DIRTY HANDS 107555 User manual

14”22” ADJUSTABLE FRONT TINE TILLER
is safety alert symbol identies important safety messages in
this manual. Failure to follow this important safety information
may result in serious injury or death.
MODEL # 107555
Operation Manual
!
Part 108749 Rev B

1100 W 120th Ave, Suite 600
Westminster, CO 80234 • 720-287-5182
For Service or Questions
Call 1-877-487-8275
720-287-5182
www.dirtyhandtools.com
Dirty Hand Tools® is a brand of

Table of Contents
Important Safety Information
Intended Use ..............................................................................4
Personal Protective Equipment ..................................................4
General Safety ............................................................................5
Safety Decals ..............................................................................6
Unpacking and Assembly Instructions
Unpacking ...................................................................................7
Overview of Components.............................................................8
Tine Assembly...............................................................................9
Handlebar Assembly...................................................................10
Installing the Wheels..................................................................11
Safety Shield Assembly ...............................................................12
Operating Precautions................................................................13
Operating Instructions
Preparation for Operation .........................................................14
Fill Engine with Oil ..................................................................14
Pre-Start Inspection ..................................................................14
Adjusting the Depth Regulator.................................................14
Start-Up ....................................................................................15
Cold Starts ................................................................................15
Restarting A Warm Engine.......................................................15
Idle Speed..................................................................................15
Operating Speed........................................................................15
Shutting Down..........................................................................15
Tilling........................................................................................16
Clutch Lever .............................................................................16
Tilling Tips................................................................................16
Maintenance
Lubrication................................................................................17
Transmission Grease..................................................................17
Cleaning the Tine Axle Shaft....................................................17
Engine Maintenance .................................................................17
Storage.........................................................................................18
Troubleshooting..........................................................................19
Warranty & Specications .........................................Back Cover
3

Important Safety Information
WARNING: Read and thoroughly understand all instructions
and safety information before assembling or operating this tiller.
Failure to do so may cause serious injury or death. Do not allow
anyone to operate this tiller who has not read this manual. As
with all power equipment, a tiller can be dangerous if assembled
or used improperly. Do not operate this tiller if you have doubts or
questions concerning safe operation.
Call our customer service department at 720-287-5182,
1-877-487-8275, or visit www.dirtyhandtools.com if you have any
questions or concerns about the safe operation of this equipment.
Intended Use
Do Not Use the tiller for any purpose other than tilling garden soil
for which it was designed. Any other use is unauthorized and may
result in serious injury or death.
Personal Protective Equipment
When operating this tiller it is essential that you wear safety gear
including goggles or safety glasses, steel toed shoes and tight fitting
gloves (no loose cuffs or draw strings). Always wear ear plugs or
sound deafening headphones to protect against hearing loss when
operating this tiller. Always wear sturdy footwear. Never wear
sandals, sneakers or open shoes, and never operate the tiller with
bare feet. Do not wear loose clothing that might get caught in
moving parts.
YOUR TILLER IS EQUIPPED WITH A CLUTCH
LEVER THAT AUTOMATICALLY STOP THE TINES
WHEN RELEASED
Learn how the clutch levers operate and
how to control the tiller at all times.
Read the entire Operation Manual before using this equipment!
4
!
WARNING
!
DANGER
!
CAUTION

5
Important Safety Information
General Safety
Failure to follow warnings, cautions, assembly and operation
instructions in the Operation Manual may result in serious injury
or death.
READ THE OPERATION MANUAL BEFORE
OPERATION.
• Do not permit children to operate this equipment at any time.
•Do not permit others that have not read and understood the
complete Operation Manual to operate this equipment.
• Keep all people and pets a minimum of 10 feet away from the
work area when operating this tiller.
• Do not operate the tiller when under the influence of alcohol,
drugs or medication.
• Do not allow a person who is tired or otherwise impaired or not
completely alert to operate the tiller.
CAREFULLY INSPECT THE AREA TO BE TILLED AND
REMOVE ALL FOREIGN OBJECTS.
Do not till above underground water lines, gas lines, electric cables,
or pipes. Do not operate the tiller in soil with large rocks and
foreign objects which can damage the equipment.
• Leave clutch lever undepressed (neutral) position before starting
the engine.
• Handle fuel with care; it is highly flammable. Use an approved
fuel container. Never add fuel to a running engine or hot engine.
• Fill fuel tank outdoors with extreme care. Never ll fuel tank
indoors.
• Replace gasoline cap securely and clean up spilled fuel before
restarting.
• Never attempt to make any adjustments while the engine is
running.
!
DANGER
!
DANGER

Important Safety Information
Safety Decals
Safety labels on the tiller are to remind you of important
information while you are operating the unit. Make sure
all safety warning decals are attached and in readable
condition. Replace missing or defaced decals. Contact
Dirty Hand Tools at 1-877-487-8275 for replacement
decals.
6
AVOID INJURY
FROM
ROTATING
TINES!
Keep hands, feet
and clothing away!
• Tines rotate when the
safety latch is flipped up
and the drive control
lever is depressed
towards the handle bar.
• To stop tines from
rotating release the
drive control lever.
The safety latch
automatically snaps
into locked position.
• Stop the engine, wait
for tines to stop rotating
and disconnect spark
plug before removing
debris or maintenance.
DANGER
101573
AVOID INJURY
• Know the function and
location of all controls.
• Never allow children to
operate the tiller.
• Check area to be tilled
and remove rocks or
obstacles.
• Check for underground
utilities before using.
WARNING
Read the
Operator’s
Manual
Before
Operating
Wear
Safety
Goggles or
Eyewear
Wear
Boots or
Protective
Footwear
Wear
Protective
Noise
Reduction
Gear
Wear
Gloves and
Protective
Clothing
101846
101726
DO NOT START ENGINE UNLESS
THE BELT COVER IS ATTACHED
TO THE TILLER.
KEEP HANDS, FEET AND CLOTHING AWAY
FROM MOVING BELTS AND PULLEYS.
FAILURE TO COMPLY COULD RESULT
IN SERIOUS INJURY.
SEE OWNER’S MANUAL FOR COMPLETE
OPERATING AND SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS.
101028

Unpacking and Assembly
Your tiller will require some assembly. e following instructions will
help you unpack your tiller, assemble and adjust the depth regulator
lever, cable tension and handlebar height. You will need a wrench,
small adjustable crescent wrench and a starbit driver to complete the
assembly.
Unpacking
Open top of carton and remove the tiller components.
Tiller Components
Upper Handlebar Left
Upper Handlebar Right
Handlebar Support Bracket
Handlebar Bridge
Depth Regulator
Safety Shields
Tine Blades (4)
Hardware Kit
DO NOT ADD ENGINE OIL TO THE
TRANSMISSION GEAR CASE
e tiller transmission is lled at the factory.
DO NOT ATTEMPT TO START ENGINE
BEFORE ADDING OIL TO ENGINE
e engine is shipped from the factory without oil. You must add
engine oil before starting the engine. Use only the recommended
weight of oil for a 4-cycle engine (See Engine Operation Manual).
7
!
CAUTION
!
CAUTION

8
Overview of Components
CLUTCH LEVER
HANDLEBAR
ASSEMBLY
WHEEL
ASSEMBLY
AIR
CLEANER
COVER
THROTTLE /
CHOKE CONTROL
FUEL FILL
RECOIL
STARTER
OUTER TINE
ASSEMBLY
INNER TINE
ASSEMBLY
SAFETY SHIELD
(TINE GUARD)
OIL FILL /
DIPSTICK
MUFFLER

Tine Assembly
Mounting the Tine Blades
1. Mount the 4 tines assemblies. Note that all 4 blades are different.
e sharp edge of the blade should face forward, in the operational
direction. Make sure the clevis pin is securely fastened with a lynch pin.
Slide the tines onto the tiller’s axle. Align the connection holes in the
axle to the tine assemblies then secure with lynch pin (see Figure 1).
9
Figure 1
ASSEMBLED
TINES SECURED
WITH LYNCH PINS
14” 18” 22”

10
Handlebar Assembly
Mounting the Handlebars
NOTE: e left and right handlebars are different. Each has two holes
drilled in the bottom of the handlebar tube and two more drilled in the
middle.
1. Install the upper handlebar bracket to the square tubing of the frame
using two M8x40mm bolts and nyloc nuts and two 13mm wrenches
in the configuration shown in Figure 2.
2. Position the right and left handlebars with the grips facing outwards.
Align the two lower holes in the frame and upper handlebar bracket.
Install the M10x25mm and M10x50mm bolts as shown in Figure 2
and hand tighten.
3. Mount the handlebar bridge using four M8x40mm bolts and nyloc
nuts to the middle holes in the handlebars using two 13mm wrenches.
4. Finish tightening the lower M10 bolts and nyloc nuts using two
17mm wrenches.
5. Use the supplied zip ties to secure the cable from the clutch handle to
the handlebars and tiller frame.
Figure 2
HANDLEBAR
BRIDGE
LEFT
HANDLEBAR
RIGHT
HANDLEBAR
M8 x 40mm
M10 x 25mm
M10 x 50mm
FRAME
LEFT
TINE GUARD
RIGHT
TINE GUARD
PLASTIC WINGED
NUTS
UPPER HANDLEBAR
BRACKET
M8 x 40mm

11
Installing the Wheels
1. Locate the wheels and remove the hub caps.
2. Place the wheels on the axles, making sure that the hub cap side is
facing outwards.
3. Install the wheels using the provided hardware noted in Figure 3.
4. Replace hubcaps.
Figure 3
HUBCAP
M8x20 BOLT
M8 FLAT WASHER
M8 SPLIT
LOCK WASHER
TILLER WHEEL
AXLE

12
Safety Shield Assembly
NOTE: Tine guards must be in place for tilling in the 18” and 22”
tilling width.
1. Locate the plastic winged nuts and guards.
2. Install the guards on their respective sides, using the plastic winged
nuts (see Figure 4), ensuring that they are safely and securely
fastened to the machine.
3. If you run into difficulty, or there is an issue with the fitment of the
guards, call us at 1-877-487-8275 so that we may help ensure safe
and proper function of your tiller.
Figure 4
PLASTIC WING
NUTS
SAFETY SHIELD
(TINE GUARD)

13
Operating Precautions
READ, UNDERSTAND AND FOLLOW ALL OF THE
PRECAUTIONS BELOW.
Always perform the pre-start checklist before starting the engine.
• Never operate the tiller without safety shields in place.
• Keep hands, feet, and clothing away from rotating parts. Keep clear
of tiller tines at all times.
• Tines rotate when the engine is running and clutch lever is depressed
(pulled towards the handlebars). Releasing the clutch lever stops the tines.
• Use extreme caution when operating on or crossing gravel drives,
walks, or roads. Stay alert for hidden hazards or trac.
• After striking an obstacle, stop the engine, remove the wire from the
spark plug, inspect the tiller for damage and repair before restarting.
• If tines become clogged, stop the engine and disconnect the spark
plug wire before removing any obstruction.
• Engine muer will be hot from operation. Do not touch it with bare
skin or a severe burn may result.
• If the unit vibrates abnormally, stop the engine and check immediately
for the cause. Vibration is an indication of a potential problem.
• Do not run the engine indoors; exhaust fumes are deadly.
• Do not overload the tiller by trying to till too deep or too fast.
• Never operate the machine at high transport speeds on slippery
surfaces. Look behind and use care when backing.
• Use only attachments and accessories approved by the manufacturer.
• Never operate the tiller without good visibility or adequate light.
• Be careful when tilling in hard ground. e tines may catch in the
ground and propel the tiller. If this occurs, let go of the handlebars and do
not restrain the machine.
• Take precautions when leaving the machine unattended. Disengage
all control levers, stop the engine, wait for all moving parts to stop, and
make certain guards and shields are in place.
• Shut o the engine when leaving the operating position for any
reason. Wait for all moving parts to stop.
OPERATION OF ANY TILLER CAN RESULT IN FOREIGN
OBJECTS BEING THROWN. ALWAYS WEAR
SAFETY GLASSES DURING OPERATION.
!
CAUTION
!
WARNING

14
Operating Instructions
Preparation for Operation
THIS UNIT WAS SHIPPED WITHOUT OIL IN THE
ENGINE. Check the oil level before each operation.
Fill Engine with Oil
1. Add oil according to engine manual. Do not overll. Use
SAE30 engine oil. Do not mix oil with gasoline. Oil level
must be full. Check the oil level by removing oil ll plug
(see Figure 5). Oil level should be up to the bottom of the
ll plug opening.
Pre-Start Inspection
1. Make sure safety shields are in place and nuts & bolts are
secure.
2. Check oil level.
3. Inspect air cleaner. Clean or replace it as needed.
4. Check fuel supply. Fill the fuel tank no closer than 1 inch
from top of tank to provide space for expansion.
5. Be sure spark plug wire is attached and is tightened securely.
6. Examine underneath and around engine for oil or fuel leaks.
7. Inspect fuel hoses for tightness and fuel seepage.
8. Look for signs of engine damage.
9. Remove excessive debris from muer area and recoil starter.
Adjusting the Depth Regulator
NOTE: e depth regulator is shipped upside down.
e depth regulator determines the depth of the cultivating
blades. Adjust according to the desired working depth. Soil
types that are very hard may require using the cultivator in
several passes, going in dierent directions with the depth
regulator set at deepest position to ensure the soil has been
properly worked through. (Figure 6)
!
WARNING
Figure 5
FUEL FILL
AIR FILTER
COVER
OIL
FILL
Figure 6
PULL PIN TO ADJUST
DRAG STAKE HEIGHT

15
Operating Instructions
NEVER FILL THE FUEL TANK ON A HOT ENGINE
Start-Up
1. Turn the Engine ON/OFF switch to ON (see Figure 7).
2. Slide the fuel shuto lever to the right (open) position
(Figure 8).
Cold Starts
1. Move choke lever all the way to the left (full choke) position.
2. Move throttle lever on handlebar downward to “start”.
3. Pull recoil handle out slowly one time and allow to return.
4. Pull recoil handle out rapidly, and allow rope to return normally.
5. When engine starts, gradually move choke lever to the right (no
choke) position and increase throttle speed.
Restarting A Warm Engine
Restarting an engine that is already warm from previous running
does not normally require use of the choke.
1. Move throttle lever to “start” position.
2. Pull recoil handle out rapidly until engine starts. Allow recoil rope
to return normally. Repeat until engine starts.
3. Adjust throttle speed to “full” for best tiller action.
Idle Speed
Use the “low” position on the throttle lever to reduce stress on the
engine when tilling is not being performed. Lowering the engine
speed to “idle” will help extend the life of the motor, as well as
conserve fuel and reduce the noise level of the equipment.
Operating Speed
For normal tilling, set the throttle lever to full throttle (fast).
Shutting Down
To stop the engine at any time, move throttle control to the STOP
position. To stop tines at any time, release the clutch lever. To
completely shutdown, move the engine ON/OFF switch to OFF
and slide the fuel shuto lever to the closed position.
!
WARNING
START
STOP
START
ENGINE
FULL
THROTTLE
LOW
THROTTLE
STOP
ENGINE
FUEL
SHUTOFF
CHOKE/THROTTLE
LEVER
RECOIL
STARTER
Figure 7
Figure 8

16
Operating Instructions
Read Operation Manual before using this equipment!
Practice operating the controls and using the tiller with tines out
of ground before beginning to till.
Tilling
1. Start the engine.
2. Move the throttle control to fast.
3. Place the tiller in forward by pulling up on the forward clutch
lever - this will engage the tines.
Note: You can slow the tiller’s forward advance at any time by
putting slight downward pressure on the handlebars. Stop the tiller
by releasing the clutch lever and then stopping the engine.
Clutch Lever
Pulling the clutch lever toward the handlebar engages the tines.
Releasing the clutch lever stops the tines (see Figure 9).
Tilling Tips
e key to successful tilling is to begin with a shallow cut on the rst
pass, and then work an inch or two deeper on each successive pass.
• Tilling depth will vary with ground conditions.
• When beginning to till in unbroken ground or in extremely hard
soil perform shallow tilling rst then do a second pass going deeper
into the soil.
• Hold on rmly to the handlebars to control sudden lurches.
Immediately release the clutch lever if the tines jam or you strike
a foreign object. With the clutch lever released, push the throttle
control to stop position to stop the engine. When tines have
stopped, disengage the spark plug wire, then remove foreign objects.
!
WARNING
Figure 9
Pulling the clutch lever
towards the handlebar
engages the tines.

17
Maintenance
• Keep tiller, safety shields and covers, attachments, and accessories
in safe working condition.
• Check clevis pins, engine mounting bolts, and other bolts at
frequent intervals for proper tightness to be sure the equipment is
in safe working condition.
• To prevent accidental starting, always disconnect and secure the
spark plug wire from the spark plug before maintenance.
• Never run the engine indoors. Exhaust fumes are toxic.
• Always allow muffler to cool before filling fuel tank.
Lubrication
Proper lubrication of moving mechanical parts is critical for proper
care and maintenance. Oil the cables and other moving parts at 10
hour intervals using a SAE30 engine oil.
Transmission Grease
e transmission is filled at the factory with 300g of HP-R grease.
Once a year 100g of HP-R grease can be added to the gear box
access with a grease gun.
Cleaning the Tine Axle Shaft
1. Turn off engine. Engine must be cool.
2. Remove spark plug wire and secure from spark plug.
3. Tip the tiller backward. Block the tiller in position so that the
tines are exposed.
4. Remove all vegetation, string, wire, and other material that may
have accumulated on the axle between the inside set of tines.
TURN OFF ENGINE AND DETACH SPARK PLUG WIRE.
ENGINE MUST BE COOL.
Engine Maintenance
Refer to the engine manual included in your parts packet for
information on engine maintenance. Your engine manual provides
detailed information and a schedule for performing the following:
1. Check oil level before each use and after 8 hours of operation.
2. Change oil after first 5-8 hours of operation. Change oil while
engine is warm. Refill with new oil of recommended grade.
4. Check spark plug yearly or every 100 hours of operation.
5. Service air cleaner.
6. Keep engine and parts clean.
7. Check engine and equipment often for loose nuts and bolts.
!
WARNING

18
Storage
DO NOT STORE THE TILLER IN
UNVENTILATED AREA
where fuel fumes may reach ame, sparks, pilot lights
or other ignition source.
Drain fuel outdoors away from any ignition sources.
Use only approved fuel containers.
Never store equipment with gasoline in the tank inside of a
closed building where fumes may reach an open flame or spark.
Allow the engine to cool before storing in any building.
Add a fuel stabilizer to gas tank and run for 10-15 minutes to
prevent fuel from gumming up during an extended storage period.
Prepare for Storage
Follow the steps below to prepare your tiller for storage. Read your
engine manual for detailed instructions on preparing the engine for
storage.
1. Protect wheels and axles from rust: Remove lock pin and slide
wheel off hub. Coat the axles lightly with axle grease. Slide wheel
back on hub and insert lock pin.
2. Drain fuel system completely following engine manufacturer’s
instructions or add fuel stabilizer to prevent fuel from gumming
up during extended storage period.
3. While engine is still warm, drain the oil from the engine. Refill
with fresh oil of the recommended grade.
4. Clean external surfaces, engine and cooling fan.
5. Remove spark plug, pour one ounce of SAE 30 oil into spark
plug hole.
6. Plug hole and pull starter cord slowly to distribute oil evenly in
cylinder head area.
7. Reinstall spark plug.
8. Transport unit to a suitable storage location. If you have chosen
to use a fuel stabilizer and have not drained the fuel system,
follow all safety instructions storage precautions in this manual
to prevent the possibility of fire from the ignition of gasoline
fumes. Remember, gasoline fumes can travel to distant sources of
ignition and ignite, causing risk of explosion and fire.
9. If there is any possibility of unauthorized use or tampering,
remove the spark plug and store it in a safe place before storing
the tiller unit. Be sure to plug the spark plug hole to prevent
foreign material from entering.
!
WARNING

19
Troubleshooting
PROBLEM SOLUTION
Engine will not start • Add gas to gas tank.
• Connect spark plug wire to spark plug
• rottle must be positioned at choke for a cold start
Engine runs rough, oods during operation • Clean or replace air cleaner
Engine is hard to start • Drain old fuel and replace with fresh. Use gas
stabilizer at end of season
• Make sure spark plug wire is securely attached to
spark plug
• Drive safety control levers must be released to neutral
position to start the engine
• rottle is not in proper start position
Engine misses or lacks power • Raise the tines for shallow tilling by lowering the
depth regulator lever
• Remove and clean fuel tank
• Clean or replace air cleaner
• Improper carburetor adjustment, take to authorized
engine service center
• Replace spark plug and adjust gap
• Drain and rell gas tank and carburetor
Engine will not stop when throttle control • See engine manual to check and adjust the
is positioned at stop throttle linkage
Tiller moves forward during starting • Clutch lever must be released to start the engine
Tiller is dicult to control when tilling • Push downward on the handlebars raising the tines
(machine jumps or lurches forward) • Keep the tines raised slightly for shallower tilling on
hard soils, then do a second pass going deeper
• Raise the tiller depth regulator
Tines do not rotate with clutch lever depressed • Clutch cable is damaged or incorrectly adjusted
• Drive belt is damaged
Tines continue to rotate after the clutch lever • Clutch cable is damaged or incorrectly adjusted
is released
Excessive heat build up in tine area • Clean the tine axle shaft
during tilling • Check transmission uid and ll if low

Warranty & Specications
IMPORTANT NOTICE
We, the manufacturer, reserve the right to change the product and/
or specifications in this manual without notification. e manual is for
information usage only and the pictures and drawings depicted herein are
for reference only.
Warranty Repair and Service
Do not return this product to the store for warranty issues or repair. Call
our customer service department at 720-287-5182, 1-877-487-8275, or
visit www.dirtyhandtools.com for the location of the nearest service center.
Record the information below for future reference.
Model No.
Serial No.
Date of Purchase
Place of Purchase
1100 W 120th Ave., Suite 600
Westminster, CO 80234 • 720-287-5182
Dirty Hand Tools® is a brand of For Service or Questions
Call 1-877-487-8275
720-287-5182
www.dirtyhandtools.com
SKU/Part No. 107555
Description 14 - 22 Inch Front Tine Tiller
Engine 10.7 ft/lbs Gross Torque (6.5HP 196cc) Kohler Engine*,
EPA/CARB Approved
Engine Oil Capacity** 0.6 quarts
Operating Speed 3600 RPM
Tilling Width 14” - 22”, Adjustable
Tilling Depth 10”
Tires 7” diameter
Transmission Neutral (disengaged), and Forward (engaged)
Dimensions 42”L x 26.25”W x 42.25”H (including handlebar)
Shipping Weight 110 Lbs.
Warranty 2 Year / 2 Year Limited Warranty
*As rated by engine manufacturer
** Not included, shipped without engine oil
Specications
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