To adjust the depth stake, remove the clevis pin and hairpin clip. Move the depth stake to the desired setting and secure with the clevis pin and hairpin clip. See Figure 5-1.

To adjust the side shields, remove the wing nuts. Move the side shield to the desired position and replace the wing nuts. Tighten securely.

Operating the Tiller

Select the depth stake setting.

Start engine as instructed on the previous page.

Move gear selection handle to one of the forward modes or reverse.

WARNING: Do not move the gear selection handle with the wheels or tines engaged. Make certain the unit is stopped com- pletely before changing the gear selection. A partial engagement may be necessary when engaging tines.

IMPORTANT: Use the reverse tine drive when tilling virgin ground, sod, or hard soil. Use the forward tine drive when cultivating or tilling soft ground.

Squeeze the clutch handle against the handle to engage the wheels and tines.

NOTE: Make certain the gear selection indicator is correctly positioned before engaging the clutch handle. If it is between gears, the engine will stall.

To transport tiller, do not engage the tines. Select the wheel drive only.

WARNING: Do not push down on the handles so that the wheels are lifted off the ground while using the tine drive, or the tiller could move backward and cause personal injury.

For best results, it is recommended the garden be tilled twice (lengthwise, then width-wise) to pulverize the soil.

Making Adjustments

WARNING: Never attempt to make any adjustments while the engine is running, except where specified in operator’s manual.

Handle Adjustment

The handle height may be adjusted to the desired height. Refer to the handle adjustment in Know Your Tiller section.

Belt Tension Adjustment

Periodic adjustment of the belt tension may be required due to normal stretch and wear on the belt. Adjustment is needed if the tines or wheels seem to hesitate while turning, but the engine maintains the same speed.

To adjust the tension on the belt, refer to Final Clutch Adjustment in Assembly Instructions.

After belt tension has been adjusted, if the belt is excessively stretched, you may need to adjust the idler pulley rod. This can easily be checked.

With the engine off and the clutch control bail disen- gaged, shift the gear selection handle to each forward mode. If the indicator bracket touches the idler pulley rod (with the clutch control bail disengaged), then an adjustment is necessary.

Disconnect and ground out spark plug wire against the engine.

Remove the belt cover as described under Belt Replacement in the Maintenance section.

Remove the hairpin clip and spring washer from the idler pulley rod. Refer to Figure 9.

Move the idler pulley rod to the lower hole in the idler bracket.

Replace the spring washer and hairpin clip.

Check clearance of the idler pulley rod to the indicator bracket by shifting to each forward mode, as before.

Engine Adjustment

Refer to the separate engine manual for engine adjust- ment instructions.

NOTE: Specifications are subject to change without notification or obligation. Images my not reflect your exact model and are for reference purposes only.

6

Making

Adjustments

WARNING

Do not move the gear selection handle with the wheels or tines engaged. Make certain the unit is stopped completely before changing the gear selection. A partial engagement may be necessary when engaging tines.

Do not push down on the handles so that the wheels are lifted off the ground while using the tine drive, or the tiller could move backward and cause personal injury.

Never attempt to make any adjust- ments while the engine is running, except where speci- fied in operator’s manual.

11

Page 11
Image 11
MTD 460 Series Operating the Tiller, Making Adjustments Handle Adjustment, Belt Tension Adjustment, Engine Adjustment