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.
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.
Keep away from rotating tines. Rotating
tines will cause injury.
Figure 4-2: Use one hand to guide tiller
when moving forward.