Husqvarna 966957301 Owner's manual

505 29 00-57 04.21.08 CL PRINTED IN U.S.A.
OWNER/OPERATOR
MANUAL
Model: CT20 / 966957301
SPECIFICATIONS
• Durable Tecumseh TC III Engine
• Positive On/Off Switch
• Heavy-Duty Handlebars with Anti-Vibe Grips
• Depth Control Bar
• Four Heavy-Duty Removable Tines
• 6’’ or 10” Cultivating Width
• Tine Speed—162 RPM
• Worm Gear Drive
• Approx. Weight—25 Lbs.
• Transport Kit Standard Equipment
"TO TILL & CULTIVATE IN ROCKY
SOIL CONDITIONS SEE PAGE 11
FOR ALTERNATE TINE ASSEMBLY"
IMPORTANT!

2
SAFETY RULES AND PRECAUTIONS
As with any item of power equipment it is necessary that you learn and observe ALL safety precautions. This includes
the care for the machine as well as personal safety. This machine is only as dangerous as the person who is operating it.
DO NOT BE CARELESS! In the beginning you will be cautious. Don't allow yourself to become careless after you have
gotten acquainted with the machine and its operation. DON'T EXPOSE YOURSELF OR OTHERS TO DANGER. After
you have become acquainted with this machine and formed good operational habits, your proficiency will improve rapidly
toward expert ability.
NEVER allow children to operate this unit.
NEVER allow adults to operate the equipment without proper instruction.
Keep area of operation clear of all persons, particularly small children and pets.
DON'T OVERLOOK THESE PRECAUTIONS, USE THEM!
IMPORTANT
SAFE OPERATION PRACTICES FOR WALK-BEHIND POWERED ROTARY TILLERS
PREPARATION
1. Read the operating and service instruction manual carefully. Be thoroughly familiar with the controls and the proper
use of the equipment. Know how to stop the unit and disengage the controls quickly.
2. THOROUGHLY INSPECT the area to be tilled or cultivated and remove all foreign objects.
3. DO NOT operate the machine without wearing adequate outer garments. Wear footwear which will improve footing
on slippery surfaces and will resist penetration.
4. HANDLE FUEL WITH CARE, IT IS HIGHLY FLAMMABLE.
a) Use an approved fuel container.
b) NEVER add fuel to a running engine or to a hot engine.
c) Fill fuel tank outdoors with extreme care. Never fill fuel tank indoors.
d) Replace gasoline cap securely and clean up spilled fuel before restarting.
5. Before starting engine, be sure that the throttle lever is released so that the centrifugal clutch is not engaged.
6. NEVER attempt to make any adjustments while the engine is running (except when recommended).
OPERATION
1. NEVER transport this machine when the engine is running. SHUT THE ENGINE OFF before transporting the
machine.
2. DO NOT put hands or feet near or under rotating parts.
3. SHUT OFF ENGINE before crossing gravel drives, walks, or roads. Stay alert for hidden hazards or traffic.
4. After striking a foreign object, STOP THE ENGINE. Disconnect the spark plug wire, and keep the wire away from the
plug to prevent accidental starting. Thoroughly inspect the machine for any damage and repair the damage before
restarting and operating.
5. EXERCISE CAUTION to avoid slipping or falling.
6. If the machine should start to vibrate abnormally, STOP THE ENGINE, disconnect the spark plug wire, and check
immediately for the cause. Vibration is generally a warning of trouble.
7. STOP THE ENGINE whenever you leave the operating position. Also disconnect the spark plug wire before
unclogging the tines and when making any repairs, adjustments, and inspections.
8. Take all possible precautions when leaving the machine unattended. STOP THE ENGINE.
This symbol of safety will be found throughout this manual alerting you
to the possibility of injury. Don't expose yourself or others to danger.
Carefully read each message that follows the safety symbol.
SAFETY
SYMBOL
IMPORTANT MESSAGE TO THE CONSUMER AND/OR OPERATOR

3
9. Before cleaning, repairing, or inspecting, STOP THE ENGINE, make certain all moving parts have stopped, and
disconnect the spark plug wire.
10. NEVER run engine indoors. Exhaust fumes contain Carbon Monoxide which is an ODORLESS and DEADLY
POISONOUS GAS.
11. NEVER operate the Tiller/Cultivator without the proper guards, plates, or other safety protective devices in place.
12. KEEP CHILDREN AND PETS AWAY.
13. DO NOT overload the machine's capacity by attempting to till too deep at too fast a rate.
14. NEVER operate the Tiller/Cultivator at high transport speeds on slippery surfaces. Look behind and use care when
backing.
15. NEVER allow bystanders near the Tiller/Cultivator.
16. NEVER operate this machine without good visibility or light.
17. DO NOT till or cultivate near underground electrical cables, telephone lines, pipes, or hoses. If in doubt about their
location, contact your telephone or utility company to locate underground services.
18. BE AWARE that the Tiller/Cultivator could unexpectedly bounce upward, or jump forward if the tines should strike
extremely hard packed soil, frozen ground, or buried obstacles such as large stones, roots or stumps.
19. DO NOT operate the Tiller/Cultivator on slopes that are too steep for safety.
20. USE ONLY attachments and accessories that are approved by Hoffco, Inc.
21. NEVER operate this machine when you are under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or medication.
22. DO NOT touch engine parts which may be hot from operation. Allow parts to cool before inspecting, cleaning, or
repairing this machine.
23. The operation of any powered machine can result in foreign objects being thrown by high speed rotating parts.
ALWAYS WEAR SAFETY GLASSES OR OTHER EYE PROTECTION WHEN OPERATING THIS MACHINE.
WARNING: THE ENGINE EXHAUST FROM THIS PRODUCT CONTAINS
CHEMICALS KNOWN TO THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA TO CAUSE CANCER,
BIRTH DEFECTS OR OTHER REPRODUCTIVE HARM.
WARNING: TO PURCHASERS OF INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE EQUIPPED
MACHINERY OR DEVICES
This equipment does not include a spark arresting muffler.
Under California Law, you are not permitted to operate an internal combustion engine using hydrocarbon fuels on
any forest covered, brush covered, or grass covered land, or land covered with grain, hay, or other flammable agri-
cultural crop, without an engine spark arrestor in continuous effective working order. The engine on your Tiller/Culti-
vator, like most garden equipment, is an internal combustion engine that burns gasoline, a hydrocarbon fuel; there-
fore, it must be equipped with a spark arrestor muffler in proper working order. The spark arrestor must be attached
to the engine exhaust system in such a manner that flames or heat from the system will not ignite flammable mate-
rial. Failure of the operator to comply with this regulation is a misdemeanor under California Law.

4
TABLE OF CONTENTS
DESCRIPTION PAGE
Safety Rules and Precautions.......................................................................................................2-3
Assembly.........................................................................................................................................5-6
Pre-Operation/Starting......................................................................................................................6-8
Operating Techniques and Handy Tips............................................................................................8
Adjustments/Maintenance...............................................................................................................9-11
Tine Patterns for Stony or Rocky Soil.......................................................................................... 11
Carburetor Adjustments/Storage ..................................................................................................12
Illustrated Parts Lists ................................................................................................................13-21
Warranty............................................................................................................................Back Cover
IMPORTANT!
THESE PRECAUTIONARY DECALS ARE STRATEGICALLY PLACED ON YOUR UNIT FOR
YOU, THE USER...
PLEASE READ CAREFULLY!
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5
ASSEMBLY
With the exception of handlebars, controls and transport kit, your new tiller has been completely
assembled at the factory. It should be noted that right and left sides are determined by the operators
position behind the unit.
HANDLEBARS (LOWER) (See Fig. 1)
1. Place a curved washer onto each of two (2) 1/4” x 4 1/2” hex head bolts.
2. Place lower handlebar (left hand) into position below engine and insert both hex head bolts with curved washers,
through handlebar and transmission housing.
3. Place lower handlebar (right hand) into position over exposed ends of hex head bolts.
4. Install two (2) curved washers over bolts and follow with tow (2) 1/4” indented loc nuts.
5. Snug loc nuts to hold handlebars in place---DO NOT TIGHTEN FIRMLY.
HANDLEBARS (UPPER) (See Fig. 1)
1. Place upper handle between lower handles. Install two (2) curved head carriage bolts to hold upper handle in place.
2. Secure carriage bolts with two (2) curved washers and plastic tee knobs.
3. Next, firmly tighten lower loc nuts against handlebars until all handlebar “play” has been eliminated.
ASSEMBLY—DRAG STAKE/WHEEL TRANSPORT
1. Mount drag stake onto bracket with clevis pin and hairpin cotter pin. See Fig. 20 on page 16 for assembly
sequence.
Fig. 1
ITEM ORDER
NO. NO. DESCRIPTION
1 505 29 00-01 Grip, Handlebar
2 505 29 00-02 Screw, #10-24 x 1 3/8
3 505 29 00-03 Switch Assy, w/Mtg Plate
4 505 29 00-04 Isolator
5 505 29 00-05 Nut, Throttle/Switch Assy
6 505 29 00-06 Throttle Cable
7 505 29 00-07 Wire Assembly
8 505 29 00-08 Handlebar, Upper
9 505 29 00-09 Knob, Plastic, Handlebar
10 505 29 00-10 Washer, Curved Knob
11 505 29 00-11 Screw, Curved Hd 5/16-18 x 1 1/2
12 505 29 00-12 Handlebar, Lower L.H.
13 505 29 00-13 Handlebar, Lower R.H.
16 505 29 00-14 Nut, 1/4-20
17 505 29 00-10 Washer, Curved
18 505 29 00-15 Screw, 1/4-20 x 4 1/2
23 505 29 00-59 Tie Strap
24 505 29 00-16 Throttle Trigger
25 505 29 00-17 Housing, Wire Assy & Thrl Cable

6
THROTTLE CABLE
Unwind throttle cable from around engine.
CAUTION: Be careful not to kink cable.
ON/OFF SWITCH
1. Place 1 3/8” long slotted pan head screw into switch
plate and down through hole in upper right hand
handlebar. (See Fig. 2)
2. Place rubber isolator over screw underneath
handlebar. Follow with throttle trigger body.
3. Place flat nut though slot in side of throttle trigger
and tighten screw to secure throttle control to
handlebar.
As with any item of power equipment, it is necessary
that you learn and observe ALL Safety precautions. This
includes care of the machine as well as personal safety.
DO NOT BE CARELESS!
Read the operating instruction manual carefully. Be thor-
oughly familiar with the controls and proper use of the
equipment.
PRE-OPERATION
STARTING INSTRUCTIONS
Be sure you are using the proper fuel and have read and
under stand all the instructions on the preceding pages.
It is advisable to wear a long sleeve shirt or jacket.
Don’t wear shorts. Don’t wear loose clothing or jewelry.
DANGER!
DO NOT SMOKE while filling the tank, or starting
the engine. Be sure the proper fuel is used. Read the fuel
instructions in the manual and/or on the engine. Always
store the fuel to be used in this machine in a properly
marked container that is approved for such use.
Always wear goggles or face shield for eye
protection. It is advisable to wear protective head gear.
These precautions are used to prevent the possibility of
being struck by objects thrown from the rotating tines.
4. Push 2 terminals of kill wire (See Fig. 3) onto 2
prongs of shut off switch.
5. Push other end of kill wire onto engine.
6. Retain kill wire and throttle cable to right handle bar
using two (2) nylon tie straps. Cut off loose ends of
the straps. (See Fig. 4)
Do not operate this unit when barefoot or wearing
open sandals. Always wear substantial footwear; leather
work shoes or short boots function well for most people.
Either will help protect the operator’s ankles and shins
from objects being thrown by rotating tines.
7. Install grips.
8. Tine spacers provided can be placed in toolbox or
garage shelf (see page 9).
8. Fuel mix cup is provided for your convenience.
THIS COMPLETES THE ASSEMBLY OF YOUR UNIT.
RE-CHECK ALL SCREWS AND NUTS TO BE SURE
THEY ARE TIGHT.
Fig. 2
Fig. 4
TIE STRAPS
GRIPS
CONNECTION
AT ENGINE END
CONNECTION AT
SWITCH END
KILL WIRE
Fig. 3
FLAT NUT
RUBBER
ISOLATOR
HANDLEBAR
SWITCH
SCREW
THROTTLE
CONTROL

7
WARNING-24:1- Disregard instructions on oil
containers. Do not mix directly in fuel tank. Do not use
multi-viscosityoils.Usehighspeedaircooled2-cycleoil.
U.S Imperial Metric
Gas Oil
Gal. Oz.
Gas Oil
Gal. Oz.
Gas Oil
Gal. Oz.
1 5
2 10
1 6
2 12
4 166
8 322
To start engine, place the unit in a flat, clear area.
ON/OFF SWITCH
ON/OFF
SWITCH
Fig. 5
Move the On/Off Switch to the 'I" position.
WARNING: If you are unable to start this engine
after following instructions in this manual, contact your
Authorized Tecumseh Servicing Dealer. To avoid serious
burn injuries or damage to your engine, DO NOT attempt
to start or troubleshoot this engine in any other way. For
example:
DO NOT use starting fluid.
DO NOT spray flammable liquids into carburetor or
onto air cleaner.
DO NOT put flammable liquids into carburetor or
onto air cleaner.
DO NOT operate engine or pull on starter rope with
spark plug removed. Fuel can spray from spark plug
hole and ignite.
To avoid carbon monoxide poisoning, make sure
engine is outdoors in a well -ventilated area.
Move rocker switch to "I" position.
Move choke control lever to "Full Choke" Position (see
equipment manufacturer's instructions). See Fig. 7
•
•
•
•
1.
2.
3.
Note:
If restarting a warm engine after a short shutdown, move
choke lever to "NO CHOKE" position.
CAUTION: DO NOT start engine without pushing
in yellow compression relief valve FIRST. Failure to do so
may result in bruised fingers and accidental equipment
movement which could result in minor or moderate
injury.
Note:
Yellow compression relief valve will "pop" outward once
engine starts.
Push yellow compression relief valve in. See Fig. 8.4.
Fig. 6 Typical Engine Choke Symbol
Fig. 7 Switch and Full Choke Positions
Fig. 8 Yellow Compression Relief Valve
Switch in "ON" Position
Full Choke Position
1.
2.
2

8
WARNING: When pulling starter rope, the rope
can unexpectedly jerk back toward engine causing
serious injury. To avoid this risk, carefully follow these
instructions:
Move rocker switch to "I" position.
5. Grasp starter cord handle. Se Fig. 9
a. Pull rope out slowly until you feel drag.
b. Without allowing the rope to retract, continue
pulling rope with one rapid full arm stroke.
c. Return rope slowly to original position.
Note:
Following the instructions listed in the steps above avoids
potential damage to the recoil mechanism.
6. If engine fails to start after 3 attempts repeat steps 2
thru 5 and try again.
7. When engine starts:
a. Momentarily move choke lever to "1/2 CHOKE"
position until engine runs smoothly.
b. Next, move choke lever to "NO CHOKE" position.
Note:
If engine starts but falters when choke in moved to "NO
CHOKE" position:
a. Momentarily move choke lever to "FULL
CHOKE" position.
b. Next, move choke lever to "NO CHOKE" until
engine runs smoothly.
c. Finally, move control to "NO CHOKE" position.
If engine dies after choke is moved to "NO CHOKE"
position, repeat steps 2 thru 7 to restart engine.
8. If engine fires but does not continue to run, move
choke control lever to "NO CHOKE" position.
• Push yellow compression relief valve in.
• Pull starter rope again.
9. If engine fails to start after 3 attempts move choke
control to "FULL CHOKE" position.
• Push yellow compression relief valve in.
• Pull starter rope again.
10. If engine does not start after following steps 1 thru 9,
contact your Authorized Tecumseh Servicing Dealer.
DO NOT attempt to start or troubleshoot this engine
in any other way.
Fig. 9 Starter Cord Handle Location
Fig. 10 Choke Lever Position
2
3
1
Full Choke
1/2 Choke
No Choke
1.
2.
3.
After the engine is started and has run for a few seconds,
move the choke lever as far as it will go in the opposite
direction from the starting position.
Tilt the unit back onto the drag stake to raise the tines off
the ground.
With the tines still off the ground, squeeze and release the
throttle trigger a few times. If the tines do not stop rotating
when trigger is released, adjust carburetor idle speed as
instructed in Adjustment/Maintenance section.
To shut off the engine, release the throttle control lever
and move the On/Off Switch to the “O” position.
OPERATING TECHNIQUE AND HANDY TIPS
1. Start engine and tilt unit back until tines are off the
ground. Squeeze throttle lever to full speed position
(lever tight against grip). Remember, this unit is
equipped with a governed engine and must always
be run at full speed position.
2. Lower front of unit until tines begin to dig into ground
to start filling.
3. Unit will tend to walk forward at this point and must
be firmly held back to allow tines to till.
4. If adjustments to tilling depth must be made,
proceed as follows:
a. Shut engine off by moving switch to “O” position.
b. Remove hairpin cotter and clevis pin from drag
stake and adjust upward if unit is tilling too
deeply. Adjust stake downward if more depth is
necessary.
c. Move switch to “I” position and restart engine to
continue tilling.
DRAG
STAKE
Fig. 11

9
TINE SPACERS
The two tine spacers provided can be used to replace
outside tines to narrow tilled path.
DANGER!
ALWAYS MOVE SWITCH TO "O" POSITION AND
REMOVE SPARK PLUG WIRE BEFORE TRYING TO
REMOVE OBSTRUCTIONS. CLEAN UNIT AFTER
EACH OPERATION.*
*ALWAYS CLEAN UNIT AFTER EACH OPERATION.
This includes removing any string, wire, vegetation
or other obstructions that have wrapped around the
tine shaft.
ADJUSTMENTS/MAINTENANCE
LUBRICATIONOFTRANSMISSION(SeeFig. 12)
(Transmission is pre-lubricated at the factory.)
Lubricate transmission after every 100 hours of use,
if you see no grease at air vent hole. Replacement
grease should be a high quality petroleum based grease
usually available in disposable guns at most hardware or
automotive parts stores.
To lubricate transmission, proceed as follows:
1. Lay tiller on left side so that the tine shaft is vertical.
2. Wearing heavy gloves, remove both right side tines.
3. Remove dust cap.
Metal dust cap is held on with a set screw. Back set screw
out approximately four turns. Dust cap should then slide
off of the tine shaft.
4. Remove air vent screw and fill hole screw from
transmission.
5. Fill transmission by using grease gun or grease
applicator at the fill hole screw opening. Push gun
or applicator against the opening so as to "seal" the
nozzle of the gun or applicator against the casting
embossment. Apply grease until you see the grease
at the air vent hole.
6. Re-install air vent screw and fill hole screw.
7. Re-install dust cap.
8. Place a few drops of oil on tine shaft before installing
tines.
9. Wearing heavy gloves, re-install tines. (For tine
pattern, refer to Fig. 16 on page 11)
10. Re-install hairpin.
FILLER
SCREW
AIR VENT
SCREW
SET
SCREW
Fig. 12
AIR FILTER
NEVER RUN ENGINE WITHOUT COMPLETE
AIR CLEANER INSTALLED ON ENGINE.
Clean and re-oil every 3 months or every 25 operating
hours, whichever comes first. Clean daily if used in
extremely dusty or dirty conditions.
KEEP YOUR AIR FILTER CLEAN! In a new machine,
your filter should be clean. However, after you have used
this machine for a while, your filter will accumulate dirt
and dust. Check the condition of your filter frequently. A
dirty or clogged filter element will restrict the air flow to the
carburetor, thus changing the air-fuel mix. This will create
symptoms often mistaken for the carburetor being out of
proper adjustment. To clean the filter, follow these steps:
1. Loosen and remove two screws from cover.
2. Remove COVER, SCREEN, and FOAM FILTER
from MAIN BODY.
3. Inspect SCREEN(S) and FOAM FILTER for
discoloration or dirt accumulation. Clean if either is
present.
SCREEN
FOAM FILTER
MAIN BODY
COVER
Fig. 13

10
TO CLEAN SCREEN
a) Wash SCREEN in water and detergent solution.
b) Rinse thoroughly in clean water, then air dry.
TO CLEAN AND RE-OIL FOAM FILTER
a) Wash FOAM FILTER in water and detergent
solution and squeeze (don’t twist) until all dirt is
removed.
b) Rinse thoroughly in clear water.
c) Wrap in a clean cloth and squeeze (don’t twist)
until completely dry.
d) Saturate FOAM FILTER with clean engine oil,
squeeze (don’t twist) to distribute oil and remove
excess oil.
4. Clean inside of COVER and BODY thoroughly.
5. Reassemble AIR CLEANER as shown in Fig. 13.
.030 GAP PORCELAIN
ELECTRODES
SPARK PLUG
1. Clean area around SPARK PLUG base.
2. Remove and inspect SPARK PLUG.
3. Replace SPARK PLUG if ELECTRODES are pitted
or burned or if PORCELAIN is cracked. Replace as
follows:
For TC300 use Champion RCJ8Y or equivalent.
Fig. 15
TINE REPLACEMENT
Remember that right and left sides of your unit are deter-
mined from the operator’s position behind the unit. Note
that all four tines of this unit are different and must be
installed correctly or tiller will not function properly. Tines
will wear and become quite sharp. Be very careful when
replacing tines. If tines are being replaced due to wear,
all four tines should be replaced as a set. (See Fig. 15)
ALWAYS MOVE SWITCH TO “O” POSITION
AND REMOVE SPARK PLUG WIRE BEFORE RE-
PLACING TINES.
1. Remove hairpin cotter from tine shafts.
2. Wearing heavy gloves, remove tines.
3. Clean tine shaft. Apply a few drops of oil.
NOTE: In Canada, replace spark plug with a resistor plug.
4. If reusing SPARK PLUG, clean it by carefully
scraping ELECTRODES (don’t wire brush or sand
blast). Be sure entire SPARK PLUG is clean.
5. Check ELECTRODES GAP with wire feeler gauge
and set gap at .030 if necessary.
6. Install SPARK PLUG in engine and tighten to 15 foot
poundstorque.Iflackingtorquewrench,tightensecurely.
CT20
HAIRPIN
COTTER
LEFT
INBOARD
TINE
D
C
B
A
LEFT
OUTBOARD
TINE
HAIRPIN
COTTER
NOTE POSITION OF
INBOARD TINE TEETH
Fig. 14