Suggested Tilling Patterns

•When preparing a seedbed, go over the same path twice in the first row, then overlap one-half the tiller width on the rest of the passes. See Fig. 5-5.

•If the garden size will not permit lengthwise and then crosswise tilling, overlap the first passes by one-half a tiller width, followed by successive passes at one-quarter width. See Fig. 5-7.

Figure 5-5

•When finished in one direction, make a second pass at a right angle, as shown in Fig. 5-6. Overlap each pass for best results (in very hard ground, it may take three or four passes to thoroughly pulverize the soil.)

Figure 5-6

1

2

3

Figure 5-7

Tilling on a Slope

warning! Do not operate the tiller on a slope too steep for safe operation. Till slowly and be sure you have good footing. Never permit the tiller to freewheel down slopes. Failure to follow this warning could result in personal injury.

1.Till only on moderate slopes, never on steep ground where the footing is difficult.

2.We recommend tilling up and down slopes rather than terracing. Tilling vertically on a slope allows maximum planting area and also leaves room for cultivating.

NOTE: When tilling on slopes, be sure the correct oil level is maintained in the engine (check every one-half hour of operation). The incline of the slope will cause the oil to slant away from its normal level and this can starve engine parts of the required lubrication. Keep the motor oil level at the full point at all times.

Tilling Up and Down a Slope

1.To keep soil erosion to a minimum, be sure to add enough organic matter to the soil so that it has good moisture- holding texture and try to avoid leaving footprints or wheel marks.

2.When tilling vertically, try to make the first pass uphill as the tiller digs more deeply going uphill than it does downhill. In soft soil or weeds, you may have to lift the handlebars slightly while going uphill. When going downhill, overlap the first pass by about one-half the width of the tiller.

14Section 5— Operation