Troy-Bilt 12087 - Manual (Page 25)

Before operating the tiller, be
sure you have first read and under­
stood all Safety Instructions in
Section 1 and Controls information
in Section 3. First practice using
the tiller in an open, level area.
Practice without the tines revolving
- disengage the tines with the
Tines/PTO Clutch Lever. After a
thorough practice session, the tiller
can then be moved to the garden.
WARNING
Your tiller and its optional
PTO attachments are capable
ot causing serious injury to
untrained or careless opera­
tors.
To avoid serious personal in­
jury or property damage,
read the Owner/Operator
Manual provided with any op­
tional accessories or attach­
ments before using the tiller
or PTO power unit.
Break-In Operation
During the first few hours of
new tiller operation, the following
maintenance steps are required.
For subsequent maintenance proce­
dures, refer to Section 5 —
Maintenance.
1. Change Engine Oil. Change
the oil after the first 5 hours of new
operation. Thereafter, change oil
after every 10 operating hours.
Increase the frequency of oil
changes under very dirty or dusty
conditions.
2. Check Transmission Gear Oil
Level. After the first 2 hours of
new operation, check the gear oil
levels in the PTO power unit and
the tine attachment transmissions.
Thereafter, check them every 30
hours.
3. Check Drive Belt Tension.
Due to belt seating, a tension ad­
justment may be needed after the
first 2-to-3 hours of new operation.
Thereafter, check belt tension
every 10 operating hours.
4. Check Hardware, After 2
hours of new operation, check for
loose bolts and nuts. Thereafter,
do this every 10 operating hours.
Preparation Before Starting
Make the following checks and
perform the following services be­
fore starting the engine.
1. Check Engine Oil Level.
2. Check the Air Cleaner. It must
be securely assembled and clean.
3. Check Safety Guards. All
guards and covers must be securely
in place.
4. Attach Spark Plug Wire,
5. Check Engine Cooling System.
The cooling fins and air intake
screen must be clear of debris.
6. Adjust Handlebar Height.
7. Check Battery Fluid Level.
Cells must be filled to proper level,
cell caps must be tight, and all
electric wire connections secure.
8. Add Gasoline to Fuel Tank.
Use fresh, clean, lead-free automo­
tive gasoline. A minimum of 77
octane is recommended. DO NOT
MIX OIL WITH GASOLINE!
Refer to the separate Engine
Owner’s Manual for detailed fuel
recommendation s.
Note: The use of gasoline which
contains alcohol, such as gasohol,
is not recommended. However, if
gasoline with alcohol is used, it
must contain less than 10%
Ethanol and must be removed from
the engine during storage. Do not
use gasoline which contains
Methanol.
Purchase fuel in a quantity that can
be used within 30 days. This will
assure fuel freshness and volatility
tailored to the season. The use of a
fuel stabilizer additive will prevent
gum from forming in the fuel sys­
tem or on essential carburetor
parts. See the “Storage
Instructions” in the Engine
Owner’s Manual.
To Add Gasoline:
a. Clean the fuel cap area before
removing the fuel cap.
b. Using a clean funnel, fill tank to
within 1/2" of the top to prevent
spills and to allow for fuel expan­
sion. Replace the fuel cap securely
before starting the engine.
DANGER
Gasoline is highly flammable and its vapors are explosive. Follow
these safety practices to prevent injury from fire or explosion:
• Never fill tank if engine is running or hot from use. Let engine and
muffler cool down before refueling.
• Do not permit open flames, sparks, matches or smoking in the fueling
area.
• Fill fuel tank outdoors in a well-ventilated area. Wipe up any fuel
spills and move tiller away from fumes before starting the engine.
• Use only an approved fuel container and lock it safely away from
children.
• Store fuel and the tiller in a well-ventilated area. Do not store fuel or
tiller where fuel vapors may reach an open flame or spark, or an igni­
tion source (a hot water heater, furnace, clothes dryer, electric motor,
or the like).
• Let engine cool before storing.
• Never bring a metal fuel can near battery post on electric start model
tillers. An electrical short circuit could result, causing an explosion of
the gasoline or of battery gases.
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