• IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS •
769-06962 P01 11/11
Operator’s Manual
20 Volt Lithium-Ion Battery-Powered
Garden Cultivator
TBC57
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Service Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1
Safety Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1
Know Your Unit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
Assembly Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
Starting and Stopping Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
Operating Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
Maintenance and Repair Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
Cleaning and Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
Warranty Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
DO NOT RETURN THIS UNIT TO THE RETAILER. PROOF OF PURCHASE WILL BE REQUIRED
FOR WARRANTY SERVICE.
For assistance regarding the assembly, controls, operation or maintenance of the unit, please call the
Customer Support Department: 1-800-828-5500 (U.S.) or 1-800-668-1238 (Canada).
Additional information about the unit can be found on our website: www.troybilt.com (U.S.) or
www.troybilt.ca (Canada).
Please call the Customer Support Department for replacement parts. When servicing, use only
identical replacement parts.
DANGER: Signals an EXTREME hazard.
Failure to obey a safety DANGER signal WILL result in serious injury or death to yourself or
to others.
WARNING:
Signals a SERIOUS hazard.
Failure to obey a safety WARNING signal CAN result in serious injury to yourself or to others.
CAUTION: Signals a MODERATE hazard.
Failure to obey a safety CAUTION signal MAY result in property damage or injury to
yourself or to others.
IMPORTANT! Signals special mechanical information.
NOTE: Signals additional important general information.
SYMBOL MEANING
SAFETY INFORMATION
• SAFETY ALERT SYMBOLS •
Safety alert symbols are used to draw your attention to possible dangers. These symbols, and their
explanations, deserve your careful attention and understanding. The safety warnings do not by
themselves eliminate any danger. The instructions or warnings they give are not substitutes for
proper accident prevention measures. These safety instructions are not meant to cover every
possible condition that may occur. If questions arise, please call the Customer Support
Department at 1-800-828-5500 (U.S.) or 1-800-668-1238 (Canada).
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS
All information, illustrations and specifications in this manual are based on the latest product information
available at the time of printing. We reserve the right to make changes at any time without notice.
Copyright© 2011 MTD SOUTHWEST INC, All Rights Reserved.
SERVICE INFORMATION
READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE OPERATING
BASIC SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
• DO NOT rely exclusively upon the safety devices built into the unit.
• DO NOT allow the unit to be used as a toy.
• Please read the entire operator’s manual carefully before attempting to assemble, operate or
maintain the unit.
• Follow all safety instructions. Failure to do so can result in property damage or serious injury to
yourself and/or others.
• Be thoroughly familiar with the controls and the proper use of the unit. Know how to stop the unit
and disengage the controls quickly.
• Stay alert! Do not operate the unit when tired, ill or under the influence of alcohol, drugs or medication.
• Never allow children under 14 years old to operate the unit. Children over 14 years old should be
supervised by an adult. Never allow adults to operate the unit without proper instruction.
• Make sure that all guards and safety attachments are properly installed before operating the unit.
• Keep these instructions. Refer to them often and use them to instruct other users. If loaning
someone this unit, also loan them these instructions.
• Keep bystanders, especially children and pets, at least 50 feet (15 m) away. If anyone enters the
work area, stop the unit!
• Keep the work area clean. Cluttered areas invite injuries. Do not start the operation until the work
area is clear and free from obstructions and there is secure footing.
• Always wear appropriate eye protection when operating this unit. Wear safety goggles, or safety
glasses with side shields, that are marked as meeting ANSI Z87.1-1989 standards. Failure to do so
could result in serious eye injury caused by thrown or falling objects. If the operation is dusty, wear
a face mask or dust mask.
• Dress appropriately. Wear non-slip protective gloves and boots. Do not wear loose clothing, jewelry,
short pants, sandals or go barefoot. Secure hair above shoulder level to prevent entanglement in
moving parts.
• Only use the unit in daylight or good artificial light.
• Only use the unit for its intended purpose. Only use the unit as described in this manual.
CULTIVATOR SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
• Inspect the work area before using the unit. Remove any hard and/or sharp objects, such as metal,
glass, wire, etc.
• Make sure the tines are not in contact with anything before starting the unit.
• Be careful when cultivating in hard ground. The tines may catch in the ground and propel the unit
forward. If this occurs, let go of the handle and do not restrain the unit.
• Never operate the unit at high speeds on hard or slippery surfaces.
• Take extra care when working on steep slopes or inclines. Do not operate the unit on excessively
steep slopes.
• Use extreme caution when reversing or pulling the unit towards you.
• Use caution when cultivating near fences, buildings and underground utilities. Rotating tines can
cause property damage or personal injury.
• Do not overload the unit by attempting to cultivate soil too deep or too quickly.
• When picking up the unit, use the handle provided. Do not grasp the tines when picking up or
holding the unit. Never pick up or carry the unit while the motor is running.
• Keep the unit clean of vegetation and other materials that may become lodged between the tines
and guard.
GENERAL SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
• DO NOT over reach.
• DO NOT operate the unit on unstable surfaces, such as in trees or on ladders, slopes or rooftops.
Be very careful when using the unit on stairs.
• DO NOT handle the unit with wet hands.
• DO NOT expose the unit to rain. Do not use the unit in damp or wet locations or conditions.
• DO NOT operate the unit on wet surfaces.
• DO NOT use the unit in the presence of flammable liquids or gases.
• DO NOT operate a unit that is damaged, improperly adjusted or not completely and securely
assembled. Be sure that the unit stops when the throttle control is released. Do not use the unit if
the throttle control does not turn the unit on and off properly.
• DO NOT attempt operations beyond the operator’s capacity or experience.
• DO NOT operate the unit with one hand! Serious injury to the operator, helpers or bystanders may
result from one-handed operation. This unit is intended for two-handed use. Grip the unit firmly with
both hands when the motor is running. Use a firm grip with thumbs and fingers encircling the
handle. Do not let go!
• DO NOT force the unit. It will do a better, safer job when used at the intended rate.
• Keep proper footing and balance at all times.
• Keep hair, loose clothing, fingers and all other body parts away from moving parts. Do not try to
touch or stop moving parts when they rotate.
• To reduce the risk of electric shock, avoid body contact with grounded conductors, such as metal
pipes or wire fences.
• Always stop the motor when operation is delayed, before setting down the unit or when walking
from one location to another. Make sure the unit comes to a complete stop.
• To avoid accidental starting, never carry the unit with fingers on the throttle control. Always carry
the unit by the handles with the battery removed.
• Always make sure the throttle control is disengaged before installing or removing the battery.
WARNING: When using an electric unit, basic safety precautions should
always be followed to reduce the risk of fire, electric shock and injury to persons, including
the following.
CALIFORNIA PROPOSITION 65
WARNING: Battery posts, terminals and certain finished components contain
lead, lead compounds and chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and
birth defects or other reproductive harm. Wash hands after handling.
Use 20V Lithium-Ion Battery TB20V
Use 20V Lithium-Ion Battery Charger TBCHGR