TILLINGTIPS & TECHNIQUES(CON'T)

TerraceGardening(continued)

Tocreateaterrace,start at the top of the slopeandwork down. Gobackandforth acrossthe first row asshown in Fig. 4-10.

Eachsucceedinglowerterraceis started bywalking belowthe terraceyou'repre- paring.Foraddedstabilityof thetiller,alwayskeepthe uphillwheelinthe soft,new- ly tilled soil. Do not till the last 12" or more of the downhill outsideedgeof each terrace. This untilled strip helps prevents the terracesfrom breakingapart and

washingdownhill. Italso providesa walkingpath betweenrows.

_, REPEAT

Fig. 4-10

Clearingthe Tines

Thetines havea self-clearingactionwhich eliminatesmost tangling of debris in the tines. However,occasionallydry grass,stringy stalksor tough vinesmaybe- cometangled. Follow theseproceduresto helpavoid tangling and to cleanthe tines, if necessary.

Toreducetangling,setthedepthregulatordeepenoughto getmaximum"chop- ping" actionasthe tineschop the materialagainstthe ground.Also,try to till un- dercrop residuesor covercropswhile theyare green,moist andtender.

While powercomposting,try swayingthe handlebarsfrom side to side (about 6"to 12").This"fishtailing" actionoften clearsthe tines of debris.

Iftangling occurs,lift the tinesout of the soil andrun thetiller in reverse(if unit is equippedwith poweredreverse)for afewfeet.Thisreversingactionshould un- wind a gooddealof debris.

It maybenecessaryto removethe debris by hand (a pocketknifewill helpyou to cut awaythe mate- rial). Besure to stopthe engineanddisconnectthe sparkplugwire beforeclearingthe tinesby hand.

WARNING: Beforeclearing the tines by hand, stop the engine, allow all moving parts to stop and disconnectthe spark plug wire. Removethe ignition keyon electric start models.

Failureto follow this warning could result in personal injury.

LOADING AND UNLOADING

THE TILLER

WARNING: Loadingand unloading the tiller into a vehicleis potentially hazardous andwe don'trecommend doing so unlessabsolutely necessary, asthis could result in personal injury or property damage. However,if you must load or unloadthe tiller, follow the guidelines given next.

Before loading or unloading, stop the en- gine, wait for all parts to stop moving, disconnect the spark plug wire and let the engineand muffler cool.

Thetiller is too heavyand bulky to lift

safely by one person. Twoor more people should share the load.

Usesturdy ramps and manually (engine shut off) roll the tiller into and out of the

vehicle. Twoor more peopleare neededto do this.

The ramps must bestrong enoughto support the combined weight of the tiller and any handlers. The rampsshould pro- vide goodtraction to preventslipping; they should have side rails to guide the tiller along the ramps; andthey should have a

locking deviceto secure them to the vehicle.

Thehandlersshould wearsturdy footwear that will helpto preventslipping.

Position the loading vehicle so that the ramp angle is as flat as possible (the less incline to the ramp, the better). Turn the

vehicle'sengine off and apply its parking brake.

When going up ramps, stand in the normal operating position and push the

tiller aheadof you. Havea person at each side to turn the wheels.

When going down ramps, walkbackward with the tiller following you. Keepalert for any obstacles behind you. Position a per- son at each wheel to control the speed of the tiller. Nevergo down ramps tiller-first, as the tiller could tip forward.

Placewooden blocks onthe downhill side of the wheels if you needto stop the tiller from rolling down the ramp. Also, use the blocks to temporarily keepthe tiller in place on the ramps (if necessary),and to chock the wheels in placeafter the tiller is in the vehicle.

After loading the tiller, prevent it from rolling by engagingthe wheels in the WHEELDRIVEposition. Chockthe wheels with blocks andsecurely tie the tiller down.

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Image 16
Troy-Bilt 630C Clearingthe Tines, Loading and Unloading Tiller, Washingdownhill. Italso providesa walkingpath betweenrows

630C, 1634A specifications

The Troy-Bilt line of tillers, specifically the 634A, 630C, and 634F models, represents a blend of reliability, power, and advanced engineering designed to meet the needs of avid gardeners and professional landscapers alike. Each model boasts unique features and technologies that enhance performance and usability.

The Troy-Bilt 634A is equipped with a 6.5 HP engine, providing ample power for tackling tough soil conditions. The tiller's 16-inch tilling width allows for efficient breaking up of soil, while its impressive tilling depth of up to 8 inches ensures that garden beds are adequately prepared for planting. The 634A model features a lightweight design, making it easy to maneuver around flower beds and garden rows. Additionally, the adjustable handlebar enhances comfort during operation, accommodating various user heights.

In contrast, the Troy-Bilt 630C offers a slightly different approach. This model is designed for those who seek enhanced control and precision while tilling. It features a 6.75 HP engine and similar tilling capabilities but adds an innovative counter-rotating tilling technology. This feature is particularly useful for breaking up compacted soil and mixing in organic materials, resulting in a well-aerated and fertile garden bed. The 630C also comes equipped with a variety of attachments, allowing users to expand its functionality for different gardening tasks.

The 634F model elevates the line further with its robust frame and advanced features. With a powerful 7 HP engine, it provides optimal performance for larger plots of land. The 634F is designed with a wider tilling width of 18 inches, making it perfect for larger gardens and landscaping projects. Its self-propelled system allows for effortless movement across various terrains, reducing user fatigue. Additionally, the 634F includes a unique automatic depth adjustment feature, enabling gardeners to achieve the desired tilling depth without constant manual adjustments.

Across all three models, Troy-Bilt's commitment to user-friendly design shines through. Features such as easy-to-access controls, durable construction, and stable wheels enhance overall usability. The patented "Forward and Reverse" operating system found in these tillers ensures that gardeners can navigate easily in tight spaces, making them versatile for any gardening situation. The combination of power, advanced technology, and user-focused design makes the Troy-Bilt 634A, 630C, and 634F top choices for those looking to cultivate their garden with ease and efficiency.