MTD 12212, 12211 owner manual Operating the Tiller, Starting the Engine, Stopping the Engine

Page 17

Section 4: Operation

STARTING THE ENGINE

The following steps describe how to start and stop the engine. Do not attempt to engage the tines or wheels until you have read all of the operating instruc- tions 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.”

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

2.Put the Wheel Gear Lever (Figure 4-1) in the ENGAGE position.

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.Put the Engine Throttle Control Lever (Figure 4-1) in the “FAST” setting.

6.On engines equipped with a fuel valve, turn valve to open position as instructed in the separate engine manual.

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

8.For recoil (non-electric) starting models:

(a)Place one hand on fuel tank to stabi- lize unit when you pull the starter handle.

(b)Use the recoil starter rope to start the engine as instructed in the sepa- rate Engine Owner’s Manual. When the engine starts, gradually move the choke lever (on engines so equipped) to the “NO CHOKE”, “CHOKE OFF” or “RUN” position.

(c)Leave the Engine Throttle Control Lever in the “FAST” setting.

9.For electric starting models:

(a)Turn the engine ignition key to the “START” setting and allow the starter motor to crank the engine for several seconds. Avoid cranking the engine longer than 15 seconds at a time as doing so could damage the starter motor. NOTE: Refer to the Engine Owner’s Manual for detailed starting instructions.

(b)When the engine starts, release the key and it will return to the “RUN” setting.

(c)Gradually move choke lever (on engines so equipped) to “NO CHOKE”, “CHOKE OFF” or “RUN” position.

(d)Leave the Engine Throttle Control Lever in the “FAST” setting.

To Start the Electric Start Engine With the Recoil Starter Rope

If necessary, the electric start engine can be started with the recoil starter rope by following the steps below:

1.If the battery is not “dead” or damaged, leave it connected to the tiller so it will be recharged during engine oper- ation. Make sure the battery cells are filled to the UPPER LEVEL line with electrolyte.

2.If the battery is “dead” or damaged, remove it (refer to “Battery Removal and Installation” in Section 5) and have it tested. Before starting engine, cover the terminal on the loose end of the positive

(+) cable with the insulated boot and secure it in place with electrical tape to prevent electrical sparks.

3.Put the ignition key in the “RUN” position and then follow Steps 1-8 of “Starting the Engine.”

STOPPING THE ENGINE

1.To stop the wheels and tines, release the Forward Clutch Control levers or the Reverse Clutch Control knob (whichever control is engaged).

2.To stop the engine on the recoil start model, move the Engine Throttle Control Lever to the “STOP” position.

3.To stop the engine on an electric start model, move the ignition key to “OFF”.

IMPORTANT: After stopping an electric start engine, remove the ignition key from the switch to reduce the possibility of unauthorized starting of the engine.

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

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 traditional “standard rotating tine” tiller with forward rotating tines. It operates completely differently from CRT (Counter Rotating Tines) tillers or from low-cost front tine tillers.

1.Follow the “Pre-Start Checklist” on the previous page. Be sure that the Wheel Gear Lever is in the ENGAGE 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 garden. When you are ready to begin tilling, you must move the Depth Regula- tor Lever to the desired depth setting (see “Tilling Tips & Techniques”).

3.Start the engine and allow it to warm up. When warm, put Engine Throttle Control Lever in “FAST” speed setting.

WARNING

Keep away from rotating tines. Rotating

tines will cause injury.

17

Page 16 Page 18
Image 17
Page 16 Page 18
Contents Recoil Start Model shown 7HP Pony REAR-TINE TillerSee Back Cover for Customer Service information Training Repairs, adjustments or inspectionsPreparation OperationUse slower engine speeds Maintenance and StorageKeep children and pets away To Avoid Serious Injury Operating SymbolsDecals Introduction Hardware BAG Parts ListInspect Unit Attach HandlebarsAttach Forward Clutch Control Cable Attach Reverse Clutch Control CableCheck Transmission Gear OIL Level ADD Motor OIL to EngineCheck Hardware for Tightness Attach Wheel Gear LeverCheck AIR Pressure in Tires Battery Activation and Charging Electric Start Assembly StepsInstall Battery Attach Battery Cables and Vent TubeKeyswitch Connect Wiring HarnessForward Clutch Control Engine ControlsWheel Gear Lever To Operate the Forward Clutch ControlTo Adjust the Handlebar Height Handlebar Height AdjustmentReverse Clutch Control Depth RegulatorEngine Controls Electric Start Keyswitch Electric Start ModelEngine Throttle Control Lever Stop Stops the engine on recoil start models onlyStarting and Stopping PRE-START ChecklistEngine BREAK-IN OperationStarting the Engine Operating the TillerStopping the Engine Release all controls on the tillerFor forward motion of the wheels and tines Turning the Tiller AroundFor reverse motion of the wheels and tines Stopping the Tiller and EngineTilling depths Let the tiller do the workAvoid tilling soggy, wet soil Avoid making footprintsClearing the tines Tilling across slopes without using terracesTilling on slopes Tilling up and down slopesLoading and Unloading the Tiller Power CompostingProcedure Required Maintenance ScheduleTiller Lubrication EveryCheck Hardware Transmission Gear OIL ServiceCheck Tire Pressure Check for OIL LeaksEngine OIL Service Engine CleaningAIR Cleaner Service CARBURETOR/GOVERNOR Control AdjustmentsBolo Tines Wheel Gear Cable AdjustmentOFF Season Storage Cutting Edge Tine Checking and Adjusting Forward Clutch Belt TensionChecking and Adjusting Tension on Clutch Belts More Belt Tension Checking and Adjusting Reverse Clutch Belt TensionRemoving Forward Clutch Belt Installing Forward Clutch BeltRemoving Reverse Clutch Belt Installing Reverse Clutch BeltBattery Care in Service Battery MaintenanceBattery Storage Battery Removal and InstallationROW Marker BumperHILLER/FURROWER Problem Possible Cause Correction TroubleshootingQTY Models 12211Part Description See page 36, Ref 47, for attach Ment screw Parts List ENGINE, Support BRACKETS, PULLEYS, BELTS, Belt Cover 1917326 Part Description QTY Main Drive Shaft Input Pinion Shaft & Gear AssemblyWheel SHAFT, Eccentric Shaft and Tiller Shaft Assemblies Thicker than standard tines Bolo TINES, WheelsElectric Start Assembly 1918831001 Battery Bracket 2322 ROW Marker AttachmentBumper Attachment Row Marker Attachment option ROW Marker Attachment & Bumper AttachmentBumper Description QTYHILLER/FURROWER Attachment Page Replacement Parts Warranty ServiceEngine Service and Repair Owner Registration Card
Top Page Image Contents