Husqvarna DRT 900 Owner's Manual

Husqvarna DRT 900 Owner's Manual

Walk-behind powered rotary tillers
Hide thumbs Also See for DRT 900:
DRT 900
Owner's Manual / 96093000801 / 2009-04
Table of Contents
loading

Frequently Asked Questions (10)

  • How do I change the oil in my Husqvarna DRT 900 Tiller?

    To change the engine oil:

    1. Ensure the tiller is on a level surface.
    2. For easier drainage, the oil will drain more freely when warm.
    3. Use a funnel to prevent spills and catch the oil in a suitable container.
    4. Remove the drain plug.
    5. Tip the tiller forward to drain the oil.
    6. Once completely drained, replace the oil drain plug and tighten it securely.
    7. Remove the oil filler plug, being careful not to allow dirt to enter the engine.
    8. Refill the engine with oil until it overflows. Refer to the PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS on page 3 for approximate capacity. All oil must meet A.P.I. Service Classification SG-SL.

    Change the oil after every 25 hours of operation or at least once a year if the tiller is not used for 25 hours in one year.

    Was this helpful?
  • How do I start a Husqvarna DRT 900 Tiller?

    To start your tiller's engine:

    1. Ensure the spark plug wire is properly connected.
    2. Place the fuel valve to the "ON" position.
    3. For a cold engine, move the choke lever to the "ON" position.
    4. Move the throttle lever away from the "SLOW" position, about 1/3 of the way toward the "FAST" position.
    5. Turn the engine switch to the "ON" position.
    6. Pull the recoil starter handle quickly until the engine starts. Do not let the starter handle snap back against the starter. Repeat if necessary.
    7. If the choke lever was used, gradually move it to the opposite position as the engine warms up.
    8. Move the throttle control to the desired running position.
    9. Allow the engine to warm up for a few minutes before engaging tines.

    For more information, see page 10 of the manual.
    Was this helpful?
  • What common issues prevent a Husqvarna DRT 900 Tiller from starting?

    Common issues that prevent your tiller from starting and their solutions are:

    • Out of fuel: Fill the fuel tank.
    • Fuel valve "OFF": Turn the fuel valve to the "ON" position.
    • Engine Switch "OFF": Turn the engine switch to the "ON" position.
    • Engine not "CHOKED" properly: Refer to the "TO START ENGINE" section.
    • Engine flooded: Wait several minutes before attempting to start.
    • Bad spark plug or improper gap: Replace the spark plug or adjust the gap.
    • Dirty air filter: Clean or replace the air filter.
    • Water in fuel: Empty the fuel tank and carburetor, then refill with fresh gasoline.
    • Throttle control not set properly: Refer to the "To Start Engine" section.
    • Stale or dirty fuel: Empty the fuel tank and refill with fresh, clean gasoline.
    • Loose spark plug wire: Make sure the spark plug wire is seated properly.

    For more information, see page 19 of the manual.
    Was this helpful?
  • How do I use the Husqvarna DRT 900 Tiller?

    To use your Husqvarna DRT 900 Tiller, familiarize yourself with its controls and operation modes:

    • Controls: Understand the purpose of the Choke Control, Depth Stake, Drag Stake, Drive Control Bar, Leveling Shield, ON/OFF Switch, Fuel Valve, Recoil Starter Handle, Shift Lever, Shift Lever Indicator, and Throttle Control.
    • Stopping: To stop the tines, release the drive control bar and move the shift lever to "N" (neutral). To stop the engine, move the throttle control to "SLOW", allow it to cool, then turn the engine switch to "OFF" and the fuel valve lever to "OFF".
    • Tine Operation: Tine movement is achieved by moving the shift lever to either the counter rotating or forward rotating till position and engaging the drive control bar. Always release the drive control bar before moving the shift lever.
    • Shifting Gears: If gears are hard to shift, briefly engage and release the drive control bar or rock the tiller forward and backward.
    • Drag Stake: The drag stake should be raised when tilling in the counter rotating till position and lowered when tilling in the forward rotating till position.
    • Depth Stake: The depth stake can be raised or lowered to adjust tilling depth or for transport.
    • Tilling: For tilling, release the depth stake pin and pull the depth stake up for increased depth, then place the shift lever indicator in counter rotating till position. Hold the drive control bar against the handle to start tilling. Move the throttle control to "FAST" for deep tilling, or adjust for cultivating.
    • Turning: To turn, release the drive control bar, move the throttle control to "SLOW", place the shift lever indicator in "F" (forward) position, and lift the handle to raise tines out of the ground. Swing the handle in the desired direction.
    • Cultivating: For cultivating, use the forward rotating tine drive. Release depth and drag stake pins, lower the drag stake, and pull the depth stake up for increased depth. Place the shift lever indicator in forward rotating till position and hold the drive control bar against the handle.
    Was this helpful?
  • How do I adjust the tilling depth on the Husqvarna DRT 900 Tiller?

    The tilling depth is adjusted using the depth stake:

    Was this helpful?
  • How do I replace the drive belt on a Husqvarna DRT 900 Tiller?

    To replace the ground drive belt:

    1. Remove the belt guard as described in the manual.
    2. Remove the old belt by slipping it off the engine pulley first, then remove it from the transmission pulley.
    3. Place the new belt in the groove of the transmission pulley and into the engine pulley. The belt must be in the groove on top of the idler pulley.
    4. Check the belt adjustment as described in the manual.
    5. Replace the belt guard.
    6. Reposition the wheel and replace the clevis pin and hairpin clip.

    To adjust the ground drive belt, the extension spring should have about 5/8 inch (16 mm) stretch when the drive control bar is in the "ENGAGED" position. To achieve this, loosen the cable clip screw securing the drive control cable. Slide the cable forward for less tension and rearward for more tension until the 5/8 inch stretch is obtained. Then, tighten the cable clip screw securely.

    Was this helpful?
  • Why is my Husqvarna DRT 900 Tiller losing power during operation?

    If your tiller is losing power during operation, the common reasons and solutions are:

    • Engine is overloaded: Set the depth stake and wheels for shallower tilling.
    • Dirty air cleaner: Clean or replace the air cleaner.
    • Low oil level/dirty oil: Check the oil level and change the oil.
    • Faulty spark plug: Clean and regap or change the spark plug.
    • Oil in fuel: Empty and clean the fuel tank and refill, and clean the carburetor.
    • Stale or dirty fuel: Empty and clean the fuel tank and refill with fresh, clean gasoline.
    • Water in fuel: Empty and clean the fuel tank and carburetor, and refill with fresh gasoline.
    • Clogged fuel tank: Remove and clean the fuel tank.
    • Spark plug wire loose: Connect and tighten the spark plug wire.
    • Dirty engine air screen: Clean the engine air screen.
    • Dirty/clogged muffler: Clean or replace the muffler.
    • Poor Compression: Contact a qualified service center.

    For more information, see page 19 of the manual.
    Was this helpful?
  • What is the recommended maintenance schedule for the Husqvarna DRT 900 Tiller?

    The recommended maintenance schedule is:

    • Before Each Use:
      • Check Engine Oil Level
      • Inspect Spark Arrester / Muffler
      • Inspect Air Screen
      • Clean or Replace Air Cleaner Cartridge
      • Clean Engine Cylinder Fins
    • Every 5 Hours:
      • Check Engine Oil Level
      • Inspect Spark Arrester / Muffler
      • Inspect Air Screen
      • Clean or Replace Air Cleaner Cartridge
    • Every 25 Hours:
      • Change Engine Oil (more often under heavy load or in high ambient temperatures)
      • Oil Pivot Points
      • Inspect Spark Arrester / Muffler
      • Inspect Air Screen
      • Clean or Replace Air Cleaner Cartridge (more often in dirty/dusty conditions)
      • Clean Engine Cylinder Fins
      • Replace Spark Plug
    • Every 50 Hours:
      • Change Engine Oil
      • Oil Pivot Points
      • Inspect Spark Arrester / Muffler
      • Inspect Air Screen
      • Clean or Replace Air Cleaner Cartridge
      • Clean Engine Cylinder Fins
      • Replace Spark Plug

    Additionally, once a year, you should replace the spark plug, clean or replace the air filter, and check tines and belts for wear.


    For more information, see page 12 of the manual.
    Was this helpful?
  • What type of fuel should I use in my Husqvarna DRT 900 Tiller?

    You should use fresh, clean, regular unleaded gasoline with a minimum of 87 octane. Do not mix oil with gasoline. Purchase fuel in quantities that can be used within 30 days to assure freshness.

    For cold weather operation (below 32°F / 0°C), use fresh, clean winter grade gasoline.

    Do not use alcohol blended fuels (gasohol or using ethanol or methanol) as they can attract moisture, leading to separation and acid formation which can damage the fuel system.


    For more information, see pages 3 and 10 of the manual.
    Was this helpful?
  • How do I attach or remove the tines on the Husqvarna DRT 900 Tiller?

    To attach or remove the tines, refer to the TINE REPLACEMENT section. Tines are sharp, so wear gloves or other protection when handling them. The tine assemblies are secured to the tine shaft with shear pins. If shear pins break, replace them only with those shown in the Repair Parts section.

    Was this helpful?
Need help?

Need help?

Do you have a question about the DRT 900 and is the answer not in the manual?

Summary of Contents for Husqvarna DRT 900

  • Page 1 DRT 900 Owner's Manual / 96093000801 / 2009-04...
  • Page 2: Safety Rules

    SAFETY RULES Safe Operation Practices for Walk-Behind Powered Ro ta ry Tillers TRAINING • Never operate the tiller without proper guards, plates, or other safety protective devices in place. • Read the Manual care ful ly. Be thor ough ly fa mil iar with the controls and the proper use of the equip ment.
  • Page 3: Table Of Contents

    PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES • Read and observe the safety rules. Gasolina Capacity: 3 Quarts (2.8L) • Follow a regular schedule in maintaining, caring for Unleaded Reg u lar and using your tiller. Oil (API-SG-SL): SAE 30 (Above 32°F) • Follow instructions under “Maintenance”...
  • Page 4: Assembly

    ASSEMBLY Your new tiller has been assembled at the factory with exception of those parts left unassembled for shipping purposes. To ensure safe and proper operation of your tiller all parts and hardware you assemble must be tightened securely. Use the correct tools as necessary to insure proper tightness.
  • Page 5 ASSEMBLY UNPACKING CARTON (See Fig. 2) • Grasp handle assembly. Hold in “up” position. Be sure handle lock remains in gearcase notch. Slide handle assembly into position. CAUTION: Be careful of exposed sta ples when handling or disposing of cartoning material. HANDLE ASSEMBLY "UP"...
  • Page 6 ASSEMBLY CONNECT SHIFT ROD (See Fig. 7) ATTACH CLUTCH CABLE (See Fig. 6) • Insert end of shift rod into hole of shift lever indicator. • Hook end of clutch cable through hole in control bar bracket. • Insert hairpin clip through hole of shift rod to secure. SHIFT HAIRPIN CONTROL BAR...
  • Page 7: Operation

    OPERATION KNOW YOUR TILLER READ THIS OWNER'S MANUAL AND SAFETY RULES BEFORE OPERATING YOUR TILLER. Compare the illustrations with your tiller to familiarize yourself with the location of various controls and adjustments. Save this manual for future reference. These symbols may appear on your Tiller or in literature supplied with the product. Learn and understand their meaning.
  • Page 8 OPERATION The operation of any tiller can result in foreign objects thrown into the eyes, which can result in severe eye damage. Always wear safety glasses or eye shields before starting your tiller and while tilling. We recommend a wide vision safety mask for over spectacles or standard safety glasses. 00155 HOW TO USE YOUR TILLER TINE OPERATION - WITH WHEEL DRIVE...
  • Page 9 OPERATION • Hold the drive control bar against the handle to start TILLING (See Fig. 12) tilling movement. Tines and wheels will both turn. • Release depth stake pin. Pull the depth stake up for • Move throttle control "FAST" position for deep tilling. increased tilling depth.
  • Page 10 OPERATION TO START ENGINE (See Fig. 14) Oil Filler Plug CAUTION: KEEP TINE CONTROL IN “OFF” Oil Level PO SI TION WHEN STARTING ENGINE. When starting engine for the first time or if engine has run out of fuel, it will take ex tra pulls of the recoil starter to move fuel from the tank to the engine.
  • Page 11: Operation

    OPERATION CULTIVATING TILLING HINTS Cultivating is destroying the weeds between rows to pre- CAUTION: Until you are accustomed to vent them from robbing nourishment and moisture from the handling your tiller, start actual field use plants. At the same time, breaking up the upper layer of with throttle in slow position (mid-way soil crust will help retain moisture in the soil.
  • Page 12: Maintenance Schedule

    MAINTENANCE GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS LUBRICATION CHART The warranty on this tiller does not cover items that have been subjected to operator abuse or negligence. To receive full value from the warranty, the operator must main tain tiller as instructed in this manual. Some adjustments will need to be made periodically to properly maintain your tiller.
  • Page 13: Air Cleaner

    MAINTENANCE Disconnect spark plug wire before performing any maintenance (except car bu re tor adjustment) to prevent accidental start ing of engine. Prevent fires! Keep the engine free of grass, leaves, spilled oil, or fuel. Re move fuel from tank before tipping unit for maintenance.
  • Page 14 MAINTENANCE COOLING SYSTEM (See Fig. 20) SPARK PLUG Your engine is air cooled. For proper en gine performance Replace spark plugs at the beginning of each tilling sea- and long life keep your engine clean. son or after every 25 hours of use, whichever comes first. •...
  • Page 15: Service & Adjustments

    SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS CAUTION: Disconnect spark plug wire from spark plug and place wire where it cannot come into contact with plug. TILLER TO REMOVE WHEEL (See Fig. 22) • Place blocks under trans mis sion to keep tiller from TO ADJUST HANDLE HEIGHT (See Fig.
  • Page 16: Service And Adjustments

    SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS TO REPLACE GROUND DRIVE BELT GROUND DRIVE BELT ADJUSTMENT (See Figs. 23 and 24) (See Fig. 24) • Remove belt guard as described in “TO REMOVE BELT For proper belt tension, the extension spring should have GUARD”. about 5/8 inch (16 mm) stretch when drive control bar is •...
  • Page 17: Service & Adjustments

    SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS • To maintain the superb tilling performance of this ma- TINE REPLACEMENT chine the tines should be checked for sharpness, wear, (See Figs. 25, 26, and 27) and bending, particularly the tines which are next to the transmission. If the gap between the tines ex ceeds CAUTION: Tines are sharp.
  • Page 18: Storage

    STORAGE Immediately prepare your tiller for storage at the end of the ENGINE OIL season or if the unit will not be used for 30 days or more. Drain oil (with engine warm) and replace with clean oil. (See “ENGINE” in the Maintenance section of this man ual). CAUTION: Never store the tiller with gasoline in the tank inside a build ing where fumes may reach an open flame...
  • Page 19: Troubleshooting

    TROUBLESHOOTING POINTS Will not start Out of fuel. 1 Fill fuel tank. Fuel valve “OFF” 2 Turn fuel valve to the “ON” position. Engine Switch “OFF” 3 Turn engine switch to the “ON” position. Engine not “CHOKED” properly. 4 See “TO START ENGINE” in Operation section. Engine flooded.
  • Page 20: Repair Parts

    REPAIR PARTS TILLER - - MODEL NUMBER DRT 900 (96093000801), PRODUCT NUMBER 960 93 00-08 HANDLE ASSEMBLY 12 13 Handle_assy_99_23 PART PART DESCRIPTION DESCRIPTION 532 42 76-43 Grip, Handle 532 18 11-27 Handle 532 15 92-28 Bar Assembly, Control 532 08 67-77 Screw, Hex Washer SLT #10-24 x .50...
  • Page 21 REPAIR PARTS TILLER - - MODEL NUMBER DRT 900 (96093000801), PRODUCT NUMBER 960 93 00-08 MAINFRAME, LEFT SIDE PART PART DESCRIPTION DESCRIPTION 873 22 06-00 Nut, Hex 3/8-16 532 16 67-92 Guard, Belt 532 17 01-27 Shield, Inner Belt Guard RT...
  • Page 22 REPAIR PARTS TILLER - - MODEL NUMBER DRT 900 (96093000801), PRODUCT NUMBER 960 93 00-08 MAINFRAME, RIGHT SIDE PART PART DESCRIPTION DESCRIPTION 532 18 51-90 Bumper Asm. - - - - - - - - Engine, LCT Model No. PLMH-...
  • Page 23 208cc 49 State Service Kit Exploded 042809 Service Kit Breakdown 1 532420578 CYLINDER HEAD SERVICE KIT 532420587 CRANKSHAFT SERVICE KIT 532420596 IGNITION MODULE SERVICE KIT RECOIL STARTER SERVICE KIT 532420603 2 532420579 PUSH ROD SERVICE KIT 49 STATE AIR FILTER ASSEMBLY SERVICE KIT 532420597 SPARK PLUG SERVICE KIT STARTER CUP SERVICE KIT 532420588...
  • Page 24 REPAIR PARTS TILLER - - MODEL NUMBER DRT 900 (96093000801), PRODUCT NUMBER 960 93 00-08 TRANSMISSION 13 15 transmission_7 PART PART DESCRIPTION DESCRIPTION 532 18 82-40 Trans mis sion Assembly (In cludes 532 10 63-88 Spacer 0.70 x 1.00 x 1.150 Key Nos.
  • Page 25 REPAIR PARTS TILLER - - MODEL NUMBER DRT 900 (96093000801), PRODUCT NUMBER 960 93 00-08 TINE SHIELD tine_shield_23_in_r1 PART PART DESCRIPTION DESCRIPTION 873 90 05-00 Nut, Lock Hex Flange 5/16-18 unc 532 00 44-40 Hinge 532 16 29-52 Shield, Side, Outer L. H.
  • Page 26 REPAIR PARTS TILLER - - MODEL NUMBER DRT 900 (96093000801), PRODUCT NUMBER 960 93 00-08 TINE ASSEMBLY PART PART DESCRIPTION DESCRIPTION 532 13 26-73 Pin, Shear 874 61 06-16 Bolt, Hex 3/8-24 x 1 532 16 34-99 Tine, Spade 532 00 31-46 Clip, Hairpin...
  • Page 27 REPAIR PARTS TILLER - - MODEL NUMBER DRT 900 (96093000801), PRODUCT NUMBER 960 93 00-08 DECALS PART DESCRIPTION 532 42 83-26 Decal, Instruction, Tilling 532 42 20-12 Decal, Decal, Blt Grd 532 40 13-83 Decal 532 42 83-34 Decal, CNTRL PNL...
  • Page 28 SERVICE NOTES...
  • Page 29 532 42 83-29 04.06.09 CL Printed in U.S.A.

Table of Contents