Tiller Attachment 9664 ASSEMBLY AND OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS 349 Mission Oaks Blvd., Camarillo, CA 930 Visit our Web site at http://www.harborfreight.com TO PREVENT SERIOUS INJURY, READ AND UNDERSTAND ALL WARNINGS AND INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE USE. Copyright 2004 by Harbor Freight Tools. All rights reserved. No portion of this manual or any artwork contained herein may be reproduced in any shape or form without the express written consent of Harbor Freight Tools. For technical questions and replacement parts, please call -800-444-3353
Specifications Blade Size: 7- / 4 " Dia. with 3 / 4 " hole Overall Dimensions: 0- / 4 " L x 2- / 4 " W x 30- / 4 " H Blade Fixing Method: B uilt-in Keyway Safety Guard: Built-in Debris Flap N et Weight: 2.5 lbs. Steel Construction with an Aluminum Extension Tube This Tiller Attachment is specifically designed for use with Harbor Freight Tools model 9653 Garden Tool Power Head. It is also compatible with similar Power Heads produced by Ryobi and Homelite. Save This Manual You will need the manual for the safety warnings and precautions, assembly instructions, operating and maintenance procedures, parts list and diagram. Keep your invoice with this manual. Write the invoice number on the inside of the front cover. Keep the manual and invoice in a safe and dry place for future reference. Safety Warnings and Precautions WARNING: When using tool, basic safety precautions should always be followed to reduce the risk of personal injury and damage to equipment. Read all instructions before using this tool!. Keep work area clean. Cluttered areas invite injuries. 2. Observe work area conditions. Do not use machines or power tools in damp or wet locations. Don t expose to rain. Keep work area well lit. Do not use electrically powered tools in the presence of flammable gases or liquids. 3. Keep children and other people away. Do not allow anyone within 50 feet as you are using this tool. 4. Store idle equipment. When not in use, tools must be stored in a dry location to inhibit rust. Always lock up tools and keep out of reach of children. 5. Use the right tool for the job. Do not attempt to force a small tool or attachment to do the work of a larger industrial tool. There are certain applications for which this tool was designed. It will do the job better and more safely at the rate for which it was intended. Do not modify this tool and do not use this tool for a purpose for which it was not intended. 6. Dress properly. Do not wear loose clothing or jewelry as they can be caught in moving parts. Protective, electrically non-conductive clothes and non-skid footwear are recommended when working. Wear restrictive hair covering to contain long hair. SKU 9664 For technical questions, please call -800-444-3353. Page 2
Safety Warnings and Precautions (continued) 7. Use personal safety equipment. Always wear ANSI approved safety glasses underneath an impact safety face shield along with ANSI approved hearing protection when using this attachment. Wear sturdy work gloves and steel toed shoes. 8. Do not overreach. Keep proper footing and balance at all times. Do not reach over or across running machines. 9. Maintain tools with care. Keep tools sharp and clean for better and safer performance. Follow instructions for lubricating and changing accessories. Inspect tool cords periodically and, if damaged, have them repaired by an authorized technician. The handles must be kept clean, dry, and free from oil and grease at all times. 0. Disconnect power. Unplug tool when not in use.. Remove adjusting keys and wrenches. Check that keys and adjusting wrenches are removed from the tool or machine work surface before plugging it in. 2. Avoid unintentional starting. Be sure the switch is in the Off position when not in use and before plugging in. Do not carry any tool with your finger on the trigger, whether it is plugged in or not. 3. Stay alert. Watch what you are doing, use common sense. Do not operate any tool when you are tired. 5. Check for damaged parts. Before using any tool, any part that appears damaged should be carefully checked to determine that it will operate properly and perform its intended function. Check for alignment and binding of moving parts; any broken parts or mounting fixtures; and any other condition that may affect proper operation. Any part that is damaged should be properly repaired or replaced by a qualified technician. Do not use the tool if any switch does not turn On and Off properly. 6. Guard against electric shock. Prevent body contact with grounded surfaces such as pipes, radiators, ranges, and refrigerator enclosures. 7. Replacement parts and accessories. When servicing, use only identical replacement parts. Use of any other parts will void the warranty. Only use accessories intended for use with this tool. Approved accessories are available from Harbor Freight Tools. 8. Do not operate tool if under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Read warning labels on prescriptions to determine if your judgment or reflexes are impaired while taking drugs. If there is any doubt, do not operate the tool. 9. Use proper size and type extension cord. If an extension cord is required, it must be of the proper size and type to supply the correct current to the tool SKU 9664 For technical questions, please call -800-444-3353. Page 3
Safety Warnings and Precautions (continued) without heating up. Otherwise, the extension cord could melt and catch fire, or cause electrical damage to the tool. Longer extension cords require larger size wire. If you are using the tool outdoors, use an extension cord rated for outdoor use. (Signified by WA on the jacket). 20. Maintenance. For your safety, service and maintenance should be performed regularly by a qualified technician. 2. Pacemaker safety warning. People with pacemakers should consult with their physician(s) before using this product; operation of equipment in close proximity to a heart pacemaker could cause interference or failure of the pacemaker. Note: Performance of this tool (if powered by line voltage) may vary depending on variations in local line voltage. Extension cord usage may also affect tool performance. Specific Safety Rules When Using a Tiller. Clear the work area before starting work. Remove any object such as broken glass, rocks, wire, etc. which might be thrown by the Tiller, or entangled in it, thereby causing injury. 2. Be sure that all the guards are properly and securely in place. Repair or replace them before starting work if they are not secure. 3. Use this Tiller for turning the soil in gardens, flower beds, etc. Do not use it for any other purpose. 4. Before starting work, read this manual carefully and familiarize yourself with the controls. 5. Do not use this Tiller, or its motorized head, in rain or wet conditions. Wet conditions create hazard of electric shock which can cause serious injury or death. 6. Do not use the Tiller on or near gravel surfaces, as rocks may be thrown causing serious damage or injury. 7. If the Tiller strikes a hard object, STOP. Turn the power switch to stop, and disconnect the power cord. Inspect the Tiller blades and mechanism for damage. If there is any damage, repair it before continuing work. Do not attempt to continue to work with a damaged Tiller. 8. Be familiar with the ground you are tilling. Know any obstacles beforehand so you can safely guide the tiller around them. Always push the Tiller attachment slowly over rough ground. SKU 9664 For technical questions, please call -800-444-3353. Page 4
Specific Safety Rules (continued) 9. If an obstruction becomes caught in the blades or mechanism, STOP the tool and unplug it from its power source before attempting to clear the obstruction. Never try to remove an obstruction while the tool is powered or turned on. 0. Keep your feet and hands away from the cutting area. Do not allow anyone within 50 feet while you are working.. Always hold the tool securely with two hands while working. Never attempt to use this tool with only one hand. Be sure that the handle and/or strap are used to provide extra control. Use extreme caution to keep your feet clear when pulling the Tiller toward you. READ all safety warnings and instructions provided in the instruction manual for the Garden Tool Power Head #9653 or any other Motor Head you will use to power this attachment. Warning: The warnings, cautions, and instructions discussed in this instruction manual cannot cover all possible conditions and situations that may occur. It must be understood by the operator that common sense and caution are factors which cannot be built into this product, but must be supplied by the operator. Unpacking When unpacking, check to make sure the following parts are included. Assembled Tiller Attachment Storage Cap If any parts are missing or broken, please call Harbor Freight Tools at the number on the cover of this manual. This attachment is intended to be used with Garden Tool Power Head (also referred to as a Power Head ) part number 9653. Several attachments for that Power Head are available from Harbor Freight Tools, including: 9663 Edger Attachment 9664 Tiller Attachment 9665 Blower Attachment 9666 Trimmer Attachment Photo at right shows this attachment connected to the 9653 Power Head available from Harbor Freight Tools. SKU 9664 For technical questions, please call -800-444-3353. Page 5
Operation Before using this tool, it must be properly attached to an appropriate Power Head. Harbor Freight Tools item # 9653 Garden Tool Power Head is the recommended Power Head for this item. Please refer to the picture to attach this tool. CAUTION: Always make sure the Power Cord of the Garden Tool Power Head is unplugged from its electrical outlet prior to making any adjustments to the tool. Coupler Square Drive Shaft End Upper Shaft of Electric Motor Guide Recess Button Attachment Shaft Locking Knob of Tiller (opposite side, partially hidden) Connecting the Attachment to the Upper Shaft see picture above. The Coupler connects the selected attachment to the Upper Shaft of the Motor. WARNING: Never try to install or remove an attachment while the motor is running. Severe personal injury or damage to property may result.. Turn the Locking Knob on the Coupler counterclockwise to loosen it. 2. Remove the Storage Cap (25) from the Attachment Shaft (2) of the Accessory. 3. Align the Button on the Attachment Shaft with the Guide Recess on the Upper Shaft. 4. Carefully push the button and slide the Attachment Shaft into the Upper Shaft until the Button clicks into place. NOTE: The Square Drive Shaft End must fit into its counterpart for the attachment to fit properly. SKU 9664 For technical questions, please call -800-444-3353. Page 6
NOTE: If the button does not release completely into the positioning hole, the shafts are not locked. Slightly rotate the attachment shaft until the button is locked in place. WARNING: Do not operate the tool if the attachment shaft is not securely locked into place. 5. Tighten the Locking Knob securely by turning it clockwise. WARNING: During operation, periodically check the Locking Knob to be sure it remains tight. Button Locking Knob Secure Connection. Note that the Button is engaged, and the Locking Knob is tight. WARNING! If the locking attachment mechanism does not work properly, do not use this tool. Serious injury may result if the attachment comes loose from the Motor Head while under power. Removing the Attachment from the Upper Shaft. See picture on previous page.. Release the Power Switch and allow the tool to come to a complete stop. 2. Unplug the tool from its power source. 3. Loosen the Locking Knob by turning it counterclockwise. 4. Hold the Button down, while pulling out the attachment. SKU 9664 For technical questions, please call -800-444-3353. Page 7
Using the Tiller Attachment WARNING: Never make any repairs or adjustments to the attachment unless the attachment is disconnected from the Power Head, or the power switch on the Power Head is turned Off and the power cord is unplugged. WARNING: Be extremely careful when tilling hard or rocky soil. The Tiller may catch in the ground and unexpectedly be propelled forward. WARNING: Keep feet away from the rotating blades of the Tiller, especially when pulling the Tiller backwards. WARNING: Make sure that the ground to be tilled is entirely free from all cables, pipes, wires, or other utilities. Hitting a utility line during use can result in electrocution, explosion, fire, or DEATH.. Hold the Tiller firmly in both hands. You can also use the shoulder strap to support the weight of the tool when in use. Position yourself at the area to be worked before starting the Tiller. 2. Squeeze the Trigger (Power Switch) to run the Motor Head at moderate speed. 3. Lower the Tiller Blades onto the soil. Pull the tiller blades gently toward you while the blades dig into the soil. This pulling back motion aids in the Tilling action. When you are done, release the Power Switch to shut off the machine. The Protective Shield This component is essential to safe operation of the Tiller Attachment.. This component catches most dirt and debris cut loose by the Blades, directing this material downward. This helps protect you and others from injury due to flying debris. WARNING: ANSI approved safety goggles are always essential during use; the shield is a necessary additional guard but does NOT replace safety goggles. 2. If the Protective Shield (25) is damaged, replace it. WARNING: Never operate the Tiller Attachment if the Protective Shield is not in good condition and properly attached. The Blades The Blades are a standard 4-blade type with center mounting hole. Replacement blades are available from Harbor Freight Tools and most general hardware stores. During operation, the Blades rotate at high speed, tilling the soil, and throwing cuttings, dirt and debris forward. Before mounting the Tiller Attachment, check the Blades for wear or damage. Replace worn, bent, or damaged Blades before using the attachment. Ensure that the mounting bolts are tight, and the Blades are not loose. Always wear heavy work gloves when handling the Blades, as they are sharp. SKU 9664 For technical questions, please call -800-444-3353. Page 8
Alternate Blade Settings Each of the four Tiller Blades are different. All of them need to be installed with the slanted part of the tine enters the soil first. When you first receive the Tiller Attachment, it is a good idea to mark each blade as to its original position. We suggest from the operator s point of view left outer ( L.O., part 30), left inner ( L.I., part 29), right outer ( R.O., part 0), and right inner ( R.I., part 8). The abbreviations L.O., L.I., R.O., and R.I. will be used in the following discussion. WARNING: Never make any repairs or adjustments to the attachment unless the attachment is disconnected from the Power Head, or the power switch on the Power Head is turned Off and the power cord is unplugged.. The Regular Pattern: For general use in moderately hard or loose soil, we recommend that you use the blades in their original configuration. Looking at them from the operator s point of view, from left to right they will be L.O., L.I., R.I. and R.O.. The tines on the outer blades will be directed toward the center line of the tool, that is, the left tines will be directed right, and the right tines will be directed left. The shafts on both inner blades will point away from the center of the tiller- see Shaft Direction illustration. Shaft Direction (Inner Blade, for regular and narrow patterns.) 2. The Narrow Pattern: In confined areas or narrow rows, you can reduce the width of the tilling pattern by removing the outer two blades. To do this, remove the Cotter Pins (3) from both sides of the Drive Axle (4). Then remove the two outer blades L.O. and R.O.. Leave the Flat Washers (9) on place. Replace the Cotter Pins (3) in the inner holes provided in the Drive Axle (4) for this pattern. 3. The Rocky Soil Pattern: If you are working in rocky soil and are experiencing frequent jams, you can close the tine pattern to work more effectively. Remove the outer Blades L.O. and R.O. as in step 2, above. Also, remove the inner Blades L.I. and R.I.. Leave the Outer Oil Seals (7) in place. Switch the two inner blades and replace them, Blade L.I. on the right and Blade R.I. on the left, with their tines turned inward. To avoid damaging the tool, it is essential that you switch the right and left inner blades AND turn their shafts toward the inside. Replace the outer blades with their tines pointing inward. Replace both Flat Washers (9). Replace both Cotter Pins (3). Now the tines on both sides of the tool are turned toward each other, thus reducing the possibility of rocks becoming lodged in them. NOTE: This pattern reduces the effective tilling area, so more passes will be required to sufficiently till the soil. SKU 9664 For technical questions, please call -800-444-3353. Page 9
Storing the Tiller Attachment. Remove the Tiller Attachment from the Power Head following directions on page 7 of this booklet. 2. Install the Storage Cap (25) over the drive end of the Tiller. The Storage Cap helps prevent dust, dirt and debris from entering the end of the Attachment Shaft when the attachment is in storage. This helps prevent damage or obstruction of the Square Drive Shaft end. 3. Wipe the Tiller or wash with a garden hose. Apply a small amount of light penetrating oil to moving parts at the Tiller head to displace moisture and prevent rust. 4. Store the Tiller attachment in a dry, secure area. Do not allow children to have unsupervised access to the storage area. Maintenance. Before each use, check the Tiller blades to be sure they are sharp and not damaged or excessively worn. Also check to be sure the Protective Shield is in good condition and securely in place. 2. Check to be sure the Cotter Pins are secure. 3. If the blades are worn or damaged, replace them following directions given on pages 8 and 9. 4. Periodically, the gear box must be refilled with molybdenum bisulfide grease. The capacity is 3-3.7 oz. Refill the gear box at the beginning of the season, and again mid-season, if the Tiller has received extensive use. To fill, remove both of the Oil Fill Screws (6) on the side of the Gearbox. Inject grease into the gearbox (this is easiest using a grease gun). Pump until grease starts to come out of the hole directly above the grease fitting. Do not overfill, as this might cause the gears to lock and damage the tool. 5. If the Tiller seems to bind or operate too slowly, even though the Power Head is in good condition, check the drive shaft. To do this, turn the Power Switch of the Power Head to the Off position, and unplug the power cord. Remove the Tiller attachment from the power head, as discussed on page 7. By hand, move the Tiller blades and observe the rotation of the square drive shaft. If it binds, check for the presence of obstructions. After ensuring that no obstructions are present, apply some heavy oil, such as motor oil to the top of the drive shaft. This will slowly work its way downward during use, providing lubrication for the shaft. SKU 9664 For technical questions, please call -800-444-3353. Page 0
Parts List Part D escription Qty. Part D escription Qty. Copper Sleeve 2 7 Closed Seal 2 Inner Oil Seal 2 8 Shaft Arbor 3 Cotter Pins 2 9 Protective Shield 4 Drive Axle 20 Bolt 4 5 Right Gear Case 2 Attachment Shaft 6 Oil Fill Screw 2 22 Rubber Sleeve 4 7 Outer Oil Seal 2 23 Spring Clip 8 Blade Assembly, R.I. 24 Rivet 9 Flat Washer 2 25 Storage Cap 0 Blade Assembly, R.O. 26 Flex Shaft Sleeve Nut 4 27 Flex Shaft 2 Bolt 28 Left Gear Case 3 Column Sleeve 2 29 Blade Assembly, L.I. 4 Column Washer 30 Blade Assembly, L.O. 5 Worm Gear 3 Bolt 9 6 Sleeve Bearing 32 Axle Screw PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING CAREFULLY THE MANUFACTURER AND/OR DISTRIBUTOR HAS PROVIDED THE PARTS DIAGRAM IN THIS MANUAL AS A REFERENCE TOOL ONLY. NEITHER THE MANUFACTURER NOR DISTRIBUTOR MAKES ANY REPRESENTATION OR WARRANTY OF ANY KIND TO THE BUYER THAT HE OR SHE IS QUALIFIED TO MAKE ANY REPAIRS TO THE PRODUCT OR THAT HE OR SHE IS QUALIFIED TO REPLACE ANY PARTS OF THE PRODUCT. IN FACT, THE MANUFACTURER AND/OR DISTRIBUTOR EXPRESSLY STATES THAT ALL REPAIRS AND PARTS REPLACEMENTS SHOULD BE UNDERTAKEN BY CERTIFIED AND LICENSED TECHNICIANS AND NOT BY THE BUYER. THE BUYER ASSUMES ALL RISK AND LIABILITY ARISING OUT OF HIS OR HER REPAIRS TO THE ORIGINAL PRODUCT OR REPLACEMENT PARTS THERETO, OR ARISING OUT OF HIS OR HER INSTALLATION OF REPLACEMENT PARTS THERETO. SKU 9664 For technical questions, please call -800-444-3353. Page
Assembly Drawing NOTE: Some parts are listed and shown for illustration purposes only and are not available individually as replacement parts. SKU 9664 For technical questions, please call -800-444-3353. Page 2