Section
4Operation
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 thoroughly before you start the engine. Then, take the time to familiarize yourself with the basic operation of the tiller before using it in your garden. Find an open, level area and practice using the tiller controls without the tines engaging the soil (put tines in Travel setting— Section 3, Depth Regulator Lever). Only after you’ve become completely familiar with the tiller should you begin using it in the garden.
WARNING
Your tiller and its optional PTO Power Unit attachments are capable of causing serious injury to untrained or careless operators.
To avoid serious personal injury or property damage, read the Owner’s Manual that is provided with any optional accessories or attachments before using the tiller or PTO Power Unit.
Break-In Operation
Perform the following maintenance during the first hours of new operation (see Maintenance Section in this Manual and maintenance information in the Engine Owner’s Manual).
1.Change engine oil after first 2 hours of
Figure:
new engine operation.
2.After the first 2 hours of new operation, check the gear oil levels in the PTO Power Unit and the tine attachment transmis- sions.
3.Check for loose or missing hardware on unit. Tighten or replace as needed.
4.Check tension on forward drive belt after first 2 hours of operation.
Starting and Stopping the Engine
The following steps describe how to start and stop the engine.
IMPORTANT: Do not attempt to engage the tines, wheels, or any PTO attachment 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
Make the following checks and perform the following services before starting the engine.
1.Read the Safety and Controls Sections in this Manual. Read the separate Engine Owner’s Manual provided by the engine manufacturer.
2.Check unit for loose or missing hardware. Service as required.
3.Check engine oil level. See Engine Owner’s Manual.
4.Shift the Wheels/Tines/PTO Drive lever (Figure
5.Check Safety Guards. All guards and covers must be securely in place.
6.Check air cleaner. See Engine Owner’s Manual.
7.Attach spark plug wire to spark plug.
8.Check Engine Cooling System. Clear cooling fins and air intake screen of debris.
9.Select High/Low Belt Speed range.
10.Adjust Handlebar Height.
11.Fill the fuel tank with gasoline in accordance with 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 (Section 1) and in the separate Engine Owner’s Manual.
Failure to follow gasoline safety instruc- tions can result in serious personal injury and property damage.
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