Bolens 643C Release all controls on the tiller, Stopping the Engine and Tiller, Reduces traction

3.Move the Depth Regulator Lever all the way down to the “travel” position, so that the tines clear the ground.

4.Release all controls on the tiller.

5.On engine’s with a fuel shut-off valve, turn valve to open position, as instructed in the separate Engine Owner’s Manual.

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

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

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

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

Stopping the Engine and Tiller

To stop the wheels and tines, release the Forward Clutch Bail (all models) or the Reverse Clutch Control (Models 643B & 645A) — whichever control is in use.

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

OPERATING THE TILLER

The following operating instructions provide guidelines to using your tiller effectively and safely. Be sure to read Tilling Tips & Techniques in this Section before actually putting the tines into the soil.

This is a “Counter-Rotating-Tine” (CRT) tiller. It operates differently from “Standard-Rotating-Tine” (SRT) tillers. As the wheels pull forward, the tines rotate backward, creating an “uppercut” action which digs deeply, uproot- ing soil and weeds.

1.Follow the Pre-Start Checklist at the beginning of this Section. Be sure that the wheels are in the WHEEL DRIVE position.

2.Move the Depth Regulator Lever all the way down, so that the tines clear the ground. Use this position when practicing with the tiller and when traveling between tilling sites. Before actually tilling, move the lever to the desired depth setting (see Tilling Tips & Techniques).

3.Start engine and allow it to warm up. Then put throttle in “FAST” setting.

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

a.Pull Forward Clutch Bail (Fig. 4-1) up against handlebar. Release bail to stop forward motion of wheels and tines.

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

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

b.When tilling, relax and let the wheels pull the unit while the tines dig. Walk behind and a little to one side of the unit. Use one hand, yet keep a light—but secure—grip on the handlebar (while keeping your arm loose). See Fig. 4-2. Let the unit move at its own pace and do not push down on the handlebars to try and force the tines to dig deeper — this takes weight off the wheels and

reduces traction.

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 (Models

643B & 645A only):

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

b.Stop all forward motion. Lift handlebar with one hand until tines are off the ground and then pull Reverse Clutch Control knob out (see Fig.

4-3). To stop reversing, let go of Reverse Clutch Control knob.

6.To move the Model 643C in reverse for short distances:

a.Release forward Clutch Bail. Then lift handlebar until tines are off the ground.

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Operating Your Tiller

WARNING

Be sure no one other than the operator is standing near the tiller while starting engine or operating the unit. Never run engine indoors or in enclosed, poorly ventilated areas. Engine exhaust contains carbon monoxide, an odorless and deadly gas. Keep hands, feet, hair and loose clothing away from any moving parts on engine and tiller.

See your engine manual packaged with your unit for detailed instructions pertaining to starting the engine.

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