SECTION 3: OPERATION
WARNING: Before
operating your machine, carefully read and understand all safety (Section 1), controls (Section 3) and operating instructions (Section 4) in this Manual, in the separate Engine Owner’s Manual, and on the decals on the machine. Failure to follow these instructions can result in serious personal injury.
Introduction
Read this Section of the manual thorough- ly before you start the engine. Then, take time to familiarize yourself with the basic operation of the tiller before using it. Find an open, level area and practice using the tiller controls without engaging the tines in the soil (put tines in “travel” setting). Only after you’ve become completely familiar with the tiller should you begin using it in
Reverse Clutch Control | Wheel Gear Lever |
Forward Clutch Lever |
|
| Forward Clutch Lever |
Recoil Rope Starter | Depth |
| |
| Regulator |
| Lever |
| Counter Rotating Tines |
Figure |
|
the garden.
Break-In Operation
Perform the following maintenance during the first hours of new operation (see Sec- tion 5: Maintenance and the maintenance section of the Engine Owner’s Manual).
1.Change motor oil after first 2 hours of new engine operation.
2.Check for loose or missing hardware on unit. Tighten or replace as needed.
3.Check tension on forward drive belt af- ter first 2 hours of operation.
4.Check transmission gear oil level after first 2 hours of operation.
STARTING AND STOPPING ENGINE
The following steps describe how to start and stop the engine. Do not engage the tines or wheels until you have read all of the operating instructions in this Section. Also review the safety rules in Section 1: Safety and the tiller and engine controls information in Section 3: Features and Controls.
Pre-Start Checklist
Do the following before starting the en- gine.
1.Check unit for loose or missing hard- ware. Service as required.
2.Check motor oil level. See Engine Own- er’s Manual.
3.Check that all safety guards and covers are in place.
4.Check air cleaner and engine cooling system. See Engine Owner’s Manual.
5.Select a forward belt speed range (see Changing Belt Speed Ranges in this Sec- tion).
6.Fill the fuel tank with gasoline according to the directions in the separate Engine Owner’s Manual. Follow all instructions and safety rules carefully.
DANGER: GASOLINE IS HIGHLY FLAMMABLE AND ITS VAPORS ARE EXPLOSIVE. Follow gasoline safety rules in this manual (see Section 1) and in the separate Engine Owner’s Manual. Failure to follow gasoline safety instructions can result in serious personal injury and property damage.
7.Attach spark plug wire to spark plug.
Starting the Engine
1.Complete the Pre-Start Checklist.
2.Put the Wheel Gear Lever (Figure
CAUTION: To help prevent serious personal injury or damage to equipment:
•Before starting engine, put Wheel Gear Lever into ENGAGE position.
•Before starting engine, put Forward Clutch Levers and Reverse Clutch Control into neutral (disengaged) positions by releasing controls.
•Never run engine indoors or in an enclosed, poorly ventilated area. Engine exhaust contains carbon monoxide, an odorless and deadly gas.
•Avoid engine muffler and nearby areas. Temperatures in these areas may exceed 150° F.
3.Put the Depth Regulator Lever into the “travel” position (lever all the way down) so that the tines are clear of the ground.
4.Release all controls on the tiller.
5.If the engine is equipped with a fuel shutoff valve, turn the valve to the open position, as instructed in the separate En- gine Owner’s Manual.
WARNING: Keep away
from rotating tines. Rotating tines will cause injury.
6.Move the Engine Throttle Lever into the START position.
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