Troy-Bilt 12168 manual

Form 1905103 (3/98) Owner’ s Manual 5 H.P . • Safety • Assembly • Controls • Operation • Maintenance Model 12168 ® © 1998 GARDEN WAY INCORPORATED TM[...]

2 Dear Owner: Thank you for purchasing the TROY -BIL T ® VersaT iller ™ . This unique piece of outdoor power equipment gives you the deep tilling power that rear -mounted counter -rotating tines provide, and provides the outstanding conven- ience of a front tine cultivator and tiller as well. The optional edger attachment and optional aerator at[...]

3 T able of Contents Owner Registration card ............................................................ 2 Warranty Service .................................................................... 2 Model/Serial Numbers .............................................................. 2 Customer Service and Technical Service .............................[...]

T raining Read this Owner’s Manual and the separate engine owner manual carefully before operating this equipment. Be completely familiar with the controls and the proper use of the unit. Know how to stop the unit and disengage the controls quickly. A replacement manual is available by contacting us. 2. Never allow children to operate the equipme[...]

Section 1: Safety Operation 1. Do not put hands or feet near or under rotating parts. 2. Use extreme caution when on or crossing gravel driveways, walks or roadways. Be alert for hidden hazards or traffic. Do not carry passengers. 3. If you hit a foreign object, stop the engine, let all moving parts come to a complete stop, disconnect spark plug wi[...]

6 24. Never operate this equipment if you are fatigued, or under the influ- ence of alcohol, drugs or medicine. 25. Operators shall not tamper with the engine-governor settings; the governor controls the maximum safe operating speed and protects the engine and all moving parts from damage caused by overspeed. Authorized service shall be sought if a[...]

7 WARNING TO PREVENT PERSONAL INJURY OR PROPERTY DAMAGE, DO NOT START THE ENGINE UNTIL ALL ASSEMBLY STEPS ARE COMPLETE AND YOU HAVE READ AND UNDERSTAND THE SAFETY AND OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS IN THIS MANUAL. Inspect unit Inspect the unit and carton for damage immediately after delivery. Contact the carrier (trucking company) if you find or suspect da[...]

STEP 3: Attach Upper Handlebar Section to Lower Handlebar Section 1. Align the mounting holes in the upper handlebar section (F, Fig. 2-4) with the corresponding mounting holes in the lower handlebar section (G). 2. Insert four 5/16"-18 x 1-1/2" curved head screws (H, Fig. 2-4) DOWN through the holes in the two handlebar sections. Install[...]

Section 3 Features and Controls This section describes the various features and controls on the unit. Refer to the next section, “ Operation, ” for an explanation of the use of these controls. TILLER FEA TURES/CONTROLS Drive Bail Holding the Drive Bail (A, Fig. 3-1) closed against the handlebar engages the tines and wheels (when handlebar is in[...]

10 Section 3: Features and Controls ENGINE FEA TURES/CONTROLS The following are descriptions of the features and controls on your engine. Additional engine information is provided in Section 4 “ Operation ” in this manual and in the engine manufacturer ’ s Operator ’ s Manual which is included in your literature package. Be sure to read the[...]

This section explains how to: • Transport the Machine • Prepare for Starting and Break-In Operation • Check Operational Interlock System • Convert the Equipment From a Rear Tine Tiller to a Front Tine Tiller/Cultivator...Then Back to a Rear Tine Tiller • Start and Stop the Engine • Operate the Rear Tine Tiller • Clear Debris from the [...]

12 Section 4: Operation Preparation For Starting Make the following checks and adjustments before 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. Cool-[...]

Section 4: Operation 13 DANGER The Operational Interlock System is designed for the operator ’ s safety. Do not disconnect or attempt to defeat the purpose of the system. If the system malfunctions, immediately contact your local authorized dealer or the TROY- BILT Technical Service Department for assistance. Do not use the equipment unless the O[...]

Section 4: Operation T o Change from rear tine tiller mode to front tine tiller/cultivator mode: 1. Move the equipment to a level, firm surface. 2. Stop the engine and disconnect the spark plug wire. 3. Lift up the handlebar locking lever (A, Fig. 4-5) to unlock the handlebar. 4. Grasp the handlebar and walk it around the muffler cage side of the e[...]

T o Start and Stop the Engine IMPORTANT: Use the following steps to practice starting and stopping the engine ONLY. Do not attempt to use the equipment as a tiller or cultivator until you have read all operating instructions in this Owner ’ s Manual. To Start the Engine: 1. The spark plug wire must be connected to the spark plug and the fuel tank[...]

16 Section 4: Operation Clearing Debris from the Tines Long grass, string, or tough vines may become tangled in the tines. It ’ s not necessary to remove all of the tangled material for best tilling results, but the bulk of the material should be removed for effective tilling. The tine hood may be removed for the most complete tine cleaning. To a[...]

17 OPTIONAL A TT ACHMENTS The Edger Attachment The Edger Attachment allows you to make clean, sharp edges wherever grass meets a walkway, driveway, terrace, patio, or other such surface. It ’ s an extremely handy landscaping and yard care tool that attaches quickly to your equipment. Simply set up in front tine tiller/cultivator mode (the tine ho[...]

18 Section 4: Operation Loading and Unloading the Tiller • Shut off the tiller engine before loading or unloading. Let the engine cool. Discon- nect the spark plug wire and prevent the wire from touching the spark plug. • The tiller is too heavy (over 120 lbs.) and bulky to be safely lifted by one person. If you do lift the tiller, two or more [...]

Section 5 Maintenance NOTE: All references to left, right, front and rear of the machine are determined by standing behind the handlebar and facing the direction of forward travel. Subjects covered in this section include: • Tiller/Cultivator Maintenance • Engine Maintenance • Storing your Equipment REQUIRED MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE Before Every [...]

20 TILLER/CUL TIV A TOR MAINTENANCE Tighten Bolts and Nuts Check for loose or missing hardware every ten (10) operating hours. Failure to tighten or replace missing fasteners can cause poor performance, equipment damage or oil leakage. See your Parts Catalog for fastener descriptions. Most hardware on your equipment is visible. Pay particular atten[...]

Section 5: Maintenance 21 T ransmission Gear Oil Maintenance A. Check for Transmission Oil Leaks After the first two (2) hours of brand- new operation, check the transmission for oil leaks. Thereafter, check for leaks every 25 operating hours. Specifically, inspect the following areas for signs of leaks or seepage: 1. There are oil seals on each si[...]

22 Maintenance of the Operational Interlock System The Operational Interlock System is an electrical safety system that prevents the engine from starting (or shuts the engine off) if either of two unsafe operating conditions were to occur: 1) while in use as a rear tine tiller with the handlebar extending over the tine hood, the interlock will shut[...]

23 ENGINE MAINTENANCE Engine Oil Maintenance Change engine oil after the first two (2) hours of new operation. Thereafter, change the oil every fifty (50) operating hours (or sooner if the work environment is very dirty or dusty). The front cover shield (secured with four screws) must be removed to gain access to the oil drain plug which is located[...]

For customer assistance, contact your nearest authorized dealer or: GARDEN WAY INCORPORATED • 1 Garden Way • Troy, New York 12180 Customer Service: 1-800-437-8686 • Technical Service: 1-800-520-5520 • Parts Service: 1-800-648-6776 • FAX: (518) 391-7332 Outside the United States and Canada: Customer Service: (518) 391-7007 • Technical Se[...]