Tiller Lubrication, Check Tire Air Pressure

SECTION 5: MAINTENANCE

WARNING: Before

inspecting, cleaning or servicing the machine, shut off engine, wait for all moving parts to come to a complete stop, disconnect spark plug wire and move wire away from spark plug. Remove ignition key on electric start models. Failure to follow these instructions can result in serious personal injury or property damage.

MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE

PROCEDURE	NOTES
Check motor oil level	2, 3
Clean engine	2, 7
Check drive belt tension	1, 4
Check nuts and bolts	1, 4
Change motor oil	1, 4, 6
Lubricate tiller	4
Service foam pre-cleaner air filter	7
Service paper air filter	7
Check gear oil level in transmission	1, 5
Check tines for wear	5
Check air pressure in tires	5
Service spark plug	7
NOTES

1 – After first 2 hours of break-in operation. 2 – Before each use.

3 – Every 5 operating hours.

4 – Every 10 operating hours.

5 – Every 30 operating hours.

6 – Change more frequently in dusty or dirty conditions.

7 – See Engine Owner’s Manual for service recommendations.

8 – Whichever time interval occurs first.

Tiller Lubrication

Proper lubrication of the tiller is an essen- tial part of your maintenance program. Af- ter every 10 operating hours, oil or grease the lubrication points shown in Figures 5- 1 and 5-2 and described below.

Use general purpose lubricating oil (#30 weight motor oil is suitable) and a general purpose grease (metal lubricant is pre- ferred, if available).

•Remove wheels and clean wheel shaft (A, Figure 5-1). Apply a thin coating of grease to shaft before reinstalling wheels.

•Grease back, front and sides of depth regulator lever (B, Figure 5-1).

D EB E

Figure 5-1

•Remove tines and clean tine shafts (C, Figure 5-1). Inspect for rust, rough spots or burrs (especially around holes). File or sand smooth and coat ends of shaft with grease.

•Oil the threads on the handlebar height adjustment handle (D, Figure 5-1).

•Oil the outer casings of the engine throt- tle cable and the wheel gear cable (E, Figure 5-1). Allow oil to soak in and then wipe off any excess.

•Oil the various pivot points (F, Figure 5- 2) on the shifting mechanism, the han- dlebar, and the idler arms (do not allow oil on the belts or pulleys).

Figure 5-2

Check Tire Air Pressure

Check the air pressure in both tires. De- flate or inflate both tires evenly to between 15 and 20 PSI (pounds per square inch). Be sure that both tires have equal air pres- sure or the unit will pull to one side.

Check For Oil Leaks

Before each use, check your tiller for signs of an oil leak—usually a dirty, oily accumu-

lation either on the unit or on the floor where it has been parked.

A little seepage around a cover or oil seal is usually not a cause for alarm. However, if the oil drips overnight, then immediate attention is needed—ignoring a leak can result in severe transmission damage.

If a cover leaks, try tightening any loose screws or bolts. If the fasteners are tight, a new gasket or oil seal may be required. If the leak is from around a shaft and oil seal, the oil seal probably needs to be replaced. See your authorized dealer or contact the factory for service or advice.

IMPORTANT: Never operate the tiller if the transmission is low on oil. Check the oil level after every 30 hours of operation and whenever there is any oil leakage.

Check Hardware

Check the unit for loose or missing hard- ware after every 10 operating hours. Loose or missing hardware can lead to equipment failure, poor performance, or oil leaks.

Be sure to check the three end cap mount- ing screws located at the rear of the trans- mission (Figure 5-3). Lift the tine flap to service those screws.

EndCap

Figure 5-3

Transmission Gear Oil Service

Check the transmission gear oil level after every 30 hours of operation or whenever you notice any oil leak. Operating the tiller when the transmission is low on oil can re- sult in severe damage.