This document is an operator's manual for the SOF555 (96082000200) Tiller, a 5.5 HP, 26-inch garden tiller manufactured by Southern States. It provides comprehensive information on assembly, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting to ensure safe and proper use of the device.
Function Description:
The SOF555 Tiller is designed for various soil preparation tasks, including tilling and cultivating. Tilling involves digging into, turning over, and breaking up packed soil before planting, creating loose, unpacked soil that promotes root growth. It can also clear unwanted vegetation, with the decomposition of this matter enriching the soil. Cultivating focuses on destroying weeds between rows to prevent them from robbing plants of nourishment and moisture, while simultaneously breaking up the upper layer of soil crust to help retain moisture.
Important Technical Specifications:
- Model Number: SOF555 (96082000200)
- Engine Horsepower: 5.5 HP
- Tilling Width: 26 inches (Normal Tilling Path)
- Gasoline Capacity: 3 Quarts (2.8L) of Unleaded Regular gasoline.
- Oil Type (API-SG-SL): SAE 30 (above 32°F/0°C) or SAE 5W-30 (below 32°F/0°C).
- Oil Capacity: 20 oz. (0.6L)
- Spark Plug: Champion RC12YC
- Spark Plug Gap: .030" (0.76mm)
Usage Features:
The tiller offers several controls and adjustments for versatile operation:
- Choke Control: Used for starting a cold engine.
- Throttle Control: Regulates engine speed.
- Depth Stake: Controls forward speed and the depth at which the tiller digs. For normal tilling, it's recommended to set the depth stake at the second or third hole from the top. For shallow tilling in hard soil or sod, the depth stake and wheel height should be adjusted accordingly.
- Forward Tine Control: Engages tines for forward movement.
- Reverse Tine Control: Engages tines for reverse movement.
- Recoil Starter Handle: Used to manually start the engine.
- Adjustable Handle Height: The handle height can be adjusted to suit the operator's comfort and tilling conditions by loosening and tightening four nuts on the engine brackets.
- Adjustable Wheel Height: Wheels can be adjusted by removing and replacing a hairpin clip and clevis pin, typically set at the second or third hole from the top for normal tilling.
- Tine Arrangement: The tiller supports different tilling paths:
- Normal Tilling (26" Path): Tine hubs are assembled with holes "A" to holes "B" in the tine shaft.
- Mid-Width Tilling (24" Path): Tine hubs are assembled with holes "A" to holes "C" in the tine shaft.
- Narrow Tilling/Cultivating (12-3/4" Path): Achieved by removing the outer tines, leaving only the inner tines.
- Breaking In: Before actual tilling, the belts, pulleys, and tine control should be broken in by running the engine with tines rotating for five minutes.
- Tilling Hints:
- For easier tilling, leave a row untilled between passes and then go back to till those rows.
- Moisten hard soil before tilling, but avoid extremely wet soil which can clump.
- Remove vines and long grass to prevent wrapping around the tine shaft.
- Optimal tilling depth is 4"-6".
- Cultivating Hints:
- The depth stake is usually not needed; tip it forward until held by the stake spring.
- Cultivate up and down rows at a speed that uproots weeds and leaves the ground rough.
- Optimal cultivating depth is 1"-3".
Maintenance Features:
The manual outlines a regular maintenance schedule to ensure the tiller's longevity and performance.
- Before Each Use:
- Check engine oil level.
- Check tine operation.
- Check for loose fasteners.
- Every 5 Hours:
- Change engine oil (more often in heavy load or high ambient temperatures).
- Lubricate oil pivot points.
- Every 25 Hours:
- Inspect spark arrester/muffler.
- Inspect air screen.
- Clean or replace air cleaner cartridge.
- Every 50 Hours:
- Clean engine cylinder fins.
- Replace spark plug.
- Engine Oil:
- Check oil level before each use.
- Change oil every 25 hours or at least once a year.
- To change oil, drain when warm, remove the oil filler plug, tilt the tiller to drain, and refill with fresh oil.
- Air Cleaner:
- Service every twenty-five hours or more often in dusty conditions.
- Remove cover, clean the cartridge by tapping gently or with compressed air, and replace if damaged.
- Cooling System:
- Keep the engine clean by frequently cleaning the air screen with a stiff-bristled brush.
- Remove blower housing and clean as necessary.
- Keep cylinder fins free of dirt and chaff.
- Muffler:
- Do not operate without a muffler.
- Inspect periodically and replace if damaged.
- If equipped with a spark arrester screen, remove every 50 hours for cleaning and inspection.
- Spark Plug:
- Replace at the beginning of each tilling season or every 50 hours.
- Ensure proper gap setting.
- Transmission:
- Sealed unit, requires no lubrication unless serviced.
- Cleaning:
- Do not clean when the engine and transmission are hot.
- Avoid using pressurized water directly on the engine, transmission, air filter, and carburetor.
- Clean foreign matter from engine, wheels, and finish.
- Keep surfaces free of gasoline and oil.
- Protect painted surfaces with automotive wax.
- Storage:
- Prepare for storage if not used for 30 days or more.
- Fuel System: Empty the fuel tank by running the engine until it's out of fuel, or use a fuel stabilizer. Never store the tiller with gasoline in the tank inside a building where fumes could reach an open flame or spark.
- Engine Oil: Drain warm oil and replace with clean oil.
- Cylinder(s): Remove the spark plug, pour 1 ounce of oil into the cylinder, pull the starter handle slowly several times, and replace with a new spark plug.
- Other: Do not store gasoline from one season to another. Replace rusted gasoline cans. Store indoors with a protective cover that allows breathing (avoid plastic). Never cover the tiller while engine and exhaust areas are warm.
Safety Rules:
The manual emphasizes several safety rules, including:
- Read and understand the manual before operation.
- Wear safety glasses or eye shields during operation.
- Never allow children or untrained individuals to operate the tiller.
- Clear the area of all persons, particularly small children and pets, before starting.
- Thoroughly inspect the area where the equipment is to be used and remove all foreign objects.
- Always wear appropriate footwear.
- Use an approved fuel container.
- Never add fuel to a running or hot engine.
- Fill fuel tank outdoors with extreme care.
- Clean up spilled gasoline immediately.
- Never operate the tiller without a muffler.
- Disconnect the spark plug wire before performing any maintenance or adjustments.
- Be aware of the risk of foreign objects being thrown from the tines.
- Do not tamper with the engine governor, as overspeeding the engine is dangerous.
- In California, a spark arrester is required by law.
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