Section 4: Operation
Reconnect the cables and securely tighten to battery posts. The engine will recharge the battery if the battery is still good.
•If you suspect the batter is “dead”, or if the battery is damaged, disconnect, and remove it. Have it checked by a qualified technician.
•If battery has been removed, wrap cable terminals at end of positive cable with electrical tape and secure the cable to the battery bracket. This will prevent electrical discharge.
•Before pulling the recoil starter rope, turn the keyswitch to the RUN position. Move the Throttle Lever away from STOP position and set the choke as applicable. See Engine Owner’s Manual.
Cold Weather Operation
When temperatures fall below 40oF, do the following steps to protect your engine and transmission from damage:
1.Refer to the Engine Owner’s Manual for motor oil specifications for cold weather operation. Use winter blend gasoline.
2.Warm up the engine before putting it under a load.
3.Use
4.Use the correct weight gear oil in PTO Power Unit transmission.
5.Warm up the transmission gear oil as follows: With engine running, move Wheel Speed Lever (Figure
FORWARD.
6.If wheels are frozen to the ground, melt ice with warm water.
Stopping the Engine and Tiller
1.To stop the wheels and tines, move the Wheels/Tines/PTO Drive Lever into NEUTRAL position and then release both Forward Interlock Levers.
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2.Move the engine Throttle Lever to the STOP position. Then on electric start models, turn the key to OFF. Remove the key for safekeeping.
NOTE: The engine may have a separate Throttle Control Lever and ON/OFF switch on the engine. These controls can also be used to stop the engine. See the Engine Owner’s manual for information specific to your engine.
Operating the Tiller
When first practicing, keep the Tines/PTO Clutch Lever in DISENGAGE position and the Wheel Speed Lever in SLOW position.
CAUTION
To avoid serious personal injury or damage to equipment:
•Always place Wheels/Tines/PTO Drive Lever in NEUTRAL before starting engine, and before engaging wheels, tines or other PTO attachments.
•Be sure there are no obstacles behind you before moving in reverse.
•Wheels/Tines/PTO Drive Lever should automatically return to NEUTRAL when released from REVERSE position. If it does not, move lever to NEUTRAL manually and discontinue use until you adjust the lever. See Section 5, Checking and Adjusting Reverse Drive System.
•No reverse motion should occur if Wheels/Tines/PTO Drive Lever is not held up in REVERSE. See Section 5, Checking and Adjusting Reverse Drive System for adjustment steps. Do not use tiller unless properly adjusted.
•Always return to NEUTRAL and let all motion stop before shifting to FORWARD or REVERSE.
The following pages provide guidelines for using your tiller effectively and safely in various gardening applications. Be sure to read Tilling Tips & Techniques, in this Section, before you actually put the tines into the soil.
This is a traditional
Moving the Tiller Forward and Tilling
1.Start the engine and gradually increase engine speed to FAST (see Starting the Engine, this Section).
DANGER
The Forward Interlock Safety System is designed for the operator’s safety. Do not disconnect or attempt to defeat the purpose of the system. If the system malfunctions, immediately contact your local authorized dealer or the
2.Test the Forward Interlock Safety System. See Testing Forward Interlock System, this Section.
WARNING
Keep away from rotating tines. Rotating
tines will cause injury.
3.When practicing, set the Depth Regulator Lever to Travel position. Otherwise, set the Depth Regulator Lever to a desired depth.
4.Move Tines/PTO Clutch Lever to ENGAGE position if you want the tines to turn. If practicing, leave in DISENGAGE.
IMPORTANT: Do not move Tines/PTO Clutch Lever to ENGAGE unless Wheels/Tines/PTO Drive Lever is in NEUTRAL. Tiller damage may occur!
5.To move the tiller forward and engage the tines, squeeze and hold either Forward Interlock Lever (Figure