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