Troy-Bilt ECONO-HORSE Owner's manual

$7.50
Owner/Operator
Manual
ECONO·HORSETM
PONY ®& JUNIOR ®
Model Tillers
- Safety
- Assembly
- Controls
- Operation
-
Maintenance

TABLE OF CONTENTS
SECTION 1: SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS .4
Safety Alert Symbol .4
Training .4
Preparation .4
Operation .4
Maintenance and Storage 6
Decals 6
SECTION 2: EASY ASSEMBLY 7
SECTION 3: TILLER AND
ENGINE
CONTROLS 18
Tiller Controls 18
Wheel Gear Lever (Econo-Horse &Pony) 18
Wheel Drive Pins (Junior only) 19
Forw ard Clutch 20
Maneuvering Clutch 20
Depth Regulator 21
Handlebar Height Adjustment 21
Engine Controls 22
Starting Your Engine 22
Starting the Electric Start Engine
With the Recoil Starter Rope 23
Stopping the Engine 23
SECTION 4: OPERATION OF TILLER 24
Be
for e Starting 25
To Begin Tilling 25
Turning Around 25
Stopping the Tiller and Engine 25
Changing Speeds (Econo-Horss only) 26
To
Change from LOW Speed to HIGH 26
To Change from HIGH Speed to LOW 27
Tilling in the Garden 27
Guiding Your Tiller. 27
Tilling Depths 27
Tilling Patterns 28
Choosing Wheel and Tine Speeds 29
Avoid Making Footprints 29
Clearing Debris from the Tine Area 29
Power
Comp osting 30
Use Reverse to Turn in Tight Areas 30
Tilling Near Obstacles 30
Tilling Up and Down Slopes 31
Tilling Across Slopes Using Terraces 31
Tilling Across Slopes Without Terraces 32
Loading and Unloading the Tiller 32
SECTION 5: TILLER AND
ENGINE MAINTENANCE. 33
Lubrication , 33
Check for Oil Leaks 34
Tightening Nuts and Bolts , 34
Checking, Adding or Changing
Transmission
Gear Oil 34
To Check the Transmission
Gear Oil Level 34
To Add Gear Oil to the
Transmission 35
To Drain and Refill the
Transmission 35
Checking Engine Oil Level 35
Changing Engine Oil 36
Air Cleaner Service 36
Spark Plug Maintenance 37
Ignition System Maintenance 37
Air Cooling System Maintenance 37
Bolo Tines 37
Removing Bolo Tine Assemblies 38
Removing Individual Bolo Tines 38
Checking Tension on the Drive Belts 38
Forward Drive Belt Tension 39
Reverse Drive Belt Tension 39
Adjusting Forward Drive Belt Tension 39
Removing Forward Drive Bel
t.. .41
Installing Forward Drive Belt.. .41
Removing Reverse Drive Belt.. .42
Installing Reverse Drive
BelL .42
Adjusting Reverse Drive Belt Tension .43
Wheel Gear Cable Adjustment .43
Engine Throttle Cable Adjustment .44
Off-Season Storage .44
Troubleshoot Electric Start System .45
Starter Motor Won't Turn Over .45
Ignition Switch Doesn't Stop Engine 46
Battery Care and Maintenance .47
Care in Service .47
Battery Storage .47
Carburetor Adjustment .47
Specifications .48
Recommended Maintenance Intervals .49
INDEX REFERENCE 52

TO THE OWNER:
Congratulations on the purchase of your new tiller! The ECONO-HORSE'" Model, the PONY®
Model and the JUNIOR®Model, along with the rest of the TROY-BILT® models, make up the finest
family of tillers available anywhere.
The ECONO-HORSE'" , PONY® and JUNIOR®Tillers are covered in this manual. They have many
features in common, but there are substantial differences too, and where differences occur, they are so
noted. Your new tiller is basically a simple machine to operate. However, as with all new equipment,
you should thoroughly read and understand this Owner/Operator Manual and any other product litera-
ture you received before you operate your tiller. Then, you should practice operating the tiller controls
and maneuvering the tiller in a safe area until you feel very comfortable using the tiller.
Your tiller was designed with the tines in the rear and the engine up front. This design, first perfected
in the larger Horse Model tiller, gives a superb balance combination which allows you to easily chop up,
shred, and bury all sorts of vegetation and organic matter directly into your garden's soil.
This is a rugged, dependable machine that will give you many years of use if properly maintained.
You can ensure long-lasting performance from your tiller by following the operating and maintenance
procedures in this manual and in the other literature sent to you.
Thank you,
afJ UK '/ edJ. , ~
Dean Leith, Jr., Sales Manager

My Engine Make Is: _
oRecoil Start 0Electric Key Start
To help you as quickly as possible when you
write or call for parts or service assistance, we'll
need to know your tiller's serial number. This
number tells us when your tiller was made and
what features it has.
The arrow in the graphic to the right points to
the top of the transmission where the serial num-
ber is located. For your convenience and ready
reference, please enter the serial number below
and check the model you've purchased.
My Tiller Model Is:
oEcono-Horse 0Pony
The Tiller Serial Number Is:
00000000
oJunior
Date of Tiller D
eli ver y:, _ACAUTION
TO AVOID INJURY:
• READ THE OWNER / DPERATOR MANUAL.
• KNOW LOCATION AND FUNCT ION OF ALL
CONTROLS.
• KEEP AL L SAFETY DEVICES ANO SHIELDS
IN PLACE.
• NEVER A LLOW CH ILOREN OR UN IN-
STRUCTED ADULTS TO OPERATE TILLER.
• SHUT OFF ENGINE AND DISCONNECT
SPARK PLUG WIRE BEFORE UNCLOGGING
TINE S OR MAKING REPAIRS.
• KEEP BYSTANDERS AWAY FROM MA·
CHINE .
•
KEEP AWAY FROM ROTATING PART S.
AWARNING TO ALL CALIFORNIA AND OTHER POWER EQUIPMENT OPERATORS
Under California law, and under the laws of several other states, you are not permitted to operate an
internal combustion engine using hydrocarbon fuels on any forest covered, brush covered, or grass
covered land, or on land covered with grain, hay, or other flammable agricultural crop, without an en-
gine spark arrester in continuous effective working orde
r.
The engine on your power equipment, like most outdoor power equipment, is an internal combustion
engine that burns gasoline, a hydrocarbon fuel. Therefore, your power equipment must be equipped
with a spark arrester muffler in continuous effective working order. The spark arrester must be at-
tached to the engine exhaust system in such a manner that flames or heat from the system will not
ignite flammable material. Failure of the owner / operator of the equipment to comply with this regula-
tion is a misdemeanor under California law, and may also be a violation of other state and/or fe
der al
regulations, laws, ordinances, or codes. Contact your local fire marshal or forest service for specific
information about what regulations apply in your area.
2

ENGINE SERVICE
If your tiller engine ever needs service or re-
pair, contact your nearest Briggs &Stratton or
Tecumseh Service Dealer.
To find the nearest Service Dealer, look in the
Yell ow
Page s of your phone book under
"Engines- Gasoline", or "Gasoline Engines."
If you have problems getting engine service or
parts locally, let us know so we can provide you
with the name of the nearest Service Dealer.
QUESTIONS OR PROBLEMS?
1. Check this OwnerlOperator Manual:
The answer to your question or problem may be
in this Manual. Refer to the index at the back of
this Manual to find the listing that concerns your
problem. Turn to that page and read the informa-
tion provided.
2. Call or write to us:
If you can't find the answer to your question or
problem in this Manual, please call us or write to
us. One of our helpful, friendly tiller experts will
gladly help you. Be sure to include your tiller
model name and the serial number of your tiller.
3. If you need a part:
Call or write to our Parts Department (see the
Toll-Free telephone number below). Please have
your tiller model name and serialnumber at
hand. Use the Parts Catalog to find the part
number and quantity of the part you need.
Remember that you can purchase many of the
common hardware items at your local hardware
store as well as ordering them from us.
For Fa
st est Service, Use The Toll-Free Numbers Below
In the U.S.A.:
Technical Service 1-800-833-6990
Parts Orders 1-800-648-6776
Customer Service 1·800-437-8686
In Canada:
Local only (416 Area Code) 624-8423
From Ontario and Quebec 1-800-387-3351
From Western Canada &the Maritimes 1-800-387-3316
Our H
our s are (Eastern Standard Time):
In the U.S.A. In Canada
Mon - Fri.- 8 A.M. to 7 P.M. Mon - Fr
i- 8 A.M. to 5 P.M.
Saturday- 9 A.M. to 4 P.M.
If you w
ould rather writ e to us, our mailing addresses are:
In the U.S.A. In Canada
TROY-BILTMfg. Co. Garden Way Canada, Inc.
102nd S
1. &9th Ave. 1 51 5 Matheson Blvd.• Unit B11
Troy, New York 12180 Mississauga. Ontario L4W 2P5
IMPOR TANT!
IF YOU NOTICE any freight damage or missing parts, either at the time of delivery or later during
assembly, make sure that you put it in writing, within 15 days, and send your letter to the shipper
to confirm that you intend to file a claim.Tell the driver, or inform the truck terminal, that you intend
to file a written claim. They will advise you as to how to proceed. HOWEVER, if you have any
problems with this procedure, please call us so that we can help you get satisfaction.
3

Section 1: Safety Instructions
Your TROY-BILT Model Tiller has been designed w ith many safety features. However, as w ith
a ny other piece of powered equipment, the operator must fo llow safe operating practices at all
times. Failure to do so could resu lt in pe
rso nal injury or damage to the equipment or property.
Before assembling,operating or
servicing the tiller or its engine, care fully read and fo llow all
of
the safety instructions found in this Owner /Operator Manual, in the separate Engine
O
wner's Manual, and in any ot her literature you may receive. If you ever have any questions,
please call us'at one of the numbers listed on page 3 of this manual.
If you ever lend yo
ur tiller to someone, make sure that he or she reads, understands, and tol -
lows the Safety Instructions. Always use
your tiller carefully and keep safety in mind.
ASAFETY ALERT SYMBOL. This symbol is used to alert you to
.. important safety messages in this Manual and on decals which
are on your tiller regarding potential hazards. When you see this
symbol, carefully read and follow its safety message. Failure to do so can
result in personal injury or property damage.
TRAINING
1. Carefully read this Owner/Operator Manual,
the separate Engine Owner's Manual, and any
other literature you may receive. Be thoroughly
familiar with the controls and the proper use of
the tiller and its engine. Know how to stop the
unit and disengage the controls quickly.
2. Never allow children to operate the tiller. Let
adults operate the tiller only if instructed properly.
3. Keep the area of operation clear of all persons
(particularly children) and pets.
PREPARATION
1. Thoroughly inspect the area where the tiller is
to be used and remove all foreign objects.
2. Be sure all control levers are released and the
ECONO-HORSE or PONY Model Wheel Gear
Lever is in "ENGAGE" before starting the engine.
On the JUNIOR Model, which does not have a
Wheel Gear Lever, be sure the Wheel Drive Pins
engage the wheels.
3. Do not operate the tiller without wearing ade-
quate outer garments. Avoid loose garments or
jewelry that could get caught in moving parts of
the tiller or its engine.
4. Do not operate the tiller when barefoot or wear-
ing sandals, sneakers, or light footwear. Wear
footwearwhich gripswell on slipperysurfaces.
5. Do not till near underground electric cables,
telephone lines, pipesor hoses. If in doubt, contact
yourtelephoneor utility company.
6. Handlefuel with care; it is highly flammable and
its vapors are explosive.
a. Use an approved fuel container.
b. Never add fuel to a running or hot engine.
4
c. Keep matches, cigarettes, cigars, pipes ,
open flames, and sparks away from the fuel
tank and fuel container.
d. Fill fuel tank outdoors with extreme care.
Never fill fuel tank indoors. Use a funnel or
spout to prevent spillage.
e. Replace the fuel tank cap securely and
clean up any fuel before starting engine.
7. Never make adjustments when engine is run-
ning (unless recommended by manufacturer).
OPERATION
1. Do not put hands or feet near rotating parts.
2. Exercise extreme caution when on or crossing
gravel drives, walks, or roads. Stay alert for hid-
den hazards or traffic. Do not carry passengers.
3. After striking a foreign object, stop the engine
(and remove the Ignition Switch Key on electric
start models), disconnect the spark plug wire and
prevent it from touching the spark plug, carefully
inspect the tiller for any damage, and repair the
damage before restarting and operating the tille
r.
4. Exercise caution to avoid slipping or falling.
5. If the machine should start to vibrate abnor-
mally, stop the engine (and remove the Ignition
Switch Key on electric start models). Disconnect
the spark plug wire and prevent it from touching
the spark plug, and check immediately for the
cause.Vibration is generally a warning of trouble.
6. Stop the engi ne (and remove the Ignition
Switch Key on electric start models), disconnect
the spark plug wire and prevent it from touching
the spark plug whenever you leave the operating
position, before unclogging the tines, or when
making any repairs, adjustments or inspections.

7. Before leaving the tiller unattended, stop the
engine. Remove the Ignition Key on electric start
models. Disconnect the spark plug wire and pre-
vent it from touching the spark plug. Move the
Wheel Gear
Lever to "ENGAGE" on Econo-
Horse and Pony models. On Junior models, the
Wheel Drive Pins must engage the wheels.
8. Before cleaning, repairing, or inspecting, stop
the engine, remove the Ignition Switch Key on
electric start models, and make certain all moving
parts have stopped. Disconnect the spark plug
wire and prevent it from touching the spark plug
to prevent accidental starting. On electric start
models, always remove the cable from the nega-
tive side (
-) of the battery.
9. Always keep the flap on the tine hood down
when operating the tiller, except when using the
hiller/furrower attachment.
10.
Nev er operate the till er with out proper
guards, plates, or other protective safety devices
in place.
11. Do not run
the engine indoors; exhaust
fumes are dangerous.
12. Keep children and pets away.
13. Never operate the tiller under engine power if
the Econo-Horse or Pony Wheel Gear Lever is in
"DISENGAGE" (FREEWHEEL), or if the Junior
Wheel Drive Pins do not engage the wheels. In
this position, the wheels will not hold the tiller
back and the revolving tines could propel the
tiller rapidly, possibly causing loss of control.
Always move the Wheel Gear Lever to "EN-
GAGE" (or, on the Junior, ENGAGE the wheels
with the Wheel Drive Pins) before starting the
engine or engaging the tines / wheels with the
Forward Clutch or the Maneuvering Clutch.
14. Be aware that the tiller may unexpectedly
bounce
upward or jump forward if the t ines
should strike extremely hardpacked soil, frozen
g
round , or bur ied obstac les such as large
stones, roots, or stumps. If you are in doubt
about the tilling conditions, always use the fol-
lowing operating precautions to assist you in
maintaining control of the tiller:
a. Walk behind and to one side of the tiller,
using one hand on the handlebars. Relax
your arm, but use a secure hand grip.
b. Use shallower depth regulator settings,
working gradually deeper with each pass.
c. Place the forward drive belt in its LOW
Range position (Econo-Horse only). Use
slower engine speeds.
d. Clear the tilling area of all large stones,
roots and other debris.
e. Avoid using downward pressure on handle-
bars. If need be, use slight upward pressure
to keep the tines from digging too deeply.
f. Before contacting hardpacked soil at the end
of a row, reduce engine speed and lift han-
dlebars to raise tines out of the soil.
g. In
an eme rge ncy , stop the t ines and
wheels by releasing whicheve r Clutch
Lever you have engaged. Do not attempt
to restrain the
tiller .
15. Do not overload the tiller's capacity by at-
tempting to till too deeply at too fast a rate.
16. Never operate the tiller at high transport
speeds on slippery surfaces. Look behind and
use care when backing up.
17. Do not operate the tiller on a slope that is too
steep for safety. When on slopes, slow down and
make sure you have good footing. Never permit
the tiller to freewheel down slopes.
18. Never allow bystanders near the unit.
19. Only use attachments and accessories that
are approved by Troy-Bilt Manufacturing Co.
20. Use tiller attachments and accessories when
recommended.
21. Never operate the tiller without good visibility
or light.
22. Never operatethe tiller if you are tired, or under
the influenceof a
lcohol ,drugsor medication.
23. Do not change the engine governor settings or
overspeed the engine.
24. Do not touch engine parts which may be hot
from operation. Allow parts to cool before inspect-
ing, cleaningor repairing.
25. The battery on electric start model tillers con-
tains sulfuric acid. Avoid contact with skin, eyes, or
clothing. Keepout of the reach of children.
Antidote-External Contact: Flush immediately
with lots ofwater.
Antidote-Internal: Drink large quantitiesof water
or milk. Follow with milk of magnesia, beaten
egg or vegetable oil. CALL A PHYSICIAN IM-
MEDIATELY.
Antidote-Eye Contact: Flush with water for 15
minutes. GET PROMPT MEDICAL ATTEN-
TION.
26. Batteries produce explosive gases. Keep
spar ks, flame, and smoking materials away.
Ventilate when charging batteries or when using a
batteryin an enclosed space.
ALWA YS wearsafety
goggles when working near batte
ries.
27. Please remember: You can always stop the
tines and wheels by releasing the Forward Clutch
Lever or the Maneuvering Clutch Lever (whichever
lever you have e
ngaged ) or by moving the T hrottle
Control Leverto STOP.
28. To load or unload the tiller, see the instructions
in Section4 of this Manual.
5

MAINTENANCE AND STORAGE
1. Keep the tiller, attachments and accessories
in safe working condition.
2. Check all nuts, bolts, and screws at frequent
intervals for proper tightness to be sure the
equipment is in safe working condition.
3. Never store the tiller with fuel in the fuel tank in-
side a building where fumes may reach an open
flame or spark (hot water and space heaters, fur-
naces, clothes dryers, stoves, electric motors, etc.).
4. Allow the engine to cool before storing it.
5. To reduce the chances of a fire hazard, keep the
engine free of grass, leaves, or excessive grease.
6. Store gasoline in a cool, well-ventilated area,
safely away from any spark or flame-producing
equipment. Store gasoline in an approved con-
tainer, safely away from the reach of children.
7. Refer to the Tiller and Engine Maintenance
section of this Manual for instructions if the tiller is
to be stored for an extended period.
8. Never perform maintenance while the engine
is running or the spark plug wire is connected, ex-
cept when specifically instructed to do so.
DECALS
If any of the decals below become illegible, damaged, or missing, contact us immediately for a re-
placement. Use the appropriate part number noted below for your particular model tiller.
6
Control Panel
(located on
upper handlebars)
#1900357Econo-Horse & Pony Models
#1900356 Junior Model
Warning-Ignition Keyswitch
(on Electric Start Keysw
itch -
not shown)
#97127 ..... Econo-H or se &
Pony Models
Starting Stabilizat
ion
(on top 01 engine or on air cleaner)
#97125 Econo-Horse & Jun ior Models
#97126 Pony Model
,j
Warning - Hot Surfaces &
Belts (on belt cover)
#20818 . .. . .AII Models
Warning - Belt Positions
(on belt cover)
#2730 . . . . .Eco no- Horse
Model Only
Operat
ing Instructions
(located on the
hood)
#2718 Econo-Horse Model
#20925 Pony Model
#50277 Junio r Model
1-1: ECONO-HORSE MODEL SHOWN

Section 2: Ea sy Assembly
Please follow the steps in this Section to assemble your ECONO·HORSE" , PONY" or JUNIOR®
Model tiller and prepare it for use. Due to assembly similarities, we show one model in the as-
sembly photos to represent the three tiller models. Steps unique to any single model(s) are
noted. These steps will
not take long and will assure correct assembly of your new tiller.
We recommend you read this Section all the way through
firs t. Then begin the assembly steps.
STEP 1: UNPACKING AND LOOSE PARTS
Your tiller was shipped fully assembled except for the parts shown in Photos 2-1 and 2-2. The small
hardware items are inside a plastic bag within the literature package.
If you ordered an electric start ECONO-HORSE'" or PONY®Model Tiller, you also get a second plas-
tic bag with electric start parts and hardware- it is near the battery. The battery will be in place on its
stand or in its own carton. These parts are called out later in this section.
ENGINE
THROTTLE
CABLE
(Econo-Horse Model Shown)
FORWARD
CLUTCH ROD
HANDLEBARS
MANEUVERING
CLUTCH \
LEVER I
WHEEL
GEAR CABLE
(Except Junior)
-,
Photo 2-2 :Contents of Hardware Package.
Photo 2-1: Contents of the shipping carton.
The items in the following list are found in your
hardware bag. They are keyed to Photo 2-2.
1. One Handlebar Height Adjustment Handle.
2. One keyed washer.
3. Four plastic tie straps (Junior requires two).
4. Three hairpin cotters.
5. Two 3/8" - 16 x 1" hex head bolts.
6. Two 3/8" flat washers.
7. Two 3/8" - 16 nylon insert lock nuts.
8. One Engine Throttle Lever Knob.
9. Four #10 - 32 x 1/2" slotted head screws
(Junior requires two).
10. Four
#1 0 lockwashers (Junior requires two).
11.
Four#10 - 32 nuts (Junior requires two).
12. One Wheel Gear Lever knob (Econo-Horsa
and Pony).
2
I
•
-0 - 4
'\-a
• -a
"- ° 0'"
/ fI'"" ~ , 7 8 9 10 11
5 "'6
1' t .
....
- 0"
"" 0 •
(See detailed hardware list)
11 10 9
• • I
b 0-
.. .- 12
t
•
7

the control levers.
7. Automotive-type tire pressure gauge.
8. Ruler.
9. Sturdy wood box or block 2-1/2"
-3 -1/2" high
(Junior Model only).
• You may subs t itu te adj ustab le wrenche s.
Compare the parts that you received to Photos 2-1 and 2-2. If you are missing any items, please call
us at one of the telephone numbers listed on page 3 of this Manual.
If you notice any freight damage, either at the time of delivery or later during assembly, contact the
freight terminal and tell them you will be filing a written claim (do so within 15 days). The terminal will
advise you as to how to proceed.However, if you meet any problems with this procedure, please call
us so we can provide assistance.
Before you attempt to move the tiller off the shipping carton, please install the handlebars (Step 2).
With the handlebars installed, you'll have better leverage and be more easily able to move the tiller to a
level area so you can continue the assembly.
You'll need the following tools to assemble your tiller:
1. Two 9/16" wrenches. *
2. One medium-size flat blade screwdriver.
3. One open end 3/8" wrench.*
4. Scissors (to trim the plastic ties).
5. One 7/16" wrench (electric models only).*
6. A piece of wood to tap the knobs securely on
NOTE
Before moving the tiller off its shipping plat-
form, you must move the Wheel Gear Lever (on
Econo-Horse and Pony models) to the "DISEN-
G
AGE " position . For shipping purposes, the
Wheel Gear Cable is wrapped around the trans-
mission tube, between the engine and the tine
hood. Unwrap the Wheel Gear cable and move
the Wheel Gear Lever to its "DISENGAGE" posi-
tion as shown in Photo 2-3. On the Junior Model,
aWheel Drive Pin must be removed from the
hub of each wheel, the wheels moved inward as
far as possible, and the Wheel Pins replaced
through the wheel shaft holes and secured with
their cotter pins. Each wheel is then free to turn
on the wheel shaft. See Inset Photo at right. Photo 2-3: Move the Wheel
Gear Lever back to
"Disengage" posit ion on Econo-Horse and Pony
models. Inset Photo shows Wheel Pins that need to
be moved on the Junior Model.
STEP 2: ATTACHING THE HANDLEBARS
1. On electric start models only, remove one of
the bolts and lockwashers that secures the lower
end of the curved height adjustment bracket to
the back of the transmission. Loosen the second
bolt so you can swing the curved height adjust-
ment bracket out of the way. See Photo 2-4.
~
Photo 2-4: SWing the Height Ad justm ent Bracket
down to one side (Electric start models only).
8
2. Remove the Maneuvering Clutch Lever from
the handlebars. See Photo 2-5.
Photo 2-5: Removing the Maneuvering Clutch Lever
from the handlebars.