SECTION 3: FEATURES AND CONTROLS
WARNING: Before
operating your machine, carefully read and understand all safety, controls and operating instructions in this
A
D
IMPORTANT: The Forward Clutch Levers are connected to a mechanical interlock that automatically shifts a separate Wheel Gear Lever (A, Figure
Manual, the separate Engine Owner’s Manual, and on the decals on the machine. Failure to follow these instructions can result in serious personal injury.
Tiller Features
C
B
Figure 3-1: Control panel.
B
is pulled up against the handlebars. This is a safety feature designed to prevent the wheels from being in DISENGAGE (freewheel) position when the tines are rotating.
Before starting the engine, test the function of the mechanical interlock as follows:
This section describes the location and function of the controls on your tiller. Re- fer to Section 4: Operation for detailed op- erating instructions.
Practice using these controls, with the en- gine shut off, until you understand the op- eration of the controls and feel confident with each of them.
IMPORTANT: Refer to the separate engine manufacturer’s Engine Owner’s Manual for information about the controls on the engine.
Wheel Gear Lever
This lever (A, Figure
In the ENGAGE position, the wheels will start turning when either the Forward Clutch or the Reverse Clutch is engaged.
NOTE: The tines will also start turning when either clutch is engaged.
DANGER: Never place the Wheel Gear Lever in DISENGAGE (Freewheel) when the engine is running.
Having the Wheel Gear Lever in engaging the tines⁄wheels with either the Forward Clutch or the Reverse Clutch could allow the tines to propel the tiller rapidly backward. Failure to follow this instruction could result in personal injury or property damage.
The DISENGAGE (freewheel) position plac- es the wheels in freewheeling mode to al- low the wheels to turn without starting the engine. Use the DISENGAGE position only when the engine is not running.
To shift to ENGAGE, gently (do not force) move the lever forward while rolling the tiller a few inches forward or backward. (Moving the tiller helps align the transmis- sion shift mechanism). The wheels will not freewheel when the lever is properly set in the ENGAGE position.
To shift to DISENGAGE, move the lever rearward, without rolling the tiller. The wheels roll freely when the lever is proper- ly set in the DISENGAGE position.
Forward Clutch Levers
Two interconnected levers (B, Figure
WARNING: Never engage wheels and tines with Forward Clutch or Reverse Clutch unless Wheel Gear Lever is in ENGAGE. Engaging the Forward Clutch or Reverse Clutch when wheels are not engaged could allow the tines to rapidly propel tiller backward. Failure to follow this warning could result in personal injury or property damage.
To Operate Forward Clutch:
1.Before engaging the Forward Clutch, put the Wheel Gear Lever into the ENGAGE position (see “WARNING” above).
2.Lift and hold one or both levers against the handlebar grips to engage the wheels and tines.
3.Release BOTH levers to disengage wheels and tines. All forward motion will stop (engine will continue to run).
1.Put Wheel Gear Lever into DISENGAGE position and roll tiller back and forth a few inches. Wheels should roll freely.
2.Without rolling the tiller, squeeze either Forward Clutch Lever against the handle- bar grips. As the levers move upward, the mechanical interlock automatically moves the Wheel Gear Lever forward into the EN- GAGE position (roll tiller back and forth a few inches). If it does, the wheels will not roll freely when you push and pull on the handlebars.
3.The mechanical interlock works proper- ly if it functions as described in Step 2. If the mechanical interlock does not function properly, do not operate the tiller until it has been corrected (see your authorized dealer or contact the factory).
Reverse Clutch Control
This control (C, Figure
To Operate Reverse Clutch:
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.
1.Before engaging the Reverse Clutch, put the Wheel Gear Lever into ENGAGE. (see “WARNING” at left).
2.Release the Forward Clutch Levers.
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