The document is a multi-language user manual for the Texas Hobby 500 series of rotary cultivators, including models Hobby 500B, HMH500BT, Hobby 500BR, Hobby 500TG, and Hobby 500TGR. It provides instructions for assembly, operation, maintenance, and safety.
Function Description
The Texas Hobby 500 series rotary cultivators are designed for cultivating soil in vegetable gardens and flowerbeds. They can also be fitted with various accessories for a variety of tasks, enhancing their versatility for different gardening needs.
Important Technical Specifications
The manual provides a table of technical specifications for the different models:
| Model |
Hobby 500B HMH500BT |
Hobby 500BR |
Hobby 500TG |
Hobby 500TGR |
| Engine model |
B&S 650 |
B&S 650 |
TG475-TG485 |
TG485 |
| Engine make |
B&S |
B&S |
PowerLine |
PowerLine |
| Length (mm) |
1210 |
1210 |
1210 |
1210 |
| Width (mm) |
590 |
590 |
590 |
590 |
| Height (mm) |
1020 |
1020 |
1020 |
1020 |
| Weight (kg) |
41.5 |
42.5 |
42 |
43 |
| Rotation speed, blades (rpm) |
91 |
91 |
91 |
91 |
| Working width (cm) |
50 |
50 |
50 |
50 |
| Working depth (cm) |
33 |
33 |
33 |
33 |
| Forward gears |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
| Reverse gears |
0 |
1 |
0 |
1 |
| Grease type |
Multifak EP-0 |
Multifak EP-0 |
Multifak EP-0 |
Multifak EP-0 |
Note that models Hobby 500BR and Hobby 500TGR are equipped with a reverse gear, while Hobby 500B and Hobby 500TG do not have this feature.
Usage Features
Assembly:
The manual details the assembly process, starting with unpacking the components shown in Figure 1: blades, tiller with cables, support wheel, side guards, upper handlebar, depth skid, lower handlebars (right and left), mounting bracket for the steer, and the user manual.
Key assembly steps include:
- Mounting the support wheel: Remove bracket (a) and position its levers behind the rear axle. Mount the bracket over the rear axle to secure the support wheel (Figure 2).
- Mounting lower handlebars: Attach the two lower handlebars using bolts (c,d). Note that the left and right handlebars are different; steer (a) mounts on the right, and steer (b) mounts on the left (Figure 3).
- Mounting upper handlebar: Attach the upper handlebar using the provided bolts and handwheel. Ensure the arrows on the plastic brackets are aligned (Figures 4,5).
- Connecting cables: Mount the throttle cable (a) and clutch cables (b) as shown in Figures 6, 7, 8.
- Attaching blades: Mount the blades using cotter bolts and pins (Figures 10 + 15A).
- Installing side guards: Attach the side guards with the supplied bolts and nuts (Figure 11).
- Mounting depth skid: Secure the depth skid with the provided cotter pin (Figure 12).
Starting and Stopping:
- Starting: Set the throttle handle to choker/full throttle and follow the engine manual's instructions.
- Stopping: Set the throttle handle to minimum throttle and follow the engine manual's instructions.
- Safety Zone: Always start the engine from the dotted safety zone and stay out of the dashed zone during startup (Figure 16A+B).
Operation:
- Forward Movement: When the gear lever on the right side of the handle is pressed down, the rotor blades begin to turn. Press the lever all the way down to ensure optimal belt tension.
- Reverse Movement (Hobby 500BR/TGR only): Press the left handle down to engage reverse. Never hold both right and left handles down simultaneously, as this can damage the machine.
- Control Stick (Hobby 500BR/TGR only): To use the black handle, activate the control stick first. Tilting the control stick right or left and then activating the black handle will move the tiller forward or backward.
- Cultivating Wet/Dry Soil: Avoid cultivating very wet soil to prevent clods. Dry and hard soil may require two passes.
- Digging In: If the tiller tends to dig in, you can swap the right and left blade sets to use the back of the blades for tilling, making it less prone to digging in. Side guards can also be fitted to help prevent this.
- Depth Skid Adjustment: The depth skid controls the working depth. The deeper the rod is set, the deeper the machine tills. Adjust the depth skid by loosening the cotter pin, setting the desired depth, and re-inserting the pin (Figure 12A). For best results, cultivate the soil 2-3 times in different directions (Figure 13).
- Support Wheel Adjustment: The height of the support wheel needs to be adjusted for cultivating. Use pedal (a) on the right side to release the support wheel. There are 3 settings (Figure 14).
Accessories:
The manual lists several accessories that can be used with the cultivator:
- Pneumatic tyre (12”): Tractor pattern, for use with rake, push hoe, and ridging plough (No. 91053000100).
- Wheel weights (10 kg each): For mounting on pneumatic wheel rims (No. 91097000100).
- Push hoe: Loosens weeds, working width 65 cm (No. 91061500100).
- Ridger: Used for ridging between row crops, especially potatoes (No. 91060500100).
- Rake: For raking paths and entrances with loose stones. Requires rear bracket and 12” wheels (No. 91062500100).
- Digging claws: Used with the ridger (No. 91060600100).
- Rear bracket: For rear-mounted accessories (No. 91059000100).
Maintenance Features
Oil and Petrol:
- The machine is delivered without oil and petrol.
- Fill the engine with 0.6 litres of SAE 30 engine oil.
- Use octane 92 or 95 unleaded petrol.
- Refer to the attached engine manual for detailed information on engine use and maintenance.
Gearbox Lubrication:
The gearbox is permanently lubricated at the factory and should not be opened. If grease needs to be added:
- Remove the spark plug cover from the engine.
- Place the grease pack in warm water to thin its consistency, making it easier to add. Cut only a small, pointed tip from the pack.
- Loosen the 2 screws (Figure 9, a+b).
- Add grease into hole "a" until it comes out of hole "b" (indicating it's full), ensuring the gearbox is in a horizontal position.
- Refit and tighten the screws.
- Refit the spark plug cover on the engine.
- Check grease level and add grease to the gear every 5 operating hours. Extra grease is not included with the machine.
Cleaning After Use:
- Clean the cultivator after each use.
- Use a garden hose to wash off earth and dirt.
- Remove grass and debris from the blade shaft.
- Clean the chassis identification number with a damp cloth only to avoid damage.
- Do not use a high-pressure cleaner.
- Wipe all surfaces with an oily cloth to prevent rust.
Storage:
For long-term storage:
- Clean the machine thoroughly as described above.
- Store the machine in a dry, clean place.
- Follow the engine manual's guidelines for engine storage.
Safety Regulations:
- Always follow safety instructions carefully.
- Ensure the machine can be stopped immediately in case of an accident.
- Never operate the machine without grease in the gearbox.
- Use only original accessories and spare parts.
- Minors are not permitted to operate the machine.
- Only healthy and fit individuals should operate the machine, taking frequent breaks if tired.
- Never operate the machine under the influence of alcohol.
- Ensure all nuts and bolts are tight before starting.
- Never engage both forward and reverse gears simultaneously while the engine is running.
- Be cautious of rotating blades and avoid using the machine on steep slopes.
- The operator is responsible for the safety of others nearby, especially children and animals.
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