Maxim MT PRO Series User manual

RMT55H
20195 South Diamond Lake Road, STE 100
Rogers, MN 55374
800.621-2789
1
Owner’s Manual MRMT55HB
WARNING
USE EXTREME CAUTION WHILE USING THIS EQUIPMENT. INJURY CAN OCCUR.
READ CAREFULLY AND UNDERSTAND ALL ASSEMBLY AND SAFE OPERATION
INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE OPERATING. FAILURE TO FOLLOW THE SAFETY RULES
AND OTHER BASIC SAFETY PRECAUTIONS MAY RESULT IN SERIOUS PERSONAL
INJURY.

RMT55H
20195 South Diamond Lake Road, STE 100
Rogers, MN 55374
800.621-2789
2
Table of Contents
1INTRODUCTION........................................................................................................................................................ 5
1.1 ...Application ............................................................................................................................................................................5
1.2 ...Benefits....................................................................................................................................................................................5
1.3 ...Navigating This Manual..................................................................................................................................................5
1.4 ...Warnings and Safety Precautions ..............................................................................................................................5
1.5 ...Operation References/Terminology ..........................................................................................................................7
1.6 ...Owner Assistance................................................................................................................................................................8
1.7 ...Model Identification..........................................................................................................................................................8
1.8 ...Further Assistance .............................................................................................................................................................8
2SAFETY ......................................................................................................................................................................... 9
2.1 ...General Safety Rules..........................................................................................................................................................9
2.2 ...PRODUCT-SPECIFIC SAFETY RULES ......................................................................................................................10
2.3 ...ENGINE SAFETY PRECAUTIONS ..............................................................................................................................10
2.4 ...Safety Decals......................................................................................................................................................................14
2.5 ...Training ...............................................................................................................................................................................15
2.6 ...Preparation ........................................................................................................................................................................15
2.7 ...Operation ............................................................................................................................................................................15
2.8 ...Maintenance and Storage ...........................................................................................................................................16
3PARTS BREAKDOWN........................................................................................................................................... 17
3.1 ...Tine Assembly Breakdown ..........................................................................................................................................17
3.2 ...Frame Parts Breakdown ..............................................................................................................................................
18
3.3 ...Transmission Parts Breakdown................................................................................................................................20
3.4 ...General Information.......................................................................................................................................................21
4ASSEMBLY ................................................................................................................................................................ 21
4.1 ...Final Set-up ........................................................................................................................................................................22
5OPERATING CONTROLS ..................................................................................................................................... 22
5.1 ...Speed .....................................................................................................................................................................................22
5.2 ...Depth of Tilling.................................................................................................................................................................22
5.3 ...Throttle Control Lever...................................................................................................................................................23
5.4 ...Engage Lever.....................................................................................................................................................................23
6OPERATION ............................................................................................................................................................. 23
6.1 ...Before Operating .............................................................................................................................................................23

RMT55H
20195 South Diamond Lake Road, STE 100
Rogers, MN 55374
800.621-2789
3
6.2 ...Starting the Engine.........................................................................................................................................................24
6.3 ...Pre-Start ..............................................................................................................................................................................24
6.4 ...Filling Fuel Tank ..............................................................................................................................................................24
6.5 ...Checking and adding Oil ..............................................................................................................................................25
6.6 ...Cold Starting Procedure...............................................................................................................................................25
6.7 ...Stopping Engine...............................................................................................................................................................26
6.8 ...Operation ............................................................................................................................................................................26
6.9 ...Operation Tips ..................................................................................................................................................................27
6.10 .Tilling Pattern...................................................................................................................................................................27
7ADJUSTMENTS........................................................................................................................................................ 28
7.1 ...Clutch Adjustment...........................................................................................................................................................28
7.2 ...Wheel Height Adjustment............................................................................................................................................28
7.3 ...Tine Adjustment...............................................................................................................................................................29
8Maintenance ............................................................................................................................................................ 29
8.1 ...Periodic Check...................................................................................................................................................................29
8.2 ...Engine Oil ............................................................................................................................................................................29
8.3 ...Dual Filter Element Air Cleaner................................................................................................................................30
8.4 ...Cleaning the Cooling System ......................................................................................................................................30
8.5 ...Belt Replacement.............................................................................................................................................................30
8.6 ...Cleaning ...............................................................................................................................................................................30
9LUBRICATION......................................................................................................................................................... 31
9.1 ...Wheels...................................................................................................................................................................................31
9.2 ...Clutch Lever Pivots..........................................................................................................................................................31
9.3 ...Transmission .....................................................................................................................................................................31
9.4 ...Idler Arms Pivot................................................................................................................................................................31
10 STORAGE................................................................................................................................................................... 32
10.1 .Engine ...................................................................................................................................................................................32
10.2 .Tiller ......................................................................................................................................................................................32
11 TRANSPORTING..................................................................................................................................................... 32
12 WARRANTY ............................................................................................................................................................. 33
12.1 .Warranty/Product Registration ..............................................................................................................................33

RMT55H
20195 South Diamond Lake Road, STE 100
Rogers, MN 55374
800.621-2789
4
⚠
WARNING
READ ENTIRE MANUAL BEFORE ATTEMPTING TO OPERATE MACHINE
If incorrectly used, this machine can cause severe injury. Those who use and maintain this machine
should be trained in its proper use, warned of its dangers, and should read the entire manual before
attempting to set up, operate, adjust, or service this machine.
Read and keep this manual for future reference. This manual contains important information on
SAFETY, ASSEMBLY, OPERATION, AND MAINTENANCE. The owner must be certain that all the product
information is included with the unit. This information includes the MANUAL, the REPLACEMENT
PARTS and the WARRANTIES. This information must be included to make sure state laws and other
laws are followed. This manual should remain with the product even if it is resold.
⚠
WARNING
THE ENGINE EXHAUST FROM THIS PRODUCT CONTAINS CHEMICALS KNOWN TO THE STATE OF
CALIFORNIA TO CAUSE CANCER, BIRTH DEFECTS OR OTHER REPRODUCTIVE HARMS.
IMPORTANT: This unit is equipped with an internal combustion engine and should not be used on or
near any unimproved forest-covered, brush covered, or grass-covered land unless the engine’s exhaust
system is equipped with a spark arrester meeting applicable local 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, a spark arrester is required by law (section 4442 of the California public
resources code). Other states may have similar laws. Federal laws apply on federal lands. See your
authorized service center for a spark arrester.

RMT55H
20195 South Diamond Lake Road, STE 100
Rogers, MN 55374
800.621-2789
5
1INTRODUCTION
Maxim front tine tillers feature heavy gauge steel, heat treated tines, lift bar and a ruggedly
built transmission. For additional durability, an extra heavy-duty frame. It’s this simple, yet sturdy
design that makes Maxim tillers low maintenance and easy to use.
Please read this entire manual before assembly and use. The manufacturer reserves the right
to change, alter or improve the product and this document at any time without prior notice.
1.1 Application
Tillers in the rental industry must be able to withstand heavy use, rough handling and
transportation bruises, yet still rent tomorrow. These beefy tillers combine ease
of operation and maintenance to make a tiller worthy of the Maxim name.
1.2 Benefits
•Transmission case components have double welded flanged tine shaft bearing supports
for increased durability.
•Heavy-duty tines with bolt-on replaceable blades
•Heavy-duty steel wheels
•Lift Handle/Engine guard
•Heavy-duty frame
•Lift handle and drag bar standard
1.3 Navigating This Manual
1. Use this manual to help familiarize yourself with safety, assembly, operation,
adjustments, troubleshooting, maintenance, specifications and warranty information. It
is very important that you read this manual and follow the instructions to ensure safe
operation of the attachment.
2. Please visit www.maximmfg.com for updated information.
1.4 Warnings and Safety Precautions
The safety of our customers and other’s well-being is very important to us. Using this equipment
is an important responsibility. Accurate assembly and safe and effective use of the machine is the
owner’s responsibility.
•Read and follow all safety instructions
•Carefully follow all assembly instructions
•Maintain the machine according to directions and schedule included in this manual.
•Ensure that anyone who uses the machine is familiar with all controls and safety
precautions.

RMT55H
20195 South Diamond Lake Road, STE 100
Rogers, MN 55374
800.621-2789
6
SPECIAL MESSAGES
Your manual contains special message to bring attention to potential safety concerns, machine
damage as well as helpful operating and servicing information. Please read all the information
carefully to avoid injury and machine damage. This information alerts you to potential hazards
that could hurt you or others.
NOTE: General information is given throughout the manual that may help the operator in the
operation or service of the machine.
You will find important safety information in a variety of forms, including:
1. Safety labels – on the tillers
2. Safety messages – preceded by a safety alert symbol ⚠and one of the three signal
words: DANGER, WARNING, OR CAUTION.
These signal words mean:
DANGER: You will be killed or seriously injured if you don’t follow instructions
WARNING: You can be killed or seriously injured if you don’t follow instructions.
CAUTION: You can be injured if you don’t follow instructions.
⚠
DANGER
⚠
WARNING
WARNING INDICATED A HAZARD WHICH, IF NOT AVOIDED, COULD RESULT IN DEATH
OR SERIOUS INJURY AND/OR PROPERTY DAMAGE
⚠
CAUTION
CAUTION INDICATED YOU CAN BE HURT OR YOUR EQUIPMENT DAMAGED IF THE
SAFETY INSTUCTIONS THAT FOLLOW THIS SIGNAL WORD ARE NOT OBEYED.

RMT55H
20195 South Diamond Lake Road, STE 100
Rogers, MN 55374
800.621-2789
7
⚠This symbol points out important safety instructions which if not followed could endanger
your personal safety. Read and follow all instructions in this manual before attempting to
operate this equipment.
BEFORE OPERATING ENGINE:
Please read this section carefully. Read entire operating and maintenance instructions for this
product. Failure to follow instructions could result in serious injury or death. Operate the
machine according to the safety instructions outlined here and inserted throughout the text.
Anyone who uses this machine must read the instructions and be familiar with the controls.
Intended Use / Foreseeable Misuse
IMPORTANT: This is a motorized rotary tiller that works the soil by means of rotating tines. It is
pedestrian-controlled, but not self-propelled, with a gasoline-fueled internal combustion engine
to power the tines. It shall not be used for any other purpose.
1.5 Operation References/Terminology
References throughout this manual referred to as “Right” or “Left” are determined by being face-
standing behind tiller and facing the direction the unit will operate while in use.
⚠
WARNING
CALIFONINA PROPOSITION 65 WARNING
ENGINE EXHAUST FROM THIS PRODUCT CONTAINS CHEMICALS KNOWN TO THE STATE
OF CALIFORNIA TO CAUSE CANCER, BIRTH DEFECTS, OR OTHER REPRODUCTIVE HARM.
⚠
WARNING
YOU MUST READ, UNDERSTAND AND COMPLY WITH ALL SAFETY AND OPERATING
INSTRUCTIONS IN THIS MANUAL BEFORE ATTEMPTING TO SETUP AND OPERATE YOUR
MACHINE.
FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH ALL SAFETY AND OPERATIING INSTRUCTIONS CAN RESULT IN
LOSS OF MACHINE CONTROL, SERIOUS PERSONAL INJURY TO YOU AND/OR
BYSTANDERS, AND RISK OF EQUIPMENT AND PROPERTY DAMAGE. THE TRIANGLE IN THE
TEXT SIGNIFIES IMPORATNT CAUTIONS OR WARNINGS WHICH MUST BE FOLLOWED
Left
Right

RMT55H
20195 South Diamond Lake Road, STE 100
Rogers, MN 55374
800.621-2789
8
1.6 Owner Assistance
Please complete the Warranty/Product Registration at the time of purchase. You will need to
complete the warranty/product registration form (pg. 34) with your new unit, or you may visit our
website www.maximmfg.com and complete our online product registration form. We require
this information so we can keep you updated with any important information about your tiller
and provide you with the best customer service possible.
The parts and components used on your Maxim tiller have been specifically engineered for Maxim
tiller and should only be replaced with Maxim parts. Contact your local Maxim Dealer for OEM
replacement parts or contact our customer service department for assistance in parts, locating
your local servicing dealer and more. Your local dealer is equipped and trained to handle service
and repair for your tiller.
1.7 Model Identification
Please fill in your model and serial number below for future reference. This will help assist in
prompt service when ordering parts and service from your local Maxim Dealer.
Tiller Model No.___________________ Tiller Serial No. ______________________________
Engine Model No.__________________ Engine Serial No. _____________________________
Refer to the image below for location of your serial number plate:
1.8 Further Assistance
Your dealer and all of us at Maxim want you to be pleased with your tiller. Should you require
further assistance or have questions regarding your tiller, please contact your local dealer where
you purchased your tiller. If you are unable to satisfy your needs by your local dealer, please
contact us at:
Maxim
20195 South Diamond Lake Road, STE 100
Rogers, MN 55374
800-621-2789
www.maximmfg.com
Engine Serial Number
Tiller Serial Number

RMT55H
20195 South Diamond Lake Road, STE 100
Rogers, MN 55374
800.621-2789
9
2SAFETY
2.1 General Safety Rules
•Read, understand and follow all instructions on the machine and in the manual(s). Be
thoroughly familiar with the controls and proper use of the machine before starting.
•Use this equipment for its intended purpose only.
•Familiarize yourself with all of the safety and operating decals on this equipment and on
any of its attachments or accessories.
•Do not put hands or feet near or under rotating parts.
•Only allow responsible individuals who are familiar with the instructions to operate the
machine. Do not allow children to operate this machine. Do not allow adults to operate
the machine without proper instruction.
•Thoroughly inspect the area where the machine is to be used and remove all foreign
objects. Your equipment can propel small objects at high speed causing personal injury or
property damage. Stay away from breakable objects, such as house windows,
automobiles, greenhouse, etc.
•Wear appropriate clothing such as sturdy, rough-soled shoes (steel toe recommended)
and close fitting pants and shirt. Loose fitting clothes or jewelry can be caught in moving
parts. Never wear shorts. Never wear sandals, sneakers or open shoes, and never
operate the machine with bare feet.
•Do not wear loose clothing or jewelry. They can get caught in moving parts. Always keep
hands, feet, hair and loose clothing away from any moving parts on engine and machine.
•Always wear safety goggles or safety glasses with side shields when operating the
machine to protect your eyes from foreign objects which can be thrown from the unit.
•Always wear a protective hearing device.
•Always wear work gloves and sturdy rugged soled footwear. Wear footwear that will
improve footing on slippery surfaces. Leather work shoes or short boots work well for
most people. These will protect the operator’s ankles and shins from small sticks,
splinters, and other debris.
•It is advisable to wear protective headgear to prevent the possibility of being struck by
small flying particles, or being struck by low hanging branches, twigs or other objects
which may be unnoticed by the operator.
•Do not operate the machine without proper guards or other safety protective devices in
place.
•See manufacturer’s instructions for proper operation and installation of accessories. Only
use accessories approved by the manufacturer.
•Operate only in daylight.
•Do not operate product when fatigued or under the influence of alcohol, drugs or other
medication which can cause drowsiness or affect your ability to operate machine safely.

RMT55H
20195 South Diamond Lake Road, STE 100
Rogers, MN 55374
800.621-2789
10
•Never operate machine in wet grass. Always be sure of your footing; keep a firm hold on
the handle and walk; never run.
•Watch for traffic when operating tiller near, or when crossing roads.
•If the equipment should start to vibrate abnormally, stop the engine (motor), flip the
ON/OFF switch to the OFF position.
•Regularly inspect the machine. Make sure parts are not bent, damaged or loose.
•Temperature of muffler and nearby areas may exceed 150° F (65° C). Allow muffler and
engine areas to cool before touching.
•Never pick up or carry the machine while the engine is running.
•Prolonged exposure to noise and vibration from gasoline engine-powered equipment
should be avoided. Take intermittent breaks and/or wear ear protection from engine
noise as well as heavy work gloves to reduce vibration in hands.
•Keep all screws, nuts and bolts tight.
•Do not transport the machine from one place to another with the engine running.
•Always turn off fuel supply valve on engine before transport.
•When moving the packaged machine, always do so with a partner.
•Check local regulations for age restrictions on use of this machine.
2.2 PRODUCT-SPECIFIC SAFETY RULES
•Do not till above underground utilities, including water lines, gas lines, electric cables or
pipe. Contact appropriate utility representatives to determine if/where electrical
cables, gas lines, water lines, etc. are buried BEFORE operation.
•Do not operate the machine on terrain/soil with large rocks and foreign objects which can
damage the equipment.
•After striking a foreign object, stop the engine. Flip the ON/OFF switch to the OFF
position. Inspect the machine for damage. If damaged, repair before starting and
operating the machine.
•The tines of the tiller should not rotate when the engine is idling. If they do, contact your
local dealer or Maxim technical service for instruction.
•If an object becomes lodged in the tines, flip the ON/OFF switch to the OFF position, then
allow the machine to cool before attempting to remove the foreign object.
•The idler and belt will transfer maximum power after about two hours of normal
operation. During this break-in period clutch slippage may occur. The clutch should be
kept free of oil or other moisture for efficient operation.
2.3 ENGINE SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
⚠Warning Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Engines give off carbon monoxide, an odorless, colorless, poisonous gas. Carbon monoxide may
be present even if you do not smell or see any engine exhaust. Breathing carbon monoxide can