This document describes the Predator 43cc 2-Stroke Gas Powered Cultivator, a walk-behind, hand-supported rotary tiller designed for cultivating soil.

Function Description

The Predator 43cc 2-Stroke Gas Powered Cultivator is designed to prepare soil for planting by tilling and breaking up compacted earth. It uses rotating tines powered by a 43cc 2-stroke gasoline engine to achieve this. The cultivator is operated by a user walking behind it, guiding its movement and controlling its tilling depth. It is intended for outdoor use only, away from windows, doors, and vents, due to the carbon monoxide hazard from engine exhaust. The device features a throttle lever for actuation and an adjustable axle/drag bar assembly to control tilling depth and facilitate movement.

Important Technical Specifications

Cultivator Specifications:

Tilling Depth: 2" min - 6" max
Tilling Width: 4" min - 9" max
Drive Type: Worm Gear Drive
Drive Actuation: Throttle Lever Operated
Depth Adjustment Steps: 5
Overall Dimensions: 31-1/2" L x 18-1/2" W x 40" H
Wheels: 7" Diameter x 1-1/2" W
Weight: 32.1 Pounds

Engine Specifications:

Displacement: 43 cc
Engine Type: Horizontal Single Cylinder, 2-stroke
Cooling System: Forced air cooled
Fuel Type: 87+ octane stabilizer-treated unleaded gasoline containing no more than 10% ethanol (E10) mixed with 2-stroke oil.
Fuel Capacity: 0.27 Gallon
Oil Type: 2-stroke oil designed specifically for mixing with gasoline, meeting JASO M345 FD or ISO-L-EGD requirements for air-cooled engines, synthetic.
Fuel-to-Oil Ratio: 50:1 gasoline-to-oil ratio (2.6 oz oil per gallon of gasoline).
Sound Level at 1 meter: 95 dB
Bore x Stroke: 40 mm x 34 mm
Compression Ratio: 7.9:1
Rotation (viewed from PTO): Counterclockwise
Spark Plug Type: Torch® L8RTC
Spark Plug Gap: 0.0196" - 0.0275"
Idle Speed: 2800 ± 280 RPM

Emissions Control System Warranty: The emissions control system is warranted for two (2) years, covering parts such as the carburetor or fuel-injection system, ignition system, hoses, belts, connectors, and other emissions-related assemblies.

Usage Features

Safety Precautions:

Outdoor Use Only: Engines produce carbon monoxide; never operate indoors.
Fire Hazard: Gasoline and fumes are flammable. Refuel outdoors, do not smoke, and do not refuel a hot or running engine. Keep fire extinguishers nearby.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Wear ANSI-approved safety goggles, heavy-duty work gloves, dust mask/respirator, and protective footwear.
Obstacle Awareness: Thoroughly inspect the area for foreign objects (sticks, stones, wires) and buried obstacles (electrical cables, gas pipes, irrigation lines) before use. Contact local utility companies if necessary.
No Adjustments While Running: Never attempt adjustments with the engine running.
Stability: Operate on flat, level ground. Avoid steep inclines, ditches, and banks to prevent tipping.
Vibration: If abnormal vibration occurs, stop the engine immediately and inspect for cause.
Unattended Operation: Do not leave the equipment unattended when running. Turn off the engine and remove the spark plug wire.
Hot Parts: Engine and exhaust components get very hot; avoid touching during and after use.
Noise Levels: Prolonged exposure to noise levels above 85 dBA is hazardous; wear ear protection.
Pacemakers: Individuals with pacemakers should consult their physician due to potential electromagnetic interference.

Starting the Engine (Manual Start):

Cold Start: Turn the Choke Knob clockwise to the START (closed) position.
Prime Bulb: Press the Prime Bulb 7-10 times until fuel is visible in the fuel line.
Engine Switch: Turn the Engine Switch ON.
Starter Handle: Grip the Starter Handle loosely, pull gently until resistance is felt, then allow it to retract fully. Pull quickly to start the engine. Do not let the handle snap back.
Warm-up: Allow the engine to run for 10-15 seconds with the Choke in the START position. Pull up on the Throttle Control Lever to move the Choke lever to RUN (open) position. Allow the engine to warm up at idle for 2-3 minutes.

Restarting a Warm Engine: Leave the Choke in the RUN position. If the choke is not in RUN, pull and release the Throttle Control Lever to return it to RUN, then follow steps 3 and 4 of the cold start procedure. If it fails to start, use the cold start procedure.

Stopping the Engine:

Emergency Stop: Release the Throttle Control Lever and turn the Engine Switch OFF.
Normal Stop: Release the Throttle Control Lever, let the engine idle for 1-2 minutes, then turn the Engine Switch OFF. Clean external parts and store.

Cultivator Operation:

Tilling Depth Adjustment: Before starting, adjust the Axle/Drag Bar Assembly to the desired cultivating depth (2" to 6" max). Lower the assembly to increase depth, raise it to decrease depth. Optimum depth (4"-6") varies with soil conditions.
Handling: Grip handles firmly with both hands. Pull the Throttle Control Lever to rotate tines and move forward. Release the lever to stop tines.
Soil Conditions:
- Hard/Dry Soil: Cultivator may shake excessively. Moisten soil and use a shallow depth setting with slow engine speed.
- Wet Soil: May form clumps and clog tines. Allow soil to partially dry and use slow engine speed.
Jams/Obstacles: If tines jam or strike an object, immediately release the Throttle Control Lever, turn off the engine, disconnect the spark plug cap, remove objects, and inspect for damage.

Maintenance Features

General Maintenance:

Pre-Start Checks: Inspect for damaged, loose, or missing parts before each use.
Fuel System:
- Use fresh 87+ octane stabilizer-treated unleaded gasoline (max 10% ethanol) mixed with 2-stroke oil (50:1 ratio).
- Do not use gasoline from metal or dirty containers.
- Check fuel level before each use.
- Fill fuel tank in a well-ventilated area, away from ignition sources, with a cool engine. Leave about 1 inch of space from the top of the fill neck.
- Wipe up spilled fuel immediately.
Spark Plug:
- Disconnect the spark plug cap.
- Remove the spark plug (only when the engine is cool).
- Inspect for oiliness, deposits, or cracks. Clean or replace as needed (Torch® L8RTC, gap 0.0196"-0.0275").
- Install new/cleaned plug, tightening finger-tight then 1/2-2/3 turn more (gasket-style) or 1/16 turn more (non-gasket-style).
- Reattach spark plug cap.
Air Filter:
- Remove cover and check for dirt.
- Paper filters: Blow dust out with pressurized air (wear PPE).
- Foam filters: Wash in warm water with mild detergent, rinse, squeeze dry, soak in lightweight oil, and squeeze out excess.
- Install cleaned filter(s) and secure cover.
Hardware: Check shear bolts, engine mounting bolts, and other bolts for tightness regularly.
Cleaning: Clean external parts with a dry cloth after each use. Do not use water.
Storage: Store in a dry, level, well-ventilated area, out of reach of children and away from ignition sources.

Maintenance Schedule (General Guide):

Before Each Use: Brush off outside of engine, check fuel/oil mixture level, check for loose hardware.
After Each Use: Check/adjust idle speed, clean debris from Tine Blades and Shaft.
Monthly or Every 20 hr. of use: Clean air filter (more frequently in dusty areas), check sediment cup, check and clean spark plug.
Every 3 mo. or 50 hr. of use: Clean air filter, check sediment cup, check and clean spark plug.
Every 6 mo. or 100 hr. of use: Clean air filter, check sediment cup, check and clean spark plug.
Yearly or Every 300 hr. of use: Clean fuel tank, strainer and carburetor, clean carbon build-up from combustion chamber.
Every 2 Years: Replace fuel line.

Long-Term Storage (20+ days idle):

Cleaning: Clean engine with a dry cloth (no water). Apply a thin coat of rust preventive oil to metal parts.
Fuel:
- Drain remaining fuel from the tank into an approved container.
- Press the Prime Bulb 8 times.
- Drain residual fuel.
- Start engine and run at idle until it stalls from lack of fuel.
- Replace fuel tank cap securely.
Lubrication:
- Clean around spark plug.
- Remove spark plug, pour 1/2 tablespoon of 2-cycle oil into cylinder.
- Replace spark plug (cap disconnected).
- Pull Starter Handle 1-2 revolutions to distribute oil.
Storage Area: Cover and store upright in a dry, level, well-ventilated area, away from children and ignition sources.
After Storage: Follow Pre-Start Checks. Use freshly mixed fuel as stored fuel's gasoline content may evaporate, altering the fuel-to-oil ratio.

Troubleshooting: The manual provides a detailed troubleshooting guide for common issues like the engine not starting, misfiring, stopping suddenly, stopping under heavy load, knocking, laboring/stalling during cultivating, excessive shaking, or tines not rotating after impact. Solutions range from checking fuel and spark plugs to adjusting idle speed or seeking qualified technician service for complex issues.

Predator 58169 - Page 11

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