Troy Bilt Tiller 645A Bronco User Manual
Operator’s Manual  
Rear-tine Tiller Models  
644H—BroncoTM  
645A—BroncoTM  
Model 644H Shown (bumper syles vary)  
IMPORTANT:READ SAFETY RULES AND INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY  
Warning: This unit is equipped with an internal combustion engine and should not be used on or near any unimproved forest-covered, brush-  
covered or grass-covered land unless the engine’s exhaust system is equipped with a spark arrester meeting applicable local or state laws (if any).  
If a spark arrester is used, it should be maintained in effective working order by the operator. In the State of California the above is required by law  
(Section 4442 of the California Public Resources Code). Other states may have similar laws. Federal laws apply on federal lands. A spark arrester  
for the muffler is available by contacting the service department at Troy-Bilt LLC, P.O. Box 361131 Cleveland, Ohio 44136-0019.  
TROY-BILT LLC, P.O. BOX 361131, CLEVELAND, OH 44136-0019  
PRINTED IN USA  
FROM NO. 769-00585A  
(01/2003)  
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Section  
1
Safety  
SPARK ARRESTER WARNING TO RESIDENTS OF CALIFORNIA AND SEVERAL OTHER STATES  
Under California law, and under the laws of several other states, you are not permitted to operate an  
internal combustion engine using hydrocarbon fuels on any forest, brush, hay, grain, or grass  
covered land; or land covered by any flammable agricultural crop without an engine spark arrester in  
continuous effective working order.  
The engine on the unit is an internal combustion engine which burns gasoline, a hydrocarbon fuel, and must be equipped with a  
spark arrester muffler in continuous effective working order. The spark arrester must be attached to the engine exhaust system in  
such a manner that flames or heat from the system will not ignite flammable material. Failure of the owner/operator of the unit to  
comply with this regulation is a misdemeanor under California law (and other states) and may also be a violation of other state  
and/or federal regulations, laws, ordinances or codes. Contact your local fire marshal or forest service for specific information  
about which regulations apply in your area.  
5. Do not till near underground electric  
Training  
Operation  
cables, telephone lines, pipes or hoses. If  
in doubt, contact your telephone or utility  
company.  
1. Carefully read this  
1. Do not put hands or feet near or under  
rotating parts. The tines begin to rotate  
once the engine starts and the Forward  
Clutch Bail (or Reverse Clutch Control) is  
engaged.  
Owner’s Manual, the  
separate Engine Owner’s  
Manual, and any other literature you may  
receive. Be thoroughly familiar with the  
controls and the proper use of the tiller  
and its engine. Know how to stop the unit  
and disengage the controls quickly.  
6. Warning: Handle fuel with care; it is  
highly flammable and its vapors are  
explosive. Be sure to take the following  
precautions:  
2. Exercise extreme caution when on or  
crossing gravel drives, walks, or roads.  
Stay alert for hidden hazards or traffic. Do  
not carry passengers.  
a. Store fuel in containers specifically  
designed for this purpose.  
2. Never allow children to operate the  
tiller. Never allow adults to operate the  
tiller without proper instruction.  
b. The gas cap shall never be removed  
or fuel added while the engine is  
running. Allow the engine to cool  
for several minutes before adding  
fuel.  
c. Keep matches, cigarettes, cigars,  
pipes, open flames, and sparks  
away from the fuel tank and fuel  
container.  
d. Fill fuel tank outdoors with extreme  
care. Never fill fuel tank indoors.  
Use a funnel or spout to prevent  
spillage.  
3. After striking a foreign object, stop the  
engine, remove the wire from the spark  
plug and prevent it from touching the  
spark plug, thoroughly inspect the  
machine for any damage, and repair the  
damage before restarting and operating  
the machine.  
3. Keep the area of operation clear of all  
persons, particularly children and pets.  
4. Keep in mind that the operator or user  
is responsible for accidents or hazards  
occurring to other people, their property,  
and themselves.  
4. Exercise caution to avoid slipping or  
falling.  
Preparation  
1. Thoroughly inspect the area where the  
tiller is to be used and remove all foreign  
objects.  
5. If the unit should start to vibrate abnor-  
mally, stop the engine, disconnect the  
spark plug wire and prevent it from  
touching the spark plug, and check  
immediately for the cause. Vibration is  
generally a warning of trouble.  
e. Replace all fuel tank and container  
caps securely.  
2. Be sure all tiller controls are released  
and both wheels are in the Wheel Drive  
position before starting the engine.  
f. If fuel is spilled, do not attempt to  
start the engine, but move the  
machine away from the area of  
spillage and avoid creating any  
source of ignition until fuel vapors  
have dissipated.  
6. Stop the engine, disconnect the spark  
plug wire and prevent it from touching  
the spark plug whenever you leave the  
operating position, before unclogging the  
tines, or when making any repairs, adjust-  
ments or inspections.  
3. Do not operate the tiller without  
wearing adequate outer garments. Avoid  
loose garments or jewelry that could get  
caught in moving parts.  
7. Never make adjustments when engine  
is running (unless recommended by  
manufacturer).  
4. Do not operate the tiller when barefoot  
or wearing sandals, sneakers, or light  
footwear. Wear protective footwear that  
will improve footing on slippery surfaces.  
3
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Section 1: Safety  
7. Take all possible precautions when  
leaving the machine unattended. Stop the  
engine. Disconnect spark plug wire and  
move it away from the spark plug. Be  
sure both wheels are in the Wheel Drive  
position.  
e. Avoid using downward pressure  
on handlebars. If need be, use  
slight upward pressure to keep the  
tines from digging too deeply.  
f. Before contacting hard packed soil  
at the end of a row, reduce engine  
speed and lift handlebars to raise  
tines out of the soil.  
g. In an emergency, stop tines and  
wheels by releasing whichever  
clutch control is engaged. Do not  
attempt to restrain the tiller.  
26. To load or unload the tiller, see the  
instructions in Section 4 of this Manual.  
27. Use extreme caution when reversing  
or pulling the machine towards you.  
28. Start the engine carefully according to  
instructions and with feet well away from  
the tines.  
8. Before cleaning, repairing, or inspect-  
ing, stop the engine and make certain all  
moving parts have stopped. Disconnect  
the spark plug wire and prevent it from  
touching the spark plug to prevent acci-  
dental starting.  
29. Never pick up or carry a machine  
while the engine is running.  
Maintenance and Storage  
1. Keep the tiller, attachments and acces-  
sories in safe working condition.  
9. The flap on the tine hood must be  
down when operating the tiller.  
15. Do not overload the tiller’s capacity  
by attempting to till too deeply at too fast  
a rate.  
2. Check all nuts, bolts, and screws at  
frequent intervals for proper tightness to  
be sure the equipment is in safe working  
condition.  
10. Never use the tiller unless proper  
guards, plates, or other safety protective  
devices are in place.  
16. Never operate the tiller at high  
transport speeds on slippery surfaces.  
Look behind and use great care when  
backing up.  
11. Do not run engine in an enclosed  
area. Engine exhaust contains carbon  
monoxide gas, a deadly poison that is  
odorless, colorless, and tasteless.  
3. Never store the tiller with fuel in the  
fuel tank inside a building where ignition  
sources are present such as hot water  
and space heaters, furnaces, clothes  
dryers, stoves, electric motors, etc.).  
Allow engine to cool before storing in any  
enclosure.  
17. Do not operate the tiller on a slope  
that is too steep for safety. When on  
slopes, slow down and make sure you  
have good footing. Never permit the tiller  
to freewheel down slopes.  
12. Keep children and pets away.  
13. Never operate the tiller under  
engine power if the wheels are in the  
Freewheel position. In the Freewheel  
position, the wheels will not hold the  
tiller back and the revolving tines could  
propel the tiller rapidly, possibly  
causing loss of control. Always engage  
the wheels with the wheel drive pins in  
the Wheel Drive position before starting  
the engine or engaging the tines/wheels  
with the Forward Clutch Bail or the  
Reverse Clutch Control .  
18. Never allow bystanders near the unit.  
4. To reduce the chances of a fire hazard,  
keep the engine free of grass, leaves, or  
excessive grease.  
19. Only use attachments and acces-  
sories that are approved by the manufac-  
turer of the tiller.  
5. Store gasoline in a cool, well-ventilated  
area, safely away from any spark- or  
flame-producing equipment. Store  
gasoline in an approved container, safely  
away from the reach of children.  
20. Use tiller attachments and acces-  
sories when recommended.  
21. Never operate the tiller without good  
visibility or light.  
22. Never operate the tiller if you are  
tired, or under the influence of alcohol,  
drugs or medication.  
6. Refer to the Maintenance sections of  
this Manual and the separate Engine  
Owner’s Manual for instructions if the  
tiller is to be stored for an extended  
period.  
14. Be aware that the tiller may unexpect-  
edly bounce upward or jump backward  
and be propelled toward you if the tines  
should strike extremely hard packed soil,  
frozen ground, or buried obstacles like  
large stones, roots, or stumps. If in doubt  
about the tilling conditions, always use  
the following operating precautions to  
assist you in maintaining control of the  
tiller:  
23. Operators shall not tamper with the  
engine-governor settings on the machine;  
the governor controls the maximum safe  
7. Never perform maintenance while the  
operating speed to protect the engine and engine is running or the spark plug wire  
all moving parts from damage caused by  
overspeed. Authorized service shall be  
sought if a problem exists.  
is connected, except when specifically  
instructed to do so.  
8. If the fuel tank has to be drained, do  
24. Do not touch engine parts which may this outdoors.  
be hot from operation. Let parts cool  
down sufficiently.  
a. Walk behind and to one side of the  
tiller, using one hand on the han-  
dlebars. Relax your arm, but use a  
secure hand grip.  
b. Use a deep depth regulator  
setting.  
c. Use slower engine speeds.  
d. Clear the tilling area of all large  
stones, roots and other debris.  
25. Please remember: You can always  
stop the tines and wheels by releasing the  
Forward Clutch control or the Reverse  
Clutch control (whichever control you  
have engaged), or by moving the throttle  
control lever on the engine to “OFF” or  
“STOP”.  
4
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Section 1: Safety  
Decals  
For your safety and the safety of others,  
various safety and operational decals are  
located on your unit (see Figure 1 below).  
Keep the decals clean and legible at all  
times. Contact your local service dealer  
or the factory for replacements if any  
decals are damaged or missing.  
Refer to the separate parts catalog for  
decal locations, part numbers and  
ordering instructions.  
Forward Clutch Control  
Operating Instruction  
Reverse Clutch Control  
Operating Instruction  
Starting Stabilization  
Message on engine  
Warning Messages  
on tine hood  
Hot Surfaces  
Warning on belt cover  
Figure 1: Location of Safety and Operating Decals (Model 644H shown).  
Operating Symbols  
R
Various symbols (shown here, with word  
descriptions) are used on the tiller and engine  
(your unit may not have all of the symbols).  
REVERSE  
CHOKE  
OFF  
CHOKE  
ON  
ROTATING  
TINES  
BAIL  
BAIL  
DISENGAGED  
ENGAGED  
STOP  
SLOW  
FAST  
LEVER DIRECTION  
TILLER DIRECTION  
STOP  
WARNING  
TO AVOID SERIOUS INJURY:  
• READ THE OWNER’S MANUAL.  
• KNOW LOCATIONS AND FUNCTIONS OF ALL CONTROLS.  
• KEEP ALL SAFETY DEVICES AND SHIELDS IN PLACE AND WORKING.  
• NEVER ALLOW CHILDREN OR UNINSTRUCTED ADULTS TO OPERATE TILLER.  
• SHUT OFF ENGINE AND DISCONNECT SPARK PLUG WIRE BEFORE MANUALLY UNCLOG-  
GING TINES OR MAKING REPAIRS.  
• KEEP BYSTANDERS AWAY FROM MACHINE.  
• KEEP AWAY FROM ROTATING PARTS.  
• USE EXTREME CAUTION WHEN REVERSING OR PULLING THE MACHINE TOWARDS YOU.  
5
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Section  
2
Assembly  
NOTE: Be careful not to severely bend any  
of the control cables on the unit.  
3. Remove all unassembled parts and  
the separate hardware bag from the  
carton. Check that you have the items  
Tools/Materials Needed for  
Assembly  
WARNING  
To prevent personal injury or  
property damage, do not start  
the engine until all assembly  
(1) 3/8” open-end wrench*  
(2) 7/16" open-end wrench*  
(1) 1/2" open-end wrench*  
(2) 9/16" open-end wrench*  
(1) Large adjustable wrench  
(1) Scissors (to trim plastic ties)  
(1) Ruler (for belt tension check)  
steps are complete and you listed below (contact your local dealer or  
the factory if any items are missing or  
damaged). NOTE: Use the screw length  
template (Fig. 2-1) to identify screws.  
have read and understand the  
safety and operating instruc-  
tions in this manual.  
Loose Parts List  
Introduction  
Qty.  
1
Description  
(1) Block of wood (to support tiller  
when removing wheels)  
Carefully follow these assembly steps to  
correctly prepare your tiller for use. It is  
recommended that you read this Section  
in its entirety before beginning assembly.  
NOTE: Engine syles vary by model. The  
engine on your tiller may appear differ-  
ently than those shown in illustrations  
and Figures throughout this manual.  
Handlebar Support (see A, Fig. 2-2,  
page 7)  
Handlebar Assembly  
(see K, Fig. 2-2)  
(1) Automotive-type air pressure gauge  
(1) Clean oil funnel  
1
(1) Clean, high-quality engine oil. Refer  
to the Engine Owner Manual for  
engine oil specifications and quantity  
required. Do not overfill.  
The following items are in the  
hardware bag:  
1
1
6
2
2
6
1
6
2
1
1
Slotted hd. screw, #10-24 x 2"  
Hex hd. screw, 1/4-20 x 1-1/4"  
Curved hd. screw, 5/16-18 x 1-1/2"  
Hex hd. screw, 3/8-16 x 3/4"  
Flat washer, 3/8"  
Split lockwasher, 5/16"  
Hex locknut, 1/4"-20  
Hex nut, 5/16"-18  
Hex locknut, 3/8"-16  
Hex nut, #10-24  
Spring, cable (see W, Fig. 2-5,  
page 8)  
* Adjustable wrenches may be used.  
Inspect unit  
Inspect the unit and carton for damage  
immediately after delivery. Contact the  
carrier (trucking company) if you find or  
suspect damage. Inform them of the  
damage and request instructions for filing  
a claim. To protect your rights, put your  
claim in writing and mail a copy to the  
carrier within 15 days after the unit has  
been delivered.  
1
2
1
1
Bracket, forward clutch cable (see  
P, Fig. 2-5, page 8)  
Bracket, reverse clutch cable (see  
BB, Fig. 2-8, page 9).  
STEP 1: Unpacking Instructions  
1. Remove any cardboard inserts and  
packaging material from the carton.  
Remove any staples from the bottom of  
the carton and then lift the carton up and  
off the unit.  
IMPORTANT: Motor oil must be added to  
the engine crankcase before the engine  
is started. Follow the instructions in this  
“Assembly” section.  
2. The tiller is heavy and you should not  
attempt to remove it from the shipping  
platform until the handlebars are  
installed. The procedure for removing the  
tiller is explained in Step 3 of these  
assembly steps.  
3
NOTE: LEFT and RIGHT sides of the tiller  
are as viewed from the operator’s  
position behind the handlebars.  
Figure 2-1: To identify length of screw,  
place screw on template as shown and  
measure distance between bottom of screw  
head and tip of screw.  
6
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Section 2: Assembly  
STEP 2: Attach Handlebar  
1. Attach the two legs of the handlebar  
support (A, Fig. 2-2) loosely to the inner  
sides of the tiller frame using two 3/8"-16  
x 3/4" hex hd. screws (B), 3/8" flat  
K
washers (C) and 3/8"-16 hex locknuts (D).  
2. Using the middle holes in the handlebar  
support brackets (E and F, Fig. 2-2),  
loosely attach the support brackets to the  
handlebar support (A) using two 5/16"-18  
x 1-1/2" curved hd. screws (G), 5/16" split  
lockwashers (H) and 5/16"-18 hex nuts (I).  
NOTE: If a support bracket will not move,  
loosen attaching screw (J) and nut.  
G
3. Attach the handlebar assembly (K) to  
the handlebar support (A) using four  
5/16"-18 x 1-1/2" curved hd. screws (G),  
5/16" split lockwashers (H) and 5/16"-18  
hex nuts (I). Tighten the four screws  
securely.  
H
I
A
I
H
G
4. Tighten all handlebar mounting  
hardware securely.  
E
G
F
STEP 3: Move Tiller Off Shipping  
Platform  
J
To move the tiller without the engine  
running, put the wheels in their  
I
H
FREEWHEEL position, as described below.  
B
1. Use a sturdy block to raise one wheel  
off the ground.  
C
D
2. Remove the hairpin cotter (L, Fig. 2-3)  
and wheel drive pin (M). Slide the wheel  
inward on the wheel shaft (N). Reinstall  
the wheel drive pin and hairpin cotter  
through the wheel shaft only (not through  
the wheel hub). Repeat with the other  
wheel.  
Fig. 2-2: Attach handlebar.  
M
3. Using the handlebar as a lever, roll the  
tiller to a flat area.  
N
IMPORTANT: Before starting the engine,  
the wheels must be placed in their WHEEL  
DRIVE position (pins through wheel hubs  
and wheel shaft). This procedure is  
described in “Wheel Drive Pins” in  
Section 3.  
L
Fig. 2-3: Wheel in FREEWHEELING  
position (wheel drive pin through wheel  
shaft only).  
7
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Section 2: Assembly  
STEP 4: Install Forward Clutch Cable  
R
1. Place the forward clutch cable bracket  
(P, Fig. 2-4) on the handlebar support (A).  
Attach the cable bracket using a 1/4"-20 x  
1-1/4" hex hd. screw (R, Fig. 2-4) and  
1/4"-20 hex locknut (S). Tighten securely.  
P
A
2. Carefully unwrap the forward clutch  
cable (the cable without a knob attached to  
it) from its shipping position and slide the  
thin cable wire (T, Fig. 2-4) into the slot in  
the cable bracket. Push the cable connector  
(U, Fig. 2-4) up through the hole in the  
bracket until the groove in the connector  
snaps into place on the bracket.  
3. Insert the #10-24 x 2" slotted hd. screw  
(V, Fig. 2-5) down into the cable spring  
(W). The threaded end of the screw will  
extend from the bottom of the spring.  
U
S
T
Fig. 2-4: Installing forward clutch cable bracket and cable.  
4. Thread the #10-24 hex nut (Z) on the  
slotted head screw (V). Thread it halfway up.  
5. Thread screw (V) into cable adjuster (X).  
Y
6. Hook cable spring (W, Fig. 2-6) into “V”-  
shaped bend in the forward clutch bail (Y).  
W
Fig. 2-5: Assemble  
spring and adjuster.  
7. Lift and hold the Forward Clutch bail  
against the handlebar. See Fig. 2-7.  
W
8. Measure the length of the cable spring  
between the ends of the coils (Fig. 2-7).  
The length should be approximately 1-7/8".  
If the length is correct, turn the #10-24 hex  
nut (Z) down tightly against the cable  
adjuster (X) while holding the adjuster in  
place. See Figure 2-7. If the length is  
incorrect, you must make an adjustment to  
the cable tension as described in  
V
X
Z
Fig. 2-6: Install forward clutch cable.  
“Checking and Adjusting Forward Drive  
Belt Tension” in Section 5. When the  
spring length is correct, tighten the hex nut  
(Z) against the cable adjuster (X).  
STEP 5: Install Reverse Clutch  
Cable  
1. Remove the two pre-installed self-tapping  
screws (AA, Fig. 2-8) from the handlebars.  
2. Position the reverse cable mounting  
bracket (BB, Fig. 2-8) as shown and  
reinstall the two self-tapping screws.  
Z
X
3. Unwrap the reverse clutch cable (the  
cable with a knob and a large hex nut  
attached to it) from around its shipping  
position and route the cable (CC, Fig. 2-8  
and Fig. 2-9) up to the cable bracket (BB,  
Fig. 2-8). Be sure that the cable goes  
beneath the Forward Clutch Bail as it is  
routed up to the cable bracket.  
Hold bail against handlebar  
while measuring spring  
Fig. 2-7: Measure cable spring.  
8
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Section 2: Assembly  
4. Insert the cable up through the slot in  
the cable bracket and position the  
threaded assembly as shown in Fig. 2-8.  
Make sure that the flat side of the  
threaded assembly is aligned with the flat  
side of the mounting hole. Slide the large  
hex nut (DD) up the cable and tighten it  
securely.  
STEP 6: Check Level of  
Transmission Gear Oil  
The transmission was filled with gear oil  
at the factory. However, you should check  
the gear oil level to make certain it is  
correct.  
FF  
IMPORTANT: Do not operate the tiller if  
the gear oil level is low. Doing so will  
result in severe damage to the transmis-  
sion components.  
5. Use a cable tie (EE, Fig. 2-9) to fasten  
the reverse clutch cable to the left side  
handlebar.  
Fig. 2-10: Adjust Depth Regulator Lever.  
1. Put the tiller on level ground. Pull the  
Depth Regulator Lever (FF, Fig. 2-10)  
back and then adjust it up or down to the  
notch that makes the tiller level.  
6. Test the function of the reverse clutch  
cable by pulling the knob out and  
releasing it. The knob should return to its  
neutral position (resting against bracket)  
when it is released. If it doesn’t, contact  
your local dealer or the factory for  
technical assistance.  
2. Remove the oil fill plug (GG, Fig. 2-11)  
from the transmission housing and look  
into the oil fill hole. You will see the main  
drive shaft on one side of the hole.  
3. The gear oil level is correct if the gear  
oil is approximately halfway up the side of  
the drive shaft.  
GG  
AA  
4. If the gear oil level is low, add gear oil  
by referring to “A. To Check the Transmis-  
sion Gear Oil Level” in Section 5.  
AA  
BB  
Fig. 2-11: Remove gear oil fill plug.  
STEP 7: Add Motor Oil to Engine  
The tiller is shipped without oil in the  
engine.  
DD  
CC  
STEP 9: Check Air Pressure in  
Tires)  
Use a tire pressure gauge to check the air  
pressure in both tires. Deflate or inflate  
both tires equally to 15-to-20 PSI  
(pounds per square inch). Be sure that  
both tires are inflated equally or the unit  
will pull to one side.  
Flat Side  
IMPORTANT: Do not start the engine  
without first adding motor oil. Severe  
engine damage will result if the engine is  
run without oil.  
Fig. 2-8: Install reverse cable mounting  
bracket and the reverse clutch cable.  
1. Refer to the Engine Owner’s Manual  
(supplied with tiller) for engine oil specifi-  
cations and capacities.  
2. With the tiller on level ground, pull the  
Depth Regulator Lever (FF, Fig. 2-10)  
back and then slide it up or down as  
necessary until the engine is level.  
CC  
IMPORTANT: This completes the  
assembly steps. Before operating your  
tiller, make sure you read the following  
Sections in this Manual, as well as the  
separate Engine Owner’s Manual:  
3. Add motor oil as described in the  
Engine Owner’s Manual.  
EE  
4. Move the Depth Regulator Lever all the  
way down until the highest notch is  
engaged. This places the tines in the  
“travel” position.  
• Section 1: “Safety”  
• Section 3: “Features and Controls”  
• Section 4: “Operation”  
STEP 8: Check Hardware for  
Tightness  
Check all nuts and screws for tightness.  
Fig. 2-9: Route reverse clutch cable (CC) as  
shown. Attach to handlebar with cable tie  
(EE).  
9
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Section  
3
Features and Controls  
WARNING  
Before operating your  
machine, carefully read and  
understand all safety, controls  
and operating instructions in  
this Manual, the separate  
Engine Owner’s Manual, and  
on the decals on the machine.  
Reverse Clutch  
Control  
Forward  
Clutch Bail  
Depth Regulator  
Handlebar Height  
Adjustment  
Failure to follow these  
instructions can result in  
serious personal injury.  
Anti-Reverse Stake  
Wheel Drive Pin  
(on each wheel)  
Figure 3-1: Features and controls.  
Wheel Drive Pins  
through the holes in the wheel shaft (not  
the wheel hubs), thus allowing the wheels  
to turn freely when the tiller is pushed or  
pulled by hand.  
Introduction  
This section describes the locations and  
functions of the controls on your tiller.  
Refer to the next section (“Operation”)  
for detailed operating instructions.  
WARNING  
Never allow either of the  
wheels to be in the  
FREEWHEEL position when  
the engine is running. Always  
To Place the Wheels in WHEEL DRIVE or  
FREEWHEEL:  
Practice using these controls, with the  
engine shut off, until you understand the  
operation of the controls and feel  
confident with each of them.  
1. Stop the engine, disconnect the spark  
put both wheels in the WHEEL plug wire from the spark plug and allow  
DRIVE position before starting  
the engine.  
the engine to cool.  
IMPORTANT: Refer to the separate  
engine manufacturer’s Engine Owner’s  
Manual for information about the  
controls on the engine.  
2. Raise one wheel off the ground and  
place a sturdy support under the  
transmission.  
Failure to comply could cause  
loss of tiller control, property  
damage, or personal injury.  
3. Remove the wheel drive pin (A,  
WARNING  
Each wheel is equipped with a Wheel  
Drive Pin (A, Figures 3-2 and 3-3) that  
secures the wheel to the wheel shaft (B).  
The wheels can be positioned in either a  
WHEEL DRIVE or a FREEWHEEL mode.  
Do not place the tiller on its  
side when changing the wheel  
drive positions as doing so  
could result in gasoline  
leaking from the fuel tank.  
Before starting the engine, put both  
wheels in the WHEEL DRIVE position by  
inserting the Wheel Drive Pins through  
the wheel hubs and the wheel shaft. This  
“locks” the wheels to the wheel shaft,  
causing the wheels to turn when either  
the Forward Clutch Bail or the Reverse  
Clutch Control is engaged.  
Failure to follow this instruc-  
tion could result in personal  
injury or property damage.  
Figures 3-2 and 3-3) by removing the  
hairpin cotter (C).  
Use the FREEWHEEL mode only when the  
engine is not running. In FREEWHEEL,  
the Wheel Drive Pins are placed only  
10  
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Section 3: Features and Controls  
4. FOR WHEEL DRIVE mode (Figure 3-2):  
Slide the wheel outward and align the  
holes in the wheel hub (D, Figure 3-2))  
and the wheel shaft (B). Insert the wheel  
drive pin (A) through the wheel hub and  
the wheel shaft. Secure the wheel drive  
pin with the hairpin cotter (C) by pushing  
the hairpin cotter in as far as it will go.  
Repeat for the other wheel and then  
remove the support from beneath the  
transmission.  
Forward Clutch Bail  
The Forward Clutch Bail (E, Figure 3-4)  
controls the engagement of forward drive  
to the wheels and power to the tines.  
Reverse Clutch Control  
The Reverse Clutch Control (F, Figure 3-4)  
controls the engagement of reverse drive  
to the wheels and tines. This powered  
reversing feature is used for maneuvering  
the tiller only – never engage the tines in  
the ground while going in the reverse  
direction.  
NOTE: The wheels will rotate in a forward  
direction; the tines will rotate counter-  
clockwise (backward toward the operator).  
To Operate the Forward Clutch Bail:  
To Operate the Reverse Clutch Control:  
1. Put the wheels in the WHEEL DRIVE  
position (see the following “WARNING”  
statement).  
1. Operate only when the wheels are in  
the WHEEL DRIVE position (see the  
“WARNING” statement at the left).  
5. FOR FREEWHEEL mode (Figure 3-3):  
Slide the wheel inward and insert the  
wheel drive pin (A, Figure 3-3) only  
through the hole in the wheel shaft (B).  
Secure the wheel drive pin with the  
hairpin cotter (C) by pushing the hairpin  
cotter in as far as it will go. Repeat for the  
other wheel and then remove the support  
from beneath the transmission.  
2. Lift and hold the bail against the  
handlebar. The wheels and tines will  
rotate– and the tiller will move in a  
forward direction.  
2. Stop all tiller motion by releasing the  
Forward Clutch Bail.  
3. Lift up the handlebar until the tines  
clear the ground, look behind you to avoid  
any obstacles, and then pull the reverse  
clutch control knob toward you. The  
wheels will rotate in a reverse direction.  
3. Release the bail to disengage (stop)  
the wheels and tines. Forward tiller motion  
will stop (the engine will continue to run).  
4. Release the reverse clutch control  
knob to disengage (stop) the wheels and  
tines. All reverse motion will stop (the  
engine will continue to run).  
A
WARNING  
Before starting the engine, be  
sure that both wheels are in  
the WHEEL DRIVE position.  
See “Wheel Drive Pins” for  
instructions.  
D
B
Engaging the Forward Clutch  
Bail or the Reverse Clutch  
Control when the wheels are  
not in the WHEEL DRIVE  
position could allow the tines  
to rapidly propel the tiller  
forward or backward.  
WARNING  
C
• Use extreme caution when  
reversing or pulling the  
machine towards you. Look  
behind to avoid obstacles.  
Figure 3-2: WHEEL DRIVE position.  
Failure to comply could cause  
loss of tiller control, property  
damage, or personal injury.  
• Never attempt to till in  
reverse.  
A
Failure to follow this warning  
could result in personal injury  
or property damage.  
D
B
C
Figure 3-3: FREEWHEEL position.  
F
E
Figure 3-4: Forward Clutch Bail (E) and Reverse  
Clutch Control (F).  
11  
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Section 3: Features and Controls  
Depth Regulator Lever  
Handlebar Height Adjustment  
Anti-Reverse Stake  
This lever (G, Figure 3-5) controls the  
tilling depth of the tines. Pull the lever  
straight back and slide it up or down to  
engage the notched height settings.  
The handlebar height is adjustable to  
three different settings (see Figure 3-6).  
As a general rule, adjust the handlebars  
so they are at waist level when the tines  
are 3"-4" into the soil.  
This stake is located at the rear of the  
transmission, under the tine hood (see H,  
Figure 3-7). Its purpose is to automati-  
cally help prevent the counter-rotating  
tines from letting the tiller back up in the  
direction of the operator if the tiller  
wheels had been inadvertently left in the  
FREEWHEEL position. In this situation,  
the Anti-Reverse Stake will be forced  
down into the ground, lifting the tines  
upward out of the soil and helping  
The highest notch (lever all the way  
down) raises the tines approximately 1-  
1/2" off the ground. This “travel” setting  
allows the tiller to be moved without the  
tines digging into the ground. Also use  
this setting when starting the engine.  
To Adjust the Handlebars:  
1. Stop the engine, disconnect the spark  
plug wire from the spark plug and allow  
the engine to cool.  
2. Remove the screws, lockwashers and  
nuts, reposition the handlebars, and  
reinstall the hardware.  
Move the lever upward to increase the  
tilling depth. The lowest notch allows a  
tilling depth of approximately 6"-8",  
depending on soil conditions.  
prevent backward motion of the tiller.  
The Anti-Reverse Stake requires no adjust-  
ment, but should be inspected before  
each tiller use to verify that it swivels  
freely. Remove any clogged materials  
(dirt, roots, rocks, etc.) that prevent the  
Anti-Reverse Stake from swinging freely.  
For best results, begin tilling at the  
deepest depth possible without causing  
the tiller to bog down. Increase the tilling  
depth from one pass over the soil to the  
next.  
High  
Medium  
Low  
Travel  
Position  
G
Shallow  
Settings  
Deep  
Settings  
Figure 3-6: Handlebar height adjustment.  
Figure 3-5: Depth regulator lever.  
H
WARNING  
• Place the Depth Regulator  
Lever in the “travel”  
position before starting the  
Figure 3-7: Anti-Reverse Stake.  
engine.  
This position  
prevents the tines from  
touching the ground until you  
are ready to begin tilling.  
ENGINE CONTROLS  
Failure to follow this warning  
could result in personal injury  
or property damage.  
Refer to the engine manufacturer’s Engine  
Owner’s Manual (included in the tiller lit-  
erature package) to identify the controls  
on your engine.  
IMPORTANT: The control for stopping the  
engine is located on the engine.  
12  
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Section  
4
Operation  
Reverse Clutch Control  
(knob on back of bracket)  
WARNING  
Before  
operating  
your  
machine, carefully read and  
understand all safety (Section  
1), controls (Section 3) and  
operating instructions (Section  
4) in this Manual, in the  
separate Engine Owner’s  
Manual, and on the decals on  
the machine.  
Forward Clutch Bail  
Depth Regulator Lever  
Failure to follow these instruc-  
tions can result in serious  
personal injury.  
Anti-Reverse Stake  
Wheel Drive Pin  
(on each wheel)  
Recoil Starter  
INTRODUCTION  
Figure 4-1  
Read this Section of the manual thor-  
oughly before you start the engine. Then,  
take the time to familiarize yourself with  
the basic operation of the tiller before  
using it in the garden. Find an open, level  
area and practice using the tiller controls  
without the tines engaging the soil (put  
tines in “travel” setting). Only after  
you’ve become completely familiar with  
the tiller should you begin using it in the  
garden.  
STARTING AND STOPPING THE  
ENGINE  
Pre-Start Checklist  
DANGER  
GASOLINE IS HIGHLY  
FLAMMABLE AND ITS  
VAPORS ARE EXPLOSIVE.  
Make the following checks and perform  
the following services before starting the  
engine.  
Follow gasoline safety rules in  
this manual (see Section 1)  
and in the separate Engine  
Owner’s Manual.  
1. Read the “Safety” and “Controls”  
sections in this manual. Read the  
separate Engine Owner’s Manual  
provided by the engine manufacturer.  
Failure to follow gasoline  
safety instructions can result  
in serious personal injury  
and property damage.  
2. Check that the wheels are in the  
WHEEL DRIVE position (wheel pins must  
be through the wheel hubs and the wheel  
shaft holes).  
INITIAL OPERATION  
Perform the following maintenance during  
the first hours of new operation (see  
“Maintenance” section in this manual and  
in the Engine Owner’s Manual).  
3. Check unit for loose or missing  
hardware. Service as required.  
1. Change engine oil after first 2 hours of  
new engine operation.  
4. Check engine oil level. See Engine  
Owner’s Manual.  
2. Check for loose or missing hardware  
on unit. Tighten or replace as needed.  
5. Check that all safety guards and  
covers are in place.  
3. Check tension on forward drive belt  
after first 2 hours of operation.  
6. Check air cleaner and engine cooling  
system. See Engine Owner’s Manual.  
4. Check transmission gear oil level after  
first 2 hours of operation.  
7. Attach spark plug wire to spark plug.  
8. Fill the fuel tank with gasoline  
according to the directions in the  
separate Engine Owner’s Manual. Follow  
all instructions and safety rules carefully.  
13  
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Section 4: Operation  
in the separate Engine Owner’s Manual.  
Starting the Engine  
This creates an “uppercut” tine action  
which digs deeply, uprooting soil and  
weeds. Don’t overload the engine, but dig  
as deeply as possible on each pass. On  
later passes, the wheels may tend to spin  
in the soft dirt. Help them along by lifting  
up slightly on the handlebar (palm facing  
up).  
6. Put ignition switch and/or throttle  
control lever on engine in “ON,” “RUN,”  
“FAST” or “START” position as instructed  
in the separate Engine Owner’s Manual.  
The following steps describe how to start  
and stop the engine. Do not attempt to  
engage tines or wheels until you have  
read all the operating instructions in this  
Section. Also review the safety rules in  
Section 1: “Safety” and the tiller and  
engine controls information in Section  
3: “Features and Controls.”  
7. Choke or prime engine as instructed in  
the separate Engine Owner’s Manual.  
8. Place one hand on the fuel tank to  
stabilize the unit when you pull the starter  
handle. Use the recoil starter rope to start  
the engine as instructed in the separate  
Engine Owner’s Manual. When engine  
starts, gradually move choke lever (on  
engines so equipped) to “NO CHOKE,”  
“CHOKE OFF” or “RUN” position.  
1. Follow the “Pre-Start Checklist” on the  
previous page. Be sure that the wheels  
are in the WHEEL DRIVE position.  
CAUTION  
To help prevent serious  
personal injury or damage to  
equipment:  
2. Put the Depth Regulator Lever in the  
“travel” position (lever all the way down)  
so that the tines are clear of the ground.  
Use this position when practicing with  
your tiller or when moving to or from the  
garden. When you are ready to begin  
tilling, you must move the Depth  
Regulator Lever to the desired depth  
setting (see “Tilling Tips & Techniques”).  
Check that the Anti-Reverse Stake swivels  
freely back and forth. Remove any clogged  
material on or around the stake.  
• Before starting engine, put  
both wheels in the WHEEL  
DRIVE position. Never have  
WARNING  
Hot surfaces can cause severe  
burns. Do not touch muffler or  
adjacent areas.  
the  
wheels  
in  
the  
FREEWHEEL position when  
the engine is running. When  
the  
wheels  
are  
in  
9. Use the “FAST” throttle speed setting  
when tilling.  
FREEWHEEL, they do not  
hold back the tiller and the  
tines could propel the tiller  
rapidly backward.  
WARNING  
WARNING  
• Before starting engine, put  
Forward Clutch Bail (all  
Models) and Reverse Clutch  
Control in neutral (disen-  
gaged) positions by releasing  
levers.  
Keep away from rotating  
tines. Rotating tines will  
cause injury.  
• Never run engine indoors or  
in enclosed, poorly venti-  
lated areas. Engine exhaust  
contains carbon monoxide,  
an odorless and deadly gas.  
Stopping the Engine and Tiller  
Figure 4-2: Use one hand to guide tiller  
when moving forward.  
1. To stop the wheels and tines, release  
the Forward Clutch Bail or the Reverse  
Clutch Control — whichever control is in  
use.  
• Avoid engine muffler and  
nearby areas. Temperatures  
in these areas may exceed  
3. Start the engine and allow it to warm  
up. When warm, put throttle control in  
fast speed setting.  
2. To stop the engine, put the throttle  
control lever on engine in “OFF” or  
“STOP” position.  
o
150 F.  
4. For forward motion of wheels and  
power to the tines:  
1. Complete the “Pre-Start Checklist” on  
the previous page.  
(a) Pull the Forward Clutch Bail up and  
hold it against the handlebar. Release  
the bail to stop forward motion of  
the wheels and power to the tines.  
2. Put the wheels in the WHEEL DRIVE  
position (see “Wheel Drive Pins” in  
Section 3).  
OPERATING THE TILLER  
The following pages provide guidelines to  
using your tiller effectively and safely in  
various gardening applications. Be sure  
to read “Tilling Tips & Techniques” in this  
Section before you actually put the tines  
into the soil.  
(b) As the tiller moves forward, relax and  
let the wheels pull the unit along while  
the tines dig. Walk behind and a  
little to one side of the tiller. Use a  
light but secure grip with one hand  
on the handlebars, keeping your arm  
loose. See Figure 4-2.  
3. Put the Depth Regulator Lever in the  
“travel” position (lever all the way down)  
so that the tines are clear of the ground.  
4. Release all controls on the tiller.  
This is a CRT (counter-rotating tine) tiller.  
As the wheels pull forward, the tines  
rotate backward.  
5. If engine is equipped with a fuel valve,  
turn valve to open position as instructed  
14  
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Section 4: Operation  
WARNING  
WARNING  
Do not push down on the  
handlebars to try to make the  
tiller till more deeply. This  
prevents the wheels from  
holding the tiller back and can  
allow the tines to rapidly  
propel the tiller backward  
toward the operator, which  
could result in loss of control,  
property damage, or personal  
injury.  
Before tilling, contact your  
telephone or utilities company  
and inquire if underground  
equipment or lines are used in  
your area. Their representa-  
tive will be glad to answer  
your questions and tell you if  
any of their equipment or lines  
are buried underground on  
your property.  
Figure 4-3: Raise tines off ground and look  
behind when moving in reverse.  
Let the tiller move at its own pace and do  
not push down on the handlebars to try to  
dig deeper– this takes weight off the  
wheels, cuts traction, and causes the tines  
to try and propel the tiller.  
Turning the Tiller Around  
5. For reverse motion of the wheels and  
tines:  
(a) Look behind and exercise caution  
when operating in reverse. Do not  
till while in reverse.  
(b) Stop all forward motion before  
reversing. Lift the handlebars with  
one hand until the tines are off the  
ground and then pull the Reverse  
Clutch Control knob out to engage  
reverse motion (see Figure 4-3). To  
stop reverse motion, let go of the  
Reverse Clutch Control knob.  
Figure 4-5: With tiller balanced over  
wheels (and tines out of the ground), push  
handlebars sideways to turn tiller.  
Figure 4-4: To begin turn, lift handlebars  
until engine and tines are balanced over  
wheels. Be sure tines are out of ground.  
6. To Turn the Tiller Around:  
(a) Practice turning the tiller in a level,  
open area. Be very careful to keep  
your feet and legs away from the  
tines.  
Stopping the Tiller and Engine  
(b) To make a turn, lift the handlebars  
until the engine and tines are  
1. To stop the wheels and tines, release  
the Forward Clutch Bail or the Reverse  
Clutch Control – whichever is engaged.  
balanced over the wheels (Figure  
4-4). The tines must be out of the  
ground while turning the tiller.  
2. To stop the engine, move the throttle  
control lever on engine to “OFF” or  
“STOP” position.  
(c) With the tiller balanced, push  
sideways on the handlebar to move  
the tiller in the direction of the turn  
(Figure 4-5). After completing the  
turn, slowly lower the tines into the  
soil to resume tilling.  
15  
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Section 4: Operation  
Tilling Tips & Techniques  
In very hard ground it may take three  
Let the tiller do the work  
Avoid tilling soggy, wet soil  
or four overlapping passes to thor-  
oughly pulverize the soil. (See Figure  
4-8.)  
• While tilling, relax and let the wheels  
pull the tiller along while the tines do  
the digging. Walk on the side that is  
not yet finished (to avoid making foot-  
prints in the freshly tilled soil) and  
lightly, but securely grip the handlebar squeezing it into a ball. If it compresses  
with just one hand. See Figure 4-2.  
Tilling wet soil often results in large,  
hard clumps of soil that can interfere  
with planting. If time permits, wait a day  
or two after heavy rains to allow the soil  
to dry before tilling. Test soil by  
• If the garden size will not permit  
lengthwise and then crosswise tilling,  
then overlap the first passes by one-  
half a tiller width, followed by succes-  
sive passes at one-quarter width (see  
Figure 4-8).  
too easily, it is too wet to till.  
• Avoid the temptation to push down on  
the handlebars in an attempt to force  
the tiller to dig deeper. Doing so takes  
the weight off the powered wheels,  
causing them to lose traction. Without  
the wheels helping to hold the tiller  
back, the tines will attempt to propel  
the tiller backward toward the  
Avoid making footprints  
• With planning, you can allow enough  
room between rows to cultivate (see  
Figure 4-9). Leave room for the hood  
width, plus enough extra room for  
future plant growth.  
Whenever possible, walk on the untilled  
side of the unit to avoid making foot-  
prints in your freshly tilled or cultivated  
soil. Footprints cause soil compaction  
that can hamper root penetration and  
contribute to soil erosion. They can also  
“plant” unwanted weed seeds back into  
the freshly tilled ground.  
operator– often causing the tiller to  
skip rapidly across the ground.  
Tilling depths  
Choosing correct wheel  
and tine speeds  
With experience, you will find the “just  
right” tilling depth and tilling speed  
combination that is best for your  
garden.  
Figure 4-6  
• When preparing the soil, till a fresh  
path on each pass rather than overlap-  
ping passes. This gives the wheels  
maximum traction on undisturbed soil.  
See Figure 4-6. Dig as deeply as  
possible on each pass without over-  
loading the engine. Later passes can  
be overlapped. (Watering the garden  
area a few days prior to tilling will  
make tilling easier, as will letting the  
newly worked soil set for a day or two  
before making a final, deep tilling  
pass.)  
Set the engine throttle lever at a high  
enough speed to give the engine  
adequate power and yet allow it to  
operate without overloading it. Fastest  
engine speeds may be desirable when  
making final passes through the  
seedbed or when cultivating. Selection  
of the correct engine speed, in relation  
to the tilling depth, will ensure a suffi-  
cient power level to do the job without  
causing the engine to labor.  
Figure 4-7  
• When cultivating (breaking up the  
surface soil around plants to help  
destroy weeds), adjust the tines to dig  
only 1-1/2" to 2" deep. Using shallow  
tilling depths helps prevent injury to  
plants whose roots often grow close to  
the surface. If needed, lift up on the  
handlebars slightly to prevent the tines  
from digging too deeply. Cultivating on  
a regular basis not only eliminates  
weeds, it also loosens and aerates the  
soil for better moisture absorption and  
faster plant growth.  
1
Suggested tilling patterns  
2
• When preparing a seedbed, go over  
the same path twice in the first row,  
then make individual passes right next  
to each other (see Figure 4-6). When  
finished in one direction, make second  
passes at a right angle as shown in  
Figure 4-7.  
3
Figure 4-8  
Figure 4-9  
16  
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Section 4: Operation  
Tilling Tips & Techniques  
B. Tilling across slopes without  
using terraces:  
Clearing the tines  
Tilling on slopes  
If you must garden on a moderate slope,  
please follow two very important guide-  
lines:  
Dry grass, stringy stalks or tough vines  
may become tangled in the tines. Follow  
these procedures to help avoid tangling  
and to clean the tines, if necessary.  
If previously described tilling methods  
aren’t practical for you, then you can till  
laterally across a slope. However, we  
don’t really recommend this method as  
it can create unsure footing and invites  
soil erosion.  
1. Till only on moderate slopes, never on  
steep ground where footing is difficult  
(review safety rules in the “Safety”  
section of this manual).  
• To reduce tangling, set the depth  
regulator to maximum depth.  
• While tilling, try swaying the handle-  
bars from side to side (about 6" to 12").  
This “fishtailing” action often clears the  
tines of debris.  
2. We recommend tilling up and down  
slopes rather than terracing. Tilling  
vertically on a slope allows maximum  
planting area and also leaves room for  
cultivating.  
• If tangling occurs, lift the tines out of  
the soil and run the tiller in reverse for  
a few feet. This may unwind a good  
deal of debris.  
IMPORTANT: When tilling on slopes, be  
sure the correct oil level is maintained in  
the engine (check every one-half hour of  
operation). The incline of the slope will  
cause the oil to slant away from its  
normal level and this can starve engine  
parts of required lubrication. Keep the  
engine oil level at the full point at all  
• It may be necessary to remove the  
debris by hand (a pocket knife will help  
you to cut away the material).  
WARNING  
Before clearing the tines by times!  
hand, stop the engine, allow  
A. Tilling up and down slopes:  
all moving parts to stop and  
disconnect the spark plug  
wire.  
• To keep soil erosion to a minimum, be  
sure to add enough organic matter to  
the soil so that it has good moisture-  
holding texture and try to avoid leaving  
footprints or wheel marks.  
Failure to follow this warning  
could result in personal  
injury.  
• When tilling vertically, try to make the  
first pass uphill as the tiller digs more  
deeply going uphill than it does  
downhill. In soft soil or weeds, you  
may have to lift handlebars slightly  
while going uphill.  
17  
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Section 4: Operation  
• Use sturdy ramps and manually (engine  
shut off) roll the tiller into and out of the  
vehicle. Two or more people are needed  
to do this.  
• When going down ramps, walk  
backward with the tiller following you.  
Keep alert for any obstacles behind you.  
Position a person at each wheel to  
control the speed of the tiller. Never go  
down ramps tiller-first, as the tiller could  
tip forward.  
LOADING AND UNLOADING THE  
TILLER  
WARNING  
• Ramps must be strong enough to  
support the combined weight of the tiller  
and any handlers. The ramps should  
provide good traction to prevent  
slipping; they should have side rails to  
guide the tiller along the ramps; and  
they should have a locking device to  
secure them to the vehicle.  
Loading and unloading the  
tiller into or from a vehicle is  
potentially hazardous. We  
don’t recommend doing so  
unless absolutely necessary,  
as this could result in person-  
al injury or property damage.  
• Use wooden blocks to place on the  
downhill side of the wheels if you need  
to stop the tiller from rolling down the  
ramp. Also, use the blocks to temporar-  
ily keep the tiller in place on the ramps  
(if necessary), and to chock the wheels  
in place after the tiller is in the vehicle.  
However, if you must load or  
unload the tiller, follow the  
guidelines given next.  
• The handlers should wear sturdy  
footwear that will help to prevent  
slipping.  
• When the tiller is in the vehicle, prevent  
it from rolling by chocking the wheels  
with blocks and securely tie the tiller  
down.  
• Position the loading vehicle so that the  
ramp angle is as flat as possible (the  
less incline to the ramp, the better).  
Turn the vehicle’s engine off and apply  
its parking brake.  
• Before loading or unloading, stop the  
engine, wait for all parts to stop  
moving, disconnect the spark plug wire  
and let the engine and muffler cool.  
• The tiller is too heavy and bulky to lift  
safely by one person. Two or more  
people should share the load.  
• When going up ramps, stand in the  
normal operating position and push the  
tiller ahead of you. Have a person at  
each side to turn the wheels.  
18  
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Section  
5
Maintenance  
WARNING  
Before  
inspecting,  
cleaning or servicing the  
machine, shut off engine,  
wait for all moving parts to  
come to a complete stop,  
disconnect spark plug wire  
and move wire away from  
spark plug.  
REQUIRED MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE  
Before  
Each  
Use  
Every  
10  
Hours  
Every  
30  
Hours  
As  
PROCEDURE  
Noted  
Check engine oil level  
Clean engine  
And every 5  
operating hours  
•
•
L
Failure to follow these  
instructions can result in  
serious personal injury or  
property damage.  
Check drive belt tension  
Check nuts and bolts  
•
•
✝
✝
Change engine oil  
•
•
*
Lubricate tiller  
Service engine air cleaner system  
L
✝
Check gear oil level in  
transmission  
•
Check tines for wear  
•
•
Check air pressure in tires  
(if pneumatic)  
Service spark plug  
L
Check Anti-Reverse Stake  
•
* Change more frequently in dusty or dirty conditions. Change after first 2 hours of  
break-in operation.  
✝ Check after first 2 hours of break-in operation.  
L See Engine Owner’s Manual for service intervals and instructions.  
19  
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Section 5: Maintenance  
WARNING Before inspecting, cleaning or servicing the unit, shut off engine, wait for all  
parts to come to a complete stop, disconnect spark plug wire and move wire away from spark  
plug. Failure to follow these instructions can result in serious personal injury or  
property damage.  
CHECK FOR OIL LEAKS  
TILLER LUBRICATION  
TRANSMISSION GEAR OIL SERVICE  
Before each use, check your tiller for  
signs of an oil leak – usually a dirty, oily  
accumulation either on the unit or on the  
floor where it has been parked.  
Proper lubrication of the tiller is an  
essential part of maintenance. After  
every 10 operating hours, oil or grease  
the lubrication points shown in Figures  
5-1 and 5-1A and described below.  
Check the transmission gear oil level 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.  
A little seepage around a cover or oil seal  
is usually not a cause for alarm. However,  
if the oil drips overnight then immediate  
attention is needed as ignoring a leak can  
result in severe transmission damage.  
Use a good quality lubricating oil (#30  
weight engine oil is suitable) and a quality  
general purpose grease (with a metal  
lubricant, if available).  
A. To Check the Transmission  
Gear Oil Level:  
1. Check the gear oil level when the trans-  
mission is cool. Gear oil will expand in  
warm operating temperatures and this  
expansion will provide an incorrect oil  
level reading.  
• Remove wheels, clean wheel shaft (A,  
Fig. 5-1) and apply thin coating of  
grease to the shaft.  
If a cover is leaking, try tightening any  
loose screws. If the screws are tight, a  
new gasket or oil seal may be required. If  
the leak is from around a shaft and oil  
seal, the oil seal probably needs to be  
replaced. See your authorized dealer or  
contact the factory for service or advice.  
• Grease back, front and sides of depth  
regulator lever (B, Fig. 5-1).  
2. With the tiller on level ground, adjust  
the Depth Regulator Lever up or down to  
the notch that makes the tiller level..  
• Remove tines, clean tine shafts (C, Fig.  
5-1). Inspect for rust, rough spots or  
burrs (look around holes). File or sand  
smooth, coat ends of shaft with grease.  
3. Remove the oil fill plug (A, Fig. 5-2)  
from the transmission housing and look  
into the oil fill hole. You will see the main  
drive shaft on one side of the hole.  
IMPORTANT: Never operate the tiller if  
the transmission is low on oil. Check the  
oil level after every 30 hours of operation  
and whenever there is any oil leakage.  
• Oil the threads on the handlebar height  
adjustment screws and the handlebar  
attaching screws (D, Fig. 5-1).  
4. The gear oil level is correct if the gear  
oil is approximately half way up the side  
of the drive shaft.  
• Shifting Mechanism. Lightly oil pivot  
points for smooth operation (E, Fig. 5-1A).  
CHECK HARDWARE  
5. If the gear oil level is low, add gear oil  
as described next. If the gear oil level is  
okay, securely replace the oil fill plug.  
IMPORTANT: Do not operate the tiller if  
the gear oil level is low. Doing so will  
result in severe damage to the transmis-  
sion components.  
Check for loose or missing hardware after  
every 10 operating hours. Tighten or  
replace hardware before using the tiller.  
Be sure to check the screws underneath  
the tiller hood (lift the hood flap) that  
secure the transmission cover and the  
depth regulator lever to the transmission.  
B
D
D
6. If adding only a few ounces of gear  
oil, use API rated GL-4 or GL-5 transmis-  
sion gear oil having a viscosity of SAE  
140, SAE 85W-140 or SAE 80W-90. If  
refilling an empty transmission, use only  
GL-4 transmission gear oil having a  
viscosity of SAE 85W-140 or SAE 140.  
CHECK TIRE PRESSURE (on  
machines equipped with  
pneumatic tires)  
Check the air pressure in both tires.  
Deflate or inflate both tires evenly from  
15-to-20 PSI (pounds per square inch).  
Be sure that both tires have the same air  
pressure or the unit will tend to pull to  
one side.  
A
C
Figure 5-1  
NOTE: Do not use automatic transmission  
fluid or engine oil in the transmission.  
7. While checking frequently to avoid  
overfilling, slowly add gear oil into the oil  
fill hole until it reaches the halfway point  
on the drive shaft.  
E
NOTE: Your tiller may not be equipped  
with pneumatic tires, eliminating the need  
for air pressure checks.  
8. Securely replace the oil fill plug.  
Figure 5-1A  
20  
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Section 5: Maintenance  
WARNING Before inspecting, cleaning or servicing the unit, shut off engine, wait for all  
parts to come to a complete stop, disconnect spark plug wire and move wire away from spark  
plug. Failure to follow these instructions can result in serious personal injury or  
property damage.  
B. To Drain the Transmission Gear Oil:  
reduced effectiveness in general, and  
specifically when chopping up and  
turning under organic matter.  
DANGER  
Gasoline is highly flammable  
and its vapors explosive. Fol-  
low these safety practices to  
prevent injury or property  
damage from fire or explosion.  
• Allow the engine and  
muffler to cool before  
draining the tiller’s gasoline  
tank.  
• Do not allow open flames,  
sparks, matches or smoking  
in the area.  
• Wipe away spills and push  
tiller away from spilled fuel.  
B. Removing and Installing  
Tine Assemblies  
B
1. Use a 9/16" socket, 6" extension, a  
ratchet, and a 9/16" box end wrench to  
loosen the nut (A, Figure 5-3) and screw  
(B) that secure the tine holder to the tine  
shaft.  
B
A
2. Use a rubber mallet to tap the tine  
holder loose. Slide tine assembly off.  
Figure 5-2: Remove oil fill plug (A) to check  
gear oil level and to add gear oil. Remove  
four cover screws (B) to drain gear oil.  
3. Repeat Steps 1 and 2 above to remove  
the other tine assembly.  
TINES  
4. Installing the tine assembly is simply  
the reverse of its removal. First be sure  
to remove any rust, uneven spots or burrs  
from the tine shaft using fine sandpaper.  
Then grease the tine shaft before rein-  
stalling the tine assemblies. Be sure all  
the cutting edges face so they will enter  
the soil first when the tiller is moving  
forward– this means the cutting edge on  
the top of each tine faces toward the  
operator position. Tighten hardware.  
• Use only an approved fuel  
container and store it safely  
out of the reach of children.  
The tines wear with use and they should  
be inspected at the beginning of each  
tilling season and after every 30 operating  
hours. The tines can be replaced individ-  
ually or as a complete set. Refer to the  
Parts List Section of this manual for tine  
identification information.  
• Do not store gasoline where  
its vapors could reach an  
open flame or spark, or  
where ignition sources are  
present (such as hot water  
and space heaters, furnaces,  
clothes dryers, stoves,  
electric motors, etc.)  
WARNING  
This is a CRT (counter-rotating  
tine) tiller and its tines must  
be mounted in the direction  
shown in Figure 5-3. If  
mounted with curves in the  
opposite direction, tiller will  
dig poorly and be more likely  
to run backward.  
C. Removing and Installing  
Individual Tines  
The transmission gear oil does not need  
to be changed unless it has been contam-  
inated with dirt, sand or metal particles.  
1. Use two 9/16" box end wrenches to  
remove the two screws (C, Figure 5-3)  
and nuts (D) that secure the tine to its  
tine holder.  
1. Drain gasoline from the fuel tank or  
run the engine until the fuel tank is empty.  
See “DANGER” statement above.  
Failure to comply could result  
in personal injury or property  
damage.  
2. Drain the oil from the engine.  
NOTE: If the nuts are rusted, apply pene-  
trating oil, then loosen the hardware.  
3. Remove the four screws (B, Figure 5-2)  
and washers from the transmission cover  
and remove the cover and gasket.  
2. When installing individual tines, do so  
in the reverse order from which they were  
removed. The two sets of inboard tines  
are installed so one set faces toward the  
transmission and the other faces away  
from it. The single outboard tine set  
faces toward the transmission housing.  
Also be sure the cutting edge at the top  
of each tine faces toward the operator  
position. (See Figure 5-3.)  
NOTE: You must first remove the tiller  
hood before removing either a single tine  
holder or individual tines. Remove the  
two screws at the front of the hood and  
the two screws at the rear of the hood  
and lift off the hood. Be sure to replace  
the hood securely after changing a tine or  
tine holders.  
4. Remove the left-side wheel.  
5. Tilt the left-side wheel shaft into a  
drain pan and allow the gear oil to drain  
through the top of the transmission.  
6. After draining oil, reinstall the wheel,  
install a new gasket (do not reuse old  
gasket) and screw on transmission cover.  
7. Refill transmission using GL-4 gear oil  
(SAE 85W-140 or SAE 140).  
8. Refill the engine with motor oil and  
replenish the fuel tank with gasoline.  
A. Tine Inspection:  
With use, the tines will become shorter,  
narrower and pointed. Badly worn tines  
will result in a loss of tilling depth and  
21  
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Section 5: Maintenance  
WARNING Before inspecting, cleaning or servicing the unit, shut off engine, wait for all  
parts to come to a complete stop, disconnect spark plug wire and move wire away from spark  
plug. Failure to follow these instructions can result in serious personal injury or  
property damage.  
Clutch Bail all the way up to the bottom of  
the upper handlebars, you will need to  
loosen the belt tension.  
C
Also check the belt for cracks, cuts or  
frayed edges and replace it as soon as  
possible.  
OPERATOR  
POSITION  
TINE  
SHAFT  
• Check belt tension after the first two  
hours of initial operation (new belt).  
A
• Check belt tension after every 10  
operating hours.  
ENGINE  
To Check Forward Belt Tension:  
1. Be sure that the engine is stopped and  
the spark plug wire is disconnected and  
moved away from the spark plug.  
DENOTES CUTTING EDGE  
OF TINE  
B
2. Loosen nut “C” (Figure 5-4) several  
turns so it is about halfway up the  
threaded adjustment screw.  
C
D
Figure 5-3: Tines, tine holders and installation hardware.  
3. Lift the Forward Clutch Bail up and  
hold it to the bottom of the handlebars.  
Measure the length of the clutch bail  
spring (A, Figure 5-4) with a ruler. If the  
belt tension is correct, the length of the  
coiled portion of the spring should be  
approximately 1-7/8". Nut “C” should  
then be snugged down against the top of  
the adjuster (B).  
4. If the spring is too short, the belt  
tension will be too loose. If the spring is  
too long, the belt tension will be too tight.  
A
5. To adjust the length of the spring,  
release the Forward Clutch Bail. Thread  
the hex nut (C, Fig. 5-4) halfway up the  
adjustment screw. Turn the screw inside  
the spring (A, Figure 5-4) counterclock-  
wise (as viewed from the operator’s  
position) while holding the adjuster (B)  
steady to increase the length of the  
spring, or turn clockwise (as viewed from  
the operator’s position) to decrease the  
length of the spring.  
C
B
Figure 5-4: Lift bail and check length of Clutch Bail Spring to check for correct belt tension  
(1-7/8").  
transmission pulleys and cause the tines  
and wheels to slow down – or stop com-  
pletely – even though the engine is  
running at full speed. A loose belt can  
CHECKING AND ADJUSTING  
FORWARD DRIVE BELT TENSION  
Maintaining correct tension on the  
forward drive belt is important to good  
NOTE: If you have difficulty holding the  
adjuster steady by hand, use a pliers or  
wrench on the adjuster. While you turn  
the screw, keep the Forward Clutch Cable  
also result in premature belt wear.  
tilling performance and long belt life. A  
If you find you can not bring the Forward  
loose belt will slip on the engine and  
22  
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Section 5: Maintenance  
WARNING Before inspecting, cleaning or servicing the unit, shut off engine, wait for all  
parts to come to a complete stop, disconnect spark plug wire and move wire away from spark  
plug. Failure to follow these instructions can result in serious personal injury or  
property damage.  
from turning by gripping the upper end of • Check belt tension after the first two  
the threaded adjuster (B) with pliers.  
hours of break-in operation (new belt).  
6. Repeat Step 3 to measure the length  
of the clutch bail spring. Once the length  
is correct, retighten the hex nut against  
the top of the adjuster.  
• Check belt tension after every 10  
operating hours.  
To Check Reverse Belt Tension:  
1. Be sure that the engine is stopped and  
the spark plug wire is disconnected and  
moved away from the spark plug.  
Forward Belt Replacement Information  
If the drive belt needs to be replaced, see  
your local authorized dealer or phone the  
factory as instructed on Page 2. Refer to  
the Parts List in the back of this manual  
for correct components Use only OEM  
(Original Equipment Manufacturer) fre-  
placement belts. A substitute belt may  
not perform satisfactorily. The procedure  
requires average mechanical ability and  
commonly available tools.  
A B  
2. Remove the screw in the plastic belt  
cover and slide the cover (which is  
attached to the forward clutch cable) out  
of the way.  
Figure 5-5: Measure cable wire length to  
check for correct reverse belt tension.  
3. Have an assistant pull the Reverse  
Clutch Control knob all the way out and  
hold it in that position. Measure the  
length of the cable wire between the end  
of the threaded cable adjuster (A, Figure  
5-5) and the end of the Z-fitting (B) to  
which the cable wire is attached.  
FORWARD CLUTCH  
BAIL ADJUSTMENT  
4. The belt tension is ideal if the cable  
wire length measures between 1/8" to  
1/4". If the length is less than 1/8" (and if  
there is no reverse action when the tiller  
is running), then make the following  
adjustments. NOTE: If the length is more  
than 1/4", no adjustment is needed, as  
long as the reverse action functions  
properly.  
If the Forward Clutch Bail does not  
function properly, first check that the  
forward drive belt is adjusted properly  
(see “Checking and Adjusting Forward  
Drive Belt Tension”). If this fails to  
correct the problem, contact the factory  
technical service department or your  
authorized dealer for service advice.  
D
A
C
5. Release the Reverse Clutch Control  
knob. Unthread the inner jam nut (C,  
Figure 5-6) one to two turns and pull the  
threaded cable adjuster (A, Figure 5-6) to  
the left until the inner jam nut rests  
against the bracket.  
CHECKING AND ADJUSTING  
REVERSE DRIVE BELT TENSION  
Figure 5-6: Move threaded  
adjuster (A) to left to  
increase belt tension.  
Maintaining correct tension on the  
reverse drive belt is important to good  
performance and long belt life. A loose  
belt will slip on the engine and transmis-  
sion pulleys and cause the tines and  
wheels to slow down – or stop com-  
pletely – even though the engine is  
running at full speed. A loose belt can  
also result in premature belt wear.  
6. Prevent the inner jam nut (C) from  
turning and tighten the outer jam nut (D)  
against the bracket. Prevent the outer  
jam nut (D) from turning and tighten the  
inner jam nut (C) against the bracket.  
Reverse Belt Replacement Information  
If the drive belt needs to be replaced, see  
your local authorized dealer or phone the  
factory as instructed on Page 2. Refer to  
the Parts List in the back of this manual  
for correct components Use only OEM  
(Original Equipment Manufacturer) fre-  
placement belts. A substitute belt may  
not perform satisfactorily. The procedure  
requires average mechanical ability and  
commonly available tools.  
7. Measure the gap by repeating Step 3.  
Readjust as needed by repeating Steps 5  
and 6.  
If there is no reverse action when the  
Reverse Clutch Control knob is pulled  
out, then the belt tension is too loose.  
8. Reinstall the belt cover.  
When checking belt tension, also check  
the belt for cracks, cuts or frayed edges  
and replace it as soon as possible.  
23  
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Section 5: Maintenance  
WARNING Before inspecting, cleaning or servicing the unit, shut off engine, wait for all  
parts to come to a complete stop, disconnect spark plug wire and move wire away from spark  
plug. Failure to follow these instructions can result in serious personal injury or  
property damage.  
The governor controls the maximum  
ENGINE OIL SERVICE  
Check the engine oil level before starting  
the engine each day and check it after each out of the air before it enters the carbure-  
5 hours of continuous operation. Running tor. Operating the engine with a dirty,  
the engine when it is low on oil will quickly clogged air filter can cause poor perfor-  
AIR CLEANER SERVICE  
The engine air cleaner filters dirt and dust  
safe operating speed and protects the  
engine and all moving parts from  
damage caused by overspeeding. Do  
not tamper with the engine governor  
settings.  
ruin the engine.  
mance 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.  
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 separate Engine Owner’s Manual for Service the air cleaner as instructed in the  
WARNING  
Operators shall not tamper  
with the engine governor  
settings on the machine;  
the governor controls the  
maximum safe operating  
speed to protect the  
engine and all moving  
parts from damage caused  
by overspeed. Authorized  
service shall be sought if a  
problem exists.  
detailed service instructions.  
separate Engine Owner’s Manual.  
A. To Check the Engine Oil Level:  
SPARK PLUG SERVICE  
1. Move the tiller to a level area and shut  
off the engine.  
Inspect and clean or replace the spark plug  
after every 100 operating hours or  
annually. Clean the plug and set the gap as  
described in the separate Engine Owner’s  
Manual.  
2. Level the engine by adjusting the Depth  
Regulator Lever. The tines must be in  
contact with the ground. Move the Anti-  
Reverse Stake back if necessary.  
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.  
3. Clean the area around the oil dipstick or  
oil fill tube to prevent dirt from falling into  
the crankcase.  
OFF SEASON STORAGE  
When the tiller won’t be used for  
extended periods, prepare it for storage  
as follows:  
4. On engines with an oil fill tube, remove  
the filler cap, add oil (if required) until it  
reaches the top of the tube and reinstall the  
filler cap.  
SPARK ARRESTER SCREEN SERVICE  
1. Clean the tiller and engine.  
5. On engines with a dipstick, remove it,  
wipe it clean, and reinstall it finger-tight.  
Remove the dipstick and check the reading.  
Add oil (if required) to bring the level to the  
FULL mark. Do not overfill.  
If the engine muffler is equipped with a  
spark arrester screen, remove and clean it  
according to the time intervals and instruc-  
tions in the separate Engine Owner’s  
Manual.  
2. Do routine tiller lubrication and check  
for loose parts and hardware.  
3. Protect the engine and perform rec-  
ommended engine maintenance by  
following the engine storage instruc-  
tions found in the separate Engine  
Owner’s Manual. NOTE: 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 manufac-  
turer’s recommendations).  
B. To Change the Engine Oil:  
THROTTLE LEVER ADJUSTMENT  
Change the engine oil as instructed in the  
separate Engine Owner’s Manual.  
If the engine does not respond to various  
throttle lever settings, refer to the separate  
Engine Owner’s Manual for service infor-  
mation or contact your local authorized  
engine service dealer.  
ENGINE CLEANING  
Keep the engine clean to assure smooth  
operation and to prevent damage from  
overheating. Refer to the separate Engine  
Owner’s Manual for specific repair and  
cleaning instructions. All inspections and  
services must be done with the engine shut  
off and cool to the touch.  
4. Store unit in a clean, dry area.  
CARBURETOR/GOVERNOR CONTROL  
ADJUSTMENTS  
The carburetor was adjusted at the factory  
for best operating speed. Refer to the  
separate Engine Owner’s Manual for any  
adjustment information or see your autho-  
rized engine service dealer.  
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.).  
24  
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Section 5: Maintenance  
TROUBLESHOOTING  
Before performing any corrections, refer to the appropriate information in this Manual, or in the Engine Owner’s Manual, for the  
correct safety precautions and operating or maintenance procedures. Contact your local authorized Engine Service Dealer for  
engine service. Contact your local authorized equipment dealer or the factory for all other service problems.  
PROBLEM  
POSSIBLE CAUSE  
CORRECTION  
Engine does  
not start.  
1. Spark plug wire disconnected.  
2. Engine Throttle Control Lever incorrectly set.  
3. Fuel tank empty.  
1. Reconnect wire.  
2. Put lever in START position.  
3. Add fuel.  
4. Choke control (if so equipped) in incorrect position.  
5. Stale gasoline.  
6. Dirty air filter(s).  
7. Defective or incorrectly gapped spark plug.  
8. Carburetor out of adjustment.  
9. Misadjusted throttle control cable.  
10.Dirt or water in fuel tank.  
4. See Engine Owner’s Manual.  
5. Drain fuel and add fresh fuel.  
6. Clean or replace filter(s).  
7. Inspect spark plug.  
8. See Engine Service Dealer.  
9. See Engine Service Dealer  
10. See Engine Service Dealer.  
Engine runs poorly.  
Engine overheats.  
1. Defective or incorrectly gapped spark plug.  
2. Dirty air filter(s).  
3. Carburetor out of adjustment.  
4. Stale gasoline.  
5. Dirt or water in fuel tank.  
6. Engine cooling system clogged.  
1. Inspect spark plug (see Engine Owner’s Manual).  
2. Clean or replace (see Engine Owner’s Manual).  
3. See Engine Service Dealer.  
4. Replace with fresh gasoline.  
5. See Engine Service Dealer.  
6. Clean air cooling system (see Engine Owner’s Manual).  
1. Engine cooling system clogged.  
2. Carburetor out of adjustment.  
3. Oil level is low.  
1. Clean air cooling area (see Engine Owner’s Manual).  
2. See Engine Service Dealer.  
3. Check oil level (see Engine Owner’s Manual).  
Engine does not  
shut off.  
1. Misadjusted throttle control or ignition switch.  
1. See Engine Owner’s Manual or Engine Service Dealer.  
Wheels and Tines  
will not turn.  
1. Improper use of controls.  
1. Review Sections 3 and 4.  
2. Worn, broken, or misadjusted drive belt(s).  
3. Internal transmission wear or damage.  
4. Bolt loose in transmission pulley.  
2. See “Checking Drive Belt Tension,” Section 5.  
3 Contact local dealer or the factory.  
4. Tighten bolt.  
Tines turn, but  
wheels don’t.  
1. Wheel Drive Pins not in WHEEL DRIVE.  
2. Internal transmission wear or damage.  
1. See “Wheel Drive Pins” in Section 3.  
2. Contact local Dealer or the Factory.  
Wheels Turn, but  
Tines Don’t.  
1. Tine holder mounting hardware missing.  
2. Internal transmission wear or damage.  
1. Replace hardware.  
2. Contact local Dealer or the Factory.  
Poor tilling  
1. Worn tines.  
1. See “Tines” (Section 5).  
performance.  
2. Improper Depth Regulator setting.  
3. Incorrect throttle setting.  
4. Forward Drive Belt slipping.  
2. See “Tilling Tips & Techniques,” Section 4.  
3. See Section 4.  
4. See “Checking Forward Drive Belt Tension,” Section 5.  
25  
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Section  
6
Parts List  
5
1
27  
13  
26  
3
25  
7
7
9
8
19  
14  
4
15  
20  
2
17  
11  
18  
16  
10  
6
1
22  
12  
24  
9
8
4
23  
15  
21  
7
26  
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MODELS 644H & 645A  
REF  
NO.  
PART NO.  
1185469  
DESCRIPTION  
1
Spirol Pin  
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10  
11  
12  
13  
14  
15  
16  
17  
18  
19  
20  
21  
22  
23  
24  
25  
26  
27  
710-0597  
710-0599  
710-0874  
1186331  
Hex Hd. Screw, 1/4-20 x 1  
Screw, Self-Tapping,1/4-20 x 1/2  
Hex Hd. Screw, 5/16-18 x 1-1/4  
Hex Hd. Screw, 5/16-18 x 1.0  
Hex Lock Nut, 1/4-20  
Hex Flange Lock Nut, 5/16-18  
Hex Nut, 5/16-18  
712-0291  
712-3004A  
712-3009  
736-0119  
GW-55013-1  
GW-55013-2  
GW-55015  
GW-55018  
686-04029  
GW-55088  
GW-9384  
GW-9534  
710-04048  
618-04046  
1916569  
Lock Washer, 5/16  
Hood Bracket, Left Hand  
Hood Bracket, Right Hand  
Drag Bar  
Depth Regulator Lever  
Tine Hood Assembly  
Bushing  
Spring, Depth Regulator  
Spacer  
Hex Hd. Flange Screw, 5/16-18 x 1  
Transmission Assembly (CRT)  
Flap Stop Bracket  
1916570  
710-3073  
1916771  
1107382  
710-3025  
1916708  
Reverse Stop Arm  
Hex Screw, 5/16-18 x 2.25  
Spacer, .462 x .328 x 1.63  
Flat Washer, 5/16  
Hex Screw, 5/16-18 x .625  
Hood Support Bracket  
Channel Support Bracket  
1916707  
27  
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MODELS 644H & 645A  
2
5
15  
5
3
16  
12  
10  
21  
1
20  
13  
17  
22  
11  
4
7
25  
20  
8
6
25  
20  
7
18  
9
6
7
18  
14  
23  
28  
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MODELS 644H & 645A  
REF  
NO.  
PART NO.  
1916719  
DESCRIPTION  
1
2
Cable Assembly, Reverse Clutch  
Upper Handlebar  
1916755  
1917479  
1918745  
710-0599  
710-3008  
712-3009  
GW-55042  
GW-55043  
GW-55102  
GW-55044  
GW-9855  
725-0157  
736-3050  
1916674  
1916712  
710-0106  
710-0216  
710-0805  
712-0121  
712-0291  
712-3000  
736-0119  
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10  
11  
12  
13  
14  
15  
16  
17  
18  
20  
21  
22  
23  
25  
Bail, Forward Clutch  
Cable Assembly, Forward Clutch  
Screw, Self-Tapping,1/4-20 x 1/2  
Screw, Hex, 5/16-18 x 3/4  
Hex Lock Nut, 5/16-18  
Handlebar Support  
Lower Handlebar  
Panel  
Tab, Conduit Mount  
Screw, #10-24 x 2  
Cable Tie  
Flat Washer, 3/8  
Bracket, Reverse Clutch Cable  
Spring, Forward Clutch  
Hex Hd. Screw, 1/4-20 x 1-1/4  
Screw, Hex, 3/8-16 x 3/4  
Screw, Hex, 5/16-18 x 1-1/2  
Hex Nut, #10-24  
Hex Lock Nut, 1/4-20  
Hex Nut, 3/8-16  
Lock Washer, 5/16  
4
3
1
REF  
NO.  
PART NO.  
1918749  
DESCRIPTION  
1
Bumper  
2
3
4
710-0395  
712-0267  
736-0119  
Hex Screw, 5/16-18 x 2-1/4, Gr5  
Nut, Hex, 5/16-18  
Lock Washer, 5/16  
2
29  
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MODELS 644H & 645A  
1
2
3
4
2
5
REF  
NO.  
PART NO.  
GW-9517  
DESCRIPTION  
1
Snap Ring  
2
3
4
5
GW-1714  
Bearing, Tapered Roller (with race)  
Support Washer, Rear  
Drive Shaft (CRT)  
GW-50043  
711-04110  
GW-1224-1*  
GW-1224-2*  
GW-1224-3*  
GW-1224-4*  
GW-1325C  
Shim, Rear Bearing Cap, .010" thick  
Shim, same as above, except .030" thick  
Shim, same as above, except .005" thick  
Shim, same as above, except .062" thick  
Shim Set (Incl. the following shims:  
—
two #1224-1, two 1224-2 & one #1224-4)  
* Use as required to obtain between .005” and .015” allowable end-play.  
30  
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MODELS 644H & 645A  
8
1
2
3
6
4
7
FRONT  
11  
5
10  
9
7
4
3
2
REF  
NO.  
PART NO.  
DESCRIPTION  
1
2
3
GW-9512  
1909950  
Retainer, Snap Ring, “E” Type  
Retainer, Snap Ring  
Shim, 0.062" thick  
Shim, 0.030" thick  
Shim, 0.015" thick  
Shim, 0.010" thick  
Shim, 0.005" thick  
Bronze Bushing  
GW-1166-1*  
GW-1166-2*  
GW-1166-3*  
GW-1166-4*  
GW-1166-5*  
GW-1086  
4
5
6
7
8
9
10  
11  
711-04092  
GW-9305  
GW-1132-2  
1904278  
711-04078  
GW-1104  
1904279  
Wheel Shaft (CRT)  
Key, Hi-Pro, 1/4 x 1  
Spacer  
Worm Gear, Wheel Shaft  
Tiller Shaft  
Woodruff Key  
Worm Gear, Tiller Shaft  
* Use as required to obtain between .005” and .030” allowable end-play.  
31  
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MODELS 644H & 645A  
1
2
5
2
6
4
6
7
8
9
11*  
8
10  
12  
13  
3
10  
14  
* Included with transmission when purchased as an assembly only.  
Remove and discard when installing the transmission on tiller.  
REF  
REF  
NO.  
PART NO.  
NO.  
DESCRIPTION  
PART NO.  
721-04031  
619-04013  
721-04036  
736-3008*  
718-04008  
710-04048  
710-3008  
DESCRIPTION  
Oil Seal, Wheel Shaft  
Transmission Housing Assembly  
Oil Seal, Tine Shaft  
Washer, Flat, .344 x .750 x .120  
Rear Bearing Cap  
Hex Hd. Flange Screw, 5/16-18 x 1  
Hex Hd. Flange Screw, 5/16-18 x 3/4  
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
GW-9727  
710-04049  
736-0119  
1918377  
1916641  
GW-50032  
721-04030  
Plug, Transmission Oil Fill  
Hex Hd. Flange Screw, 5/16-18 x 5/8,Gr. 5  
Lock Washer, 5/16  
Rear Cover, Transmission  
Front Cover, Transmission  
Gasket, Housing Cover  
8
9
10  
11  
12  
13  
14  
Oil Seal, Drive Shaft  
32  
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MODELS 644H & 645A  
Hold Tines With Cutting Edge at the TOP  
of each tine facing TOWARD You  
9
8
10  
RIGHT-HAND TINE  
LEFT-HAND TINE  
9
WHEEL SHAFT  
1
11  
8
10  
2
6
3
TINE SHAFT  
1
4
2
2
1
5
11  
ENGINE  
6
3
5
5
DENOTES CUTTING EDGE  
OF TINE  
1
4
3
REF  
REF  
NO.  
PART NO.  
NO.  
DESCRIPTION  
PART NO.  
1917487  
GW-9380  
GW-9338  
712-3000  
1817059  
DESCRIPTION  
8
9
10  
11  
—
Wheel & Tire Ass’y — Left/Right Side  
Clevis Pin, .312" x 1-3/4"  
Hair Pin Cotter  
Hex Lock Nut, 3/8-16  
Replacement Tines Set (Incl. three LH tines,  
three RH tines and required hardware)  
1
710-3008  
1817060  
712-3009  
710-3096  
1817059  
1916702  
1916703  
Hex Hd. Screw, 5/16-18 x 3/4, Grade 5  
Single Tine - Right Hand  
Hex Lock Nut, 5/16-18  
Hex Hd. Screw, 3/8-16 x 2  
Single Tine - Left Hand  
LH Tine Holder  
2
3
4
5
6
7
RH Tine Holder  
33  
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MODELS 644H & 645A  
REVERSE  
CLUTCH CABLE  
9
15  
30  
28  
28  
20  
2
24  
3
25  
17  
40  
31  
5
11  
32  
1
23  
1
36  
38  
27  
8
12  
29  
26  
16  
10  
28  
37  
19  
7
1
19  
28  
16  
18  
39  
21  
38  
33  
14  
4
34  
FORWARD  
CLUTCH CABLE  
35  
28  
42  
13  
24  
22  
22  
6
24  
34  
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MODELS 644H & 645A  
REF  
NO.  
PART NO.  
1107382  
DESCRIPTION  
Flat Washer, 5/16  
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
1108841  
619-04016  
1916532  
1916535  
1916652  
1916657  
1916658  
1916660  
1916724  
1916725  
1916726  
1916794  
1916795  
1917326  
1917746  
1918731  
1918744  
710-0117  
710-0237  
710-0376  
710-04049  
710-0520  
710-0599  
710-3103  
712-3000  
712-3009  
736-0119  
736-3050  
736-3090  
736-0452  
710-0459A  
GW-50027  
GW-55034  
GW-55049  
GW-9090  
GW-9301  
GW-9929  
GW-9944  
710-0395  
Key, 3/16" x 1-1/2"  
Pulley, Engine Drive  
Transmission Pulley  
Pulley, Reverse Idler  
Guard, Belts/Pulleys  
Forward Drive Belt  
Reverse Drive Belt  
Belt Cover  
Reverse Return Spring  
Belt Guide  
Forward Belt Guide  
Engine Bracket, Left  
Engine Bracket, Right  
Bracket, Belt Cover  
Shoulder Washer  
10  
11  
12  
13  
14  
15  
16  
17  
18  
19  
20  
21  
22  
23  
24  
25  
26  
27  
28  
29  
30  
31  
32  
33  
34  
35  
36  
37  
38  
39  
40  
Reverse Idler Arm  
Forward Idler Lever  
Hex Hd. Screw, 5/16-24 x 1  
Hex Hd. Screw, 5/16-24 x 5⁄8  
Hex Hd. Screw, 5/16-18 x 1  
Hex Hd. Screw, 5/16-18 x 5/8  
Hex Hd. Screw, 3/8-16 x 1-1/2  
Screw, Self-Tapping, 1/4-20 x 1/2  
Hex Hd. Screw, 5/16-18 x 2  
Lock Nut, 3/8-16  
Lock Nut, 5/16-18  
Lock Washer, 5/16  
Flat Washer, 3/8  
Flat Washer  
Bell Washer  
Hex Hd. Screw, 3/8-24 x 1.5, GR5  
Support Washer  
Forward Return Spring  
Bracket, Cable Mounting  
Forward Idler Pulley  
Key, 3/16" x 1"  
Flat Washer  
Belleville Washer  
Hex Screw, 5/16-18 x 2.25 Gr5  
35  
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TROY-BILT TILLER LIFETIME LIMITED WARRANTY  
WHAT PRODUCT  
IS COVERED  
All Troy-Bilt branded rear tine walk-behind tillers with gear drive transmissions.  
This warranty begins on the date of purchase and is warranted by Troy-Bilt LLC for the life of the  
tiller, to the original purchaser only.  
WHAT IS COVERED  
BY THIS WARRANTY  
Troy-Bilt LLC will, at its option, repair or replace any part found to be defective in material or  
workmanship without charge for parts and labor  
This limited lifetime warranty also applies to non-powered attachments and accessories.  
Powered attachments and accessories are warranted separately by their manufacturers. Refer  
to the applicable manufacturer’s warranty on these items for terms and conditions.  
WHAT IS NOT  
COVERED BY THIS  
WARRANTY  
This warranty does not apply to parts that have been damaged by accident, alteration, misuse,  
abuse, neglect, improper maintenance, vandalism, theft, fire, water, or damage because of peril  
or other natural disaster.  
The following items are not covered after the first year of this residential use limited warranty:  
belts, batteries, bushings, seals, tines, tires, wheels, paint, appearance items, and similar items  
that are normally replaced through periodic maintenance.  
Charges for pick-up, delivery, and service calls are not covered by this warranty.  
Service completed by someone other than an authorized service dealer is not covered by this  
warranty.  
Parts that are not genuine Troy-Bilt LLC service parts are not covered by this warranty.  
The engine is warranted separately by the engine manufacturer. Refer to the engine  
manufacturer’s warranty for terms and conditions.  
LIMITED  
COMMERCIAL  
USE WARRANTY  
If used for commercial, institutional, industrial, rental, or demonstrator purposes, the warranty  
on the tiller is limited in duration to 90 days from the date of purchase.  
This warranty does not apply to parts that have been damaged by accident, alteration, misuse,  
abuse, neglect, improper maintenance, vandalism, theft, fire, water, or damage because of  
peril or other natural disaster.  
HOW TO OBTAIN  
SERVICE  
Warranty service is available, with proof of purchase, through your local authorized service  
dealer. To locate a dealer in your area, consult your Yellow Pages, or contact Troy-Bilt LLC at  
P.O. Box 361131, Cleveland, Ohio 44136-0019, 1-866-840-6483, or log on to our Web site at  
www.troybilt.com.  
The provisions set forth in this warranty provide the sole and exclusive remedy arising from the sale. Troy-Bilt LLC shall  
not be liable for any incidental or consequential damage or expense of any kind, including but not limited to cost of  
equipment rental, loss of profits, or costs of hiring services to perform tasks normally performed by the equipment.  
Any implied warranties, including any implied warranty of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose, shall be limited  
in duration to the period of ownership by the original purchaser (and a maximum of 90 days from the date of sale if the tiller is  
purchased for commercial or other non-residential use).  
Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, or limitations on how long an  
implied warranty lasts, so the above exclusions or limitations may not apply to you.  
This limited warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights which vary from state to state.  
For customer assistance, contact your nearest authorized dealer, or contact us at:  
TROY-BILT LLC, P.O. Box 361131, Cleveland, Ohio 44136-0019, 1-866-840-6483  
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