sunjoe TJ604E - User Manual

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, LLC

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS

A Division of Snow Joe

, LLC Model TJ604E Form No. SJ-TJ604E-880E-MR5

OPERATOR’S MANUAL

ELECTRIC TILLER + CULTIVATOR

16-INCH | 13.5-AMP

IMPORTANT!

Safety Instructions

All Operators Must Read These

Instructions Before Use

Always follow these safety guidelines. Failure to do so may

result in serious bodily injury or death.

General Safety WARNINGS!

You and any other operator of this garden tiller + cultivator

must read, understand, and follow these instructions in their

entirety. Failure to follow these instructions may result in

ELECTRIC SHOCK, FIRE, and/or serious PERSONAL INJURY.

Notice the personal safety alert symbol

m used in this

manual to draw your attention to a WARNING given along

with the particular operating instruction. This means that

the operation requires special ATTENTION, CAUTION, and

AWARENESS.

1. Keep work area clean and well-lit – Cluttered, dark

areas invite accidents.

2. Replacement parts – When servicing this unit, use only

identical replacement parts. Replace or repair damaged

cords immediately.

3. Keep children, bystanders, and pets away – All

spectators, including pets, should be kept a safe distance

away from the work area.

4. Know your product – Know how to start and stop the

machine. Be thoroughly familiar with the controls.

5. Use the right tool – Do not use this machine for any job

except that for which it was intended.

6. Dress properly – Do not wear loose clothing or jewelry as

such articles can become caught in moving parts. Wear

a protective covering to contain long hair. Wearing rubber

gloves and substantial non-slip footwear is recommended

when working outdoors.

7. Extension cords – To prevent electric shock, use only

with an extension cord suitable for outdoor use.

8. Avoid accidental starting – Do not carry the garden tiller

+ cultivator with your nger on the switch. Make sure the

switch is o before plugging in or unplugging the unit.

mCAUTION! Moving parts will continue to run for several

seconds after turning o the machine.

9. Do not abuse the cord – Never carry the garden tiller +

cultivator by the cord or yank the cord to disconnect it

from the receptacle. Keep the cord away from heat, oil,

and sharp edges.

10. Moving parts – Keep hands and feet away from moving

parts. Keep guards in place and in proper working order.

11. Do not force the tool – It will perform better with less

likelihood of personal or mechanical injury if it is used at

the rate for which it was designed.

12. Do not overreach – Keep proper footing and balance at

all times.

If the tiller + cultivator strikes a foreign object, follow these

steps:

• Stop the electric tiller + cultivator.

• Inspect for damage.

• Repair any damage before restarting and

operating the tool.

13. Use safety glasses – Also use safety footwear,

snug-tting clothing, protective gloves, hearing, and

head protection.

14. Disconnect the tool – Disconnect the tiller + cultivator

from the power supply when it is not in use, before

servicing it, when changing accessories, and when

performing any other maintenance task.

15. Store idle tool indoors – When not in use, the tiller +

cultivator should be stored indoors in a dry and high or

locked-up place out of the reach of children.

16. Maintain the tiller + cultivator with care – Keep the

cutting edges sharp and clean for optimal performance

and to reduce the risk of injury. Inspect the extension

cord periodically and immediately replace it if damaged.

Keep the handles dry, clean, and free from oil and grease.

Follow the additional recommendations described in the

maintenance section of this manual.

17. Avoid dangerous environments – Do not use the tiller

+ cultivator in rain or in damp or wet locations. Do not

operate the tiller + cultivator in gaseous or explosive

atmospheres or use the tiller + cultivator near ammable

or combustible liquids. Motors in these tools normally

spark, and the sparks might ignite fumes.

18. Stay alert – Watch what you are doing. Use common

sense. Do not operate the tiller + cultivator when you are

tired or under the inuence of drugs, alcohol, or other

medication.

Need help?

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Summary

IMPORTANT! Safety Instructions

General Safety Warnings

General safety warnings for operators to read and understand before using the equipment.

Personal Safety Alert Symbol

Explains the personal safety alert symbol and its meaning for operating instructions.

Numbered Safety Instructions

Safety guidelines 1-18 covering work area, parts, people, product knowledge, dress, cords, starting, and operation.

Operation

Operation Guidelines

Guidelines for safe operation, including alertness, footing, overreaching, and avoiding overload.

Stopping Work

Instructions on how to properly stop the tiller + cultivator and what to do after stopping.

Training

Operator Training Requirements

Emphasizes reading and understanding instructions, familiarizing with controls, and keeping area clear.

Preparation

Pre-Operation Checks

Steps to prepare for operation, including inspecting the area, wearing safety gear, and checking parts.

Maintenance + Storage

Maintenance Checks

Regular checks for safety labels, controls, tines, bolts, and replacement parts.

Double-Insulated Appliances

Explanation of double-insulated design, care, and replacement part requirements.

Electrical Safety

GFCI and Extension Cord Requirements

Requirements for GFCI protection, extension cord usage, and polarized plugs for electrical safety.

Securing Extension Cord

Methods to prevent the appliance cord from disconnecting from the extension cord during operation.

Safety Symbols

Symbol Descriptions

Explains various safety symbols used in the manual and their meanings.

Know Your Electric Tiller + Cultivator

Component Identification

Identifies and labels the various controls and parts of the tiller + cultivator.

Technical Data

Provides technical specifications like voltage, power, speed, width, depth, and weight.

Unpacking

Carton Contents and Inspection

Lists items in the carton and instructions for inspecting the product for damage.

Assembly

Connecting the Handles

Step-by-step guide for connecting the upper, middle, and lower handles.

Operation

Intended Use

Defines the intended purpose and limitations of the electric tiller + cultivator.

Connecting to Power Supply

Instructions on how to safely connect the tiller + cultivator to a power source using an extension cord.

Wheel Adjustment

Adjusting Wheel Positions

How to adjust the wheels to different positions for cultivating depth.

Powering ON + OFF

Starting and Stopping the Unit

Procedure for turning the tiller + cultivator ON and OFF using the trigger and safety lock.

Operating Tips

General Operating Advice

Tips for safe and effective operation, including checking for damage, grip, and breaks.

Tilling

Tilling Techniques and Precautions

Guidance on tilling, including work area preparation, soil conditions, and safe techniques.

Care + Maintenance

General Cleaning

Instructions for cleaning the exterior of the product with a dry cloth and brush.

Cleaning the Underbody + Working Tool

How to clean the tines and underbody, emphasizing safety and using appropriate tools.

Maintenance

General maintenance checks and warnings before servicing or repairing the unit.

After Use

Post-Operation Procedures

Steps to take after finishing operation, including switching off and cooling.

Changing the Tines

Tine Replacement Procedure

Step-by-step guide for replacing the steel blade tines on the tiller + cultivator.

Power Cord

Power Cord Replacement

Information on when and how to replace a damaged power cord.

Repair

Consumer Repair Limitations

Guidance on what parts can be repaired by the consumer and when to contact customer service.

Storage

Product Storage Guidelines

Instructions for inspecting, cleaning, and storing the tiller + cultivator properly.

Transportation

Safe Transportation Methods

How to safely transport the tiller + cultivator, including using the handle and securing it.

Model + Serial Numbers

Recording Model and Serial Numbers

Where to find and record the model and serial numbers for service and reordering.

Service + Support

Customer Service Contact

Information on contacting customer service for maintenance or support.

Accessories

Available Accessories

Lists replacement blades and extension cords, with ordering information.

Summary

IMPORTANT! Safety Instructions

General Safety Warnings

General safety warnings for operators to read and understand before using the equipment.

Personal Safety Alert Symbol

Explains the personal safety alert symbol and its meaning for operating instructions.

Numbered Safety Instructions

Safety guidelines 1-18 covering work area, parts, people, product knowledge, dress, cords, starting, and operation.

Operation

Operation Guidelines

Guidelines for safe operation, including alertness, footing, overreaching, and avoiding overload.

Stopping Work

Instructions on how to properly stop the tiller + cultivator and what to do after stopping.

Training

Operator Training Requirements

Emphasizes reading and understanding instructions, familiarizing with controls, and keeping area clear.

Preparation

Pre-Operation Checks

Steps to prepare for operation, including inspecting the area, wearing safety gear, and checking parts.

Maintenance + Storage

Maintenance Checks

Regular checks for safety labels, controls, tines, bolts, and replacement parts.

Double-Insulated Appliances

Explanation of double-insulated design, care, and replacement part requirements.

Electrical Safety

GFCI and Extension Cord Requirements

Requirements for GFCI protection, extension cord usage, and polarized plugs for electrical safety.

Securing Extension Cord

Methods to prevent the appliance cord from disconnecting from the extension cord during operation.

Safety Symbols

Symbol Descriptions

Explains various safety symbols used in the manual and their meanings.

Know Your Electric Tiller + Cultivator

Component Identification

Identifies and labels the various controls and parts of the tiller + cultivator.

Technical Data

Provides technical specifications like voltage, power, speed, width, depth, and weight.

Unpacking

Carton Contents and Inspection

Lists items in the carton and instructions for inspecting the product for damage.

Assembly

Connecting the Handles

Step-by-step guide for connecting the upper, middle, and lower handles.

Operation

Intended Use

Defines the intended purpose and limitations of the electric tiller + cultivator.

Connecting to Power Supply

Instructions on how to safely connect the tiller + cultivator to a power source using an extension cord.

Wheel Adjustment

Adjusting Wheel Positions

How to adjust the wheels to different positions for cultivating depth.

Powering ON + OFF

Starting and Stopping the Unit

Procedure for turning the tiller + cultivator ON and OFF using the trigger and safety lock.

Operating Tips

General Operating Advice

Tips for safe and effective operation, including checking for damage, grip, and breaks.

Tilling

Tilling Techniques and Precautions

Guidance on tilling, including work area preparation, soil conditions, and safe techniques.

Care + Maintenance

General Cleaning

Instructions for cleaning the exterior of the product with a dry cloth and brush.

Cleaning the Underbody + Working Tool

How to clean the tines and underbody, emphasizing safety and using appropriate tools.

Maintenance

General maintenance checks and warnings before servicing or repairing the unit.

After Use

Post-Operation Procedures

Steps to take after finishing operation, including switching off and cooling.

Changing the Tines

Tine Replacement Procedure

Step-by-step guide for replacing the steel blade tines on the tiller + cultivator.

Power Cord

Power Cord Replacement

Information on when and how to replace a damaged power cord.

Repair

Consumer Repair Limitations

Guidance on what parts can be repaired by the consumer and when to contact customer service.

Storage

Product Storage Guidelines

Instructions for inspecting, cleaning, and storing the tiller + cultivator properly.

Transportation

Safe Transportation Methods

How to safely transport the tiller + cultivator, including using the handle and securing it.

Model + Serial Numbers

Recording Model and Serial Numbers

Where to find and record the model and serial numbers for service and reordering.

Service + Support

Customer Service Contact

Information on contacting customer service for maintenance or support.

Accessories

Available Accessories

Lists replacement blades and extension cords, with ordering information.

The device is an electric tiller + cultivator, model TJ604E, designed for loosening and turning over new soil in small gardens and flower beds. It can also be used to mix coarse soil with fertilizer, peat, and compost. The product is not intended for tilling extremely dry or wet soil, or for use in rain or wet conditions. It is designated for private domestic use and not for commercial trade.

Technical Specifications:

Rated Voltage: 120 V ~ 60 Hz
Power: 13.5 A
No Load Speed: 370 ± 10% rpm
Rotor: 6 steel blades
Cultivating Width Max: 16 in. (40.6 cm)
Cultivating Depth Max: 8 in. (20.3 cm)
Handle: Foldable (3 sections)
Weight: 27.1 lbs (12.3 kg)

Safety Instructions and Warnings:

The manual emphasizes the importance of reading, understanding, and following all instructions to prevent electric shock, fire, and serious personal injury. Key safety points include:

Work Area: Keep the work area clean, well-lit, and clear of children, bystanders, and pets (at least 25 feet away during operation).
Personal Safety: Wear safety glasses, footwear, snug-fitting clothing, protective gloves, and hearing/head protection. Avoid loose clothing or jewelry that could get caught in moving parts. Do not overreach; maintain proper footing and balance. Stay alert and do not operate the tiller when tired or under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Tool Handling: Know how to start, stop, and quickly disengage controls. Hold the tiller with both hands, ensuring grips are dry. Keep hands and feet away from moving parts. Do not force the tool; let it operate at its designed rate.
Electrical Safety: Use only UL-, CSA-, or ETL-rated extension cords suitable for outdoor, all-weather use (e.g., SJTW-A 14-gauge 50-foot extension cord). Do not use extension cords over 100 ft (30 m). Ensure the extension cord is in good condition and heavy enough to carry the current. Prevent accidental starting by ensuring the switch is off before plugging/unplugging. Do not abuse the cord; keep it away from heat, oil, and sharp edges. Use a polarized plug and extension cord, and ensure GFCI protection is provided on the circuit or outlet.
Damage/Malfunction: If the tiller strikes a foreign object, stop it, inspect for damage, and repair before restarting. If the tiller vibrates abnormally, stop and inspect. Check for damaged parts before each use; ensure guards are in place and working properly.
Storage: Store the idle tool indoors in a dry, high, or locked-up place out of reach of children.
Rotating Parts: Be aware that moving parts will continue to run for several seconds after turning off the machine. Do not touch rotating tines or hot motor housing/gear box until they have completely stopped and cooled.

Usage Features:

Assembly: The handle comes in three sections (upper, middle, lower) and is assembled using knobs and bolts. A cable clip secures the cable to the middle handle. All handle knobs must be properly tightened before use.
Connecting to Power Supply: The tiller has a short power cord and requires an approved outdoor extension cord. A loop in the extension cord is pushed through a hole in the handle and around a cord restraint hook, then connected to the appliance cord to prevent accidental disconnection.
Wheel Adjustment: The wheels can be adjusted to 3 different positions to control the cultivating depth. To adjust, pull the wheel, move it to the desired position, and ensure it locks into place. Both wheels must be set to the same height.
Powering ON/OFF: To turn ON, push and hold the safety lock button with your thumb, then squeeze the trigger switch with your fingers. Release the safety lock button once the tool is running. To turn OFF, release the trigger switch.
Tilling Operation:
- Clear the work area of stones, sticks, wires, and other objects.
- Avoid tilling very wet soil.
- Maintain a firm grip and apply light pressure to the handles.
- Do not till too deeply or force the product into hard/resistant soil.
- Walk the product at a normal pace in a straight line.
- Till in slightly overlapping rows, following a pattern of vertical lines (up and down) then horizontal lines (left to right) for effective coverage.
- When changing direction, apply light pressure to the handle to lift the tines and turn the product using the wheels as a guide. Gradually release pressure to return tines to the ground.
Slopes: Work across slopes; never work up and down such surfaces.

Maintenance Features:

General Maintenance:
- Maintain or replace safety and instruction labels.
- Disengage all controls, stop the engine, and wait for tines to stop before cleaning, repairing, or inspecting.
- Regularly check that tines are clear and rotate freely, safety devices are operating properly, and bolts/screws are tightened.
- Use only identical replacement parts for damaged components.
- Keep handles dry, clean, and free from oil and grease.
Cleaning:
- Clean the product with a dry cloth and brush after each use.
- Clean air vents with a soft brush.
- Remove stubborn dirt with high-pressure air (max. 3 bar).
- Do not use chemical, alkaline, abrasive, or aggressive detergents/disinfectants.
- Wear safety gloves when cleaning the underbody and working tool.
- Use a brush or other implement to remove soil from the working tool; never use bare hands.
- Lubricate the tines after each use to prolong their lifespan.
- Do not use cleaning fluids or solvents or spray the machine with water (especially under pressure).
Tine Replacement:
- The machine has six tilling blades that can be changed in pairs. Always change both tine pairs at the same time to avoid imbalance.
- To replace, switch off the unit, remove the plug, remove the 2 bolts and 2 nuts, and detach the old tines.
- Clean the drive shaft with biodegradable oil.
- Place new tines onto the drive shaft, aligning holes, and secure with the 2 bolts and 2 nuts. Ensure correct turning direction.
Power Cord: If the power cord is damaged, it must be replaced by an authorized service center.
Repairs: The product contains no consumer-repairable parts. Contact an authorized service center for assistance.

Storage:

Examine the tiller for worn, loose, or damaged parts before storage.
Examine the extension cord for wear or damage.
Disconnect the extension cord.
Clean the product as described.
Store the product and accessories in a dark, dry, frost-free, and well-ventilated place, inaccessible to children.
Ideal storage temperature is between 50°F (10°C) and 86°F (30°C).
Use original packaging or a suitable cloth/enclosure to protect against dust.

Transportation:

Switch off and disconnect from power supply.
Set wheels to the transport position.
Carry by the transport handle.
If transporting in a vehicle, brace it properly to protect from heavy impact or vibrations, and secure to prevent falling or slipping.

Accessories:

Replacement Blades: Model TJ603E-2
Extension Cord: Snow Joe® + Sun Joe® SJTW-A 14-gauge 50-foot extension cord with lighted end, Model PJEXT50-B.

The manual strongly advises using only authorized Snow Joe® + Sun Joe® replacement parts and accessories to prevent injury or mechanical damage.