Central Machinery 65558 User guide

TURF/SOD CUTTER
WITH 4 HP ENGINE
65558
SET UP, OPERATING, AND SERVICING
INSTRUCTIONS
Using an engine indoors CAN KILL YOU IN
MINUTES.
Engine exhaust contains carbon monoxide.
This is a poison you cannot see or smell.
NEVER use inside
a home or garage,
EVEN IF doors and
windows are open.
Only use OUTSIDE
and far away from
windows, doors, and
vents.
Distributed exclusively by Harbor Freight Tools®.
3491 Mission Oaks Blvd., Camarillo, CA 93011
Visit our website at: http://www.harborfreight.com
Read this material before using this product.
Failure to do so can result in serious injury.
SAVE THIS MANUAL.
Copyright©2008 by Harbor Freight Tools®. All rights reserved. No portion of this manual or any artwork
contained herein may be reproduced in any shape or form without the express written consent of
Harbor Freight Tools. Diagrams within this manual may not be drawn proportionally. Due to continuing
improvements, actual product may differ slightly from the product described herein. Tools required for
assembly and service may not be included.
For technical questions or replacement parts, please call 1-800-444-3353.

SKU 65558 For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353. Page 2
TABLE OF CONTENTS
READ THIS MANUAL......................................................................................................3
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION............................................................................3
SET UP PRECAUTIONS..................................................................................................3
OPERATING PRECAUTIONS..........................................................................................4
SERVICE PRECAUTIONS...............................................................................................5
UNPACKING....................................................................................................................6
ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS..........................................................................................6
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS.........................................................................................7
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS....................................................................................12
SERVICING....................................................................................................................12
MAINTENANCE, LUBRICATION, CLEANING SCHEDULE.........................................16
TROUBLESHOOTING - TURF/SOD CUTTER UNIT.....................................................17
TROUBLESHOOTING - ENGINE..................................................................................18
PARTS LIST - TURF/SOD CUTTER UNIT.....................................................................20
ASSEMBLY DIAGRAM - TURF/SOD CUTTER UNIT....................................................21
PARTS LIST - ENGINE..................................................................................................22
ASSEMBLY DIAGRAM - ENGINE.................................................................................23
WARRANTY INFORMATION.........................................................................................24
PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING CAREFULLY.........................................................25

SKU 65558 For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353. Page 3
SAVE THIS MANUAL
Keep this manual for the safety warn-
ings and precautions, assembly, operating,
inspection, maintenance and cleaning pro-
cedures. Write the product’s serial number
in the back of the manual (or month and
year of purchase if product has no num-
ber). Keep this manual and the receipt in
a safe and dry place for future reference.
IMPORTANT SAFETY
INFORMATION
In this manual, on the labeling,
and all other information
provided with this product:
This is the safety alert
symbol. It is used to alert
you to potential personal
injury hazards. Obey all
safety messages that
follow this symbol to avoid
possible injury or death.
DANGER indicates
a hazardous
situation which, if not
avoided, will result in death or
serious injury.
WARNING
indicates a
hazardous situation which, if
not avoided, could result in
death or serious injury.
CAUTION, used
with the safety
alert symbol, indicates a
hazardous situation which, if
not avoided, could result in
minor or moderate injury.
NOTICE is used to
address practices
not related to personal injury.
CAUTION, without
the safety alert
symbol, is used to address
practices not related to
personal injury.
WARNING! Read all instructions.
Failure to follow all instructions
listed below may result in re,
serious injury and/or DEATH.
The warnings and precautions
discussed in this manual cannot
cover all possible conditions and
situations that may occur. It must
be understood by the operator that
common sense and caution are
factors which cannot be built into
this product, but must be supplied
by the operator.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS
SET UP PRECAUTIONS
Gasoline fuel and fumes are amma-1.
ble, and potentially explosive. Use
proper fuel storage and handling pro-
cedures. Do not store fuel or other
ammable materials nearby.
Have multiple ABC class re extin-2.
guishers nearby.
Operation of this equipment may cre-3.
ate sparks that can start res around
dry vegetation.
A spark arrestor may be required.
The operator should contact local re
agencies for laws or regulations relat-
ing to re prevention requirements.
Set up and use only on a at, level, 4.
well-ventilated surface.

SKU 65558 For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353. Page 4
Wear ANSI-approved safety goggles,5.
heavy-duty work gloves, and dust
mask/respirator during set up.
Use only oil and fuel recommended6.
in the “Specications” section of this
manual.
OPERATING PRECAUTIONS
1. CARBON MONOXIDE
HAZARD
Using an engine indoors
CAN KILL YOU IN
MINUTES.
Engine exhaust contains carbon
monoxide. This is a poison you
cannot see or smell.
NEVER use inside a home or garage,
EVEN IF doors and windows are
open.
Only use OUTSIDE and far away
from windows, doors, and vents.
Risk of serious cuts. Keep hands,2.
ngers, and feet out from under the
equipment when operating.
Burn hazard. Do not touch or lean/3.
reach over a hot engine.
Entanglement hazard. Keep hands4.
and ngers away from V-Belts when
operating.
Tipping hazard. Do not operate on5.
grades over 35%.
Underground hazards. Be aware of6.
buried cables, pipes, tree roots, etc.
prior to operating the equipment.
Keep children away from the equip-7.
ment, especially while it is operating.
Do not leave the equipment unat-8.
tended when it is running. Turn off
the equipment before leaving the
work area.
Wear ANSI-approved safety goggles9.
and hearing protection during use.
People with pacemakers should10.
consult their physician(s) before
use. Electromagnetic elds in close
proximity to a heart pacemaker could
cause pacemaker interference or
pacemaker failure. Caution is neces-
sary when near the engine’s magneto
or recoil starter.
Use only accessories that are recom-11.
mended by Harbor Freight Tools for
your model. Accessories that may be
suitable for one piece of equipment
may become hazardous when used
on another piece of equipment.
Do not operate in explosive atmo-12.
spheres, such as in the presence of
ammable liquids, gases, or dust.
Gasoline-powered engines may ignite
the dust or fumes.
Stay alert, watch what you are doing13.
and use common sense when operat-
ing this piece of equipment. Do not
use this piece of equipment while
tired or under the inuence of drugs,
alcohol or medication.

SKU 65558 For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353. Page 5
Do not overreach. Keep proper foot-14.
ing and balance at all times. This en-
ables better control of the equipment
in unexpected situations.
Use this equipment with both hands15.
only. Using equipment with only
one hand can easily result in loss of
control.
Dress properly. Do not wear loose16.
clothing or jewelry. Keep hair, cloth-
ing and gloves away from moving
parts. Loose clothing jewelry or long
hair can be caught in moving parts.
Parts, especially exhaust system17.
components, get very hot during use.
Stay clear of hot parts.
Do not cover the engine or equipment18.
during operation.
Keep the equipment, engine, and sur-19.
rounding area clean at all times.
Use the equipment, accessories, etc.,20.
in accordance with these instructions
and in the manner intended for the
particular type of equipment, taking
into account the working conditions
and the work to be performed. Use
of the equipment for operations differ-
ent from those intended could result
in a hazardous situation.
Do not operate the equipment with21.
known leaks in the engine’s fuel sys-
tem.
This product contains or, when used,22.
produces a chemical known to the
State of California to cause cancer
and birth defects or other reproduc-
tive harm. (California Health & Safety
Code § 25249.5, et seq.)
When spills of fuel or oil occur, they23.
must be cleaned up immediately.
Dispose of uids and cleaning materi-
als per local, state, or federal codes
and regulations. Store oil rags in a
bottom-ventilated, covered, metal
container.
Keep hands and feet away from24.
moving parts. Do not reach over or
across equipment while operating.
Before use, check for misalignment25.
or binding of moving parts, breakage
of parts, and any other condition that
may affect the equipment’s operation.
If damaged, have the equipment
serviced before using. Many ac-
cidents are caused by poorly main-
tained equipment.
Use the correct equipment for the26.
application. Do not modify the equip-
ment and do not use the equipment
for a purpose for which it is not in-
tended.
SERVICE PRECAUTIONS
Before service, maintenance, or1.
cleaning:
Turn the engine power switch toa.
its “OFF” position.
Allow the engine to completelyb.
cool.
Then, remove the spark plug.c.
Keep all safety guards in place and in2.
proper working order. Safety guards
include mufer, air cleaner, mechani-
cal guards, and heat shields, among
other guards.
Do not alter or adjust any part of the3.
equipment or its engine that is sealed
by the manufacturer or distributor.

SKU 65558 For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353. Page 6
Only a qualied service technician
may adjust parts that may increase or
decrease governed engine speed.
Wear ANSI-approved safety goggles,4.
heavy-duty work gloves, and dust
mask/respirator during service.
Maintain labels and nameplates on5.
the equipment. These carry impor-
tant information. If unreadable or
missing, contact Harbor Freight Tools
for a replacement.
Have the equipment serviced by a6.
qualied repair person using only
identical replacement parts. This will
ensure that the safety of the equip-
ment is maintained. Do not attempt
any service or maintenance proce-
dures not explained in this manual
or any procedures that you are un-
certain about your ability to perform
safely or correctly.
Store equipment out of the reach of7.
children.
Follow scheduled engine and equip-8.
ment maintenance.
Refueling Precautions:9.
Do not smoke, or allow sparks,a.
ames, or other sources of ignition
around the equipment, especially
when refuelling.
Do not rell the fuel tank while the b.
engine is running or hot.
Do not ll fuel tank to the top. Leave c.
a little room for the fuel to expand as
needed.
Refuel in a well-ventilated area only.d.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS.
UNPACKING
When unpacking, check to make sure
that the item is intact and undamaged. If
any parts are missing or broken, please
call Harbor Freight Tools at the number
shown on the cover of this manual as soon
as possible.
ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS
Read the ENTIRE IMPORTANT
SAFETY INFORMATION
section at the beginning of this
manual including all text under
subheadings therein before set
up or use of this product.
TO PREVENT
SERIOUS INJURY
FROM ACCIDENTAL
STARTING:
Turn the Power Switch of the
equipment to its “OFF”
position, wait for the engine to
cool, and remove the spark
plug before assembling or
making any adjustments to
the equipment.
TO PREVENT
SERIOUS INJURY:
Operate only with proper
spark arrestor installed.
Operation of this equipment
may create sparks that
can start res around dry
vegetation.
A spark arrestor may be
required.
The operator should contact
local re agencies for laws
or regulations relating to re
prevention requirements.

SKU 65558 For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353. Page 7
Note: For additional information regarding
the parts listed in the following pages,
refer to the Assembly Diagram near
the end of this manual.
Attach the Handle (5) to the Frame1.
(42) using three Bolts (10), three
Spring Washers (8), and three Flat
Washers (9). (See Figure A.)
Attach the Clutch Handle Rod (6)2.
to the Clutch Handle (17) using two
Bolts (10), four Flat Washers (9), two
Spring Washers (8), and two Lock
Nuts (7). (See Figure B.)
FIGURE B
BOLTS (10)
FLAT WASHERS (9)
SPRING WASHERS (8)
LOCK NUTS (7)
CLUTCH
HANDLE
ROD
(6)
CLUTCH
HANDLE
(17)
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
Read the ENTIRE IMPORTANT
SAFETY INFORMATION
section at the beginning of this
manual including all text under
subheadings therein before set
up or use of this product.
Engine Controls
FIGURE C
CHOKE
LEVER
FUEL
VALVE
FIGURE D
THROTTLE
LEVER
(2)
FIGURE A
BOLT
(11)
SPRING
WASHER
(9)
FLAT
WASHER
(8)
HANDLE
(5)
FRAME
(42)

SKU 65558 For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353. Page 8
Starting the Engine
Inspect engine and equipment
looking for damaged, loose, and
missing parts before set up and
starting. If any problems are
found, do not use equipment
until properly repaired.
FIGURE E
POWER
SWITCH
(81A)
ON
OFF
FIGURE F
RECOIL
STARTER
(76A)
Checking and Filling Engine Oil
CAUTION! Your Warranty is VOID if the
engine’s crankcase is not properly
lled with oil before each use. Before
each use, check the oil level. Do not
run the engine with low or no engine
oil. Running the engine with no or
low engine oil WILL permanently
damage the engine.
Wipe outside of Dipstick, unscrew1.
and remove. Wipe Dipstick. Insert
in the hole without threading it. Re-
move and read oil label.
(See Figure G.)
FIGURE G
DIPSTICK
(20A)
Checking and Filling Fuel
WARNING! TO PREVENT
SERIOUS INJURY FROM
FIRE:
Fill the Fuel Tank in a well-
ventilated area away from ignition
sources. Do not smoke.
To ll the Fuel Tank (89A), rst wipe 1.
off the Fuel Tank Cap (91A) and the
surrounding area.
(See Figure H.)

SKU 65558 For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353. Page 9
Unscrew, and remove the Fuel Tank2.
Cap (91A). (See Figure H.)
Remove the Fuel Tank Strainer (90A)3.
and remove any dirt and debris.
Then replace the Fuel Tank Filter.
(See Figure H.)
Fill the Fuel Tank (8A9) to about 14.
inch under the ll neck of the Tank
with unleaded gasoline.
(See Figure H.)
Then replace the Fuel Tank Cap5.
(91A).
(See Figure H.)
FIGURE H
FUEL
TANK
CAP
(91A)
FUEL
TANK
FILTER
(90A)
Start Procedure:
Before starting the engine:
Follow the Set Up Instruc-a.
tions to prepare the equip-
ment.
Inspect the equipment andb.
Engine.
Fill the Engine with the prop-c.
er amount and type of fuel
and oil.
Read the Equipment Opera-d.
tion section that follows.
Turn the Engine Fuel Valve to its1.
“OPEN” position. (See Figure C.)
Turn the Engine Choke Lever to its2.
“CHOKE” position. Set the Choke
Lever in the “RUN” position when
starting a warm Engine.
(See Figure C.)
Push the Throttle Lever (2) all the3.
way forward. (See Figure D.)
Then turn the Engine Power Switch4.
(81A) to its “ON” position.
(See Figure E.)
Grasp the Recoil Starter (76A), and5.
pull slowly until resistance is felt.
While holding the Recoil Starter, al-
low the Starter Rope to rewind slow-
ly. Then, pull the Recoil Starter with
a rapid, full arm stroke. Once again
while holding the Recoil Starter, allow
the Rope to rewind slowly. Repeat
as necessary, until the Engine starts.
(See Figure F.)
After the Engine starts and warms6.
up, slowly move the Choke Lever to
its “RUN” position. (See Figure C.)
To adjust the Engine’s speed, move7.
the Throttle forward for increased
speed. Move the Throttle backward
for decreased speed.
(See Figure D.)
IMPORTANT: Allow the Engine to8.
run at no load until warm (1-5 min-
utes) with no load after each start-up
to allow the Engine to stabilize.

SKU 65558 For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353. Page 10
Break-in Period:
Breaking-in the Engine will help to1.
ensure proper equipment and Engine
operation, and will extend the En-
gine’s lifespan. The warranty is void
if the Engine is not broken in properly.
The rst 20 hours of operation is the
break-in period.
During the rst 3 hours of use:2.
Do not apply a heavy load to the•
equipment.
Do not operate the Engine at its•
maximum speed.
After the rst 20 hours of use:3.
Change the engine oil.•
Under normal operating conditions•
subsequent maintenance follows
the schedule explained in the
MAINTENANCE AND SERVICING
section.
Equipment Operation
To Transport the Turf/Sod Cutter:
Loosen the two Lock Bolts (19) at the1.
rear of the Frame (42).
(See Figure I.)
Crank the Handle (23) to lower the2.
two rear Wheels (54) all the way
down so that they contact the ground
surface. Then retighten the two Lock
Bolts (19). (See Figure I.)
Disengage the unit’s Clutch by pulling3.
the Clutch Handle Rod (6) downward.
Then push the Turf/Sod Cutter to the
work location. (See Figure I.)
FIGURE I
LOCK BOLT
(19)
LOCK BOLT
(19)
HANDLE
(23)
CLUTCH HANDLE ROD
(6)
KNIFE
(43)
To Operate the Turf/Sod Cutter:
Make sure the Clutch Handle Rod (6)1.
is in its disengaged (lowered) posi-
tion. (See Figure I.)
Loosen the two Lock Bolts (19) at the2.
rear of the Frame (42).
(See Figure I.)
To set the cutting depth (up to 2”) of3.
the Knife (43), turn the Handle (23)
and raise the two rear Wheels (54)
until the desired cutting depth is ob-
tained . Then retighten the two Lock
Bolts (19). (See Figure I.)
Start the Engine (31), and allow it to4.
warm up as previously discussed in
this manual.
Once the Engine (31) is started, raise5.
the Clutch Handle Rod (6) to engage
the unit’s Clutch. The Turf/Sod Cut-
ter will now self-propel forward.
(See Figure J, next page.)
As the Turf/Sod Cutter moves for-6.
ward, you may wish to regulate the
speed at which it travels by adjusting
the Throttle Lever (2).
(See Figure J.)