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Operator's Manual
VERSA Compact Tiller and Cultivator
Check for parts online at www.getearthquake.com or call 800-345-6007 M-F 8-5
22
Servicing The Rototiller
The following information will help you make the necessary
checks and perform the procedures required to follow the
normal care recommendations made for your rototiller unit.
If you prefer, your local authorized dealer can make these
checks and perform the required procedures for you.
BELT MAINTENANCE
Check Belt Tension as follows:
Belt tension may decrease over time. It may need to be ad-
justed within the first half hour of operation, and should be
checked after every ten hours of operation. Proper adjustment
will assure long belt life. Too much or too little belt tension will
cause premature belt failure.
An indication that the belt may need to be adjusted can be
heard as a continuous squealing sound when the engagement
lever is compressed, or the belt slips and tines won’t turn (see
page 19).
NOTE: A short buzzing noise can be heard when
engagement lever is released. This is normal, caused
by the teeth of the cog belt catching the wire guide,
stopping the rotation of the belt. This does not require
the belt tension to be adjusted.
To check and adjust the forward belt tension:
1. Turn off engine. Engine must be cool.
2. Remove spark plug wire from spark plug and secure.
3. Remove pulley box cover by removing four cover bolts.
SEE FIGURE 11
4. With drive safety control lever in the neutral position,
measure length of spring when in its relaxed state.
5. Pull down on drive safety control lever and measure
length of spring when extended. Ideal length would be
1/8” - 1/4” longer.
SEE FIGURE 12
6. Replace pulley box cover.
Change Drive Belt as follows:
1. Turn off engine. Engine must be cool.
2. Remove spark plug wire from spark plug and secure.
3. Remove pulley box cover by removing four bolts.
SEE FIGURE 11
4. Remove the belt from the engine pulley as follows:
a. Gently pull the engine recoil rope to rotate the pulley.
b. With the pulley turning, force the belt out of the
groove and slide the belt free of the engine pulley.
c. Pull the belt down and out of the way.
Maintenance
Operation
Page
Before
Each Use
10
hours
50
hours
Check belt tension
22
X
Change drive belt
22-23
X
Engine maintenance
24,
EM
X
X
X
Check or fill engine
crankcase
24,
EM
X
X
1
Clean tine axle shaft
& lubricate parts
24
2
EM
= See engine manual
1
Change oil after first 5-8 hours of use, then after every 50 hours.
Change oil every 25 hours when operating under heavy load or in high
temperatures.
2
Clean tine axle shaft and lubricate each season or every 10 hours,
whichever comes first.
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE
MAINTENANCE AND STORAGE
Your rototiller has been designed and produced by the indus-
try’s leading manufacturer of outdoor power equipment to
provide you with years of reliable operation.
Please read the maintenance schedule in this manual for the
tiller, and the maintenance schedule and recommendations in
the accompanying engine manual. Observe these recommen-
dations to extend the life of your product.
Good maintenance is essential for safe, economical, and
trouble-free operation. Keeping your tiller in top running
condition will prolong its life, and help you obtain optimum
performance. It will also help reduce air pollution. To help
you properly care for your engine, the following pages include
a maintenance schedule, routine inspection procedures, and
simple maintenance procedures using basic hand tools. Other
service tasks that are more difficult, or require special tools, are
best handled by professionals and are normally performed by
a technician or other qualified mechanic.
Maintenance, replacement or repair of the emissions control
devices and systems may be performed by any non-road
engine repair establishment or individuals. However, items
must be serviced by an authorized dealer to obtain “no charge”
emissions control warranty service.
The maintenance schedule applies to normal operating condi-
tions. If you operate your tiller under unusual conditions, such
as sustained high-load or high-temperature operation, or use
in unusually wet or dusty conditions, consult your servicing
dealer for recommendations applicable to your individual
needs and use.
operation after each raise. Raising drag stake too high
can result in loss of control of tiller!
2. Move the throttle control to
FAST
.
3. Place the tiller in motion by pushing down on the drive
safety control lever. This will engage the tines.