MTD 12211, 12212 owner manual Turning the Tiller Around, For forward motion of the wheels and tines

Section 4: Operation

4.For forward motion of the wheels and tines:

(a)Pull one or both of the Forward Clutch Control Levers up and hold them against the handlebars. To stop forward motion of the wheels and tines, release the levers.

(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, but keep your arm loose. See Figure 4-2. Let the tiller move ahead at its own pace and do not push down on the han- dlebars to try and force the tiller to dig deeper – this takes weight off the wheels, reduces traction, and causes the tines to try and propel the tiller.

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:

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

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

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

6.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 make a turn, reduce the engine speed and then lift the handlebars until the engine and tines are bal- anced over the wheels (Figure 4-4).

(c)With the tiller balanced, push side- ways on the handlebar to move the tiller in the direction of the turn (Figure 4-5). After completing the turn, slowly lower the tines into the soil and increase the engine speed.

Stopping the Tiller and Engine

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

2.To stop the recoil start engine, move the Engine Throttle Control Lever to “STOP”. On electric start models, turn the ignition keyswitch to “OFF” to stop the engine.

WARNING

Before tilling, contact your telephone or utilities company and inquire if underground equipment or lines are used in your area. Their representative will be glad to answer your questions and tell you if any of their equipment or lines are buried underground on your property.

Turning the Tiller Around

Figure 4-4: To begin turn, reduce engine speed and lift handlebars until engine and tines are balanced over wheels.

Figure 4-5: With tiller balanced over wheels (and tines out of the ground), push handlebars sideways to turn tiller.

18