Manual
Section5: Maintenance
WARNINGBeforeinspecting,cleaningor servicingthe unit, shutoff engine, wait for all i"
partsto cometo a completestop,disconnectsparkplugwire and movewire awayfrom spark ._L,.I
plug. Failure to follow these instructions can result in serious personal injury or
nl
propertydamage.
ENGINEOILSERVICE
Checkthe engineoil level before starting
theengine each day and check it after each
5 hours of continuous operation, Running
the engine when it is low on oil will quickly
ruin the engine.
It isrecommended that you changethe
motor oil after every 10 hours of operation
and even sooner when operating in
extremely dirty or dusty conditions. Refer
to the separateEngineOwner's Manual for
detailed service instructions.
A. To Checkthe Engine0il Level:
1. Move the tiller to a level areaand shut
off the engine.
2. Levelthe engine by adjusting the Depth
Regulator Lever. The tines must be in
contact with the ground. Move the Anti-
ReverseStakeback if necessary.
3. Cleanthe areaaround the oil dipstick or
oil fill tube to prevent dirt from falling into
the crankcase.
4. Onengines with an oil fill tube, remove
the fillercap, add oil (if required) until it
reachesthe top of the tubeand reinstall the
filler cap.
5. Onengines with a dipstick, remove it,
wipe it clean, and reinstall it finger-tight,
Remove the dipstick and checkthe reading.
Add oil (if required) to bring the level to the
FULLmark, Do not overfill.
B. To ChangetheEngine0il:
Changetheengine oil as instructedin the
separateEngineOwner's Manual.
ENGINECLEANING
Keepthe engine clean to assure smooth
operation and to preventdamagefrom
overheating. Referto the separateEngine
Owner's Manualfor specific repair and
cleaning instructions,All inspectionsand
services must be done with the engineshut
off and cool to the touch.
24
AIR CLEANERSERVICE
Theengineair cleaner filters dirt and dust
out of the air before itenters the carbure-
tor. Operating the enginewith a dirty,
clogged air filter can cause poor perfor-
manceand damage to the engine. Never
operatethe engine without the air cleaner
installed, Inspect and service theair
cleaner more often if operating in very
dusty or dirty conditions.
Servicethe air cleaner as instructed in the
separateEngineOwner'sManual,
SPARKPLUGSERVICE
Inspect and clean or replacethe spark plug
after every 100 operating hours or
annually, Cleanthe plugand set the gap as
described in the separateEngineOwner's
Manual,
In some areas, local law requires using
resistor spark plugs to suppress ignition
signals, If the engine was originally
equippedwith a resistor spark plug, use
the same type for replacement.
SPARKARRESTERSCREENSERVICE
If the engine muffler is equipped with a
spark arrester screen, remove and clean it
according to the time intervals and instruc-
tions in the separateEngineOwner's
Manual.
THROTTLELEVERADJUSTMENT
If the engine does not respondto various
throttlelever settings, refer tothe separate
EngineOwner's Manualfor service infor-
mation or contact your local authorized
engine service dealer.
CARBURETOR/GOVERNORCONTROL
ADJUSTMENTS
Thecarburetor was adjusted at the factory
for best operating speed, Referto the
separateEngineOwner'sManual for any
adjustment information or seeyour autho-
rized engine service dealer,
The governorcontrols the maximum
safe operating speed and protects the
engineand all moving parts from
damagecaused by overspeeding, Do
not tamper with the engine governor
settings.
WARNING
Operators shall not tamper
with the engine governor
settings on the machine;
the governor controls the
maximum safe operating
speed to protect the
engine and all moving
parts from damage caused
by overspeed. Authorized
service shall be soughtif a
problem exists.
OFFSEASONSTORAGE
When the tiller won't be used for
extendedperiods, prepareit for storage
as follows:
1. Cleanthe tiller and engine.
2. Do routine tiller lubrication and check
for loose parts and hardware.
3. Protect theengine and perform rec-
ommended engine maintenanceby
following the engine storage instruc-
tions found in the separate Engine
Owner's Manual. NOTE:Be sure to
protect the fuel lines, carburetor and
fuel tank from gum deposits by
removing fuel or by treating fuel with a
fuel stabilizer (follow engine manufac-
turer's recommendations).
4. Store unit in a clean, dry area,
5. Neverstore the tiller with fuel in the
fuel tank in anenclosed areawhere gas
fumes could reach an open flame or
spark, or where ignition sources are
present (space heaters,hot water
heaters, furnaces, etc.).