EarthQuake MC43E - Manual (Page 12)

Operator's Manual
MC43 Series Mini-Cultivator
Check for parts online at www.getearthquake.com or call 800-345-6007 M-F 8-5 12
OPERaTION TIPS
1. The clutch will transfer maximum power after about two
hours of normal operation. During this break-in period clutch
slippage may occur. The clutch should be kept free of oil and
other moisture for efficient operation.
2. Cultivate without placing excessive body weight on the unit.
The mini-cultivator operates most efficiently with the weight
of the unit itself.
3. Never run engine indoors. Exhaust fumes are deadly.
Using the Screw Type, manual Venting Gas Cap
Your mini-cultivator is equipped with a screw type, manual
venting gas cap.
1. Before starting the engine, turn the screw in the top of the
gas cap 2-3 turns (counterclockwise) to its venting position.
DO NOT turn the screw to the point that it stops (4-5 turns
counterclockwise). To ensure that gas will not spill during use,
check that the gas cap is screwed on tightly and the gas cap
screw is in the venting position.
2. After using the mini-cultivator and before putting away or
transporting it in a truck bed, screw the gas cap screw and
gas cap on (clockwise) tightly. This will prevent gas from
leaking during storage. The gas cap will not leak during stor-
age if gas cap is tight and the screw at the top is tight.
STaRTING aND STOPPING ENGINE
• Move engine to a well ventilated area, outdoors, to prevent
carbon monoxide poisoning.
• Move to an area away from flames or sparks, to avoid igni-
tion of vapors if present.
• Remove all debris from air cleaner holes and gas cap to en-
sure proper air flow.
Cold Engine Start: Starting engine for first time or after engine
has cooled off or after running out of fuel.
1. Move choke lever to RUN position.
NOTe: choke must be in the RUN position when pushing or
using the primer bulb.
2. Prime unit until primer hose is filled with gas.
NOTe: When using the primer bulb, allow the bulb to re-
turn completely to its original position between pushes.
3. Move choke lever to CHOKE position.
NOTe: choke position is defined by moving the choke lever
as far to the cHOKe position as possible.
4. Push rocker switch to the ON position.
CaUTION
IF ENGINE FaIlS TO STaRT aFTER TRyING STaRTING
PROCEDURES, PlEaSE CONTaCT OUR CUSTOmER
SERVICE DEPaRTmENT aT 800-345-6007.
STaRTER ROPE CaN CaUSE aN UNaNTICIPaTED JERk
TOWaRDS ENGINE. PlEaSE FOllOW INSTRUCTIONS
TO aVOID INJURy.
NEVER lEaVE ENGINE RUNNING WHIlE UNaTTEND-
ED. TURN OFF aFTER EVERy USE.
NEVER CaRRy mINI-CUlTIVaTOR FROm ONE lOCa-
TION TO aNOTHER WHIlE ENGINE IS RUNNING.
alWayS WEaR a PROTECTIVE HEaRING DEVICE.
DO NOT STaRT ENGINE IF FUEl IS SPIllED. WIPE OFF
ExCESS FUEl aND allOW TO DRy.
WaRNING
makE SURE THE UNIT IS IN a STaBlE POSITION BE-
FORE PUllING THE STaRTER HaNDlE.
WHEN THE UNIT STaRTS TO FIRE OR RUN, RElEaSE
THE THROTTlE CONTROl mOmENTaRIly WITH yOUR
RIGHT HaND aND RETURN yOUR lEFT HaND TO THE
HaNDlEBaR POSITION TO maINTaIN CONTROl aND
STaBIlITy OF THE UNIT WITH BOTH HaNDS.
5. Squeeze throttle control with right hand. Grasp starter han-
dle with left hand and pull out slowly, until it pulls slightly
harder. Without letting starter handle retract, pull rope with
a rapid full arm stroke. Let it return to its original position
very slowly until unit fires or runs. Repeat this step every
time the starter rope is pulled.
NOTe: If engine fails to start after 5-6 pulls, push primer 1
time and pull starter rope again.
6. After engine starts running, move choke lever to HALF
CHOKE position until unit runs smoothly.
NOTe: Half choke is defined when the choke lever is be-
tween cHOKe and RUN.
7. Move choke lever to RUN position and move throttle to de-
sired speed.
NOTe: Run at full throttle when possible. Do not let unit
idle for extended periods of time.
8. To stop engine, push rocker switch to OFF position.