BILT HARD TOA-0453 (01) PDF Document

1. Keep work area clean and well lit. Cluttered or dark areas invite accidents.

2. Do not operate power tools in explosive atmospheres, such as in the presence of flammable liquids, gases or dust. Power tools create sparks which may ignite the dust or fumes.

3. Keep children and bystanders away while operating a power tool. Distractions can cause you to lose control.

1. Power tool plugs must match the outlet. Never modify the plug in any way. Do not use any adapter plugs with earthed (grounded) power tools. Unmodified plugs and matching outlets will reduce risk of electric shock.

2. Avoid body contact with earthed or grounded surfaces such as pipes, radiators, ranges and refrigerators. There is an increased risk of electric shock if your body is earthed or grounded.

3. Do not expose power tools to rain or wet conditions. Water entering a power tool will increase the risk of electric shock.

4. Do not abuse the cord. Never use the cord for carrying, pulling or unplugging the power tool. Keep cord away from heat, oil, sharp edges or moving parts. Damaged or entangled cords increase the risk of electric shock.

5. When operating a power tool outdoors, use an extension cord suitable for outdoor use. Use of a cord suitable for outdoor use reduces the risk of electric shock.

6. If operating a power tool in a damp location is unavoidable, use a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) protected supply. Use of a GFCI reduces the risk of electric shock.

1. Stay alert, watch what you are doing and use common sense when operating a power tool. Do not use a power tool while you are tired or under the influence of drugs, alcohol or medication. A moment of inattention while operating power tools may result in serious personal injury.

2. Use personal protective equipment. Always wear eye protection. Protective equipment such as a respiratory mask, non-skid safety shoes and hearing protection used for appropriate conditions will reduce the risk of personal injury.

3. Prevent unintentional starting. Ensure the switch is in the off-position before connecting to power source and/or battery pack, picking up or carrying the tool. Carrying power tools with your finger on the switch or energizing power tools that have the switch on invites accidents.

4. Remove any adjusting key or wrench before turning the power tool on. A wrench or a key left attached to a rotating part of the power tool may result in personal injury.

5. Do not overreach. Keep proper footing and balance at all times. This enables better control of the power tool in unexpected situations.

6. Dress properly. Do not wear loose clothing or jewelry. Keep your hair and clothing away from moving parts. Loose clothes, jewelry or long hair can be caught in moving parts.

7. If devices are provided for the connection of dust extraction and collection facilities, ensure these are connected and properly used. Use of dust collection can reduce dust-related hazards.

1. Do not force the power tool. Use the correct power tool for your application. The correct power tool will do the job better and safer at the rate for which it was designed.

2. Do not use the power tool if the switch does not turn it on and off. Any power tool that cannot be controlled with the switch is dangerous and must be repaired.

3. Disconnect the plug from the power source before making any adjustments, changing accessories, or storing power tools. Such preventive safety measures reduce the risk of starting the power tool accidentally.

4. Store idle power tools out of the reach of children and do not allow persons unfamiliar with the power tool or these instructions to operate the power tool. Power tools are dangerous in the hands of untrained users.

5. Maintain power tools. Check for misalignment or binding of moving parts, breakage of parts and any other condition that may affect the power tool’s operation. If damaged, have the power tool repaired before use. Many accidents are caused by poorly maintained power tools.

6. Keep cutting tools sharp and clean. Properly maintained cutting tools with sharp cutting edges are less likely to bind and are easier to control.

7. Use the power tool, accessories and tool bits, etc. in accordance with these instructions, taking into account the working conditions and the work to be performed. Use of the power tool for operations different from those intended could result in a hazardous situation.

8. Use clamps to secure your workpiece to a stable surface. Holding a workpiece by hand or using your body to support it may lead to loss of control.

9. KEEP GUARDS IN PLACE and in working order.

1. GFCI protection should be provided on the circuit or outlet to be used for the tiller. Receptacles are available having built-in GFCI protection.

2. Disconnect the unit from the power supply when not in use or when servicing or cleaning. Do not leave unattended.

3. Don’t abuse the cord. Never carry this product by the cord or yank it to disconnect. Keep the cord away from heat, oil, and sharp edges.

4. Use the right appliance. Do not use this product for any job except that for which it is intended.

5. Don’t overreach. Guide the tiller at a walking pace only. Keep proper footing and balance at all times.

6. Operate only in daylight or good artificial light.

7. Store the idle unit indoors in a dry area out of children’s reach.

8. Maintain the unit with care. Keep it clean for best performance. Inspect the extension cord periodically and replace if damaged. Keep handles dry, clean, and free from oil.

9. Do not operate the tiller on a slope that is too steep for safe operation. Slow down and ensure stable footing on slopes.

10. Before starting, make sure the tines are not touching any object and are free to move.

11. Grip the guide bar firmly with both hands. Never operate with one hand.

12. Stay alert. Do not operate when tired or under the influence of drugs, alcohol, or medication.

13. If the tiller strikes a foreign body, turn it off immediately, wait for the tines to stop, and check for damage. Repair before restarting if necessary.

14. Be aware the tiller may bounce upward or jump forward if the tines strike hard-packed soil, frozen ground, or buried obstacles like large stones, roots, or stumps.

15. Do not operate the tiller near underground electrical cables, telephone lines, pipes or hoses.

16. If the tiller vibrates abnormally, turn it off immediately and check for the cause.

17. Before maintenance or repairs, turn off the tiller, disconnect from power, and wait for tines to stop completely.

18. Watch for the extension cord while using the tiller to avoid tripping. Always guide the cord away from the tool.

19. Keep away from water. Do not expose the tiller to wet or rainy conditions or operate with wet hands.

20. CAUTION: Tines do not stop immediately after the tiller is turned off.

21. CAUTION: Do not put hands, feet, or any body part or clothing near the rotating tines.

When using an extension cord, use one heavy enough to carry the 10A current your product will draw. An undersized cord will cause a drop in line voltage, resulting in loss of power and overheating. The table below shows the correct size to be used according to cord length and ampere rating. When in doubt, use a heavier cord. The smaller the gauge number, the heavier the cord.

Additional Guidelines:

1. Examine the extension cord before use. Make sure your extension cord is properly wired and in good condition. Always replace a damaged extension cord or have it repaired by a qualified person before using it.

2. Do not abuse the extension cord. Do not pull on the cord to disconnect from the receptacle; always disconnect by pulling on the plug. Protect your extension cords from sharp objects, excessive heat, and damp/wet areas.

3. Use a separate electrical circuit for your tool. This circuit must not be less than a 12-gauge wire and should be protected with a 15A time-delayed fuse. Before connecting the motor to the power line, make sure the switch is in the OFF position and the electric current is rated the same as the current stamped on the motor nameplate. Running at a lower voltage will damage the motor.

With the help of another person, carefully remove the electric tiller from the packaging and place it on a sturdy, flat surface. Make sure to take out all contents and accessories. Do not discard the packaging until everything is removed. Check the packing list to ensure you have all parts and accessories.

The packing list includes:

1. Rotary tiller bodies (1)

2. Lower Handle (2)

3. Upper Handle (1)

4. Center Handle (1)

5. Hub Cap (2)

6. Wheel (2)

7. Cable Clip (2)

8. Handle Knob (4)

9. M6x40 Carriage Bolts (4)

The main parts and controls of the BILT HARD TOA-0453 are:

• Safety Lock

• Trigger

• Upper Handle

• Cord Restraint Hook

• Cord

• Center Handle

• Lower Handle

• Handle Knob

• Cord Hook

• Motor Housing

• Tine Guard

• Wheels

• Steel Tines

1. Insert the lower handle section into the motor housing and fasten using two ST4x16 screws.

2. Attach the center handle section to the lower handle sections with two M6x40 bolts and the handle knobs.

3. Fasten the upper handle section to the center handle section using two M6x40 bolts and handle knobs.

4. Secure the cable along the handle tubes with the supplied cable clip.

1. Remove the cotter pin from each side of the wheel axle. Slide the wheels onto the axle, with the washer between the wheel and the cotter pin. Slide the cotter pin back through the axle hole and bend one prong back so it sits securely in the hole.

2. Press the two hub caps into each of the two wheels.

3. To prepare for moving the tiller, pull the wheel support bracket release pin, then swing the wheel bracket down. Release the pin and make sure it clicks into place in the lower hole in the wheel support bracket. Wiggle the bracket to be sure it is securely locked in place before moving the tiller.

1. Check the product, its power cord and plug, and any other accessories for damage. Do not use the product if it is damaged or shows wear.

2. Double check that the accessories and attachments are properly fitted.

3. Ensure that the handles are dry to ensure a secure grip. Always hold the product by its handles.

4. Ensure that the air vents are always unobstructed and clear. Blocked air vents may lead to overheating and damage the product.

Connecting the Extension Cord:

1. Make sure that the power is OFF.

2. Select the correct extension cord using the chart in the manual (rated for outdoor use).

3. Make a knot with the tiller’s power cord and the extension cord to secure the connection.

Powering On & Off:

1. Connect the tiller to a working 120V outlet using the heavy-duty, outdoor-rated extension cord.

2. To turn the tool ON, push and hold the safety lock button with your thumb and then squeeze the trigger switch with your fingers. Once the tool is running, release the safety lock button.

3. To switch OFF, release the trigger switch.

Note: Rotating tines may cause serious injury. The tines will continue to turn for a few seconds after the tool has been switched OFF. Do not touch the rotating tines. Contact with hot components (e.g., motor housing, gear box) may cause burns. Allow the machine to cool before handling.

1. Move the tiller to the desired work area before starting the motor.

2. Pull the wheel support bracket release pin, then swing the wheel bracket up and out of the way. Release the pin, making sure it clicks into the upper hole in the wheel support bracket. Wiggle the bracket to ensure it is secure before tilling.

3. Connect to the power supply and hold the tiller firmly when starting. The tines will pull the tiller forward during operation.

4. To start the tiller, press the safety lock button and then pull the trigger lever up against the handle bar.

5. For breaking sod or deep tilling, allow the tines to pull the tiller forward to the end of your arm’s reach, then firmly pull it back towards yourself. Repeat this process for best results.

6. If the tiller gets stuck, gently rock it from side to side until it starts to move forward again.

7. When finished tilling, pull the wheel support bracket release pin, swing the wheel bracket down, and lock it into the lower hole before moving the tiller.

CAUTION: Take extra precautions when moving backwards to avoid tripping. Never pass the tiller over the extension cord. When working on inclines, stand diagonally to the incline for firm footing; do not work on extremely steep slopes.

For preparing seed beds, two tilling patterns are recommended:

Tilling Pattern A: Make two passes over the area to be tilled, with the second pass being perpendicular to the first.

Tilling Pattern B: Make two passes over the area to be tilled, with the second pass overlapping the first.

During operation, a stone, root, or tall plant may become lodged in or wrapped around the tines.

To clear the tines or tine shaft:

1. Release the trigger lever.

2. Wait for the tines to come to a complete stop.

3. Unplug the tiller.

4. Carefully dislodge or remove the foreign matter from the tines or tine shaft. To simplify removal of tall grass or weeds, you can remove one or more of the tines.

NOTE: Always wear gloves when clearing the tines or tine shaft.

Routine Inspection (Before each use):

Inspect the tool for the following conditions. If any exist, do not use until parts are replaced:

• Loose hardware or improper mounting

• Misalignment

• Cracked or broken parts

• Any other condition that may affect its safe operation

Once per season, lubricate the tines and shaft. At the end of the season, check the tiller for damage prior to storing.

Cleaning (After each use):

1. Clean the underside of the tine guard and motor housing around the tines using a scrubbing brush and a soft cloth dampened with a mild soap and water mixture.

2. To remove soil and debris from the transmission and tines, use a stiff brush or a dampened cloth.

3. Clean the vents on the motor housing and remove any remaining grass or dirt.

4. Once cleaned, wipe the tines and shaft dry and apply a light coat of oil to prevent rust.

CAUTION: Always clean the tiller after each use. Never use a water hose to clean the tiller.

Worn tines result in poor performance and can overload the motor. Check tines before each use and sharpen or replace as necessary.

WARNING: Injury can occur while working on the tines. Always wear protective gloves.

To remove the complete tine assembly from the shaft, remove the M8x40 hex bolt from the shaft. Pull off the tine assembly from the shaft. Follow these steps in reverse to install new tines.

1. Store the tool carefully in a secure, dry place, out of reach of children.

2. For extended periods of storage, ensure the tool is protected against corrosion and frost.

3. At the end of the season, or if the tool is not being used for longer than a month, wipe over metal surfaces with an oil-covered cloth or spray a fine coat of oil to protect the tiller from corrosion.

4. Fold the handle bar down and store the tool in a suitable place.

WARNING! Stop using the tiller immediately if any of the following problems occur or risk serious personal injury. If you have any questions, contact customer service.