Engine Controls, Reverse Clutch Control

10Section 3: Features and Controls

REVERSE CLUTCH CONTROL

The Reverse Clutch Control (C, Figure

3-1) controls the engagement of reverse drive to the wheels and tines. The revers- ing feature is used for maneuvering the tiller only – never engage the tines in the ground while going in the reverse direction.

WARNING

•Use extreme caution when reversing or pulling the machine towards you. Look behind to avoid obstacles.

•Never attempt to till in reverse.

Failure to follow this warning could result in personal injury or property damage.

To Operate the Reverse Clutch Control:

1.Put the Wheel Gear Lever in the ENGAGE position (see the “WARNING” statement on previous page).

2.Stop all tiller motion by releasing the Forward Clutch Control levers.

3.Lift up the handlebars until the tines clear the ground, look behind you to avoid any obstacles, and then pull the Reverse Clutch Control knob out. The tines and wheels will rotate in a reverse direction.

4.Release the Reverse Clutch Control knob to disengage (stop) the wheels and tines. All reverse motion will stop (the engine will continue to run).

WARNING

•Do not attempt to till too deeply too quickly. Gradually work down to deeper tilling depths.

•Place the Depth Regulator Lever in the “travel” position before starting the engine. This position prevents the tines from touching the ground until you are ready to begin tilling.

Failure to follow this warning could result in personal injury or property damage.

DEPTH REGULATOR

The Depth Regulator lever (D, Figure 3-2) controls the tilling depth of the tines. Pull the lever straight back and slide it up or down to engage the notched height set- tings.

Figure 3-2: Depth Regulator Lever.

The highest notch (lever all the way down) raises the tines approximately

1-1/2 inches off the ground. This “travel” position allows the tiller to be moved without the tines digging into the ground.

Moving the lever up increases the tilling depth. The lowest notch allows a tilling depth of approximately six to eight inches, depending on soil conditions.

For best results, always begin tilling at a very shallow depth setting and gradu- ally increase the tilling depth. Complete details on using the Depth Regulator are found in the “Operation” Section of this manual.

HANDLEBAR HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT

Figure 3-3: Handlebar height adjustment.

The handlebar height is adjustable to four different settings. Set the handlebar height to a comfortable setting, but keep in mind that the handlebars will be lower when the tines are engaged in the soil.

To Adjust the Handlebar Height:

1.Stop the engine, wait for all parts to stop moving and then disconnect the spark plug wire. Remove the ignition key on electric start models.

2.Loosen the two screws at the lower ends of the handlebar.

3.Loosen the height adjustment screw (E, Figure 3-3) and pull the keyed washer

(F) free of the slots in the curved height adjustment bracket.

4.Move the handlebars to the new slot setting and insert the raised keys on the keyed washer into the slot. Tighten the height adjustment screw securely.

5.Retighten the two screws at the ends of the handlebar.

ENGINE CONTROLS

Refer to the engine manufacturer’s Engine Owner’s Manual (included in the tiller lit- erature package) to identify the controls on your engine. The following two con- trols are used when stopping or starting the engine.

IMPORTANT: The control for stopping the recoil start engine is located on the engine.

ENGINE THROTTLE CONTROL LEVER

The Engine Throttle Control Lever (located on engine--see Figure 4-1) is used to reg- ulate the engine speed. On the recoil start model only, it is also used to stop the engine (on the electric start model, the electric start keyswitch is used to stop the engine). The throttle settings are shown below.

IMPORTANT: See “Starting and Stopping the Engine” in the “Operation” Section for detailed engine starting and stopping instructions.

FAST - Use for most tilling and cultivating projects.

SLOW - Use when idling engine or when slower tilling and cultivating speeds are needed.

STOP STOP - Stops the engine (on recoil start models only).