c.With the tiller balanced, push sideways on the handlebar to move the tiller in the direction of the turn. See Fig. 5-4. After completing the turn, slowly lower the tines into the soil and increase the engine speed.

Figure 5-4

Clearing the Tines

•The tines have a self-clearing action which eliminates most tangling of debris in the tines. However, occasionally dry grass, stringy stalks or tough vines may become tangled. Follow these procedures to help avoid tangling and to clean the tines, if necessary.

•To reduce tangling, set the depth regulator deep enough to get maximum “chopping” action as the tines chop the material against the ground. Also, try to till under crop residues or cover crops while they are green, moist and tender.

•While power composting, try swaying the handlebars from side to side (about 6” to 12”). This “fishtailing” action often clears the tines of debris.

•If tangling occurs, lift the tines out of the soil and run the tiller in reverse for a few feet. This reversing action should unwind a good deal of debris.

•If reversing the tiller doesn’t clear the debris, it may be necessary to remove the debris by hand (a pocket knife will help you to cut away the material).

warning! Before clearing the tines by hand, stop the engine, allow all moving parts to stop and disconnect the spark plug wire. Failure to follow this warning could result in personal injury.

Tilling Tips & Techniques

warning! Before tilling, contact your telephone or utilities company and inquire if underground equipment or lines are used in your area. Do not till near buried electric cables, telephone lines, pipes or hoses.

Let the Tiller Do the Work

•While tilling, relax and let the wheels pull the tiller along while the tines do the digging. Walk on the side that is not yet finished (to avoid making footprints in the freshly tilled soil) and lightly, but securely grip the handlebar with just one hand.

•Avoid pushing down on the handlebars in an attempt to force the tiller to dig deeper. Doing so takes the weight off the powered wheels, causing them to lose traction. Without the wheels helping to hold the tiller back, the tines will attempt to propel the tiller — often causing the tiller to skip rapidly across the ground. (Sometimes, slight downward pressure on the handlebars will help get through a particularly tough section of sod or unbroken ground, but in most cases this won’t be necessary at all.)

Tilling Depths

•Avoid trying to dig too deeply too quickly, especially when busting sod or when tilling soil that hasn’t been tilled for some time. Use shallow depth regulator settings (only an inch or two deep) for the first passes through the garden area. With each succeeding pass, adjust the depth regulator to dig an inch or two deeper. (Watering the garden area a few days prior to tilling will make tilling easier, as will letting the newly worked soil set for a day or two before making a final, deep tilling pass.)

•When cultivating, use very shallow depth settings to prevent injury to plants whose roots often grow close to the surface. If needed, lift up on the handlebars slightly to prevent the tines from digging too deeply. (Cultivating on a regular basis not only eliminates weeds, it also loosens and aerates the soil for better moisture absorption and faster plant growth.)

Avoid Tilling Soggy, Wet Soil

•Tilling wet soil often results in large, hard clumps of soil that can interfere with planting. If time permits, wait a day or two after heavy rains to allow the soil to dry before tilling. Test soil by squeezing it into a ball. If it compresses too easily, it is too wet to till.

Avoid Making Footprints

•When possible, walk on the untilled side of the machine to avoid making footprints in the freshly tilled soil. Footprints cause soil compaction that can hamper root penetration and contribute to soil erosion. They can also “plant” unwanted weed seeds back into the freshly tilled ground.

Choosing Correct Wheel and Tine Speeds

•With experience, you will find the tilling depth and tilling speed combination that is best for your garden. Set the Engine Throttle Control Lever to a speed to give the engine adequate power and yet allow it to operate at the slowest possible speed until you have achieved the maximum tilling depth you desire. Faster engine speeds may be desirable when making final passes through the seedbed or when cultivating. Selection of the correct engine speed, in relation to the tilling depth, will ensure a sufficient power level to do the job without causing the engine to labor.

Section 5 — Operation

 

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