Operating the Tiller

Stopping the Engine and Tiller

1.To stop the wheels and tines, release the Forward Clutch Bail (all models) or the Re- verse Clutch Control (Models 643B & 645A) — whichever control is in use.

2.To stop the engine, put the ignition switch and/or the throttle control lever in the “OFF” or “STOP” position.

The following operating instructions pro- vide guidelines to using your tiller effec- tively and safely. Be sure to read Tilling Tips & Techniques in this Section before actually putting the tines into the soil.

This is a “Counter-Rotating-Tine” (CRT) tiller. It operates differently from “Stan- dard-Rotating-Tine” (SRT) tillers. As the wheels pull forward, the tines rotate back- ward, creating an “uppercut” action which digs deeply, uprooting soil and weeds.

1.Follow the Pre-Start Checklist at the be- ginning of this Section. Be sure that the wheels are in the WHEEL DRIVE position.

2.Move the Depth Regulator Lever all the way down, so that the tines clear the ground. Use this position when practicing with the tiller and when traveling between tilling sites. Before actually tilling, move the lever to the desired depth setting (see Tilling Tips & Techniques).

Fig. 4-2: Use one hand to guide tiller when moving forward.

3.Start engine and allow it to warm up. Then put throttle in “FAST” setting.

4.For forward motion of the wheels and power to the tines:

(a) Pull Forward Clutch Bail (Fig. 4-1) up against handlebar. Release bail to stop for- ward motion of wheels and tines.

(b) When tilling, relax and let the wheels pull the unit while the tines dig. Walk be- hind and a little to one side of the unit. Use one hand, yet keep a light—but secure— grip on the handlebar (while keeping your arm loose). See Fig. 4-2. Let the unit move at its own pace and do not push down on the handlebars to try and force the tines to dig deeper — this takes weight off the wheels and reduces traction.

WARNING: Do not push down on the handlebars to try to make the tiller till more deeply. This prevents the wheels from holding the tiller back and can allow the tines to rapidly propel the tiller forward, which could result in loss of control, property damage, or personal injury.

5.For reverse motion of the wheels and tines (Models 643B & 645A only):

(a) Look behind and exercise caution when operating in reverse. Do not till while in reverse.

(b) Stop all forward motion. Lift handlebar with one hand until tines are off the ground and then pull Reverse Clutch Control knob out (see Fig. 4-3). To stop reversing, let go of Reverse Clutch Control knob.

Fig. 4-3: Raise tines off ground and look behind when moving in reverse.

6.To move the Model 643C in reverse for short distances:

(a) Release forward Clutch Bail. Then lift handlebar until tines are off the ground.

(b)Swing the handlebar to the left so the right wheel takes a “step” backward. Next swing the handlebar to the right so the left wheel “steps” backward. Repeat as needed.

(c)If longer distances need to be covered in reverse, shut off the engine, then place the two wheels in FREEWHEEL.

7. To Turn the Tiller Around:

(a)Practice turning the tiller in a level, open area. Be very careful to keep your feet and legs away from the tines.

(b)To begin a turn, lift the handlebars until the tines are out of the ground and the engine and tines are balanced over the wheels (Fig. 4-4).

(c)With tiller balanced, push sideways on handlebar to steer in direction of turn (Fig. 4-5). After turning, slowly lower tines into soil to resume tilling.

Fig. 4-4: To begin turn, lift handlebars until tines are out of ground and unit is balanced.

Fig. 4-5: With tines out of ground, push han- dlebars sideways to turn tiller.

Stopping the Tiller and Engine

1.To stop the wheels and tines, release the Forward Clutch Bail (all models) or the Re- verse Clutch Control (Models 643B & 645A) — whichever control is in use.

2.To stop the engine, put the ignition switch and⁄or the throttle control lever in the “OFF” or “STOP” position.