Troy-Bilt Horse Tiller Operation Manual - Page 15

Starting Electric Start Engine with Recoil Starter You may, at some point, have to start an electric start engine with the recoil starter rope. Before attempting to do so, perform the following applicable steps: • If you suspect the battery charge is weak, and there is no visible damage. Disconnect the cables from the battery and clean both cable terminals, and the battery posts in accordance with the instructions provided in the Maintenance & Adjustments section. Reconnect the cables and securely tighten to the battery posts. The engine will recharge the battery if the battery is still good. • If you suspect the batter is "dead", or if the battery is damaged, disconnect, and remove it. Have it checked by a qualified technician. • If the battery has been removed, wrap the cable terminals at the end of the positive cable with electrical tape and secure the cable to the battery bracket. This will prevent electrical discharge. • Before pulling the recoil starter rope, turn the keyswitch to the RUN position. Move the Throttle Lever away from the STOP position and set the choke as applicable. See the Engine Operator's Manual. Cold Weather Operation When temperatures fall below 40º F, do the following steps to protect your engine and transmission from damage: 1. Refer to the Engine Operator's Manual for the motor oil specifications for cold weather operation. 2. Use winter blend gasoline. 3. Warm the engine up before putting it under a load. 4. Use the correct weight gear oil in the PTO Power transmission. 5. Warm up the transmission gear oil as follows: a. With the engine running, move the Wheel Speed Lever to FREEWHEEL (then block the wheels so they can't roll). b. Put the Tines/PTO Clutch Lever into DISENGAGE, then squeeze one of the Forward Interlock Levers and shift the Wheels/Tines/PTO Drive Lever to FORWARD. 6. If the wheels are frozen to the ground, melt the ice with warm water. Engaging the Drive & Tines NOTE: This is a traditional standard-rotating-tine (SRT) tiller with forward rotating tines. It operates in a completely different manner than counter-rotating-tine (CRT) tillers, or from front-tine tillers. WARNING! To help avoid personal injury, be aware that the tiller can unexpectedly bounce up or jump ahead and propel away from you if the tines strike hard or frozen ground, or buried obstacles like large stones, roots or stumps. 1. Start the engine and gradually increase the engine speed to FAST. 2. Test the Forward Interlock Safety System. See the Forward Interlock System in the Maintenance & Adjustments section for more information. WARNING! The Forward Interlock Safety System is designed for the operator's safety. Do not disconnect or attempt to defeat the purpose of the system. If the system malfunctions, immediately contact your local authorized dealer or the TROYBILT Technical Service Department for assistance. Do not use the tiller or the PTO power feature until the Forward Interlock Safety System is functioning properly. 3. When practicing, set the Depth Regulator Lever to Travel position. Otherwise, set the Depth Regulator Lever to a desired depth. 4. Move Tines/PTO Clutch Lever to ENGAGE position if you want the tines to turn. If practicing, leave in DISENGAGE. NOTE: Do not move Tines/PTO Clutch Lever to ENGAGE unless Wheels/Tines/PTO Drive Lever is in NEUTRAL. Tiller damage may occur. 5. To move the tiller forward and engage the tines, squeeze and hold either Forward Interlock Lever against the handlebar grip (See Fig. 4-2), then move the Wheels/Tines/ PTO Drive Lever down to FORWARD position. Stopping the Engine and the Tiller 1. To stop the wheels and tines, move the Wheels/Tines/PTO Drive Lever into NEUTRAL position and then release both Forward Interlock Levers. 2. Move the engine Throttle Lever to the STOP position. Then on electric start models, turn the key to OFF. Remove the key for safekeeping. NOTE: The engine may have a separate Throttle Control Lever and ON/OFF switch on the engine. These controls can also be used to stop the engine. See the Engine Operator's Manual for information specific to your engine. Figure 4-2 Section 5 - Operation 15