Troy-Bilt Bronco 12180 User Manual

3
Training
1. Carefully read this
Owner’s Manual, the
separate Engine Owner’s
Manual, and any other literature you may
receive. Be thoroughly familiar with the
controls and the proper use of the tiller
and its engine. Know how to stop the unit
and disengage the controls quickly.
2. Never allow children to operate the
tiller. Never allow adults to operate the
tiller without proper instruction.
3. Keep the area of operation clear of all
persons, particularly children and pets.
4. Keep in mind that the operator or user
is responsible for accidents or hazards
occurring to other people, their property,
and themselves.
Preparation
1. Thoroughly inspect the area where the
tiller is to be used and remove all foreign
objects.
2. Be sure all tiller controls are released
and both wheels are in the Wheel Drive
position before starting the engine.
3. Do not operate the tiller without
wearing adequate outer garments. Avoid
loose garments or jewelry that could get
caught in moving parts.
4. Do not operate the tiller when barefoot
or wearing sandals, sneakers, or light
footwear. Wear protective footwear that
will improve footing on slippery surfaces.
5. Do not till near underground electric
cables, telephone lines, pipes or hoses. If
in doubt, contact your telephone or utility
company.
6. Warning: Handle fuel with care; it is
highly flammable and its vapors are
explosive. Be sure to take the following
precautions:
a. Store fuel in containers specifically
designed for this purpose.
b. The gas cap shall never be removed
or fuel added while the engine is
running. Allow the engine to cool
for several minutes before adding
fuel.
c. Keep matches, cigarettes, cigars,
pipes, open flames, and sparks
away from the fuel tank and fuel
container.
d. Fill fuel tank outdoors with extreme
care. Never fill fuel tank indoors.
Use a funnel or spout to prevent
spillage.
e. Replace all fuel tank and container
caps securely.
f. If fuel is spilled, do not attempt to
start the engine, but move the
machine away from the area of
spillage and avoid creating any
source of ignition until fuel vapors
have dissipated.
7. Never make adjustments when engine
is running (unless recommended by
manufacturer).
Operation
1. Do not put hands or feet near or under
rotating parts.
2. Exercise extreme caution when on or
crossing gravel drives, walks, or roads.
Stay alert for hidden hazards or traffic. Do
not carry passengers.
3. After striking a foreign object, stop the
engine, remove the wire from the spark
plug wire and prevent it from touching
the spark plug. Thoroughly inspect the
machine for any damage and repair the
damage before restarting and operating
the machine.
4. Exercise caution to avoid slipping or
falling.
5. If the unit should start to vibrate abnor-
mally, stop the engine, disconnect the
spark plug wire and prevent it from
touching the spark plug, and check
immediately for the cause. Vibration is
generally a warning of trouble.
6. Stop the engine, disconnect the spark
plug wire and prevent it from touching
the spark plug whenever you leave the
operating position, before unclogging the
tines, or when making any repairs, adjust-
ments or inspections.
Section
1
Safety
SPARK ARRESTER WARNING TO RESIDENTS OF CALIFORNIA AND SEVERAL OTHER STATES
Under California law, and under the laws of several other states, you are not permitted to operate an
internal combustion engine using hydrocarbon fuels on any forest, brush, hay, grain, or grass
covered land; or land covered by any flammable agricultural crop without an engine spark arrester in
continuous effective working order.
The engine on the unit is an internal combustion engine which burns gasoline, a hydrocarbon fuel, and must be equipped with a
spark arrester muffler in continuous effective working order. The spark arrester must be attached to the engine exhaust system in
such a manner that flames or heat from the system will not ignite flammable material. Failure of the owner/operator of the unit to
comply with this regulation is a misdemeanor under California law (and other states) and may also be a violation of other state
and/or federal regulations, laws, ordinances or codes. Contact your local fire marshal or forest service for specific information
about which regulations apply in your area.

Troy-Bilt Bronco 12180 Specifications

General

Engine	Briggs & Stratton
Engine Type	4-Cycle OHV
Tilling Width	18 inches
Number of Tines	4
Forward Speeds	1
Reverse Speeds	1
Warranty	2 years limited

Summary

Safety

Training

Guidance on understanding the tiller's controls and safe operation.

Preparation

Steps to take before starting operation, including area inspection and personal attire.

Operational Safety Precautions

Essential safety rules to follow during tiller operation to prevent injury.

Maintenance and Storage Safety

Safety guidelines for performing maintenance and storing the tiller.

Safety and Operating Decals

Identification and importance of various safety decals on the tiller.

Operating Symbols

Explanation of symbols used to indicate tiller controls and functions.

Assembly

Inspect Unit and Unpack

Instructions for inspecting the delivered tiller and unpacking components.

Attach Handlebar

Step-by-step guide for assembling the handlebar to the tiller frame.

Move Tiller Off Shipping Platform

Procedure for safely removing the tiller from its shipping platform.

Install Clutch Cables

Steps for installing the forward and reverse clutch cables.

Check Transmission Gear Oil Level

Ensuring the correct transmission gear oil level.

Add Motor Oil to Engine

Procedure for adding the correct amount of engine oil.

Check Hardware for Tightness

Ensuring all nuts and screws are securely tightened.

Check Air Pressure in Tires

Instructions for setting the correct tire pressure for even operation.

Features and Controls

Wheel Drive Pins

Understanding and setting the wheel drive pins for operation modes.

Forward Clutch Bail

Operation of the forward clutch bail for engaging forward movement.

Reverse Clutch Control

Operation of the reverse clutch control for maneuvering.

Depth Regulator Lever

How to use the depth regulator lever to control tilling depth.

Handlebar Height Adjustment

Adjusting the handlebar height for operator comfort and control.

Engine Controls

Locating and understanding the engine's operating controls.

Operation

Break-In Operation

Initial maintenance required during the first hours of operation.

Starting and Stopping the Engine

Procedure for safely starting and stopping the tiller's engine.

Operating the Tiller

Basic guidelines for operating the tiller effectively and safely.

Turning the Tiller Around

Techniques for safely turning the tiller in the garden.

Tilling Tips and Techniques

Methods for efficient tilling, depth control, and slope operation.

Power Composting

Using the tiller to incorporate organic matter into the soil.

Loading and Unloading the Tiller

Safety guidelines for loading and unloading the tiller into a vehicle.

Maintenance

Required Maintenance Schedule

A schedule outlining routine maintenance tasks and intervals.

Tiller Lubrication

Points requiring lubrication and the proper procedure for application.

Check for Oil Leaks

How to identify and address oil leaks in the tiller.

Check Hardware

Regular inspection of nuts, bolts, and screws for tightness.

Check Tire Pressure

Ensuring proper and even inflation of the tiller's tires.

Transmission Gear Oil Service

Procedures for checking, adding, and draining transmission gear oil.

Bolo Tines Maintenance

Inspection, removal, and installation of tiller tines.

Forward Drive Belt Tension

Checking and adjusting forward drive belt tension.

Forward Clutch Bail Adjustment

Adjusting the forward clutch bail for proper function.

Reverse Drive Belt Tension

Checking and adjusting reverse drive belt tension.

Engine Oil Service

Procedures for checking and changing engine oil.

Engine Cleaning

Maintaining engine cleanliness to ensure smooth operation.

Air Cleaner Service

Servicing the air cleaner for optimal engine performance.

Spark Plug Service

Inspection, cleaning, and replacement of the spark plug.

Spark Arrester Screen Service

Maintenance of the spark arrester screen in the muffler.

Throttle Lever Adjustment

Adjusting the throttle lever for proper engine response.

Carburetor/Governor Control Adjustments

Information on carburetor and governor control adjustments.

Off Season Storage

Steps for preparing the tiller for long-term storage.

Troubleshooting

Diagnosing and correcting common tiller problems.

Tiller Specifications and Attachments

Tiller Specifications

Key dimensions, weight, and performance specifications of the tiller.

Transmission Gear Oil Specifications

Recommended gear oil types and viscosities for the transmission.

Tiller Attachments

Overview of available attachments like bumpers and frame weights.

Customer Service Information

Owner Registration and Warranty

Information on registering the unit and warranty service.

Model/Serial Numbers

Location and recording of model and serial numbers for reference.

Technical Service and Parts

Contact information for technical assistance and ordering replacement parts.

Engine Service and Dealer Information

Guidance for engine-specific service and finding authorized dealers.