Simplicity 8.5 TP User manual

OPERATOR’S
MANUAL
8.5 TP Rear Tine Tiller
Mfg. No. Description
1695583 6016RT, 8.5 TP Rear Tine Tiller
1695577 6016RT, 8.5 TP Front Tine Tiller
Rear Tine Tiller
1737349
Revision A
Rev. Date 10/2008
TP10000000
OM6016RT
Not for
Reproduction

2
Not for
Reproduction

3
Table of Contents
3
4
4
4
5
5
6
4
4
7
Unpack Tiller ............................................................
Attach Handlebar to Tiller ........................................
Fill Engine Crankcase ..............................................
7
7
7
Wheel Lock Pins ..................................................
Handlebar Height Adjustment ..............................
Depth Regulator Lever .........................................
Belt Tension Adjustment .......................................
Tilling Tips .............................................................
Cultivating Tips .....................................................
MAINTENANCE ......................................................
Maintenance Schedule ..........................................
Servicing the Rototiller ...........................................
Change Forward/Reverse Belt ...............................
Engine Maintenance ..............................................
Check or Fill Engine Crankcase ............................
Check Tiller Transmission Grease .........................
Check Tire Pressure ..............................................
Lubrication .............................................................
Clean Tine Axle Shaft ............................................
STORAGE ................................................................
Prepare for Storage ...............................................
TROUBLESHOOTING .............................................
Troubleshooting Guide ...........................................19
TECHNICAL MANUALS .......................................... 21
OPERATION ...............................................................
Pre-Start Inspection ..................................................
Start-up ................................................................... 9
Idle Speed ...............................................................
Operating Speed .....................................................
Shutting Down ........................................................
Tilling ......................................................................
Drive Safety Control Levers ..................................
FEATURES ................................................................ 8
9
19
9
15
10
10
10
10
11
13
12
12
13
14
14
15
15
16
17
17
17
17
18
18
18
18
Not for
Reproduction

4
OWNER’S RESPONSIBILITY
Accurate assembly and safe and effective use of the rototiller is the
owner’s responsibility.
sRead and follow all safety instructions.
sCarefully follow all assembly instructions.
sMaintain the tiller according to directions and schedule included
in this Earthquake operator’s manual.
sEnsure that anyone who uses the tiller is familiar with all
controls and safety precautions.
SPECIAL MESSAGES
Your manual contains special messages 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.
NOTE: General information is given throughout the manual
that may help the operator in the operation or service of the
machine.
IMPORTANT SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
Please read this section carefully. Operate the tiller according to the
safety instructions and recommendations outlined here and inserted
throughout the text. Anyone who uses this tiller must read the instruc-
tions and be familiar with the controls. Your tiller is equipped with a
safety device that enables you to stop the wheels and tines quickly
in an emergency. Learn how the drive safety control lever operates
and how to control the tiller at all times.
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.
sDo not allow children to operate this rototiller. Keep small children away
from the area being tilled. Do not allow adults to operate the tiller without
proper instruction.
PREPARATION
sDress appropriately when operating the 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.
sCarefully 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.
sDisengage all clutches and leave all control levers in the neutral
position before starting the engine.
sHandle fuel with care; it is highly flammable.
a. Use an approved fuel container.
b. Never add fuel to a running engine or hot engine.
CAUTION
!
CAUTION INDICATES YOU CAN OR YOUR EQUIP-
MENT CAN BE HURT IF THE SAFETY INSTRUC-
TIONS THAT FOLLOW THIS SIGNAL WORD ARE
NOT OBEYED.
WARNING
!
YOU MUST READ,UNDERSTAND AND COMPLYWITH
ALL SAFETY AND OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS IN
THIS MANUAL BEFORE ATTEMPTING TO SETUP
AND OPERATE YOUR ROTOTILLER.
FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH ALL SAFETY AND
OPERATING 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 IMPORTANT
CAUTIONS OR WARNINGS WHICH MUST BE
FOLLOWED.
CALIFORNIA 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.
DANGER
!
WARNING
!
WARNING INDICATES A SERIOUS INJURY OR FA-
TALITY COULD RESULT IF THE SAFETY INSTRUC-
TIONS THAT FOLLOW THIS SIGNAL WORD ARE
NOT OBEYED.
IMPORTANT
IMPORTANT INDICATES HELPFUL INFORMATION
FOR PROPER ASSEMBLY, OPERATION, OR
MAINTENANCE OF YOUR EQUIPMENT.
DANGER INDICATES A SERIOUS INJURY OR FA-
TALITY WILL RESULT IF THE SAFETY INSTRUC-
TIONS THAT FOLLOW THIS SIGNAL WORD ARE
NOT OBEYED.
Safety Rules
Not for
Reproduction

5
IMPORTANT
THE RIGHT AND LEFT SIDES OF
YOUR ROTOTILLER ARE DETER-
MINED FROM THE OPERATING POSI-
TION AS YOU FACE THE DIRECTION
OF FORWARD TRAVEL.
ENGINE IS SHIPPED FROM FACTORY
WITHOUT OIL. YOU MUST ADD EN-
GINE OIL BEFORE STARTING 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.
sNever attempt to make any adjustments while the engine is
running.
OPERATION
sNever operate the tiller without guards, covers, and hoods in
place.
sNever start the engine or operate the tiller with the wheels
in the free-wheel position. Make sure the wheel lock pins
are engaged through the wheel hubs and wheel axle. The
wheels act as a brake to keep the tiller at a controlled speed.
Disengage wheel lock pins to permit free-wheeling only when
engine is stopped.
sKeep hands, feet, and clothing away from rotating parts. Keep
clear of tiller tines at all times.
sTines and wheels rotate when tiller is engaged in forward or
reverse-- in forward, tines and wheels rotate when the drive
safety control lever, labeled “FORWARD”, is pulled toward the
handlebar. In reverse, wheels and tines rotate when the drive
safety control lever, labeled “REVERSE”, is pulled toward
the handlebar. Releasing the drive safety control levers to the
neutral position stops the wheels and tines. Do not operate
both drive safety control levers at the same time.
sBe extremely
cautious when operating in reverse. Take extra
care to avoid slipping or falling, and keep hands and feet clear
of tines.
s5SE extreme caution when operating on or crossing gravel
drives, walks, or roads. Stay alert for hidden hazards or
traffic.
s!FTER striking a foreign object, stop the engine, remove the
wire from the spark plug, thoroughly inspect the tiller for
any damage, and repair the damage before restarting and
operating the tiller.
s)FVEGITATION clogs the tines, raise the handlebars to elevate
the tines, and run the tiller in reverse. If this does not clean
clogged vegetation from the tines, STOP THE ENGINE AND
DISCONNECT THE SPARK PLUG WIRE before removing
vegetation by hand.
s%NGINE will be hot from operation. Do not touch it with
bare skin or a severe burn may result.
s)F the unit should start to vibrate abnormally, stop the engine
and check immediately for the cause. Vibration is generally a
warning of trouble.
s$O not run the engine indoors; exhaust fumes are deadly.
s$O not overload the machine capacity by attempting to till too
deep at too fast a rate.
sNever operate the machine at high transport speeds on
slippery surfaces. Look behind and use care when backing.
s.ever allow bystanders near the unit.
s5se only attachments and accessories approved by the
manufacturer of the tiller.
s.ever operate the tiller without good visibility or light.
s"E careful when tilling in hard ground. The tines may catch
in the ground and propel the tiller backward. If this occurs, let
go of the handlebars and do not restrain the machine.
sTake all possible 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.
s7HEN leaving the operating position for any reason:
- shut off the engine.
- wait for all moving parts to stop.
MAINTENANCE AND STORAGE
sKeep machine, attachments, and accessories in safe working
condition.
s#HEck shear bolts, engine mounting bolts, and other bolts at
frequent intervals for proper tightness to be sure the equipment
is in safe working condition.
sTo prevent accidental starting, always disconnect and secure
the spark plug wire from the spark plug before performing tiller
maintenance.
s.ever run the engine indoors. %XHAUST fumes are deadly.
s!Lways allow to cool before fuel tank.
sNever store equipment with gasoline in the tank inside a closed
building where fumes may reach an open or spark. !LLow
the engine to cool before storing in any building.
s!Lways refer to the operator’s guide instructions for important
details if the tiller is to be stored for an extended period.
s!DD a fuel stabilizer to gas tank and run for 10-15 minutes to
prevent fuel from gumming up during an extended storage
period.
Safety Rules
Not for
Reproduction

6
Part No. 1716747SM
WARNING INSTRUCTIONS
Hood Decal
Part No. 1716800SM
WARNING
Belt Cover Decal
Part No. 1716840SM
TINES DANGER
Hood Flap Decal
SAFETY DECALS
This rototiller unit has been designed and manufactured to provide you with the safety and reliability you would expect from an industry
leader in outdoor power equipment manufacturing.
Although reading this manual and the safety instructions it contains will provide you with the necessary basic knowledge to operated
this equipment safely and effectively, we have placed several safety labels on the tiller to remind you of this important information
while you are operating the unit.
These important safety labels are illustrated below, and are shown here to help familiarize you with the location and content of the
safety messages you will see as you perform normal tilling operations. Please review these labels now. If you have any questions
regarding their meaning or how to comply with these instructions, reread the complete safety instruction text on the preceding pages,
or contact your local dealer.
Should any of the safety labels become unreadable because of being worn, faded, or otherwise damaged during the use of your tiller,
please use the part number information provided to order a replacement label from your local authorized dealer.
The safety labels are easily applied, and will act as a constant visual reminder to you, and others who may use the equipment. Follow
the safety instructions necessary for safe, effective operation of your rototiller.
Part No. 1716839SM
FREE HAND HERE
Bumper Guard Decal
PLACE FREE
HAND HERE
Safety Rules
Not for
Reproduction

7
Your rototiller comes fully assembled except for a few parts. The fol-
lowing instructions will help you unpack your tiller and assemble and
adjust your tiller’s depth regulator lever, cable tension and handlebar
height. You will need 2- 9/16” wrenches.
UNPACK TILLER
1. Open top of carton and remove handlebar assembly.
ap. Find parts2 cket. Parts packet contains:
4- 3/8-16 x 3/4” hex head bolts
4- 3/8-16 locknuts
1- 5/16-18 x 3/4” hex head bolt
1- detent pin
1- five star knob
:ybenihcamevomerdnanotracfodne. Cut open3
a. Removing lock pins on wheels.
b. Roll tiller from carton.
ATTACH HANDLEBAR TO TILLER
1. Place handlebar stems on outside of lower handlebar mount and
align lower holes. (SEE FIGURE 1)
2. Insert one 3/8-16 x 3/4” bolt for each side in lower holes at the
desired handlebar height.
3. Start 3/8-16 nuts on each bolt.
4. Insert one 3/8-16 x 3/4” bolt for each side in upper holes.
5. Tighten all 3/8-16 nuts.
FILL ENGINE CRANKCASE
1. Add oil according to engine manual. Do not overfill. Use a clean,
high quality detergent oil. Container must be marked A.P.I. Service
SF - SJ. Use no special additives with recommended oils. Do not
mix oil with gasoline. Oil level must be full. Check the oil level
by removing oil fill plug. Oil level should be up to the bottom of the
fill plug opening.
2. Always check oil level before starting engine. Refer to engine
manual for capacity and type of oil to use.
height
adjustment
holes
lower handlebar
mount
3/8-16
nuts 3/8-16 x 3/4”
bolts
handlebar
stem
CAUTION
!
DO NOT TRY TO LIFT THE ROTOTILLER FROM THE
CARTON.
DO NOT ADD ENGINE OIL INTO GEAR CASE DIP-
STICK HOLE.
IMPORTANT
THE RIGHT AND LEFT SIDES OFYOUR
ROTOTILLER ARE DETERMINED FROM
THE OPERATING POSITION AS YOU
FACE THE DIRECTION OF FORWARD
TRAVEL.
ENGINE IS SHIPPED FROM FACTORY
WITHOUT OIL.YOU MUST ADD ENGINE
OIL BEFORE STARTING ENGINE.
TILLER TRANSMISSION IS SHIPPED
FROM FACTORY WITH THE PROPER
AMOUNT OF LIQUID GREASE.
FIGURE 1
gear case
dipstick
gear case
dipstick hole
NO ENGINE OIL!
Unpacking and Assembly
Not for
Reproduction

8
forward drive safety control lever
detent pin
forward & reverse cable
recoil start
serial number plate
wheel lock pin
belt guard
reverse drive safety control lever
depth regulator lever
bumper guard
Features
Not for
Reproduction

9
PRE-START INSPECTION
1. Make sure all safety guards are in place and all nuts and bolts
are secure.
2. Check oil level in engine crankcase. See your engine manual for
procedure and specifications.
3. Inspect air cleaner for cleanliness. See your engine manual for
procedure.
4. Check the fuel supply. Fill the fuel tank no closer than 1 inch
from top of tank to provide space for expansion. See your engine
manual for fuel recommendations.
5. Be sure spark plug wire is attached and spark plug is
tightened securely.
6. Check position of wheels and wheel lockouts.
7. Check depth regulator lever position.
8. Examine underneath and around engine for signs of oil or fuel
leaks.
9. Inspect fuel hoses for tightness and fuel seepage.
10.Look for signs of engine damage.
11.Remove excessive debris from area and recoil starter.
START-UP
The controls required to start and run the rototiller are located on the
engine and are marked “Choke” and “Throttle”.
A more detailed description of engine operation and all related
precautions and procedures can be found in the engine manufacturer’s
manual that accompanies each tiller.
COLD STARTS
1. Move choke lever to full choke position.
2. Move throttle lever to “start”.
3. Pull starting rope out slowly one time and allow to return
normally.
4. Pull starting rope out rapidly, and allow rope to return normally.
5. When engine starts, gradually move choke lever to “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 starting rope out rapidly until engine starts. Allow rope to return
normally. Repeat until engine starts.
3. Adjust throttle speed to “high” for best tiller action.
PLEASE DO NOT START YOUR TILLER UNTIL
YOU HAVE READ THE MANUAL THAT CAME
WITH YOUR ENGINE, AND THE SECTIONS IN THIS
MANUAL TITLED CONTROLS, ADJUSTMENTS AND
SAFETY. IF YOU HAVE READ THESE, FOLLOW THE
STEPS BELOW TO START YOUR TILLER. ALWAYS
PERFORM THIS PRE-START CHECKLIST BEFORE
STARTING THE ENGINE.
GASOLINE IS HIGHLY FLAMMABLE AND MUST
BE HANDLED WITH CARE. NEVER FILL THE TANK
WHEN THE ENGINE IS HOT OR RUNNING. ALWAYS
MOVE OUTDOORS TO FILL THE TANK.
WHEELS MUST ALWAYS BE LOCKED IN THE
TILLING POSITION WHEN ENGINE IS RUNNING.
DO NOT OPERATE THE TILLER WITH THE WHEEL
LOCKOUTS UNLOCKED. ALWAYS SET THE
WHEELS INTILLING POSITION BEFORE STARTING
ENGINE.
ALWAYS PUT THE DEPTH REGULATOR LEVER IN
THE TRANSPORT POSITION BEFORE STARTING
ENGINE. TINES SHOULD CLEAR THE GROUND.
IMPORTANT
ENGINE IS SHIPPED FROM FACTORY WITHOUT OIL.
YOU MUST ADD ENGINE OIL BEFORE STARTING
ENGINE.
ALWAYS KEEP HANDS AND FEET CLEAR OF
ROTATING MACHINE PARTS.
CAUTION
!
WARNING
!
DANGER
!
Operation
Not for
Reproduction

10
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 “fast”.
SHUTTING DOWN
To stop the engine at any time, move throttle control to the off position.
To stop wheels and tines at any time, release drive safety control
levers to neutral position.
TILLING
1. Adjust the depth regulator lever to desired tilling depth.
NOTE: Raise depth regulator lever up one hole at a time,
testing tiller operation after each raise. Raising depth
regulator lever too high can result in loss of control of
tiller!
2. Move the throttle control to fast.
3. Place the tiller in forward by pushing down on the drive safety
control lever labeled “FORWARD”--this will engage the wheels and
tines.
NOTE: You can slow the tiller’s forward advance at any time
by putting slight downward pressure on the handlebars.You
can stop the tiller by releasing the drive safety control levers
to the neutral position.
TEMPERATURE OF MUFFLER AND NEAR BY AREAS
MAY EXCEED 150F. AVOID THESE AREAS.
DO NOT MOVE CHOKE CONTROL TO CHOKE TO
STOP ENGINE. BACKFIRE OR ENGINE DAMAGE
MAY OCCUR.
TO STOP WHEELS AND TINES AT ANY TIME, RE-
LEASE DRIVE SAFETY CONTROL LEVERS TO
NEUTRAL POSITION.
ALWAYS RELEASE DRIVE SAFETY CONTROL
LEVERS TO NEUTRAL POSITION BEFORE
ADJUSTING THE DEPTH OF THE REGULATOR
LEVER.
WARNING
!
DANGER
!
IMPORTANT
PRACTICE OPERATING THE CONTROLS AND
TILLER WITH TINES OUT OF GROUND BEFORE
BEGINNING TO TILL. IT IS IMPORTANT THAT YOU
KNOW HOW TO USE THE TILLER PROPERLY,
KEEP CONTROL AT ALL TIMES, STOP THE TINES
AND WHEELS FROM TURNING, AND STOP THE
ENGINE IF NECESSARY. IF YOU DO NOT KNOW
HOW TO DO THESETHINGS, READTHE CONTROLS,
ADJUSTMENTS AND SAFETY SECTIONS BEFORE
PROCEEDING.
ENGINE AND SURROUNDING PARTS BECOME
EXTREMELY HOT DURING NORMAL USE AND WILL
CAUSE SERIOUS BURN INJURIES IF TOUCHED
BEFORE THE ENGINE HAS COOLED.
ALLOW ENGINE TO COOL COMPLETELY BEFORE
TOUCHING THESE HOT SURFACES.
Operation
Not for
Reproduction