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• SAFETY AND INTERNATIONAL SYMBOLS •
This operator's manual describes safety and international symbols and pictographs that may appear on this product.
Read the operator's manual for complete safety, assembly, operating, maintenance, and repair information.
RULES FOR SAFE OPERATION
The purpose of safety symbols is to attract attention to possible dangers. The safety symbols,
and their explanations, deserve careful attention and understanding. The safety warnings do not by
themselves eliminate any danger. The instructions or warnings they give are not substitutes for proper
accident prevention measures.
NOTE:
Advises of information or instructions vital to the operation or maintenance of the equipment.
SPARK ARRESTOR NOTE
NOTE: For users on U.S. Forest Land and in the states of California, Maine, Oregon and Washington.
All U.S. Forest Land and the state of California (Public Resources Codes 4442 and 4443), Oregon and
Washington require, by law that certain internal combustion engines operated on forest brush and/or grass-
covered areas be equipped with a spark arrestor, maintained in effective working order, or the engine be
constructed, equipped and maintained for the prevention of fire. Check with your state or local authorities for
regulations pertaining to these requirements. Failure to follow these requirements could subject you to liability
or a fine.
This unit is factory equipped with a spark arrestor.
If it requires replacement, ask your LOCAL
SERVICE DEALER to install the
Accessory Part #753-06238 Muffler Assembly
.
READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE OPERATING
• Read the instructions carefully. Be familiar with the controls and proper use of the unit.
• Do not operate this unit when tired, ill or under the influence of alcohol, drugs or medication.
• Children and teens under the age of 15 must not use the unit, except for teens guided by an adult.
• All guards and safety attachments must be installed properly before operating the unit.
• Inspect the unit before use. Replace damaged parts. Check for fuel leaks. Make sure all fasteners are in
place and secure. Replace parts that are cracked, chipped, or damaged in any way. Do not operate the
unit with loose or damaged parts.
• Carefully inspect the area before starting the unit. Remove all debris and hard or sharp objects such as
glass, wire, etc.
• Be aware of the risk of injury to the head, hands and feet.
• Clear the area of children, bystanders and pets; keep them outside a 50-foot (15 m) radius, at a
minimum. Even then, they are still at risk from thrown objects. Encourage bystanders to wear eye
protection. If you are approached, stop the unit immediately.
• Squeeze the throttle control and check that it returns automatically to the idle position. Make all
adjustments or repairs before using the unit.
SAFETY WARNINGS FOR GAS UNITS
• Store fuel only in containers specifically designed and approved for the storage of such materials.
• Always stop the engine and allow it to cool before filling the tank. Never remove the fuel tank cap
or add fuel when the engine is hot. Always loosen the fuel tank cap slowly to relieve any pressure in
the tank before fueling.
• Always add fuel in a clean, well-ventilated outdoor area where there are no sparks or flames. DO
NOT smoke.
• Never operate the unit without the fuel cap securely in place.
• Avoid creating a source of ignition for spilled fuel. Wipe up any spilled fuel from the unit
immediately, before starting the unit. Move the unit at least 30 ft. (9.1 m) from the fueling source
and site before starting the engine. DO NOT smoke.
• Never start or run the unit inside a closed room or building. Breathing exhaust fumes can kill.
Operate this unit only in a well ventilated outdoor area.
WHILE OPERATING
• Wear safety glasses or goggles that meet ANSI Z87.1-1989 standards and are marked as such. Wear
ear/hearing protection when operating this unit. Wear a face or dust mask if the operation is dusty.
• Wear heavy long pants, boots, gloves and a long sleeve shirt. Do not wear loose clothing, jewelry, short
pants, sandals or go barefoot. Secure hair above shoulder level.
• This unit has a clutch. The tines remain stationary when the engine is idling. If they do not, take the unit to
a Troy-Bilt or other qualified service dealer for an adjustment.
• Be sure the tines are not in contact with anything before starting the unit.
• Use the unit only in daylight or good artificial light.
• Avoid accidental starting. Be in the starting position whenever pulling the starter rope. The operator and
unit must be in a stable position while starting. Refer to Starting and Stopping.
• Use the right tool. Only use this tool for its intended purpose.
• Use extreme caution when reversing or pulling the unit towards you.
• Do not overreach. Always keep proper footing and balance. Take extra care when working on steep
slopes or inclines.
• Always hold the unit with both hands when operating. Keep a firm grip on both handles or grips.
• Keep hands, face, and feet away from all moving parts. Do not touch or try to stop the tines when they
are rotating.
• Do not touch the engine or muffler. These parts get extremely hot from operation, even after the unit is
turned off.
• Do not operate the engine faster than the speed needed to cultivate. Do not run the engine at high speed
when you are not cultivating.
• Always stop the engine when cultivating is delayed or when walking from one cultivating location to
another.
• If you strike or become entangled with a foreign object, stop the engine immediately and check for
damage. Do not operate before repairing damage. Do not operate the unit with loose or damaged parts.
• Turn the engine to off and disconnect the spark plug for maintenance or repair.
• Use only original equipment manufacturer (OEM) replacement parts and accessories for this unit, as
listed in the Parts List section of this manual. Use of any other parts or accessories could lead to serious
injury to the user, or damage to the unit, and void the warranty.
• Keep the unit clean of vegetation and other materials that may become lodged between the tines and
guard.
• To reduce fire hazard, replace a faulty muffler and spark arrestor. Keep the engine and muffler free from
grass, leaves, excessive grease or carbon build up.
OTHER SAFETY WARNINGS
• Never store the unit with fuel in the tank, inside a building where fumes may reach an open flame (pilot
lights, etc.) or sparks (switches, electrical motors, etc.).
• Allow the engine to cool before storing or transporting. Be sure to secure the unit while transporting.
• Store the unit in a dry place, secured or at a height to prevent unauthorized use or damage. Keep out of
the reach of children.
• Never douse or squirt the unit with water or any other liquid. Keep handles dry, clean and free from
debris. Clean after each use, see Cleaning and Storage instructions.
• Clean tines with a household cleaner to remove any gum buildup. Oil the tines with machine oil to prevent
rust.
• Keep these instructions. Refer to them often and use them to instruct other users. If you loan this unit to
others, also loan them these instructions.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS
• IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS •
SERVICE INFORMATION
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Service Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
Rules for Safe Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
Know Your Unit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
Assembly Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
Oil and Fuel Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
Starting and Stopping Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
Operating Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
Maintenance and Repair Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
Cleaning and Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
Optional Accessory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
Troubleshooting Chart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
Warranty Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16
All information, illustrations, and specifications in this manual are based on the latest product information
available at the time of printing. We reserve the right to make changes at any time without notice.
Copyright© 2011 MTD SOUTHWEST INC, All Rights Reserved.
DO NOT RETURN THIS UNIT TO THE RETAILER. PROOF OF PURCHASE WILL BE REQUIRED
FOR WARRANTY SERVICE.
For assistance regarding the assembly, controls, operation or maintenance of the unit, please call the
Customer Support Department at
1-800-828-5500
in the United States or
1-800-668-1238
in Canada.
Additional information about the unit can be found on our website at
www.troybilt.com
or
www.troybilt.ca
.
For service, please call the Customer Support Department to obtain a list of authorized service dealers
near you. Service on this unit, both within and after the warranty period, should only be performed by an
authorized and approved service dealer. When servicing, use only identical replacement parts.
WARNING:
When using the unit, all safety rules must be followed. Please read these
instructions before operating the unit in order to ensure the safety of the operator and any
bystanders. Please keep these instructions for later use.
WARNING:
Gasoline is highly flammable, and its vapors can explode if ignited. Take the
following precautions:
RULES FOR SAFE OPERATION
SYMBOL
MEANING
• SAFETY ALERT SYMBOL
Indicates danger, warning or caution. May be used in conjunction with other symbols
or pictographs.
• READ OPERATOR'S MANUAL
WARNING:
Read the operator’s manual(s) and follow all warnings and safety
instructions. Failure to do so can result in serious injury to the operator and/or bystanders.
• WEAR EYE AND HEARING PROTECTION
WARNING:
Thrown objects and loud noise can cause severe eye injury and hearing
loss. Wear eye protection meeting ANSI Z87.1-1989 standards and ear protection
when operating this unit. Use a full face shield when needed.
• UNLEADED FUEL
Always use clean, fresh unleaded fuel
• OIL
Refer to operator’s manual for the proper type of oil.
• DO NOT USE E85 FUEL IN THIS UNIT
WARNING:
It has been proven that fuel containing greater than 10% ethanol will
likely damage this engine and void the warranty.
• ON/OFF STOP CONTROL
ON / START / RUN
• ON/OFF STOP CONTROL
OFF or STOP
• KEEP BYSTANDERS AWAY
WARNING:
Keep all bystanders, especially children and pets, at least 50 feet (15
m) from the operating area.
• THROWN OBJECTS AND ROTATING CUTTER CAN CAUSE SEVERE INJURY
WARNING:
Small objects can be propelled at high speed, causing injury. Keep
away from the rotating rotor.
• HOT SURFACE
WARNING:
Do not touch a hot engine. These parts get extremely hot from
operation and may cause severe burns. When the unit is turned off the engine will
remain hot for a short time.
• SHARP BLADE
WARNING:
Sharp blade on cutting attachment shield. To prevent serious injury, do
not touch the line cutting blade.
READ THE OPERATOR’S MANUAL AND FOLLOW ALL WARNINGS AND SAFETY
INSTRUCTIONS. FAILURE TO DO SO CAN RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY TO THE OPERATOR
AND/OR BYSTANDERS.
FOR QUESTIONS, CALL 1–800–828-5500 IN U.S. OR 1-800-668-1238 IN CANADA
SYMBOL MEANING
SAFETY ALERT:
Indicates danger, warning or caution. Attention is required in order to
avoid serious personal injury. May be used in conjunction with other symbols or pictographs.
DANGER:
Failure to obey a safety warning will result in serious injury to yourself or to
others. Always follow the safety precautions to reduce the risk of fire, electric shock and
personal injury.
WARNING:
Failure to obey a safety warning can result in injury to yourself and others.
Always follow the safety precautions to reduce the risk of fire, electric shock and personal injury.
CAUTION:
Failure to obey a safety warning may result in property damage or personal
injury to yourself or to others. Always follow the safety precautions to reduce the risk of fire,
electric shock and personal injury.
CALIFORNIA PROPOSITION 65
WARNING:
Engine exhaust, som e of its constituents and certain finished components
contain or emit chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth
defects or other reproductive harm. Wash hands after handling.