•When breaking up sod and for shallow cultivation, use the setting which gives 1" of tilling depth (second hole from the top). Place the side shields in their lowest position. For further depth, raise the depth stake and side shields and make one or two more passes over the area.
•When tilling loose soil, depth stake may be raised to its highest position (use bottom adjustment hole) to give the deepest tilling depth. Raise the side shields to their highest position.
•To transport tiller, lower the depth stake (use top adjustment hole).
To Operate The Tiller:
•Select the depth stake setting.
•Start engine as instructed on page 9.
•Move gear selection handle to one of the forward modes or reverse.
Use the reverse tine drive when tilling virgin ground, sod or hard soil. Use the forward tine drive when cultivating or tilling soft ground.
IMPORTANT: When using the forward tine drive, lower the depth stake (use a shallower tilling depth) to make certain the tines do not run across the ground.
WARNING: Do not move the gear selection handle with the wheels or tines engaged. Make certain the unit is stopped completely before changing the gear selection.
•Squeeze the clutch control bail against the handle to engage the wheels and tines.
NOTE: Make certain the gear selection indicator is correctly positioned before engaging the clutch handle. If it is between gears, the engine will stall.
To transport tiller, do not engage the tines. Select the wheel drive only.
WARNING: Do not push down on the handles so that the wheels are lifted off the ground while using the reverse tine drive, or the tiller could move backward and cause personal injury.
For best results, it is recommended the garden be tilled twice (lengthwise, then widthwise) to pulverize the soil.
SECTION 6: MAKING ADJUSTMENTS
Handle Adjustment
The handle height may be adjusted. Refer to the Know Your Tiller section for details of handle adjustment.
Belt Tension Adjustment
Periodic adjustment of the belt tension may be required due to normal stretch and wear on the belt. Adjustment is needed if the tines or wheels seem to hesitate while turning, but the engine maintains the same speed.
To adjust the tension on the belt, refer to clutch adjustment information in “Checking the Clutch Adjustment” section of the Assembly Instructions. After belt tension has been adjusted, if the belt is excessively stretched, you may need to adjust the idler pulley rod. This can easily be checked. With the engine off and the clutch control bail disengaged, shift the gear selection handle to each forward mode. If the indicator bracket touches the idler pulley rod, (with the clutch control bail disengaged), then an adjustment is necessary.
•Disconnect and ground out spark plug wire against the engine.
•Remove the belt cover as described in the belt replacement section on page 11.
•Remove the hairpin clip and spring washer from the idler pulley rod. See Figure 10.
•Move the idler pulley rod to the lower hole in the idler bracket. See Figure 10.
•Replace the spring washer and hairpin clip.
•Check clearance of the idler pulley rod to the indicator bracket by shifting to each forward mode, as before.
Carburetor Adjustment
WARNING: If any adjustments are made to the engine while the engine is running, (e.g. carburetor), disengage all clutches and tines. Keep clear of all moving parts. Be careful of heated surfaces and muffler.
Never make unnecessary adjustments. The factory settings are correct for most applications. If adjustments are needed, refer to the separate engine manual packed with your tiller.
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