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User Manual
- Owner's manual - (English)
- Warranty - (English)
- OPERATION
- MAINTENANCE
Table of contents
OPERATION
Pre-start inspection:
1. Make sure all safety guards are in place and all nuts and bolts are secure.
2. Check oil level in engine crankcase. See your engine manual for procedure and specifications.
3. Inspect air cleaner for cleanliness. See your engine manual for procedure.
4. Check the fuel supply. Fill the fuel tank no closer than one inch from top of tank to provide space for expansion. See your engine manual for fuel recommendations.
5. Be sure spark plug wire is attached and spark plug is tightened securely.
6. Check position of wheels.
7. Check depth regulator lever position.
8. Examine underneath and around engine for signs of oil or fuel leaks.
9. Inspect fuel hoses for tightness and fuel seepage.
10. Look for signs of engine damage.
11. Remove excessive debris from muffler area and recoil starter.
12. Turn fuel shutoff valve to the ON position if engine is equipped with one. It’s located between tank and carburetor.
Start-Up
The controls required to start and run the rototiller are located on the engine and are the choke lever, throttle lever and On/ Off switch. The choke lever is marked on one end with CHOKE and on the other with RUN. The throttle lever is marked on one end with a SLOW icon and on the other with a FAST icon. A more detailed description of engine operation and all related precautions and procedures can be found in the engine manufacturer’s manual that accompanies each tiller.
Cold starts:
1. Turn ON/OFF switch to the ON position.
2. Move choke lever to CHOKE position.
3. Move throttle lever to half way between SLOW and FAST.
4. Pull starting rope out slowly one time and allow to return normally.
5. Pull starting rope out rapidly, and allow rope to return normally. Repeat until engine starts.
6. When engine starts, gradually move choke lever to RUN position and move throttle lever to FAST position for tilling
WARNING : ENGINE AND SURROUND IN G PARTS BECOME EXTREMELY HOT DURING NORMAL USE. TEMPERATURE OF MUFFLER AND NEARBY AREAS MAY EXCEED 150° F. THESE AREAS WILL CAUSE SERIOUS BURN INJURIES IF TOUCHED BEFORE THE ENGINE HAS COOLED.
Restarting a warm engine:
Restarting an engine that is already warm from previous running does not normally require use of the choke.
1. Move throttle lever to half way between SLOW and FAST.
2. Pull starting rope out rapidly, and allow rope to return normally. Repeat until engine starts.
3. Adjust throttle speed to FAST position for tilling.
Idle speed:
Use the SLOW position or a position between SLOW and FAST on the throttle lever to reduce stress on the engine when tilling is not being performed. Lowering the engine speed to “idle” will help extend the life of the motor, as well as conserve fuel and reduce the noise level of the equipment.
Operating Speed:
For tilling, set the throttle lever to the FAST position.
CAUTION : DO NOT USE THE CHOKE TO STOP ENGINE. IF CHOKE LEVER IS PLACED IN CHOKE POSITION WHILE ENGINE IS RUNNING, BACKFIRE OR ENGINE DAMAGE MAY OCCUR.
Shutting Down:
To stop the engine at any time, move the On/Off switch to the OFF position. To stop wheels and tines at any time release drive safety control levers to NEUTRAL position. SEE FIGURE 4
IMPORTANT PRACTICE OPERATING THE CONTROLS AND TILLER WITH TINES OUT OF GROUND BEFORE BEGINNING TO TILL. IT IS IMPORTANT THAT YOU KNOW HOW TO USE THE TILLER PROPERLY, KEEP CONTROL AT ALL TIMES, STOP THE TINES AND WHEELS FROM TURNING, AND STOP THE ENGINE IF NECESSARY. IF YOU DO NOT KNOW HOW TO DO THESE THINGS, READ THE CONTROLS, ADJUSTMENTS AND SAFETY SECTIONS BEFORE PROCEEDING.
WARNING
ALWAYS MAINTAIN CONTROL OF YOUR TILLER. ONLY OPERATE TILLER IN SOIL CONDITIONS THAT ARE CONDUCIVE TO MAINTAINING CONTROL OF THE TILLER. DO NOT OPERATE TILLER IN CONDITIONS THAT CONTAIN ROCKS, FOREIGN OBJECTS, OR ANY OTHER MATERIAL THAT IS NOT SOIL. IF YOUR TILLER BUMPS, JERKS OR LURCHES, LET GO OF THE HANDLE BARS AND THE DRIVE CONTROL LEVERS IMMEDIATELY SO THAT THE TINES AND WHEELS STOP TURNING. IMMEDIATELY RELEASE THE DRIVE CONTROL LEVER IF THE TINES JAM OR YOU STRIKE A FOREIGN OBJECT. WITH DRIVE CONTROL LEVER IN NEUTRAL POSITION, PUSH THROTTLE CONTROL TO STOP POSITION TO STOP THE ENGINE. DISENGAGE THE SPARK PLUG WIRE. WHEN TINES HAVE STOPPED, REMOVE FOREIGN OBJECTS AND CHECK FOR DAMAGE.
Tilling:
1. Adjust the depth regulator lever to desired tilling depth.
NOTE: Raise depth regulator lever up one hole at a time, testing tiller operation after each raise. Raising depth regulator lever too high can result in loss of control of tiller!
2. Move the throttle control to FAST position.
3. Place the tiller in FORWARD by pulling the drive safety control
Tilling tips: The key to successful tilling is to begin with a shallow cut on the first pass, and then work an inch or two deeper on each successive pass.
• Tilling depth will vary with ground conditions.
• When beginning to till in unbroken ground or in extremely hard soil, set the lock pin in the highest hole of the depth regulator lever (SEE OPERATION SECTION). This will allow for shallow tilling. With the depth regulator lever in this position, make several light passes over the area to be tilled. Reset for deeper depths with successive passes.
• If tiller jumps or skids uncontrollably, lower the depth regulator lever by placing the lock pin in a higher hole. This will allow for shallower tilling. Hold firmly to the handle bars to control sudden lurches.
Cultivating tips:
If you plan to use your tiller for cultivating:
• Plant rows on 20” - 22” centers for ease of turning.
• Set the depth regulator lever with the lock pin in one of the higher holes. This will allow for shallow cultivation necessary to turn over weeds, and break up and aerate the soil.
MAINTENANCE
Maintenance Schedule
Your rototiller has been designed and produced by the industry’s leading manufacturer of outdoor power equipment to provide you years of reliable operation. Keeping your tiller in top running condition will prolong its life, and help you obtain optimum performance. Please read this normal care schedule, and note the recommended care operating intervals to extend the life of your unit.
WARNING TO PREVENT ACCIDENTAL STARTING: ENGINE MUST BE TURNED OFF AND COOL, AND SPARK PLUG WIRE MUST BE REMOVED AND SECURED FROM SPARK PLUG BEFORE CHECKING AND ADJUSTING ENGINE OR EQUIPMENT.
WARNING ENGINE AND SURROUNDING PARTS BECOME EXTREMELY HOT DURING NORMAL USE. TEMPERATURE OF MUFFLER AND NEARBY AREAS MAY EXCEED 150° F. THESE AREAS. WILL CAUSE SERIOUS BURN INJURIES IF TOUCHED BEFORE THE ENGINE HAS COOLED.
SERVICING THE ROTOTILLER
The following information will help you make the necessary checks and perform the procedures required to follow the normal care recommendations made for your rototiller. If you prefer, your local authorized dealer can make these checks and perform the required procedures for you.
Important: Use only approved Earthquake spare parts.
Change Forward/Reverse Belt:
SEE FIGURES 12&13.
1. Turn off engine. Engine must be cool.
2. Remove spark plug wire and secure from spark plug.
3. Remove belt guard.
4. Remove the forward belt from the forward engine pulley:
a. Gently pull the engine recoil rope to rotate the pulley. With the pulley turning, force the forward belt out of the V-groove.
b. Slide the belt free of the engine pulley.
c. Pull the forward belt down and out of the way.
5. Remove the reverse belt from the reverse engine pulley:
a. Gently pull the engine recoil rope to rotate the pulley. With the pulley turning, force the reverse belt out of the V-groove.
b. Slide the belt free of engine pulleys and reverse belt guides.
c. Pull belt down and away from transmission pulley.
6. Install new reverse belt:
NOTE: V side of belt should be up, away from pulley.
a. Thread belt up from bottom.
b. Place belt around transmission pulley in groove.
c. Place belt under reverse belt guides.
d. Gently pull engine recoil rope while forcing the belt over the edge of the engine pulley into the V-groove.
7. Install new forward belt:
a. Place forward belt in transmission pulley groove.
b. Gently pull the engine recoil rope to rotate the pulley while forcing the forward belt into the V-groove.
8. Replace belt guard.
9. Attach spark plug wire.
See other models: E43
