(Figure 4-2) into DISENGAGEposition.
3. Set the Depth Regulator lever (Figure
4-2) to the Travel position.
4. Move Wheel Speed Lever (Figure4-2)
into SLOWposition and reducethe
engine throttle speed.

4. Move Wheel Speed Lever (Figure 4-2)
to SLOWposition and reduce the engine
throttle speed.
IMPORTANT: Look behind you before
you back down the ramp to ensure that all
is clear. While descending, keepchecking
for obstacles behind you.
5. Move and hold the Wheels/Tines/PT0
Lever into REVERSEdrive and back down
the ramps (Figure 4-8). Checkthe wheels
as you move the tiller backward. Ensure
that they move down the center of each
ramp.

5. Shift the Wheels/Tines/PTOLever
(Figure 4-2) into FORWARDposition and
follow the tiller up the ramps (Figure 4-7).
Checkthe wheels as you move the tiller
forward. Ensurethat they move up the
center of each ramp.
6. Prevent tiller from rolling in vehicle.
LeaveWheel Speed Lever in FASTor
SLOW position, chock wheels with blocks
and tie down the tiller.

Figure 4-7: To go up ramps, use
FORWARD drive.

Unloading the Tiller
IMPORTANT: Never unload the tiller in
FORWARDdrive. The tiller could tip
forward and expose you to the tines
(which should be disengagedas
instructed).
1. Use loading ramps that are strong and
wide enough to safely hold the weight of
the tiller and the operator combined-your tiller weighs between 280 and 325
Ibs.

This change is done quickly and without
tools (Figures 4-9 through 4-13).

Pulley

Figure 4-9: Belt range positions.

When the tiller is moving in REVERSE,the
wheels are powered by a rubber reverse
disc, not by the belt. Therefore, you have
only two reverse speeds SLOWand FAST,
as set with the Wheel Speed Lever.
Table 4-1 shows the range of wheel and
tine speeds available when using the two
belt speed rangesand the FASTand
SLOWselections on the Wheel Speed
Lever.

Figure 4-8: TOgo down ramps, use
REVERSE drive.

Changing Speed Belts
Your tiller has two belt-driven speed
ranges - HIGH RANGEand LOW RANGE
- you pick one or the other by deciding
which set of pulley grooves to move the
forward belt into. By moving the belt
from one speed range into the other, in
combination with the FASTand SLOW
wheel speeds,you obtain a choice of four
different forward wheel speeds and two
different tine speeds.

To help avoid serious personal injury,
stop the engine, remove the ignition
key, disconnect spark plug wire and
move the wire away from the spark
plug, and let engine and muffler cool
downbeforechangingbelt speeds.

Table 4-1
AvailablewheelandUnespeedsat 3000RPM
enginespeed.
Belt

Low Range

WheelSpeed
Wheel
Lever
Slow

Tine

_ Speed _ Speed
.5MPH
_46RPM

Low Range

Fast

1.2MPH

146RPM

High Range

Slow

.7MPH

200RPM

High Range

Fast

1.72MPH

200RPM

ChangingBelt FromLOWRange
to HIGHRange
1. To avoid personal injury, shut off
engine, let all moving parts come to a
complete stop, then disconnect spark
plug wire from spark plug and move it
away from spark plug before making any
adjustments. Wait for the engine and
muffler to cool down.
2. Move Wheels/Tines/PTODrive Lever
into NEUTRAL.

Changing the belt from LOW range into
HIGH range (or back again) is a matter of
moving the belt from one set of pulley
grooves to a second set of pulley grooves.
19

Section4: Operation
4. Go to right side of tiller and finish
seating the belt.
The HIGH speed belt range position
combined with a FAST wheel speed
setting propels the tiller at the fastest
pace. Reducethe engine throttle speed
when starting out to help avoid personal
injury or property damage if using this
speed combination.

5. Still holding the lever up in REVERSE
position, and working from the left side of
the tiller, move the belt from the lowerfront transmission groove to the lowerrear transmission groove.
6. Go to the right side of the tiller and
finish seating the belt (Figure 4-13).

3. Kneel on left side of tiller. To create
belt slack, reach over to right side of the
pulleys and push in at the center of the
belt with a finger. At the same time, use
your left hand to work the belt part-way
onto the lower-front transmission pulley
groove (Figure 4-10).

Figure 4-11: Low range to high
range. Shows moving belt from toprear groove onto top-front groove.

7. Check both sides of the high range
pulley grooves to verify that the belt is
properly seated.
Changing Belt From HIGH Range to
LOW Range
1. To avoid personalinjury, shut off
engine, let all moving parts come to a
complete stop, then disconnect spark
plug wire from spark plug and move wire
away from spark plug before making any
adjustments. Let engine and muffler cool.
2. Move the Wheels/Tines/PTODrive
Lever into NEUTRAL.
Figure 4-10: Low range to high range.
Shows moving belt from lower-rear
groove onto lower-front groove.

4. Go to the other side of the tiller to
finish seating the belt onto the pulley
groove.

3. Stand on left side of tiller. Use your
right hand to hold the Wheels/Tines/PTO
Drive Lever up into REVERSEposition.
Use your left hand to move the belt off
top-front engine pulley groove to top-rear
engine pulley groove (Figure 4-12).

5. Working from the left side of the tiller,
work the belt as much as possible onto
the top-front engine pulley groove (Figure
4-11).

ChoosingWheel
and Tine Speeds
Your tiller has four FORWARDwheel/tine
speed combinations for handling a variety
of tilling tasks and gardening jobs. Experiment with the tine depth, engine speed,
and wheel/tine speed and determine the
combination that provides the best
results. Hereare some tips:

2. When tilling untilled or hard earth, do
not set the Depth Regulatortoo deep. The
tiller will buck and the engine will load
down.

IMPORTANT: Proper belt tension is
important for good performance. See
Section 5, Drive Belt Maintenance for
information on belt maintenance schedule

3. You will know your settings are ideal
when the tines break-up the soil easily,
the engine does not labor, and your
progress is steady and smooth.

and procedures.

2O

7. Checkthat the belt is fully seated in the
pulley grooves. Checkthis from both
sides of the tiller.

1. Advance the throttle lever so the engine
has sufficient power.

6. Finish seating the belt from the right
side of the tiller.

NOTE: If extra belt slack is needed to
move the belt,
just
raise the
Wheels/Tines/PTO Drive Lever up into
REVERSE. This lowers the engine pulley,
and creates more slack.

Figure 4-13: High range to low
range. Shows moving belt from
Iower-frent onto lower-rear groove.

Figure 4-12: High range to low
range. Shows moving belt from topfront groove onto top-rear pulley
groove.

See Table 2, WheelSpeedand Belt Range
Selection Guidefor recommendations.

Section4: Operation

NIGHBELTRANGE FASTGEAR,LOWBELTRANGE
SLOWGEAR,LOWBELTRANGE SLOWGEAR,
For:
For:
For:
• Tillingin sod.
• Tillingin sod or hard clay.
Going over seedbedfor the
last time beforeplantingcrops.
• Tillingin hard clay,
• Tilling under standingcornCoveringoverseeds in wide
stalks (slow, steadyspeed
• Tilling understanding cornrow or plot planting(lift hanstalks in tough soil conditions. allowstime to shred stalks).
dlebarsto avoidgoing too
•
Tilling
under
cover
crops
• Tilling undercover crops.
deep).
(best
wheelspeedand
belt
• Preparinga deep seedbed,
speedrangein mostsoils).
Hilling and furrowing.
• Tilling in stony soil.
• Preparingseedbeds(best
Making raisedbeds.
• Tilling underresiduesand
speedchoice in most soils).
Cultivating(lift handlebarsto
organic matter,
• Tilling in stony ground.
avoid going too deep).
• Mixing in fertilizers,manure.
• Building raisedgardenbeds. • Tilling largeareas.
• Mixing in fertilizer.
• Using hiller wings in hard
soil.

• Tilling organic matterin.
Cultivatingbetweenraised
bedswith optional
• Mixing fertilizer and manure. hiller/furrowerattachment.
• Tilling residuesand organics.

Tilling Tips& Techniques
Let the tiller do the work
• While tilling, relax and let the wheels
pull the tiller along while the tines do
the digging. Walk on the side that is not
yet finished (to avoid making footprints
in the freshly tilled soil) and lightly, but
securely grip the handlebar with just
one hand (Figure 4-4).
• Avoid pushing down on the handlebars
in an attempt to force the tiller to dig
deeper. Doing so takes the weight off
the poweredwheels, causing them to
lose traction. Without the wheels
helping to hold the tiller back,the tines
will attempt to propel the tiller - often
causing the tiller to skip rapidly across
the ground. (Sometimes, slight
downward pressure on the handlebars
will help get through a particularly
tough section of sod or unbroken
ground, but in most cases this won't be
necessary.)

Tilling depths
• Avoid trying to dig too deeply too
quickly, especially when busting sod or
tilling soil that hasn't been tilled for
some time. Use shallow depth settings
(only an inchor two deep) for the first
passesthrough the garden area.

With each succeeding pass,adjust the
depth regulator to dig another inchor
two deeper. (Watering the garden area
a few days prior to tilling will make
tilling easier, as will letting the newly
worked soil set for a day or two before
making a final, deep tilling pass.)
• When cultivating (breaking up the
surface soil around plants to help
destroy weeds), use very shallow depth
settings to preventinjury to plantswhose
roots often grow closeto the surface. If
needed,lift up on the handlebarsslightly
to preventthe tines from digging too
deeply. Cultivatingon a regular basis not
only eliminatesweeds,it also loosensand
aeratesthe soil for better moisture
absorption and faster plantgrowth.

Avoidtilling wet, soggysoil
Tilling wet soil often results in large, hard
clumps of soil that can interfere with
planting. If time permits, wait a day or
two after heavy rains to allow the soil to
dry before tilling. Test the soil by
squeezing it into a ball. If it compresses
too easily, it is too wet to till.

FASTGEAR,HIGHBELTRANGE
For:
Preparingseedbedsfor
planting.
Coveringseedswith less need
to hold up the handlebars.
• Cultivating(tiller travelsfaster,
rides higheron the soil; allows
engineRPM to be reduced;
handlebarsdon't haveto be
raised).
• Keepinglarge areastilled and
cultivatedin the summer.
• Tilling organicmatter under.
• Moving tiller quickly.
• Cultivatingbetweenraised
bedsusing the optional
hiller/furrower.

To help avoid personalinjury, be aware
that the tiller can unexpectedlybounce
up or jump ahead and propelaway from
you if the tines strike hard or frozen
ground, or buried obstacles like large
stones, roots or stumps. Always use
the following precautions to help
maintain controlof the tiller:
• Walk behind and to the side of the
tiller. Use one hand onthe handlebars,
relaxing your arm but with a secure
hand grip.
• Use shallow depthregulator settings.
Till graduallydeeper.
• Use slower wheel, tine and engine
speeds.
• Clear the tilling area of all large
stones,rootsand otherdebris.
• Do not put downwardpressureon the
handlebars. If needed, apply slight
upward handlebar pressureto keep the
tines from diggingtoo deeply.
• Avoid contacting hard soil or sod at
the end of a row - reduceengine speed
and lift handlebarsto raise tines out of
the soil.
• In An Emergency, stop tines and
wheels by moving Wheels/Tines/PTO
Drive Lever to NEUTRAL. If you cannot
reach the lever or have lost control, Let
Go OfThe Handlebarsand All Controls. 21

Section4: Operation

Tilling Tips & Techniques
Avoidmakingfootprints
When possible,walk on the untilled side
of the unit to avoid making footprints in
the freshly tilled soil (Figure 4-4). Footprints cause soil compaction that can
hamper root penetrationand contribute
to soil erosion. They can also "plant"
unwantedweed seeds back into the
newly tilled soil.

IMPORTANT: When tilling on slopes,
be sure the correct oil level is maintained in the engine (check every onehalf hour of operation). The incline of
the slope will cause the oil to slant away
from its normal level and this can starve
engine parts of required lubrication.
Keepthe engine oil level at the full point
at all times!
A. Tilling up and down slopes:

Suggestedtilling patterns
• When preparing a seedbed, go over
the same path twice in the first row,
then overlap one-half the tiller width
on the rest of the passes (Figure 414). When finished in one direction,
make a second pass at a right angle as
shown in Figure 4-15. Overlapeach
pass for best results (in very hard
ground it may take three or four
passesto thoroughly pulverize the
soil).
• If the garden size will not permit
lengthwise and then crosswise tilling,
then overlap the first passesby onehalf a tiller width, followed by successive passesat one-quarter width
(Figure 4-16).
• With planning, you can allow enough
room between rows to cultivate
(Figure 4-17). Leave room for the
hood width, plus enough extra room
for future plant growth.

Tilling on slopes
If you must garden on sloping ground,
pleasefollow two very important guidelines:
1. Till only on moderate slopes, never
on steep inclines where footing is
difficult (review safety rules in the
"Safety" Section of this Manual).
2. We recommend tilling up and down
slopes rather than terracing. Tilling
vertically on a slope allows maximum
planting area and also leaves room
for cultivating.

22

• To keepsoil erosion to a minimum, be
sure to add enough organic matter to
the soil so that it has good moistureholding texture and try to avoid leaving
footprints or wheel marks.

• When tilling vertically, try to make the
first pass uphill as the tiller digs more
deeply going uphill than it does
downhill. In soft soil or weeds, you
may haveto lift the handlebarsslightly
while going uphill. When going
downhill, overlap the first pass by
about one-half the width of the tiller.
HINT: For best results, usethe HIGH
belt range and SLOW wheel speed lever
position. See Changing Speed Belts in
this section for more information on
changing to high range.

To avoid serious personal injury or
damage to the equipment:
• Do not operate tiller on a slope too
steep for safe operation. Go slowly
on any slope. Make sure you have
goodfooting.
• Wear footwear that increases

Figure4-14

stability and reducesslippage.
• Do not use FAST wheel speed
positionwhen on sloped ground.

]

Figure4-15

• Do not shift the Wheel Speed Lever
when heading up or down a slope. If
lever is accidentally moved to FREE
WHEEL position, the tiller could roll
out of control.
• To prevent engine damage due to oil
starvation (on slopes,the engine is
inclined and oil moves away from
surfaces that need lubrication), be
sure the correct oil level is maintained during all uphill/downhill
tilling operations. Check the level of
the oil in your engine after every onehalf hour of operation.

Figure4-16

Section4: Operation

Tilling Tips & Techniques
Clearingthe tines
The tines havea self-clearing action
which helps to eliminate most tangling
of debris. However, occasionally dry
grass, stringy stalks or tough vines may
become tangled.
Follow these procedures to help avoid
tangling and to clear the tines, if
necessary.

Beforeclearing the tines by hand, stop
the engine, allow all moving parts to
stop and disconnect the spark plug
wire. Failure to follow this warning
couldresult in personal injury.

Figure 4-18
B. Terrace Gardening:
• When a slope is too steep or too short
for vertical tilling, it may be necessary
to till across the slope and create
terraced rows. Terracesare rows that
are cut into the side of a slope, creating
a narrow, but flat area on which to
plant.
• On a long slope, you can make several
terraces, one below the other.
• Terracesshould be only 2-to-3 feet
wide. Digging too far into the side of
the slope will expose poor subsoil that
is unproductive for plants.
• To create a terrace, start at the top of
the slope and work down. Go back and
forth across the first row as shown in
Figure 4-18.
• Eachsucceeding lower terrace is
started by walking below the terrace
you're preparing. Foradded stability of
the tiller, always keepthe uphill wheel
in the soft, newly tilled soil. Do not till
the last 12" or more of the downhill

C. Tilling across slopes
withoutterracing
• If vertical or terracing gardening aren't
practical for you, then you can till
laterally across a slope. We don't
really recommend this method as it
can create unsure footing and invites
soil erosion.
• Study the terrain to make certain the
slope is not too steep for safe tilling.
If possible, make terraced rows or till
vertically.
• Move the belt into LOW belt range and
the Wheel Speed Gear Lever to SLOW
position. As in terrace gardening, start
at the top of the slope and overlapthe
first pass by halfthe width of the tiller.
Foradded stability, keepthe uphill
wheel in the soft, newly tilled soil. Each
succeeding terraced area is started by
walking belowthe terrace you are
preparing (Figure 4-19).

• To reducetangling, set the Depth
Regulator deep enough to get
maximum "chopping" action as the
tines chop the material against the
ground. Also, try to till under crop
residues or cover crops while they are
green, moist and tender.
• While power composting, try swaying
the handlebarsfrom side to side (about
6" to 12"). This "fishtailing" action
often clears the tines of debris.
• It may be necessaryto remove the
debris by hand (a pocket knife will help
you to cut away the material).

outside edge of each terrace. This
untilled strip helps prevents the
terraces from breaking apart and
washing downhill. It also provides a
walking path between rows.
Figure 4-19: Make a terrace in just 4
or 5 passes with the tiller.

23

Section4: Operation

Tilling Tips & Techniques
POWERCOMPOSTING
Power composting means tilling under
and burying in the soil all manner of
organic matter such as crop residues,
leaves,grass clippings and cover crops.
This material will decompose during the
non-growing season and add important
natural nutrients to the soil.

When power composting, do not keep
the Depth Regulator Lever at a deep
setting if the tiller jumpsor bucks.
If jumping or bucking occurs, move
the Depth Regulator Lever down to
one of the shallower settings and
then slowly increase the tilling depth
on later passes.
Failure to comply could result in loss
of tiller control, property damage or
personal injury.

Begin by composting crop residues such
as leftover vines, stalks, stems and
roots. Power compost these crop
residues as soon as they finish bearing.
The sooner this is done, the better, as
tender green matter is easier to till
under. Use the deepest depth regulator
setting possible without causing the
engine to labor or the tiller to jump
ahead.
Standing cornstalks of reasonableheight
can be power composted (Figure 4-20).
Pushing over (but not uprooting) cornstalks will often make it easierfor your
tiller to chop up the stalks. Keepthe
tines clear of excessivetangling by "fishtailing" or frequently using reverse.
Make several passes, then return a few
days later to finish off any remaining
stubble.

24

After tilling under crop residues, add
more organic matter such as leaves,
grass clippings and even kitchen scraps.
When tilled into the soil, this organic
matter will decompose and add even
more important nutrients to the soil.
After power composting, you may want
to plant a "green manure" cover crop to
protect the soil during the off-season.

1. As you move forward into a row of
stalks, aim the tiller so that the stalks go
between the left wheel and the transmission case (Figure 4-19). Do not usethe
right wheel becausedamage could occur
to the air cleaner, carburetor or throttle
linkage.

Grow a crop of clover, alfalfa,
buckwheat, peas, beans, rye grass,
grain, or kaleand then till it into the soil
prior to the planting season.
Wide-Row Planting
The wide-row planting technique is
spreading seeds anywhere from 10
inches to 2 feet wide or more. As a
result, you can grow anywhere from 3 to
4 times (or more) produce in the same
space that is normally set aside for an
area that has narrow, single rows.
Wide-row planting automatically shades
the ground which keeps weed growth
down and also holds moisture in the
soil. And of course, harvesting is much
easier- everything is right at hand to be
picked. Preparing wide rows is easy -after you prepare the seedbedand mark
off the rows with string, hand-broadcast
the seeds as if seeding a lawn (not quite
as much as lawn seed). Cover with soil
and tamp the area firmly with a hoe.
Tilling Under Corn
After corn is harvested, the stalks should
be tilled into the soil while still green.
Dry plants are more difficult to till under,
and the roots break loose too easily.
IMPORTANT: Do not pull the roots out
by hand or cut the stalks before tilling.
Stalks that are firmly anchored by their
roots are much easier for the tines to
chop, cut, and work under.

Figure 4-20: Tilling under corn
stalks.

2. Eachnew pass should overlap the
previous pass by one-half the width of
the tiller.
3. Till as deeply as possible. Pull the
Depth Regulator all the way UP and
engagethe lowest notch for deeptilling.
Use either LOW or HIGH belt range and
SLOWwheel speedgear position.
Let the tilled-in stalks decompose for a
week or so. Then till in the remaining
residue as deep as possible.

Section4: Operation
PTOPOWERUNIT
Your tiller is a self-contained PTO(Power
Take-Off) Power Unit that was shipped
with a tine attachment installed. The tine
attachment can be quickly removed and
replaced with other optional attachments.
The following instructions will familiarize
you with your PTOPower Unit. Please
read these pagescarefully.

RemovingAndReplacingThe Tine Attachment
Wheels/Tines/PTO
DriveLever

Wheel
Speed,
Lever _

Engine
ThroHleLever
\

\
\

_

\

Forward
InterlockLevers
_Depth
Regulator
Lever

Figure 4-21: PTO Power Unit and tine
attachment.

Before operating your PTO Power
Unit for the first time, make sure that
you have:
• Read all the safety instructionsin
Section 1 of this Manual and in the
Manual supplied with any attachment.
• Read the controls information and
operating procedures for the tiller
and engine described in Sections 3
and 4 of this Manual and in the
EngineOwner'sManual.
• Read and understandthe assembly
instructions, controls information,
and operating procedures for the
attachment as described in the
AttachmentOwner's Manual supplied
with the attachment.
The following steps explain how to
remove and replacethe tine attachment.
You will need a 3/4" wrench (minimum
12" long for leverage).

RemovingTine Attachment
1. Move the tiller to levelground.
2. Be sure the engineis stopped,the
electricstart key is removed,and thespark
plug wireis disconnectedand moved away
from sparkplug.

Figure 4-22: PTO Power Unit controls.

TO AVOID PERSONAL INJURY OR
DAMAGETO EQUIPMENT:
• Stop the engine, remove the electric
start key, disconnect the spark plug
wire and let the engine and muffler
cool before removing or installing any
attachment.
• Do not place hands, tools, or any
object near or inside the PTO access
area while the engine is running.
• When removing or replacing the tine
attachment, be careful of the sharp
edges on the tiller hood. Wear thick
glovesfor hand protection.
• When the tine attachment is
removed, always prop it up with a
block to prevent the attachment from
falling forward.

3. Place a sturdy support under the
engine to prevent the engine from tipping
forward when the tine attachment is
removed (Figure 4-23).
4. Placethe Wheels/Tines/PTODrive Lever
into NEUTRAL(Figure4-22).

Figure 4-23: Block up engine.

6. PlaceWheel Speed Lever into FREE
WHEEL (Figure 4-22).
7. Loosenthe two swing-out bolts (Figure
4-24) that connect the power unit transmission to the tine attachment and swing
out the bolts (Figure 4-25).
HINT: Loosening swing-out bolts can be
difficult. Use an extra-long wrench for
leverage.
8. Tip the PTOpower unit forward about
one inch with one hand while pulling the
tine attachment back (Figure 4-26). The
guide pin on the power unit will slide out
of the guide hole in the tine attachment
(Figure 4-27).

5. Place Tines/PTOClutch Lever in
DISENGAGE(Figure 4-22).

25

Section4: Operation
10. The PTOPower Unit is now readyto
install other powered or non-powered
attachments. Seethe attachment's
Owner's Manual for installation and
operation instructions specific to that
attachment.
Installing the Tine Attachment
1. Move the two PTO Power Unit swingout bolts outward and slide the washers
up against the bolt heads.

Figure 4-24: Loosening attachment
awing-bolts.

2. Removethe support block from under
the engine and slowly roll the power unit
back next to the tine attachment. Place
the support block back under the engine.
3. Removethe dust cap (or protective
wrapping) from the dog clutch coupling
on the tine attachment.
4. Carefully align the guide pin on the
PTOPower Unit with the alignment hole
in the tine attachment and bring the two
units together (Figure 4-27).

PTOPOWERUNIT
OPERATING
INSTRUCTIONS
To help avoid personal injury or
damage to equipment, read the attachment's Owner's Manual supplied with
each attachment before installing or
operating an attachment. Please read
all control, operation and safety
instructions.
The following are operating instructions
specifically for the PTOPower Unit. Read
the separate Owner's Manual supplied
with eachattachment before attempting
to assemble, attach, transport or operate
the attachment. If needed,pleasecontact
us for a replacement manual. See the
back cover for customer support
information.

To help avoid personal injury, always
disengage the Tines/PTO Clutch Lever
beforetowing any attachment.
Some attachments havea drive shaft or a

Figure 4-25: Moving swing-bolts
outward.

hydraulic pump that is powered by the
engine on the PTOPower Unit. These
units are called Stationary Attachments,
since they remain in one location when
operating. Attachments can be towed to a
work site with the PTOPower Unit as

IMPORTANT: Store tine attachment in a
level, upright position to prevent gear oil
from leakingfrom the dipstick area.
Mounting
Figure 4-27: Aligning guide pin with
mounting hole.

5. Move the two swing-bolts into the
slots of the tine attachment. Alternately
tighten each bolt until they are tight
enough to make the concavewashers flat.
Thebolts must be very tight - if you have
a torque wrench, tighten each bolt to
between 70 and 80 ft.-Ibs.

Figure 4-26: Pulling attachment
away from power unit.

9. To keepthe tine attachment dog clutch
coupling clean, cover with the dust cap
(on some attachments) or plastic wrap.

26

IMPORTANT: The swing-bolts must be
kept very tight to prevent damaging wear
to the dog clutch coupling, alignment pin
or the alignment hole. Check bolt
tightness every 2-1/2 operating hours.
6. Removethe engine support before
moving the tiller in a forward direction.

described in OperatingNon-Powered
Attachments. Otherattachments are
pulled or towed behind the PTO Power
Unit. These attachments are called NonPoweredAttachments.

SettingUp StationaryAttachments

To help avoid personal injury, never
allow people to ride on any PTO Power
Unit or attachment.

1. Move the Tines/PTO Clutch Lever to
DISENGAGE.
2. Move Wheel Speed Lever (Figure4-22)
to FREEWHEEL,
then block all wheels
(Figure4-29) to preventthe equipment
from rolling.

Section4: Operation
3. Verify that the Forward Interlock Wire
Harness plug at the base of the handlebars (A, Figure4-28) is connectedto the
Forward Interlock Wire Harness receptacle (B) on the top right side of the
transmission.
Starting The Engine

Figure 4-28: Forward Interlock Wiring
A - PTO Power Unit Interlock Harness
B - Forward Interlock Receptacle
C - Attachment Interlock Wire

3. On the PTOPower Unit, unplug the
Forward Interlock Wire Harnessthat leads
from the base of the handlebars(A, Figure
4-28) to the receptacle(B) located on the
top, right side of the transmission cover.
4. On the Stationary Attachment, locate
the interlock wire (C, Figure 4-28) and
clean contacts on plug and receptacle (B).
This connection enablesyou to operate
the Wheels/Tines/PTODrive Lever in
FORWARDwithout having to squeezea
Forward Interlock Lever.

IMPORTANT: Refer to Cold Weather
Operationinstructions, in this section,
before operating in temperatures below
40OF.
1. Move the Wheels/Tines/PTODrive
Lever into NEUTRAL. To find NEUTRAL
(be sure engine is oft), push lever down
and engage it in FORWARDthen tap the
lever upward to automatically move into
NEUTRAL.

2. To apply power to PTO-drivenattachments, move Wheels/Tines/PTOLever
(Figure4-22) down to FORWARDposition
(do not use REVERSEwith stationary
attachments).
3. To stop the PTOPower Unit, tap the
Wheels/Tines/PTODrive Lever upward
into NEUTRALposition.
Operating Non-Powered Attachments
(or to Tow Stationary Attachments)
1. To move forward, squeezeand hold
one Forward Interlock Lever (Figure 4-30)
up against the handlebars,and move the
Wheels/Tines/PTODrive Lever down to
FORWARD.

2. Move the Tines/PTOClutch Lever into
DISENGAGEposition.

To avoid injury,do not run the engine in
an enclosed or poorly vented area.
Engine exhaust contains carbon
monoxide,an odorlessand deadly gas.
Figure 4-30: Moving tiller forward:
squeeze one Forward Interlock Lever
and then move Wheels/Tines/PTO
Drive Lever down to FORWARD.

5. Connectthe plug from the Stationary
Attachment (C, Figure4-28) to the receptacle on the PTOPower Unit (B). The
connection must be tight.

3. Start Engine. See Starting and
Stopping the Engine,in the beginning of
this section, for detailed starting information. Also seethe Engine Owner's Manual.

Setting Up Non-Powered Attachments

4. For non-powered attachments only test
the Forward Interlock SafetySystem. See
Testing the Forward Interlock Safety
System, in this section, for a procedure.

2. To stop forward motion, tap
Wheels/Tines/PTODrive Lever upward
into NEUTRAL,then releasethe Forward
Interlock Levers.

Operating Stationary Attachments

3. To stop forward motion in an
emergency, releaseall PTOPower Unit
controls (stops engine).

1. Move the Tines/PTOClutch Lever
(Figure 4-22) to DISENGAGE.
2. Move the Wheel Speed Lever (Figure
4-22) to either SLOWor FASTposition
To do this, roll the PTOPower Unit while
shifting lever until wheels engage.

1. Move Tines/PTOClutch Lever (Figure
4-22) into ENGAGE.

4. To move in reverse, reducethe engine
speedthen shift the Wheel Speed Lever
into SLOW. Move and hold the
Wheels/Tines/PTODrive Lever all the way
up. Ensurethat the area behind you is
clear of all obstacles, before moving the
lever into REVERSE.
5. To stop moving in REVERSE,release
the Wheels/Tines/PTODrive Lever.

StoppingtheEngine
Move the EngineThrottle Leverto STOP.
Turn keyswitch to OFFon electric start
models.
Figure 4-29: Block wheels on PTO Power Unit and stationary
attachment.

27

n

Maintenance
REQUIRED
Before inspecting,
cleaning or
servicingthe machine, shut off engine,
wait for all moving parts to come to a
complete stop, disconnect spark plug
wire and move wire away from spark
plug. Remove ignition key on electric
start models.
Failure to follow these instructionscan
result in serious personal injury or
propertydamage.

MAINTENANCE

PROCEDURE

SCHEDULE

Before Every Every
Each
10
25
Use Hours Hours

Every
30
Hours

Checkengine oil level
Cleanengine cooling system
Test operation of Forward Interlock
Safety System
Forward Interlock Safety System checkwire condition,connections
Checkelectrical connections

Every5
operating hrs.
•
•

Section 4
•
•
Before/after
long storage
After initial
2 hours
After initial
2 hours

Recharge battery
Checkdrive belt tension
Check nuts and bolts
NOTE: All references to left, right, front
and rear of the machine are determined by
standing behind the handlebarsand facing
the direction of forward travel.

As
Noted

Cleantiller tine shaft
Lubricate tiller
More often
in dusty or
dirty areas
More often
in dusty or
dirty areas
After initial
2 hours

Changeengine oil*

Cleanfoam element air filter
Check paper element air filter
Checkfor oil leaks
Checkgear oil levelin
both transmissions
Check bolo tines for wear
Check reversedisc for wear

*

Checkair pressure in tires

•

After initial
2 hours

•
*

• During engine break-in period, change engine oil after first 2 hours of operation.

28

Section5: Maintenance
_

efore inspecting,cleaning or servicingthe machine, shut off engine, wait for all movingparts to come
to a complete stop, disconnectspark plug wire and move wire away from spark plug. Remove ignition
key, if so equipped.
Failure to follow these instructionscan result in serious personalinjury or propertydamage.

Tighten Bolts and Nuts
Checkfor loose or missing hardware
every ten (10) operating hours. Failureto
tighten or replacefasteners can cause
poor performance, equipment damage or
oil leakage. See your Parts Catalog for
complete fastener descriptions.

4. Checkthe five bolts securing the tiller
housing cover to the left side of the transmission (B in Figure 5-3). Gear oil can
leakfrom a loose housing cover. To
reachthe bolts, remove the left side tine
holder. See Bolo Tine Maintenancein this
Section for tine holder removal directions.

Most hardware on your tiller is visible.
Pay particular attention to hardware
shown in Figures 5-1,5-2, 5-3 and 5-3A.

5. Check both swing-bolts (C, Figure5-3)
that connect the power unit transmission
to the tine attachment. Both bolts should

1. Checkthe transmission pulley
mounting bolt (Figure 5-1). If the washer
behind the bolt head is loose, the bolt
needs tightening. To do this, first insert a
punch or thick screwdriver into the hole
next to the bolt and wedge the tool
against the side of the motor mount
casting. This immobilizes the pulley while
you tighten the bolt.
2. Checkjam nut on left side of neutral
plunger assembly(Figure5-2). If loose,
immobilize bolt head with one wrench and
use another wrench to tighten the nut.
3. Checkthe three rear bearing cap
screws under the depth regulator
mounting bracket (A, Figure 5-3). If any
is loose, it can cause an oil leakor drive
shaft end play.

Figure 5-1: Check bolt on transmission

be checked every 2-1/2 hours of
operation. If loose, wear can occur on the
locating pin on the power unit, and cause
enlargement of the locating hole in the
tine attachment. Using a torque wrench,
tighten these bolts to 70-to-80 ft.-Ibs.
6. Checkthe Iocknut that fastens the

IMPORTANT: Give screws or bolts that
go into the transmission housing a
coating of non-hardening gasket sealant
to prevent gear oil from leaking.

Tiller Lubrication
Proper lubrication of the tiller's mechanical parts is an essential part of good
maintenance. Lubrication should be done
after every ten (10) hours of operation.
Use ordinary motor oil (#30 weight or
lighter) where oil is specified. Use a
quality greasewith a metal lubricant
where grease is recommended (regular
grease is acceptable). Do not over
lubricate. If there is a build-up of dirt,
remove the build-up and re-apply oil or
grease.

shifting linkage to the eccentric shifting
lever (D, Figure5-3). Do not tighten the
Iocknut against the eccentric lever. It
should be very close to, but not touching
the lever.
7. Checkthe four bolts and nuts securing
left and right tine holders to the tine shaft
(Figure 5-3A).
Figure 5-3A: Tine holder hardware
must be tight.

pulley.

Figure 5-3: Gently tilt tiller forward to check fasteners.
Figure 5-2: Check jam nut on plunger assembly.

29

Section5: Maintenance
Beforeinspecting,cleaning or servicingthe machine, shut off engine, wait for all moving parts to come J
to a completestop, disconnectspark plug wire and move wire away from spark plug. Remove ignition J
key, if so equipped.
Fa ure to fo owthese nstructons can resu t n ser ous persona njury or propertydamage.
IMPORTANT: Do not allow oil or grease
to contact the pulleys, drive belt or
reverse disc. This can cause the belt or
disc to slip on the pulleys.
Lubricate the numbered areas in Figures
5-4 and 5-5, as follows:
1. Oil the wheel shaft betweenthe wheel
hubs and the transmission housing
(A, Figure5-4).
2. Oil all pivoting and connecting points
on the Wheels/Tines/PTODrive Leverand
the Wheel Speed Lever (B, Figure5-4).
3. Greasethe face of the belt adjustment
block (C, Figure 5-4).
4. Oil the Depth Regulator Lever,
including the spring in the mounting
bracket(D, Figure5-4).
5. Oil the full length of the throttle cable
casing (E, Figure 5-4).
6. Oil threads on HandlebarHeight Adjustment Lever (F, Figure 5-4).

7. Greaseleft- and right-side engine
mounting bars at the top, the middle, and
bottom (G, Figure5-4).
8. Greasethe zerk grease fitting located
on the pivot point at the end of the Wheel
Speed Lever (H, Figure 5-4). If Wheel
Speed Lever has a greasefitting on pivot
assembly, apply 2-to-3 strokes of multipurpose greaseat beginning and end of
tilling season.

Figure 5-6: Oil relief vent locations.

Transmission Gear
Oil Maintenance
Checkingfor Oil Leaks
At 25-houroperationintervals,checkthe
tiller for oil leaks. Inspectfor oil accumulationson thetiller or thefloor whereit's
stored.

alarm. But a heavy concentration of oil is more
serious. You should
tighten all bolts immediately, and replaceany
worn seals or gaskets.

Figure 5-4: Tiller lubrication points
(wheel removed for clarity).

it may be impossible to
determine how much oil
has been lost, so check the
oil levels in the PTOtransmission and the tine
attachment before using
the tiller again. Add any
necessary gear oil.
Serious damage to the
transmission components
can result from operation
when gear oil levels are
low.

3O

expansion, both the power unit transmission and the tine attachment transmissions haveoil relief vents (Figure 5-6).

9. Keepthe PT0 access area well-greased
(I, Figure 5-5). If the Tines/PTO Clutch
Lever becomes hard to move, squirt some
oil into its access hole, and work it back
and forth to disperse the oil.

A small amount of oil seepageor wetness
around a shaft opening or
cover is no cause for

Figure 5-5: Use grease liberally

If tilling during very hot weather, the gear
oil may heat up and expand inside the
transmissions. To allow for this oil

in PTO access area.

The vents allow small amounts of oil to
seep out.
If a serious leak is discovered, please
contact your authorized dealer or the
Factory Technical Service Department for
service advice.
Checking Gear Oil Levels
Every 30 hours of operation, check the
gear oil level in both the power unit transmission and the tine attachment transmission. Operatingthem while low on gear
oil (even briefly) can cause serious
damageto internal components.
Preparation
1. The transmissionsmust be cool,
since hot gear oil expands and gives a
false reading.
2. The power unit transmission and the
tine attachment transmission must be
connected when checking (or adding)
gear oil.
Checkingthe Power Unit Oil Level
1. Move the tiller to level ground. Move
the Depth Regulator up so the tines rest
on the ground.
2. Use a 3/8" wrench to remove the oil
level check plug on the left side of the
transmission housing (Figure 5-7).

Section5: Maintenance
Before inspecting,cleaning or servicingthe machine, shut off engine, wait for all moving parts to come
to a complete stop, disconnectspark plug wire and move wire away from spark plug. Remove ignition
key, if so equipped.
Failure to follow these instructionscan result in serious personalinjury or propertydamage.
For Dipsticks With 'CheckCold' Marking
(Cold means 2 hours has passed since
the tiller was used.)
1. Move the tiller to level ground.
2. Pull the Depth Regulator Lever back,
then push it down all the way (to engage
its top notch).

Figure 5-7: Remove oil level check
plug. Gear oil should seep out if
the level is sufficient,

3. If the oil level is correct, oil will seep
out of the check hole (allow extra time in
cold weather). If it does, the level is fine
and you should replace the check plug. If
no oil seeps out, see Adding or Changing
Gear Oil.
Checkingthe Tine
AttachmentOil Level
IMPORTANT: Two different gear oil
checking procedures for the tine attachment transmission are described next.
Use the first procedure if the dipstick in
your tine attachment has only a 'Check
Cold' marking. Use the second procedure
if the dipstick has both cold and hot
markings at the end. First remove the
dipstick from the tine attachment transmission (Figure 5-8) to see which type
dipstick you have. Then replace the
dipstick with markings on dipstick facing
to rear.

3. Place a sturdy support under the
engine to prevent the tiller from tilting too
far.
4. Now slide three pieces of 2" x 4"
lumber underneaththe drag bar- raising
the drag bar about 4-1/2" above ground.
This elevation allows an accurate "cold"
gear oil reading.
5. Wait two hours with tiller elevated
(allow more time if temperature is below
40°F).
6. Loosen and remove transmission
dipstick (Fig. 5-8). Wipe it clean with a
rag.
7. Hold dipstick so its markings face to
rear of tiller. Lower it straight down into
the sump hole to touch the drive shaft
inside (Fig. 5-8). Don't force or try to
thread it back in; an incorrect reading will
result.
8. Remove dipstick and check oil level. It
should be anywhere within the crosshatched area or even slightly above the
Max marking. If correct, replace dipstick
and remove the boards usedas props.
9. If oil level was low, gear oil must be
added before using the tiller. See Adding
or ChangingGear Oil next.
For DipsticksWithHot/ColdMarkings
1. Move the tiller to level ground.
2. Pull the Depth Regulator Lever back,
then push it down all the way (to engage
its top notch).
3. Place a sturdy support under the
engine to prevent the tiller from tilting too
far.

Figure 5=8: Checking gear oil level;
markings on dipstick (tine attachment transmission) must face rear.

4. Cold reading (preferred method):
(Two hours has passed since the tiller
was used.) Placea 2" x 4" board (on
edge) under the drag bar- raising the tiller
and drag bar about 3-1/2" above ground.
Hot reading:(Tiller was operatedfor
more than 30 minutes within the past
hour.) Do not use the wood prop to
elevatethe tiller.
5. Follow Steps 4, 5 and 6 given for the
other dipstick type.
6. Removedipstick and check level. It
should be within or abovethe "Cold"
range marking if taking a cold reading. If
taking a hot reading, the level should be
within or slightly above the "Hot" range.
7. If the level is incorrect, see Adding or
Changing Gear Oil.

Addingor ChangingGear Oil
Forpartial fill-ups (just a few ounces or
less), use SAE 140, SAE 85W-140, or SAE
80W-90 weight gear oil with an API rating
of GL-4 or GL-5. Forfull replacement,
use SAE 140 or SAE85W-140 gear oil
with an API rating of GL-4 only. (At the
factory, SAE85W-140 weight gear oil is
used.)
IMPORTANT: Do not use automatic
transmission fluid or engine oil. They are
too light in weight and will result in transmission damage.
The gear oil does not need to be changed.
Do so only if you know, or suspect, it is
contaminated with dirt, sand or other
foreign particles.
Gearoil is available at authorized dealers
and most service stations, power
equipment centers, or farm/heavy
equipment outlets.
Capacities: Power unit transmission
holds approximately 60 ozs.; Tine Attachment transmission holds approximately
12-1/2" ozs.

31

Section5: Maintenance
_

Before inspecting,cleaning or servicingthe machine, shut off engine, wait for all moving parts to come
to a completestop, disconnectspark plug wire and move wire away from spark plug. Remove ignition J
key, if so equipped.

J

Failure to follow these instructionscan result in serious personalinjury or propertydamage.

J

Adding Gear Oil to the
PTOPower Unit Transmission

3. Slowly add gear oil in the dipstick hole.
Add 1/2-ounce at a time to avoid overfilling. It takes about 12-1/2 ounces.

1. Do steps 1 and 2 of Checking the
Power Unit Oil Levelon page 32.

4. Take dipstick readings frequently. Stop
when oil reaches "Cold" range marking on
dipstick. Replacedipstick securely.

2. Using a 3/4" wrench (or socket),
remove the bolt securing the handlebar
baseto the top of the transmission (prop
the handlebarsfirst to prevent them from
falling).

Drainingand Filling the Tine
AttachmentTransmission
1. The tine attachment transmission is

Then, unplug the Forward Interlock wire
harness receptacleat the bottom of the
handlebars. Set the handlebar baseand
bolt aside on a clean surface. The bolt

not equipped with an oil drain plug. To
drain just a small amount of gear oil,
remove the dipstick and tilt the attachment forward (first uncoupling it from the
Power Unit).

hole in the top of the transmission is the
gear oil fill hole (A, Figure 5-9).
3. Slowly pour gear oil through a clean
funnel into the transmission. Stop when
gear oil begins to flow from the oil level
check hole on the left side of the transmission (B, Figure5-7).
4. Reinstall the oil level check plug.
Tighten it securely.

Figure 5=9: Gear oil fill hole (A) and
gear oil drain location (B).

3. Using the 3/8" wrench, remove the
drain plug (B, Figure5-9). The gear oil
will drain quite slowly since it is thick.
After about two quarts havedrained, tilt
the tiller forward so any oil at the rear of
the transmission will drain out.

5. Reinstall the handlebars using the
mounting bolt previously removed. Align
the handlebars so they point straight
backwards, not at an angle. Then tighten
the mounting bolt securely.

4. Cleanthe drain plug threads, put nonhardening gasket sealant on the threads,
and reinstall plug.

6. Reconnect the Forward Interlock wire
harnessto the receptacle. Be certain it's
secure.

amount of gear oil before operating the
tiller again. When oil seeps from the oil
level check hole, the right amount of gear
oil has been added. Replaceall plugs.

7. Test operation of the Forward Interlock
Safety System. See Section 4 for a
procedure.
Drainingand Filling the
PTOPower Unit Transmission

5. Refill the transmission with the correct

AddingGear Oil to the Tine
AttachmentTransmission
1. Select the right Depth Regulator Lever
setting:

1. Placea shallow pan under the transmission gear oil drain plug (B, Figure
5-9).

a. If filling an empty transmission, raise
the Depth Regulator Lever so tines
are on the ground.

2. Removethe oil levelcheck plug (Figure
5-7) with a 3/8" wrench. This vents the
transmission for faster oil draining.

b. If topping off the gear oil, move Depth
Regulator Lever down to engage its
top notch.
2. Removedipstick from tine attachment
(Figure 5-8).

32

2. For complete drainage, remove the le_
side tine assembly (refer to Bolo Tine
Maintenancefor instructions), then
remove just one of the lower screws from
the tiller housing cover (Figure5-10). To
speed drainage, remove the tine attachment dipstick to vent transmission.

Figure 5=10: Remove housing cover
screw to drain tine attachment
transmission gear oil.

NOTE: If you find a plastic washer on the
cover screw you remove, discard the
washer. There is no need to install a
replacementwasher.
3. Onceall gear oil has drained, reinstall
the housing cover screw securely (first
coat its threads with non-hardening
gasket sealant).
4. Be certain to refill the transmission
with the correct amount of gear oil before
operating the tiller again.

Section5: Maintenance
_

efore inspecting,cleaningor servicingthe machine, shut off engine, wait for all moving parts to come
to a complete stop, disconnectspark plug wire and move wire away from spark plug. Remove ignition
key, if so equipped.
Failure to follow these instructionscan result in seriouspersonal injury or propertydamage.

Drive Belt Maintenance
Measuringand Adjusting
DriveBelt Tension
Ona newtiller (or if a newbeltis
installed),the belttensionwill probably
needto beadjustedafterthefirst two (2)
hoursof operation.Thereafter,checkbelt
tensioneveryten (10)operatinghours.
Maintaining the right tension is important
to good tiller performance and long belt
life. If too loose, the belt will slip on the
pulleys, and be unable to deliver full
power to the wheels and tines. A loose
belt will also wear prematurely.
While checking belt tension, also inspect
the belt for cuts, cracks, deterioration,
etc. Don't continue using a belt that isn't
in good shape. You're sacrificing tiller
performance by doing so.

3. The belt tension is correct if the front
of the clutch roller is 1/4"4o-5/16" away
from the face of the upright bracket that
holds the adjustment block in place
(Figure 5-12). To measure this distance:
a.

Without moving the clutch roller, try
inserting the 1/4"-thick, slotted end
of the belt adjustment tool in
betweenthe roller and the upright
bracket. (The flat edge of the tool
must be facing the roller.) Refer to
Figure5-13.

b. If only the slotted portion of the tool
will fit, the belt tension is correct.
c. If the slotted part of the tool will not
fit in, the belt is too loose.
d. If the full thickness (5/16") of the
tool easily fits in, the belt is too
tight.

Tips on keeping the drive belt in top
condition include:

Figure 5-13: Insert slotted end of
belt adjustment tool between roller
and bracket, with the flat side of the
slotted end facing the roller.

• Always put the Wheels/Tines/PTODrive
Lever in NEUTRALwhen the tiller is not in
use.

How toAdjust Belt Tension

• Keep tension adjusted correctly.
• Don't "speed shift" when moving the
Wheels/Tines/PTODrive Lever between
FORWARDand REVERSE.
How to Measure Belt Tension

Figure 5-11: Use this belt adjustment tool to measure and adjust
drive belt tension.

1. As described in the following steps,
drive belt tension is adjusted by moving
the adjustment block up or down.
Moving it down will tighten the belt;
moving it up loosens the belt.
HINT: The distance the block moves

1. Before taking a measurement, be sure
the linkages and pivot points on the
Wheels/Tines/PTODrive Lever are clean
and lubricated. If there is any binding,
you won't get true measurements. Also,
you'll need the belt adjustment tool you
receivedwith your new tiller (Figure
5-11).
2. Move the Wheels/Tines/PTODrive
Leverfully down to the FORWARD
position. The clutch roller at the bottom
of the lever should be positioned underneaththe belt adjustment block (Figure
5-12). Don't let the clutch roller move
during the next few steps. If it moves,
you'll get a false belt tension reading.

4. If the belt tension is correct, move the
Wheels/Tines/PTODrive Lever back to
NEUTRAL.

approximately equals the distance the
roller moves.
In most cases, the clutch roller will not
have been very far out of position, so the
adjustment block will only need to be
moved slightly (up or down).
2. Move the Wheels/Tines/PT0 Drive
Lever to NEUTRALposition. The clutch
roller will come to rest anywhere on the
face of the belt adjustment block,
depending upon drive belt length and
current belt tension adjustment.
Figure 5-12: Shift into FORWARD
and measure distance between
roller and upright bracket using the
belt adjustment tool

33

Section5: Maintenance
Before inspecting,cleaning or servicingthe machine, shut off engine, wait for all moving parts to come
to a complete stop, disconnectspark plug wire and move wire away from spark plug. Remove ignition
key, if so equipped.
Failure to follow these instructionscan result in serious personalinjury or propertydamage.
3. Insert the belt adjustment tool through
the hole in the side of the adjustment
block, spacing the ends of the tool equally
on both sides (Figure 5-14). Rotatethe
tool so the slotted end faces down.

Figure 5-16: Hold Drive Lever while
loosening bolt. Push lever down to
tighten belt; pull up to loosen belt.

Figure 5-17: First move belt off the
lower pulley.

6. Pushthe drive lever down if the belt
Figure 5-14: With Wheels/Tines/PTO
Drive Lever in NEUTRAL, insert tool
through hole in adjustment block.

4. Placethe Wheels/Tines/PTODrive
Lever in FORWARDposition. The arms of
the clutch control yoke will be resting on
the belt adjustment tool and the clutch
roller should be engaged slightly beneath
the adjustment block (Figure 5-15).

needstightening. Pull the lever up if the
belt needsto be loosened. Hold the drive
lever in place and tighten the bolt in the
adjustment block firmly.
7. Let go of the drive lever and remove
the belt adjustment tool from the hole in
the adjustment block.
8. Checkthe tension on the belt by
following the previous instructions "How
to Measure Belt Tension."
NOTE: If the adjustment block is all the
way down and the measurement between
the clutch roller and the bracket is less
than 1/4",then a new drive belt is needed.

5. Use one hand to hold the drive lever in
FORWARDwhile using a 9/16" wrench to
loosen (don't remove) the bolt at the back
of the belt adjustment block (Figure 5-16).
The adjustment block should be free to
move either up or down.

34

5. Lift the top half of the belt up and over
the upper pulley and the rubber reverse
disc, moving it in front of the reverse disc
(refer to Figure 5-19).

Replacing the Drive Belt

6. Pushthe Wheels/Tines/PTODrive

Removingthe Belt

Leverdown into the FORWARDposition.
This increasesthe distance between the
upper and lower pulleys. Next, lift and
pull the entire belt out between the pulleys
(Figure5-20).

1. Move Wheels/Tines/PTODrive Leverto
NEUTRALposition.
Figure 5-15: With Drive Lever in
FORWARD position, clutch roller
should be engaged slightly beneath
the adjustment block.

Figure 5-18: Push belt upward to
create slack.

2. While kneeling on the right side of the
tiller, create slack in the belt by reaching
over to the left side of the pulleys and
pushing in on the center of the belt with
your finger.
3. Use your right hand to move the belt
down and away from the lower pulley, in
the direction of the engine (Figure 5-17).
4. Pushthe belt upward to create slack in
the belt (Figure 5-18).

Replacing the Drive Belt
1. PlaceWheels/Tines/PTODrive Lever in
FORWARDposition.
2. Squeezethe belt in the middle and
insert one end in between the pulleys
(Figure5-20).

Section5: Maintenance
Before inspecting,cleaning or servicingthe machine, shut off engine, wait for all moving parts to come
to a complete stop, disconnectspark plug wire and move wire away from spark plug. Remove ignition
key, if so equipped.
Failure to follow these instructionscan result in serious personalinjury or propertydamage.
Reverse Disc Inspection
The reverse disc is made of steel with a
special, long-lasting rubber compound
bonded to the disc rim. Sincethis is a
wearing part, it should be inspected after
every 30 operating hours.

Figure 5-19: Move top haft of belt
over pulley and reverse disc.

Figure 5-21: Seat belt in upper
pulley, then in lower pulley (High
Range position shown).

1. Measurethe width of the outside edge
of the disc as shown in Figure5-22.
Replacethe disc before the rubber edge
wears to a thickness of 1/8" or less.
Failure to do so could cause the steel
underneath the rubber to damagethe
transmission pulley.

7. Move the bottom half of the belt into
the HIGH Rangegroove of the lower
pulley (groove closest to engine-- Figure
5-21). If extra slack is needed,hold up
Wheels/Tines/PTODrive Lever while
moving the belt. Verify the belt is seated
properly on the pulleys.
8. To move the belt to the LOW Range
position, see Changing Belt Speedsin
Section 4.
Figure 5-20: Shift into FORWARD
and remove the belt.

3. Push belt forward then down until it is
looped over the lower pulley (Figure
5-18). Do not yet seat it in either of the
lower pulley's grooves.
HINT: A blunt object, like a ruler, can
help you push the belt downward if
needed.
4. Move the top half of the belt up and
over the rubber reverse disc, but do not
seat it in either of the grooves in the top
pulley.
5. Placethe Wheels/Tines/PTODrive
Lever in NEUTRAL.
6. Move the top half of the belt into the
HIGH Rangegroove (groove closest to
the engine) on the top pulley (Figure
5-21).

9. After installing the belt, check and
adjust for correct belt tension as
explained previously.

ReverseDrive
System Maintenance
These instructions explain how to inspect,
replace or adjust the various reverse drive
components.
But first, here's how the reverse drive
system works: When you raise the
Wheels/Tines/PTODrive Lever up in
REVERSEposition, this lowers the rubberized reverse disc (it's attached to the
engine drive pulley) until this rotating disc
contacts the transmission drive pulley.
The friction between the rotating reverse
disc and the transmission pulley causes
the transmission drive shaft to be
powered in a counterclockwise direction
(as viewed from the operator's position
behind handlebars). The drive shaft then
turns the wheels and tine shafts in a
reverse direction.

Figure 5-22: Measure the edge of
the reverse disc for wear.

2. Look for big cracks or missing chunks
of rubber from the disc. If so damaged,
the disc should be replaced immediately.
IMPORTANT: Extend the life of the
reverse disc by always pausing in
NEUTRAL before shifting
between
FORWARD and REVERSE. Also - the
reverse disc is not suited for continuous
or sustained reverse operation.
Use
reverse sparingly.

35

Section5: Maintenance
_

Before inspecting,cleaning or servicingthe machine, shut off engine, wait for all moving parts to come J
to a completestop, disconnectspark plug wire and move wire away from spark plug. Remove ignition J
key, if so equipped.

J

Failure to follow these instructionscan result in serious personalinjury or propertydamage.

J

Replacingthe ReverseDisc
Follow these steps to replace the reverse
disc. (If your tiller hasa Bumper Attachment mounted, it must be removed first.)
Removingthe Reverse Disc
1. Move Wheels/Tines/PTODrive Lever in
NEUTRALposition.
2. Wedge a 5/16"-thick board between top
of engine pulley (avoid contacting reverse
disc) and cast iron housing next to it.
This immobilizes pulley.
3. Usea 9/16" wrench to loosen the
mounting bolt shown in Figure5-23.
Rememberto immobilize the pulley with
the wood wedge while loosening the bolt.
If necessary,pry the disc from the pulley
with the tip of a screwdriver. Back the
bolt out as far as possible. Then angle
the disc a little to remove it. Bring the
bolt and Iockwasher along with the disc.

and engine mount move down to press
on the reverse adjustment bolt (Figure 524). This action compresses the reverse
spring and plunger assembly, requiring
you to hold the lever up in REVERSE.
When you releasethe lever, the spring
automatically pushes the lever back into
NEUTRALposition.
The spring and plunger assembly is
designedto prevent the reverse disc from
making contact with the transmission
pulley until you shift into REVERSE.
When the lever is in NEUTRAL,the switch
body on the bottom of the engine mount
tab should be resting squarely on top of
the reverseadjustment bolt (Figure 5-24).
The reverseadjustment bolt can be
adjusted up or down to correct a number
of reverse drive operating problems, as
explained next.

Figure 5-24: Spring and plunger
assembly.
Figure 5-23: Removing Reverse Disc.

Installing a New Reverse Disc
1. Do steps 1-through-3, described previously, in reverse.
2. Tighten mounting bolt securely, and
check for correct operation -- see
Checkingand Adjusting ReverseDrive
System.

Checkingand Adjusting
Reversethe DriveSystem
Whenthe Wheels/Tines/PTO
DriveLever
is movedupinto REVERSE,
theengine
36

merit bolt should be adjusted upward (see
instructions that follow). Moving adjustment bolt upward will also solve problem
of a tiller that goes into REVERSEon its
own.

Reverse
Disc

Figure 5-25: Checking Reverse
Disc in NEUTRAL.

3. Use your left hand to hold
Wheels/Tines/PTODrive Lever up in
REVERSE,while briefly pulling out engine
start rope. The reverse disc should turn
lower pulley (see Figure 5-26). If not, or
it requires a lot of pressure to hold lever
up in REVERSE,then reverse adjustment
bolt must be adjusted downward. When
correctly adjusted, the Wheels/Tines/PTO
Drive Lever should pop out of reverse
when the lever is released, but not require
exceptional effort to hold it up in reverse
position.
Pulle

CheckingandAdjustingReverse Disc
1. Verify that linkagesfor
Wheels/Tines/PTODrive Lever are lubricated with oil and engine mount bars and
belt adjustment block are lubricated with
grease. (See Tiller Lubrication in this
section.)
2. PlaceWheels/Tines/PTODrive Lever in
NEUTRAL. Briefly pull out engine recoil
start rope while watching reverse disc.
The disc should turn, but lower pulley
should not (Figure 5-25). If reverse disc
turns lower pulley, or if it is located closer
than 3/16" to the pulley, reverseadjust-

Figure 5-26: Checking Reverse Disc
in REVERSE.

4. Shift the Wheels/Tines/PTODrive Lever
to REVERSEand then let it go. The lever
should return to NEUTRAL. If not, the
reverse adjustment bolt will have to be
adjusted upward.

Section5: Maintenance
Before inspecting,cleaning or servicingthe machine, shut off engine, wait for all moving partsto come
to a complete stop, disconnectspark plug wire and move wire away from spark plug. Remove ignition
key, if so equipped.
Failure to follow these instructionscan result in serious personalinjuryor propertydamage.
AdjustingReverse Drive:
1. PlaceWheels/Tines/PTODrive Lever in
FORWARDposition.
2. On left side of tiller, put a 1/2" wrench
on the plunger retaining bolt and another
1/2" wrench on the jam nut next to it
(Figure 5-27). While holding the bolt
steady, loosen the jam nut (counterclockwise) until it touches the bolt head.

7. Placea chalk or pencilmark on the top
edge of the plunger retaining bolt. Now,
while watching the mark, loosen the bolt
3/4-turn (Figure 5-29). Do not exceeda
3/4 turn (this would disengagethe bolt
from the locking groove in the side of the
plunger).

Bole Tine Maintenance
CheckingTinesfor Wear
Inspect the tines for wear or damageafter
every 30 operating hours. The rate of
wear depends upon hours of useand soil
conditions. With use, the tines get
shorter, narrower and more pointed
(Figure 5-30). If badly worn, they lose the
ability to till deeply.

Figure 5-28: Loosen jam nut before
turning reverse adjustment bolt.

Figure 5-27: Hold bolt steady while
loosening or tightening jam nut.

8. Hold the plunger retaining bolt steady
with a wrench while tightening the jam
nut against the side of the plunger housing
(Figure5-27).

3. Turn the bolt in until it tightens against
the plunger insidethe spring. The bolt
must be tight to preventplunger from
turning - but be careful not to overtighten
and break the bolt.

Figure 5-30: Check for wear
every 30 operating hours.

Worn tines leavean ever-increasing gap
in the middle of a tilled row. The normal
gap is 3" between the tine tips - replace
the tines when the gap widens to 5"
(Figure 5-31 ).

4. Placea 7/8" wrench on the head of the
reverse adjustment bolt and a 9/16"
wrench on the jam nut below it (Figure 528). Hold the bolt steady while loosening
the jam nut three or four turns.
5. Move the Wheels/Tines/PT0 Drive
Leverto NEUTRAL. The switch body on
the bottom of the engine mount tab
(Figure 5-24) should be resting squarely
on top of the reverse adjustment bolt, and
the reverse disc should be at least 3/16"
away from the transmission drive pulley.
If the reverse disc is any closer than this,
raise the reverse adjustment bolt (turn it
counterclockwise).
6. Checkthat reverse disc is at least 3/16"
away from transmission drive pulley.
Then hold reverse adjustment bolt steady
with one wrench while tightening jam nut
with a second wrench (Figure 5-28).

Figure 5-29: Loosen plunger
retaining bolt about 3/4-turn, then
tighten jam nut against plunger
housing.

9. Checkthe action of the reversedisc as
explainedpreviously.
IMPORTANT: If the above adjustments
have not corrected an improperly working
reverse drive, contact an authorized
dealer or Factory Technical Service
Department for assistance.

Figure 531: Replace tines when gap
between inner tines is 5" or more
(normal gap is 3").

Tines can be replaced individually or as a
complete set. See replacement instructions that follow.

37

Section5: Maintenance
_

Before inspecting,cleaning or servicingthe machine, shut off engine, wait for all moving parts to come
to a completestop, disconnectspark plug wire and move wire away from spark plug. Remove ignition J
key, if so equipped.

J

Failure to follow these instructionscan result in serious personalinjury or propertydamage.

J

SingleTine Replacement

3. Removethe two bolts and nuts

Removingand ReplacingA Tine
HolderAssembly

securing each holder (Figure 5-33).
4. Use a soft mallet to drive the holder

The tines or Une hood edges may be
sharp. Wear thick gloves to protect
your handsfrom cutsor scrapes.
1. Move the Wheels/Tines/PTODrive
Lever to NEUTRAL,the Wheel Speed
Leverto either FASTor SLOW position,
and the Tines/PTO Clutch Lever to
ENGAGE.
2. Gentlytilt the tiller forward until the
engine rests on the ground.
3. Raisethe hood flap at the back of the
tiller and tie it up with string.
4. Beforeremoving a tine, note in which
direction the bent tip points. The new tine
must be installed in the same direction.
5. Usetwo 9/16" wrenchesto remove the
two bolts and nuts securing the tine to the
tine holder plate (Figure5-32). Use penetrating oil on the hardware if it is rusted or
hard to remove.

• The tines or tine hood edges may be
sharp. Wear thick gloves to protect
your hands.
• Wear safety goggles to protect your
eyes. When loosening hardware, do
not hit a wrenchwith a metal tool- this
could shatter the tool or wrench,
sendingmetal particles into your eyes.

The 16 Bolo Tines are mounted eight per
side on left-side and right-side tine
holders. Here's how to replacethe tines
and holders as assemblies.

off the tine shaft. (Use a heavy hammer
and block of wood to knock off the immobilized tine holder.)
5. When the holder is off, clean all dirt
and debris from the shaft and the holder.
Apply fresh grease to the tine shaft.
Replacing TinesHolder Assembly
1. Replacethe holder so the sharp tine
edges face forward (toward front of tiller).
Taptine holder back on the tine shaft.
2. Greasethe threads on the mounting
bolt(s). Install and tighten the bolt(s)
securely.

Removing TineHolderAssembly
1. Follow steps 1-through-3 in Single
Tine Replacementabove.
2. Identify the fine holders as left-side
and right-side holders - they must be
replacedon the same side from which
they were removed. Use a piece of chalk
or a greasepencil to mark them L and R.
\

\
\

Figure 5-32." Removing a single tine
requires taking off two bolts and
two nuts.

6. Mount the newtine exactly the way the
old tine was positioned. (Thesharp edge
of the tine, which enters the soil first, must
face forward when abovethe tine shaft.)
Replacethe bolts and nuts and tighten
them securely.

Right-Side
Tine Holder

Left-Side
Tine Holder
Figure 5-33:

38

"FineHolders.

Section5: Maintenance
_

efore inspecting, cleaningor servicingthe machine, shot off engine, wait for all moving parts to come
to a complete stop, disconnectspark plug wire and movewire away from spark plug. Remove ignition
key, if so equipped.
Failure to follow these instructionscan result in serious personalinjuryor propertydamage.

Tine Shaft Maintenance
After every 10 operating hours, remove
the left- and right-side Bolo Tine holders
and clear away dirt and debris that have
accumulated on the tine shaft or inside
the tine holders. Pleasefollow this maintenance recommendation, as debris can
cause premature wear to the tine shaft
and its oil seals. Refer to the previous
tine holder removal instructions. After
cleaning away any debris and removing
old greasefrom the tine shaft, apply fresh
grease to the tine shaft.
Tire and Wheel Maintenance
Checktire air pressure every 30 operating
hours. The recommended pressure for
tilling is 10-to-20 psi (pounds per square
inch). Both tires should be inflated
equally. (Unequal pressure can cause the
tiller to pull to one side.)

Removingthe Wheels
Eachwheel is secured by a roll (spirol)
pin that passesthrough the wheel hub
and the wheel shaft. Drive the roll pin out
to remove a wheel.

It is recommended that you changethe oil
every ten (10) operating hours and even
sooner when operating in extremely dirty
or dusty conditions. Refer to the separate
EngineOwner's Manual for detailed
service instructions.
Air Cleaner Maintenance
The engine is equipped with a dual
element air cleanerthat filters the air
twice before it enters the carburetor to
mix with the fuel.
The engine air cleaner filters dirt and dust
out of the air before it enters the carburetor. Operatingthe engine with a dirty,
clogged air filter can cause poor performance and damage to the engine. Never
operatethe engine without the air cleaner
installed. Inspect and service the air
cleaner more often if operating in very
dusty or dirty conditions.
It is critical that the filters be kept clean
and properly installed at all times. See
the location of the air cleanerassembly on
your engine by referring to Figure5-39 or
Figure 5-40.

1. Prop the transmission up with a sturdy
block to raise the wheel you want to
remove off the ground.

Refer to the engine manufacturer's literature supplied with your tiller for complete
air cleaner service and maintenanceinformation.

2. Move the Wheel Speed Lever to either
SLOW or FASTposition to prevent the
wheels from turning.

Throttle Cable Maintenance

3. Use a 5/16° drift pin (or a blunt point
16-penny nail) to drive the roll pin free.

Wear safety goggles when driving the
roll pin into or from the wheel hob to
protectyour eyes from the possibilityof
flying metal particles.

The throttle lever settings are factoryadjusted, so unnecessary adjustments
should not be made. However, if the
engine does not start or stop, or respond
immediately to various throttle lever
settings, then adjustments may be
necessary. Pleaserefer to the engine
manufacturer literature supplied with your
tiller for specific adjustment instructions.

Spark PlugMaintenance
The spark plug must be in good condition
for proper engine operation. Removeand
inspect the plug every 50 operating hours
or annually, whichever occurs first.
The correct electrode gap is .030". Check
the gap with a feeler gauge. Do not usea
spark plug if the porcelain is cracked, the
electrodesare pitted or burned, or if other
visible damage is present.
NOTE: Do not wire brush or sandblast the
spark plug to clean it- loose particles
can enter the engine, causing damage!
To replacethe plug, first tighten it
securely by hand, then use a spark plug
wrench to tighten the plug an extra 1/4
turn.

Battery Care and Maintenance
Theb_tery is sealedandis maintenencefree.Acid levelscannotbechecked.
• Always keepthe battery cables and
terminals clean and free of corrosive
build-up.
• After cleaning the battery and
terminals, apply a light coat of
petroleum jelly or greaseto the
terminals and cover both terminals
with the rubber boots.

When removingthe battery, always disconnect the negative (-) cable first
followed by the positive (+) cable. Reverse this procedure when reinstalling
the battery.

IgnitionSystemMaintenance
EngineOil Maintenance
Checkthe engine oil level before starting
the engine each day and after each 5
hours of continuous operation. Running
the engine when it is low on oil will
quickly ruin the engine.

Your engine is equipped with electronic
ignition. It does not havea condenser or
points, so there is no need to perform any
regular tune-up maintenance on this
system other than adjusting or replacing
the spark plug.
39

Section5: Maintenance
_

Before inspecting,cleaning or servicingthe machine, shut off engine, wait for all moving parts to come
to a complete stop, disconnectspark plug wire and move wire away from spark plug. Remove ignition J
key, if so equipped.

J

Failure to follow these instructionscan result in serious personalinjuryor propertydamage.

J

StoringYour Tiller
When your tiller won't be used during the
off-season, prepare it for storage with the
following steps:
1. Cleanthe tiller and engine.
2. Do routine tiller lubrication and check
for loose hardware.
3. Protect the engine from deterioration
or damage by referring to the engine
storage instructions in your engine
manual literature.
4. When engine is still warm, drain oil
from engine crankcase. Refill with fresh
motor oil.
5. Protect internal cylinder against rust by
removing spark plug and pouring one
ounce of clean engine oil into spark plug
hole. Then slowly pull out recoil start
rope 2 or 3 times to distribute oil internally. Replacespark plug, but do not
reconnect plug wire. Pull rope until resistance is felt -- let rope rewind.
6. Charge battery (electric start option).
Store battery in cool, dry location.
7. Move Wheels/Tines/PTODrive Lever to
NEUTRALposition. Keeptiller in a clean,
dry area.
8. Never store tiller with fuel in fuel tank
in an enclosedarea where gas fumes
could reachan open flame or spark, or
where ignition sources are present (space
heaters,hot water heaters,furnaces, etc.).

4O

Inspecting Forward Interlock
Wiring System
Checkthe ForwardInterlockwiring
systemeveryten (10) operatinghours,
for tight connectionsandto seethatthe
insulationonthe wires is unbroken(to
preventthe systemfrom shortingout).
1. Checkinsulated wire harness from
lower ends of handlebarsto wire harness
connector on top, right side of transmission cover. Be sure connector is secure.
2. Checkinsulated tubing from connector
to cast iron motor mount/belt shroud.
3. Checkthe wire leading from the tubing
over to the switch assembly mounted on
top of the tab on the cast iron motor
mount-belt shroud. Also check the
second wire that leads to the throttle
cable mounting bracket on the right side,
forward portion of the engine.

Testingthe Forward
Interlock WiringSystem
The wiring circuit for the Forward
Interlock SafetySystem is designed to
ground out the engine's ignition system.
There are three switches in the circuit
which, when open, let the engine run.
Oneswitch is on the neutral plunger tab
of the cast iron motor mount. This switch
is open whenever the Wheels/Tines/PTO
Drive Lever is in NEUTRALor REVERSE
positions. The other two switches are
located inside the handlebars, directly
above the two Forward Interlock Levers.

The switches are wired so when squeezed
(open) the engine will run. There is a
fourth switch located in the wiring
harness connector on the top, right side
of the transmission cover. It warns you if
the connection is not mated by not letting
the engine run while the Wheels/Tines/PTO
Drive Lever is in FORWARD.
1. A broken or disconnected wire could
let the engine run without you having to
press one of the Forward Interlock Levers.
2. A bare wire touching tiller or engine
metal could ground out the engine's
ignition.
3. A switch that has failed allows the
engine to run. Or it may prevent the
engine from running.
Refer to the Troubleshootingsection if
your Forward Interlock Safety System is
not operating correctly.

Appendix
A: Troubleshooting
PROBLEM
CHECK OR TEST

Engine
won'tstart

(Checkor test in sequenceshown
until problem is resolved.)

Throttle Lever in START position

X

Wheels/Tines/PTO Drive Lever
in NEUTRAL position

X

Engineshutsoff when
Wheels/Tines/PTO Drive
Lever is shifted into
FORWARD

Enginedoesnotshutoff
whenForwardInterlock
Leversare releasedwhile
Wheels/Tines/PTO
Drive
Leveris in FORWARD

Forward Interlock Wire Harness
connector securely mated

X

Forward Interlock Levers not being
squeezed prior to shifting Wheels/
Tines/PTO Drive Leverto

X

X

FORWARDposition
Visually inspect for bare, broken
or disconnected wires

X

X

Check handlebar wire harness

X

X

Check transmission wire harness

X

X

B. Levershiftsinto FASTwheelgear,but
notinto SLOWwheelgear* Connectingrod at end of levermight be
backwards,or bentin towardtransmission
housingand hitting it. Othershifting linkage
might be bent. Straightenor replacelinkage
(Figure5-43).
• Clutchinsidetransmissionmay be binding
(Problem2-A).

TroubleshootingProcedures
1 Wheels/Tines/PTO
DriveLever:
A, Leverdoesnotstayin FORWARD. Drivebelt may betoo tight. Raisebelt
adjustmentblock a little (Sect.5).
• Clutchpawlspringat end of levermay be
overstretched.Install newspring.
B, LeverhardtoshiftintoREVERSE. Checkreversedisc for wear(Sect.5).
• Checkadjustmentof reversedisc and/or
reversespringand plungerassy. (Sect.5).
• Cleanand re-lubricatemotor mount bars,
beltadjustmentblockand linkageson lever
(Sect.5).
C. Tillerstaysin REVERSE
whenlever is
released. Lubricatemotor mount bars,beltadjustment block and linkageson lever(Sect.5).
• Checkadjustmentof reversespringand
plunger(Sect.5). If problempersists,
contactTechnicalServiceDepartment.
D. Leversticksin FORWARD. Lubricatemotor mount bars,beltadjustment block,and linkageson lever(Sect.5).
If problemcontinues,contactthe Technical
ServiceDepartment.
E. LeverhardtoshiftintoFORWARD. Followadvicefor Problem1-D. Also check
for possiblebent motor mount barthat could
be binding in enginemount holes.
2 WheelSpeedLever:
A. Leverhardtoshift,orsticksin FASTor
SLOWwheelgearpositions-

LConnecting RO(J_
Figure 543: Check connecting rod,
shifting linkage and eccentric lever.

• Lubricateeccentricleverat rearof power
unit transmission(Figure5-43). If rust is
present,use penetratingoil and work
eccentricleverbackand forth by hand.
• Lubricatelinkageto WheelSpeedLeverto
eccentriclever(Figure5-43).
• Clutchinsidetransmissionmay bebinding.
Disconnectlinkagefrom eccentricleverand
work eccentricleverby hand. If difficult or
impossibleto move,it may bedue to a
damagedkeywayon the wheelshaft.
ContactTechnicalServiceDepartment.
• Lubricatewashersand castlenut on pivot
of lever. If necessary,removeroll pin and
back nut off 1/6th turn. Replaceroll pin and
testthe movement.
• Applygreaseto zerkfitting (if so equipped)
with greasegun until greaseappearsaround
washers.

C, Levermovesfreely,but won'tshiftin or
outofgear* Eccentric
shifting pin insidetransmission
may be broken(rare) or worn. Disconnect
linkagefrom eccentricleverand try moving
eccentricleverby hand (Figure5-43). If
levermoveseasily,contactthe Technical
ServiceDepartment.
3 WheelsandTinesWon'tTurn:
• Reviewoperationof controls (Sect.3 & 4).
• Checkconditionand adjustmentof drive
beltand reversedisc (Sect.5).
• Mounting bolt for transmissiondrive pulley
may be loose. (SeeFigure5-1). If so, drive
beltor reversedisc will turn pulley, but
pulleywon't turn maindriveshaft.
• Worm gearsthat drivewheeland tiller
shaftsmay be worn.
4 WheelsTorn,ButTinesWon't:
• Tines/PTO
ClutchLevermust be in ENGAGE
position (Sect.3).
• Tines/PTOClutchLevermayneedadjustment.
• Keyfor dog clutch on tine attachmentmain
driveshaft may bemissing, broken.
• Worm gearsthat drivethe tine shaft may
beworn.

41

Appendix
A: Troubleshooting
• Hardwareholdingtine holdersto tineshaft
may be missingor broken. To check,
removeholders(Sect.5).
• Keyfor bronzeworm gearon tine attachment maindriveshaft may be missingor
broken.

12 PoorTraction:
• Bartreadtires, tire chains,or wheel
weightsmay be needed.

5 TinesTurn,ButWheelsWon't:
• Checkoperationof WheelSpeedLever
(Problem2).
• Hi-Prokey insidewheelclutch may be
missing, broken. If so, clutchwill not turn
wheelshaft.
• FASTand SLOWspeedwheelgearsmay
be worn. If only one gearis worn, therewill
only be one wheelspeed.
• Worm gearthat drives pinion shaftand
pinion gearsmaybe worn.
• FASTand SLOWspeedpiniongearsmay
be worn. If only one gearis worn, therewill
only be one wheelspeed.
• Drive"dogs" on sides of wheelclutch may
be worn or broken. If only oneside of clutch
is affected,therewill only beone wheel
speed.

14 EngineLacksPower:
• *Air cleanerrestrictedwith dirt and/or oil.
• Sparkplugwire looseor damaged. Spark
plug worn or fouled.
• Engineunderexcessivework load. Use
SLOWwheelspeedand LOWbeltrange.
• *Throttle cablemay be looseor misadlusted.
• Veritythat engineisn't running with choke
partiallyengaged.
• *CheckCarburetoradjustment.
• *Engineoverheating.Checkoil leveland
cleancoolingfins. Oil maybe very dirty. Let
hot enginecool beforerestarting.
• *Dirt or water in fuel or fuelsystem.
• Enginecrankcaselow in oil, or overfiiled
with oil. Checkand adjust level.
• *Low enginecompression.

6 WheelsAndTinesTurnOnTopOf
Ground,ButStopOrHesitateIn Soil:
• Drivebelt rnaybe loose(Sect.5).
• Mountingbolt for transmissiondrive pulley
may be loose(Figure5-1).
7 TillerJumpsWhileTilling:
• DepthRegulatorLeverset too deepfor soil
conditions. Usea shallowersetting.
• Enginethrottlespeedtoo fast.
• Tiller wheelspeedtoo fastfor soil conditions. Changeto LOWbelt rangeor SLOW
wheelspeed.
8 DepthRegulatorLever
DifficultTo Move:
• Lubricatespringassemblyand depth
adjustmentbar (Sect.5).
• Checkfor bentdepthadjustmentbar.
9 WheelAndShaftMove
OutTo OneSide:
• Snap ring on wheelshaft may be
dislodged. Raisewheelsoff groundand
checkfor backand forth play in shaft. If
thereis play, one or both snaprings is loose.
10 Tiller PullsTo OneSide:
• Checktire pressure(Sect.5).
11 TineHolderBolt
BreaksOrLoosens:
• Earliermodels havetine holderkeys.
Checkthat keysare in keywaysof tine shaft.
Withoutkey in holder,left-sidetine boltwill
tightenand break;right-side bolt will loosen
(Sect.5).

42

13 GearOil LeakFromPowerUnitOrTine
Attachment
Transmissions:
• SeeSection5.

15 EngineDifficultToStart:
• WheelsTrines/PTO
DriveLevernot in
NEUTRALposition.
• Fueltank low or empty.
*Dirt or water in fuel or fuelsystem.
*Fuel line is restricted.
*Chokecontrol not set properly.
*Sparkplug worn or fouled (weakspark).
*Air cleanerrestrictedwith dirt and/or oil.
*Throttlecableadjustment.
Enginethrottle levernot freeto move
through its full operatingrange.
• Throttlewire and its linkageare binding,or
are bentand not freeto move.
• Low enginecompression.
16 EngineWon'tStart:
• SeeTroubleshootingthe ForwardInterlock
SafetySystemin Section5.
• Wheels/Tines/PTO
DriveLevernot in
NEUTRALposition.
• Fueltank low or empty. Or fuel line
restrictedor clogged.
• *Chokecontrol improperlyset.
• *Water or dirt in fuel, and/or fuel system.
• *Spark plug fouled or worn. Sparkplug
wire looseor damaged.
• *Carburetormay needadjustment.
• *Air filter cloggedwith oil or dirt.
• Carburetorfloat faulty (or float valve
leaking)- if so, tap side of bowl lightly with
handleof screwdriver(or similar object).
• Stalefuel clogs carburetor,and valves.
Drainold fuel and add newfuel.

• *Fueltank shut-off valve(if so equipped)
not in fully Openposition.
• On Briggs& Strattonengine,On/Offswitch
not in ONposition.
ElectricStartEnginesOnly:
• Electricalconnectionslooseor shortedto
metalframes,bracketsor covers(Sect.5).
• Batterydischarged(Sect.5).
• Electricstarter motor faulty.
17 EngineShotsOffWhenWheels/
TinesiPTODriveLeverIs In Forward:
• See TroubleshootingtheForwardInterlock
SafetySystemin Section5.
• Short in keyswitch or keyswitch wire
harness.
• Checkstartermotor mountingbolts for
looseness. HaveAuthorizedEngineService
Dealerinspectthe starter motor.
• Checkoil levelfor correctamount.
18 EngineOverheats
• Cleantheenginecoolingfins, shroudand
covers(Sect.5).
• Checkfor brokenflywheelfins (under
engineshroud). SeeAuthorizedEngine
Dealer.
19 EngineRunsErratically:
• Wateror dirt in gasolineor carburetor.
• Carburetormay needadjustment. See
EngineOwner'sManual.
• *Spark plug fouledor dirty. Sparkplug
wire looseor damaged.
• *Looseor crackedcarburetor.
• Governorlinkagenot adjustedproperlyor
binding. SeeAuthorizedEngineService
Dealer. Don't attemptto repairby yourself.
• Checkpan gasket,enginesealsand drain
plugsfor leaks. Seeyour AuthorizedEngine
ServiceDealer.
20 EngineRunsWell,
ButLaborsUnderTiller Load
• *Checkgovernorlinkagefor freedomof
rnovement.
• Checkthrottle settingand carburetor
adjustment. SeeEngineOwner'sManual.
• Tilling depthis possiblytoo deep. To
correct, lowerthe depthregulatorlever.
• Possibleworn tiller worm gear or loose
drive shaft.
21 KeySwitchWill Hot
StartTheEngine
• Checkbatteryterminalsfor corrosion
(Sect.5).
• Dischargedbattery(SecL5).
• Defectivesolenoid.

* SeeEngine Owner's Manual or contact an authorized engine dealer for information.

AppendixB: Attachments
& Accessories
Troy-Bilte PTO Log Splitter
290-258-081

RowMarker Attachment
290-257-081

Wheel Weights
290-266-081

The Troy-Bilt@PTOLog Splitter provides
you with a convenient and easy means of
splitting about a half a cord of wood per
hour when working alone. When
connected to the PTOPower Unit, the
tiller's engine runs the splitter's hydraulic
pump, providing you with 13 tons of
steady, unhurried and predictable splitting
force.

Do you like very straight, even, neat rows
in your garden? If so, the Row Marker is
a must attachment. Hooks quickly to the
Hiller/Furrower attachment- eliminates

Help increase traction by puttingextra
weight directly on the wheels. They
reduce bucking and jumping when deeptilling in heavy soil. They're shipped
empty- fill them with material like
concrete, sand, gravel, etc. They bolt
directly to the tiller wheels.

As an added benefit, the power-driven
mobility provided by the PTOPower Unit
allows you to move the splitter to and
from your wood pile, over to a neighbor's
place, or along the woodpile to a fresh
supply of logs.
Featuresinclude a 15 second splitting
cycle; can handle log sizes up to 26" long;
a two-stage hydraulic pump that automatically shifts into low gear to provide fourtimes greater pressure when needed;
slim-cut wedge design for splitting green,
stringy wood; and an auto-control valve
for automatic return stroke.

Dozer/Snow Blade Attachment
290-259-081
In the winter, moves up to one foot of
light snow (or 6"-to-8" of heavy snow); at
other times use it to move or spread
sand, gravel, loose dirt, grain, sawdust,
etc. Attaches easily to the front of the
Wrap-Around Bumper Guard. Set the
blade to several angles. Weighs 41-1bs.;
measures 15"x 32".

the need for string, stakes, measuring
tape, etc. You'll like the straight rows it
helps you make if you lay out furrows, dig
compost trenches, or make raised beds.
The Row Marker extendsfrom 28"-to49¾",letting you vary the width between
rows to suit the crop you're planting.

V-SweepCultivator
290-260-081
The V-Sweep Cultivator is a specialized
tool designedfor between-row crop cultivation. Instead of stirring the soil, it
slices through just below the surface to
eliminate practically any weeds in its path.
The Sweep mounts easily to the optional
Tow Hitch Attachment at the rear of the
PTOPower Unit. The blade is madeof
high carbon, heattreated steel and
measures 2" wide (overall wing span is
20").
The unique way the Sweepworks,
skimming along just underneaththe soil's
surface without turning the soil over,
makes this the ideal tool for use in dry,
dusty conditions where it is important to
keep soil disturbance to a minimum.
And, becauseof its 20"wide cutting path,
it does an effective cultivation job at a fast

Wrap-AroundBumperGuard
290-255-081
Order this Bumper Guard by itself or
receive it as one of the components if you
order the combination Dozer/Snow Blade
attachment. Protects the engine from
damageby wrapping around and protecting many of the engine components. 1"
diameter, high-strength steel tubing.

Hiller/FurrowerAttachment
290-250-081
The most popular attachment because it
does so many jobs. Mounts to the rear of
the depth regulator bracket. Furrower
blade easily makes plant rows, trenches,
ditches to 8" deep. When hiller wings are
attached to furrower blade, attachment
makes hilled rows and raised bed
gardens. Converts from a furrower to a
hiller and back again, in seconds, without
tools.

speed.
The Sweep's natural shallow cultivation
helps to prevent weed seeds from being
brought to the soil's surface. This
shallow cultivation feature also means
there's less chance of damaging the roots
of your vegetables. For deeper or more
shallow cultivating, the blade depth can
be changed with a simple adjustment..

43

n

PartsList
WHEELS/TINES/PTO
DRIVELEVER& YOKEASSEMBLY

9

16

17

1312
11

-5

4

13

2

REF
NO.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9

44

PART
NO.

GW-2555
1908156
710-0805
GW-2447
1177548
712-0267
1916265
GW-2165-1
GW-2165-2

DESCRIPTION

Lever-Wheels/Tines/PTO Drive .....
Spring-clutch pawl........................
Bolt-hex hd., 5/16-18 x 1-1/2".......
Bushing-3/8". ................................
Lockwasher-externaltooth, 5/16".
Nut-hex, 5/16"-18..........................
Roller Assembly ............................
Yoke-left side ................................
Yoke-right side..............................

QTY.

1
1
3
3
3
3
1
1
1

REF
NO.

PART
NO.

10

GW-2164

11
12
13
15
16
17

710-0514
736-0169
736-3050
712-0798
1113-1
GW-2595

DESCRIPTION

Link-yoke pivot, left & right,
6-7/8" long .................................
Bolt-hex hd., 3/8-16 x 1". ..............
Lockwasher-spring lock, 3/8"........
Washer-flat, 3/8", S.A.E.................
Nut-hex, 3/8"-16............................
Bushing-spacer, 19/64" (.300") .....
Knob..............................................

QTY.

2
6
6
6
2
6
1

MODELS
682J
8,E682L

PartsList
FORWARDINTERLOCKSYSTEM

/
SeePage48

BRIGGS

REF
NO.

PART
NO.
GW-2552

DESCRIPTION

EngineWire HarnessAssy-forward
interlock system (Incl. one red
and one black wire, plugconnector, neutral switch and PVC
tubing. Parts not available
separately.................................

QTY.

& STRATTON

REF
NO.

PART
NO.

2
3
6
7
8

GW-9971
1186246
GW-9205
725-0157
GW-2551

DESCRIPTION

QTY.

Lockwasher-external tooth, 7/16"......1
Nut-hex, 7/16"-20 .......................
I
Clip-for plug connector ...............
1
Tie-plastic ...................................
2
HandlebarWire HarnessAssy(see page 46, Ref. No. 20) .......
1

45

PartsList

MODELS
682J
&,E682L
HANDLEBAR ASSEMBLY

11

REF
NO.

PART
NO.

1

GW-9548

2
3
4
5
6
7
8

10
11
12
13
14
15

46

DESCRIPTION

Bolt-Hex hd., flanged self-locking
Grade 5, 1/2-13 x 3-1/2". ...........
GW-9119
Knob-handlebar height adjustment
GW-9120
Ring-retaining (tolerance ring) ......
GW-2657
Stud-handlebar height adjustment
1186233
Nut-hex, 1/2"-13............................
GW-1021-1 Clamp-left, handlebar height
adjustment .................................
GW-2542-1 Ratchet-left, handlebar height
adjustment .................................
GW-2542-2 Ratchet-right, handlebar height
adjustment .................................
1901784
Clamp-right, handlebar height
adjustment .................................
GW-2534A Base-handlebar mounting .............
GW-2717
Handlebars....................................
GW-9125
Grip-handlebars ............................
777120947 Decal-Control panel ......................
777122000 Decal-Control panel ("Big Red") ...
1918111
Bolt-curved hd, GR5, 1/4-20 x 2"..
1186389
Nut-hex, flanged self-locking, whiz
lock, 1/4"-20 ...............................

QTY.

1
1
1
1
1

REF
NO.

PART
NO.

16
17
18
19
20

1909286
777120946
725-0157
GW-9219
GW-2551

21

GW-9250

22
23
--

GW-9385
GW-2543
GW-2563

24

1186009

24A

GW-9733

25
26
27

GW-2546
GW-9199
GW-9514

28

GW-9387

1
1
1
1
1
1
2
1
1
1
1

DESCRIPTION

QTY.

Throttle Control & Cable................
Decal-Forward Interlock Lever......

1
2

Tie-plastic .....................................
Plug-wire harness retainer............
HandlebarWire HarnessAssyforward interlock system............
HandlebarSwitch-forward

2
2

interlock system.........................
Lock Pin-handlebar switch ............
Switch Housing-handlebar switch.
Switch Assembly ...........................
(Includes Ref. 21-23)
Screw-pan head, 10-24 x 1/2",
thread-forming ...........................
Screw-phillips head, 10-32 x 1/2",
thread-forming ...........................
Lever-forward interlock .................
Pivot Pin-forward interlocklever...

2
2
2
1

1

2
1
2
2

Retaining Ring-klip ring-forward
interlock lever.............................

2

Return Spring-fwd interlocklever.

2

MODELS
682J
8,E6B2L

PartsList
DEPTH REGULATOR & TINE HOOD ASSEMBLIES

5

14

\

lO

, SeePage 54

REF
NO.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10

PART
NO.
710-3005
GW-1113-1
736-0169
712-0798
GW-20795
GW-9120
GW-9119
GW-2121
GW-9552
1186329

DESCRIPTION
Bolt-hex hd., 3/8-16 x 1-1/4". .......
Bushing-19/64" (.300" Ig.) ............
Lockwasher-spring lock, 3/8". ......
Nut-hex, 3/8"-16 ...........................
Bar-depth regulator ......................
Ring-retaining ..............................
Knob-depth regulator ...................
Bar-drag, depth regulator.............
Screw-thread-forming,
1/4-20 x 1/2"..............................
Bolt-flanged hex hd.,
5/16-18 x 3/4"............................

QTY.
2
2
2
2
1
1
1
1
2

REF
NO.
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21

PART
NO.
GW-9929
GW-2468
777S32000
GW-2525
1185469
GW-9534
GW-9384
710-0597
1110106
1186328

DESCRIPTION
Washer-flat, 5/16".........................
Hood.............................................
Decal-hood, operating instructions.
Bracket..........................................
Pin-roll (spirol) 1/4" x 1"...............
Spacer...........................................
Spring ...........................................
Bolt-hex hd., 1/4-20x1".................
Locknut-1/4"-20 ...........................
Bolt-flanged hex hd.,
5/16-18 x 5/8"............................

QTY.
2
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
2

2

47

ParisList

MODELS
682J
&,E682L
WHEELSPEEDLEVER,BELTDRIVESYSTEM,ENGINES,WHEELS

See

Figure

9

[FOR ELECT. START
SYSTEMS]

32

45A

12

SeePage52

46----_

48

PallsList

MODELS 682J &, E682L

REF
NO.

PART
NO.

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8

GW-9362
GW-9838
GW-9934
GW-9932
GW-2178
1902240
GW-9317
GW-1231

DESCRIPTION

QTY.

WHEELSPEEDLEVER
Pin-spring, 1/8"................................
Nut-castle (slotted), 1/2"-20 ............
Washer-shoulder, 1/2".....................
Washer-disc spring .........................
Lever-wheel speed shift ...................
Knob-wheel speed shift lever...........
Pin-cotter, 3/32" x 1"........................
Rod-connecting rod, wheel speed
shift lever......................................

9
10
11
12
13
14
15
17
18

GW-1033
736-0275
GW-9338
712-0158
710-0514
736-0169
736-3050
GW-1113-1
GW-9120

19
20

GW-2102
GW-2100

Swivel-connecting rod .....................
Washer-flat, 5/16", S.A.E.................
Pin-hair cotter..................................
Locknut-hex hd., 5/16"-18 ...............
Bolt-flangedhex hal.,3/8-16 x 1".....
Lockwasher-spring lock, 3/8". .........
Washer-fiat, 3/8", S.A.E...................
Bushing-spacer, 19/64" (.300"lg.)....
Ring-retaining (tolerance ring) ........

1
1
1
2
1
1
1

REF
NO.

28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35

1
1
1
1
1
5
5
8
4
1

36
38B

43
45

BELTDRIVESYSTEM

21
22
23
24
25
26
26
27

Block- belt adjustment, 3-7/8". ........ 1
Rod- belt adjust., 7" with
measuring gauge .......................... 1
777120942 Decal- engine stabilization ............... 1
1100012
Bolt-hex hd., 3/8-24 x 1-1/2". .......... 1
GW-2111
Disc-reverse .................................... 1
GW-9245
Belt-forward drive (no substitute
due to extra strength required) ..... 1
GW-1483
Pulley-engine power take off ........... 1
GW-1138-1 Shim-engine pulley, 1/16"
As Req'd
GW-1138-2 Shim-as above, 1/32"
As Req'd
GW-9303
Key-engine pulley, 3/16"sq. x 2-1/2" 1

*

**

45A

46

PART
NO.

DESCRIPTION

QTY.

ENGINESAND ENGINEMOUNT
710-0376
Bolt-hex hd, 5/16-18x 1", Grade5......
712-0267
Nut, hex, 5/16-18..............................
GW-1034
Bar-engine mounting .......................
GW-9147
Plug-thread protector, red plastic....
GW-9572
Bolt-hex hd., 5/16-24 x 1-1/8". ........
736-0119
Lockwasher-spring lock, 5/16". .......
GW-2553
Mount- engine to tiller .....................
*
Briggs & Stratton EngineRecoil or electric start. (Electric
start requires key switch
starting system.) ..........................
736-3052
Washer, flat, .406 x 1.Ox .105.........
777S30647 Decal-hot surface warning (E682L).
777S30650 Decal-hot surface warning (682J)
WHEEL& TIRE ASSEMBLIES
Pin- roll, 5/16" x 1-1/2"....................
**Wheel & Tire Assy- bar tread,
left side, 4:80 x 8" tubeless tire
with valve stem, on one-piece
steer wheel...................................
1915057
**Wheel & Tire Assy-bar tread,
right side. Sameas above but
for right side of tiller .....................
1902020
Cap-wheel hub ................................
1915072
1915056

2
1
2
2
4
4
1

1
1
1

2

1

1
2

Contact an authorized engine dealer, Troy-Bilt dealer or the Factory for replacementengine
information.
Contact an authorized engine dealer for engine service or parts. Refer to the engine nameplatefor engine model and type information.
Forcorrect traction and directional control, Bar Tread Tires should be rnounted on the
tiller so the closed end of the "V" in the tire tread on top of the tire faces forward.

49

PartsList

MODELS
682J
&,E682L
POWER UNIT TRANSMISSION ASSEMBLIES

15

S

11
14
14
V_ SeePage50

f

10
+-16,16A
18

60
58

35

61
62 _'

56

83
+
64

65

53

46

54
67

5O

MODELS

REF
NO.

PartsList

682J &, E682L

PART
NO.

DESCRIPTION

QTY.

REF
No.

PART
No.

DESCRIPTION

35
36

GW-9301
1100004

37
38
39

GW-9944
GW-2107
GW-50027

3

TRANSMISSIONCOVER& SHIFT LEVER
BRACKETASSEMBLIES
1186299
Bolt-hex hd., #10-32 x 3/8",
self-locking flange ..................... 3
GW-9463
Knob-tines/PTO clutch lever,
tapered, plastic .......................... 1
GW-2124
Detent Plate-tines/PTOclutch lever 1

4

777120945

40

1186310

42
43
44
45

718-04007
1983632
GW-1124-2
GW-1224-1

45
45
45
46

GW-1224-2
GW-1224-3
GW-1224-4
GW-1714

47
48
49

GW-2655
GW-9617
GW-9517

5O
51
52
53

715-0121
718-04006
GW-9604
GW-1132-1

53

GW-1132-2

53

GW-1132-3

54
55
56

GW-9404
GW-1126
GW-1222

57
58
59
6O

GW-9502
GW-2656
GW-9300
GW-1233

1
2

5

1186349

7

1186329

9
10
11
12

736-0275
GW-2149
GW-9362
GW-9838

13
14
15
16
17
18

GW-9934
GW-9932
GW-2178
GW-2523
GW-1123
710-0376

19
20

712-0267
1901439

21
22
23
24

GW-1035-1
1901440
1186393
1902664

Decal-operating instructions,
detent plate................................
Bolt-flanged hex hd.,
3/8-16 x 1-1/2". .........................
Bolt-flanged hex hd.,
5/16-18 x 3/4", Grade 5 ............
Washer-flat, 5/16", S.A.E..............
Bracket-shift levers.......................
Pin-spring, 1/8". ...........................
Nut-castle (slotted), 1/2"-20, call
Tech Service for tightening
instructions .............................
Washer-shoulder, 1/2". ................
Washer-disc spring ......................
Lever-wheel speed shift ................
Cover-power unit transmission ....
Gasket-transmission cover ...........
Bolt-hex hd., 5/16-18 x 1", Grade5,
(remove with care) ...................
Nut-hex, 5/16"-18 .........................
Spring-neutral plunger (remove
with care)..................................
Plunger-neutral (remove with care)
Clip Ring-retains neutral plunger..
Nut-hex, flange Iocknut, 3/8"-16...
Bolt-hex hd., 3/8-16x1-1/2",
threaded full length....................

30
31

TINES/PTOCLUTCHLEVERASSEMBLY
786-04002
Lever-eccentric, tines/PTO clutch.
741-04008
Bolt-hex hd., 1/4-20x 1/2". ..........
GW-2123
Bushing-tines/PTO clutch lever
eccentric shaft ...........................
GW-9516
Retaining Ring-(snap ring),
external......................................
GW-2461
Eccentric-shaft, tines/PTO clutch
lever...........................................
GW-9911
Lockwasher-hFcollar, 1/4"............
GW-9672
Screw-socket hd., 1/4-20 x 3/8"...

33
34

716-0101
1909139

25
26
27
28
29

1
4
1
1
1
1

1
1
2
1
1
1

QTY.

Key-3/16 sq. x 1". ......................... 3
Bolt-hex hd., 5/16-24 x 3/4", selflocking flange, Grade 5 .............. 1
Washer-disc spring (concave)...... 1
Pulley-transmission drive, cast iron 1
Washer-flat, hardened shoulder
1-1/4"......................................... 1
Bolt-hex hd., 1/4-20 x 3/4", front
bearing cap................................ 3
Cap-front bearing ......................... 1
Seal-oil, front bearing cap ............ 1
Gasket-front bearing cap.............. 1
Shim-front bearing cap,.
010" thick ..............................As Req'd
Shim-as above, .030"...............As Req'd
Shim-as above, .005"...............As Req'd
Shim-as above, .062"...............As Req'd
Bearing & Race
(incl. one bearing GW-9400
and one cup (race) GW-9401)...
2
Shaft-main drive, power unit ........ 1
Seal-oil, drive shaft, rear .............. 1
RetainingRing-(snapring), internal
........1

PINION SHAFTASSEMBLY
1
1
1
1
1
1
1

1
1
1
2
1
1
1

Pin-roll (spirol), 1/4 x 2"............... 2
Plug-retaining, pinion bearing ...... 2
O-Ring-retaining plug ................... 2
Shim-retaining plug, 1-1/64"inner
dia., .033" thick (on right side
only one GW-1132-1 shim is also
used between bearing and washer,
Ref. No.'s 54 & 55) .................... As
Req'd
Shim-sameasGW-1132-1,.062".
As
Req'd
Shim-sameasGW-1132-1,.010"
As
Req'd
Bearing-ball, pinion shaft ............. 2
Washer-pinion shaft ..................... 2
Stem Pinion-slow speedgear &
shaft .......................................... 1
Ring-retaining, external ................
Worm Gear-bronze, wheeldrive...
Key-3/16" x 5/8"............................
Gear-fast speed pinion .................
(continuedon page 55)

1
1
1
1

DRIVESHAFTASSEMBLY
Retaining Ring-external ................
Dog Clutch-power unit .................

1
1

51

PartsList

MODELS 682J & E682L

POWERUNITTRANSMISSIONASSEMBLIES
(Continuedfrom page53)

/

_

14
14
See Page 50

10

18

6O

se
35 57

61
62 1
63
64
65

4O
45

53

46

54
67 '

53
55

SO
38

34
72

t
71

52

MODELS

REF
NO.

61
62
63

63
63
63
63
64
65
66
67
68
69
70

PartsList

682J & E682L

PART
NO.

DESCRIPTION

QTY.

(continued from page 53)
WHEELSHAFTASSEMBLY
GW-9621
Seal-oil, wheel shaft ..................... 2
1909950
Retaining ring-external ................. 2
GW-1166-1 Shim-wheel shaft, 1-1/64" inner
dia., .062" thick .......................... As
Req'd
GW-1166-2 Shim-as above, .030"thick ....... As
Req'd
GW-1166-3 Shim-as above, .015"thick ........ As
Req'd
GW-1166-4 Shim-as above, .010"thick ........ As
Req'd
GW-1166-5 Shim-same as above, .005" thick As
Req'd
GW-1086
Bushing-bronze, wheel shaft
bearing ...................................... 2
GW-2145
Shaft-wheel, 15-5/8"...................1
GW-9357
Key-Hi Pro, 1/4" x 1-3/4"...............
1
GW-1223
Gear-slow speed, wheel drive....... 1
GW-1232
Gear-fast speed, wheel drive ........ 1
GW-1237
Dog Clutch-wheel drive ................
1
GW-1112
Pin-clutch guide, 1/4" diameter .... 3

REF
NO.

71
72

1911372
619-04000

73
74

GW-9622
GW-1442

Pin-roll, 3/16" x 1-1/4" (spirol) .....
Lever-eccentric, wheel speed
shifting ......................................
Seal-oil, eccentric shaft ................
Pin-eccentric shaft, wheel speed
shifting ......................................

1
1
1

DESCRIPTION

75

611-04003

76

GW-1441

EccentricShaft-wheel speed
shifting ......................................
Spring-eccentric shaft ..................

QTY.

1
1

TRANSMISSIONHOUSING
78

GW-2109

79

GW-9359

80
81
82
83
84
85
86

-ECCENTRICSHAFTASSEMBLY

PART
NO.

Housing-power unit transmission
(Empty housing without covers,
shafts, gears, seals, etc.) ...........
Pin-alignment ...............................

MISCELLANEOUSPARTS
1100067
Bolt-hex hd., 1/2-13 x 2" Grade 5.
GW-9928
Washer-disc spring (concave),
domed side faces bolt head.......
GW-2126
Post-with threaded hole for Ref.
No. 80 ........................................
1105620
GW-9122
GW-9205

Plug-pipe, 1/4"..............................
Plug-red plastic, thread protector.
Clip-forward interlock system plug
connector (see page 47) ............
777120944 Decal-forward interlock wire
harness......................................
TRANSMISSIONASSEMBLY
618-04004

1
1

2
2
2
2
1
1
1

Transmission-power unit
(Does NOTinclude Ref. 35-39. Does
NOTinclude Shift Lever and Bracket
Assemblies, Ref. 3, 4, 10, 15, 85, 86,
etc.) ........................................... 1

1

53

PartsList

MODELS
682J
&E682L
TILLERATTACHMENT
TRANSMISSIONASSEMBLIES

7

See Note I

I

I
I

54

NOTE1: THESESCREWSHAVEA SPECIALSEALINGDESIGN
THATCANNOTBE REUSEDWITHOUTRISKINGTHE
LOSSOF TRANSMISSIONOIL. IF THESESCREWS
ARELOOSENEDORREMOVED,THEYMUST BE
REPLACEDWITH NEWHARDWARE.

PartsList

MODELS 682J & E682L

REF
NO.
1
2
3
3
4
5
6
7
8

9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17

PART
NO.

DESCRIPTION

QTY.

1915068
Screw-self-sealing,I/4"-20 x 5/8"
5
GW-20873 Cover-tiller housing ..................... 1
GW-1129-1 Gasket-tiller housing cover, .010". As
thick ...........................................Req'd
GW-1129-2 Gasket-same as above, .030"
As
thick ...........................................Req'd
1901972
Shaft-tiller tine .............................. 1
741-3037
Ball Bearing................................... 2
1901976
Worm Gear-bronze, tiller tine
shaft .......................................... 1
GW-1104
Key-tiller tine shaft, woodruff key. 1
GW-97073 Seal-oil, tiller tine shaft................. 2
TILLERDRIVESHAFTASSEMBLY
716-0101
Retaining Ring-external ................ 2
1909138
Dog Clutch-tiller drive shaft.......... 1
GW-9301
Key-3/16" x 1"............................... 1
GW-2127
Spring-dog clutch ......................... 1
GW-1138-1 Shim-dog clutch, 1/16"(.62")thick.. 1
1915069
Screw-self-sealing,I/4"-20 x 7/8"
3
GW-1115
Cap-rear bearing........................... 1
GW-1124-2 Gasket-rear bearing cap ............... 1
GW-1224-1 Shim-front bearing cap, .010"
As
thick ...........................................Req'd

REF
NO.

PART
NO.

17

GW-1224-2

17

GW-1224-3

17

GW-1224-4

18

GW-1714

19
20
21

GW-2653
GW-9617
GW-9517

DESCRIPTION

QTY.

Shim-same as above, .030"
As
thick...........................................Req'd
Shim-same as above, .005"
As
thick...........................................Req'd
Shim-same as above, .062"
As
thick...........................................Req'd
Bearing & Race............................. 2
(incl. one bearing GW-9400
and one cup (race) GW-9401)
Shaft-main tiller drive ................... 1
Seal-oil, drive shaft, front ............. 1
Retaining Ring-internal ................. 1

TRANSMISSIONHOUSINGAND DIPSTICK
23

24
--

1901971

Housing-tiller attachment (Empty
housing without shafts, gears, seals,
dipstick, etc.) ................................ 1
1909157
Dipstick-oil, tiller attachment........ 1
TRANSMISSIONASSEMBLY
618-04003 Transmission-Tiller
(Includes Ref. 1-24) ..................

1

55

PartsList

MODELS 682J & E682L

BOLO TINE ASSEMBLIES

2
i_D

p_

I

8
1

7
I

i

\

10

RIGHT SIDE

I

6
"6

LEFT SIDE

NOTE: Make sure Sharp Edge ,'_ of tines
faces FORWARD to enter soil first

7
Sharp

LEGEND:
/_ = Sharp Edge
L = Left Bolo Tine
R = Right Bo_o Tine

LEFT HAND TINE

RIGHT HAND TINE

(As viewed with blunt edge facing you.)

56

6

PartsList

MODELS 682J & E682L

REF
NO.

PART
NO.

DESCRIPTION

QTY.

REF
NO.

PART
NO.

STANDARDTILLING TINES
1
2
6

7

8
10
---

1901975

Tine Holder-welded steel, fits
left or right sides ......................
2
1982612
Bolt-hex hd., 3/8-16 x 2".............
4
GW-1270-1 Bolo Tine-single, left hand. Used
on left and right side tine assy.
Tine is stamped either "EL" or
"AL"..........................................
8
GW-1270-2 Bolo Tine-single, right hand. Used
on left and right side tine assy.
Tine is stamped either "ER" or
"AR'. ........................................
8
710-3005
Bolt-hex hd., 3/8-16 x 1"............. 16
712-0375
Locknut-hex, 3/8"-16 .................. 20
290-253-081 Tine Replacement Kit-unassembled
(IncL eight each of Ref. No.'s 6,
and 7, sixteen each of Ref. No.'s
8 and 10). Includes easy-tofollow installation instruction. DOES
NOT INCLUDEtine holders, holder
mounting hardware, or tine
shaft keys.................................
1

DESCRIPTION

QTY.

CUSTOMTILLINGTINES
Special hard-faced, high-chrome carbon alloy tines that are
thicker than standard Bolo Tines. Thesetines better resist the
abrasive action of rocky, gritty or sandy soil as compared to
standard Bolo Tines, and are especially suited for custom
tilling or market gardening.
GW-10802

GW-2475-1
GW-2475-2

Custom Tilling Tine Kit-(Incl.
eight each of Part GW-2475-1
and GW-2475-2 tines and sixteen
each of Ref. No.'s 8 and 10 ......
1
Bolo Tine, Custom Tilling-single,
left hand...................................
8
Bolo Tine, Custom Tilling-single,
right hand ................................
8

57

PartsList

MODEL
E682L
ELECTRICSTARTSYSTEM

9

Positive
8artery

Cable

Activate Wire (R_)

Wire

(Red)

TO

58

PartsList

MODEL E682L

REF
NO.

PART
NO.
GW-96515
GW-97020
GW-9552

4
5
6

1186309
1901894
GW-2614
777830648
725-0267A

9
10
11
12
13

725-0201
1180673
1100241
712-0287
725-1706

DESCRIPTION

QTY.

Cable-battery, positive and negative
terminals ..................................
Boot-terminal insulating .............
Screw-self-threading,
1/4-20 x 1/2"............................
Bolt-hex hd., 1/4-20 x 5/8"..........
Wire-recharge (red) ....................
Battery Hold-down Clamp-with
attached Key Switch Plate........
Decal-ignition switch instruc.......
Key Switch-includes two
ignition keys (Ref. No. 9), one
Iockwasher, and one mounting
nut (lock-washer and nut not
availableseparately).................
Key-ignition, one pair..................
Bolt-carriage, 1/4-20 x 1-1/4". ....
Lockwasher-spring lock, 1/4"......
Nut-hex, 1/4"-20 .........................
Battery-12 volt, 270 CCA................

2
3
3
2
1
1
1

1
1
2
2
2
1

REF
NO.

PART
NO.

14

GW-96514

15
16
17
18
19

736-0119
1186211
736-0147
GW-9853
GW-96510

20
21

GW-2557
1186349

23
27
28

GW-9265
725-0157
1908118

30
31
32

1186389
1917269
1901202

33
34

710-3180
712-3010

DESCRIPTION

Solenoid-starter, includes nutsand
washers for cables and wires...
Lockwasher-5/16". ......................
Nut-hex, 5/16"-24 .......................
Lockwasher-external tooth, #10..
Nut-hex, #10-32..........................
Cable-solenoid to starter motor..

QTY.

1
3
2
1
1
1

Battery Bracket ............................
Bolt-flanged hex hd.,
3/8-16 x 1-1/2". ........................

1

Tie-plastic, wire retaining............
Tie-plastic ...................................
Wire Harness & Connecting
Terminal Assembly ..................
Locknut-hex, 1/4"-20 ..................
Ground Wire Assembly ................
Cable-ground, solenoid to engine
block ........................................

1
2

Bolt-flange lock, 5/16-18 x 1"......
Nut-flange lock, 5/16"-18 ............

1
1

2

1
3
1
1

59

ParisList

MODELS
682J
&E682L
BUMPERATTACHMENT

REF
NO.

1
2
3
4
5

6O

PART
NO.

DESCRIPTION

290-255-081 Bumper Attachment. Includes
Ref. Nos. 1 through 11) ...........
1910730
Brace- bumper bottom ...............
710-3181
Bolt - hex hd., 1/2-13 x 1-1/2". ....
736-0921
Lockwasher - spring lock, 1/2" ....
1909748
Spacer, 1/2".................................
710-0805
Bolt - hex hd., 5/16-18 x 1-1/2" ...

QTY.

1
1
1
1
1
2

REF
No.
6
7
8
9
10
11

PART
No.

736-0119
712-0267
1910731
710-0514
736-0169
777S30653

DESCRIPTION

Lockwasher - spring lock, 5/16" ..
Nut - hex, 5/16"-18 ......................
Bumper wraparound....................
Bolt - hex hd., 3/8-16 x 1"............
Lockwasher - spring lock, 3/8" ....
Decal- for bumper ......................

QTY.

2
2
1
2
2
1

Notes

61

Notes

Notes

TROY-BILT
WHATPRODUCT

TILLER

LIFETIME

LIMITED

WARRANTY

All Troy-Bilt branded rear tine walk-behind tillers with gear drive transmissions.
This w_ranly begins on the dale of purchase and is warranted by Troy-Bilt LLC for the life
of the tiller, to the original purchaser only.

ISCOVERED

WHATISCOVERED
BY THIS WARRANTY

Troy-Bilt LLC will, at its option, repair or replace any part found to be defective in material
or workmanship without charge for parts and labor_
This limited lifetime warranty also applies to non-powered attachments and accessories. Powered
attachments and accessories are warranted separately by their manufacturers. Refer to the applicable
manufacturer's warranty on these items for terms and conditions.

WHAT

IS NOT

COVERED

BY THIS

WARRANTY

This warranty does not apply to parts that have been damaged by accident, alteration,
misuse, abuse, neglect, improper maintenance, vandalism, theft, fire, water, or damage
because of peril or other natural disaster.
The following items are not covered after the first year of this residential use limited warranty: belts,
batteries, bushings, seals, tines, tires, wheels, paint, appearance items, and similar items that are
normally replaced through periodic maintenance_
Charges for pick-up, delivery, and service calls are not covered by this warranty_
Service completed by someone other than an authorized service dealer is not covered by this warranty.
Parts

that are not genuine

Troy-Bilt

LLC service

parts are not covered

by this warranty_

The engine is warranted separately by the engine manufacturer_ Refer to the engine manufacturer's
warranty for terms and conditions.
LIMITED

if used for commercial, institutional, industrial, rental, o1"demonstrator purposes, the
warranty on the tiller is limited in duration to 90 days from the date of purchase.

COMMERCIAL
USE WARRANTY

This warranty does not apply to parts that have been damaged by accident, alteration, misuse, abuse,
neglect, improper maintenance, vandalism, theft, fire, water, or damage because of peril o1"other natural
disaster.
HOW

TO OBTAIN

Warranty service is available, with proof of purchase, through your local authorized
service dealer. To locate a dealer in your area, consult your Yellow Pages, o1"contact Troy-Bilt LLC at
P.O. Box 36113 i, Cleveland, Ohio 44136-0019, 1-866-840-6483, o1"log on to our Web site at
www.troybilt.com.

SERVICE

The provisions

set forth in this warranty

not be liable for any incidental
equipment

rental,

provide

the sole and exclusive

or consequential

loss of profits,

damage

or costs of hiring services

remedy

or expense

arising

from

of any kind, including

to perform

tasks normally

the sale.

Troy-Bilt

but not limited

performed

LLC shall
to cost of

by the equipment.

Any implied warranties, including any implied warranty of merchantability or fitness for a particular propose, shall be limited in
duration to the period of ownership by the original purchaser (and a maximum of 90 days from the dale of sale if the tiller is
purchased for commercial or other non-residential use),
Some states do not allgw the exclusion o1"limitation of incidental or consequential damages, or limitations on how long an
implied warranty lasts, so the above exclusions or limitations may not apply to you.
This limited warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights which vary from state to state.
For customer

TIqOY-BILT

assistance,

contact your nearest

LLG, P.O. Box 361131,

Gleveland,

authorized

dealer,

or contact

Ohio 44136-0019,

us at:

1-866-840-6483



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