OPERATION
CULTIVATING TIPS
STilling is digging in, turning over and breaking up packed soil before planting. Loose unpacked soil helps root growth. Best tilling depth is 4 to 6 inches. A tiller will also clear the soil of unwanted vege- tation. The decomposition of this vegeta- tion matter enriches the soil. Depending on the climate (rainfall and wind), it may be advisable to till the soil at the end of the growing season to further condition the soil.
SAvoid tilling soil that is too dry as it will pulverize and produce a dust that will not hold water. Also, tilling soil that is too wet will be hard on the machine and produce unsatisfactory clods.
SBetter growth will be obtained if an area is tilled properly and used soon after till- ing to preserve the moisture content.
SThe depth stake (on the back of the culti- vator) serves a dual purpose. It helps regulate the depth of the cut and also acts as a brake to help the operator con- trol the speed of the cultivator.
SLowering the depth stake will slow the cultivator and make it till deeper. Raising the depth stake will allow it to move fast- er and till more shallow.
SIf the cultivator stops forward motion and tries to dig deeper than necessary, move the handles from side to side to start for- ward motion.
SCultivating is loosening or digging around growing plants which allows the plants to flourish.
SWhen using the cultivator to remove weeds, it is best to cultivate no deeper than
SWhen cultivating around plants or close areas, you may want to remove the out- side tines. See “Tine Replacement” in the Service/Adjustments section.
WARNING: Read the Owner’s manual. Know location and functions of all controls. Keep
all safety devices and shields in place. Never allow children or uninstructed adults to operate cultivator. Shut off en- gine before unclogging tines or making repairs. Keep bystanders away from ma- chine. Keep away from rotating parts and tines. They can cause injury.
HINTS FOR DEPTH STAKE OR WHEEL ADJUSTMENT
Light cultivation (about 1 to 2 inches depth) with moderate growth
Adjust the wheels upward to their highest or next to their highest position. Make sure the handles are at a comfortable height for oper- ating the cultivator.
Seed bed preparation (4 to 6 inches depth)
Use the depth stake. Adjust the depth stake downward for deeper cultivation.
Heavy soil (4 inch depth or greater)
Remove the depth stake and work the tines down with a back and forth motion to at least a depth of 4 inches. Slowly pull the cultivator backward allowing the soil to feed forward over the tines.
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