5

Operating Your Tiller

WARNING

Read, understand,

WARNING: Read, understand, and follow all instructions and warnings on the ma- chine and in this manual before operating.

Before Starting

Gas And Oil Fill-Up

Service the engine with gasoline and oil as instructed in the separate engine manual packed with your tiller. Read instructions carefully.

WARNING: Use extreme care when handling gasoline. Gasoline is extremely flammable and the vapors are explosive. Never fuel machine indoors or while the engine is hot or running.

Starting Engine

NOTE: When pushing the unit with the engine off, you will hear a ratcheting sound (gear noise) which is normal.

WARNING: Be sure no one is standing in front of the tiller while the engine is running or being started.

• Place gear selection lever in NEUTRAL.

Setting The Depth

Tilling depth is controlled by the depth stake which can be adjusted to five different settings. Adjust the side shields as you adjust the depth stake.

WARNING: Be certain spark plug wire is disconnected and grounded against the engine when performing any adjustments.

When using the tiller for the first time, use the second adjustment hole from the top (1” of tilling depth). See Figure 5-1.

When breaking up sod and for shallow cultivation, use

Use This Position

Transport Postion

First Time

1”

 

Clevis Pin

3”

 

5”

 

 

 

 

7”

and follow all instruc- tions and warnings on the machine and in this manual before operating.

Use extreme care when handling gasoline. Gasoline is extremely flammable and the vapors are explosive. Never fuel machine indoors or

Place the throttle control lever in FAST position or if equipped, place the engine speed control in the START position.

Move choke lever to CHOKE position or if equipped, push primer two (2) or three (3) times. Wait about two

(2) seconds between each push.

NOTE: A warm engine may not require choking or priming.

Stand at side of tiller. Grasp the starter handle and pull out slowly, until it pulls slightly harder. Let rope rewind slowly.

Pull starter handle rapidly. Do not allow handle to snap back. Allow it to rewind slowly while keeping a firm hold on the starter handle.

Use This Hole for

Lowest (shallowest)

Postion

Side Sheild

while the engine is hot or running.

Be sure no one is standing in front of the tiller while the engine is running or being started.

Be certain spark plug wire is discon- nected and grounded against the engine when performing any adjustments.

Repeat previous steps until engine starts.

As engine warms up and begins to operate evenly, move choke lever gradually to RUN position. If engine falters, return to choke position, then slowly move to RUN position.

Refer to engine manual for additional engine informa- tion.

NOTE: After starting and prior to using the tiller for the first time, be certain to check the clutch adjustment as described in “Checking the Clutch Adjustment” section of the Assembly Instructions.

To Stop Engine

Move throttle control to STOP or OFF position.

Disconnect spark plug wire and ground to prevent accidentally starting while equipment is unattended.

NOTE: After the first ten hours of operation, recheck the clutch adjustment. Refer to final clutch adjustment in Assembly Instructions.

Use This Hole for

Highest (deepest)

Postion

Figure 5-1

the setting which gives 1” of tilling depth (second hole from the top). Place the side shields in their lowest position.

For further depth, raise the depth stake and side shields and also make one or two more passes over the area.

When tilling loose soil, the depth stake may be raised to its highest position (use bottom adjustment hole) to give the deepest tilling depth. Raise the side shields to their highest position.

To transport tiller, lower the depth stake (use top adjustment hole).

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MTD 450 warranty Before Starting, Setting The Depth