Bolens 12226 Features and Controls, Danger, Introduction, Wheel Gear Lever, Depth Regulator Lever

Section

3

9

Features and Controls

WARNING

Before operating your machine, care- fully read and understand all safety, controls and operating instructions in this Manual, in the separate Engine Owner’s Manual, and on the decals on the machine.

Failure to follow these instructions can result in serious personal injury.

INTRODUCTION

This section describes the location and function of the controls on your tiller. Refer to Section 4: Operation for detailed operating instructions.

Practice using these controls, with the engine shut off, until you understand the operation of the controls and feel confi- dent with each of them.

IMPORTANT: Refer to the separate engine manufacturer’s Engine Owner’s Manual for information about the controls on the engine.

WHEEL GEAR LEVER

This lever (A, Figure 3-1) has two posi- tions: ENGAGE and DISENGAGE.

In the ENGAGE position, the wheels will start turning when the Forward Clutch Control (the tines will also start turning when the clutch is engaged).

The DISENGAGE (freewheel) position places the wheels in the freewheeling mode to allow the unit to be moved without the engine running. Use the DIS- ENGAGE position only when the engine is not running. See “DANGER” statement that follows.

To shift to ENGAGE, gently (do not force) move the lever forward while also rolling the tiller a few inches forward or back- ward. Moving the tiller helps to align the shift mechanism with the transmission wheel drive gears.

To shift to DISENGAGE, move the lever rearward, without rolling the tiller. The wheels will roll freely when the lever is properly set into the DISENGAGE position.

A

B

Figure 3-1: Controls located on handlebar.

DANGER

Never place the Wheel Gear Lever in DISENGAGE (Freewheel) when the engine is running.

Having the Wheel Gear Lever in DISENGAGE and then engaging the tines/wheels with the Forward Clutch Control Lever could allow the tines to propel the tiller rapidly forward.

Failure to follow this instruction could result in personal injury or property damage.

WARNING

Never engage the wheels and tines with Forward Clutch Control unless the Wheel Gear Lever is in ENGAGE.

Engaging Forward Clutch Control Levers when the wheels are not engaged could allow the tines to rapidly propel the tiller forward.

Failure to follow this warning could result in personal injury or property damage.

FORWARD CLUTCH CONTROL LEVERS

The two interconnected levers (B, Figure 3-1) control the engagement of forward drive to the wheels and tines.

To Operate the Forward Clutch Control:

1.Before engaging the Forward Clutch Control Levers, put the Wheel Gear Lever in the ENGAGE position (see “WARNING” above).

2.Lift and hold one or both of the levers against the handlebar grips to engage the wheels and tines.

3.Release BOTH levers to disengage (stop) the wheels and tines. All forward motion will stop (the engine will continue to run).

WARNING

•Use extreme caution when reversing or pulling the machine towards you. Look behind to avoid obstacles.

•Never attempt to till when reversing.

Failure to follow this warning could result in personal injury or property damage.

DEPTH REGULATOR LEVER

WARNING

•Do not attempt to till too deeply too quickly. Gradually work down to deeper tilling depths.

•Place the Depth Regulator Lever in the “travel” position before starting the engine. This position prevents the tines from touching the ground until you are ready to begin tilling.

Failure to follow this warning could result in personal injury or property damage.

This lever (D, Figure 3-2) controls the tilling depth of the tines. Pull the lever straight back and slide it up or down to engage the notched height settings.

D

Figure 3-2: Depth Regulator Lever.

The highest notch (lever all the way down) raises the tines approximately 1-1/2 inches off the ground. This “travel” posi- tion allows the tiller to be moved without the tines digging into the ground.