Transmission Gear Oil

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

To Check the Transmission Gear Oil Level:

1.Check the gear oil level when the transmission is cool. Gear oil will expand in warm operating temperatures and this expansion will provide an incorrect oil level reading.

2.With the tiller on level ground, pull the Depth Regulator Lever back and then slide it to the second notch from the top.

3.Remove the oil level check plug on the left-side of the transmission. (Due to dried paint on the plug threads, it may require some force to remove the plug the first time.) See Fig. 6-1. The gear oil level is correct if oil starts to flow out of the hole as the plug is removed. If so, securely reinstall the plug.

Transmission Oil

Level Check Plug

Figure 6-1

4.If oil does not flow from the check hole, add oil as follows:

NOTE: Do not use automatic transmission fluid or motor oil in the transmission.

a.Clean the area around the fill hole and unscrew the gear oil fill plug.

b.If adding only a few ounces of gear oil, use API rated GL-4 or GL-5 gear oil having a viscosity of SAE 140, SAE 85W-140 or SAE 80W-90. If refilling an empty transmission, use only GL-4 gear oil having a viscosity of SAE 85W-140 or SAE 140.

c.Using a clean funnel, slowly add gear oil until it flows from the gear oil level check hole.

d.Reinstall and tighten securely the gear oil fill plug.

Lubrication

Proper lubrication of the tiller is an essential part of your maintenance program. After every 10 operating hours, oil or grease the lubrication points shown in Fig. 6-2 as described below. Use a good quality lubricating oil (#30 weight engine oil is suitable) and a good quality general purpose grease (grease that has a metal lubricant is preferred, if available).

Handlebar Height

Adjusting Screws

Handlebar

 

Attaching

Depth

Screws

Regulator

 

Lever

Tines

Wheel Shaft

Figure 6-2

•Remove the wheels, clean the wheel shaft and apply a thin coating of grease to the shaft.

•Grease the back, front and sides of the depth regulator lever.

•Remove the tines, clean the tine shafts and inspect for rust, rough spots or burrs (especially around holes). File or sand smooth and coat the ends of the shaft with grease.

•Oil the threads on the handlebar height adjustment screw.

•Oil the threads on the handlebar attaching screws.

18Section 6— Maintenance & Adjustments