Mantis 7268 Operator's & Parts Manual

Tiller/Cultivator
MAN 430159
Rev. C 10-5-16
MODEL 7268
OPERATOR’S/PARTS MANUAL
Operator’s Manual and Safety Instructions for
Tiller/Cultivator
Welcome to the World of Mantis Gardening
Here’s your new MANTIS Tiller . . . the lightweight wonder that’s Changing the Way Americans Garden.
Unlike big tillers, your MANTIS Tiller weighs only 21 lbs. (Model 7268). So it lifts easily, handles smoothly, tills and weeds precisely. And, unlike other small tillers, it features serpentine tines that churn soil to ten inches deep. It creates a soft,
®
ATTENTION MANTIS PRODUCT OWNERS! Get maintenance tips for your Mantis
product on our web site at www.mantis.com
smooth seed bed, even in problem soil.
Once you know how to use your tiller correctly, we guarantee you’ll love it. So rst, please read this manual. It shows, step by
step, how to use your tiller safely.
IMPORTANT MESSAGE
Thank you for purchasing this Schiller Grounds Care, Inc. product. You have purchased a world class product, one of the best designed and built anywhere. This machine comes with Operation and Safety instructions, Parts and Service instructions and Engine instructions. The useful life and good service you receive
from this machine depends to a large extent on how well you read and understand these manuals. Treat your machine properly , lubricate and adjust it as instructed, and it will give you many years of reliable service.
Your safe use of this Schiller Grounds Care, Inc. product is one of our prime design objectives. Many safety features are built in, but we also rely on your good sense and care to achieve accident-free operation. For best protection, study the manuals thoroughly. Learn the proper operation of all controls. Observe all safety precautions. Follow all instructions and warnings completely. Do not remove or defeat any safety features. Make sure those who operate this machine are as well informed and careful in its use as you are.
See a Schiller Grounds Care, Inc. dealer for any service or parts needed. Schiller Grounds Care, Inc. service ensures that you continue to receive the best results possible from Schiller Grounds Care, Inc. products. You can trust Schiller Grounds Care, Inc. replacement parts because they are manufactured with the same high precision and quality as the original parts.
Schiller Grounds Care, Inc. designs and builds its equipment to serve many years in a safe and productive manner. For longest life, use this machine only as directed in the manuals, keep it in good repair and follow safety warnings and instructions. You’ll always be glad you did.
Schiller Grounds Care, Inc.
1028 Street Road
Southampton, PA 18966-4217
PHONE (800) 366-6268 • FAX (215) 956-3855
TABLE OF CONTENTS
SAFETY RULES & WARNINGS
Special Safety Information .................................................3
Safety & Warnings .............................................................3
Safety Decal Information ...................................................3
Warning Dos ......................................................................4
Warning Don’ts ..................................................................5
Engine/Fuel Warning Dos ..................................................5
Engine/Fuel Warning Don’ts ..............................................5
ASSEMBLY ............................................................................6
Lower Handle ....................................................................7
Upper Handle Assembly ....................................................8
Tines ...............................................................................8-9
Kickstand ...........................................................................9
This Operator’s / Parts Manual is part of the machine. Suppliers of both new and second-hand machines must make sure that this manual is provided with the machine.
FUELING & STARTING
4-Cycle Fueling & Oil Only ..............................................10
4-Cycle Corrective Action ................................................10
4-Cycle Starting Only .......................................................10
OPERATION ....................................................................11-12
TRANSPORTATION .............................................................13
STORAGE ............................................................................13
MAINTENANCE ..............................................................14-16
TROUBLESHOOTING .........................................................17
MANTIS TILLER ASSEMBLY & PARTS LIST .................18-19
LIMITED WARRANTY INFORMATION ................BACK PAGE
Safety Rules & Warnings
You will notice throughout this Operator’s Manual Safety Rules and Important Notes. Make sure you understand and obey these warnings for your own protection.
I. SPECIAL SAFETY INFORMATION
Attention: This symbol points out our
important safety instructions.
When you see this symbol,
heed it’s warning!! Stay alert!!
To reduce the potential for accidents, comply
with the safety instructions in this manual.
Failure to comply may result in serious
personal injury, and/or equipment
and property damage.
II. SAFETY & WARNINGS
Improper use or care of this tiller or failure to wear
proper protection can result in serious injury.
Read and understand the rules for safe
operation and all instructions in this manual.
Wear hearing and eye protection.
The engine exhaust from this product contains
chemicals known to the State of California to cause
cancer, birth defects or other reproductive harm.
III. SAFETY DECAL INFORMATION
An important part of the safety system incorporated in this tiller are the warning and information decals found on various parts of the tiller. These decals must be replaced in time due to abrasion, etc. It is your responsibility to replace these decals when they become hard to read.
Cutting hazard; keep feet and hands away
P/N 430057
P/N 400631
from rotating tines.
Do not carry the tiller in this position.
Wear ear and eye Protection.
Read owner’s manual before using tiller, or performing any repair or maintenance. Keep owners manual in a safe place.
Caution: when assembling the handles, make sure fuel tank faces away from operator. This is the rear of the tiller, refer to assembly instruction on page 8-9.
Don’t operate indoors
Don’t fuel, refuel, or check fuel while smoking, or near an
open ame or other
ignition source.
Incorrect assembly.
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If the tiller is used improperly or safety precautions
are not followed, the users risk serious injury
to themselves and others.
Read and understand this manual before
attempting to operate this tiller.
IV. WARNINGS - DOS
Read and understand the owner’s manual. Pay particular attention to all sections regarding safety.
1. Always keep a rm grip on both handles while the tines are moving and/or the engine is running. BE AWARE!! The tines may coast after throttle trigger is released. Make sure tines have come to a complete stop and engine is off before letting go of the tiller.
2. Always maintain a rm footing and good balance. Do not overreach while operating the tiller. Before you start to use the tiller check the work area for obstacles that might cause you to lose your footing, balance or control of the machine.
3. Thoroughly inspect the area where equipment is to be used and remove all objects, which can be thrown by the machine.
4. Always keep area clear of children, pets, and bystanders.
5. Always stay alert. Watch what you are doing and use common sense. Do not operate unit when fatigued.
6. Always dress properly. Do not wear loose clothing or jewelry, they might get caught in moving parts. Use sturdy
gloves. Gloves reduce the transmission of vibration to your hands. Prolonged exposure to vibration can cause numbness and other ailments.
7. While working, always wear substantial footwear and long trousers. Do not operate the equipment when barefoot or wearing open sandals.
8. Always wear ear and eye protection. Eye protection must meet applicable CE requirements. To avoid hearing damage, we recommend hearing protection be worn whenever using the equipment.
9. To reduce re hazard, keep the engine, and petrol/gas storage area free of vegetative material and excessive grease.
10. Start the engine carefully, according to
the manufacturer’s instructions and with feet well away from tool(s).
Keep all nuts, bolts and screws tight
11.
to be sure the equipment is in safe working condition.
Use extreme caution when reversing
12.
or pulling the machine towards you.
13. Work only in daylight or good
articial light.
Operation of this equipment may create sparks
that can start res around dry vegetation. A spark
arrestor is installed. The operator should contact
local re agencies for laws or regulations relating
to re prevention requirements.
14. Always be sure of your footing on slopes.
15. Exercise extreme caution when changing direction on slopes.
16. Always keep a safe distance between two or more people when working together.
17. Always inspect your unit before each use. Keep all knobs, nuts, bolts and screws tight to be sure the equipment is in safe working condition.
18. Always visually inspect to see that the tools are not worn or damaged. Before using your tiller, replace worn or damaged elements and bolts in sets to preserve balance.
19. Always maintain and examine your Tiller with care. Follow maintenance instructions given in manual.
20. Always store tiller in a sheltered area (a dry place), not accessible to children. The tiller as well as fuel should not be stored in a house.
21. Always keep in mind that the operator or user is responsible for accidents or hazards occurring to other people or their property.
V. WARNINGS - DON’TS
Don’t use tiller with one hand. Keep
both hands on handles with ngers and
thumbs encircling the handles, while tines are moving, and engine is running.
Don’t run with the machine, walk. Don’t work on excessively steep slopes. Don’t attempt to clear tines while they
are moving. Never try to remove jammed
Handle fuel with care, it is highly ammable. Fueling a hot engine or near an ignition source can
cause a re and result in serious personal injury and/or property damage.
material before switching the engine off and making sure the tines have stopped completely.
Don’t allow children or people unfamiliar with these instructions to use the machine. Local regulations can restrict the age of operator.
Don’t let others operate tiller without proper training.
VI. ENGINE/FUEL WARNINGS - DOS
Always use fresh gasoline. Stale gasoline
can cause damage. Always store fuel in containers
specically designed for this purpose.
Always add fuel before starting the engine.
Always replace all fuel tank and
container caps securely. Always pull starter cord slowly until
resistance is felt to avoid kickback and prevent arm or hand injury.
Always operate engine with spark arrestor installed and operating properly.
Safety Rules & Warnings
Don’t operate while under the inuence
of alcohol or drugs. Don’t attempt to repair this tiller. Have
repairs made by a qualied dealer or
repairman. See that only original Mantis parts are used.
Don’t overreach. Keep a good footing at all times.
Don’t stand in front of tiller when tines are rotating.
Stop the engine whenever you leave the machine and before refueling. Allow the engine to cool before storing in any enclosure. Replace worn or damaged parts for safety.
If the fuel tank needs to be drained, this should be done outdoors.
VII. ENGINE/FUEL WARNINGS - DON’TS
Never pick up or carry a machine while
the engine is running. Don’t fuel, refuel or check fuel while
smoking, or near an open ame or other
ignition source. Stop engine and be sure it is cool before refueling.
Don’t leave the engine running while the tiller is unattended. Stop the engine when carrying out maintenance and cleaning operations, when changing tools and when being transported by means other than under its own power.
Never remove the cap of the fuel tank or add fuel while the engine is running or when the engine is hot.
Don’t refuel, start or run this tiller indoors or in an improperly ventilated area.
Don’t run engine when electrical system
causes spark outside the cylinder. During periodical checks of the spark plug, keep plug a safe distance from cylinder to avoid burning of evaporated fuel from cylinder.
Don’t check for spark with spark plug or plug wire removed. Use an approved tester.
Don’t crank engine with spark plug removed unless spark plug wire is disconnected. Sparks can ignite fumes.
Don’t run engine when the odor of gasoline is present or other explosive conditions exist.
Do not attempt to start the engine if fuel is spilled, but move the machine away from the area of spillage and avoid creating any source of ignition until fuel vapors have dissipated.
Don’t operate your tiller if there is an accumulation of debris around the
mufer, and cooling ns. To reduce the re hazard, keep the engine and fuel
storage area free of vegetative material and excessive grease.
Don’t touch hot mufers, cylinders
or cooling ns as contact may cause
serious burns. Don’t change the engine governor
setting or over speed the engine. Don’t attempt to remove spark plug while
engine is hot. Removing a spark plug from a hot engine can cause irreparable damage to the engine and will void your warranty.
Don’t use starter uids as they will cause
permanent engine damage.
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Assembly
Picture of Model 7268
T9
T21
T20 T46
T12
T1
T39
T3
T42
T40
T41
T11
T4
T7
T15
T14
WHAT COMES IN THE BOX
Key Qty. Part No. Description
T1 1 Upper Handle Throttle Side Assembly T2 1 Upper Handle Assembly, Left T3 2 Lower Handles W/Plug T4 1 Handle Brace Assembly T10 1 Plastic Carrying Handle T21, T20,
T46 T39/T40 1 Pair Tiller/Cultivator Tines
T7 2 Handle Clamps T9 1 Throttle Clip T11 2 Bolts (3” long) T12 2 Knobs T14 4 Lock Nuts T15 2 Cap Screws T41 2 Tine Retaining Pins T42 2 Carriage Bolts Not
Shown
1 Engine Assembly (includes Fender Guard &
Worm Gear Transmission)
1 Bag of Hardware
1 4-Cycle Oil
T2
T10
Improper assembly of this tiller can result in serious injury. Make
sure to follow all instructions carefully. If you have any questions,
contact our factory at 1-800-366-6268 or an authorized Mantis dealer.
Bag Contents
T12
T9
T7
T42
T15
T41
T11
T14
WHAT YOU WILL NEED TO ASSEMBLE THE TILLER
Prior to removing the contents and assembling, it is important to:
• Have a clean work area.
• Make sure all necessary tools are handy.
• You will need two 7/16” wrenches. (Power tools may be required)
LET’S BEGIN
• With the box upright, open the box and remove the tine box and the loose parts that are at the top of the tiller box. Do not remove any other parts in the box.
• Lay the box on one side and open the bottom aps.
• Return the box to an upright position (as shown) and pull the box straight up.
• Leave the engine and throttle handle in the cradle to assist in the assembly.
• Lay everything out so you can easily identify the parts (see parts image and list on page 6).
LOWER HANDLE ASSEMBL Y
To identify part numbers see page 6.
Assembly
NOTE: Some of the photos in this manual do not represent your tiller engine. They are for assembly purposes only.
1
• For ease of assembly and stability it is important that you keep the engine assembly in its cardboard cradle.
5
2
• Lay the handle parts within easy reach. You’ll need one of the handle clamps (T7) and one of the lower handles (T3). Note that the lower handles have a short leg on one end.
• Fit the handle clamp along the outside of the short leg. Line up the holes on the clamp and the leg.
• Take the lower handles that you’ve just put together. Slide them into the two recessed channels.
• Make sure you insert them from the rear of the tiller
(gasoline tank faces away from the operator)... so
that the bolt ts along the
back of the housing.
6
3
• Choose one of the two 3-inch bolts (T11). Slide it through the
rst set of holes — near the
elbow where the lower handle curves. (Pictures 2 & 3)
• Now slide the other lower handle onto the 3-inch bolt. Fit the other handle’s short leg. Add a lock
nut (T14) and tighten nger tight.
(Picture 3)
clamp onto the other
4
• Locate recessed channels below the engine.
• Slide the second 3-inch bolt (T11)through the second set of holes in the short legs. Add a nut (T14)
nger tight until you’ve
completed assembly.
and tighten
lock
NOTE: THE LOCK NUTS ARE STAMPED. FINGER TIGHT IS APPROXIMATELY 1/2 TO 1-1/2 TURNS UNTIL YOU’VE COMPLETED ASSEMBLY.
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Assembly (Continued)
UPPER HANDLE ASSEMBLY
7a
• Lightly squeeze the lower handles (T3) toward one another so that they line up with the two smaller holes on the carrying handle (T10). Then slide the carrying handle over and down the lower handles. It will rest about four to six inches above the fender.
• Gently pull the lower handles out to their original position.
7b
• Your Mantis Tiller will look like this when the lower handle assembly is complete.
9
8
• Lift the upper handle until it lines up with the lower handle.
Insert carriage bold (T42) from outside in.
• Screw on knob (T12) and fully tighten the knob at the pivot point.
10
• Follow the same steps to install the other upper handle onto the other lower handle.
• Use the clip (T9) to secure the throttle cable and wire in place on the lower handle.
TINE ASSEMBLY
• Now install the handle brace. Line it up with the holes on the upper handles. Then insert a cap screw (T15) and a lock nut (T14) on either side.
• Use a wrench to tighten cap screws and lock
nuts.
• Now use wrench to tighten all nuts and bolts
rmly and securely. (Power tools may be
required)
1 2 3
• You’ll need the 2 Tines and the 2 retaining pins.
• Remove the unit from the cardboard cradle and lay the unit on its side.
• You will notice that one side of the Tine has a circular hole while the other has a “D” shaped hole.
TINE ASSEMBLY (Continued)
Assembly (Continued)
4 5
• Attach the Tine so that the circular hole
slides onto the axle rst.
• When the axle protrudes from the other side it will line up perfectly with the “D” shaped hole.
6
• Slide a retaining pin (T41) through the hole in the axle to secure the Tine.
• Repeat steps for the other side.
7268
Improper Throttle installation can cause tines to rotate unexpectedly.
IMPORTANT NOTE:
Make sure you have installed the handles properly. When you stand behind your tiller, holding the handles, the fender warning label should face you.
IMPORTANT NOTE:
Before you use your MANTIS Tiller, read the
Safety Rules & Warnings on pages 3-5
IMPORTANT NOTE:
Be sure you have proper throttle movements and that the throttle cable is not wrapped or twisted around the
handle bar. Hold the lockout button, fully squeeze the
throttle trigger and let go. The throttle triangle must click in both directions. If there is any doubt, remove
air lter and visually check that the throttle triangle hits
both the idle screw and the full open stop. THIS MUST BE DONE BEFORE STARTING THE ENGINE.
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4-Cycle Tiller Fueling & Starting
4-CYCLE TILLER FUELING AND OIL ONLY
IMPORTANT!
It is normal for your 4 stroke engine to smoke for the rst
minute or two of operation, however it is not necessary for this to occur every time. This is a result of the oil being pulled through the engine for lubrication.
• Rock the tiller forward so that it rests on the fuel tank.
• It is important to position the Mantis 4-Cycle Tiller as shown in Figure 1 so the oil will properly
ll the crankcase. Failure to do so
will cause engine damage.
• Remove the oil plug.
• Pour in 2.7 . oz. of approved,
4-cycle engine oil.
• Always check the oil level before each use. The oil level should
reach the inner rst thread of the reservoir. Do not overll.
• Replace the oil plug.
• Then return the unit to the upright position and put the kickstand
down.
Fueling your Mantis 4-Cycle Tiller/Cultivator is easy. Unscrew the gas
cap and ll the tank about four-fths of the way up with 89 octane
unleaded gasoline. And remember, always drain the gas when transporting the unit from one location to another.
Figure 1
4-CYCLE TILLER STARTING ONLY
Starting the engine for the rst time, or “cold
starting”, is easy.
• First, make sure the start/stop switch, located on the throttle handle, is in the start position, which is indicated by the “I” symbol.
• Close the choke by moving the choke lever to the up position.
• Press the primer bulb approximately 6 times until he bulb is lled with gas. Once it is lled, press it two more times.
• Pull the starter cord lightly until you feel resistance and then give it a short, brisk pull. Your tiller should start immediately. Do not pull the cord all the way out and do not let it snap back into the starter housing.
Once it is running, open the choke. Ensure the lever is fully down
• To stop the engine, simply push the start/stop switch to the stop position “O.”
• To start a warm engine, follow the same procedure. Except now you can leave the choke lever in the down position and there is no need to pump the primer bulb.
• Before using the tiller, let the engine run for a minute to warm up. And before shutting it down, let the engine run briey to cool down.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Check the oil level in the
engine before each use. If oil is low see your 4 Stroke Tiller Engine Manual and information above for details.
Never use starting uids as
they will cause permanent engine damage. Using them will void the warranty. Before you use the tiller, read the Safety & Warning rules on pages 3-5.
OFF ON
Switch
OR ANY FUELS NOT MEETING HONDA REQUIREMENTS ARE NOT APPROVED FOR USE IN GASOLINE ENGINES. USE OF ALTERNATIVE FUELS MAY CAUSE PERFORMANCE PROBLEMS, LOSS OF POWER, OVERHEATING, FUEL VAPOR LOCK AND UNINTENDED MACHINE OPERATION, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, IMPROPER CLUTCH ENGAGEMENT. ALTERNATIVE FUELS MAY ALSO CAUSE PREMATURE DETERIORATION OF FUEL LINES, GASKETS, CARBURETORS AND OTHER ENGINE COMPONENTS.
Do not operate the engine in a conned
space where dangerous carbon monoxide
fumes can collect.
Fuel is extremely ammable. Handle it with
care. Keep away from ignition sources. Do not
smoke while fueling your equipment
! !
WARNING • DANGER
ALTERNATIVE FUELS, SUCH AS E-15 (20% ETHANOL), E-85 (85% ETHANOL)
Do not squeeze the throttle trigger when starting. Main-
Avoid accidental blade engagement.
tain proper idle speed adjustment (2500-3100 rpm)
4-Cycle Tiller Operation
If engine does not stop when switch is put in the stop
position, release the throttle, allow engine to idle. Put
the tiller down, and slide the choke lever to the cold start
(closed) position. Have product serviced before using.
Figure 1
Read the instructions carefully. Be
familiar with the controls and the
proper use of the equipment.
NOW YOU’RE READY TO USE YOUR MANTIS TILLER.
If you’ve seen other tillers, your MANTIS Tiller may surprise you. It tills best when you pull it backward! You see, when you pull your MANTIS Tiller backward, you give extra resistance to the tines, so they dig deeper.
(Figure 2)
In addition, when you go backward, you erase your footprints. So your soil stays light and
uffy. With other tillers, by contrast, you walk
right over the soil you’ve just tilled, packing it down, so it’s less plantable.
RUN YOUR MANTIS TILLER LIKE A VACUUM CLEANER
Place your Tiller at the head of the row or area you want to till. Start it up. Then use an easy rocking motion. First, pull your Tiller backward. Then use an easy rocking motion. Again, pull your Tiller backward. Then, let
A SPECIAL FEATURE
(With the idle set properly and the engine running)
Even when the engine is running, the tines won’t turn unless you squeeze the throttle trigger on the handlebars. When you release the throttle trigger, the tines will stop
.
A TIP FOR EXTENDING YOUR ENGINE’S LIFE
After you start the engine, let your tiller warm up for two to three minutes before you use it. Then, before you put your
Figure 2 Figure 3 Figure 4
it move forward just a little bit. Then pull it backward again. This will help you till deeper.
Keep repeating these steps until you’ve tilled an entire row. Start again on the next row. It’s much like running a vacuum cleaner! (Figure 3)
You Can Even Control Depth. For Deeper Tilling:
Move your Tiller slowly back and forth, as you would a vacuum cleaner. Work the same area over and over until you’ve dug to your desired depth. (Figure 4)
For Shallow Tilling:
Switch the tines to the cultivating position. (See page 12 to learn how.) Then move your Tiller quickly over your soil surface.
tiller away, let it idle for a minute to give the engine a chance to cool down.
OPERATION
With engine running, and both hands on the handles, hold down the throttle lockout trigger (Figure 1), then squeeze the throttle trigger gradually to increase the engine speed and engage the tines.
NOTE: This step must be repeated each time your tiller trigger is released.
For Big Weeds or Tough Roots:
Let your Tiller rock back and forth over the tough spot, until the tines slice through the weed or root.
Your MANTIS Tiller Handles Special Tilling Projects:
Want to turn part of your lawn into a colorful
ower border? Your MANTIS Tiller makes it
easy! Just run your Tiller back and forth until the sod begins to break up. Then continue tilling. Your Tiller will chop the clumps of sod
until they’re ne. Then, it will work them into
the soil. Pretty soon, you’ll have a soft, fresh planting bed.
WARNING
! !
ALWAYS MAKE SURE THE HANDLE KNOBS ARE
SECURE BEFORE STARTING YOUR MANTIS TILLER.
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4-Cycle Tiller Operation (Continued)
If your tines get jammed or entangled, shut off the
engine at once. Remove the obstruction while the
engine is off. Never try to remove an obstruction while
the engine is running. Serious injury can result.
YOUR MANTIS TILLER MAKES WEEDING A PLEASURE!
As a tiller, your MANTIS Tiller works the soil down to 10” (25.4 cm) deep. But, as a cultivator, it gently cultivates the surface, only 2” to 3” (5.09 cm to 7.62 cm) deep.
First, you must switch the tines to the weeding, cultivating position. This takes less than a minute.
Then, your MANTIS Tiller’s sharp “tine teeth” will slice up those pesky weeds, burying them as you go along. And, since the tines in this position won’t dig too deep, they won’t hurt your plants’ precious root systems.
Tilling Cultivating
The operator of this tiller is responsible for
accidents or hazards occurring to himself, oth-
er people or their property.
The result? Your Tiller will cut your weeding time
in half, and turn a tiresome chore into a pleasure.
HOW TO SWITCH FROM TILLING TO CULTIVATING POSITION
1. Make sure your Tiller is off.
2. Remove the retaining pins from the tines.
3. Remove the tines from the axle.
4. Place the right-side tine onto the left-side axle. Place the left side tine onto the right-side axle. The “D” hole should be to the outside.
5. Reinsert the pins. (Figure 1)
To set them for tilling, attach the tines so the points of the blades face forward
- away from the operator. The tines’
points will contact the ground rst.
Figure 1
For cultivating, reverse the tines so that the points of the tines face backward - toward the operator. Now
the long at part of the tine’s blade will contact the ground rst.
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