DIRTY HAND TOOLS 101571 Front Tine Tiller Instruction Manual

TOOLS 101571 Front Tine Tiller
Instruction Manual

101571 Front Tine Tiller

15” Front Tine Tiller
MODEL # 101571
Operation Manual

This safety alert symbol identifies important safety messages in this manual. Failure to follow this important safety information may result in serious injury or death.
Part # 101790 Rev D

Important Safety Information

WARNING: Read and thoroughly understand all instructions  and safety information before assembling or operating this tiller. Failure to do so may cause serious injury or death. Do not allow anyone to operate this tiller who has not read this manual. As with all power equipment, a tiller can be dangerous if assembled or used improperly. Do not operate this tiller if you have doubts or questions concerning safe operation. Call our customer service department at 720-287-5182, 1-877-487-8275, or visit www.dirtyhandtools.com if you have any questions or concerns about the safe operation of this equipment.

Intended Use
Do Not Use the tiller for any purpose other than tilling garden soil for which it was designed. Any other use is unauthorized and may result in serious injury or death.
Personal Protective Equipment
When operating this tiller it is essential that you wear safety gear including goggles or safety glasses, steel toed shoes and tight fitting gloves (no loose cuffs or draw strings). Always wear ear plugs or sound deafening headphones to protect against hearing loss when operating this tiller. Always wear sturdy footwear. Never wear sandals, sneakers or open shoes, and never operate the tiller with bare feet. Do not wear loose clothing that might get caught in moving parts.

CAUTION
YOUR TILLER IS EQUIPPED WITH A SAFETY CONTROL LEVER THAT ENABLES YOU TO STOP THE TINES QUICKLY IN AN EMERGENCY.
Learn how the drive safety control lever operates and how to control the tiller at all times.
Read the entire Operation Manual before using this equipment!
CALIFORNIA PROPOSITION 65 WARNING
Engine exhaust, some of its constituents and certain product components contain or emit chemicals known to the state of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm.
General Safety
Failure to follow warnings, cautions, assembly and operation instructions in the Operation Manual may result in serious injury or death.
READ THE OPERATION MANUAL BEFORE OPERATION.

• Do not permit children to operate this equipment at any time.
• Do not permit others that have not read and understood the complete Operation Manual to operate this equipment.
• Keep all people and pets a minimum of 10 feet away from the work area when operating this tiller.
• Do not operate the tiller when under the influence of alcohol, drugs or medication.
• Do not allow a person who is tired or otherwise impaired or not completely alert to operate the tiller.

CAREFULLY INSPECT THE AREA TO BE TILLED AND REMOVE ALL FOREIGN OBJECTS.
Do not till above underground water lines, gas lines, electric cables, or pipes. Do not operate the tiller in soil with large rocks and foreign objects which can damage the equipment.

• Leave control lever in the neutral position before starting the engine.
• Handle fuel with care; it is highly flammable. Use an approved fuel container. Never add fuel to a running engine or hot engine.
• Fill fuel tank outdoors with extreme care. Never fill fuel tank indoors.
• Replace gasoline cap securely and clean up spilled fuel before restarting.
• Never attempt to make any adjustments while the engine is running.

Safety Decals
Safety labels on the tiller are to remind you of important information while you are operating the unit. Make sure all safety warning decals are attached and in readable condition. Replace missing or defaced decals. Contact Dirty Hand  Tools at 1-877-487-8275 for replacement decals.

CAUTION
Check and adjust the cable tension before each use.

This product can expose you to chemicals including CARBON MONOXIDE, which is known to the State of California to cause cancer. For more information go to www.P65Wamings.ca.gov.can 
This product can expose you to chemicals including CARBON MONOXIDE, which is known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other productive harm. For more information go to www.PESWarnings.ca.gov.van

Unpacking and Assembly

Your tiller will require some assembly. The following instructions will help you unpack your tiller, assemble and adjust the depth regulator lever, cable tension and handlebar height. You will need a 5mm allen wrench, 6mm allen wrench,  small adjustable crescent wrench and a T-20 starbit driver to complete the assembly.=
Unpacking
Open top of carton and remove the tiller components.
Tiller Components
Upper Handlebar Left
Upper Handlebar Right
Lower Handlebars Left and Right
Handlebar Face Plate
Handlebar
Wheels/Depth Regulator
Safety Shields
Tine Blades (2)
Engine Assembly
Driver Safety Control Lever (with cable)
Throttle Assembly (with cable)
Hardware Kit

CAUTION DO NOT ADD ENGINE OIL TO THE
TRANSMISSION GEAR CASE
The tiller transmission is filled at the factory.
CAUTION DO NOT ATTEMPT TO START ENGINE
BEFORE ADDING OIL TO ENGINE
The engine is shipped from the factory without oil. You must add engine oil before starting the engine. Use only the recommended weight of oil for a 4-cycle engine (See Engine Operation Manual).

Overview of Components

Tine Assembly

Mounting the Tine Blades

1. Slide the tines onto the tiller’s axle. Align the connection holes and secure the tines to the tiller axle with a clevis pin and a R-clip (see Figure 1).

Wheel/Depth Adjuster Assembly

Mounting the Wheels/Depth Adjuster

1. Align two holes on the tiller wheel bracket at the desired height on the wheels/height adjuster.
2. Push two locking pins through the holes and secure (see Figure 2).

Handlebar Assembly

Mounting Lower Handlebars
NOTE: The left and right hand handlebars are identical. Each has two holes drilled in one side and one hole drilled in the opposite side of the handlebar tube. The two hole side of the handlebars should face inward toward each other (see Figure 3).

1. Attach the two lower handlebar tubes to the tiller with a tube support bracket and two hex bolts on each side (see Figure 4).
2. Position the handlebar components as shown in Figure 5.
3. Push the long threaded bolt through all of the components, then secure at the end with a hex nut.
4. Make height adjustments to the handlebars for operation comfort and tighten the handlebar adjustment knob securely.

Driver Safety Control Lever Assembly

Mounting the Driver Safety Control Lever

1. Position the Driver Safety Control Lever onto the right handlebar.
2. Push a socket cap screw through the top of the handlebar into the safety control lever and tighten securely (see Figure 6).
3. Adjust the tension on the driver safety control lever by loosening the hex nut and rotating the threaded cable length adjuster. Then re-tighten the hex nut against the lever to lock the cable length. The correct tension will engage the  tines about half way between being completely released and held all the way up against the handlebar grip.

CAUTION
CHECK AND ADJUST THE CABLE TENSION BEFORE EACH USE.
NOTE: The driver safety control lever must be adjusted prior to use and checked periodically for the correct tension. Adjust the tension on the cable so the belt is firm when the lever is pulled up towards the handlebar grip. Use caution as  to not over tension the cable as too much tension will cause excessive wear on the belt.

Throttle Control Lever Assembly

Mounting the Throttle Control Lever

1. Position the Throttle Control Lever onto the left handlebar.
2. Push a socket cap screw through the base of the lever and secure with any lock hex nut (see Figure 7).

Safety Shield Assembly

Mounting Safety Shields to the Tiller

1. There are left and right hand Safety Shields. Each has three holes drilled through a mounting tab. Align the mounting tab with the holes drilled in the tiller and secure with a star socket cap screw through the top and a hex nut  underneath the safety shield in three places on each side (see Figure 8).

Operating Precautions

CAUTION

READ, UNDERSTAND AND FOLLOW ALL OF THE PRECAUTIONS BELOW.
Always perform the pre-start checklist before starting the engine.

• Never operate the tiller without safety shields in place.
• Keep hands, feet, and clothing away from rotating parts. Keep clear of tiller tines at all times.
• Tines rotate when the engine is running and drive lever is depressed (pulled towards the handlebars). Releasing the drive lever stops the tines.
• Use extreme caution when operating on or crossing gravel drives, walks, or roads. Stay alert for hidden hazards or traffic.
• After striking an obstacle, stop the engine, remove the wire from the spark plug, inspect the tiller for damage and repair before restarting.
• If tines become clogged, stop the engine and disconnect the spark plug wire before removing any obstruction.
• Engine muffler will be hot from operation. Do not touch it with bare skin or a severe burn may result.
• If the unit vibrates abnormally, stop the engine and check immediately for the cause. Vibration is an indication of a potential problem.
• Do not run the engine indoors; exhaust fumes are deadly.
• Do not overload the tiller by trying to till too deep or too fast.
• Never operate the machine at high transport speeds on slippery surfaces. Look behind and use care when backing.
• Use only attachments and accessories approved by the manufacturer.
• Never operate the tiller without good visibility or adequate light.
• Be careful when tilling in hard ground. The tines may catch in the ground and propel the tiller backwards. If this occurs, let go of the handlebars and do not restrain the machine.
• Take precautions when leaving the machine unattended. Disengage all control levers, stop the engine, wait for all moving parts to stop, and make certain guards and shields are in place.
• Shut off the engine when leaving the operating position for any reason. Wait for all moving parts to stop.

OPERATION OF ANY TILLER CAN RESULT IN FOREIGN OBJECTS BEING THROWN. ALWAYS WEAR SAFETY GLASSES DURING OPERATION.

Operating Instructions

Preparation for Operation

THIS UNIT WAS SHIPPED WITHOUT OIL IN THE ENGINE. Check the oil level before each operation.

Fill Engine with Oil

1. Add oil according to engine manual. Do not overfill. Use SAE30 engine oil. Do not mix oil with gasoline. Oil level must be full. Check the oil level by removing oil fill plug (see Figure 9). Oil level should be up to the bottom of the fill  plug opening.

Pre-Start Inspection

1. Make sure safety shields are in place and nuts & bolts are secure.
2. Check oil level.
3. Inspect air cleaner (see Figure 10). Clean or replace as needed.
4. Check fuel supply. Fill the fuel tank no closer than 1 inch from top of tank to provide space for expansion.
5. Be sure spark plug wire is attached and is tightened securely.
6. Examine underneath and around engine for oil or fuel leaks.
7. Inspect fuel hoses for tightness and fuel seepage.
8. Look for signs of engine damage.
9. Remove excessive debris from muffler area and recoil starter.

Adjusting the Depth Regulator
Remove the depth regulator, turn in opposition direction and reinstall with two locking pins (see Figure 11). Adjust the depth regulator up or down as required.

NEVER FILL THE FUEL TANK ON A HOT ENGINE
Start-Up
The controls required to start and run the tiller are located on the engine and are marked “Choke” and “Throttle”. A detailed description of engine operation and precautions is available in the engine operation manual.

Cold Starts

1. Move choke lever to full choke position.
2. Move throttle lever to “start”.
3. Pull starting rope out slowly one time and allow to return normally.
4. Pull starting rope out rapidly, and allow rope to return normally.
5. When engine starts, gradually move choke lever to “no choke” position and increase throttle speed.

Restarting A Warm Engine
Restarting an engine that is already warm from previous running does not normally require use of the choke.

1. Move throttle lever to “start” position.
2. Pull starting rope out rapidly until engine starts. Allow rope to return normally. Repeat until engine starts.
3. Adjust throttle speed to “high” for best tiller action.

Idle Speed
Use the “low” position on the throttle lever to reduce stress on the engine when tilling is not being performed. Lowering the engine speed to “idle” will help extend the life of the motor, as well as conserve fuel and reduce the noise level of the equipment.
Operating Speed
For normal tilling, set the throttle lever to “fast”.
Shutting Down
To stop the engine at any time, move throttle control to the STOP position. To stop tines at any time, release the drive control lever.

PRACTICE OPERATING THE CONTROLS AND USING THE TILLER WITH TINES OUT OF GROUND BEFORE BEGINNING TO TILL.
It is important that you know how to use the tiller properly, keep control at all times, stop the tines and wheels from turning, and stop the engine if necessary.
Read the entire Operation Manual before using the equipment!

Tilling

1. Start the engine.
2. Move the throttle control to fast.
3. Place the tiller in forward by pulling up on the drive lever – this will engage the tines.
   Note: You can slow the tiller’s forward advance at any time by putting slight downward pressure on the handlebars. Stop the tiller by releasing the drive lever and then stopping the engine.

Drive Lever
Pulling the drive lever toward the handlebar engages the tines. Releasing the lever stops the tines (see Figure 12).

Tilling Tips
The key to successful tilling is to begin with a shallow cut on the first pass, and then work an inch or two deeper on each successive pass.

• Tilling depth will vary with ground conditions.
• When beginning to till in unbroken ground or in extremely hard soil perform shallow tilling first then do a second pass going deeper into the soil.
• Hold on firmly to the handlebars to control sudden lurches.

Immediately release the drive control lever if the tines jam or you strike a foreign object. With the drive lever in released, push the throttle control to stop position to stop the engine. Disengage the spark plug wire. When tines have  stopped, remove foreign objects and check for damage.

Maintenance

• Keep tiller, safety shields and covers, attachments, and accessories in safe working condition.
• Check clevis pins, engine mounting bolts, and other bolts at frequent intervals for proper tightness to be sure the equipment is in safe working condition.
• To prevent accidental starting, always disconnect and secure the spark plug wire from the spark plug before maintenance.
• Never run the engine indoors. Exhaust fumes are toxic.
• Always allow muffler to cool before filling fuel tank.

Lubrication
Proper lubrication of moving mechanical parts is critical for proper care and maintenance. Oil the cables and other moving parts at 10 hour intervals using a SAE30 engine oil.
Checking Transmission Oil
The transmission oil is filled at the factory. Should it require filling use SAE30 engine oil and fill to top of the reservoir (see Figure 13).

Cleaning the Tine Axle Shaft

1. Turn off engine. Engine must be cool.
2. Remove spark plug wire and secure from spark plug.
3. Tip the tiller backward. Block the tiller in position so that the tines are exposed.
4. Remove all vegetation, string, wire, and other material that may have accumulated on the axle between the inside set of tines.

TURN OFF ENGINE AND DETACH SPARK PLUG WIRE. ENGINE MUST BE COOL.
Engine Maintenance
Refer to the engine manual included in your parts packet for information on engine maintenance. Your engine manual provides detailed information and a schedule for performing the following:

1. Check oil level before each use and after 8 hours of operation.
2. Change oil after first 5-8 hours of operation. Change oil while engine is warm. Refill with new oil of recommended grade.
3. Check spark plug yearly or every 100 hours of operation.
4. Service air cleaner.
5. Keep engine and parts clean.
6. Check engine and equipment often for loose nuts and bolts.

Storage

DO NOT STORE THE TILLER IN UNVENTILATED AREA
where fuel fumes may reach flame, sparks, pilot lights or other ignition source.
Drain fuel outdoors away from any ignition sources.
Use only approved fuel containers.
Never store equipment with gasoline in the tank inside of a closed building where fumes may reach an open flame or spark.
Allow the engine to cool before storing in any building.
Add a fuel stabilizer to gas tank and run for 10-15 minutes to prevent fuel from gumming up during an extended storage period.
Prepare for Storage
Follow the steps below to prepare your tiller for storage. Read your engine manual for detailed instructions on preparing the engine for storage.

1. Protect wheels and axles from rust: Remove lock pin and slide wheel off hub. Coat the axles lightly with axle grease. Slide wheel back on hub and insert lock pin.
2. Drain fuel system completely following engine manufacturer’s instructions or add fuel stabilizer to prevent fuel from gumming up during extended storage period.
3. While engine is still warm, drain the oil from the engine. Refill with fresh oil of the recommended grade.
4. Clean external surfaces, engine and cooling fan.
5. Remove spark plug, pour one ounce of SAE 30 oil into spark plug hole.
6. Plug hole and pull starter cord slowly to distribute oil evenly in cylinder head area.
7. Reinstall spark plug.
8. Transport unit to a suitable storage location. If you have chosen to use a fuel stabilizer and have not drained the fuel system, follow all safety instructions storage precautions in this manual to prevent the possibility of fire from the  ignition of gasoline fumes. Remember, gasoline fumes can travel to distant sources of ignition and ignite, causing risk of explosion and fire.
9. If there is any possibility of unauthorized use or tampering, remove the spark plug and store it in a safe place before storing the tiller unit. Be sure to plug the spark plug hole to prevent foreign material from entering.

Troubleshooting

• Connect spark plug wire to spark plug
• Throttle must be positioned at choke for a cold start
Engine runs rough, floods during operation| • Clean or replace air cleaner
Engine is hard to start| • Drain old fuel and replace with fresh. Use gas stabilizer at end of season
• Make sure spark plug wire is securely attached to spark plug
• Drive safety control levers must be released to neutral position to start the engine
• Throttle is not in proper start position
Engine misses or lacks power| • Raise the tines for shallow tilling by lowering the depth regulator lever
• Remove and clean fuel tank
• Clean or replace air cleaner
• Improper carburetor adjustment, take to authorized engine service center
• Replace spark plug and adjust gap
• Drain and refill gas tank and carburetor
Engine will not stop when throttle control is positioned at stop| • See engine manual to check and adjust the throttle linkage
Tiller moves forward during starting| • Drive lever must be released to start the engine
Tiller is difficult to control when tilling (machine jumps or lurches forward)| • Push downward on the handlebars raising the tines
• Keep the tines raised slightly for shallower tilling on hard soils, then do a second pass going deeper
• Raise the tiller depth regulator
Tines do not rotate with Driver Safety Control Lever depressed| • Drive cable is damaged or incorrectly adjusted
• Drive belt is damaged
Tines continue to rotate after the Driver Safety Control Lever is released| • Drive cable is damaged or incorrectly adjusted
Excessive heat build up in tine area during tilling| • Clean the tine axle shaft
• Check transmission fluid and fill if low

Warranty & Specifications

IMPORTANT NOTICE
We, the manufacturer, reserve the right to change the product and/or specifications in this manual without notification. The manual is for information usage only and the pictures and drawings depicted herein are for reference only.
Warranty Repair and Service
Do not return this product to the store for warranty issues or repair. Call our customer service department at 720-287-5182, 1-877-487-8275, or visit www.dirtyhandtools.com for the location of the nearest service center.
Record the information below for future reference.
Model No……………………………………….
Serial No……………………………………….
Date of Purchase…………………………..
Place of Purchase…………………………
Specifications

*As rated by engine manufacturer
** Not included, shipped without engine oil

Dirty Hand Tools® is a brand of 1100 W 120th Ave., Suite 600
Westminster, CO 80234 • 720-287-5182
For Service or Questions
Call 1-877-487-8275
720-287-5182
www.dirtyhandtools.com For Service or Questions
Call 1-877-487-8275
720-287-5182
www.dirtyhandtools.com
Dirty Hand Tools® is a brand of 1100 W 120th Ave, Suite 600
Westminster, CO 80234 • 720-287-5182
https://manual-hub.com/

References

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