Troy-Bilt 12069-7HP - 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 revolv­
ing - 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 inter and its optional
PTO attachments are capable
of 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 pro­
cedures, refer to Section 5 —
Maintenance.
1. Change Engine Oil. On Briggs
& Stratton and on Kohler engines,
change oil after the first 5 hours of
use. Thereafter, change oil 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 two 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 tension every 10
operating hours.
4. Check Hardware. After two
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 se­
curely 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 on tight, and all
electric wire connections secure.
8. Put Gasoline in the Euel Tank.
Use fresh, clean, unleaded fuel.
Fuel goes stale if stored for more
than six months. Do Not Mix Oil
With Gasoline!
a. Clean the fuel cap area before
removing the fuel cap.
b. Use a clean funnel to add gas.
c. Fill tank to within 1/2" of the
top to prevent spills and allow
for fuel expansion.
d. For 7H1P Briggs & Stratton
engines: • lead-free gas is rec­
ommended (leaded gas may be
used); • minimum octane rating
must be at least 77; • fuel con­
taining alcohol (such as gaso-
hol) is not recommended; • if
using gasohol, first see engine
manufacturer literature enclosed
for cautions and procedures.
e. For 8HP Kohler engines:
use unleaded regular gasoline
with a minimum octane rating
of 87 (leaded regular is accept­
able).
f. Replace fuel cap securely be­
fore 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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