MTD 21A-340-100 User Manual

OPERATOR’S Manual

FT-50

Chain Drive Tiller

Model No.

21A-340-100

IMPORTANT: READ SAFETY RULES AND INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY

Warning: This unit is equipped with an internai combustion engine and shouid not be used on or near any unimproved forest-

covered, brush-covered or grass-covered iand uniess the engine’s exhaust system is equipped with a spark arrester meeting appiicabie iocai or state iaws (if any), if a spark arrester is used, it shouid be maintained in effective v/orking order by the operator, in the State of Caiifornia the above is required by iaw (Section 4442 of the Caiifornia Pubiic Resources Code). Other states may have simiiar iaws. Fédérai iaws appiy on fédérai iands. A spark arrester for the muffler is available through your nearest engine authorized sen/ice dealer or contact the service department, P.O. Box 368023 Cleveland, Ohio 44136-9722.

CUB CADET CORP. P.O. BOX 368023 CLEVELAND, OHIO 44136-9722

PRINTED IN U.S.A.

FORM NO. 770-10086

(09/98)

SECTION 1; FINDING YOUR MODEL NUMBER

This Operator’s Manual is an important part of your new tiller. It will help you assemble, prepare and maintain your tiller. Please read and understand what it says. Before you start to prepare your tiller for its first use, please locate the model plate and copy the information from it in this Operator’s Manual. The information on the model plate is very important if you need help from your dealer or the customer support department.

• Every tiller has a model plate. You can locate it by standing in the operating position behind the unit and looking down at the frame on the right side.

• The model plate will look like Figure 1.

This is where your model number will be.

xxx-x-xxx-x-xxx xxxxxxxxxxx

- This is where your serial number will be.

Copy the model number here;.

CUB CADET CORP.

P.O. BOX 368023

CLEVELAND, OHIO 44136 ^

Copy the serial number here: _

Figure 1

SECTION 2: CALLING WARRANTY SERVICE

If you are having difficulty assembling this product or if you have any question regarding the controls, operation or maintenance of this unit, please call the Customer Dealer Referral Line. You can reach them by calling:

1-800-528-1009

Before calling your local dealer, make sure that you have your model and serial numbers ready. By having the model and serial numbers ready, you help your local dealer give you faster service. To find your unit’s model and serial number, see SECTION 1: FINDING YOUR MODEL NUMBER.

SECTION 3: IMPORTANT SAFE OPERATION PRACTICES

WARNING: THIS SYMBOL POINTS OUT IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS WHICH, IF

NOT FOLLOWED, COULD ENDANGER THE PERSONAL SAFETY AND/OR PROPERTY OF

YOURSELF AND OTHERS. READ AND FOLLOW ALL INSTRUCTIONS IN THIS MANUAL

BEFORE ATTEMPTING TO OPERATE YOUR TILLER. FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THESE

INSTRUCTIONS MAY RESULT IN PERSONAL INJURY. WHEN YOU SEE THIS SYMBOL— HEED

ITS WARNING.

WARNING: The Engine Exhaust from this product contains chemicals known to

1. GENERAL OPERATION

the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects or other reproductive harm.

DANGER: Your tiller was built to be operated according to the rules for safe operation in this

manual. As with any type of power equipment, carelessness or error on the part of the operator can result in serious injury. This tiller is capable of amputating hands and feet. Failure to observe the following safety instructions could result in serious injury or death.

• Read this operator’s manual carefully in its entirety before attempting to assemble this machine. Read, understand, and follow all instructions on the machine and in the manual(s) before operation. Be completely familiar with the controls and the proper use of the machine before operating it. Keep this manual in a safe place for future and regular reference and for ordering replacement parts.

• Your tiller is a powerful tool, not a plaything.

Therefore, exercise extreme caution at all times. Your unit has been designed to perform one Job: to till soil. Do not use it for any other purpose.

• Never allow children under age 14 to operate the

unit. Children 14 years and older should only operate the unit under close parental supervision. Only responsible individuals who are familiar with these rules of safe operation should be allowed to use your unit.

• Do not operate tiller while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

• Keep the area of operation clear of all persons, particularly small children and pets. Stop the engine when they are in the vicinity of your tiller.

• Wear sturdy, rough-soled work shoes and close fitting slacks and shirt. Shirt and slacks that cover

the arms and legs and steel-toed shoes are

recommended. Do not wear loose fitting clothes or

jewelry and secure hair so it is above shoulder

length. They can be caught in moving parts. Never

operate a unit in bare feet, sandals or sneakers.

• Operate tiller only in daylight or good artificial light.

• Do not start tiller unless the shift lever (if provided)

is in the neutral (N) position.

• Do not allow anyone to stand or walk in front of

tiller when starting or running engine.

Do not place feet or hands on or near the tines when starting the engine or while the engine is running.

Never attempt to make depth bar, tine width, cable, handle, or wheel adjustments while the engine is running.

Do not leave the tiller unattended with the engine running.

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 move it away from the spark plug.

If your machine should start making an unusual noise or vibration, immediately stop the engine and allow the machine to come to a complete stop. Disconnect the spark plug wire and move it away from the spark plug. Take the following steps:

• Inspect for damage.

• Repair or replace any damaged parts.

• Check for any loose parts and tighten to assure continued safe operation.

Muffler and engine become hot and can cause a burn. Do not touch.

Keep all shields, guards and safety devices in place and operating properly.

Use caution when tilling near fences, buildings and underground utilitiies. Rotating tines can cause damage or injury.

Do not operate enjjine if air cleaner or cover over carburetor air intake is removed, except for adjustment. Removal of such parts could create a

fire hazard.

• Only use accessories approved for this machine by the manufacturer. Read, understand, and follow all

instructions provided with the approved accessory.

• If situations occur which are not covered by this manual, use care and good judgment. Contact your dealer for assistance.

1. CHILDREN

• Tragic accidents can occur if the operator is not alert to the presence of small children. Children are often attracted to the tilling activity. Never assume that children will remain where you last saw them.

• Keep children out of the work area and under the watchful eye of a responsible adult other than the operator.

• Be alert and turn the unit off if a child enters the area.

• Never allow children under the age of 14 to operate

the tiller.

2. SERVICE

• Use extreme care in handling gasoline and other

fuels. They are extremely flammable and the vapors are explosive.

• Store fuel and oil in approved containers, away

from heat and open flame, and out of the reach of children. Check and add fuel before starting the engine. Never remove gas cap or add fuel while the engine is running. Allow engine to cool at least two minutes before refueling.

• Replace gasoline cap securely and wipe off any

spilled gasoline before starting the engine as it may cause a fire or explosion.

Extinguish all cigarettes, cigars, pipes and other sources of ignition.

Never refuel unit indoors because flammable

vapors will accumulate in the area. Never store the machine or fuel container inside

where there is an open flame or spark such as a gas hot water heater, space heater, clothes dryer or furnace.

Never run your machine in an enclosed area as the exhaust from the engine contains carbon monoxide, which is a odorless, tasteless and deadly poisonous gas.

To reduce fire hazard, keep engine and muffler free of leaves, grass, and other debris build-up. Clean up fuel and oil spillage. Allow unit to cool at least 5 minutes before storing.

Before cleaning, repairing, or inspecting, make certain the tines and all moving parts have stopped.

Disconnect the spark plug wire and keep wire away from spark plug to prevent accidental starting. Do not use flammable solutions to clean air filter.

Keep all nuts, bolts, and screws tight to be sure the equipment is in safe working condition.

Never tamper with safety devices. Check their proper operation regularly.

Do not alter or tamper with the engine’s governor setting. The governor controls the maximum safe operating speed of the engine. Overspeeding the engine is dangerous and will cause damage to the engine and to other moving parts of the machine.

WARNING — YOUR RESPONSIBILITY: Restrict the use of this power machine to persons who

read, understand and follow the warnings and instructions in this manual and on the machine.

A CAUTION

TO AVOID INJURY

• READ THE OPERATOR'S MANUAL

• KNOW LOCATION AND

FUNCTIONS OF ALL CONTROLS

• KEEP ALL SAFETY DEVICES AND

SHIELDS IN PUCE.

• NEVER ALLOW CHILDREN OR imiNSTRUCTED ADULTS TO OPERATE TILLER.

• SHUT OFF ENGINE BEFORE UNCLOGGING TINES OR MAKING REPAIRS.

• KEEP BYSTANDERS AWAY FROM MACHINE.

AVOID INJURY n?OM ROTATING

TINES - KEEP HANDS, FEET AND |

CLOTHING AWAY.

Figure 2

• KEEP AWAY FROM ROTATING PARTS.

• USE EXTREME CAUTION WHEN REVERSING OR PULUNG THE MACHINE TOWARDS YOU

SECTION 4: UNPACKING INSTRUCTIONS

1. Remove staples, break glue on top flaps, or cut tape at carton end and peel along top flap to open carton.

2. Remove loose parts included with unit (i.e., owner’s manual, etc.).

3. Cut along dotted lines and lay carton down flat.

All hardware required for assembly has been placed in position on the tiller.

4. Remove packing material.

5. Roll or slide unit out of carton. Check carton thoroughly for loose parts.

6. Extend control cable and lay on the floor. Be careful not to bend or kink control cable.

SECTION 5: ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS

IMPORTANT: This unit is shipped WITHOUT

GASOLINE OR OIL. After assembly, see separate engine manual for proper fuel and engine oil

recommendations.

NOTE: Right and left hand Is determined when

standing behind the tiller in the operating position.

TOOLS REQUIRED FOR ASSEMBLY:

(1) 1/2" Wrench or Socket* (1) Pair of Pliers (1) 3/8" Wrench* *An adjustable wrench may be used.

ATTACHING THE TAILPIECE AND DEPTH STAKE (See Figure 3)

Remove the two self-tapping screws on the frame. Slide the tailpiece into the frame, with the lower hole in the tailpiece toward the front. Secure with screws

just removed.

Remove the hex bolt and cupped washer from the top right side of the frame halves. Hold the cable guide bracket on the left side of the frame will fall when the bolt is removed. See Figure 5.

Insert the handle assembly between the two frame halves. Insert hex bolt just removed through the frame halves, handle assembly and into the cable guide bracket (notch in cable guide bracket goiss over the flange on the frame). Tighten securely.

Loosen the hand knob which secures the handle

3. brace to the handle assembly.

Remove the hex lock nut from on top of the engine, just to the left of the spark plug. See Figure 4. Attach the curved end of the handle brace to the top of the engine, using hex lock nut just removed. Tighten securely.

Figure 3

ATTACHING THE HANDLE ASSEMBLY

(See Figure 5)

Figure 4

Select one of the three handle height positions (three notches in v/elded bracket), and tighten

the hand knob to secure the handle in desired position. Make cerliain carriage bolt is seated securely into onis of the three positions provided.

FINAL CLUTCH ADJUSTMENT

To check the clutch cable adjustment, proceed as follows.

1. Disconnect the spark plug wire and move away from the spark plug to prevent accidental starting.

2. Engage and release the tine engagement handle. If an excessive noise is heard when releasing the handle, the cable may be too loose. Adjust the clutch cable by loosening the hex nut, threading the rod into the cable one or two turns, then tightening the nut.

3. With tine engagement handle in neutral (released), pull the starter rope several times.

The tines should not turn. If they turn, loosen the hex nut on the cable (underneath the handle assembly). Unthread the rod from the cable several turns. Tighten the hex nut, and check again for correct adjustment.

SECTIONS: CONTROLS

Figure 6

ATTACHING THE CLUTCH CONTROL CABLE

Attach the end of the cable to the bracket underneath the handle assembly as follows.

1. Loosen the hex nut on the threaded rod near the end of the cable, and move it up the rod as far as it will go.

2. Unthread the rod from the rest of the cable. Hook the “Z” end of the rod into the bracket underneath the handle assembly from the right hand side as shown in Figure 6.

3. Thread the rod back into the cable until the cable is straight. Do not tighten it enough to put any tension on the spring.

4. Thread the hex nut down against the end of cable. Use a pair of pliers and a wrench to lock the nut against the rod.

NOTE: Do not overtighten control cable. Too much

tension may cause it to break when engaged.

THROTTLE CONTROL

The throttle control lever is located on the engine. It controls the engine speed and stops the engine. See Figure 8.

CHOKE LEVER

The choke lever is located above the throttle control.

It is used to enrich the fuel mixture in the carburetor

when starting a cold engine.

TINE ENGAGEMENT HANDLE

The tine engagement handle is located beneath the tiller handle. See Figure 7. Squeezing the handle up against the tiller handle engages the tines. Release the handle to stop the tines.

DEPTH STAKE

The depth stake controls the tilling depth. Refer to HOW TO USE YOUR TILLER on page 7.

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