Tilling on slopes, Clearing the tines

Section4: Operation

Tilling Tips & Techniques

Clearing the tines

Dry grass, stringy stalks or tough vines may becometangled in the tines. Follow these proceduresto help avoid tangling andto clean the tines, if necessary.

•To reducetangling, set the depth regulator to maximum depth.

•While tilling, try swaying the handle- bars from side to side (about 6" to 12").

This "fishtailing" action often clears the tines of debris.

•If tangling occurs, lift the tines out of the soil and run the tiller in reversefor afew feet. This may unwind a good dealof debris.

•It may be necessaryto removethe debris by hand (a pocket knife will help you to cut away the material).

WARNING

Before clearing the tines by hand, stop the engine, allow all moving parts to stop and disconnect the spark plug wire.

Failure to follow this warning could result in personal injury.

Tilling on slopes

If you must garden on a moderateslope,

pleasefollow two very important guide- lines:

1.Till only on moderateslopes, never on steep ground where footing is difficult (review safety rules in the "Safety" section of this manual).

2.We recommend tilling up and down slopes rather than terracing. Tilling vertically on a slope allows maximum planting areaand also leavesroom for cultivating.

IMPORTANT:When tilling on slopes, be sure the correct oil level is maintained in

the engine (check every one-half hour of operation). The inclineof the slope will causethe oil to slant awayfrom its normal level and this can starve engine parts of required lubrication. Keepthe engine oil level at the full point at all times!

A.Tilling up and downslopes:

•To keepsoil erosion to a minimum, be sure to add enough organic matter to the soil so that it has good moisture- holding texture and try to avoid leaving footprints or wheel marks.

•When tilling vertically, try to makethe first passuphill as the tiller digs more deeply going uphill than it does downhill. In soft soil or weeds, you may haveto lift handlebars slightly while going uphill.

B. Tilling acrossslopeswithout usingterraces:

If previously describedtilling methods aren'tpractical for you, then you can till laterallyacross a slope. However,we don'treally recommend this method as it can create unsure footing and invites soil erosion.