For one year from the date of original retail purchase, MTD PRODUCTS INC will either
repair or replace, at its option, free of charge, F.O.B. factory or authorized service firm,
any part or parts found to be defective in material or workmanship. Transportation charges
under this warranty must be paid by the purchaser unless return is requested by MTD
PRODUCTS INC.
This warranty will not apply to any part which has become inoperative due to misuse,
excessive use, accident, neglect, improper maintenance, alterations, or unless the unit
has been operated and maintained in accordance with the instructions furnished. This
warranty does not apply to the engine, motor, battery, battery charger or component parts
thereof. Please refer to the applicable manufacturer’s warranty on these items.
This warranty will not apply where the unit has been used commercially.
Warranty service is available through your local authorized service dealer or distributor. If
you do not know the dealer or distributor in your area, please write to the Customer Service
Department of MTD.
The return of a complete unit will not be accepted by the factory unless prior written
permission has been extended by MTD.
This warranty gives you specific legal rights. You may also have other rights which vary
from state to state.
WARNING TO PURCHASERS
OF INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE EQUIPPED
MACHINERY OR DEVICES IN THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA
The equipment which you have just purchased does not have a spark arrester. If this equipment is used on
any forest covered land, brush covered land, or grass covered unimproved land in the State of California,
before using on such land, ttje California law requires that a spark arrester be provided. In addition, spark
arrester is required by law to be in effective working order. The spark arrester must be attached to the
exhaust system and comply with Section 4442 of the Caiifornia Public Resources Code.
IMPORTANT
It is suggested that this manual be read in its entirety before attempting to assemble or operate. Keep this
manual in a safe place for future reference and for ordering replacement parts.
This unit is shipped WITHOUT GASOLINE or OIL. After assembly, see operating section of this manual
for proper fuel and amount.
Your tiller is a precision piece of power equipment, not a play thing. Therefore exercise extreme caution at
all times.
SAFE OPERATION PRACTICES FOR TILLERS
1. Read the Operating and Service Owner’s
Manual carefully. Be thoroughly familiar with
the controls and the proper use of the equip
ment.
Never ailow chiidren to operate a power tiller.
Only persons well acquainted with these rules
of safe operation shouid be allowed to use 13
your tiller.
3. Keep the area of operation clear of all
persons, particularly small children and pets.
4. Do not operate equipment when barefoot or
wearing open sandals. Always wear substan
tial footwear.
5. Do not wear loose fitting clothing that could
get caught on the tiller.
6. Do not start the engine unless the shift lever
is in the neutral (N) position.
Do not fill gasoline tank while engine is
running. Spilling gasoline on hot engine may
cause a fire or explosion.
12. Do not run the engine while indoors. Exhaust
gases are deadly poisonous.
Be careful not to touch the muffler after the
engine has been running, it is hot.
14. Before any maintenance work is performed or
adjustments are made, remove the spark plug
wire and ground it on the engine block for
added safety.
15. Use caution when tilling near buildings and
fences, rotating tines can cause damage or
injury.
16. Before attempting to remove rocks, bricks
and other objects from tines, stop the engine
and be sure the tines have stopped
completely. Disconnect the spark plug wire
and ground to prevent accidental starting.
7. Do not stand in front of the tiller while
starting the engine.
8. Do not place feet and hands on or near the
tines when starting the engine or while the
engine is running.
9. Do not leave the tiller unattended with the
engine running.
10. Do not walk in front of the tiller while the
engine is running.
17. Check the tine and engine mounting bolts at
frequent intervals for proper tightness.
18. Keep all nuts, bolts and screws tight to be
sure the equipment is in safe working
condition.
19. Never store the equipment with gasoline in
the tank inside of a building where fumes may
reach an open flame or spark. Allow the
engine to cool before storing in any
enclosure.
ASSEMBLY
Your rotary tiller is shipped complete in a single
carton. The tines, wheels, handle and depth bar
are to be assembled. This is done in the manner
described below.
Tines—Mount tines on tine shaft as shown. (See
page 10.) Tines must be mounted with the cutting
edges facing the correct direction. The tiller will
not operate properly unless the sharpened surface
of the tines enter the soil first. Secure tines in
position on tine shaft with clevis pins (41), and
internal cotter pins (32).
CHECK LIST BEFORE OPERATION
A. After the tiller is assembled and before
gasoline and oil are added to the engine, check
the case for correct lubricant level.
1. Remove rear pipe plug from tiller gear case.
See figure 1.
Handle—Assemble the handle brackets (8) to
the handle (2) with hex head screw (11),
lockwashers (9) and hex nuts (10). DO NOT
tighten. Place the handle brackets (8) in the
tailpiece slots. Line up lower holes in handle
brackets with mounting holes in tailpiece
assembly. Secure with carriage bolt 5/16-18 x
3/4” Lg. (20), lockwasher (13) and hex nut (12).
Line up upper holes in handle brackets with
mounting holes in mounting plate assemblies (19)
and secure with carriage bolt (20), lockwasher (13)
and hex nut (12). See page 8 for correct sequence.
Tighten all nuts and bolts securely.
CLUTCH CONTROL LEVER ASSEMBLY
Clutch Lever—Assemble in this order: rubber
washer (42), steel washer (41), clutch ¡ever
assembly (43), (rod bracket to the front), steel
washer (41) and lock nut (40). Tighten until rubber
washer compresses slightly. (See page 8.)
Clutch Control Assembly—Screw the ferrule (37)
on the threaded end of the control rod (38) until
about 1” of the threads show above the ferrule.
Insert the ferrule through the control pivot lever
(36), fasten with flat washer (35) and cotter hairpin
(34). Put the clutch handle in the neutral position.
Insert the control rod in the bracket on the clutch
lever and secure with a cotter hairpin (34) through
the center of the bracket. Adjust the ferrule so the
belt is slack when the clutch lever is in the neutral
position. (See page 8.)
> Adjustable
Wroncli
FIGURE 1.
2. If lubricant flows from the outlet, lubricant
is at the correct level. See figure 2.
FIGURE 2.
3. If lubricant fails to flow from the outlet,
lubricant should be added. USE PENNANT
OIL EP #35000. This is available in 8 ounce
squeeze tubes. Order part number
737-0136. See figure 3.
Depth Bar—Attach depth bar (18) in desired
position with clevis pin (17) and locking pin (15).
(See page 8.)
Grips-Slip hand grips on the upper end of each
handle. They will slip on more easily if you first
soak them in warm soapy water.
FIGURE 3.
B. Remove spark plug wire from spark plug and
ground. Check tiller tines for proper installa
tion. With throttle control lever set on STOP
position and the clutch control handle set in
FORWARD position, slowly crank engine to
determine direction of tine rotation. Be sure all
tines are mounted so the sharpened edges
enter the soil first.
C. Now place the clutch control handle in
NEUTRAL position. Slowly crank engine. The
tines should not rotate.
D. Check all nuts and bolts for proper tightness.
This is especially important during the initial
operation period. Make this same check
periodically thereafter.
E. Fill fuel tank with ciean, fresh, regular grade
gasoline. This should be used at all times.
F. Check engine crankcase for proper oil level.
The engine is shipped without oil in the
crankcase. Be sure to fill crankcase before
starting engine. Be sure crankcase is FULL.
See engine manual for correct type and
amount.
NOTE
The engine is warranted separately
by the engine manufacturer. For
warranty service contact the engine
manufacturer or their local author
ized service station. All important
information pertaining to care and
operation is included in the engine
manuai.
STARTING YOUR TILLER
1. Be sure clutch control handle is in NEUTRAL
position.
2. Move throttle lever to START position on
engine.
3. After cranking the engine several times or as
the engine fires, move the throttle lever to
RUN position.
4. Adjust throttle lever for desired operating
speed.
5. To stop engine, move throttle lever to STOP
position. Keep throttle lever in STOP position
at all times when tiller is not in use.
NOTE
A brief break-in period is essential
to insure maximum engine life. This
consists of running the engine at
half speed for a period of time re
quired to use one tank of gasoline.
This is necessary on the initial run
only. It is also recommended that
the oil be changed after five (5) hours
of operation. This allows for the re
moval of impurities which may have
accumulated during the break-in
period. Subsequent oil changes
should be made as stated In the en
gine manual. Always check oil be
fore using your tiller. Be sure oil lev
el is adequate.
OPERATING
INSTRUCTIONS
For your own convenience and safety, observe all
safety suggestions shown in this manual. Your
tiller is not a toy, it is a precision piece of power
equipment. Treat it as such.
It is important to recognize the fact that the
forward and penetrating action of the rotary tiller
is obtained from the rotating action of the tines
in the soil. The depth bar acts as a brake for the
tiller and controls the depth and speed at which
the machine will operate. By lowering the setting
of the depth bar, the forward speed of the machine
is reduced and the working depth of the tines is
increased. Raising the setting of the depth bar
increases the forward speed and reduces the
working depth. When soil conditions are severe
and several passes must be made over a certain
area, the depth bar setting should be lowered each
time a pass is made. Further control of tilling
depth and travel speed can be obtained by
variation of pressure on the handles or the throttle
setting. A downward pressure on the handles will
increase the working depth and reduce the
forward speed. An upward pressure on the
handles will reduce the working depth and
increase the forward speed. The type of soil and
working conditions will determine the actual
setting of the depth bar and the handle pressure
required.
1. Tine engagement and forward travel is
achieved by moving the clutch lever to
FORWARD position. Tine rotation and
forward motion are stopped by moving the
clutch lever to NEUTRAL position.
2. The throttle lever adjusts the engine speed. It
also gives fingertip control of the carburetor
and magneto stop switch. When the throttle
lever is pushed completely to the right from
behind the tiller, the carburetor is in START
position. Pulling the lever to the left reduces
the engine speed to SLOW. When the lever is
pulled completely to the left from behind the
tiller, the magneto stop switch grounds out
the spark and stops the engine.
3. When the depth bar is positioned out of
ground engagement, self-propelled trans
porting of the tiller is easily achieved. With no
pressure on the handles and the throttle lever
set for SLOW engine speed, move the clutch
control handle to the FORWARD position and
let the tiller gently propel itself.
1. Standard tine arrangement......................... 26”
2. Remove tines that point outward from outer
tine assemblies. Tines may be interchanged
with opposite sides
3. Add tine extensions to standard arrangement
(Seepage?.)
When adjusting tines, be sure the
cutting edges enter the soil first.
Belts—Belt slack is taken up by a spring loaded
idler pulley. Because of this, belt adjustment is
not required.
Clutch—No adjustment of the lower clutch rod is
required. This is done automatically by the spring
loaded idler.
NOTE
Belt and clutch adjustments can be
made by moving the engine bed.
Loosen the four bolts which secure
it and move the engine bed forward
or backward as required. Adjusting
the control rod will also effect the
belt and dutch adjustment. These
adjustments may be necessary if
handle position is changed.
Handle—The position of the handle may be
adjusted by removing and moving carriage bolts
to the desired mounting holes. Adjustment
should be made for the most convenient operating
height.
Wheels—Wheel positions may be varied to give
further adjustment of handle height. Various
wheel positions also give variations of the
leverage and weight distribution over the tines.
Wheels should be set to suit the local soil
conditions and the operator’s convenience.
Tines—The standard width of cut is 26”. Because
of the various types of work to which the tiller may
be put, variation in the tilling widths may be
necessary. This can be accomplished in a number
of ways.
NOTE
To drain oil, remove oil filler plug
and tip tiller on its side. Drain oil
while the engine is warm. See en
gine manual for filling instructions.
Gear Case—Whenever disassembly of gear case
is required, gear case should be thoroughly
cleaned and lubricated with 4Va ounces of
PENNANT OIL EP #35000. This is available in 8
ounce squeeze tubes. Order part number
747-0136. See figure 4.
Belt—Access to V belt and pulley assemblies is
accomplished by removing the engine and engine
bed as described below.
1. Remove four cap screws which secure engine
bed to mounting plate assembly. Remove
engine bed with engine attached.
2. Remove hex screw, lockwasher and flatwasher in 41/2” pulley. Remove pulley and “V” belt.
The belt clip on idler must be loosened to
remove belt, mark correct location of belt clip
in relation to idler before loosening. This can
be done by scribing the belt clip and the end
of the weld bolt in idler with a file. It is most
important that this clip be reassembled in the
right position.
3. Position new belt on 4V2” pulley and reinstall
on gear case shaft. Pulley must be mounted
in position so that it will line up with engine
pulley when assembly is completed. The
correct position is that point at which the
center of the pulley is 1-1/8” above the
mounting plate assembly. Tighten hex screw,
lockwasher and flat washer securely.
4. Line up the belt clip in original position and
tighten securely. Make sure belt is inside belt
guards. While holding the belt taut (grasp at
extreme rear position), move clutch belt lever
to FORWARD and NEUTRAL position. If belt
clip touches belt with lever in either position,
readjust position of clip.
5. Move clutch lever to NEUTRAL position.
Remove inspection plate from engine bed.
6. Replace engine bed on mounting plate
assembly. Move engine bed and engine as far
forward as possible.
7. Remove inspection plate (See page 10.) from
engine bed and reach through inspection hole
and guide belt into position on engine pulley.
8. Check visually through inspection hole to
make sure belt is inside all belt guards and
that pulleys are in proper alignment. A
flashlight will help you make this check
quickly and easily.
9. Line up mounting holes of engine bed and
mounting plate then replace cap screws. Do
not tighten cap screws until all four screws
are in place. Replace inspection plate.
7. Dip oil seals in lubricant and then insert one
in gear case and one in bearing cap.
8. Wipe tine shaft clean of filings and lubricate
before assembling with bearings and worm
wheel in gear case.
9. Replace bearing cap.
^CAUTION
Do not damage oil seals. The open
flanges face to the outside of the
gear case.
10. Tighten bearing cap, retighten screws evenly.
11. Replace tine assemblies and add lubricant.
(See page 5.)
General—Check periodically all nuts and bolts.
Loose nuts and bolts can cause permanent
damage to your unit. Keep all nuts and bolts
securely tightened.
STORAGE
The following steps should be taken to prepare
your tiller for stórage.
1. Clean tiller thoroughly and lubricate as
described in the preceding instructions.
2. Coat tilling tines with grease to prevent
rusting.
3. Prepare engine for storage in accordance with
engine manufacturer’s owner’s guide.
4. Block tiller legs to raise tires clear of floor. Be
sure tiller is level.
5. Store in a dry, clean area.
ATTACHMENTS
REPLACING TILLER GEAR CASE OIL SEALS
1. Drain lubricant.
2. Remove tine assemblies.
3. Remove bearing cap. (See reference 17 on
page 12.)
4. Remove bearings, worm wheel and tine shaft.
Do not remove bearing races.
5. Remove oil seals from gear case and bearing
cap.
6. Remove all burrs from holes in tine shaft.
Extension Tines—This attachment is available to
increase your tilling width up to 40”. Extension
tines are easily installed and removed. Order
under part number 299-162A.
Furrow Opener—This attachment is easily
installed on the depth bar of your tiller. It can be
used for either furrowing or hilling operations.
These attachments are available through your
local dealer.
For wide (2” x .43”) depth bar, order furrow opener
299-179A.
TILLER WINTERIZING INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE
WITH SNOW BLADE:
1.
For cold weather, (below 32°F.), drain oil
from tiller engine crankcase and replace with
SAE10W or 10W-20W detergent oil.
2.
Replace any remaining fuel on hand or in the
engine fuei tank with a fresh suppiy of winter
grade fuei. Winter fueis contain additives for
faster starts. Keep fuel tank full.
NOTE
It may be necessary to enrich the
carburetor idie and high speed jets
118 to V4 turn (counterciockwise) for
good performance.
3.
in the spring of the year, before the tiiiing
season, be sure to change engine oii back to
*For faster service, obtain standard nuts, boits and washers locally. If these items cannot be ob
tained locally, order by part number and size as shown on parts list.
Wheel Ass’y. 9.0 x 1.75
26
736-0253
Belleville Wash. .505 I.D. x
1.00 O.D.
27
04109
—463
Leg—Left Hand
28736-0921L-Wash. Vz” Scr.*
29
30
31
32
33
712-0239
04110
04691
747-0148
738-0183
—463
—463
Hex Nut 1/2-20Thd.*
Leg—Right Hand
Mounting Plate Ass’y.
Lower Control Rod
Shoulder Scr. .500” Dia. x
.215
34
714-0115
Cotter Pin 1/8” Dia. x 1.00”
Lg.*
35736-0204
36
04619
37
711-0392
38711-0502
39
720-0143
40
712-0158
FI-Wash. .344”I.D. X.62 0.D
Control Pivot Lever
Adjustment Ferrule
Control Rod 20”
Grip—Black
Hex Inserted L-Nut 5/16-18
Thd.
41
42
736-0159
735-0126
FI-Wash. .344I.D. X.88 0.D.
Rubber Wash. .33 I.D. x .87
O.D.
43
04392
Clutch Lever Ass’y.
(463—Top Flite Red) When ordering parts if color or finish is important, use the appropriate color
code shown at left. (e.g. Top Flite Red Finish—04624 (463) )
The engine is not under warranty by the tiller manufacturer. If repairs or service is needed on the
engine, please contact your nearest authorized engine service outlet. Check the “Yellow Pages” of
your telephone book under “Engines-Gasoline."
NOTE
This instruction manual covers various
models and all specifications shown do not
necessarily apply to your model. Specifica
tions subject to change without notice or
obligation.
O.D.
FI-Wash. .344x1.125
L-Wash. 5/16” Scr.*
Hex Scr. 5/16-18 X.75” Lg.*
Spring Extension .62O.D. x
4.94 Lg.
Hex Cent. L-Nut V4-20Thd.
Hold Down Clamp
idler Bearing Ass’y.
FI-Wash. .385” I.D. x .870”
O.D.
Belt Clip
Hex Cent. L-Nut 5/16-18 Thd.
Lower Control Rod
V-Belt Vz” X 30” Lg. (Forward
Belt) Fiber “B”
Sq. Key 3/16x3/16x1.00”
Lg.
Clevis Pin
‘For faster service, obtain standard nuts, bolts and washers locally. If these items cannot be
obtained locally, order by part number and size as shown on parts list.
(463—Top Flite Red)
The engine is not under warranty by the tiller manufacturer. If repairs or service is needed on the
engine, please contact your nearest authorized engine service outlet. Check the "Yellow Pages” of
your telephone book under “Engines-Gasoiine.”
When ordering parts if color or finish is important, use the appropriate color
code shown at left, (e.g Top Flite Red Finish—04624 (463))
13
Find it Fati
in The
Yellow Pages
219-100A
GEAR CASE ASSEMBLY 717-0305
isn'.. ■•.:
FIGURE 1.
This improved tiiler gear case is not equipped with the
conventional type breather plug. In its piace is an assembly
made up of a self tapping screw and a star type washer. This
system allows adequate relief of buiit up pressure within the
gear case. It also reduces lubricant leakage to a minimum.
See figure 1.
NOTE: Use 4V2 ounces of Pennant Oil EP#35000.
Order Part No. 737-0136.
PARTS LIST FOR GEAR CASE ASSEMBLY 717-0305
PART
REF.
NO.
NO.
1716-0119
721-0100
2
741-0197
3
710-0599
4
736-0222
5
737-0103
6
741-0189
7
8736-0259
COLOR
CODE
DESCRIPTION
Snap Ring .75” Dia. Shaft
Oil Seal .75” Dia. Shaft
Sleeve Brg. .7521.D. x .878
Parts and service for all MTD monufactured power equipment are
available through the authorized service firms listed below. All orders
should specify the model number of your unit, parts number,
description of parts ond the quantity of each port required.
ALABAMA BIRMINGHAM
Auto Electric & Carburetor Co. .. 2625 4th Ave. S
ARKANSAS NORTH LITTLE ROCK
Sutton’s Lawn Mower Shop
____
Rt. 4 Box 368
FORT SMITH
Mity Mite Motors, Inc
.....................
2515 Towson Ave. ...
CALIFORNIA PORTERVILLE
Blllious........................................... 75 North D Street....
SAN BERNARDINO
Lawn Mower Supply Co
................
25608 E. Baseline ...
SAN FRANCISCO
J.W. Jewett Co
...................................
981 Folsom St
SACRAMENTO
Luttig & Severson
..........................
2030 28th St
COLORADO DENVER
South Denver Lawn Equip............ 527 West Evans
FLORIDA JACKSONVILLE
Radco Distributors............................2403 Market St
CORAL GABLES
Moz-AII of Florida, Inc
......................
365 Greco Ave
GEORGIA EAST POINT
East Point Cycle & Key................. 2834 Church St
ILLINOIS LYONS
Keen Edge Co
................................
8615 Ogden Ave
INDIANA ELKHART
Parts & Sales Inc
........................
2101 Industrial Pkwy.
IOWA DUBUQUE
Power Lawn & Garden Equip. ... 2551 J.F. Kennedy ..
BRIGGS AND STRATTON, TECUMSEH AND PEERLESS PARTS AND
SERVICE
Briggs & Sfrotton, Tecumseh and Peerless ports and service should be
handled by your nearest authorized engine service firm. Check the
yellow pages of your telephone directory under the listing
Engines—Gasoline, Briggs & Stratton or Tecumseh Lauson.
SYRACUSE
GTP Leisure Products Inc
............
420 Marcellus St............13204
NORTH CAROLINA GREENSBORO
Dixie Sales Company
.....................
327 Battleground Ave. 27402
GOLDSBORO
Smith Hardware Co.........................515 N. George St..........27530
OHIO WADSWORTH
National Central
..............................
687 Seville Rd..............44281
CLEVELAND
Bleckrie, Inc
.....................................
7900 Lorain Ave...........44102
CARROLL
Stebe’s Mid-State Mower Supply. Box 366-71 High St. ..43112
YOUNGSTOWN
Burton Supply Co
....................
1301 Logan Ave. Box 929 . 44501
OKLAHOMA MUSKOGEE
Victory Motors, Inc
.........................
605 S. Cherokee
...........
74401
OKLAHOMA CITY
Forest Sales Inc
..............................
1039 NW 63rd St..... .73116
ADA
AdaAuto Supply
............................
301 E.12th St..................74820
OREGON PORTLAND
Kenton Supply Co
..........................
8216 N. Denver Ave. . .97217
PENNSYLVANIA CHESTER
Stull Equipment Corp.....................742W. Front St