Troy-Bilt Horse 682J User manual

TRnV BILT
Operator's Manual
Rear-tine PTO Tiller Models
682J--Horse TM
E682L--Horse TM
Model 682J Shown
IMPORTANT:READ SAFETY RULES AND INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY
Warning: 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 or state 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 the above is required by law
(Section 4442 of the California Public Resources Code). Other states may have similar laws. Federal laws apply on federal lands. A spark arrester
for the muffler is available by contacting the service department at Troy-Bilt LLC, P.O. Box 361131 Cleveland, Ohio 44136-0019.
TROY-BILT LLC, P.O. BOX 361131, CLEVELAND, OH 44136-0019
PRINTED IN USA FORM NO. 770-10598A
(01/2002)

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Content Page
Calling Customer Support .................................................... 2
Safety ................................................................... 3
Assembly ................................................................. 6
Features and Controls ....................................................... 11
Operation ................................................................ 14
Maintenance .............................................................. 28
Troubleshooting ........................................................... 41
Attachments & Accessories .................................................. 43
Parts List ................................................................. 44
Warrany Information ........................................................ Back Cover
FINDING MODEL NUMBER
This Operator's Manual is an important part of your new Rear-tine Tiller. It will help you assemble, prepare and
maintain the unit for best performance. Please read and understand what it says.
Before you start assembling your new equipment, please locate the model plate on the equipment and copy the infor-
mation from it in the space provided below. This information is very important if you need help from our Customer
Support Department or an authorized dealer.
You can locate the model number by looking at the rear surface of the tine shield. A sample model plate is
explained below. For future reference, please copy the model number and the serial number of the equipment
in the space below
O BILT" TROY-BILT LL(
P. O. BOX 361131
www.troybilt.com CL_E_ND, OH_136
330-558-7220
•866-840-648_
Copy Model Number Here
Copy Serial Number Here
ENGINEINFORMATION
The engine manufacturer is responsible for all engine-related issues with regards to performance, power-rating, speci-
fications, warranty and service. Please refer to the engine manufacturer's Owner's/Operator's Manual packed sepa-
rately with your unit for more information.
CALLINGCUSTOMERSUPPORT
If you have difficulty assembling this product or have any questions regarding the controls, operation or maintenance
of this unit, please call the Customer Support Department.
Call 1- [phone] or 1- [phone] to reach a Customer Support representative. Please have
your unit's model number and serial number ready when you call. See previous section to locate this
information. You will be asked to enter the serial number in order to process your call.
2

nSafety
SafetyAlert Symbol
,_ This is a safety alertsymbol. It is used in this
manualand on the unit to alertyou to
potential hazards. Whenyou seethis symbol,
readand obey the messagethat follows it.
Failureto obeysafety messagescould result in personal
injury or property damage.
This machine meets voluntary safety standard B71.8
- 1996, which is sponsored by the Outdoor Power
Equipment Institute, Inc., and is published by the
American National Standards Institute.
WARNING
Theengineexhaustfromthis productcontains
chemicalsknowntothe State ofCaliforniatocause
cancer, birth defects or other reproductive harm.
Training
1. Carefullyreadthis Owner's Manual,the
separateEngineOwner's Manual,and any
other literature you may receive.Be thor-
oughly familiar with the controls and the
proper useof the tiller and its engine.
Know howto stop the unit and disengage
the controls quickly.
2. Neverallow children to operatethe
tiller. Neverallow adults to operatethe
tiller without proper instruction.
3. Keepthe area of operation clearof all
persons, particularly children and pets.
4. Keepin mind that the operator or user
is responsible for accidents or hazards
occurring to other people,their property,
andthemselves.
Preparation
1. Thoroughly inspect thearea wherethe
tiller isto be usedand remove all foreign
objects.
2. Putthe Wheels/Tines/PTODrive Lever
into NEUTRALbeforestarting theengine.
3. Do not operatethe tiller without
wearingadequateoutergarments. Avoid
loose garmentsor jewelry that could get
caught in moving parts.
4. Do not operatethe tiller when barefoot
or wearingsandals,sneakers,or light
footwear. Wear protectivefootwear that
will improve footing on slippery surfaces.
5. Do nottill nearunderground electric
cables,telephone lines, pipesor hoses.If
in doubt, contact your telephoneor utility
company.
6. Warning:Handlefuel with care; it is
highly flammable and its vapors are
explosive. Besureto takethe following
precautions:
a. Storefuel in containersspecifically
designedfor this purpose.
b. The gascapshall neverbe removed
or fuel addedwhile the engine is
running. Allow the engine to cool
for severalminutes beforeadding
fuel.
c. Keepmatches,cigarettes, cigars,
pipes, open flames, and sparks
awayfrom thefuel tank and fuel
container.
d. Fillfuel tank outdoors with extreme
care. Neverfill fuel tank indoors.
Usea funnel or spout to prevent
spillage.
e. Replaceall fuel tank and container
caps securely.
f. If fuel is spilled, do not attempt to
start the engine, but move the
machine awayfrom thearea of
spillageand avoid creating any
source of ignition until fuel vapors
havedissipated.
7. Never makeadjustmentswhen engine
is running (unless recommendedby
manufacturer).
Operation
1. Do not put hands or feet nearor under
rotating parts. Donot allow handsor any
other part of the bodyor clothing nearthe
rotating tines or nearanyother moving
part. Thetines beginto rotate forward
oncethe enginestarts, the Tines/PTO
ClutchLeveris in the ENGAGEposition,
the Forward Interlock Leversare squeezed
closedand the Wheels/Tines/PTODrive
Leveris shiftedto FORWARD.Thetines
rotate in Reversewhether the Interlock
Leversare closed or open.
2. Exerciseextremecaution when on or
crossing graveldrives, walks, or roads.
Stayalert for hidden hazardsor traffic. Do
not carry passengers.
3. After striking aforeign object, stop the
engine,removethe wire from thespark
plug wire and prevent it from touching the
spark plug. Thoroughly inspectthe
machinefor anydamageand repair the
damagebefore restarting and operating
the machine.
4. Exercisecaution to avoid slipping or
falling.
5. If the unit should start to vibrate abnor-
mally,stop the engine,disconnect the
spark plug wire and prevent it from
touching the spark plug, and check imme-
diatelyfor the cause.Vibration is
generallya warning of trouble.
6. Stopthe engine,disconnect the spark
plug wire and prevent it from touching the
spark plug wheneveryou leavethe
operatingposition, before unclogging the
tines, or when making any repairs,adjust-
ments or inspections.
7. Takeall possible precautionswhen
leavingmachine unattended.Stopengine.
Disconnectspark plug wire and move it
away from spark plug. Removeignition
keyon electric start models

Section1: Safety
8. Beforecleaning, repairing, or inspect-
ing, stop the engine and make certain all
moving parts havestopped. Disconnect
the spark plug wire and prevent it from
touching thespark plug to preventacci-
dentalstarting.
9. Theflap on the tine hood must be
down when operatingthetiller, unless
using the Hiller/Furrower attachment.
10. Neverusethe tiller unless proper
guards, plates,or other safety protective
devicesare in place.
11. Donot run engine in anenclosed
area.Engineexhaustcontains carbon
monoxide gas, a deadlypoison that is
odorless, colorless, and tasteless.
12. Keepchildren and pets away.
13. Neveroperatethe tiller underengine
power if the WheelSpeedLeveris in the
FREEWHEELposition. In FREEWHEEL,
thewheels will not hold thetiller backand
the revolving tines could propel thetiller
rapidly, possibly causing loss of control.
Alwaysengagethe WheelSpeedLeverin
either FASTor SLOWposition before
starting the engine or engaging thetines
with theWheels/Tines/PTODrive Lever.
14. Beawarethatthetiller mayunex-
pectedlybounceupwardor jump
forwardifthetines shouldstrike
extremelyhardpackedsoil, frozen
ground,or buriedobstacleslike large
stones,roots, orstumps.If in doubt
aboutthetilling conditions,alwaysuse
thefollowingoperatingprecautionsto
assistyouin maintainingcontrolofthe
tiller:
a. Walk behindandto oneside ofthe
tiller, usingonehandonthe han-
dlebars.Relax yourarm, but usea
securehandgrip.
b. Useshallowerdepthregulator
settings,workinggraduallydeeper
with eachpass.
c. Useslowerwheel, tine and engine
speeds.
d. Clearthe tilling areaof all large
stones,rootsand otherdebris.
e. Avoidusingdownwardpressureon
handlebars.If need be, useslight
upwardpressureto keepthe tines
fromdiggingtoo deeply.
f. Beforecontactinghardpackedsoil
at the endof a row, reduceengine
speedand lift handlebarsto raise
tines outofthe soil.
g. In an emergency,stoptines and
wheels byshiftingthe
Wheels/Tines/PTODriveLever
intoNEUTRAL.If youcannot
reachthe lever or havelostcontrol
ofthetiller, let go ofthehandle-
barsand all controls. Do not
attempttorestrainthetiller.
15. Do not overloadthe tiller's capacity by
attempting to till too deeplyat too fast a
rate.
16. Never operatethe tiller at high
transport speedson hard or slippery
surfaces. Look behindand usecarewhen
backing up.
17. Do not operatethe tiller on aslope
that is too steep for safety.When on
slopes, slow downand makesure you
havegood footing. Never permit the tiller
to freewheel down slopes.
18. Neverallow bystandersnear the unit.
19. Onlyuseattachments and accessories
that are approved bythe manufacturer of
the tiller.
20. Usetiller attachments and acces-
sories when recommended.
21. Never operatethe tiller without good
visibility or light.
22. Never operatethe tiller if you are
tired, or under the influence of alcohol,
drugs or medication.
23. Operatorsshall nottamper with the
engine-governorsettings on the machine;
the governor controls the maximum safe
operating speedto protect the engineand
all moving parts from damagecaused by
overspeed. Authorized serviceshall be
sought if a problem exists.
24. Do nottouch engineparts which may
be hot from operation. Let parts cool
down sufficiently.
25. POISON/DANGER--CAUSES
SEVEREBURNS.The batteryon electric
start models contains sulfuric acid. Avoid
contact with skin, eyesor clothing. Keep
out of reachof children.
Antidotes:
External- Flushimmediately with lots of
water.
Internal- Drink largequantities of water
or milk. Followwith milk of magnesia,
beateneggs or vegetableoil. Calla
doctor immediately.
Eyes- Flushwith water for 15 minutes.
Getprompt medical attention.
26. DANGER-BATTERIESPRODUCE
EXPLOSIVEGASES. Keepsparks, flame
or smoking materialsaway. Ventilate
when charging batteryor using in an
enclosed space. Alwayswear safety
goggles when working near battery.
27. Pleaseremember:You canalways
stop the tines and wheels by releasingall
controls, or by moving the ignition switch
and/or throttle control leveron the engine
to OFFor STOP.
28. To load or unloadthe tiller, seethe
instructions in Section 4 of this Manual.
29. Useextremecaution when backing or
pulling the machinetowards you.
30. Startthe enginecarefully according to
instructions and with feet well awayfrom
the tines.
31. Neverpick up or carry a machine
while the engine is running.
32. When loading or unloadingthe tiller,
alwaysdisengagetines and useslower
wheel and enginethrottle speeds. Use
sturdy ramps wide and strong enough to
easily support the tiller (280-to-325 Ibs.,
depending on model) and operator.
Nevergo down ramps in FORWARD
drive--the tiller could tip forward,
exposing you to the tines (which should
be disengaged). Alwaysuse REVERSE
drive and backdown ramps. Togo up
ramps, useFORWARDdrive and follow
the tiller.
33. TheForward Interlock SafetySystem
should betested for correct functioning
every time thetiller or PTOpowerunit is
used. SeeSection 4 in this Manual.
34. If using the optional Dozer Blade,
either removethe tine attachment, or
disengagethe tines with the Tines/PTO
ClutchLever. Revolvingtines are
dangerous.

Section1: Safety
MaintenanceandStorage
1. Keepthe tiller, attachmentsand acces-
sories in safe working condition.
2. Checkall nuts, bolts, and screws at
frequent intervalsfor proper tightness to
be surethe equipment is in safe working
condition.
3. Neverstore the tiller with fuel in the
fuel tank insidea building where ignition
sources are presentsuch ashot water
and space heaters,furnaces, clothes
dryers, stoves, electric motors, etc.).
Allow engine to cool beforestoring in any
enclosure.
4. To reducethe chancesof afire hazard,
keepthe enginefree of grass, leaves,or
excessivegrease.
5. Store gasolinein a cool, well-ventilated
area,safelyaway from any spark- or
flame-producing equipment. Store
gasolinein an approvedcontainer, safely
away from the reachof children.
6. Referto the Maintenancesections of
this Manualand the separateEngine
Owner's Manualfor instructions if the
tiller is to be stored for an extended
period.
7. Neverperform maintenancewhile the
engine is running orthe spark plug wire is
connected, exceptwhen specifically
instructed to do so.
8. If thefuel tank hasto bedrained,do
this outdoors.
Decals
Foryour safetyand the safety of others,
various safety and operationaldecalsare
located on your unit (Figure 1).
Keepthe decalscleanand legible at all
times. Contactyour local servicedealer
or the Factoryfor replacementsif any
decalsare damagedor missing.
C) WARNING:Operatingand
A) WARNING:HotSurfaces.
Topoftheaircleanerhousing. SafetyInstructions
D) PowerUnit
Referto the Parts List for decal locations,
descriptions and part numbers.
F) EngineStabilization.
Topoffuel tank. B) WARNING:EngineIgnition.
Electricstartmodelsonly.
Figure1:LocationofSafetyand OperatingDecals.
(Briggs& Stratton engineshown)
OperatingSymbols
Varioussymbols (shown here,with word
descriptions)areusedonthetillerandengine.
Yourunitmaynothaveallofthesymbols.
I I I÷I
FAST SLOW CHOKE CHOKE
STOP ON OFF ROTATING
TINES
TO AVOID SERIOUS INJURY:
• READTHEOWNER'SMANUAL.
•KNOWLOCATIONSAND FUNCTIONSOFALL CONTROLS.
•KEEPALLSAFETYDEVICESANDSHIELDSIN PLACEANDWORKING.
•NEVERALLOWCHILDRENORUNINSTRUCTEDADULTSTO OPERATETILLER.
•SHUTOFFENGINEAND DISCONNECTSPARKPLUGWIRE BEFOREMANUALLYUNCLOG-
GINGTINES ORMAKINGREPAIRS.
•KEEPBYSTANDERSAWAYFROMMACHINE.
•KEEPAWAYFROM ROTATINGPARTS.
•USEEXTREMECAUTIONWHEN REVERSINGORPULLINGTHE MACHINETOWARDSYOU.

I1
Assembly
To prevent personal injury or property
damage, do not start the engine until
all assembly steps are complete and
you have read and understand the
safety and operatinginstructionsin this
manual.
Introduction
Carefullyfollow these assembly stepsto
correctly prepareyour tiller for use. It is
recommendedthat you readthis Section
in its entirety beforebeginning assembly.
NOTE:Varioustiller models are presented
in this Manual. Useonly the information
appropriatefor your tiller model.
InspectUnit
Inspectthe unitand carton for damage
immediately after delivery. Contactthe
carrier (trucking company) if you find or
suspect damage. Inform them of the
damageand request instructions for filing
a claim. To protectyour rights, put your
claim in writing and mail a copy to the
carrier within 15 days after the unit has
beendelivered. Contact usat the Factory
if you needassistancein this matter.
STEP1: UnpackingInstructions
NOTE:Donot severelybend anyof the
control cables on the unit.
1. Thetiller is heavy. Do not attempt to
remove it from the shipping platform until
instructed to do so in these Assembly
steps.
2. Removeall unassembledpartsfrom
the carton. Thehardwarebag is included
in your literature packaging.
3. Checkthat you havethe items listed
below (contact your local dealeror the
Factory if any itemsare missing or
damaged).
NOTE: Usethe screw lengthtemplate
(Figure2-1) to identify screws.
LoosePartsList
Qty. Description
1 HandlebarAssembly
1 Wheels/TinesPTODrive Lever
Thefollowing items
are in thehardwarebag:
2 20 oz. BottlesSAE30W Oil
1 Clutch PawlSpring
1 BeltAdjusting Tool
2 PlasticCableTies
1 Curved HeadScrew, 1/4-20 x 2
1 FlangedLock Nut, 1/4-20
1 PanHeadScrew,#10-32 x 1/2
Thefollowing parts (electric start models
only), packagedseparately.
2 Nuts, 1/4-20
(for battery terminals)
2 Screws, 1/4-20 x 5/8
(for battery terminals)
2 Keys
(in ignition switch)
NOTE:LEFTand RIGHTsides of the
tiller are as viewed from the
operator's position behind the han-
dlebars(unless otherwise noted).
Tools]MaterialsNeeded
for Assembly
(1) 3/8" open-endwrench*
(2) 7/16"open-end wrench*
(2) 1/2" open-endwrench*
(1) 9/16"open-end wrench*
(1) 3/4"open-end wrench*
(1) Flatblade screwdriver
(1) Scissors (to trim plastic ties)
(1) Tire pressure gauge
(1) 4-1/2" high wood block to prop unit
*Adjustable wrenchesmay be used.
Figure2-1: Toidentifylengthofscrew,
placescrewontemplateasshownand
measuredistancebetweenbottomofscrew
headandtipofscrew.
STEP 2: Attach Handlebar
IMPORTANT: When disassembling
handlebar assembly, keep left-side clamp
and ratchet separatedfrom the right-side
clamp and ratchet.
1. Disassemblethe handlebarassembly.
To do this, remove the heightadjustment
leverby turning the leverin a counter-
clockwise direction (Figure2-2).
2. Placethe handlebarendson either side
ofthe base,with thewire harnesstoward
the rear ofthe base(Figure2-2).
3. Installthe heightadjustment lever
through the right-side clamp, handlebar
end, ratchet, and base;then out through
the left-side ratchet, handlebarend,and
clamp (Figure2-2). Securewith nut, but
don't fully tighten.
IMPORTANT:Do notforce the height
adjustment leverthrough the handlebars.
The interlock wires may be blocking the
leverand could be damaged.You may
gently move the wires aside if this
condition occurs.
6

Section2: Assembly
4. Raisehandlebarsto one of two height
settings andtighten the heightadjustment
lever. Also, makesureall other mounting
hardware issecurely tightened.
NOTE: Fully assembledhandlebar
assembly should appearas shown in
Figure2-3.
Figure 2-3. Fully assembled handle-
bars.
Height
Adjustment
Lever
Right
Clam
Base
Base
Handlebam
Left
Clamp
Nut
STEP3: MoveTiller OffShipping
Platform
1. Setthe Depth Regulator Lever
(A, Figure2-4) to Travel position. Dothis
by lifting the tiller by the handlebars,then
pulling straight back on the leverand
sliding down to the highest notched
setting.
2. Setthe WheelSpeedLever(B, Figure
2-4) to Freewheelposition. To do this,
move the leverapproximately halfway
betweenthe Fastand Slowsettings while
you rock the tiller forward and backward
until thewheels movefreely.
3. Lift Handlebars high enoughto clear
tiller tines and pull back firmly to dislodge
the tiller from the platform wheel wells.
STEP4: ConnectForward
InterlockWire Harness
1. Removeany dirt fromthe Forward
Interlock wire harnessplug (C, Figure
2-5) and its receptacle(D).
2. Connectthe Forward interlock wire
harness plug (C, Figure2-5) to the recep-
tacle (D).
STEP5: Attach
WheelsiTines/PTODriveLever
1. Loosenthe bolt (Figure2-2) on the
handlebar baseand swing the handlebars
out to the right side.
FRONT
OFTILLER
Figure 2-2. Handlebar assembly.
Wire
Harness
Figure 2-4: Photo shows the Depth
Regulator Lever (A) and the Wheel
Speed Lever (B).
2. Removeboth sets of nuts, star
washers, screws, and one bushing
(A, B, C, D, E,F, G,Figure2-6) from the
yoke plates (H). Thereis a bushing inside
the short link (I). Becareful not to loseit
when removing screw (G).
3. Slidethe platesat the end of the
Wheels/Tines/PTOLeveroverthe yoke
plates (Figure2-9). To aid in the next
step, insert a screwtemporarily into the
forward most holes (J, Figure2-7) of the
yoke platesand the lever.
Figure 2-5. Forward Interlock Wire
Harness connection.
4. Align the rear most holes of theyoke
platesand the Wheels/Tines/PTOLever.
Uselong nose pliersto hold the bushing
(L, Figure27) in placewhile inserting the
screw (K)through the leverand yoke
plates.Install star washer (B, Figure2-6)
and nut (A),then handtighten.
5. Retrievethe clutch pawl spring (Figure
2-8) from hardwarebag.

Section2: Assembly
Removethe temporary screw (J, Figure
2-7) from the forward holes and move the
Wheels/Tines/PTOLeverfully forward.
Install the wider hook end of the clutch
pawl spring (M, Figure2-8) down into the
small holeat the end of the handle. Use
pliers to insert the other end into the hole
in the long link bar (N).
NOTE:Do not bend or over stretch the
spring while installing.
6. Pull the Wheels/Tines/PTOLeverback
to align the forward most holes (Q,Figure
2-9) in the yoke platewith the holes in the
lever plates. Also align the bushing that is
insidethe short link bar (P). Install the
screw, star washer, and nut, then tighten
securely.
Securelytighten all other hardware(Q,R,
Figure2-9). Alsoensure that the spring
(S) is properly seatedat both ends.
Completedassembly should appearas
illustrated in Figure2-9.
7. Testthe operation of the
Wheels/Tines/PTOLever. Pushthe lever
down until it engagesin the Forward
position. The clutch roller (T, Figure2-
10) must rest beneaththe adjustment
block (U). Next,move the lever up to the
Neutral position. Theclutch roller (T,
Figure2-11) should rest on theface of the
adjustment block (U). To test Reverse,lift
and hold the leverall the way up in
Reverseposition, then let it go. Thelever
should automatically return to the Neutral
position (Figure2-11). If not, do not use
the tiller. Seeyour local authorized dealer
or call the FactoryTechnicalService
Departmentfor instructions.
Figure 2-9: Fully assembled
Wheels/Tines/PTO Lever assembly.
Figure 2-10 Forward position; roller
(T) rests under the adjustment
block (U).
Figure 2-6: Illustration shows the yoke plates (H), nuts, washers, and
screws (A, E, B, F, D, G), bushing (C), and long and short links (I, J).
Figure 2-7: Drive Lever assembly. Figure 2-8: Clutch pawl spring. Tilt
WheelsiTinesiPTO Lever fully
forward before installing spring.
Figure 2-11: Neutral position; roller
(7) rests against middle area of the
adjustment block (U).
STEP6: CheckGearOilLevels
Your tiller hastwo separatetransmis-
sions: one for the PowerUnit (Figure 2-
12), the otherfor the TineAttachment
(Figure2-13). Both transmissions were
filled atthe factory with SAE#85W-140
weight gear oil (with an A.P.I rating of
GL-4). Checklevelin both transmis-
sions to verify that they are still correct.
SeeSection 5, TransmissionGearOil
Maintenancefor complete information
on howto check and fill the transmis-
sions.

Section2: Assembly
IMPORTANT: Checkgear oil level in both
transmissions after the first 2 hours of
new tiller operation, then every 30
operating hours thereafter. SeeSection 5
for instructions.
OilLevel Hole
Figure 2-12: Checking oil level on
Power Unit Transmission.
Figure 2-13: Checking oil level on
Tine Attachment Transmission.
STEP7: AddMotor0il to Engine
1. Beforeadding motor oil, park thetiller
on levelground. Levelthe engine by
placinga sturdy block under thetines or
the tines depth regulator bar.
2. Referto the EngineOwner's Manual
provided with your tiller for detailed infor-
mation on how to add motor oil andfor
motor oil specifications.
IMPORTANT:Two 20 oz. bottles of motor
oil are includedwith your tiller. Checkthe
oil level as instructed in the Engine
Owner's Manual provided with your tiller
BEFOREpouring the full amount of each
bottle into the engine.
IMPORTANT:
•Changeengine oil after first 2 hours of
newoperation.
• Checkengine oil levelevery 5 hours of
operation or eachuse.
STEP8: AttachEngineThrottle
Leverand Cable
Forshipping purposes,the throttle cable,
together with the throttle lever, is wound
around the engine. Carefullyunwindthe
cable. If the throttle control label is
coveredwith a clear protectivecoating,
peel it off.
To avoid electric shock from a short
circuit (electric starttillers only), never
allow the throttle cable to touch the
battery. Routecable belowthe battery,
onthe outsideofthebatteryholder.
To attachthe throttle leverand cable:
1. Runthethrottle cableup the inside
edge of the right handlebarand position
the leverasshown in Figure2-14.
2. Fromthe outside of the handlebar,
insert the curved headscrew (A, Figure2-
14), through the handlebarand the center
hole in the throttle levermounting
bracket.
3. Loosely install the flanged lock nut
and movethethrottle lever back to the
STOPposition.
4. Fromthe lever sideof the bracket,
threada pan headscrew (B, Figure2-14)
through the small hole in the throttle lever
bracketand intothe handlebar. Tighten
the screw securely.
5. Securelytighten boththe flanged lock
nut and the curved headscrew.
6. Usetwo plastic ties to securethe
throttlecableto the right handlebarin two
places (Figure2-15). Loop eachtie
around the handlebarand cable (serrated
sidefaces in) and pull the ties tight. Trim
the ends.
B
Figure2-14: Engine ThrottleLever
position and installation.
Figure 2-15: Plastic Ties placement
on handlebars.
STEP9: Adjust Air Pressure in
Tires
Forshipping purposes,the tires may be
overinflated. Checkthe air pressure in
eachtire andadjust them to between10
and 20 pounds per square inch. You
must inflate eachtire to equalair
pressuresto prevent thetiller from pulling
to one side.
Assembly is complete for recoilstart
tillers. SeeAssembling TheElectric
Start System if you own an electric
start tiller; otherwise, refer to Section
3, Controlsfor information on tiller
controls.

Section2: Assembly
ASSEMBLINGTHEELECTRICSTARTSYSTEM
Thefollowing steps explain howto install and chargethe batteryon electric start tillers. Foryour safety,follow all steps and observe
all accompanying safety messages. Section 5 contains other generalbattery maintenanceand recharginginstructions.
Batteryproducesexplosivegases.
*Keep away sparks, flames, and
cigarettes.
.Ventilate area when chargingor using
batteryin anenclosedspace.
.Make surebatteryvent tube is always
openafter batteryisfilled with acid.
Remove metal jewelry before working
near the battery or near the electrical
system. Failureto complymay causea
short circuit, resulting in electrical
burns, a shock, or battery gas
explosion.
NOTE:If the battery is put into
serviceafter the dateshown on the
top of the battery, chargefor a
minimum of one hour at 6-10
amps. Referto the Maintenence
section of this manualfor more
detailedinstructions regarding
proper batterycharging procedure
STEP1: Connectthe Wire
HarnessReceptacle
1. Beforeinstalling the batteryand its
hold-down clamp, insert the plastic wire
harness receptacle(A, Figure2-18) into
the prongs of the keyswitch (M)located
on the hold-down clamp.
2. Removethe ignition keysfrom the
keyswitch and store them safelyaway.
Do not insertthe key intothe keyswitch
until you completethis section and read
Section 3, Controls.
STEP 2: Install the
BatteryCables
NOTE:The cableterminals should be
toward the rear (keyswitch side) of the
battery posts.
1. Usea 5/8" long screw (K,Figure2-18)
and 1/4-20 hexnut (L) to connectthe
positive (+) batterycable(B) to the
positive (marked +) battery post (C).
Make surethat this is the cableon the left
side, with one end attachedto the
solenoid (D).
2. Slidethe black rubber boot (E) com-
pletely over the battery post and cable
connector.
3. Usea 5/8" long screw and 1/4-20 hex
nut to connectthe negative (-) battery
cable (F)to the negative(marked -)
battery post (G) andsecure with screw
(H) and nut (I).
4. Slidethe black rubber boot (J) com-
pletely over the battery post and cable
connector.
Assembly is complete for electric start
tillers. SeeSection 3, Controlsfor
information on tiller controls.
K
To Avoid Personal Injury or Property
Damage:
* Do not touch positive batteryterminal
and any surrounding metal objects
with tools, jewelry or other metal
items. Failure to complycould cause
a short circuit leading to electrical
burnsor explosionof batterygases.
* Neverbringa gascannearthe positive
(+) battery terminal. A short circuit
could occurleadingto an explosionof
the gasoline or the battery gases.
Always fill the engine fuel tank from
thefrontor sideof theengine.
Never jump start the battery with a
vehicle battery or chargingsystem. This
may produce a battery explosion,
causingacid orelectrical burns.
G(-)
J
Figure 2-18: Battery cable assembly.
10

n
FeaturesandControls
Before operating your machine,
carefully read and understand all
safety, controls, operating instructions
in this Manual, the separate Engine
Owner's Manual and on the decals on
themachine.
Failure to follow these instructionscan
resultin seriouspersonalinjury.
Introduction
This section describesthe location and
function of the controls and features on
your tiller. Refer to Section4, Operation
for detailedoperating instructions.
Practice usingthese controls, with the
engine shut off, until you completely
understand the operation ofthe controls
and feelconfident with eachof them.
IMPORTANT:Referto the separateengine
manufacturer's Engine Owner's Manual
for information about the controls on the
engine.
NOTE:All referencesto left,right, front
and rearof themachineare basedon a
position behindthe handlebarsand facing
forward.
PTOAttachmentsFeature
In addition to powerful tilling capability,
you canquickly convert your machine
into a PTO(PowerTake-Off) PowerUnit
that iscapableof towing or powering
various TROY-BILTattachments.
You canaccessthis capability by
removing the tines attachment (powered
by the PTOPower Unit). ThePTOPower
Unit isthen availablefor engine powered
attachments,or for pulling or towing non-
poweredattachments. SeeSection 4,
PTOPowerUnit for detailedinformation
on installing and operating TROY-BILT
PTOattachments.
WheelsiTines/PTODriveLever
Usethe Wheels/Tines/PTODrive Lever(A,
Figure3-1) to engageand disengage
powerto the transmission.
Figure 3-1:
A- Wheels/Tines/PTO Drive Lever
B- Forward Interlock Levers
C- Wheel Speed Lever
D- Tines/PTO Clutch Lever
This leverhasthree operatingpositions:
FORWARD,NEUTRALand REVERSE.
FORWARDisengagedwhen the leveris
moved down until the clutch roller (G,
Figure3-2) engagesintothe detent
position under the adjustment block (H,
Figure3-2). You will definitely feelthe
leverengageinto this position.
Usethe FORWARDsetting to move the
wheels andtines forward, or to apply
power to an optional PTO(PowerTake
Off) attachment. (Seealso Forward
Interlock Levers.)
To stop the wheels,tines or any PTO
attachment,movetheleverto NEUTRAL
by tapping the leverupwards (Figure
3-3) and releasing.
• REVERSEis engagedwhen the lever is
pushed(with an open palm)all the way
up and heldin that position (Figure3-4).
Usethis setting to movethe wheels in
reverse. To stop moving in reverse,
releasethe lever; it automatically returns
to the NEUTRALposition.
zG
E- Depth Regulator Lever
F- Handlebar Height Adjustment Lever
G- Engine Throttle Lever
IMPORTANT: Do not operatethe tines or
any PTOattachment in REVERSE.
• NEUTRAListhis control's normal non-
operating position. Thelever returns to
NEUTRALwhen it is tappedout of the
FORWARDposition or releasedfrom the
REVERSEposition. NEUTRALposition
is betweenFORWARDand REVERSE
(Figure3-3). Usethis setting to stop
the wheels,tines or any PTOattach-
ment.
IMPORTANT: Always shift to NEUTRAL
before starting the engine or before
engaging the wheels, tines or any PTO
attachment.
Forward Interlock Levers
The Forward Interlock Levers (B,
Figure3-1) are attachedunder each
handlebargrip.
You must squeezeat least one of these
interlock levers up against the handlebar
grip wheneverthe Wheels/Tines/PTO
Drive Leveris engagedin FORWARD
position.
11

Section3: FeaturesandControls
Figure 3-2: FORWARD posiUon;roller
(G)rests under lhe adj_t block (H_
Figure 3-3: NEUTRAL position; roller
(G) rests against middle area of the ad-
justment block (H).
Figure 3-4: REVERSE position; roller
(G) rests against upper area of the ad-
justment block (H).
12
If both Forward Interlock Leversare
releasedbeforefirst returning the
Wheels/Tines/PTODrive Leverto
NEUTRAL,the enginewill stop.
IMPORTANT: The Forward Interlock
Levers are a safety control that stops the
engine should you lose control while
going forward and cannot shift into
NEUTRAL.
Wheel Speed Lever
Usethe Wheel SpeedLever(C, Fig.3-1)
to selectone of threeoperating positions:
SLOW,FASTor FREEWHEEL.
-SLOW- Levermoved all the way down.
Most effectivefor normaltilling or for
low-speedtransport.
., FAST- Levermovedall theway up.
Most effectivefor cultivatingor for fast-
speedtransport.
-FREEWHEEL- Leverin betweenSLOW
and FAST(wheelswill roll freely). Used
whentransportingthe machineon level
groundwithout enginepower,andwhen
usingstationaryPTOattachments.
IMPORTANT: To avoid transmission
damage, always move Wheels/Tines/PTO
Drive Lever into NEUTRALbefore shifting
the WheelSpeedLever.
IMPORTANT: When shifting into SLOW
or FAST,gently roll the machine forward
or backward to help fully engage the
wheel gears. When engaged,the wheels
will not turn unless the engine is running
and the Wheels/Tines/PT0 Drive Lever is
engagedin FORWARDor REVERSE.
Tines/PTOClutchLever
Usethis lever(D, Figure3-1) to engageor
disengagepowerfrom the transmission
PTOclutchto the tines or any PTOattach-
ment. Thiscontrol hastwo operating
positions: ENGAGEand DISENGAGE.
-ENGAGE-Levermovedintodetentslot
farthestfrom engine. Usethis positionto
operatetines or otherPTOattachments.
Aftershifting to ENGAGE,brieflyoperate
machinein FORWARDto helpfully
engagethe PTOclutch.
•DISENGAGE- Levermovedinto detent
slot nearestengine. Usethis positionto
disengagepowertotines or otherPTO
attachmentsbeforetransporting, loading,
turning, or operatingin reverse.
IMPORTANT: To avoid transmission
damage, always move the Wheels/Tines/
PTO Drive Lever into NEUTRAL before
shifting the Tines/PTOClutch Lever.
DepthRegulatorLever
Usethis lever(E, Figure3-1) to regulate
the tilling depth of the tines. This control
also hasa TRAVELposition, which
enablestransport with thetines off the
ground.
To operatethe lever, lift up on the handle-
bars, pull the Depth RegulatorLever
straight back,and then slide it up or down
to one of the eightdetent heightsettings.
Theeight detent positions offer a range of
tine heightsettings. This enablesyou to
select the heightthat is most effectivefor
a particular condition. Thetop detent
position is theTRAVELsetting. Usethe
second or third detent from the top for
shallow tilling and cultivating. Usethe
otherdetents for deepertilling and for
powercomposting.
To avoid personal injury,
always place the tines in the TRAVEL
position before starting the engine.
This preventsthe tines from touching
the grounduntil youare ready to begin
tilling.
HandlebarHeightAdjustment
Lever
Usethis lever(F, Figure3-1) to adjust the
handlebarsto oneof two heightsettings.
1. Tochangetheheight,hold thehandle-
barswith one handand loosenthe leverin
a counterclockwisedirection.
2. Movethe handlebarsto oneofthe two
presetheightsettings.
3. Retightenthelever.
NOTE:You can swapthe positions of the
inside handlebarratchetsto changethe
two presetsettings by approximately four
inches higher or lower. SeeSection 2,
Step2: Attach Handlebarfor detailed
assembly information.

Section3: FeaturesandControls
The tiller handlebarscan be swungout
30°to the rightside for useonlywith the
PTOChipper/Shredderattachment. This
is doneby looseningthe mountingbolt
on the handlebar base. Never operate
yourtiller orattachments,otherthanthe
PTO Chipper/Shredder,with the handle-
bars in the right side position. Doingso
could result in unsafe handling and
personalinjury.
Engine Controls
Referto the engine manufacturer's Engine
Owner's Manual (included in the tiller lit-
erature package)to identify the controls
on your engine.
IMPORTANT:An engine On/Offswitch, a
secondary throttle control, a choke lever
and a fuel line shut-off control may be
located on the engine. Refer to your
Engine Owner's Manual for detailed
information.
EngineThrottleLever
Usethe throttle lever(G,Figure3-1) to
adjust engine speedaswell asto start
and stop the engine.
Move the leveraway from the STOP
position beforestarting the engine.
Enginespeedsare variableand range
betweenthe FASTand SLOW. Usethe
STOPposition to turn the engine off.
NOTE: A secondarythrottle leveris
located onthe front of the 8HPand IOHP
engines. A separateOn/Offsw_chmay
alsobeavailableontheengine. (See
EngineOwner'sManualfor information.)
KeyswitchStarter
Thekeyswitch starter on electricstart
models (A, Figure3-5) hasthree
positions: OFF,RUNand START. Turn
the keyto STARTto start the engine.
Releasethe keyand
it will returnto the
RUNposition. Turn
the keyto OFFto
stop the engine.
(Anotherway to
stop the engine is to
move the engine
throttle leverto the Figure 3-5
STOPposition.)
To avoid serious personal injury or
damageto equipment, do not startyour
engine at this time. Complete starting
instructionsare describedin Section4,
Operation.
13

n
Op ration
Before operating your machine,
carefully read and understandall safety
(Section 1), controls (Section 3) and
operating instructions (Section 4) in
this Manual, in the separate Engine
Owner's Manual, and on the decals on
the machine.
Failureto follow these instructionscan
resultin seriouspersonalinjury.
INTRODUCTION
Readthis Section ofthe manual
thoroughly beforeyou start the engine.
Then,take the time to familiarizeyourself
with the basic operation of the tiller
beforeusing it inyour garden. Findan
open, levelareaand practice usingthe
tiller controls without the tines engaging
the soil (put tines inTravelsetting--
Section 3, DepthRegulator Lever). Only
after you've becomecompletely familiar
with the tiller should you begin using itin
the garden.
Your tiller and its optional PTO Power
Unit attachments are capable of
causing serious injury to untrained or
carelessoperators.
To avoid serious personal injury or
property damage, read the Owner's
Manual that is provided with any
optional accessories or attachments
before using the tiller or PTO Power
Unit.
Break-InOperation
Perform the following maintenanceduring
thefirst hours of new operation (see
MaintenanceSection in this Manualand
maintenanceinformation inthe Engine
Owner's Manual).
1. Changeengine oil after first 2 hours of
newengine operation.
Figure: 4-1
2. After the first 2 hours of new
operation, checkthe gear oil levels inthe
PTOPowerUnit and the tine attachment
transmissions.
3. Checkfor loose or missing hardware
on unit. Tighten or replaceas needed.
4. Checktension on forward drive belt
after first 2 hours of operation.
StartingandStoppingthe Engine
Thefollowing stepsdescribe how to start
and stop the engine.
IMPORTANT: Do not attempt to engage
the tines, wheels, or any PTOattachment
until you have read all of the operating
instructions in this Section. Also review
the safety rules in Section 1, Safety and
the tiller and engine controls information
in Section 3, Featuresand Controls.
Pre-StartChecklist
Make thefollowing checks and perform
the following services before starting the
engine.
1. Readthe Safetyand ControlsSections
in this Manual. Readthe separate Engine
Owner's Manual providedby the engine
manufacturer.
2. Checkunit for looseor missing
hardware. Serviceas required.
3. Checkengine oil level. SeeEngine
Owner's Manual.
4. Shift the Wheels/Tines/PTODrive lever
(Figure4-2) into NEUTRALposition. See
Section3, Controlsfor more information
on this lever.
5. CheckSafetyGuards. All guards and
covers must besecurely in place.
6. Checkair cleaner. SeeEngineOwner's
Manual.
7. Attach spark plug wire to spark plug.
8. CheckEngineCoolingSystem. Clear
cooling fins andair intake screen of
debris.
9. Select High/Low Belt Speedrange.
10. Adjust HandlebarHeight.
11. Fillthe fueltank with gasolinein
accordancewith the directions in the
separate EngineOwner's Manual. Follow
all instructions and safety rules carefully.
GASOLINEIS HIGHLY FLAMMABLEAND
ITS VAPORSAREEXPLOSIVE.
Follow gasoline safety rules in this
Manual (Section 1) and in the separate
EngineOwner'sManual.
Failureto follow gasolinesafety instruc-
tions can result in serious personal
injuryandpropertydamage.
14

Section4: Operation
Wheels/Tines/PTO
DriveLever EngineThrottle
Lever
RecoilStartRope
(atfrontofengine)
\
_Forward
InterlockLevers
J
Depth
Regulator
Lever
Tines/PTO
Startingthe Engine:
To help prevent serious
personalinjuryor damagetoequipment:
• Always place Wheels/Tines/PTODrive
Lever into NEUTRAL before starting
engine, and before engaging wheels,
tinesor otherPTO-drivenattachments.
• Never run engine indoors or in
enclosed, poorly ventilated areas.
Engine exhaust contains carbon
monoxide, an odorless and deadly
gas.
•Avoid engine muffler and nearby
areas. Temperatures in these areas
mayexceed150OF.
1. With the engineoff, placethe
Wheels/Tines/PTODrive Lever(Figure
4-2) in the NEUTRALposition. If in the
FORWARDposition, tap the leversharply
upward, it should automatically move into
NEUTRALposition.
2. Putthe Depth Regulator Leverin the
Travel position (leverall the way down)
so that the tinesare off the ground. To do
this, lift up on the handlebars,pull the
lever (Figure4-2) back,and push it down
all the wayto the top detent (notched)
position.
Figure 4-2." Tiller and engine controls.
3. Move theWheelSpeedLever(Figure
4-2) to eithertheSLOWor FASTposition.
Besureto roll the wheelswhile shifting the
leveruntil thewheelsengage.
NOTE:If usinga PTOstationary attach-
ment, movetheWheelSpeedLeverinto
FREEWHEELand block thewheelsto
preventtheequipmentfrom moving(Figure
4-29 onpage29).
4. MovetheTines/PTOClutchLeverinto
DISENGAGEposition(Figure4-2).
NOTE:UsetheENGAGEpositionifyouwant
thetinesto revolveor toapplypowertoa
PTO-drivenstationaryattachment.
5. If engine is equippedwith a fuel valve,
turn valveto OPENposition as instructed
in theseparate EngineOwner's Manual.
6. If engine is equippedwith an ON/OFF
switch, move theswitch to ON.
7. Move engine throttle lever(Figure4-2)
awayfrom STOP.
8. Chokeor prime engine asinstructed in
the separateEngineOwner's Manual.
9. If not equipped with an electric start
system, placeone handon thefuel tank to
stabilizethe unit when you pull the recoil
starter rope. Usethe recoil starter rope to
start the engine as instructed in the
separateEngineOwner's Manual.
10. If equipped with an electric start
system,turn keyto STARTpositionto crank
enginethenreleasewhenenginestarts. If
theenginedoesnotstartrightaway,do not
holdkeyatSTARTfor morethanafew
seconds.Releasethentry againaftera short
pause.Damageto startermotorcanoccurif
itiscrankedmorethan15secondsper
minute.
11. Iftheenginedoesnotstartaftera
numberoftries,refertotheEngineOwner's
Manualforspecificinstructions.
12. Whenenginestarts, move theThrottle
Leverto the SLOWposition andthen
graduallymovechoke lever(on enginesso
equipped)to OFFor RUNposition.
13. Movethe throttle speedcontrol to
FASTsettingwhen tilling.
Starting Electric Start Engines
with the Recoil Starter Rope
You may,at some point, haveto start an
electricstart enginewith the recoil starter
rope. Beforeattempting to do so,
perform the following applicablesteps:
•If you suspect the battery chargeis
weak,and there is no visible damage.
Disconnectcables from batteryand
cleanboth cableterminals, and the
battery posts in accordancewith the
instructions providedin Section 5,
BatteryCareand Maintenance.
15

Section4: Operation
16
Reconnectthe cables andsecurely
tighten to batteryposts. Theenginewill
rechargethe battery if the battery is still
good.
•If you suspectthe batter is "dead", or if
the batteryis damaged,disconnect, and
remove it. Haveit checkedby a
qualifiedtechnician.
• If battery hasbeen removed,wrap cable
terminals atend of positive cablewith
electricaltapeand secure thecableto
the batterybracket. This will prevent
electricaldischarge.
• Beforepulling the recoil starter rope,
turn the keyswitch to the RUNposition.
Move theThrottle Leverawayfrom
STOPposition and set the chokeas
applicable. SeeEngineOwner's Manual.
Stopping the Engine and Tiller
1. Tostop the wheelsand tines, movethe
Wheels/Tines/PTODrive Leverinto
NEUTRALposition andthen releaseboth
ForwardInterlock Levers.
2. Move the engineThrottle Leverto the
STOPposition. Thenon electric start
models, turn the keyto OFF.Removethe
key for safekeeping.
NOTE: Theengine may havea separate
Throttle Control Leverand ON/OFFswitch
on the engine. Thesecontrols can also be
usedto stop the engine. Seethe Engine
Owner's manualfor information specific
to your engine.
Operating the Tiller
Whenfirst practicing,keeptheTines/PTO
ClutchLeverin DISENGAGEpositionand
theWheelSpeedLeverin SLOWposition.
To avoid serious personal injury or
damageto equipment:
• Alwaysplace Wheels/Tines/PTODrive
Lever in NEUTRAL before starting
engine, and before engagingwheels,
tinesor otherPTOattachments.
•Besure there are no obstaclesbehind
youbeforemovingin reverse.
• Wheels/Tines/PTODriveLever should
automatically return to NEUTRAL
when released from REVERSE
position. If it doesnot, movelever to
NEUTRALmanually and discontinue
use until you adjust the lever. See
Section 5, Checking and Adjusting
ReverseDrive System.
•No reverse motion should occur if
Wheels/Tines/PTODrive Lever is not
held up in REVERSE. See Section 5,
Checking and Adjusting Reverse
Drive System for adjustment steps.
Do not use tiller unless properly
adjusted.
• Alwaysreturn to NEUTRALand let all
motion stop before shifting to
FORWARDor REVERSE.
Thefollowing pagesprovide guidelines
for using your tiller effectively and safely
in various gardening applications. Be
sure to read Tilling Tips& Techniques,in
this Section, beforeyou actually putthe
tines into the soil.
This isa traditional standard-rotating-tine
(SRT) tiller with forward rotating tines. It
operates in a completely different manner
than counter-rotating-tine (CRT)tillers, or
from front-tine tillers.
Movingthe Tiller ForwardandTilling
1. Start the engine and gradually increase
engine speedto FAST(seeStarting the
Engine,this Section).
The ForwardInterlock Safety System is
designedfor the operator'ssafety. Do
not disconnector attempt to defeat the
purpose of the system. If the system
malfunctions,immediately contactyour
local authorized dealer or the
TROY-BILT Technical Service Depart-
ment for assistance. Do not use the
tiller or the PTO power unit until the
Forward Interlock Safety System is
functioning properly. Always test the
system before using the tiller or PTO
powerunit.
2. Testthe ForwardInterlock Safety
System. See TestingForward Interlock
System,this Section.
Keepaway fromrotatingtines. Rotating
tineswill causeinjury.
3. When practicing, setthe Depth
Regulator Leverto Travel position.
Otherwise,set the Depth Regulator Lever
to a desireddepth.
4. Move Tines/PTOClutch Leverto
ENGAGEposition if you want thetines to
turn. If practicing, leavein DISENGAGE.
IMPORTANT: Do not move Tines/PTO
Clutch Lever to ENGAGE unless
Wheels/Tines/PTO Drive Lever is in
NEUTRAL.Tiller damagemay occur!
5. To movethe tiller forward and engage
the tines,squeezeand hold either Forward
Interlock Lever(Figure4-3) against the
handlebargrip, thenmove the
Wheels/Tines/PTODrive Leverdownto
FORWARDposition.

Figure 4-4: Guide tiller with one hand.
Section4: Operation
Figure 4-3: Moving tiller forward:
squeeze one Forward Interlock Lever
and then move Wheels/Tines/PTO
Drive Lever down to FORWARD.
6. Whenthetiller movesforward, relax
and let thewheels powerthetiller along
while thetines dig. Walk behindand to
one sideof the tiller. Walkon the side
that is not yet tilled (Figure4-4). Usea
firm grip on the handlebarsbut keepyour
arm relaxed.
IMPORTANT: Letthe tiller move aheadat
its own pace. Do not push it ahead--this
reduces operator control and tilling effi-
ciency. Do not push handlebarsdown in
an attempt to dig deeper-- this takes
weight off the wheels, reduces traction,
and causes the tines to try to propel the
tiller.
StoppingForwardMotionandTines
1. Tostop forward motion, tap
Wheels/Tines/PTODrive Leverupward
into NEUTRAL.Then releasethe Forward
Interlock Levers. Thewheels and tines
will stop and the engine will continue
running.
2. In an emergency,releaseall of the
control levers. This stops forward motion
and shuts-off the engine.
To Help Avoid Personal Injury or
Damageto Equipment:
•Be sure no obstaclesare behindyou
beforeoperatingthetiller in REVERSE.
•Disengagethe tines, reduce engine
speed, and move the Wheel Speed
Lever to SLOW position before
operating in REVERSE. Avoid using
FAST wheel speed until you are
familiar with backingthetiller.
Moving the Tiller in Reverse
IMPORTANT: Do not till while in
REVERSE.
1. Shift theTines/Wheels/PTODrive Lever
(Figure4-2) into NEUTRALand movethe
WheelSpeedLeverto the SLOWposition.
2. Move Tines/PTOClutch Lever(Figure
4-2) into DISENGAGEposition.
3. Verify that the area behindyou is clear.
4. Lift upthe handlebarsuntil the tines
are off theground, thenshift the
Wheels/Tines/PTODrive Leverall the way
up and hold. You do not needto squeeze
the Forward Interlock Leversto use
mve_e.
5. Theunit immediatelyengagesin
reverse. Periodicallycheck behindyou
while holding the handlebarsup and the
Wheels/Tines/PTOLeverin its upper-most
position.
Stopping Reverse Motion
ReleasetheWheels/Tines/PTODrive
Lever- the leverautomatically returns to
the NEUTRALposition. This stops the
wheels immediately.(TheForward
Interlock Leverswill notstop REVERSE
motion.)
ToStopthe Engine
Move the engineThrottle Leverto the
STOPposition. Then, on electric start
models, turn keyto OFF.Removethe key
for safekeeping.
MakingTurns
Turningthe tiller is easyand just requires
practice. Firstfind the balancepoint
betweenthe engine and thetines by lifting
upthe handlebars(Figure4-5). Onceyou
find the balancepoint, then letthe
poweredwheelsdo theturning as you
pushsideways on the handlebarsin the
direction of theturn. Practicetheturning
maneuverdescribed herein a large open
area. Oncecomfortable turning the tiller,
you canthen take it to the garden area.
1. Atthe end of a row, move theWheels/
Tines/PTODrive Lever(Figure4-2) to
NEUTRALpositionand reducethe engine
speed.
2. Move the Tines/PTOClutch Lever
(Figure4-2) into the DISENGAGE
position.
3. Resumeforward operation, and lift
handlebarsuntil tines are off theground
(Figure4-5). Findthe balancepoint
betweenthe engine and thetines. Then
pushthe handlebarsinthe direction of the
turn. Be very careful to keepfeet and legs
away from the tines (which should be dis-
engaged). Letthe poweredwheels do the
hardwork. The insidewheelwill pivotin
placewhile the outside wheel drives the
tiller around in the direction ofthe turn.
Figure 4-5: Turning the tiller.
NOTE:Use REVERSEif necessaryto turn
in a limited space.
17

Section4: Operation
4. Whenthe turn is complete, shift to
NEUTRALand lowerthe handlebars.
Move Tines/PTOClutch Leverbackto
ENGAGEposition and resumeforward
operation.
Transporting The Tiller Around
Your Property
When the engine is running, thetiller's
poweredwheels make moving the tiller to
and from the garden easy. If the engineis
not running set the WheelSpeedLeverto
FREEWHEELposition to roll the tiller to
another location.
To help avoid personal injury from
revolving tines, always put the
Tines/PTOClutch Lever in DISENGAGE
positionbeforetransporting,loading,or
unloadingUiler.
1. Placethe Tines/PTOClutch Leverin
DISENGAGEposition.
2. MoveDepthRegulatorLeverdownall the
way intotheTravelsetting.
3. If using enginepower, move Wheel
SpeedLeverto either SLOWor FAST,and
usethe Wheels/Tines/PTODrive Leverto
drivethe wheels.
4. If theengine is stopped, move Wheel
SpeedLeverto FREEWHEEL,and
manually push tiller.
Testing the Forward
Interlock SafetySystem
The Forward Interlock SafetySystem is
designedto shut thetiller engine off
immediately if you losecontrol and
cannot stop moving FORWARDby
shifting theWheels/Tines/PTODrive Lever
into NEUTRAL. Whenyou releaseboth
Forward Interlock Levers,they send
ground to the ignition systemthereby
stopping theengine. Squeezingone or
both levers up against the handlebars
enablesthe ignition system; therefore,
you must squeezeat least one lever
whenever the Wheels/Tines/PTODrive
Leveris engagedin FORWARD.
IMPORTANT: The interlock system also
prevents the engine from starting if the
Wheels/Tines/PTODrive Lever is engaged
in FORWARD.
18
The ForwardInterlockSafetySystem is
designedfor the operator'ssafety. Do
not disconnector attempt to defeat the
purpose of the system, if the system
malfunctions, immediately contactyour
local authorized dealer or the
TROY-BILT Technical Service Depart-
ment for assistance. Do not use the
tiller or the PTO power unit until the
Forward Interlock Safety System is
functioning properly. Always test the
system before using the tiller or PTO
powerunit.
HowtoCheckthe Interlock System
The Forward Interlock System hasan
electro-mechanicaldesign, and so is
subject to normal wearand possible mal-
function. Checkthe system for proper
operationeachtime prior to usingthe
tiller or PTOpower unit.
Figure 4-6: Plug and receptacle of
Forward Interlock Safety System
must be securely connected.
To test the Forward Interlock System:
1. Movetiller outside to levelground.
Removeany obstacles.
2. Checkthat the Forward Interlock wire
harnessplug, at the bottom ofthe handle-
bars (Figure4-6), is securelyconnected
to the receptacleon the top, right sideof
the transmission.
3. MoveWheel SpeedLever(Figure4-2)
to SLOWposition and moveTines/PTO
ClutchLeverto DISENGAGE.
4. Start engine asdescribed under
Starting and Stopping the Engine,in this
section. Setengine throttle leverto
SLOW,and let enginewarm up.
5. Squeezeand hold just one of the
Forward Interlock Leversagainst the
handlebargrip while moving the Wheels/
Tines/PTO Drive Leverdown to
FORWARD(Figure4-3). Asthe tiller
movesforward, releasethe ForwardInter-
lock Leverbriefly. The engineshould
start to stall out if the interlock system is
working properly. If it does start to stall,
quickly squeezethe leverup against the
handlebargrip, andthen return the
Wheels/Tines/PTO Drive Leverto
NEUTRAL. Repeatthis test to checkthat
the engine beginsto stall out when the
other ForwardInterlock Leveris released.
6. If the enginedoes not begin to shut off
when either Forward Interlock leveris
released,shut theengine off, removethe
key (if electric start), and donotoperate
the tiller or PTOpowerunituntil the
systemhasbeenrepairedand isfunc-
tioningproperly.
IMPORTANT:Toavoid possible damage
to the ForwardInterlock Safetysystem,
do not use high-pressure sprays nearthe
wire harnessreceptacleor neutralplunger
assembly.
Loading and Unloading the Tiller
Thefollowing provides information on
tiller loading, unloading, and requirements
before loading and unloading the tiller.
Readthe following instructions carefully
beforeattempting to load or unloadyour
tiller.
BeforeLoadingor Unloadingthe
Tiller
• Ramps must be strong enoughto
support the combined weight of thetiller
and handlers. Theyshould providegood
traction to prevent slipping; they should
haveside railsto guide thetiller along
the ramps;and they should havea
locking deviceto secure them to the
vehicle.
• Handlers shouldwear sturdy footwear
that will helpto preventslipping.

Section4: Operation
•Turnthe vehicle's engineoff and apply
its parkingbrake.
•Positionthe loading vehicleso that the
ramp angle isas flat aspossible (the
less incline to the ramp,the better).
Loadingthe Tiller
1. Use loading ramps that arestrong and
wide enough to safely hold the weight of
the tiller and the operator combined--
your tiller weighs between280 and 325
Ibs.
2. Move the Tines/PTOClutch Lever
(Figure4-2) into DISENGAGEposition.
3. Setthe Depth Regulator lever(Figure
4-2) to the Travel position.
4. Move WheelSpeedLever (Figure4-2)
into SLOWposition and reducethe
enginethrottle speed.
5. Shift the Wheels/Tines/PTOLever
(Figure4-2) into FORWARDposition and
follow the tiller up the ramps (Figure4-7).
Checkthe wheels asyou move the tiller
forward. Ensurethat they move up the
center of eachramp.
6. Preventtiller from rolling in vehicle.
LeaveWheelSpeed Leverin FASTor
SLOWposition, chock wheels with blocks
and tie down the tiller.
Figure 4-7: To go up ramps, use
FORWARD drive.
Unloading the Tiller
IMPORTANT:Neverunload thetiller in
FORWARDdrive. Thetiller could tip
forward and exposeyou to the tines
(which should bedisengagedas
instructed).
1. Use loading ramps that arestrong and
wide enough to safely hold the weight of
the tiller and the operator combined--
your tiller weighs between280 and 325
Ibs.
2. Move the Tines/PTOClutch Lever
(Figure 4-2) to DISENGAGEposition.
3. Setthe Depth Regulator Lever(Figure
4-2) to the Travel position.
4. Move WheelSpeedLever(Figure4-2)
to SLOWposition and reducethe engine
throttle speed.
IMPORTANT: Look behind you before
you backdown the rampto ensurethat all
is clear. Whiledescending, keepchecking
for obstacles behindyou.
5. Move and holdthe Wheels/Tines/PT0
Lever into REVERSEdriveand backdown
the ramps (Figure4-8). Checkthewheels
asyou move thetiller backward. Ensure
that they move down the center of each
ramp.
Figure 4-8: TOgo down ramps, use
REVERSE drive.
Changing Speed Belts
Your tiller hastwo belt-driven speed
ranges- HIGHRANGEand LOWRANGE
- you pick one or the other by deciding
which set of pulleygrooves to move the
forward belt into. Bymoving the belt
from onespeed rangeinto the other, in
combination with the FASTand SLOW
wheel speeds,you obtain a choice of four
different forward wheel speedsandtwo
different tine speeds.
To help avoid serious personal injury,
stop the engine, remove the ignition
key, disconnect spark plug wire and
move the wire away from the spark
plug, and let engine and muffler cool
downbeforechangingbelt speeds.
Changingthe beltfrom LOWrange into
HIGHrange (or backagain) isa matter of
moving the belt from one set of pulley
grooves to a second set of pulleygrooves.
This changeis done quickly and without
tools (Figures4-9 through 4-13).
Pulley
Figure 4-9: Belt range positions.
Whenthe tiller is moving in REVERSE,the
wheels are powered bya rubber reverse
disc, not bythe belt. Therefore,you have
onlytwo reversespeedsSLOWand FAST,
as set with the WheelSpeedLever.
Table4-1 showsthe rangeof wheeland
tine speedsavailablewhen using thetwo
beltspeed rangesand the FASTand
SLOWselectionson theWheel Speed
Lever.
Table 4-1
AvailablewheelandUnespeedsat 3000RPM
enginespeed.
Belt WheelSpeedWheel Tine
Lever _Speed _Speed
Low Range Slow .5MPH _46RPM
Low Range Fast 1.2MPH 146RPM
High Range Slow .7MPH 200RPM
High Range Fast 1.72MPH 200RPM
ChangingBeltFromLOWRange
to HIGHRange
1. To avoid personalinjury, shut off
engine,letall moving parts come to a
completestop, then disconnect spark
plug wire from spark plug and move it
away from spark plug beforemaking any
adjustments. Wait for the engineand
muffler to cool down.
2. MoveWheels/Tines/PTODrive Lever
into NEUTRAL.
19

Section4: Operation
The HIGH speed belt range position
combined with a FAST wheel speed
setting propelsthe tiller at the fastest
pace. Reducethe enginethrottle speed
whenstartingoutto help avoidpersonal
injury or propertydamage if using this
speedcombination.
3. Kneelon left sideof tiller. Tocreate
belt slack, reachoverto right side of the
pulleys and push in atthe center of the
belt with a finger. At the sametime, use
your left hand to work the belt part-way
onto the lower-front transmission pulley
groove (Figure4-10).
Figure 4-10: Low range to high range.
Shows moving belt from lower-rear
groove onto lower-front groove.
4. Goto the otherside of the tiller to
finish seating the belt onto the pulley
groove.
5. Working from the left sideof the tiller,
work the beltas much as possible onto
the top-front engine pulley groove (Figure
4-11).
6. Finish seatingthe beltfrom the right
side of thetiller.
IMPORTANT: Proper belt tension is
important for good performance. See
Section 5, Drive Belt Maintenance for
information on belt maintenanceschedule
and procedures.
NOTE: If extra belt slack is needed to
move the belt, just raise the
Wheels/Tines/PTO Drive Lever up into
REVERSE.This lowers the engine pulley,
and createsmore slack.
Figure 4-11: Low range to high
range. Shows moving belt from top-
rear groove onto top-front groove.
7. Checkboth sides of the high range
pulley groovesto verify that the belt is
properly seated.
Changing Belt From HIGH Range to
LOW Range
1. To avoid personalinjury, shut off
engine,let all moving parts come to a
complete stop, thendisconnect spark
plug wire from spark plug and move wire
awayfrom spark plug before makingany
adjustments. Let engineand muffler cool.
2. Move theWheels/Tines/PTODrive
Lever into NEUTRAL.
3. Standon left side of tiller. Useyour
right hand to hold the Wheels/Tines/PTO
Drive Lever up into REVERSEposition.
Useyour left handto movethe belt off
top-front engine pulley grooveto top-rear
engine pulleygroove (Figure4-12).
Figure 4-12: High range to low
range. Shows moving belt from top-
front groove onto top-rear pulley
groove.
4. Goto right side of tiller and finish
seatingthe belt.
5. Still holding the leverup in REVERSE
position, and working from the left sideof
thetiller, movethe beltfrom the lower-
front transmission grooveto the lower-
rear transmission groove.
6. Goto the right side of the tiller and
finish seatingthe belt (Figure4-13).
Figure 4-13: High range to low
range. Shows moving belt from
Iower-frent onto lower-rear groove.
7. Checkthat the belt isfully seated in the
pulley grooves. Checkthis from both
sides of thetiller.
ChoosingWheel
and Tine Speeds
Your tiller hasfour FORWARDwheel/tine
speedcombinations for handling a variety
of tilling tasks and gardening jobs. Exper-
iment with thetine depth, enginespeed,
and wheel/tinespeedand determine the
combination that provides the best
results. Herearesome tips:
1. Advancethe throttle leverso the engine
hassufficient power.
2. When tilling untilled or hard earth, do
not set the Depth Regulatortoo deep.The
tiller will buckand the enginewill load
down.
3. You will know your settings are ideal
whenthe tines break-upthe soil easily,
the enginedoes not labor, and your
progress issteadyand smooth.
SeeTable2, WheelSpeedand BeltRange
Selection Guidefor recommendations.
2O