Operating the Tiller, Starting the Engine

Section 4: Operation

Starting the Engine

The following steps describe how to start and stop the engine. Do not attempt to engage tines or wheels until you have read all the operating instructions in this Section. Also review the safety rules in Section 1: “Safety” and the tiller and engine controls information in Section 3: “Features and Controls.”

CAUTION

To help prevent serious personal injury or damage to equipment:

•Before starting engine, put both wheels in the WHEEL DRIVE position. Never have

the wheels in the FREEWHEEL position when the engine is running. When

the wheels are in FREEWHEEL, they do not hold back the tiller and the tines could propel the tiller rapidly backward.

•Before starting engine, put Forward Clutch Bail (all Models) and Reverse Clutch Control (Models 12191 and 12193 only) in neutral (disen- gaged) positions by releasing levers.

•Never run engine indoors or in enclosed, poorly venti- lated areas. Engine exhaust contains carbon monoxide, an odorless and deadly gas.

•Avoid engine muffler and nearby areas. Temperatures in these areas may exceed 150oF.

1.Complete the “Pre-Start Checklist” on the previous page.

2.Put the wheels in the WHEEL DRIVE position (see “Wheel Drive Pins” in Section 3).

3.Put the Depth Regulator Lever in the

“travel” position (lever all the way down) so that the tines are clear of the ground.

4.Release all controls on the tiller.

5.If engine is equipped with a fuel valve, turn valve to open position as instructed in the separate Engine Owner’s Manual.

6.Put ignition switch and/or throttle control lever on engine in “ON,” “RUN,” “FAST” or “START” position as instructed in the separate Engine Owner’s Manual.

7.Choke or prime engine as instructed in the separate Engine Owner’s Manual.

8.Place one hand on the fuel tank to stabilize the unit when you pull the starter handle. Use the recoil starter rope to start the engine as instructed in the separate Engine Owner’s Manual. When engine starts, gradually move choke lever (on engines so equipped) to “NO CHOKE,” “CHOKE OFF” or “RUN” position.

9.Use the “FAST” throttle speed setting when tilling.

WARNING

Keep away from rotating tines. Rotating tines will cause injury.

Stopping the Engine and Tiller

1.To stop the wheels and tines, release the Forward Clutch Bail or the Reverse Clutch Control (on Models 12191 and 12193)— whichever control is in use.

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

OPERATING THE TILLER

The following pages provide guidelines to 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 CRT (counter-rotating tine) tiller. As the wheels pull forward, the tines rotate backward. This creates an “uppercut” tine action which digs deeply, uprooting soil and weeds. Don’t overload the engine, but dig as deeply as possible on each pass. On later passes, the

wheels may tend to spin in the soft dirt. Help them along by lifting up slightly on the handlebar (palm facing up).

1.Follow the “Pre-Start Checklist” on the previous page. Be sure that the wheels are in the WHEEL DRIVE position.

2.Put the Depth Regulator Lever in the

“travel” position (lever all the way down) so that the tines are clear of the ground. Use this position when practicing with your tiller or when moving to or from the

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

garden. When you are ready to begin tilling, you must move the Depth Regulator Lever to the desired depth setting (see “Tilling Tips & Techniques”). Check that the Anti-Reverse Stake swivels freely back and forth. Remove any clogged material on or around the stake.

3.Start the engine and allow it to warm up. When warm, put throttle control in fast speed setting.

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

(a)Pull the Forward Clutch Bail up and hold it against the handlebar. Release the bail to stop forward motion of the wheels and power to the tines.

(b)As the tiller moves forward, relax and let the wheels pull the unit along while the tines dig. Walk behind and a little to one side of the tiller. Use a light but secure grip with one hand on the handlebars, keeping your arm loose. See Figure 4-2. Let the tiller move at its own pace and do not push down on the handlebars to try to dig deeper– this takes weight off the wheels, cuts traction, and causes the tines to try and propel the tiller.