PROPER GRIP ON HANDLE
• Always maintain a proper grip on the handle(s) whenever the motor is running. The fingers should
encircle the handle(s) and the thumb(s) should wrap under the handle(s).
PROPER STANCE
• Balance body weight securely, with both feet on solid ground.
WORK AREA PRECAUTIONS
• Keep everyone – helpers, bystanders, children and animals – at least 50 feet (15 m) away from the
work area. If anyone enters the work area, stop the unit!
• Only operate the unit when visibility and light are adequate to see clearly.
USING THE CORD RETAINER
There is an extension cord re tainer to prevent the extension
cord from disconnecting during use. The retainer hangs
from the cord guide bar.
NOTE:
Do not plug the extension cord into the power
source receptacle until the cord is connected to
the cord retainer and plugged into the unit.
To use the cord retainer:
1. Fold the extension cord in half, forming a tight loop near
the receptacle.
2. Push the loop through the bottom hole in the retainer (Fig. 3).
3. Slide the loop over the retaining clip and pull down until
the cord fits snugly (Fig. 4).
NOTE:
Use a UL-approved extension cord. A 100-foot,
16-gauge cord is recommended. A 50-foot, 16-
gauge cord is acceptable.
The cord retainer keeps the extension cord safely to the
side of the operator by sliding to the left and right on the
guide bar as the unit is moved. Connect your extension
cord to the unit, as shown in Figure 5.
3
ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS
STARTING AND STOPPING INSTRUCTIONS
STARTING INSTRUCTIONS
Connecting to an Electrical Power Source
NOTE:
Connect your extension cord to the cultivator
prior to plugging your extension cord into an
electrical outlet.
1. Plug your extension cord into any convenient (indoor or
outdoor) 120-volt, 60-cycle AC grounded outlet or
receptacle. Your cultivator will operate satisfactorily on a
circuit with a 15 ampere breaker.
NOTE:
To avoid tripping circuit breakers, select an outlet
on a circuit that is not overloaded. Do NOT select
an outlet that is on a circuit hosting appliances
such as a refrigerator.
2. Stand behind the cultivator, in the operating position.
3. Pivot the cultivator slightly toward the rear, so that its
weight is resting on the wheels and the tines are NOT in
contact with the ground
4. Depress the (red) starter button and hold it in (Fig. 6, no. 1).
NOTE:
Starting the cultivator's motor also starts tilling action.
5. While holding the starter button in, pivot the bail upward against the handle bar (Fig. 6, no. 2) to
start the motor and engage the tines.
NOTE:
The cultivator's motor will NOT start if you fail to hold the starter button in while pivoting the
bail upward.
6. Release the (red) starter button and grasp the handle and bail together with both hands (Fig. 7).
STOPPING INSTRUCTIONS
1. Release the bail.
2. The starter button will pop out, the bail will pivot downward and the motor will stop.
OVERLOAD PROTECTION SWITCH
This cultivator is equipped with an overload protection switch to prevent overheating damage to the
motor. If the overload protection switch pops out:
1. Release the bail and do NOT re-start the cultivator for at least one minute, allowing for the electric
motor time to cool.
2. Press the overload protection switch inward to reset (Fig. 6, no. 3).
If the overload protection switch pops out shortly after resetting:
1. Release the bail and do NOT re-start the cultivator for at least 15 minutes to allow the electric
motor extra time to cool.
2. Press the overload protection switch inward to reset.
3. Restart unit.
NOTE:
If the overload protection switch pops out repeatedly during operation or will not remain in
when attempting to reset, contact the Customer Support Department to arrange for repair.
Fig. 6
ADJUSTING THE TINE DEPTH
Tine adjustment will vary depending on the type of soil being
cultivated and how it will be used. Generally, adjusting the
tines to break the soil 4 to 5 inches is recommended for
most gardens. Adjust the tines as follows:
1. Stop the motor and wait for all moving parts to stop.
2. Disconnect the unit from the power source and allow the
unit to cool.
3. Loosen (do not remove) the two wing nuts on the tine guard (Fig. 8).
4. Slide the wheel bracket assembly down for shallower penetration or up for deeper tine penetration.
5. Once the tines are in the desired position, tighten the wing nuts, making sure that the bolts are
seated properly through the bracket.
6. If the tine depth is incorrect, repeat steps 3 to 5.
7. Connect the unit to the power source and resume use.
USING YOUR CULTIVATOR
1. Move the cultivator to the work area prior to starting the motor. Transport the cultivator by pushing
or pulling it along on its wheels. Or you may choose to carry the cultivator by its front handle.
2. Start the cultivator following all steps under
Starting Instructions
.
3. With both hands on the upper handle, slowly pivot the cultivator forward until the tines make
contact with the soil.
4. Once the tines are in the ground, cultivate at a moderate pace until you are familiar with the
controls and the handling of the cultivator.
NOTE:
Be aware of the extension cord's location at all times. Never allow the cultivator's tines to
come into contact with the extension cord while operating.
5. To adjust the cultivating depth, adjust the wheel support bracket. See
Adjusting the Tine Depth
.
NOTE:
For cultivation, a two to three inch depth is desirable. When laying out plant rows, be sure
to allow enough width to permit cultivation between the rows.
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
WARNING:
Do not expose the unit to rain. Do not use the unit in damp or wet locations
or conditions.
Fig. 3
Fig. 4
Fig. 5
Fig. 7
WARNING:
Avoid accidental starting. Make
sure you are in the operating position behind
the cultivator when using it. To avoid serious
injury, the operator and unit should be in a
stable position while starting.
WARNING:
Avoid accidental starting. Stop
the motor and disconnect the extension cord
prior to adjusting the wheel support bracket.
WARNING:
Never pick up or carry the unit while the engine is running. Serious personal
injury could result.
WARNING:
Avoid risk of injury. Keep the extension cord clear of the tilling path at all
times. Do not allow the tines to contact the extension cord.
MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR INSTRUCTIONS
REMOVING AND REPLACING TINES
Cultivator tines are subject to wear and should be replaced if any signs of damage are present. Tines
should also be removed and cleaned after each use.
To replace the cultivator's tines:
1. Lay the unit back on a flat level surface with the handles
touching the ground so that the unit is in a horizontal
position.
2. Remove the click pin found at the end of each tine shaft
(Fig. 9).
3. Carefully remove each tine assembly from the tine shafts.
4. Wipe each tine shaft clean with a damp cloth and apply
a light coat of oil (e.g., 3-N-One) or silicon-based
lubricant to each shaft. Do NOT use WD-40.
5. Rinse each tine assembly with water and thoroughly dry
each it before placing on tine shaft.
NOTE:
All installation instructions are explained from the
operating position.
6. Slide on the new tines, with the hubs facing in towards
each other. Make sure that the rotation arrows are facing
the gearbox when installing the tines on the left tine
shaft and away from the gearbox for the right tine shaft
(Fig. 10).
7. Re-insert each click pin to secure the tine assemblies in
place.
NOTE:
If it is necessary to replace damaged or missing parts, use only manufacturer suggested
replacement parts. The use of any other parts may create a hazard or cause product
damage and will VOID the warranty.
INSPECTING EXTENSION CORDS
1. Inspect all extension cords periodically. Look closely for deterioration, cuts or cracks in the
insulation. Also inspect the connectors for damage.
2. Replace the cords if any defects or damage appear.
WARNING:
To prevent serious injury, never perform maintenance or repairs with the unit
running. Always service and repair a cool unit.
WARNING:
Avoid accidental starting. Stop motor and disconnect extension cord prior to
performing any maintenance or repairs.
WARNING:
Cultivator tines are sharp. Always wear leather gloves to protect your hands
when handling tines.
WARNING:
Do not wash the cultivator with
a hose. Avoid getting water on the motor and
electrical connections.
Fig. 9
Click
Pin
Tine
Assemblies
Tine
Shafts
Fig. 10
Hubs
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
WARNING:
Do not allow familiarity with this unit to promote carelessness. Remember
that a careless fraction of a second is enough to inflict serious injury.
WARNING:
If any parts are damaged or missing, do not operate the unit until the parts
are replaced. Failure to heed this warning could result in serious personal injury.
Fig. 8
Bolts
Wheel
Bracket
Assembly
Up
Down
Tine
Guard
Wing
Nuts
Click
Pin
Gearbox
CLEANING INSTRUCTIONS
1. Stop the motor and disconnect the unit from the power source.
2. Wait for all moving parts to stop. Allow the unit to cool.
3. Wipe the unit down with a damp cloth. Do not douse the unit with water. Do not use solvents or
strong detergents.
STORAGE INSTRUCTIONS
1. Follow the
Cleaning Instructions
listed above.
2. Store the unit indoors in a dry, high and/or locked location, out of the reach of children and other
unauthorized persons.
WARNING:
Do not let brake fluids, gasoline, petroleum-based products, penetrating oils,
etc., come in contact with plastic parts. These chemicals may damage, weaken and
destroy plastic, which may result in serious personal injury.
CLEANING AND STORAGE
