BL410
2-Cycle Garden
Cultivator
SAVE THESE mNSTRUCTmONS DO NOT THROW AWAY
PIN769-01404 (1/05)
THANK YOU
Thank you for buying this quaHity product, This modern
outdoor power tooH wiHHprovide many hours of usefuH
service, You wiHHfind it to be a great Habor-saving device,
This operator's manuaH provides you with easy-to-
understand operating instructions, Read the whoHe
manuaH and foHHowaHHthe instructions to keep your new
outdoor power tooHin top operating condition.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Service Information ......................... 2
Rules for Safe Operation ..................... 3
Know Your Unit ............................ 6
Assembly Instructions ....................... 7
Oil and Fuel Information ...................... 8
PRODUCT REFERENCES, mLLUSTRATmONS
AND SPECmFmCATmONS
AHHinformation, iHHustrations, and specifications in this
manuaH are based on the Hatest product information
avaiHabHeat the time of printing, We reserve the right to
make changes at any time without notice.
Copyright#_ 2005 MTD SOUTHWEST INC, All Rights
Reserved.
SERVICE iNFORMATiON
Service on this unit both within and after the warranty
period should be performed only by an authorized and
approved service dealer,
For service call 1-800-345-8746 in the United States, or
1-800-668-1238 in Canada to obtain a list of authorized
service dealers near you.
DO NOT RETURN THE UNiT TO THE RETAILER.
PROOF OF PURCHASE WiLL BE REQUIRED FOR
WARRANTY SERVICE.
Before beginning, locate the unit's model plate. It lists
the model and serial numbers of your unit. Refer to the
sample plate below and copy the information for future
reference.
Serial Nnmber
-k \ ParentPartNambec
Medel Number
_LL_Or)EL: /
S/N : ITEM : f
Starting/Stopping Instructions ................. 9
Operating Instructions ...................... 10
Maintenance and Repair Instructions ........... 11
Cleaning and Storage ....................... 14
Accessories and Replacement Parts ........... 14
TroubHeshooting Chart ...................... 15
Specifications ............................. 16
Warranty Information ....................... 20
Parts List .................... Inside Back Cover
SPARK ARRESTOR NOTE
NOTE: For users on U.S. Forest Land and in the
states of California, Maine, Oregon and Washington.
All U,S. Forest Land and the state of California (Public
Resources Codes 4442 and 4443), Oregon and
Washington require, by Haw that certain internal
combustion engines operated on forest brush and/or
grass-covered areas be equipped with a spark arrestor,
maintained in effective working order, or the engine be
constructed, equipped and maintained for the prevention
of fire. Check with your state or local authorities for
regulations pertaining to these requirements. Failure to
follow these requirements could subject you to liability or
a fine, This unit is factory equipped with a spark
arrestor, if it requires replacement, ask your LOCAL
SERVICE DEALER to install the Accessory Part
#?53-04925 Spark Arrestor Kit,
Copy the model and parent
part number here:
Copy the serial number
here:
Make sure you carefully read and understand this manual
before starting or operating this equipment.
THIS PRODUCT IS COVERED BY ONE OR MORE U.S.
PATENTS. OTHER PATENTS PENDING.
CALiFORNiA PROPOSiTiON 65 WARNING
THE ENGINE EXHAUST FROM THiS
PRODUCT CONTAINS CHEMICALS
KNOWN TO THE STATE OF CALiFORNiA
TO CAUSE CANCER, BIRTH DEFECTS
OR OTHER REPRODUCTmVE HARM.
The purpose of safety symbols is to attract your
attention to possible dangers. The safety symbols,
and their explanations, deserve your careful attention
and understanding. The safety warnings do not by
themselves eliminate any danger. The instructions or
warnings they give are not substitutes for proper
accident prevention measures.
SYMBOL MEANING
SYMBOL MEANING ]
DANGER: Failure to obey a
result [n serious injury to yourself or to
others. Always follow the safety precautions
to reduce the risk of fire, electric shock and
personalinjury.
safety warning will
SAFETY ALERT: Indicates
warning or caution. Attention [s required [n
order to avoid serious personal injury. May
be used [n conjunction with other symbols
or pictographs.
NOTE: Advises you of information or instructions vital to
the operation or maintenance of the equipment.
Read the Operator's Manual(s} and follow all
warnings and safety instructions.
Failure to do so can result in serious injury to the
operator and/or bystanders.
danger,
FOR QUESTIONS, CALL 1-800-345-8746 in the
United States, or 1-800-668-1238 in Canada
, IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS,
READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS
BEFORE OPERATING
WARNING: When using the unit,
the safety of the operator and any bystanders.
Please keep these instructions for later use.
Read the instructions carefully. Be familiar with the
controls and proper use of the unit.
, Do not operate this unit when tired, ill, or under the
influence of alcohol, drugs, or medication.
• Children and teens under the age of 15 must not use
the unit, except for teens guided by an adult.
• All guards and safety attachments must be installed
properly before operating the unit.
• Inspect the unit before use. Replace damaged parts.
Check for fuel leaks. Make sure all fasteners are in
place and secure. Replace parts that are cracked,
chipped, or damaged in any way. Do not operate the
unit with loose or damaged parts.
you must follow the
WARNING: Fa,uretO obey a
result in injury to yourself and others.
Always follow the safety precautions to
reduce the risk of fire, electric shock and
personalinjury.
result in property damage or personal injury
ourself or to others. Always follow the
precautions to reduce the risk of fire,
electric shock and personal injury.
Carefully inspect the area before starting the unit.
Remove all debris and hard or sharp objects such as
glass, wire, etc.
Be aware of the risk of injury to the head, hands and
feet.
Clear the area of children, bystanders, and pets. At a
minimum, keep all children, bystanders, and pets
outside a 50 feet (15 m.) radius: there still may be a
risk to bystanders from thrown objects. Bystanders
should be encouraged to wear eye protection. If you
are approached, stop the unit immediately.
Squeeze the throttle control and check that it returns
automatically to the idle position. Make all adjustments
or repairs before using unit.
safety warning can
, Failure to obey a
• safety warning may
SAFETY WARNINGS FOR GAS UNITS
WARNING: Gasoline is higHy
vapors can explode if ignited. Take the
following precautions:
• Store fuel only in containers specifically designed and
approved for the storage of such materials.
• Avoid creating a source of ignition for spilled fuel. Do
not start the engine until fuel vapors dissipate.
flammable, and its
• Alwaysstoptheengineandallowittocoolbeforefilling
thefueltank.Neverremovethecapofthefueltank,or
addfuei,whentheengineishot.Neveroperatetheunit
withoutthefuelcapsecurelyinplace.Loosenthefuel
tankcapslowlytorelieveanypressureinthetank.
• Mixandaddfuelinaclean,well-ventilatedoutdoorarea
wheretherearenosparksorflames.Slowlyremovethe
fuelcaponlyafterstoppingengine.Donotsmokewhile
fuelingormixingfuel.Wipeupanyspilledfuelfromthe
unitimmediately.Alwayswipeunitdrybeforeusing.
Movetheunitatbast30feet(9.1m)fromthefueling
sourceandsitebeforestartingtheengine.Donot
smokeorallowsparksandopenflamesnearthearea
whileaddingfueloroperatingtheunit.
WHmLE OPERATmNG
Never start or run the unit inside a closed room or
building. Breathing exhaust fumes can kill. Operate
this unit only in a well ventilated outdoor area.
• Wear safety glasses or goggles that are marked as
meeting ANSi Z87.1-1989 standards. Also wear
ear/hearing protection when operating this unit. Wear
a face or dust mask if the operation is dusty. Long
sleeve shirts are recommended.
• Wear heavy, long pants, boots and gloves. Do not
wear loose clothing, jewelry, short pants, sandals or
go barefoot. Secure hair above shoulder level.
• This unit has a clutch. The tines remains stationary
when the engine is idling. Rfit does not, have the unit
adjusted by an authorized service technician.
• Be sure the tines are not in contact with anything
before starting the unit.
Use the unit only in daylight or good artificial light.
Avoid accidental starting. The operator and unit must
be in a stable position while starting. See
Starting/Stopping Instructions.
• Use the right tool. Only use this tool for the purpose
intended.
• Use extreme caution when reversing or pulling the unit
towards you.
Do not overreach. Always keep proper footing and
balance. Take extra care when working on steep
slopes or inclines.
• Always hold the unit with both hands when operating.
Keep a firm grip on the grips.
Keep hands, face, and feet at a distance from all
moving parts. Do not touch or try to stop the tines
when they are rotating.
Do not touch the engine or muffler. These parts get
extremely hot from operation. They remain hot for a
short time after you turn off the unit.
Do not operate the engine faster than the speed
needed to cultivate. Do not run the engine at high
speed when you are not cultivating.
Always stop the engine when cultivating is delayed or
when walking from one location to another.
If you strike or become entangled with a foreign
object, stop the engine immediately and check for
damage. Do not operate before repairing damage. Do
not operate the unit with loose or damaged parts.
Stop and switch the engine to off for maintenance,
repair, or to install or remove the tines.
Use only original equipment manufacturer
replacement parts and accessories for this unit. These
are available from your authorized service dealer. Use
of any unauthorized parts or accessories could lead to
serious injury to the user, or damage to the unit, and
void your warranty.
Keep unit clean of vegetation and other materials.
They may become lodged between the tines.
To reduce fire hazard, replace faulty muffler and spark
arrestor, keep the engine and muffler free from grass,
leaves, excessive grease or carbon build up.
OTHER SAFETY WARNmNGS
Never store the unit, with fuel in the tank, inside a
building where fumes may reach an open flame or
spark,
• Allow the engine to cool before storing or transporting.
Be sure to secure the unit while transporting.
Store the unit in a dry area, locked up or up high
to prevent unauthorized use or damage, out of the
reach of children.
Never douse or squirt the unit with water or any other
liquid. Keep handles dry, clean and free from debris.
Clean after each use. See the Cleaning and Storage
instructions.
Keep these instructions. Refer to them often and use
them to instruct other users, if you loan someone this
unit, also loan them these instructions.
SAVE THESE
SAFETY AND _NTERNAT_ONAL SYMBOLS
This operator's manual describes safety and international symbols and pictographs that may appear on this product,
Read the operator's manual for complete safety, assembly, operating and maintenance and repair information.
SYMBOL MEANmNG SYMBOL MEANmNG
• ON/OFF STOP CONTROL
__, , SAFETY ALERT SYMBOL I
Indicates danger, warning or caution.
May be used in conjunction with other
symbols or pictographs.
ON / START / RUN
WARNING - READ
OPERATOR'S MANUAL
Read the operator's manual(s) and
follow all warnings and safety'
instructions. Failure to do so can result
in serious injury to the operator and/or
bystanders.
WEAR EYE AND HEARING
PROTECTION
WARNING: Thrown objects and loud
noise can cause severe eye injury and
hearing loss. Wear eye protection
meeting ANSI Z87.1 standards and
ear protection when operating this
unit. Use a full face shield when
needed.
, KEEP BYSTANDERS AWAY
WARNING: Keep all bystanders,
especially children and pets, at least
50 feet (15 m) from the operating area.
, UNLEADED FUEL
Always use clean, fresh unleaded fuel.
O
1 2
1',1
, ON/OFF STOP CONTROL
OFF or STOP
', HOT SURFACE WARNING
Do not touch a hot muffler, gear
housing or cylinder. You may get
burned. These parts get extremely hot
from operation. They remain hot for a
short time after the unit is turned off.
• CHOKE CONTROL
1 , FULL choke position.
2 _ PARTIAL choke position.
3, RUN position.
GARDEN CULTIVATORS -
ROTATING TINES CAN CAUSE
SEVERE iNJURY
WARNING: Stop the engine and allow
the tines to stop before installing or
removing tines, or before cleaning or
performing any maintenance. Keep
hands and feet away from rotating
tines.
, OIL
Refer to operator's manual for the
proper type of oil.
,THROWN OBJECTS AND
ROTATING CUTTER DAN CAUSE
SEVEREINJURY
WARNING: Do not operate without
the proper attachments and guards in
place. Keep away from the rotating
tines.
, NO STEP
Always keep proper footing and
balance. Do not overreach, take extra
care when working on steep slopes or
inclines.
, PLACE LEFT FOOT HERE
Avoid accidental starting. Stand in the
starting position whenever pulling the
starter rope. The operator and unit
must be in a stable position while
starting.
• CuHtivatingsodandHighttomediumsoi[
• CuHtivatingingardenareas,aroundtrees,etc,
Handgrip
Throttle
Handgrip
Control
Throttle
Cable and
Switch Wires
Handmebar
Knob
/
STOP/OFF (0)
On/Off Stop
Control
START/ON (I)
FuemCap
Primer Bumb
Blue Choke
Lever
Muffler
Starter Rope Grip
Handlebar
Knob
Shaft Tube Grip
Tine Guard
Air Filter/
Muffler
Cover
Gearbox
Spark
Pmug
Wheel Bracket /
Assembmy
/
ASSEMBLmNG THE UNmT
Before operating, position the unit's handHebars.
NOTE: You may also need to reposition the wheeHheight
before using the cuHtivator. Refer to the Adjusting
Tine Depth section.
Begin by carefully unpacking the contents and making
sure that nothing is damaged.
POSmTmONmNGTHE HANDLEBARS
1. Loosen the two knobs on the inside of the
handHebars (Fig. 1).
2. With the unit upright, swing the handHebars up into
the operating position (Fig. 1).
NOTE: Take care not to pinch the throttHe came or
switch wires when positioning the handHebar.
3. Tighten the knobs to secure the handHebars in pHace.
NOTE: Do not over-tighten the knobs.
4,
Readjust the throttle cable and switch the wires so
they are smooth and tight against the handlebar
assembly. This will help prevent them from catching
or snagging during normal operation.
Handmebar
Knobs
Handlebar
Knobs
iNSTALLiNG THE WHEEL BRACKET
ASSEMBLY
If the wheel bracket assembly is not installed, or if you
ever need to remove or reinstall it, follow the ensuing
instructions.
WARNmNG: Toavoid njuryfrom
the tines, wear
heavy gloves and a long sleeve shirt when
installing the wheel bracket assembly.
WARNmNG: Toprevent serious
personal injury, the
wheel bracket assembly must be installed
when operating the unit.
1. With the unit on its side, place the wheel bracket
assembly on the underside of the tine guard (Fig. 3).
2. install a carriage bolt through each of the slotted
holes in the wheel bracket and into the tine guard.
3. On the TOP side of the tine guard, install a lock
washer and a wing nut onto each of the bolts (Fig. 3).
4. Make sure the square shoulder of the bolts is pushed
through the slotted holes in the wheel bracket.
Tighten the wing nuts (Fig. 4).
NOTE: Do not over-tighten the wing nuts. Loosen the
wing nuts to adjust wheel height.
Tine
Guard
F_g. 1
Washer
_1[_\ Handmebar
F_g.2
Wheel
Bracket
Assembly
Wing Nut &
Lock Washer
F_g. 3
ebars
F_g. 4