Briggs Stratton Tiller 5055 6 HP User Manual

OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS &  
PARTS EXPLOSIONS  
CRT ROTOTILLERS  
5055 6 HP BRIGGS  
5155 6 HP BRIGGS  
6065VE 6.5 HP VIPER ELECTRIC  
R5055H 5.5 HP HONDA  
ARDISAM  
.com  
OMcRT07  
Rev. 12/21/06  
© copyright 2006 Ardisam, Inc.  
All Rights Reserved. Printed in USA.  
 
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS ANd PARTS ExPlOSIONS  
CRT Models  
SAFETY  
!
dANGER  
OWNER’S RESPONSIBIlITY  
Accurate assembly and safe and effective use of the rototiller is the  
owner’s responsibility.  
dANGER INdICATES A SERIOUS INjURY OR FA-  
TAlITY WIll RESUlT IF ThE SAFETY INSTRUC-  
TIONS ThAT FOllOW ThIS SIGNAl WORd ARE  
NOT OBEYEd.  
Read and follow all safety instructions.  
carefully follow all assembly instructions.  
Maintain the tiller according to directions and schedule included  
!
WARNING  
in this Earthquake operator’s manual.  
WARNING INdICATES A SERIOUS INjURY OR FA-  
TAlITY COUld RESUlT IF ThE SAFETY INSTRUC-  
TIONS ThAT FOllOW ThIS SIGNAl WORd ARE  
NOT OBEYEd.  
Ensure that anyone who uses the tiller is familiar with all  
controls and safety precautions.  
SPECIAl mESSAGES  
Your manual contains special messages to bring attention to potential  
safety concerns, machine damage as well as helpful operating and  
servicing information.Please read all the information carefully to avoid  
injury and machine damage.  
!
CAUTION  
NOTE: General information is given throughout the manual  
that may help the operator in the operation or service of  
the machine.  
CAUTION INdICATES YOU CAN OR YOUR EQUIP-  
mENT CAN BE hURT IF ThE SAFETY INSTRUC-  
TIONS ThAT FOllOW ThIS SIGNAl WORd ARE  
NOT OBEYEd.  
ImPORTANT SAFETY PRECAUTIONS  
Please read this section carefully. Operate the tiller according to the  
safety instructions and recommendations outlined here and inserted  
throughout the text.Anyone who uses this tiller must read the instruc-  
tions and be familiar with the controls. Your tiller is equipped with a  
safety device that enables you to stop the wheels and tines quickly  
in an emergency. Learn how the drive safety control lever operates  
and how to control the tiller at all times.  
ImPORTANT  
ImPORTANT INdICATES hElPFUl INFORmATION  
FOR PROPER ASSEmBlY, OPERATION, OR  
mAINTENANCE OFYOUR EQUIPmENT.  
This symbol points out important safety instructions  
which if not followed could endanger your personal  
safety. Read and follow all instructions in this manual  
before attempting to operate this equipment.  
!
WARNING  
YOUmUSTREAd,UNdERSTANdANdCOmPlYWITh  
All SAFETY ANd OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS IN  
ThIS mANUAl BEFORE ATTEmPTING TO SETUP  
ANd OPERATEYOUR ROTOTIllER.  
Do not allow children to operate this rototiller. Keep small children away  
from the area being tilled. Do not allow adults to operate the tiller without  
proper instruction.  
FAIlURE TO COmPlY WITh All SAFETY ANd  
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS CAN RESUlT IN lOSS  
OF mAChINE CONTROl, SERIOUS PERSONAl  
INjURY TOYOU ANd/OR BYSTANdERS, ANd RISk  
OF EQUIPmENT ANd PROPERTY dAmAGE. ThE  
TRIANGlE IN ThE TExT SIGNIFIES ImPORTANT  
CAUTIONS OR WARNINGS WhICh mUST BE  
FOllOWEd.  
PREPARATION  
Dress appropriately when operating the tiller. Always wear sturdy  
footwear.Never wear sandals, sneakers, or open shoes, and never  
operate the tiller with bare feet. Do not wear loose clothing that  
might get caught in moving parts.  
carefully inspect the area to be tilled and remove all foreign objects.  
Do not till above underground water lines, gas lines, electric cables,  
or pipes.Do not operate the tiller in soil with large rocks and foreign  
objects which can damage the equipment.  
CAlIFORNIA PROPOSITION 65 WARNING  
ENGINE ExhAUST FROm ThIS PROdUCT  
CONTAINS ChEmICAlS kNOWN TO ThE STATE  
OF CAlIFORNIA TO CAUSE CANCER, BIRTh  
dEFECTS, OR OThER REPROdUCTIvE hARm.  
Disengage all clutches and leave all control levers in the neutral  
position before starting the engine.  
Handle fuel with care; it is highly flammable.  
a. Use an approved fuel container.  
b. Never add fuel to a running engine or hot engine.  
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OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS ANd PARTS ExPlOSIONS  
CRT Models  
c. Fill fuel tank outdoors with extreme care. Never fill fuel  
tank indoors.  
ImPORTANT  
ThE RIGhT ANd lEFT SIdES OF  
YOUR ROTOTIllER ARE dETER-  
mINEd FROm ThE OPERATING POSI-  
TION ASYOU FACE ThE dIRECTION  
OF FORWARd TRAvEl.  
d. Replace gasoline cap securely and clean up spilled fuel  
before restarting.  
Never attempt to make any adjustments while the engine is  
running.  
ENGINE IS ShIPPEd FROm FACTORY  
WIThOUT OIl. YOU mUST Add EN-  
GINE OIl BEFORE STARTING ENGINE.  
OPERATION  
• Never operate the tiller without guards, covers, and hoods in  
place.  
• Never start the engine or operate the tiller with the wheels  
in the free-wheel position. Make sure the wheel lock pins  
are engaged through the wheel hubs and wheel axle. The  
wheels act as a brake to keep the tiller at a controlled speed.  
Disengage wheel lock pins to permit free-wheeling only when  
engine is stopped.  
• Never allow bystanders near the unit.  
• Use only attachments and accessories approved by the  
manufacturer of the tiller.  
• Never operate the tiller without good visibility or light.  
• Be careful when tilling in hard ground. The tines may catch  
in the ground and propel the tiller backward. If this occurs, let  
go of the handlebars and do not restrain the machine.  
• Keep hands, feet, and clothing away from rotating parts.Keep  
clear of tiller tines at all times.  
• Tines and wheels rotate when tiller is engaged in forward or  
reverse-- in forward, tines and wheels rotate when the drive  
safety control lever, labeled “FORWARd”, is pulled toward the  
handlebar.In reverse, wheels and tines rotate when the drive  
safety control lever, labeled “REvERSE”, is pulled toward  
the handlebar. Releasing the drive safety control levers to the  
neutral position stops the wheels and tines. Do not operate  
both drive safety control levers at the same time.  
Take all possible precautions when leaving the machine  
unattended. Disengage all control levers, stop the engine,  
wait for all moving parts to stop, and make certain guards  
and shields are in place.  
• When leaving the operating position for any reason:  
- shut off the engine.  
- wait for all moving parts to stop.  
• Be extremely cautious when operating in reverse.Take extra  
care to avoid slipping or falling, and keep hands and feet clear  
of tines.  
mAINTENANCE ANd STORAGE  
• Keep machine, attachments, and accessories in safe working  
condition.  
• Use extreme caution when operating on or crossing gravel  
drives, walks, or roads. Stay alert for hidden hazards or  
traffic.  
• check shear bolts, engine mounting bolts, and other bolts at  
frequent intervals for proper tightness to be sure the equipment  
is in safe working condition.  
• After striking a foreign object, stop the engine, remove the  
wire from the spark plug, thoroughly inspect the tiller for  
any damage, and repair the damage before restarting and  
operating the tiller.  
To prevent accidental starting, always disconnect and secure  
the spark plug wire from the spark plug before performing tiller  
maintenance.  
• Never run the engine indoors. Exhaust fumes are deadly.  
• If vegetation clogs the tines, raise the handlebars to elevate  
the tines, and run the tiller in reverse. If this does not clean  
clogged vegetation from the tines, STOPThE ENGINE ANd  
dISCONNECT ThE SPARk PlUG WIRE before removing  
vegetation by hand.  
• Always allow muffler to cool before filling fuel tank.  
• Never store equipment with gasoline in the tank inside a closed  
building where fumes may reach an open flame or spark.Allow  
the engine to cool before storing in any building.  
• Engine muffler will be hot from operation. Do not touch it with  
• Always refer to the operator’s guide instructions for important  
bare skin or a severe burn may result.  
details if the tiller is to be stored for an extended period.  
• If the unit should start to vibrate abnormally, stop the engine  
and check immediately for the cause.Vibration is generally a  
warning of trouble.  
• Do not run the engine indoors; exhaust fumes are deadly.  
• Do not overload the machine capacity by attempting to till too  
deep at too fast a rate.  
• Never operate the machine at high transport speeds on  
slippery surfaces. Look behind and use care when backing.  
Page 4  
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OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS ANd PARTS ExPlOSIONS  
CRT Models  
SAFETY dECAlS  
This rototiller unit has been designed and manufactured to provide you with the safety and reliability you would expect from an industry  
leader in outdoor power equipment manufacturing.  
Although reading this manual and the safety instructions it contains will provide you with the necessary basic knowledge to operated  
this equipment safely and effectively, we have placed several safety labels on the tiller to remind you of this important information  
while you are operating the unit.  
These important safety labels are illustrated below, and are shown here to help familiarize you with the location and content of the  
safety messages you will see as you perform normal tilling operations. Please review these labels now. If you have any questions  
regarding their meaning or how to comply with these instructions, reread the complete safety instruction text on the preceding pages,  
or contact your local dealer.  
Should any of the safety labels become unreadable because of being worn, faded, or otherwise damaged during the use of your tiller,  
please use the part number information provided to order a replacement label from your local authorized dealer.  
The safety labels are easily applied, and will act as a constant visual reminder to you, and others who may use the equipment. Follow  
the safety instructions necessary for safe, effective operation of your rototiller.  
Part No. lBl516AA  
WARNING INSTRUCTIONS  
hood decal  
Part No. lBl516j  
TINES dANGER  
hood Flap decal  
PlACE FREE  
hANd hERE  
Part No. lBl516F  
FREE hANd hERE  
Bumper Guard decal  
Part No. lBl516C  
WARNING  
Belt Cover decal  
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OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS ANd PARTS ExPlOSIONS  
CRT Models  
UNPACkING ANd ASSEmBlY  
ImPORTANT  
Your rototiller comes fully assembled except for a few parts. The fol-  
lowing instructions will help you unpack your tiller and assemble and  
adjust your tiller’s depth regulator lever, cable tension and handlebar  
height.You will need 2- 9/16” wrenches.  
ThE RIGhT ANd lEFT SIdES OFYOUR  
ROTOTIllERAREdETERmINEdFROm  
ThE OPERATING POSITION AS YOU  
FACE ThE dIRECTION OF FORWARd  
TRAvEl.  
UNPACk TIllER  
1. Open top of carton and remove handlebar assembly.  
ENGINE IS ShIPPEd FROm FACTORY  
WIThOUT OIl.YOU mUST Add ENGINE  
OIl BEFORE STARTING ENGINE.  
2. Find parts packet. Parts packet contains:  
4- 3/8-16 x 3/4” hex head bolts  
4- 3/8-16 locknuts  
1- 5/16-18 x 3/4” hex head bolt  
1- detent pin  
1- five star knob  
!
CAUTION  
dO NOT TRY TO lIFT ThE ROTOTIllER FROm ThE  
CARTON.  
3. cut open end of carton and remove machine by:  
dO NOT Add ENGINE OIl INTO GEAR CASE dIP-  
STICk hOlE.  
a. Removing lock pins on wheels.  
b. Roll tiller from carton.  
INSTAll BATTERY BOx (6065vE)  
lower handlebar  
3/8-16  
nuts  
NOTE:The battery box assembly comes already mounted on  
the lower handlebar mount.  
mount  
3/8-16 x 3/4”  
bolts  
1. Remove and discard bolts and nuts that are holding the battery  
box assembly to the lower handlebar mount. carefully set aside  
battery box so that wiring remains intact.  
ATTACh hANdlEBAR TO TIllER  
1. Place handlebar stems on outside of lower handlebar mount and  
align lower holes.  
2. Insert one 3/8-16 x 3/4” bolt for each side in lower holes at the  
desired handlebar height.  
3. Start 3/8-16 nuts on each bolt.  
4. Insert one 3/8-16 x 3/4” bolt for each side in upper holes.  
5. Start 5/16” washers and 3/8-16 nuts on each bolt.  
height  
adjustment  
holes  
handlebar  
stem  
6. Place notches of battery box support over the four bolts between  
lower handlebar mount and nuts.  
7. Tighten all 3/8-16 nuts.  
8. Remove the battery box cover and plug the white plastic connec-  
tor from the battery into the mating white plastic connector in the  
battery box. make sure the ignition key is removed from the  
ignition before connecting the wiring for the battery. Replace  
battery box cover.  
gear case  
dipstick  
FIll ENGINE CRANkCASE  
1. Add oil according to engine manual. do not overfill. Use a clean,  
high quality detergent oil. container must be marked A.P.I.Service  
SF - SJ. Use no special additives with recommended oils. do not  
mix oil with gasoline. Oil level must be full. check the oil level  
by removing oil fill plug. Oil level should be up to the bottom of the  
fill plug opening.  
gear case  
dipstick hole  
NO ENGINE OIl!  
2. Always check oil level before starting engine. Refer  
to engine manual for capacity and type of oil to use.  
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OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS ANd PARTS ExPlOSIONS  
CRT Models  
FEATURES  
forward drive safety control lever  
reverse drive safety control lever  
forward & reverse cable  
bumper guard  
(Model 5055, 6065VE, R5055H )  
depth regulator lever  
detent pin  
belt guard  
wheel lock pin (Model 5055, R5055H)  
or wheel lockout (Model 5155, 6065VE)  
recoil start  
serial number plate  
800-345-6007  
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OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS ANd PARTS ExPlOSIONS  
CRT Models  
OPERATION  
!
CAUTION  
PRE-START INSPECTION  
1. Make sure all safety guards are in place and all nuts and bolts  
are secure.  
PlEASE dO NOT START YOUR TIllER UNTIl  
YOU hAvE REAd ThE mANUAl ThAT CAmE  
WITh YOUR ENGINE, ANd ThE SECTIONS IN ThIS  
mANUAlTITlEd CONTROlS, AdjUSTmENTS ANd  
SAFETY. IFYOU hAvE REAdThESE, FOllOWThE  
STEPS BElOW TO START YOUR TIllER. AlWAYS  
PERFORm ThIS PRE-START ChECklIST BEFORE  
STARTING ThE ENGINE.  
2. check oil level in engine crankcase. See your engine manual for  
procedure and specifications.  
3. Inspect air cleaner for cleanliness. See your engine manual for  
procedure.  
4. check the fuel supply. Fill the fuel tank no closer than 1 inch  
from top of tank to provide space for expansion. See your engine  
manual for fuel recommendations.  
!
WARNING  
5. Be sure spark plug wire is attached and spark plug is  
tightened securely.  
GASOlINE IS hIGhlY FlAmmABlE ANd mUST  
BE hANdlEd WITh CARE. NEvER FIll ThE TANk  
WhENThE ENGINE IS hOT OR RUNNING. AlWAYS  
mOvE OUTdOORS TO FIll ThE TANk.  
6. check position of wheels and wheel lockouts.  
7. check depth regulator lever position.  
WhEElS mUST AlWAYS BE lOCkEd IN ThE  
TIllING POSITION WhEN ENGINE IS RUNNING.  
dO NOT OPERATE ThE TIllER WITh ThE WhEEl  
lOCkOUTS UNlOCkEd. AlWAYS SET ThE  
WhEElS INTIllING POSITION BEFORE STARTING  
ENGINE.  
8. Examine underneath and around engine for signs of oil or fuel  
leaks.  
9. Inspect fuel hoses for tightness and fuel seepage.  
10.Look for signs of engine damage.  
11.Remove excessive debris from muffler area and recoil starter.  
AlWAYS PUT ThE dEPTh REGUlATOR lEvER IN  
ThE TRANSPORT POSITION BEFORE STARTING  
ENGINE.TINES ShOUld ClEAR ThE GROUNd.  
START-UP  
The controls required to start and run the rototiller are located on the  
engine and are marked “choke” and “Throttle”.  
A more detailed description of engine operation and all related  
precautions and procedures can be found in the engine manufacturer’s  
manual that accompanies each tiller.  
ImPORTANT  
ENGINE IS ShIPPEd FROm FACTORYWIThOUT OIl.  
YOU mUST Add ENGINE OIl BEFORE STARTING  
ENGINE.  
COld STARTS  
1. Move choke lever to full choke position.  
2. Move throttle lever to “start”.  
3. Pull starting rope out slowly one time and allow to return  
normally.  
!
dANGER  
AlWAYS kEEP hANdS ANd FEET ClEAR OF  
ROTATING mAChINE PARTS.  
4. Pull starting rope out rapidly, and allow rope to return normally.  
5. When engine starts, gradually move choke lever to “no choke”  
position and increase throttle speed.  
RESTARTING A WARm ENGINE  
Restarting an engine that is already warm from previous running does  
not normally require use of the choke.  
1. Move throttle lever to “start” position.  
2. Pull starting rope out rapidly until engine starts.Allow rope to return  
normally. Repeat until engine starts.  
3. Adjust throttle speed to “high” for best tiller action.  
Page 8  
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OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS ANd PARTS ExPlOSIONS  
CRT Models  
IdlE SPEEd  
!
WARNING  
Use the “low” position on the throttle lever to reduce stress on the  
engine when tilling is not being performed.Lowering the engine speed  
to “idle” will help extend the life of the motor, as well as conserve fuel  
and reduce the noise level of the equipment.  
TEmPERATUREOFmUFFlERANdNEARBYAREAS  
mAY ExCEEd 150° F. AvOId ThESE AREAS.  
dO NOT mOvE ChOkE CONTROl TO ChOkE TO  
STOP ENGINE. BACkFIRE OR ENGINE dAmAGE  
mAY OCCUR.  
OPERATING SPEEd  
For normal tilling, set the throttle lever to “fast”.  
TO STOP WhEElS ANd TINES AT ANY TImE, RE-  
lEASE dRIvE SAFETY CONTROl lEvERS TO  
NEUTRAl POSITION.  
ShUTTING dOWN  
To stop the engine at any time, move throttle control to the off position.  
To stop wheels and tines at any time, release drive safety control  
levers to neutral position.  
AlWAYS RElEASE dRIvE SAFETY CONTROl  
lEvERS TO NEUTRAl POSITION BEFORE  
AdjUSTING ThE dEPTh OF ThE REGUlATOR  
lEvER.  
TIllING  
1. Adjust the depth regulator lever to desired tilling depth.  
NOTE: Raise depth regulator lever up one hole at a time,  
testing tiller operation after each raise. Raising depth  
regulator lever too high can result in loss of control of  
tiller!  
!
dANGER  
ENGINE ANd SURROUNdING PARTS BECOmE  
ExTREmElY hOT dURING NORmAl USE ANdWIll  
CAUSE SERIOUS BURN INjURIES IF TOUChEd  
BEFORE ThE ENGINE hAS COOlEd.  
2. Move the throttle control to fast.  
3. Place the tiller in forward by pushing down on the drive safety  
control lever labeled “FORWARD”--this will engage the wheels and  
tines.  
AllOW ENGINE TO COOl COmPlETElY BEFORE  
TOUChING ThESE hOT SURFACES.  
NOTE: You can slow the tiller’s forward advance at any time  
by putting slight downward pressure on the handlebars.You  
can stop the tiller by releasing the drive safety control levers  
to the neutral position.  
ImPORTANT  
PRACTICE OPERATING ThE CONTROlS ANd  
TIllER WITh TINES OUT OF GROUNd BEFORE  
BEGINNING TO TIll. IT IS ImPORTANT ThAT YOU  
kNOW hOW TO USE ThE TIllER PROPERlY,  
kEEP CONTROl AT All TImES, STOP ThE TINES  
ANd WhEElS FROm TURNING, ANd STOP ThE  
ENGINE IF NECESSARY. IF YOU dO NOT kNOW  
hOWTO dOThESEThINGS, REAdThE CONTROlS,  
AdjUSTmENTS ANd SAFETY SECTIONS BEFORE  
PROCEEdING.  
800-345-6007  
Page ꢁ  
 
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS ANd PARTS ExPlOSIONS  
CRT Models  
dRIvE SAFETY CONTROl lEvERS  
FORWARd lEvER  
!
CAUTION  
dO NOT OPERATE BOTh “FORWARd” ANd  
“REvERSEdRIvE SAFETY CONTROl lEvERS AT  
ThE SAmE TImE.  
Engages wheels and tines into forward.  
Pulling the drive safety control lever labeled (FORWARD) toward the  
handlebar engages the wheels and tines. Releasing the lever stops  
the wheels and tines and brings the tiller to a complete stop.  
ThIS INFORmATION IS PROvIdEd hERE ONlY TO  
INTROdUCE ThE CONTROlS. dO NOT START ThE  
ENGINE ATThISTImE. STARTING ANd OPERATING  
INSTRUCTIONS ARE GIvEN ON PAGE ??. PlEASE  
REAd ThIS SECTION ANd All OPERATING ANd  
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE STARTINGYOUR  
TIllER.  
forward lever engaged  
AS A SAFETY PRECAUTION,ThE dRIvE SAFETY  
CONTROl lEvERS WIll NOT lOCk IN ThE  
FORWARd OR REvERSE POSITION.  
AS A SAFETY PRECAUTION, ThE REvERSE  
dRIvE SAFETY CONTROl lEvER WIll NOT  
lOCk IN REvERSE.  
TO STOPThEWhEElS ANdTINES AT ANYTImE  
RElEASE ThE dRIvE SAFETY CONTROl lE-  
vERS OR RElEASE ThE REvERSE hANdlE.  
REvERSE lEvER  
Engages wheels and tines into reverse.  
dO NOT OPERATE BOTh ThE REvERSE ANd  
FORWARd dRIvE SAFETY CONTROl lEvERS  
AT ThE SAmE TImE.  
Pulling the drive safety control lever labeled (REVERSE) toward the  
handlebar reverses tiller. Releasing the lever stops the wheels and  
tines.  
!
WARNING  
reverse lever engaged  
ENGINE ShOUld BE OFF BEFORE AdjUSTING  
ANY CONTROlS.  
ExTREmE CAUTION ShOUld BE USEd WhEN  
OPERATING ROTOTIllER IN ThE REvERSE  
dIRECTION.  
reverse lever  
Page 10  
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