MTD 390 Shown manual Assembling Your Tiller, Removing Unit From Carton, Setting Up Your Tiller

SECTION 2: ASSEMBLING YOUR TILLER

NOTE: This operator’s guide covers three different model tillers. Models 340 thru 345 have forward tine drive only. Model 390 has both forward and reverse tine drive. Follow only the instructions which pertain to your model tiller. See the model plate on your tiller for the correct model number.

IMPORTANT:This unit is shipped WITHOUT GASOLINE or OIL. After assembly, see separate engine manual for proper fuel and engine oil recommendations.

NOTE: Left and right is determined from the operator's position, standing behind the tiller.

Removing Unit From Carton

•Remove staples, break glue on top flaps, or cut tape at carton end and peel along top flap to open carton.

•Remove all loose parts included with unit (i.e., operator’s manual, etc.)

•Cut corners and lay carton down flat.

•Remove packing material.

•Roll or slide unit out of carton. Check carton thoroughly for loose parts.

•Extend control cable(s) to the rear of the tiller and lay them on the floor. Be careful not to bend or kink control cable(s).

Setting Up Your Tiller

Attaching The Tailpiece And Depth Stake

Remove the two self-tapping screws on the frame. Slide the tailpiece into the frame, with the lower hole in the tailpiece toward the front. Secure with screws just removed. See Figure 1.

Tailpiece

Attaching The Handle Assembly

NOTE: When attaching the handle assembly, steps three (3) and four (4) will vary depending on the engine you have. Follow instructions which pertain to your model tiller.

•Remove the hex bolt and cupped washer from the top right side of the frame halves. Hold the cable guide bracket on the left side of the frame as it will fall when the bolt is removed. See Figure 2.

•Insert the handle assembly between the two frame halves. Insert the hex bolt just removed through the frame halves, handle assembly, and into the cable guide bracket (notch in cable guide bracket goes over the flange on the frame). Tighten securely.

•Loosen the hand knob which secures the handle brace to the handle assembly. (Standard Briggs &

Stratton & Tecumseh Engines).

•Remove handle crank from the handle brace.

(Briggs & Stratton Intek Only).

•Remove the hex lock nut from on top of the engine, just to the left of the spark plug. Attach the curved end of the handle brace to the top of the engine, using hex lock nut just removed. Tighten securely. See Figure 3.(Standard Briggs & Stratton &

Tecumseh engines).

•Insert handle crank through the welded bracket on the handle and into the threaded u-nut on the end of the handle brace. (Briggs & Stratton Intek only).

•Select one of the three handle height positions (three notches in welded bracket), and tighten the hand knob to secure the handle in desired position. Make certain carriage bolt is seated securely into one of the three positions provided.

Hand Knob	Spark	Hex
	Plug
		Lock Nut

Handle

Handle

Brace

Lower

Hole

Self-Tapping

Screw

Hex Bolt

Cupped

Washer

Frame	Shoulder
Half	Bolt

Figure 1 Figure 2

5