Troy-Bilt 12168 Check External Hardware for Tightness, How To Move Machine in Freewheel, Upper

Section 2: Assembly

H	G	F
		I
		J
		Upper
		Handlebar
Lower		Section
Handlebar
Section
K
Fig. 2-4

L

Fig. 2-5

STEP 3: Attach Upper Handlebar Section to Lower Handlebar Section

1.Align the mounting holes in the upper handlebar section (F, Fig. 2-4) with the corresponding mounting holes in the lower handlebar section (G).

2.Insert four 5/16"-18 x 1-1/2" curved head screws (H, Fig. 2-4) DOWN through the holes in the two handlebar sections. Install the top screws first for easiest installation. Secure the screws with four 5/16" lockwashers (I), and four 5/16"-18 hex nuts (J). Tighten with a 1/2" wrench.

3.Press the handlebar control cable into the plastic clip (K, Fig. 2-4) underneath the left side of the control panel.

4.Lift up the handlebar locking lever and swivel the handlebar toward the engine starter rope to test hardware tightness at the base of the handlebar. If the handlebar seems secure and swivels smoothly, the hardware is tightened properly. Tighten the front bolt (D, Fig. 2-3) more if the handlebar doesn’t seem secure enough. Loosen the front bolt (D) a little if the handlebar is hard to swivel. IMPORTANT:

This bolt must be tightened properly for the handlebar to swivel properly. The other long bolt next to it should not be tightened now, but may at some time in the future require tightening which is explained in the Maintenance Section.

WARNING

DO NOT START THE ENGINE UNTIL ENGINE CRANKCASE HAS BEEN FILLED WITH OIL. FAILURE TO FOLLOW THIS INSTRUCTION WILL RESULT IN SERIOUS ENGINE DAMAGE.

STEP 4: Add Motor Oil to Engine

1.Refer to the separate Engine Owner’s Manual for the recommended type and viscosity motor oil to use.

2.With the tiller on level ground, unscrew and remove the oil fill dipstick (L, Fig. 2-5). Using a funnel, pour fresh motor oil into the dipstick opening. Add oil gradually and check the level with the dipstick several times to be sure not to overfill the engine. Add oil until the level is up to the “FULL” mark on the dipstick.

3.The oil level on the dipstick should always be between the “ADD” and “FULL” marks. Wait a few minutes after filling the crankcase for the oil to settle. Re-check the oil level and adjust as needed.

4.Wipe up any oil spillage and replace the oil fill dipstick securely.

STEP 5: Check and Adjust Tire Air Pressure

Use an automotive-type tire pressure gauge to check the air pressure in both pneumatic tires. Inflate both tires evenly between 15-to-20 PSI.

STEP 6: Check External

Hardware for Tightness

Inspect the screws, bolts and nuts on the tiller and make sure they are securely tightened.

How To Move the

Machine in “Freewheel”

IMPORTANT: To “freewheel” (wheels turn freely due to disengagement from transmission gears) the machine off the pallet to another location, unlock the handlebar locking lever (see Pg. 9), then swivel the lower section of the handlebar (stand on the engine muffler cage side only) 1800 to position it over the engine. Relock the lever. Using the lower handlebar section for leverage, roll the equipment to the desired location. Swivel the handlebar back to its original position over the tine hood to return to the rear tine tiller mode. Do not pick up the machine by the fenders to avoid damage to the fenders.

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