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Replacement Belt Information
If the drive belt needs to be replaced, see your local
authorized dealer or refer to the Parts List for ordering
information. Use only a factory-authorized belt as an
“over-the-counter” belt may not perform satisfactorily.
The procedure requires average mechanical ability and
commonly available tools.
ENGINE CLEANING
Keeping the engine clean will help to ensure smooth
operation and prevent damage from overheating. Refer
to the Engine Owner’s Manual for engine cleaning
service intervals and instructions. Be sure that the
muffler is cool before servicing the engine.
AIR CLEANER SERVICE
The air cleaner filters dirt and dust out of the air before
it enters the carburetor. Operating the engine with a
dirty, clogged air filter can cause poor performance
and damage to the engine. Never operate the engine
without the air cleaner installed. Inspect and service the
air cleaner more often if operating in very dusty or dirty
conditions. Refer to the engine Owner’s Manual for air
cleaner service intervals and instructions.
ENGINE OIL SERVICE
Check the engine oil level before each use and after
every five hours of continuous operation. Running the
engine when it is low on oil will quickly ruin the engine.
It is recommended that you change the motor oil after
every 10 hours of operation and even sooner when
operating in extremely dirty or dusty conditions. Refer
to the Engine Owner’s Manual for detailed service
instructions.
A. To Check the Engine Oil Level:
1. Park the tiller on a level area and shut off the engine.
2. Level the engine (use the Depth Regulator Lever to
adjust the engine angle).
3. Clean around the oil dipstick or oil fill tube (which-
ever applies) to prevent dirt from falling into the
crankcase.
4. On engines with an oil fill tube, remove the fill cap
and add oil (if required) until it reaches the top of the
fill tube. Reinstall the fill cap.
5. On engines with a dipstick, remove it and wipe it
clean. Reinsert the dipstick, tighten it securely, and
remove it. Add oil as needed to bring the level up
to the FULL mark. Wipe dipstick clean each time
oil level is checked. Do not overfill. Tighten dipstick
securely.
B. To Change the Engine Oil:
Change the engine oil as instructed in the Engine
Owner’s Manual.
SPARK PLUG SERVICE
Inspect and clean or replace the spark plug after every
100 operating hours or annually. Refer to the Engine
Owner’s Manual for spark plug service instructions.
In some areas, local law requires using resistor spark
plugs to suppress ignition signals. If the engine was
originally equipped with a resistor spark plug, use the
same type for replacement.
SPARK ARRESTER SCREEN SERVICE
If the engine muffler is equipped with a spark arrester
screen, remove and clean it according to the service
intervals and instructions in the Engine Owner’s Manual.
THROTTLE LEVER ADJUSTMENT
If the engine does not respond to various throttle lever
settings, refer to the Engine Owner’s Manual for service
information or contact your local authorized engine
dealer.
CARBURETOR/GOVERNOR CONTROL
ADJUSTMENTS
The carburetor was adjusted at the factory for best
operating speed. Refer to the Engine Owner’s Manual for
any adjustment information or see your authorized engine
dealer.
The governor controls the maximum safe operating
speed and protects the engine and all moving parts from
damage caused by overspeeding. Do not tamper with the
engine governor settings.
OFF-SEASON STORAGE
When the tiller won’t be used for an extended period,
prepare it for storage as follows:
1. Clean the tiller and engine.
2. Do routine tiller lubrication and check for loose par ts
and hardware.
3. Protect the engine and perform recommended engine
maintenance by following the storage instructions
found in the
Engine Owner’s Manual. 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
manufacturer’s recommendations).
4. Store unit in a clean, dry area.
5. Never store the tiller with fuel in the fuel tank in an
enclosed area where gas fumes could reach an open
flame or spark, or where ignition sources are present
(space heaters, hot water heaters, furnaces, etc.).
Loading and unload-
ing the tiller into a
vehicle is potentially
hazardous and we
don’t recommend
doing so unless
absolutely necessary,
as this could result
in personal injury or
property damage.
However, if you
must load or unload
the tiller, follow the
guidelines given next.
Operators shall not
tamper with the
engine governor set-
tings on the machine;
the governor controls
the maximum safe
operating speed to
protect the engine
and all moving parts
from damage caused
by overspeed. Autho-
rized service shall be
sought if a problem
exists.
5
WARNING
Maintenance