Maxim Chain Drive Tiller
Limited Warranty
Operator’s Manual and Parts List
Maxim Manufacturing Corporation, through its dealers will repair or replace any part, or parts
of the MS50B, MS30B, or MS50BR or handles that are defective in material or workmanship or
both. Transportation charges on parts submitted for repair or replacement under this
Warranty must be borne by the purchaser. The original sales receipt must be submitted as
proof of purchase date. The sales receipt will be returned. Maxim Manufacturing Corporation
assumes no liability for labor charges made in performance of this warranty.
The Warranty Periods are as follows:
A. Frame for 1 year
B. Handles for 1 year
C. Transmissions for 1 year
The Throttle Cable, Tires, Fasteners, and belt are not warranted because during normal service
they are subject to wear.
The Warranty on the Frame is Void if:
A. Frame is broken or bent due to abuse.
B. Wheels are bent or broken due to impact.
C. Altering of engine or its components has occurred.
All warranties are voided if the Tiller has been altered, used under abnormal conditions,
or subject to abuse, misuse, neglect, improper maintenance, or rented.
The Engine is warranted by the engine manufacturer, not by Maxim Manufacturing Corporation.
See Engine Owner’s Manual for information regarding engine warranty.
Should you experience problems with your tiller take it back to your authorized Maxim
dealer or distributor to make warranty claims.
Maxim Manufacturing is not liable for any damage claim or liability claim, personal or oth-
erwise, resulting from the operation of this tiller in any way.
MS50B • MS30B • MS50BR
WARNING
If incorrectly used this machine can cause severe injury. Those who use and maintain the
machine should be trained in its proper use, warned of its dangers, and should read the
entire manual before attempting to set up, operate, adjust or service the machine.
READ THIS MANUAL.
RETAIN IT FOR FUTURE REFERENCE.
Maxim Manufacturing Corporation • Sebastopol, MS 39359 • (601) 625-7471 • 336745 • 2/2003
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Continued from page 2
Never adjust the machine or change attachments until the
a cool, dry place, not in the house or near heating appli-
Transmission Assembly
Illustration 4
engine has been turned off and the spark plug wire discon- ances.
nected. It is possible that the engine could start while mak-
ing an adjustment or repair.
Never store machine with fuel in the fuel tank inside a build-
ing where open flame or sparks are present. Allow engine
to cool before storing in any enclosure.
If carburetor adjustment is necessary, stand to one side
and keep feet and hands in the clear while making adjust-
ments.
Keep the machine and fuel container in locked storage to
prevent children from playing and tampering with them.
Keep engine free from accumulations of grass, leaves, or
excessive grease. An accumulation of these combustible
materials may result in a fire.
Maximum operating results and safety can only be expect-
ed if the machine is maintained and operated correctly.
Always refer to operator’s manual for important details if
tiller is to be stored for extended period.
Store gasoline in a safe container. Store the container in
IMPORTANT: THIS UNIT IS EQUIPPED WITH AN INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE, AND SHOULD
NOT BE USED ON OR NEAR ANY UNIMPROVED FOREST-COVERED, BRUSH COVERED OR GRASS
COVERED LAND UNLESS THE ENGINE’S EXHAUST SYSTEM IS EQUIPPED WITH A SPARK ARREST-
ER MEETING APPLICABLE LOCAL LAWS (IF ANY). IF A SPARK ARRESTER IS USED, IF SHOULD BE
MAINTAINED IN EFFECTIVE WORKING ORDER BY THE OPERATOR.
IN THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA A SPARK ARRESTER IS REQUIRED BY LAW (SECTION 4442 OF
THE CALIFORNIA PUBLIC RESOURCES CODE). OTHER STATES MAY HAVE SIMILAR LAWS. FED-
ERAL LAWS APPLY ON FEDERAL LANDS. SEE YOUR AUTHORIZED SERVICE CENTER FOR A
SPARK ARRESTER.
WARNING
The engine exhaust from this product contains chemicals know to the State of
California to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm.
Specifications
Contents
Engine: Briggs & Stratton 4 cycle
5.5 Intek, 1264120226E1C1032 -- Horiz.
Safe Practices for Garden Tillers
Specifications
2-3
3
3.5HP #91202 Type 1264
Air Cleaner: Replaceable Paper Element
Fuel Tank: 3 Quarts
Throttle: On Handle Panel
Transmission: Roller chain and sprocket,
sealed and running in oil.
Set-Up Instructions
General Information
Operation
4-5
5
6
Tines: 14” slasher, self-sharpening
Tine Speed: Approximately 78 RPM maximum
Tilling Width: 14” to 26” standard
Tilling Depth: Up to 12”
Handle: 14 gauge seamless tubular steel with
braces
Adjustments
7
Maintenance
7
Parts Lists
8-11
12
Warranty
Clutch: Hand controlled belt tightener
Frame: All steel, welded and braced
Wheels: 10 x 1.75
Approximate Shipping Weight:
5hp -- 134 lbs.
3hp -- 125 lbs.
10
3
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SET UP INSTRUCTIONS
Handle Bar Assembly -- Illustration 2
UNPACKING
Ref. Part
Qty Description
Throttle Control Assembly
Do not attempt to lift the tiller from the carton.
After opening the top, cut all four corners and lay
the sides flat on the floor or working space. Take
out all unassembled parts, bag of parts, and pro-
tective packing. Be careful not to kink the control
cables.
1
162007
1
1
1
1
2
1
1
2
4
4
2
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
2
2
336677
336676
130698
313786
130699
130731
400186
446136
443106
402014
162029
359346
359359
359327
359326
359345
336683
400208
Support LH
3
Support RH
4
RH Handle Assembly
Grip
5
6
LH Handle Assembly
Handle Cross Brace
Screw 5/16 - 18 x 1” Hex
Lockwasher 5/16 Heavy
Nut, 5/16 - 18 Hex
#10 x 3/8” Slot Tapping Scr.
Cable and Chain Assembly
Clutch Locking Pin
Spring
DEFINITION OF DIRECTIONS
7
As used throughout this manual, the following
definitions apply: “Right” and “Left” refer to the
operator’s right and left when standing behind the
machine in the normal operating position. “For-
ward” and “Rearward” likewise to directions from
the viewpoint of the operator.
8
9
10
11
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
ASSEMBLY OF HANDLE BARS (Figures 2 & 3)
1. Attach the lower end of the handle bars to the
rear of the chassis using four bolts, lock wash-
ers, and nuts supplied. Assemble nuts but do not
tighten. Note that the lower belt cover bracket
goes under the chassis on the left rear handle
bar bolt.
Spring
Clip
Pin
Lever
Figure 2
5/16 x 18 x 1 3/4 Hex Cap
2. Assemble the handle bar support brackets to
the transmission. Note the location of the clutch
cable guide. Assemble nuts but do not tighten.
Ref Part
Qty Description
Hitch Assembly
Illustration 2
1
130670
1
1
1
2
2
3
2
2
1
Rear Support Assembly
3
400265
162034
162031
359330
444721
460312
461466
336685
Screw, 3/8” - 16 x 1 1/2
Wheel Yoke Assembly
Wheel
3. Assemble the Handle Panel to the handle bars
and supports. Note the location of the clutch
cable guide.
8
13
14
16
18
19
21
Bolt, Wheel
4. Tighten all bolts and nuts.
3/8” Center Locknut
Hairpin
5. Assemble the throttle control to the underside
of the panel. Secure the cable to the left handle
bar with the clip supplied.
Pin, 3/8” x 2 1/8” Clevis
Drag Stake
6. Assemble the clutch spring to the clutch le-
ver on the handle bar. Crimp lightly so it cannot
come off.
7. Route the loop in the end of the clutch cable
down through the two cable guides and attach it
level on the idler arm weldment. Attach the chain
on the other end to the spring on the clutch lever.
Select a loop that will stretch the spring slightly
when the clutch lever is pulled against the handle
bar.
Figure 3
IMPORTANT
ENGINE IS SHIPPED FROM
FACTORY WITHOUT OIL. DO
NOT START ENGINE WITHOUT
ADDING OIL.
8. With the throttle control in the “OFF” position
and the clutch lever released, pull the engine
starter rope several times to be sure that the tines
do not turn.
4
9
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Drive Assembly
Illustration 1
SET UP INSTRUCTIONS CONTINUED
TINE ASSEMBLY (Figure 4)
Assemble the inner tine assemblies to the trans-
mission. Secure with clevis and hair pins. The
short end of the tube goes next to the transmis-
sion. Be sure the cutting edge of the blade faces
the direction of rotation. Assemble the out tines
to the inner tine tubes and secure with hair pins
and clevis pins.
FINAL SETUP (Figure 5)
Figure 4
1. Remove the oil fill plug from the engine. With
the unit sitting level, fill the crankcase with oil.
See the engine instruction manual for type and
further directions (Figure 5).
Figure 5
2. Fill the gas tank with clean, fresh, regular
grade gasoline. Do not mix oil and gas.
3. When cranking the unit, be sure no one is
standing in front or near the unit. Check for
proper operation of the clutch lever (see page 7).
GENERAL INFORMATION
The Maxim Chain Drive is the most versatile power unit ever developed for the home gardener and
does a soil preparation job second to none, so a few minutes spent in studying the following instruc-
tions will pay many dividends.
The tiller will dig deeper and move forward slower by pushing down on the handles, and it will go
ahead faster but at a shallower depth by raising up on the handles. The speed of the rotors is con-
trolled by the use of the throttle.
Ref. Part
Qty Description
Ref. Part
Qty Description
To control the depth of tilling, the tiller must be operated with both the proper throttle speed and cor-
rect up and down hand pressure on the handles. Raising up means going forward. This action
releases the grip of the drag stake in the soil, allowing the tiller to progress ahead. Pushing down
means slowing down or even standing still. This directs the drag stake into the soil, thus holding the
tiller back. Adjust throttle for desired speed of rotors.
1
2
3
4
5
6
359328
1
3
1
1
1
2
Belt, V-Drive
Screw, 1/4” - 20 x 1/2” Hex Cap 15
408883
130733
359383
271686
415562
443109 3 Nut 3/8” - NF5 Hex
Guard
16
17
18
19
359325 1
359326 1
445768 3
359321 1
Lever
Key, Pulley Mtg.
Pulley, Crankshaft (5 hp)
Clip
Flange Nut, 1/4” - 20 Hex Cap
Idler
When a person is first learning the proper use of the tiller, it is not unlikely that he will encounter an
uneven or “buckling” action in the operation of this machine. A little practice will accustom the opera-
tor on how to overcome this. Never push on the machine if it has dug itself into a depth of six or more
inches in order to get it to move forward. This is accomplished by slightly raising up on the handles
and tilting the machine slowly from on side to the other.
Screw, 5/16” - 18 x 5/16”
Socket Head Cap Pt.
7
400235
446145
162035
400194
359343
336672
359340
1
1
1
4
1
1
1
Screw, 1/2” x 3/4” Hex Head
Lock washer, 1/2 Heavy
20
21
22
162069 1
446136 4
443106 8
Idler Shaft
8
Lock washer, 5/16” Heavy
Nut, 5/16” - 18 Hex
9
Belt Guide (Honda 162067)
Your tiller has been carefully designed in both workmanship and material. However, by the very na-
ture of its operation, common sense and caution must be employed at all times. Read carefully and
abide by the safety suggestions stated in this operators guide.
10
11
13
14
Screw, 5/16” x 1 1/2” Hex Cap 23
400112
3
1/4” - 20 x 1 1/4” Hex Head
Lock washer, 5/16” Heavy
Nut, 5/16” - Hex
Bracket Upper
Pulley
24
25
26
446136 4
443106 1
400208 4
Bracket Lower
Screw, 1/4” - 20 x 1 1/4” Hex
8
5
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ADJUSTMENTS and MAINTENANCE
OPERATION
CLUTCH ADJUSTMENT (Figure 7)
Proper clutch adjustment is very important. Minor adjust-
ment, if needed, can be made by using the links on the
clutch cable chain only. However, the friction type clutch
may need further adjustments as the “V” belt stretches. Ad-
just as follows:
DANGER
For safe operation, the tine drive must disengage immediately when
clutch lever is released. If it does not, adjust belt and cable tension as de-
scribed in “ADJUSTMENT” section of this manual.
1. Remove belt guard.
Never leave the tiller unattended with the engine running because chil-
dren might be attracted to a running tiller and could be injured if struck by the
rotating tines.
2. Loosen 4 engine mount bolts. Slide engine forward or
backwards as required.
3. Unhook clutch cable from load spring.
4. Push upward on idler pulley to take all slack from the
drive belt. Distance between the inside of belt at the idler
pulley should be between 2 7/8 and 3 1/8 of an inch.
OPERATION OF CHAIN DRIVE TILLER
Figure 7
Figure 6
1. When ground is hard (especially during spring and fall
plowing), place wheels in up position by removing the clevis
pin from the wheel clevis, and repositioning the wheel
frame bar. Replace the clevis pin and the pin clip (Figure
6). For weeding or cultivating, wheels may be left down if
you prefer.
5. Retighten engine mounting bolts.
6. Remove all the slack from clutch cable and hook spring
in proper chain link.
7. Check your adjustment by starting the tiller and hold-
ing the tines off the ground. If the tines turn without any
hand pressure on the clutch lever, the adjustment is too
tight. Unhook the clutch load and hook into next chain link
to lengthen clutch cable. If the cable spring on the clutch
handle doesn’t stretch when you hold the clutch handle all
the way in, the adjustment is too loose. Unhook spring end
from chain and hook next link to shorten clutch cable.
2. Adjust the drag stake for comfortable operation. This
is done by removing the pin clip from the drag stake clevis
pin, removing the clevis pin, and sliding the drag stake up
or down. The drag stake should be set so that when it is
firmly in the ground, and your hands are on the tiller handle,
your arms hang comfortably with the elbows slightly bent.
3. Move the throttle control to center position. Start the en-
gine and allow it to warm up, then set the throttle at about
half speed. After you have become familiar with the tiller,
you may want to run the engine a little faster.
machine time to do its job.
CHECK TRANSMISSION OIL
Figure 8
4. Concentrate on keeping your arms relaxed (There is a
natural tendency for any beginner to tense up.). Operating
the tiller actually takes very little effort. Let the tiller do the
work.
Check transmission oil by removing oil level check plug
(See Figure 8). If you cannot see oil from the check plug.
Refit plug and add 90 weight gear oil from the oil fill plug.
Do not overfill. This will cause leakage. Recheck level. Oil
should just ooze from Oil level check plug.
4. Press down firmly on the handles, and then squeeze the
clutch lever. The tines will begin to turn, but the tiller should
not move forward. If it does, don’t pull backwards -- merely
press down harder on the handles. When you find the right
amount of downward pressure so that the tines are digging
and the tiller is not moving forward, release the pressure
slightly. As you release it you’ll notice the tiller beginning to
move forward.
5. When tilling on sloping ground, turn the front of the
machine uphill to sufficiently counteract the tendency to run
downhill.
CLEAN COOLING SYSTEM (Figure 9)
Grass or chaff may clog cooling system after prolonged
service. Continued operation with a clogged cooling sys-
tem causes severe overheating and possible engine dam-
age. Remove blower housing and clean regularly.
6. For best results, operate at reduced throttle settings
when ground is extremely hard or rough.
Figure 9
7. When cultivating, raise drag stake until the handles are
the proper height as described in Item 1 or set rear wheels
in position. Proceed at a slow walk, watching the rotor as it
tills along the row.
OPERATING TIPS
BELT REPLACEMENT
To acquire the knack of letting the tiller do the work without
effort on the part of the operator, we offer the following sug-
gestions:
The drive belt is located on the left side of the machine. To replace a worn or slipping belt proceed as follows:
1. Remove belt guard.
8. Tighten all nuts and bolts periodically.
1. Adjust drag stake so the handles are at such a height
that your arms hang straight down to contact them. Rear
wheels should be in up position for deep tillage or ease of
turning in confined areas.
2. Make sure clutch lever is in disengaged position.
TILLING PATTERN
3. Start at the top of 10” pulley and begin removing belt in clockwise direction (facing tiller from left side). If tension on
belt is too great the idler pulley may be pulled downward to relieve pressure on belt.
Whenever possible till the soil in the direction in which the
planting or rows will run. If the soil is extremely hard and
dry, it may be advisable to till across the plot on the first
digging and then obtain the depth you want by tilling in the
direction the planting will be done.
4. Once belt is off 10” pulley, remove it from smaller pulley.
5. Replace belt by reversing sequence of steps above.
6. Replace belt guard with screws.
2. Operate the tiller at about three fourths (3/4) throttle.
3. Don’t hurry the job -- proceed at a slow walk -- give the
TRANSPORT
IMPORTANT!
KEEP HANDS CLEAR OF BELT AND
TINES WHILE ENGINE IS RUNNING.
To transport tiller from garden to storage area, lift the
handles until the drag stake is above ground level, set
the engine throttle at slow speed and walk the tiller on the
tines.
DANGER
To avoid possible serious bodily injury, when performing any adjustments other than carburetor
adjustment on engine, remove the spark plug wire and place the wire away from the plug to prevent
accidental starting.
6
7
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