Engage Drive & Tines

1.For forward motion of the wheels and power to the tines pull the Forward Clutch Bail up against the handlebar. Release the bail to stop the forward motion of the wheels and tines.

2.When tilling, relax and let the wheels pull the machine while the tines dig. Walk behind and a little to one side of the tiller. Use one hand, yet keep a light — but secure — grip on the handlebar (while keeping your arm loose). See Fig. 5-2. Let the tiller move at its own pace and do not push down on the handlebars to try and force the tines to dig deeper — this takes weight off the wheels and reduces traction.

Reverse Handle

Forward Clutch Bail

Figure 5-2

WARNING!Do not push down on the handlebars to try to make the tiller till more deeply. This prevents the wheels from holding the tiller back and can allow the tines to rapidly propel the tiller forward, which could result in loss of control, property damage, or personal injury.

3.To move in reverse:

a.On models with reverse handle:

•Look behind and exercise caution when operating in reverse. Do not till while in reverse.

•Stop all forward motion. Lift the handlebar with one hand until the tines are off the ground and then pull the Reverse Handle back. To stop reversing, let go of the Reverse Handle.

•If longer distances need to be covered in reverse, shut off the engine, then place the two wheels in freewheel.

b.On models without reverse handle:

•Release the forward clutch bail. Then lift the handlebar until the tines are off the ground.

•Swing the handlebar to the left so the right wheel takes a “step” backward. Next swing the handlebar to the right so the left wheel “steps” backward. Repeat as needed.

•If longer distances need to be covered in reverse, shut off the engine, then place the two wheels in freewheel.

12Section 5— Operation

Turning the Tiller

Practice turning the tiller in a level, open area. Be very careful to keep your feet and legs away from the tines.

1.To begin a turn, lift the handlebars until the tines are out of the ground and the engine and tines are balanced over the wheels. See Fig. 5-3.

2

1

3

Figure 5-3

2.With the tiller balanced, push sideways on the handlebar to steer in the direction of the turn. See Fig. 5-3.

3.After turning, slowly lower the tines into the soil to resume tilling. See Fig. 5-3.

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 tilling, 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.

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

Tilling Depth

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

•This is a CRT (counter-rotating tine) tiller. As the wheels pull forward, the tines rotate backward. This creates an “uppercut” tine action which digs deeply, uprooting soil and weeds. Don’t overload the engine, but dig as deeply as possible on each pass. On later passes, the wheels may tend to spin in the soft dirt. Help them along by lifting up slightly on the handlebar (one hand, palm up, works most easily).