Powermate PRTT196E User manual

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Page
Safety Definitions 1
Important Safety Information 2-4
Product Specifications 5
Parts & Features 5
Safety Decals 6
Assembly 7-9
Engine Preparation 10
Operation 11-15
Maintenance 16-19
Technical Service 19
Troubleshooting 20
Warranty 21-24
Français 26
Español 52
11/15/2012 Printed in China A202393
Operator’s Manual
Rear Tine
Rotary Tiller
IMPORTANT:
Thank you for purchasing this Powermate® Tiller.
This manual provides complete instructions for safely operating and maintaining your Tiller. Read and save these
instructions. Refer to this manual each time before using your Tiller.
Record the following for future reference:
Mfg. Date Code: __________________________
Date of Purchase: Attach a copy of your sales receipt.
Consumer Toll Free Number: 1-800-737-2112
Refer to the website for electronic manual and parts book.
www.powermateoutdoor.com
KEEP THIS MANUAL FOR FUTURE REFERENCE
MODEL NO.s PRTT196E
PRTT196
If you have a question or problem...
CALL TOLL FREE: 1-800-737-2112
WARNING CALIFORNIA PROPOSITION 65 WARNING
Engine exhaust, some of its constituents, and certain product components contain or emit chemicals known to the State
of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm.

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Questions? Call Toll Free at 1-800-737-2112 Copyright © 2012 MAT Engine Technologies, LLC
Oil Fill Location
Do Not Overfill
Fuel ON/OFF Valve
Move Fuel Valve lever to the right to
operate the tiller.
Clutch Lever
Depressing the upper lever engages
the tines and drive wheels for the till-
ing operation. Depressing the lower
engages the tines and drive wheels for
reversing the tiller.
Choke Lever
Move Choke Lever to the left for cold
engine starting. Move Choke Lever to
the right once engine is started or for
warm engine starting.
Throttle Control
Move throttle lever to the left to
increase engine speed. Move throttle le-
ver to the right to decrease engine speed.
Indicates WARNING, DANGER, or CAUTION.
Wear eye protection complying withANSI
Z87.1 and hearing protection.
Read operator’s manual before operating this
machine. Failure to follow directions could
result in serious injury.
Disconnect spark plug wire when not in use
or before servicing, cleaning, or performing
maintenance on the unit.
Thrown objects. Remove all rocks, stones,
and foreign objects which could be thrown by
machine.
Engine exhaust contains carbon monoxide,
an odorless and deadly gas. NEVER run unit
indoors or in a poorly ventilated area.
Do not use if children or bystanders are present. Do NOT touch hot muffler or cylinder. These parts are extremely hot from operation and
may remain hot for a short time after operation.
Rotating tines can cause serious injury.
Keep hands, feet, and clothing away.
To reduce risk of fire, clean spilled gas and
oil and keep unit free from debris. Gasoline is
extremely flammable. Allow machine to cool
before refueling.
Safety Definitions
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Safety Warning Symbols
Control and Operating Symbols
Indicates an imminently hazardous situation which, if not avoided, will result in death or serious injury.
Indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could result in death or serious injury.
Indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, may result in minor/moderate injury or
equipment/property damage.
DANGER
CAUTION
WARNING
The following symbols are used on the product and in this manual to alert the operator of potential safety hazards. Read them
carefully, and understand their meaning.
Safety Alert Symbols
The following symbols may be found on your tiller. Carefully read and understand their meaning.
Important Safety Information

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Questions? Call Toll Free at 1-800-737-2112 Copyright © 2012 MAT Engine Technologies, LLC
RESPONSIBILITY OF OPERATOR
1. Carefully read and follow these safety instructions. Failure to do so can result in serious injury.
2. Know your product. Read and understand this manual before use. Compare the illustrations to unit. Learn location
and function of all controls. Thoroughly understanding the unit before use will result in the best performance and safety.
3. Follow all instructions when assembling the unit. If the unit was purchased in assembled condition, the operator must
check the unit carefully to make sure it was assembled according the instructions in the manual before use.
4. Regularly inspect the tiller. Make sure parts are not bent, damaged, or loose.
5. Use this equipment for its intended purpose only.
6. Operate the unit only with guards, shields, and other safety items in place and working correctly.
7. Service the unit only with authorized or approved replacement parts.
8. Complete all unit maintenance and adjustments according to the instructions in this manual.
WARNING
Look for this symbol to point out important safety precautions. It means: “ Attention! Become Alert! Your Safety Is Involved.”
WARNING
Engine Exhaust, some of its constituents, and certain vehicle components contain or emit chemicals known to the State
of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm.
WARNING
To prevent accidental starting when setting up, transporting, adjusting or making repairs, always disconnect spark plug
wire and put wire where it cannot contact the spark plug.
PREPARATION SAFETY
WARNING
• Read,understand,andfollowallinstructionsonthemachineandinthismanual.Bethoroughlyfamiliarwiththe
controls and the proper use of the tiller before starting. Know how to stop the engine quickly.
• Familiarizeyourselfwithallthesafetyandoperatingdecalsonthisequipment.
WARNING
• Thoroughlyinspecttheareawherethetiller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, auto glass, greenhouses, etc.
•Check that all nuts and bolts are tight and equipment is in good condition before each use.
OPERATION SAFETY
•Never allow children or young teenagers to operate the tiller.
WARNING
•Keep area of operation clear of all bystanders, particularly small children and pets.
•Only allow responsible individuals, who are familiar with the instructions, to operate the tiller.
WARNING
•Do not operate the tiller while under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or other medication which can cause drowsiness
or affect your ability to operate this machine safely.
•Do not use this machine if you are mentally or physically unable to operate the machine safely.
•Always wear ANSI compliant safety goggles or safety glasses with side shields when operating tiller to protect your
eyes from foreign objects, which can be thrown from the unit.
•Wear appropriate clothing such as a long sleeved shirt or jacket. Also wear long trousers or slacks. Do NOT wear
shorts. Do NOT wear loose clothing, which could get caught in this equipment.
Important Safety Information
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Important Safety Information

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Questions? Call Toll Free at 1-800-737-2112 Copyright © 2012 MAT Engine Technologies, LLC
Important Safety Information (Continued)
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Important Safety Information
•Always wear work gloves and sturdy footwear such as leather work shoes or short boots. These will protect ankles
and shins from small sticks, splinters, and other flying debris, and improve traction.
•It is advisable to wear protective headgear to protect against being struck by small flying particles, or being struck by
low hanging branches, twigs, or other objects, which may be unnoticed by the operator.
WARNING
•Do not put hands or feet near or under rotating parts.
•Exercise extreme caution when operating on or crossing gravel drives, walks, or roads. Stay alert for hidden hazards or traffic.
WARNING
•Exercise caution to avoid slipping or falling. Always be sure of your footing; keep a firm hold on the handle and walk;
never run. Never operate the tiller at high transport speeds on slippery surfaces.
•Never operate the tiller without good visibility or light.
DANGER
•Do not run the engine indoors or inside a closed area. The exhaust fumes are dangerous, containing CARBON
MONOXIDE, an ODORLESS AND DEADLY GAS.
•Never leave the tiller unattended when the engine is running. Stop the engine and make sure all moving parts have
stopped. Remove the wire from the spark plug.
• Watch for holes, ruts, bumps, or other rough ground. Tall grass can hide obstacles.
• Alwayslookbehindanddownandusecautionwhenusingreverseorpullingthetillertowardsyou.
• Neverattempttostartthetillerunlessbothwheelsareinthelockedposition.Thisactsasabrakeforthetiller. 
Always start the tiller on the level surface.
WARNING
• Disengage clutch lever and stop engine before leaving the tiller in operating position. Wait until the tines come to a
complete stop before removing debris or making any adjustments to the tiller.
CAUTION
• Do not attempt to till hard soil, till too deep or till at too fast a rate that can overload the tiller.
•If the tiller should start to vibrate abnormally, stop the engine, disconnect the spark plug wire and prevent it from
touching the spark plug. Check immediately for the cause. Vibration is generally a warning of trouble.
FUEL SAFETY
WARNING
• Gasolineisextremelyflammable,andgasolinevaporscanexplodeifignited.Handlewithcare.
• Useanapprovedcontainer.
• Checkfuelsupplybeforeeachuse,allowingspaceforexpansionastheheatoftheengineand/orsuncancausefuel
to expand.
• Fillfueltankoutdoorswithextremecare.Neverfillfueltankindoors.
• Neverremovegascaporaddfuelwiththeenginerunning.Allowenginetocoolbeforerefueling.
WARNING
• Donotsmokewhilerefueling.
• Afterrefueling,replacefueltankcapsecurelyandwipeupspilledfuel.
• Neverstorefuelortillerwithfuelinthetankinsideabuildingwherefumesmayreachanopenflame.
• Neverfillgasolinecontainersorthetillerfueltankinsideofavehicleorinatruckbed.Accidentalelectricalstatic
discharge can ignite fuel vapors which could result in serious injury or death.

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Questions? Call Toll Free at 1-800-737-2112 Copyright © 2012 MAT Engine Technologies, LLC
Important Safety Information (Continued)
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Important Safety Information
STORAGE SAFETY
• Always refer to the operator’s manual instructions for important details if the tiller is to be stored for an extended period.
• Neverstorethetillerwithfuelinthefueltankinsideabuildingwhereignitionsourcesarepresentsuchaswater
heaters, space heaters, clothes dryers, etc.
• Toreducefirehazard,keeptillerfreeofgrass,leaves,orotherdebrisbuild-up.
•Allow the engine to cool before storing in any enclosure.
REPAIR, MAINTENANCE, AND ADJUSTMENT SAFETY
•After striking a foreign object, stop the engine. Remove the wire from the spark plug and keep the wire away from the
plug to prevent accidental starting. Thoroughly inspect the tiller for any damage. If damaged, have the equipment
repaired by a trained technician before restarting and operating.
WARNING
•Stop the engine before cleaning, repairing, or inspecting the unit. Make sure all moving parts have stopped. Let the
engine cool, disconnect the spark plug wire and move it away from the spark plug.
• Never attempt to make any adjustments while the engine is running except when specifically recommended by the
manufacturer.
•Keep the tiller in safe working condition. Check all fasteners at frequent intervals for proper tightness.
•When servicing or repairing the tiller, do not tip the machine over or up unless specifically instructed to do so in this
manual. Service and repair procedures can be done with the tiller in an upright position. Some procedures will be
easier if the machine is lifted on a raised platform or working surface.
•Use only original equipment or authorized replacement parts.
WARNING
•Never tamper with safety devices. Check their proper operation regularly.
•Do not change the engine governor setting or over-speed engine.
•Clean and replace safety and instruction decals as necessary.
•To guard against engine over-heating, always have engine debris filter mounted and clean.
CHILDREN SAFETY
WARNING
• Tragicaccidentscanoccuriftheoperatorisnotalerttothepresenceofchildren.Childrenareoftenattractedtothe 
tiller and the tilling activity.
• Keepchildrenoutofthetillingareaandunderthewatchfulcareofaresponsibleadult.
• Neverassumethatchildrenwillremainwhereyoulastsawthem.
• Bealertandturntilleroffifchildrenenterthearea.
• Beforeandwhilemovingbackwards,lookbehindanddownforsmallchildren.
• Neverallowchildrentooperatethetiller.
•Use extra care when operating near blind corners, shrubs, trees, or other objects that may obstruct vision.