A5 Rotavator aw:Layout 1 - Coopers of Stortford

Micro Petrol Rotavator 8957 

Instructions

INTRODUCTION 

Congratulations on your purchase of a new rotavator. 

We are certain you will be pleased with your purchase 

of one of the finest rotavators on the market. It has 

been designed, engineered and manufactured to give 

you the best possible dependability and performance. 

We want to help you get the best results from your 

rotavator and to operate it safely. These instructions 

contain the information on how to do exactly that. 

Please read and retain these instructions carefully. The 

instructions will enable you to assemble and maintain 

your rotavator properly. Should you experience any 

problems you cannot easily remedy, please contact 

your nearest authorised service centre. Always observe 

the “SAFETY INFORMATION” section. We reserve the 

right to discontinue or change specifications or design 

at any time without notice and without incurring any 

obligation whatsoever. 

SAFETY INFORMATION 

• Read these instructions carefully. Be thoroughly 

familiar with the controls and the proper use of the 

rotavator. Know how to stop and disengage the 

controls quickly. 

• Never allow children to operate the rotavator. Never 

allow adults to operate the rotavator without proper 

instructions. 

• Keep the area of operation clear of all persons, 

particularly small children and pets. 

• Of course, it is not possible or practical to warn you 

about all the hazards associated with operating or 

maintaining a tiller. You must use your own good 

judgement. 

• You will find important safety information in a 

variety of forms. 

• Damage Prevention messages – you will also see 

other important messages that are preceded by the 

word NOTICE. 

• Safety Labels–on the product. 

• Instructions–how to use this tiller correctly and 

safely. 

• Safety Messages–preceded by a safety alert 

symbol and one of three safety words: DANGER, 

WARNING and CAUTION. 

You may be SERIOUSLY HURT if 

DANGER you do not follow instructions. 

WARNING 

CAUTION 

You may be or SERIOUSLY HURT 

if you do not follow instructions. 

You CAN be HURT if you do not 

follow instructions. 

Your rotavator or other property 

NOTICE can be damaged if you do not 

follow instructions. 

Each message tells you what the hazard is, 

what can and/or may happen, and what you 

can do to avoid and/or reduce injury. 

2

Contents 

INTRODUCTION 2 

SAFETY INFORMATION 2 

PREPARATION 4 

OPERATION 4 

MAINTENANCE 5 

CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES 5 

ASSEMBLY 6 

SAFETY LABEL INFORMATION 7 

KNOWING YOUR ROTAVATOR 8 

STOPPING TINES 9 

STOPPING ENGINE 9 

TILLING 10 

DEPTH STAKE 10 

CULTIVATING 11 

TINE REMOVAL 11 

TO TRANSPORT ROTAVATOR 12 

ADDING PETROL 12 

STARTING ENGINE 13 

BREAKING IN YOUR ROTAVATOR 14 

STORING YOUR ROTAVATOR 14 

MAINTENANCE 15 – 17 

SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS 18 

TROUBLE SHOOTING 19 

3

PREPARATION 

• The rotavator tines can throw rocks and 

other objects with enough force to cause 

injury. 

• Thoroughly inspect the area where the 

rotavator is going to be used and remove 

all foreign objects. 

• Disengage all clutches, throttle levers into 

neutral before starting the engine. 

• Do not operate the rotavator without 

wearing adequate outer garments. Always 

wear eye protection, trousers and adequate 

footwear that will improve footing on 

slippery surfaces. 

• The rotating tines can/will cause injury. 

Keep away from the tines whenever the 

engine is running. If you need to adjust the 

tines or work on the unit for any reason, 

always stop the engine. Disconnect the 

spark plug cap if you need to clean or 

handle the tines. 

• Handle fuel with extreme care, it is highly 

flammable. 

• Never add fuel to a running or hot engine. 

• Always fill the fuel tank outdoors, never 

indoors. 

• Replace fuel cap securely and clean up 

spilled fuel before restarting the machine. 

• Never attempt to make any adjustments 

while the engine is running. 

OPERATION 

• Do not put hands or feet near or under rotating parts. 

• Exercise extreme caution when operating on or crossing 

gravel drives, walks or roads. 

• If you strike a foreign object, stop the engine, remove the 

wire to spark plug, and thoroughly inspect the rotavator 

for any damage. Repair the damage before restarting and 

operating the rotavator. 

• Exercise extreme caution to avoid slipping or falling. 

• If the rotavator should start to vibrate abnormally, stop the 

engine and check immediately for the cause. Vibration is 

generally a warning for trouble with the rotavator, such as 

loose or damaged tilling tines, hidden objects in the soil, 

or the ground that is too hard to till. 

• Take all possible precautions when leaving the machine 

unattended. Disengage the tines and stop the engine. 

• Before cleaning, repairing or inspecting, shut off the 

engine and make certain all moving parts have stopped. 

Disconnect the spark plug wire and keep the wire away 

from the spark plug to prevent accidental starting. 

• Do not run the engine indoors, exhaust fumes are 

dangerous. 

• Never operate the rotavator without proper guards, plates 

or other safety protective devices in place. 

• Always keep children and pets away from rotavator. 

• Do not overload the rotavator capacity by attempting to 

till too deep too fast. 

• Never operate the rotavator at high speeds on slippery 

surfaces. 

• Never allow bystanders near the unit. 

• Use only genuine factory attachments and accessories 

approved by the manufacturer of the rotavator. 

• Never operate the rotavator without good visibility 

or light. 

• Look around the engine for signs of oil or petrol leaks. 

Wipe up any spills before starting the engine. 

• Be careful when using the rotavator in hard ground. The 

tines may catch in the ground and propel the rotavator 

forward. If this occurs, let go of the handlebars and do not 

restrain the machine, you may be injured. 

4

MAINTENANCE 

• Keep machine, attachments and accessories in safe 

working condition. 

• Look for signs of damage to the tines. Replace any 

rotavator tines and parts that are worn out, bent, 

cracked, chipped or damaged in any way. 

• Check that the debris shield is securely installed and 

in good condition. 

• Check shear pins, engine mounting bolts and other 

bolts at frequent intervals for proper tightness to be 

sure the rotavator is in safe working condition. 

• Check the air filter. A dirty air filter will restrict air 

flow to the carburetor, reducing engine and tilling 

performance. 

• Check the throttle operation. The throttle must 

operate smoothly for good throttle control. 

• Check the fuel level. Starting with a full tank will 

help to eliminate or reduce operating interruptions 

for refuelling. 

• Never store the machine with fuel in the fuel tank 

inside a building where ignition sources are present, 

such as hot water and space heaters, clothes dryers, 

and alike. Allow the engine to cool down before 

storing in any enclosure. 

• Always refer to these instructions for important 

details if the rotavator is to be stored for an 

extended period. 

CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Read and observe the safety rules. 

• Follow a regular schedule in maintaining, caring for 

and using your rotavator. 

• Follow instructions under “Maintenance and 

Storage” section of these instructions. 

• Make sure all repairs to the machine are 

done correctly. 

• If a part is replaced, make sure it is the correct part 

and the bolts or nuts are tightened. 

5

ASSEMBLY 

UNPACK CARTON AND INSTALL HANDLEBAR 

SYSTEM. (Fig.1) 

• Position handles A on the lower assembly B. 

• Install one side at a time. 

• Insert bolts C and washers D. 

• Install and tighten handlebar knobs E. 

INSTALL DEPTH STAKE (WHEEL) ASSEMBLY. (Fig.2) 

• Insert depth stake A in to the upper shaft B. 

• Install and tighten the bolt and nut C. 

6

SAFETY LABEL INFORMATION 

This page will show you where to find the safety 

labels on your rotavator. You will find that some labels 

warn you of potential hazards. Others will provide 

important safety and maintenance information. 

Please read them carefully and do not remove them. 

(Fig.3) 

7

KNOWING YOUR ROTAVATOR 

READ THESE INSTRUCTIONS AND THE SAFETY 

INFORMATION BEFORE OPERATING YOUR 

ROTAVATOR. 

Compare the illustrations with your rotavator to 

familiarise yourself with the location of various 

controls and adjustments. Save these instructions for 

future reference. (Fig.4) 

• Choke Control: A used when starting a cold engine. 

• Depth Stake: B controls forward speed and the 

depth at which the tiller will dig. 

• Recoil Starter Handle: C used to start the engine. 

• Throttle Control: D controls engine speed. 

• Off Switch: E shuts off the engine. 

8

HOW TO USE YOUR ROTAVATOR 

Know how to operate all controls before adding 

fuel, oil, or attempting to start engine. 

STOPPING TINES (Fig. 5) 

• Release throttle lever A. 

STARTING & STOPPING ENGINE (Fig.6) 

•Start switch A. 

•Stop switch B. 

CAUTION 

The operation of any rotavator can result in foreign objects thrown into the 

eyes, which can result in severe eye damage. Always wear safety glasses 

or face shields before starting your rotavator and while tilling. 

We recommend a wide vision safety mask over standard safety glasses. 

9


TILLING 

The speed and depth of tilling is regulated by the 

position of the depth stake and wheel height. The 

depth stake should always be installed for digging. 

It serves as a brake to slow the rotavator’s forward 

motion to enable the tines to penetrate the ground. 

Also, the more the depth stake is lowered into the 

ground the deeper the tines will dig. If cultivating is 

desired, remove wheels or depth stake. 

DEPTH STAKE (Fig. 7) 

Adjust depth stake by removing the hairpin clip and 

clevis pin. Change to desired position. Replace the 

clevis pin and hairpin clip. 

• For normal tilling height, set the depth stake A to 

the second or third hole from the top. 

10


Know how to operate all controls before adding fuel, 

oil, or attempting to start engine. 

CULTIVATING 

Cultivating can be accomplished by removing the drag 

bar or the wheels and repeatedly moving the 

rotavator in a forward and reverse direction. This 

allows the tines to dig in both directions. Be careful, 

the tiller may be difficult to control without the drag 

bar or the wheels attached. 

TINE REMOVAL 

Know how to operate all controls before adding fuel, 

oil, or attempting to start engine. 

• Remove hairpin clip A 

• Remove clevis pin B 

• Pull out the tine(s). 

11

TO TRANSPORT ROTAVATOR 

AROUND THE YARD 

• Lift and move the tiller by the transport bar A. 

AROUND TOWN 

• Disconnect spark plug wire. 

• Drain fuel tank. 

• Transport in upright position to prevent leakage or 

damage. 

CAUTION 

Fill the fuel tank to within 1/2 inch of top of fuel 

tank to prevent spills and to allow for fuel 

expansion. If petrol is accidently spilled, move 

machine away from the area of spill. Avoid 

creating any source of ignition until petrol vapours 

have disappeared. Wipe off any spilled oil or fuel. 

DO NOT store, spill or use petrol 

near an open flame. 

NOTICE 

Be very careful not to allow dirt to enter the 

engine when checking or adding oil or fuel. Use 

clean oil and fuel and store in approved, clean, 

covered containers. Use clean funnels. 

CAUTION 

Before lifting or transporting, allow rotavator 

engine and muffler to cool down. Disconnect spark 

plug wire. Drain petrol from fuel tank. 

ADDING PETROL 

Fill fuel tank A to bottom of filler neck. DO NOT 

overfill. Use fresh, clean, regular unleaded petrol with 

a minimum octane rating of 87. You must mix the fuel 

with good quality 2 stroke oil. Please refer to page for 

mixture information. Purchase fuel in quantities that 

can be used within 30 days to assure fuel freshness. If 

you will be storing the fuel (not recommended) you 

must add a fuel stabiliser with the fuel, such as “Fresh 

Fuel” so that the fuel stays fresh. 

• Remove drag bar. 

• Tilt rotavator back and lay on handle bars. 

• Fill in the fuel, tighten the cap. 

• Tilt the rotavator back up. 

• Install the drag bar. 

12

STARTING ENGINE 

When starting engine for the first time or if the 

engine has run out of fuel, it will/may take extra 

pulls of the recoil starter to move fuel from the tank 

to the engine. 

• To start a cold engine, move the choke lever to the 

closed position A. 

• To start a warm engine, leave the choke lever in 

the open position B. 

• Press the priming bulb C repeatedly until fuel can 

be seen in the clear plastic fuel return tube D. 

• Place your one hand on the lifting handle. With 

your other hand, hold the recoil starter handle E 

firmly and pull briskly. 

• Once the engine starts, if the choke lever was 

moved to the closed position slowly move it to the 

open position as the engine warms up. 

• Allow the engine to warm up for a few moments 

if it was a cold start. 

• The tines should not be rotating with the engine 

at idle. If the tines are rotating, adjust the idle 

speed correctly before using the tiller. 

NOTICE 

NOTICE 

It is important to prevent gum deposits from 

forming in essential fuel system parts such as the 

carburetor, fuel filter, fuel hose or tank during 

storage. Also, experience indicates that alcohol 

blended fuels can attract moisture which leads to 

separation and formation of acids during storage. 

Acidic gas can damage the fuel system of an 

engine while in storage. 

Fuel stabiliser is an acceptable alternative in 

minimising the formation of fuel gum deposits 

during storage. Add stabiliser to petrol in fuel tank 

or storage container. Always follow the mix ratio 

found on stabiliser container. Run engine for 

10 minutes after adding stabiliser to allow the 

stabiliser to reach the carburetor. Do not drain the 

fuel tank and carburetor if using fuel stabiliser. 

13

BREAKING IN YOUR ROTAVATOR 

Break-in your rotavator belt(s), pulleys, transmission 

and tines (tine control) before you begin using the 

rotavator. 

• Start engine, tip tines off the ground by pressing 

down on the handles and engage the throttle (tine 

control – if applicable) to start tine rotation. Allow 

tines to rotate for 3 to 5 minutes. 

• Limit the amount of time over which the rotavator is 

to be used continuously to somewhere around 

30-40 minutes per session, and take 10-20 minutes 

of rest between work sessions. Also try to keep the 

total amount of work performed in a single day 

under 2 hours or less. 

• DO NOT use full throttle operation. 

STORING YOUR ROTAVATOR 

ROTAVATOR 

• Clean entire rotavator. 

• Inspect and replace tines, hoses, belts (if applicable). 

• Lubricate parts as necessary. 

• Be sure that all nuts, bolts and screws are securely 

fastened. Inspect moving parts for damage, 

breakage, and wear. Replace if necessary. 

• Touch up all rusted or chipped paint surfaces, sand 

lightly before painting to be sure paint adhesion. 

ENGINE 

• Drain the fuel tank. 

• Start the engine and let it run until the fuel lines 

and carburetor are empty of fuel. 

• Never use engine or carburetor cleaner products in 

the fuel tank. 

CYLINDER 

• Remove spark plug. 

• Pour 1/2 fl/oz (15 ml) of oil through spark plug hole 

into cylinder. 

• Pull starter handle slowly several times to distribute 

oil into the cylinder. 

• Replace the spark plug back into the cylinder. 

OTHER 

• Do not store petrol from one season to another. 

• Replace your petrol canister if it starts to rust. 

• If possible, store your rotavator indoors and cover it 

to give it protection from dust and dirt. 

• Cover your rotavator with a suitable protective cover 

that does not retain moisture. Do not use plastic. 

Plastic cannot breathe which allows condensation 

to form and will cause your unit to rust. 

14

MAINTENANCE 

Fill in dates as you Before Every Every Every 

complete regular service each use 10 hours 20 hour 50 hours 

Inspect air filter 

√ 

Clean air filter 

√ 

Replace air filter 

√ 

Replace spark plug 

√ 

Clean engine cylinder fins 

√ 

Inspect and replace tines √ 

Replace fuel filter 

√ 

Inspect throttle cable 

√ 

Check all nuts & bolts 

√ 

Inspect and replace drag bar √ 

Inspect and replace wheels √ 

Grease transmission 

√ 

Service Dates 

GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS 

Some adjustments will need to be made periodically 

to properly maintain your rotavator. All adjustments in 

these instructions should be checked at least once 

each year. 

• Once a year you should replace the spark plug, 

clean or replace air filter and check tines for wear. 

• A new spark plug and air filter assure proper air-fuel 

mixture and help your engine run better and last 

longer. 

BEFORE EACH USE 

• CHECK TINE OPERATION 

• CHECK FOR LOOSE FASTENERS 

• CHECK THROTTLE CABLE 

• CHECK DRAG BAR 

• CHECK WHEELS 

• NO FUEL LEAKS 

15

AIR FILTER 

Service the air cleaner cartridge every 10 hours. 

More often if engine is used in very dusty conditions. 

• Loosen air filter wing nut. 

• Close the choke lever so dirt does not enter the 

carburetor. 

• Remove air filter cover. 

• Carefully remove air filter cartridge. Be careful not to 

allow dirt or debris to enter the carburetor. 

• Clean the filter by using a filter cleaner. DO NOT use 

solvents. 

• If the filter is very dirty or damaged, replace with a 

new filter. 

• Clean and replace the cover, tighten and secure the 

cover screws. 

COOLING SYSTEM 

Your engine is air cooled. For proper engine 

performance and long life, keep your engine clean. 

• Remove blower housing and clean as necessary. 

• Keep cylinder fins free of dirt and chaff with a 

stiff-bristled brush. 

• DO NOT use pressurised washer to clean the engine. 

MUFFLER 

Do not operate rotavator without muffler. Do not 

tamper with exhaust system. Damaged mufflers or 

spark arrester could create a fire hazard. Inspect 

periodically and replace if necessary. If your engine is 

equipped with a spark arrester screen assembly, 

remove every 25 hours for cleaning and inspection. 

Replace if damaged. 

Replace spark plug at the beginning of each tilling 

season or after every 50 hours of use, whichever 

comes first. Spark plug type and gap setting is shown 

in “PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS”. 

CAUTION 

Petroleum solvents, such as kerosene, 

are not to be used to clean filter. 

They may cause deterioration of the filter. 

Do not use pressurised air to clean or dry cartridge. 

16

TRANSMISSION 

Your transmission is sealed and will not require 

lubrication if it is serviced. 

CLEANING 

Do not clean your rotavator when the engine and 

transmission are hot. We do not recommend using 

pressurised water to clean your unit unless the gasket 

area around the transmission and the engine muffler, 

air filter and carburetor are covered to keep water out. 

Water in the engine will damage the internal parts of 

the engine. 

• Clean engine, finish, etc. of all foreign matter A. 

• Keep finished surfaces free of all petrol, oil, etc. 

• Protect painted surfaces with automotive type wax. 

CAUTION 

CAUTION 

When reassembling outer tines, be sure right & left 

tines are mounted to correct side of tine shaft. 

Tines are sharp. Wear gloves or other protection 

when handling tines. 

17

SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS 

ENGINE 

Maintenance, repair or replacement of the emission 

control devices and systems, which are being done at 

the customer’s expense, may be performed by any 

non road engine repair facility or individual. 

ADJUSTING CARBURETOR 

The carburetor has been preset at the factory and 

adjustments should not be necessary. 

However, engine performance can be affected by 

differences in fuel, temperature, altitude or load. If the 

carburetor needs to be adjusted, contact your nearest 

authorised service centre. 

• Idle speed control screw A. 

• Air/fuel mixture screw B 

(Authorized Service Centre Only). 

18

TROUBLESHOOTING 

PROBLEM CAUSE CORRECTION 

Will not start 

1. Out of fuel 

2. Engine not CHOKED properly 

3. Engine flooded 

4. Dirty air filter 

5. Water in fuel 

6. Clogged fuel tank, line 

7. Loose spark plug wire 

8. Bad spark plug or improper gap 

9. Carburetor out of adjustment 

1. Fill fuel tank 

2. See TO START ENGINE in Operation Section 

3. Wait several minutes before starting again 

4. Clean or replace air filter 

5. Drain fuel tank and carburetor, fill with fresh fuel 

6. Remove fuel tank or filter and clean 

7. Make sure plug wire is seated properly on plug 

8. Replace spark plug or adjust gap. 

9. Make necessary adjustments 

Hard to start 

Loss of power 

Engine overheats 

Excessive bounce 

/difficult handling 

Soil balls up 

or Clumps 

Engine runs but 

labours when 

tilling 

1. Throttle control not set properly 



4. Stale or dirty fuel 



1. Engine is overloaded 



4. Stale or dirty fuel 

5. Water in fuel 

6. Clogged fuel tank, line 


8. Dirty or clogged muffler 


10. Poor compression 


2. Dirty engine 

3. Partially plugged muffler 

4. Improper carburetor adjustment 

1. Ground too dry and hard 

2. Wheels and depth stake incorrectly 

adjusted 

1. Ground too wet 

1. Tilling too deep 

2. Throttle control not properly 

adjusted 


1. Place throttle control in "FAST" position 






1. Set depth stake or wheels for shallow tilling 





6. Remove fuel tank or filter and clean 


8. Clean or replace muffler 


10. Contact an authorized service center 


2. Clean cylinder fins, air filter, muffler 

3. Remove and clean muffler 

4. Adjust carburetor 

1. Moisten ground or wait for more favourable soil 

conditions 

2. Adjust wheels and depth stake 

1. Wait for more favourable soil conditions 

1. Set depth stake for shallower tilling. 

2. Check throttle control setting. 

3. make necessary adjustments. 

19

Coopers of Stortford – an “Aladdin’s Cave” 

We are a traditional family owned and run Home and Garden 

Store located on Bridge Street trading from the original 16th 

century timber framed building where there has been a business 

operating for more than 300 years. This charming building is 

made up of three linked premises including a 19th century 

malthouse. Our main shop entrance leads into the original 16th 

century timber framed building where, on the ceiling (currently 

above the cookshop), can be seen examples of original, rare, 

early pargetting (plaster ceiling decoration). The offices above 

the shop remain a labyrinth of passages with beamed ceilings 

and sloping floors and amazingly, there is still a section of 17th 

century wooden panelling remaining. 

As you’d expect the store has seen many changes throughout its 

life having been a saddler’s shop, a maltsters, a stable, a wine 

store, the town’s first post office, a cycle shop, a supplier of 

agricultural hand tools and horse collars, a warehouse for army 

surplus webbing, a builder’s merchant, a café, a hardware store 

and of course what it is known as today, Coopers of Stortford. 

In store and through our store’s national mail order catalogue, 

we pride ourselves on being specialists in selling “function led” 

products. By that we mean products which are designed to make 

everyday life easier, many of which are of Coopers own invention, 

idea and/or design. 

Our store is also full of those really practical, traditional items 

which might have been used by your great grandparents but 

which are so hard to find on the High Street these days. So much 

so, that our customers travel from all over the country to visit us, 

describing the store as an “Aladdin’s Cave” with “hidden 

treasures around every corner”. 

Above all we believe in traditional customer service. Our products 

are tested by our staff who have an encyclopaedic knowledge of 

all that we stock, so they are just the people you should trust for 

sound, impartial advice. 

Our departments and specialities include: 

• Horticulture, Gardening Equipment 

and Garden Furniture 

• Cookshop 

• Housewares, Cleaning and Utility 

• Bathroom, Tools, Ironmongery and DIY 

• Pet Shop and Bird Care 

• Motoring, Travel and Leisure 

• Fitness, Health and Personal Care 

• Footwear and Apparel 

• Home, Lighting and Furniture 

• Margaret Kay - Signature Florist, Vintner and Chocolatier 

Why not come and visit us today 

Call Coopers of Stortford 

0844 482 4400 

or buy online 

www.coopersofstortford.co.uk 

Order 24 hours 

7 days a week

A5 Rotavator aw:Layout 1 - Coopers of Stortford

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