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SECTION V - SERVICE - MAINTENANCE - REPAIR
The transmission has been factory serviced with “00” grease. No additional lubrication
is necessary or recommended.
Belt tension should be checked, and adjusted if necessary, after initial 20 to 30 minutes
of operation. Follow directions below.
Belt and Clutch Adjustment
CAUTION: DO NOT ADJUST BELT OR CLUTCH WITH THE ENGINE RUNNING!
For proper belt tightness and tiller operation, the distance from the center of
the engine crankshaft (A), to the center of the transmission input shaft (B),
should measure 13 15/16”.
Proper clutch adjustment is very important. The idler type clutch may need
adjusting as the belt stretches.
To check belt and clutch adjustment, start the tiller, press down on the
handle bars to raise the tines into the air, and squeeze the clutch lever. If
adjusted correctly, the tines will rotate while the clutch lever is squeezed
and stop when it is released. When the lever is squeezed tight, the clutch
spring (item #43, pg. 19) should be slightly stretched (about 1/4 inch).
If your tines fail to operate as described above, adjustment can be made in the following ways.
1. Switch the link on the end of the clutch cable (item #53, pg. 19) which is attached to the clutch spring (item #43,
pg. 19). A link closer to the cable will tighten the adjustment, a link further away from the cable will loosen the
setting.
2. Loosen the nut (item #31, pg. 17) holding the adjustment link (item #3, pg. 17). While holding idler
arm and pulley (item #26 & #27, pg.17) firmly, adjustment link can be moved up (counterclockwise)
to loosen clutch, or moved down (clockwise) to tighten clutch. After making any change in position
of adjustment link, re-tighten nut.
3. Additional adjustment can also be made by loosening the four bolts (item #8, pg. 17) holding the engine to the
engine mounts (items #14 & #15, pg. 17) and sliding the engine forward or backward as needed. Re-tighten
engine mount bolts.
This adjustment is almost never needed and should not be made unless all other
adjustments fail.
Belt Installation and Alignment of Pulleys
1. Whenever a new belt is installed be sure to examine the grooves of the pulleys for wear. A wide groove of a
worn engine pulley will cause slippage of the belt when the clutch is engaged. Replace the pulley if worn.
2. The pulleys must be aligned by sliding the engine pulley in or out so that the belt will travel in a straight line.
3. Be sure to install the belt inside the two pins of the belt release bracket. If improperly installed on the outside of
the belt release pins, the belt will be quickly damaged, and/or jump off pulleys.
4. Start the engine and test the clutch for proper operation.
5. Reinstall the belt cover.
6. Check belt tension after initial 20 to 30 minutes of operation with a new belt. Be sure your tiller operates as per
the directions in this section.
NOTE:
The purpose of the belt release bracket is to force the belt out of the engine pulley groove, allowing it to slip
when clutch lever is not engaged.
Proper maintenance includes periodic inspection and lubrication of the tiller by the operator, using the correct
lubricants. This will ensure long life of the tiller.
Keep machine, attachments, and accessories in safe working condition.
Check engine mounting bolts, and other bolts at frequent intervals for proper tightness to be sure the equipment
is in safe working condition.
