This manual should be considered a permanent part of the tiller and remain with the tiller when sold. Pay special attention to statements preceded by the following words: Enm Indicates a strong possibility of severe personal injury or death if in- structions are not followed. CAUTION: Indicates a possibility of personal injury or equipment damage if instructions are not followed. NOTE: Gives helpful information. If a problem should arise, or if you have any questions about the tiller; consult an authorized Honda dealer. m Honda tillers will give safe and dependable service when operated according to instructions. Read and understand the Owner’s Manual before operating the tiller. Failure to do so could result in personal injury or equipment damage. IMPORTANT NOTICE This tiller is not equipped with a spark arrester. Operation onforest, brush or grass covered land may be illegal in some states. Check local laws and regulations before operation. I CdNTENTS 1. TILLER SAFETY ........................................ 3 2. COMPONENT IDENTIFICATION ............................. 4 3. PRE-OPERATION CHECK ................................. 5 4. STARTING THE ENGINE .................................. 9 5.TILLER OPERATION ................... i ................. 11 High altitude operation ................................... 13 l 6. STOPPING THE ENGINE .................................. 14 7. MAINTENANCE ......................................... 15 8. TRANSPORTING/STORAGE ............................... 22 9. TROUBLESHOOTING .................................... 23 10. SPECIFICATIONS ........................................ 24 11. WARRANTY SERVICE ..................................... 25 1. TILLER SAFETY To ensure safe operation - l Never permit anyone to operate the tiller without proper instruction. l Know how to stop the tiller quickly and understand the operation of all the controls -READ THIS OWNER’S MANUAL CAREFULLY. l Keep children and pets at a safe distance when tilling. l Wear suitable clothing and shoes while using the tiller. l Never operate the tiller without the V-belt cover or the recoil starter cover. l Make sure that all fasteners are properly secured. l When tilling on an incline, keep the fuel tank less than half full to minimize fuel spillage. l Always stop the engine before cleaning the tines or making adjustments. l Be very cautious when operating the tiller in REVERSE (A2 type), especially if attachments are being used. l Keep a firm hold on the handlebars; they may tend to lift during clutch engagement. l Clear the area to be tilled by picking up any stones, wire, glass, large sticks, metal, etc. l If the tiller strikes an object while tilling, stop the engine and check for damage. l Stop the engine whenever you leave the tiller. Never allow it to idle unattended. 2. ‘COMPONENT IDENTIFICATION , I ENGINE SWITCH 1 FUEL TANK CAP HANDLE BAR SHIFT LEVER (A2 TYPE) V-BELT COVER 1 FRONT WHEEL THROTTLE LEVER CL .UTdH LEVER SPARK PLUG CAP / AIR CLEANER COVER HANDLE ADJUSTER HEIGHT DRAG BAR RECOIL STARTER / -TRANSMISSION OIL FILLER CAP 3. PRE-OPERATION CHECK 1. Engine oil level CAUTION: l Engine oil is a major factor affecting engine performance and service life. Non-detergent or vegetable oils are not recommended. l Be sure to check the tiller on a level surface with the engine stopped. Use Honda 4-stroke oil, or an equiva- lent high detergent, premium quality motor oil certified to meet or exceed U.S. automobile manufacturer’s re- quirements for Service Classification SE or SF. (Motor oils classified SE or SF will show this designation on the container.) I 0 20 40 60 60 100°F SAE low-40 is recommended for Go -io -ic e rb 2’0 jc &oc general, all-temperature use. Ambient temperature 1. Remove the oil filler cap and wipe the dipstick clean. 2. Insert the dipstick into the oil filler neck, but do not screw it in. 3. If the level is low, fill to the top of the oil filler neck with the recommended oil. CAUTION: Running the engine with insufficient oil can cause serious engine damage. OIL FILLER NECK 2. Transmission gear oil Place the tiller on g level surface and remove the oil filler cap. The oil should be level with the lower edge of the,oil filler hole. Add high quality engine oil if the level is low. ,, / OIL FliLER HOLE \ 3. Air cleaner Check cleaner for dirt or obstruction of elements. AIR CLEANER COVER ELEMENTS 6’ 4. Fuel Your engine is designed to use any gasoline that has a pump octane number (q “) of 86 or higher, or that has a research oc- tane number ;f 91 or higher. Gasoline pumps at service station normally display the pump octane number. We recommend that you use unleaded fuel because it produces fewer engine and spark plug deposits and extends the life of exhaust system components. Never use stale or contaminated gasoline or an oil/gasoline mixture. Avoid getting dirt, dust or water in the fuel tank. Use of a lower octane gasoline can cause persistent “pinging” or heavy “spark knock” (a metallic rappi...