Operator’s Manual Rear-tine PTO Tiller Models 682J—HorseTM E686N—HorseTM E682L—HorseTM Model 682J Shown IMPORTANT:READ SAFETY RULES AND INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY Warning: This unit is equipped with an internal combustion engine and should not be used on or near any unimproved forest-covered, brushcovered or grass-covered land unless the engine’s exhaust system is equipped with a spark arrester meeting applicable local or state laws (if any).
TABLE OF CONTENTS Content Customer Support Safety Assembly Features and Controls Operation Page 2 3 6 11 14 Content Maintenance Troubleshooting Attachments & Accessories Parts List Warranty Information Page 28 41 43 44 Back Cover FINDING MODEL NUMBER This Operator’s Manual is an important part of your new rear-tine tiller. It will help you assemble, prepare and maintain the unit for best performance. Please read and understand what it says.
Section 1 Safety This machine meets voluntary safety standard B71.8 – 1996, which is sponsored by the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute, Inc., and is published by the American National Standards Institute. Safety Alert Symbol This is a safety alert symbol. It is used in this manual and on the unit to alert you to potential hazards. When you see this symbol, read and obey the message that follows it. Failure to obey safety messages could result in personal injury or property damage. Training 1.
Section 1: Safety 8. Before cleaning, repairing, or inspecting, stop the engine and make certain all moving parts have stopped. Disconnect the spark plug wire and prevent it from touching the spark plug to prevent accidental starting. 9. The flap on the tine hood must be down when operating the tiller, unless using the Hiller/Furrower attachment. 10. Never use the tiller unless proper guards, plates, or other safety protective devices are in place. 11. Do not run engine in an enclosed area.
Section 1: Safety Maintenance and Storage 1. Keep the tiller, attachments and accessories in safe working condition. 2. Check all nuts, bolts, and screws at frequent intervals for proper tightness to be sure the equipment is in safe working condition. 3. Never store the tiller with fuel in the fuel tank inside a building where ignition sources are present such as hot water and space heaters, furnaces, clothes dryers, stoves, electric motors, etc.). Allow engine to cool before storing in any enclosure.
Section 2 Assembly 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. Introduction Carefully follow these assembly steps to correctly prepare your tiller for use. It is recommended that you read this Section in its entirety before beginning assembly. NOTE: Three different Horse model tillers are covered in this Manual.
Section 2: Assembly lever and could be damaged. You may gently move the wires aside if this condition occurs. Handlebars Right Clamp 4. Raise handlebars to one of two height settings and tighten the height adjustment lever. Also, make sure all other mounting hardware is securely tightened. Left-Side Clamp and Nut Right Left Ratchet Ratchet Base Height Adjustment Lever Left Clamp Nut Base Bolt Wire Harness Figure 2-3. Fully assembled handlebars. FRONT OF TILLER Figure 2-2. Handlebar assembly.
Section 2: Assembly Remove the temporary screw (J, Figure 2-7) from the forward holes and move the Wheels/Tines/PTO Lever fully forward. Install the wider hook end of the clutch pawl spring (M, Figure 2-8) down into the small hole at the end of the handle. Use pliers to insert the other end into the hole in the long link bar (N). NOTE: Do not bend or over stretch the spring while installing. 6.
Section 2: Assembly IMPORTANT: Check gear oil level in both transmissions after the first 2 hours of new tiller operation, then every 30 operating hours thereafter. See Section 5 for instructions. Oil Level Hole STEP 8: Attach Engine Throttle Lever and Cable For shipping purposes, the throttle cable, together with the throttle lever, is wound around the engine. Carefully unwind the cable. If the throttle control label is covered with a clear protective coating, peel it off.
Section 2: Assembly ASSEMBLING THE ELECTRIC START SYSTEM The following steps explain how to install and charge the battery on electric start tillers. For your safety, follow all steps and observe all accompanying safety messages. Section 5 contains other general battery maintenance and recharging instructions. DANGER Battery produces explosive gases. • Keep away sparks, flames, and cigarettes. • Ventilate area when charging or using battery in an enclosed space.
Section 3 Features and Controls G WARNING F Before operating your machine, carefully read and understand all safety, controls, operating instructions in this Manual, the separate Engine Owner’s Manual and on the decals on the machine. A Failure to follow these instructions can result in serious personal injury. B E C Introduction D This section describes the location and function of the controls and features on your tiller. Refer to Section 4, Operation for detailed operating instructions.
Section 3: Features and Controls Verify Position of Clutch Roller When you shift between FORWARD, NEUTRAL and REVERSE, the clutch roller at the base of the Wheels/Tines/PTO Drive Lever should be positioned as shown in Figures 3-2, 3-3 and 3-4. Verify the position of the clutch roller as you shift the lever. If it is not positioned correctly, contact the Factory or see your local authorized dealer.
Section 3: Features and Controls WARNING The tiller handlebars can be swung out o 30 to the right side for use only with the PTO Chipper/Shredder attachment. This is done by loosening the mounting bolt on the handlebar base. Never operate your tiller or attachments, other than the PTO Chipper/Shredder, with the handlebars in the right side position. Doing so could result in unsafe handling and personal injury.
Section 4 Operation 2. Check unit for loose or missing hardware. Service as required. 3. Check engine oil level. See Engine Owner’s Manual. 4. Shift the Wheels/Tines/PTO Drive lever (Figure 4-2) into NEUTRAL position. See Section 3, Controls for more information on this lever.
Section 4: Operation Wheels/Tines/PTO Drive Lever Engine Throttle Lever Forward Interlock Levers Wheel Speed Lever Depth Regulator Lever Recoil Start Rope (at front of engine) Tines/PTO Clutch Lever Figure 4-2: Tiller and engine controls. Starting the Engine: CAUTION To help prevent serious personal injury or damage to equipment: • Always place Wheels/Tines/PTO Drive Lever into NEUTRAL before starting engine, and before engaging wheels, tines or other PTO-driven attachments.
Section 4: Operation Reconnect the cables and securely tighten to battery posts. The engine will recharge the battery if the battery is still good. • If you suspect the batter is “dead”, or if the battery is damaged, disconnect, and remove it. Have it checked by a qualified technician. • If battery has been removed, wrap cable terminals at end of positive cable with electrical tape and secure the cable to the battery bracket. This will prevent electrical discharge.
Section 4: Operation Making Turns Figure 4-3: Moving tiller forward: squeeze one Forward Interlock Lever and then move Wheels/Tines/PTO Drive Lever down to FORWARD. 6. When the tiller moves forward, relax and let the wheels power the tiller along while the tines dig. Walk behind and to one side of the tiller. Walk on the side that is not yet tilled (Figure 4-4). Use a firm grip on the handlebars but keep your arm relaxed. IMPORTANT: Let the tiller move ahead at its own pace.
Section 4: Operation 4. When the turn is complete, shift to NEUTRAL and lower the handlebars. Move Tines/PTO Clutch Lever back to ENGAGE position and resume forward operation. Transporting The Tiller Around Your Property When the engine is running, the tiller’s powered wheels make moving the tiller to and from the garden easy. If the engine is not running set the Wheel Speed Lever to FREEWHEEL position to roll the tiller to another location.
Section 4: Operation • Turn the vehicle’s engine off and apply its parking brake. 2. Move the Tines/PTO Clutch Lever (Figure 4-2) to DISENGAGE position. • Position the loading vehicle so that the ramp angle is as flat as possible (the less incline to the ramp, the better). 3. Set the Depth Regulator Lever (Figure 4-2) to the Travel position. Loading the Tiller 1.
Section 4: Operation 4. Go to right side of tiller and finish seating the belt. WARNING The HIGH speed belt range position combined with a FAST wheel speed setting propels the tiller at the fastest pace. Reduce the engine throttle speed when starting out to help avoid personal injury or property damage if using this speed combination. 3. Kneel on left side of tiller. To create belt slack, reach over to right side of the pulleys and push in at the center of the belt with a finger.
Section 4: Operation TABLE 2-4: WHEEL SPEED AND BELT RANGE SELECTION GUIDE IMPORTANT — For correct wheel speed and belt range choices when using attachments or accessories other than tines, read the Owner/Operator Manual provided with the attachment or accessory. SLOW GEAR, LOW BELT RANGE SLOW GEAR, HIGH BELT RANGE FAST GEAR, LOW BELT RANGE For: • Tilling in sod. • Tilling in hard clay. • Tilling under standing cornstalks in tough soil conditions. • Tilling under cover crops. • Preparing a deep seedbed.
Section 4: Operation Tilling Tips & Techniques Avoid making footprints When possible, walk on the untilled side of the unit to avoid making footprints in the freshly tilled soil (Figure 4-4). Footprints cause soil compaction that can hamper root penetration and contribute to soil erosion. They can also “plant” unwanted weed seeds back into the newly tilled soil.
Section 4: Operation Tilling Tips & Techniques Clearing the tines The tines have a self-clearing action which helps to eliminate most tangling of debris. However, occasionally dry grass, stringy stalks or tough vines may become tangled. Follow these procedures to help avoid tangling and to clear the tines, if necessary. WARNING Before clearing the tines by hand, stop the engine, allow all moving parts to stop and disconnect the spark plug wire.
Section 4: Operation Tilling Tips & Techniques POWER COMPOSTING Power composting means tilling under and burying in the soil all manner of organic matter such as crop residues, leaves, grass clippings and cover crops. This material will decompose during the non-growing season and add important natural nutrients to the soil. WARNING When power composting, do not keep the Depth Regulator Lever at a deep setting if the tiller jumps or bucks.
Section 4: Operation PTO POWER UNIT Your tiller is a self-contained PTO (Power Take-Off) Power Unit that was shipped with a tine attachment installed. The tine attachment can be quickly removed and replaced with other optional attachments. The following instructions will familiarize you with your PTO Power Unit. Please read these pages carefully.
Section 4: Operation 10. The PTO Power Unit is now ready to install other powered or non-powered attachments. See the attachment's Owner’s Manual for installation and operation instructions specific to that attachment. Installing the Tine Attachment 1. Move the two PTO Power Unit swingout bolts outward and slide the washers up against the bolt heads. Figure 4-24: Loosening attachment swing-bolts. 2.
Section 4: Operation B A 3. Verify that the Forward Interlock Wire Harness plug at the base of the handlebars (A, Figure 4-28) is connected to the Forward Interlock Wire Harness receptacle (B) on the top right side of the transmission. Starting The Engine C Figure 4-28: Forward Interlock Wiring A - PTO Power Unit Interlock Harness B - Forward Interlock Receptacle C - Attachment Interlock Wire 3.
Section 5 Maintenance WARNING Before inspecting, cleaning or servicing the machine, shut off engine, wait for all moving parts to come to a complete stop, disconnect spark plug wire and move wire away from spark plug. Remove ignition key on electric start models. Failure to follow these instructions can result in serious personal injury or property damage.
Section 5: Maintenance WARNING Before inspecting, cleaning or servicing the machine, shut off engine, wait for all moving parts to come to a complete stop, disconnect spark plug wire and move wire away from spark plug. Remove ignition key, if so equipped. Failure to follow these instructions can result in serious personal injury or property damage. Tighten Bolts and Nuts Check for loose or missing hardware every ten (10) operating hours.
Section 5: Maintenance Before inspecting, cleaning or servicing the machine, shut off engine, wait for all moving parts to come to a complete stop, disconnect spark plug wire and move wire away from spark plug. Remove ignition key, if so equipped. Failure to follow these instructions can result in serious personal injury or property damage. IMPORTANT: Do not allow oil or grease to contact the pulleys, drive belt or reverse disc. This can cause the belt or disc to slip on the pulleys.
Section 5: Maintenance WARNING Before inspecting, cleaning or servicing the machine, shut off engine, wait for all moving parts to come to a complete stop, disconnect spark plug wire and move wire away from spark plug. Remove ignition key, if so equipped. Failure to follow these instructions can result in serious personal injury or property damage. For Dipsticks With ‘Check Cold’ Marking (Cold means 2 hours has passed since the tiller was used.) 1. Move the tiller to level ground. 2.
Section 5: Maintenance Before inspecting, cleaning or servicing the machine, shut off engine, wait for all moving parts to come to a complete stop, disconnect spark plug wire and move wire away from spark plug. Remove ignition key, if so equipped. Failure to follow these instructions can result in serious personal injury or property damage. Adding Gear Oil to the PTO Power Unit Transmission 1. Do steps 1 and 2 of Checking the Power Unit Oil Level on page 32. A 4. Take dipstick readings frequently.
Section 5: Maintenance WARNING Before inspecting, cleaning or servicing the machine, shut off engine, wait for all moving parts to come to a complete stop, disconnect spark plug wire and move wire away from spark plug. Remove ignition key, if so equipped. Failure to follow these instructions can result in serious personal injury or property damage.
Section 5: Maintenance WARNING Before inspecting, cleaning or servicing the machine, shut off engine, wait for all moving parts to come to a complete stop, disconnect spark plug wire and move wire away from spark plug. Remove ignition key, if so equipped. Failure to follow these instructions can result in serious personal injury or property damage. 3. Insert the belt adjustment tool through the hole in the side of the adjustment block, spacing the ends of the tool equally on both sides (Figure 5-14).
Section 5: Maintenance WARNING Before inspecting, cleaning or servicing the machine, shut off engine, wait for all moving parts to come to a complete stop, disconnect spark plug wire and move wire away from spark plug. Remove ignition key, if so equipped. Failure to follow these instructions can result in serious personal injury or property damage. Reverse Disc Inspection ➦ ➦ Figure 5-19: Move top half of belt over pulley and reverse disc.
Section 5: Maintenance Before inspecting, cleaning or servicing the machine, shut off engine, wait for all moving parts to come to a complete stop, disconnect spark plug wire and move wire away from spark plug. Remove ignition key, if so equipped. Failure to follow these instructions can result in serious personal injury or property damage. Follow these steps to replace the reverse disc. (If your tiller has a Bumper Attachment mounted, it must be removed first.) Removing the Reverse Disc 1.
Section 5: Maintenance WARNING Before inspecting, cleaning or servicing the machine, shut off engine, wait for all moving parts to come to a complete stop, disconnect spark plug wire and move wire away from spark plug. Remove ignition key, if so equipped. Failure to follow these instructions can result in serious personal injury or property damage. Adjusting Reverse Drive: 1. Place Wheels/Tines/PTO Drive Lever in FORWARD position. 2.
Section 5: Maintenance WARNING Before inspecting, cleaning or servicing the machine, shut off engine, wait for all moving parts to come to a complete stop, disconnect spark plug wire and move wire away from spark plug. Remove ignition key, if so equipped. Failure to follow these instructions can result in serious personal injury or property damage. Single Tine Replacement WARNING The tines or tine hood edges may be sharp. Wear thick gloves to protect your hands from cuts or scrapes. 1.
Section 5: Maintenance WARNING Before inspecting, cleaning or servicing the machine, shut off engine, wait for all moving parts to come to a complete stop, disconnect spark plug wire and move wire away from spark plug. Remove ignition key, if so equipped. Failure to follow these instructions can result in serious personal injury or property damage.
Section 5: Maintenance WARNING Before inspecting, cleaning or servicing the machine, shut off engine, wait for all moving parts to come to a complete stop, disconnect spark plug wire and move wire away from spark plug. Remove ignition key, if so equipped. Failure to follow these instructions can result in serious personal injury or property damage. Storing Your Tiller When your tiller won’t be used during the off-season, prepare it for storage with the following steps: 1. Clean the tiller and engine. 2.
Appendix A: Troubleshooting PROBLEM CHECK OR TEST (Check or test in sequence shown until problem is resolved.
Appendix A: Troubleshooting • Hardware holding tine holders to tine shaft may be missing or broken. To check, remove holders (Sect. 5). • Key for bronze worm gear on tine attachment main drive shaft may be missing or broken. 12 Poor Traction: • Bar tread tires, tire chains, or wheel weights may be needed. 5 Tines Turn, But Wheels Won’t: • Check operation of Wheel Speed Lever (Problem 2). • Hi-Pro key inside wheel clutch may be missing, broken. If so, clutch will not turn wheel shaft.
Appendix B: Attachments & Accessories Troy-Bilt® PTO Log Splitter 290-258-081 Row Marker Attachment 290-257-081 Wheel Weights 290-266-081 The Troy-Bilt® PTO Log Splitter provides you with a convenient and easy means of splitting about a half a cord of wood per hour when working alone. When connected to the PTO Power Unit, the tiller’s engine runs the splitter’s hydraulic pump, providing you with 13 tons of steady, unhurried and predictable splitting force.
Notes
TROY-BILT TILLER LIFETIME LIMITED WARRANTY WHAT PRODUCT IS COVERED All Troy-Bilt branded rear tine walk-behind tillers with gear drive transmissions. This warranty begins on the date of purchase and is warranted by Troy-Bilt LLC for the life of the tiller, to the original purchaser only. WHAT IS COVERED BY THIS WARRANTY Troy-Bilt LLC will, at its option, repair or replace any part found to be defective in material or workmanship without charge for parts and labor.
