MTD 21AA40M1052, 21AA40M1031, 21AA40M1029 Owner’s Manual

Safe Operation Practices • Set-Up • Operation • Maintenance • Service • Troubleshooting • Warranty

L

Rear Tine CRTTiller -- 400

MTD LLC, P.O. BOX 361131 CLEVELAND, OHiO 44136-0019

PrintedIn USA FormNo.769-06423

(November15,2010)

ToTheOwner

ThankYou

1

Thank you for purchasing an MTD Garden Tiller. It was carefully
engineered to provide excellent performance when properly

operated and maintained.
Please read this entire manual prior to operating the equipment.

It instructs you how to safely and easily set up, operate and
maintain your machine. Please be sure that you, and any other
persons who will operate the machine, carefully follow the
recommended safety practices at all times. Failure to do so could

result in personal injury or property damage.
All information in this manual is relative to the most recent

product information available at the time of printing. Review
this manual frequently to familiarize yourself with the machine,

its features and operation. Please be aware that this Operator's
Manual may cover a range of product specifications for various

models. Characteristics and features discussed and/or illustrated
in this manual may not be applicable to all models.

Tableof Contents

Safe Operation Practices ........................................ 3

Assembly & Set-Up .................................................. 7

Controls & Features ................................................ 10

Operation ................................................................ 11

Maintenance & Adjustments ................................. 16

We reserve the right to change product specifications, designs
and equipment without notice and without incurring obligation.

If you have any problems or questions concerning the machine,
phone your local authorized MTD service dealer or contact us

directly. MTD's Customer Support telephone numbers, website
address and mailing address can be found on this page. We want
to ensure your complete satisfaction at all times.

Throughout this manual, all references to right and left side of the
machine are observed from the operating position

Service ..................................................................... 18

Troubleshooting .................................................... 20

Replacement Parts ................................................. 21

Warranty ................................................................ 24

RecordProductinformation

Before setting up and operating your new equipment, please
locate the model plate on the equipment and record the
information in the provided area to the right. You can locate the
model plate by standing at the operator's position and looking

down at the front right corner of the tine shield. This information
will be necessary, should you seek technical support via our web
site, Customer Support Department, or with a local authorized

service dealer.

MODEL NUMBER

DDDDDDDDDDD

SERIAL NUMBER

[3N[3N[3N[3N[3ND

CustomerSupport

Please do NOT return the machine to the retailer or dealer without first contacting our Customer Support Department.

If you have difficulty assembling this product or have any questions regarding the controls, operation, or maintenance of
this machine, you can seek help from the experts. Choose from the options below:

0 Visit us on the web at www.mtdproducts.com

0 Call a Customer Support Representative at [phone] or [phone]

0 Write us at MTD LLC • RO. Box 361131 • Cleveland, OH •44136-0019

ImportantSafeOperationPractices

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 this machine. Failure to comply

with these instructions may result in personal injury.
When you see this symbol. HEED ITS WARNING!

CALIFORNIA PROPOSITION 65

WARNING! Engine Exhaust, some of its constituents, and certain vehicle components

contain or emit chemicals known to State of California to cause cancer and birth defects
or other reproductive harm.

WARNING! Battery posts, terminals, and related accessories contain lead and lead

,A

compounds, chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and reproductive
harm. Wash hands after handling

DANGER! This machine was built to be operated according to the safe operation practices 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 machine is capable of amputating fingers, hands,

toes and feet. Failure to observe the following safety instructions could result in serious

injury or death.

2

Training 2.

1. Read, understand, and follow all instructions on the
machine and in the manual(s) before attempting to
assemble and operate. Keep this manual in a safe place for
future and regular reference and for ordering replacement
parts.

2. Be familiar with all controls and their proper operation.
Know how to stop the machine and disengage them

quickly.

3. Never allow children under 14 years of age to operate this
machine. Children 14 and over should read and understand

the instructions and safe operation practices in this manual
and on the machine and be trained and supervised by an

adult.

4_

Never allow adults to operate this machine without proper
instruction.

5.

Keep the area of operation clear of all persons, particularly
small children and pets. Stop machine if anyone enters the

area.

3. Disengage clutch levers and shift (if provided) into neutral

4. Never leave this machine unattended with the engine

5. Never attempt to make any adjustments while engine is

SafeHandlingofGasoline:

To avoid personal injury or property damage use extreme care
in handling gasoline. Gasoline is extremely flammable and the
vapors are explosive. Serious personal injury can occur when

gasoline is spilled on yourself or your clothes which can ignite.
Wash your skin and change clothes immediately.

Preparation

Thoroughly inspect the area where the equipment is to
be used. Remove all stones, sticks, wire, and other foreign
objects which could be tripped over and cause personal

injury.

Wear sturdy, rough-soled work shoes and close fitting
slacks and shirt. Loose fitting clothes or jewelry can be
caught in moving parts. Never operate this machine in bare

feet or sandals.

('N") before starting the engine.

running.

running, except where specifically recommended in the
operator's manual.

a. Use only an approved gasoline container.
b. Never fill containers inside a vehicle or on a truck

or trailer bed with a plastic liner. Always place
containers on the ground away from your vehicle

before filling.

When practical, remove gas-powered equipment
from the truck or trailer and refuel it on the ground.
If this is not possible, then refuel such equipment on

a trailer with a portable container, rather than from a
gasoline dispenser nozzle.

d_

Keep the nozzle in contact with the rim of the fuel
tank or container opening at all times until fueling is
complete. Do not use a nozzle lock-open device.

e_

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

fl

Never fuel machine indoors.

g.

Never remove gas cap or add fuel while the engine
is hot or running. Allow engine to cool at least two

minutes before refueling.

h. Never over fill fuel tank. Fill tank to no more than 1/2

inch below bottom of filler neck to allow space for
fuel expansion.

i. Replace gasoline cap and tighten securely.

j. If gasoline is spilled, wipe it off the engine and

equipment. Move unit to another area. Wait 5
minutes before starting the engine.

k. To reduce fire hazards, keep machine free of grass,

leaves, or other debris build-up. Clean up oil or fuel
spillage and remove any fuel soaked debris.

I. Never store the machine or fuel container inside

where there is an open flame, spark or pilot light
as on a water heater, space heater, furnace, clothes
dryer or other gas appliances.

Operation

1. Do not put hands or feet near rotating parts. Contact with
the rotating parts can amputate hands and feet.

2. Do not operate machine while under the influence of
alcohol or drugs.

3. Never operate this machine without good visibility or light.
Always be sure of your footing and keep a firm hold on the
handles.

4. Keep bystanders away from the machine while it is in
operation. Stop the machine if anyone enters the area.

5. Be careful when tilling in hard ground. The tines may catch
in the ground and propel the tiller forward. If this occurs,

letgo of the handle bars and do not restrain the machine.

6. Exercise extreme caution when operating on or crossing
gravel surfaces. Stay alert for hidden hazards or traffic. Do
not carry passengers.

7. Never operate the machine at high transport speeds on
hard or slippery surfaces.

8. Exercise caution to avoid slipping or falling.

9. Look down and behind and use care when in reverse or
pulling machine towards you.

10. Start the engine according to the instructions found in this
manual and keep feet well away from the tines at all times.

11. After striking a foreign object, stop the engine, disconnect
the spark plug wire and ground against the engine.
Thoroughly inspect the machine for any damage. Repair

the damage before starting and operating.

12. Disengage all clutch levers (if fitted) and stop engine
before you leave the operating position (behind the
handles). Wait until the tines come to a complete stop
before unclogging the tines, making any adjustments, or

inspections.

13. Never run an engine indoors or in a poorly ventilated area.
Engine exhaust contains carbon monoxide, an odorless
and deadly gas.

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

15. Use caution when tilling near fences, buildings and
underground utilities. Rotating tines can cause property
damage or personal injury.

16. Do not overload machine capacity by attempting to till soil
too deep at too fast of a rate.

17. If the machine should start making an unusual noise or
vibration, stop the engine, disconnect the spark plug wire
and ground it against the engine. Inspect thoroughly for
damage. Repair any damage before starting and operating.

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

19. Never pick up or carry machine while the engine is running.

20. Use only attachments and accessories approved by the
manufacturer. Failure to do so can result in personal injury.

21. If situations occur which are not covered in this manual, use
care and good judgement. Contact Customer Support for
assistance and the name of you nearest servicing dealer..

Maintenance & Storage

1. Keep machine, attachments and accessories in safe
working order.

2. Allow a machine to cool at least five minutes before
storing. Never tamper with safety devices. Check their

proper operation regularly.

3. Check bolts and screws for proper tightness at frequent
intervals to keep the machine in safe working condition.

Also, visually inspect machine for any damage.

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

stopped. Disconnect the spark plug wire and ground it
against the engine to prevent unintended starting.

5. Do not change the engine governor settings or over-speed
the engine. The governor controls the maximum safe
operating speed of engine.

6. Maintain or replace safety and instruction labels, as
necessary.

7. Follow this manual for safe loading, unloading,
transporting, and storage of this machine.

8. Always refer to the operator's manual for important details
if the machine is to be stored for an extended period.

4 I SECTION 2 -- IMPORTANT SAFE OPERATION PRACTICES

9.

If the fuel tank has to be drained, do this outdoors.

10.

Observe proper disposal laws and regulations for gas, oil,
etc. to protect the environment.

11.

According to the Consumer Products Safety Commission
(CPSC) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA),

this product has an Average Useful Life of seven (7) years,
or 130 hours of operation. Atthe end of the Average Useful
Life have the machine inspected annually by an authorized
service dealer to ensure that all mechanical and safety

systems are working properly and not worn excessively.
Failure to do so can result in accidents, injuries or death.

Notice Regarding Emissions

Engines which are certified to comply with California and federal
EPA emission regulations for SORE (Small Off Road Equipment)

are certified to operate on regular unleaded gasoline, and
may include the following emission control systems: Engine
Modification (EM), Oxidizing Catalyst (OC), Secondary Air
Injection (SAI) and Three Way Catalyst (TWC) if so equipped.

SparkArrestor

internal combustion engine and should not be used

_ ARNING! This machine is equipped with an

Ira spark arrestor is used, it should be maintained in effective
working order by the operator. In the State of California the
above is required by law (Section 4442 of the California Public
Resources Code). Other states may have similar laws. Federal laws
apply on federal lands.
A spark arrestor for the muffler is available through your

nearest engine authorized service dealer or contact the service
department, RO. Box 361131 Cleveland, Ohio 44136-0019.

on or near any unimproved forest-covered,

brushcovered or grass-covered land unless the
engine's exhaust system is equipped with a spark
arrestor meeting applicable local or state laws (if
any).

SECTION 2 -- IMPORTANT SAFE OPERATION PRACTICES S

Safety Symbols

This page depicts and describes safety symbols that may appear on this product. Read, understand, and follow all instructions on the
machine before attempting to assemble and operate.

READ THE OPERATOR'S MANUAL(S)
Read, understand, and follow all instructions in the manual(s) before attempting to

assemble and operate

WARNING-- ROTATING TINES

Do not put hands or feet near rotating parts. Contact with the rotating parts can amputate
hands and feet.

WARNING-- ROTATING TINES

Do not put hands or feet near rotating parts. Contact with the rotating parts can amputate
hands and feet.

WARNING--GASOLINE IS FLAMMABLE
Allow the engine to cool at least two minutes before refueling.

A

WARNING-- CARBON MONOXIDE

Never run an engine indoors or in a poorly ventilated area. Engine exhaust contains carbon
monoxide, an odorless and deadly gas.

WARNING-- HOT SURFACE

Engine parts, especially the muffler, become extremely hot during operation. Allow engine

and muffler to cool before touching.

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.

6 I SECTION 2 -- IMPORTANT SAFE OPERATION PRACTICES

SAVETHESEINSTRUCTIONS!

Assembly& Set-Up

Contentsof Carton

OneTiller
One Hardware Pack

One Handlebar Assembly
One Engine Operator's Manual

3

One Operator's Manual

WARNING! To prevent personal injury or property

damage, do not start the engine until all assembly
steps are complete and you have read and
understand the Safe Operation Practices Section

and the Operating Section in this manual.

Assembly

UnpackingInstructions

NOTE:While unpacking, do not severely bend any of the control
cables.

1. The tiller is heavy, do not attempt to remove it from the
shipping platform until instructed to do so.

2. Remove all parts from the carton. Check that you have the
items listed in the Contents of Carton list (contact your
local dealer or the factory if items are missing or damaged).

3. Remove any packaging material from the carton. Remove
any staples from the bottom of the carton and remove the
carton from the shipping platform.

Handle

NOTE: All references to the right or left side of the tiller are from
the operator's position.

1. Install the handle onto the tiller using the hardware pre-
installed on the handle mounting brackets. This consists of
a %6-18 x 3.00" hex bolt, a handle crank assembly, retainer

bracket and two %6-18 flange lock nuts. Remove this
hardware from the handle mounting brackets on the tiller.

2. Insert the handle into the handle mounting brackets, lining
up the pre-d filled holes. Insert the %6-18 x 3.00" hex bolt

in the bottom hole from the left hand side through to the
other side. Place the round hole end of the hex retainer

bracket over the hex bolt and secure loosely with a bell
washer and %0-18 flange lock nut removed earlier.

NOTE:The bell washer should be positioned with the top
of the bell shape towards the hex nut which will create

tension and further secure the flange lock nut once
tightened. Do not tighten this hardware at this time.

3.

Install the handle-crank adjustment rod into the top hole of
the mounting bracket from the left hand side of the handle
assembly, secure with the other flange lock nut previously

removed. Fit the hex end of the retainer bracket over the
flange lock nut. See Fig. 3-1.

Figure 3-1

4.

Tighten the hex bolt installed in Step 2 at this time. Be
careful not to overtighten this hardware.

5_

The handle should be adjusted so that when the tiller
is digging 3-4" into the soil, the handle falls to about
waste-high. To adjust the handle, simply loosen the handle
adjustment crank, move the handle to the desired height

and retighten the adjustment crank. See Fig. 3-2.

i

Figure 3=2

NOTE:Test the function of the forward drive bail, lift the
bail to the handle and release it. The bail should return to

its neutral position. If it doesn't, contact your local dealer
for technical assistance.

3_

Carefully unwrap the reverse clutch cable (Red end fitting)
from its shipping position. Pull the cable up through the
top hole of the cable bracket and push the cable connector
up through the hole until the groove in the connector

snaps into place. See Fig. 3-3.

2_

Place the Z-connector into the hole in the reverse clutch
handle assembly from the inside of the handle to the

inside. See Fig. 3-3.
NOTE:Test the function of the reverse clutch by pulling the

reverse handle and releasing it. The handle should return
to its neutral position. If it doesn't, contact your local dealer

for technical assistance.

3_

Clip the cables into the cable guides located on the handle
assembly panel as seen in Fig. 3-4.

Attachingthe Cables

Forward ClutchCable

Carefully unwrap the forward clutch cable (Black end
fitting) from its shipping position. Pull the cable up

through the bottom hole of the cable bracket and push the
cable connector up through the hole until the groove in

the connector snaps into place. See Fig. 3-3.

Reverse

Clutch

Cable

Figure 3-4

Figure 3-3

2_

Place the Z-connector into the hole in the forward clutch
bail from the outside of the bail in. See Fig. 3-3.

8 I SECTION 3 -- ASSEMBLY & SET-UP

MoveTillerOff Crate

To roll the tiller off the shipping platform, put the wheels in
freewheel, if they are not already from the factory, as follows:

1. Place a sturdy block under the transmission to raise one
wheel about 1" off the ground. Remove the wheel drive pin

from the wheel hub and wheel shaft. See Fig. 3-5.

Set-Up

TirePressure

Check the air pressure with a tire gauge. Deflate or inflate the
tires equally to between 15 and 20 PSI. DO NOT EXCEED 20 P.S.I.

NOTE: Be sure that both tires are inflated equally or the tiller will
pull to one side.

Wheel Drive Pin

Wheel Shaft

Figure 3-5

2_

Slide the wheel fully inward on the wheel shaft. Reinstall
the wheel drive pin through the wheel shaft only (not

through the wheel hub). See Fig. 3-5. The wheel should
now spin freely (freewheel) on the wheel shaft. Repeat with

the other wheel.

3. Use the handlebar to roll the tiller to a flat area.

Gas&OilFillUp

_L ARNING! Use extreme care when handling

Service the engine with gasoline and oil as instructed in the
Engine Operator's Manual packed separately with your tiller.

Read the instructions carefully.

gasoline. Gasoline is extremely flammable and the

vapors are explosive. Never fuel the machine

indoors or while the engine is hot or running.
Extinguish cigarettes, cigars, pipes and any other
sources of ignition.

Transmissi0n/Gear0il

The transmission was filled with gear oil at the factory. However,
you should check the gear oil level at this time to make certain

it is correct. Refer to the Maintenance & Adjustments section for
instructions on checking the transmission/gear oil.

NOTE: Do not operate the tiller if the gear oil level is low. Doing
so will result in severe damage to the transmission components.

SECTION 3 -- ASSEMBLY& SET-UP 9

Controls& Features

4

Forward Clutch Bail

& Tine Engagement

Depth Regulator

Jght Adjustment

Side Shield

Figure 4-1

NOTE:This Operator's Manual covers several garden tiller
models. The tiller depicted may differ from yours.

WARNING! Before operating your machine,

carefully read and understand all safety, controls

and operating instructions in this manual and on the

decals on the machine. Failure to follow these
instructions can result in serious personal injury.

EngineControls

For detailed information on all engine controls refer to the
separate Engine Operator's Manual.

ReverseHandle

The Reverse Handle controls the reverse drive of the wheels and tines.

ForwardClutchBail& TineEngagement

The forward clutch bail controls the engagement of the forward
drive of the wheels and tines.

Tines

Your tiller's tines are a series of hoes arranged on a revolving
power-driven shaft.

Tine Shield

Tines

Drive Pin

DepthRegulatorLever

This lever controls the tilling depth of the tines. Pull the lever back
and slide it up or down to engage the notched height settings.

HandlebarHeightAdjustment

The handlebar height is adjustable to three different settings. In
general, adjust the handlebars so they are at waist level when the
tines are 3-4" in the ground.

RearTineShield

The rear tine shield protects the operator from flying debris
while also smoothing out freshly tilled soil.

SideShield

The side shield is used to maintain clear even rows and may be
adjusted to one of five different positions.

WheelDrivePins

Each wheel is equipped with a wheel drive click pin that secures
the wheel to the wheel shaft. The wheels can be positioned in

either a WHEEL DRIVE or a FREEWHEEL mode.

Operation

WARNING! Before operating your machine,

carefully read and understand this manual and all of
its safety, operating and maintenance sections and

instructions, along with all of the decals on the
machine. Failure to follow these instructions can

result in serious personal injury.

introduction

Read this Operation Section and the Engine Operator's Manual
before you start the engine. Then, take the time to familiarize
yourself with the basic operation of the tiller before using it in
the garden.

Find an open, level area and practice using the tiller controls without
the tines engaging the soil (put tines in "transport" setting).

Only after you've become completely familiar with the tiller
should you begin using it in the garden.

Break-inOperation

Perform the following maintenance after the first five (5) hours of
new operation (see Maintenance & Adjustments Section in this

manual).

1. Change engine oil.

2. Check for loose or missing hardware on unit. Tighten or
replace as needed.

3. Check transmission gear oil level. See the Maintenance &
Adjustments section.

Starting the Engine

or damage to equipment, put both wheels in the
WARNING! To help prevent serious personal injury

WHEEL DRIVE position. Never have wheels in

FREEWHEEL position when the engine is running.

When the wheels are in FREEWHEEL, they do not

hold back the tiller and the tines could propel the
tiller rapidly forward or backward. Put the Forward
Clutch Bail in neutral (disengaged) positions by
releasing the lever.

WARNING! Never run the engine indoors or in an
enclosed, poorly ventilated area. Engine exhaust

contains carbon monoxide, an odorless and deadly
gas. Avoid the engine muffler and nearby areas.

Temperatures in these areas may exceed 150° F.

1. Complete the Pre-Start Checklist above on this page.

2. Put the wheels in the WHEEL DRIVE position.

3. Move the depth regulator lever all the way down to the
"travel" position, so that the tines clear the ground. To

change the depth setting, pull back on the depth regulator
lever (A) and lift up or down (B), then release the lever (C) to

secure in the desired position. See Fig, 5-1.

Starting& Stopping

Pre-StartChe(klist

With the spark plug wire disconnected from the spark plug,
perform the following checks and services before each use:

1. Read the Safety and Controls Sections in this manual. Read
the Engine Maintenance section in this manual.

2.

Put the wheels in the WHEEL DRIVE position (wheel pins
must be through holes in wheel hubs and wheel shaft).

3.

Check unit for loose or missing hardware. Service as
required.

4.

Check engine oil level. See the Engine Operator's Manual.

5.

Check that all safety guards and covers are in place.

6.

Check air cleaner and engine cooling system. See the
Engine Operator's Manual.

WARNING! GASOLINE IS HIGHLY FLAMMABLE AND

ITSVAPORS ARE EXPLOSIVE. Follow the gasoline
safety rules in the Important Safe Operations

Practices section of this manual. Failure to follow
gasoline safety instructions can result in serious

personal injury and property damage.

Fill the fuel tank with gasoline according to the directions
in the Engine Operator's Manual. Follow all instructions and
safety rules carefully.

8.

Attach the spark plug wire to the spark plug.

Figure 5-1

4.

Release all of the controls on the tiller.

5.

Start the engine as instructed in the Engine Operator's
Manual.

11

Stoppingthe Engine

1. To stop the wheels and tines, release the Forward Clutch
Bail.

2. Refer to the Engine Operator's Manual for instructions on
stopping the engine.

ToEngageDrive&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 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.

3. 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.

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.

Tomoveinreverse:

1. Release the forward Clutch Bail. Then lift the handlebar
until the tines are off the ground.

2. Pull back on the Reverse Lever, and walk backwards with
the machine

NOTE: In reverse mode, the tines will reverse rotation.

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

SettingTheDepth

Tilling depth is controlled by the depth stake which can be
adjusted to five different settings. Adjust the side shields as you

adjust the depth stake.

_ ARNING! Be certain spark plug wire is

To adjust the depth stake, pull back on the depth adjustment
bracket (A) and push up or down (B) until the bracket reaches the
desired position, see Fig. 5-1, then release the bracket (C).

To adjust the side shields (if so equipped), remove the wing nuts.
Move the side shield to the desired position and replace the wing

nuts. Tighten securely. See Fig. 5-2.

disconnected and grounded against the engine

when performing any adjustments.

When using the tiller for the first time, use the second
adjustment hole from the top (1" of tilling depth).

When breaking up sod and for shallow cultivation, use the
setting which gives 1" of tilling depth (second hole from
the top). Place the side shields in their lowest position.

For further depth, raise the depth stake and side shields
and also make one or two more passes over the area.

When tilling loose soil, the depth stake may be raised to its
highest position (use bottom adjustment hole) to give the
deepest tilling depth. Raise the side shields to their highest
position.

To transport tiller, lower the depth stake (use top
adjustment hole).

Turningthe Tiller

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

2. 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.

3.

With the tiller balanced, push sideways on the handlebar to
steer in the direction of the turn. After turning, slowly lower
the tines into the soil to resume tilling.

Figure 5-2

12 J SECTION S-- OPERATION

Clearingthe Tines

The tines have a self-clearing action which eliminates most
of the tangling of debris. However, occasionally dry grass,

stringy stalks or tough vines may become tangled. Follow
these procedures to help avoid tangling and to clear 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.

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.

TillingTips& Techniques

TillingDepth

When cultivating (breaking up the surface soil around the
plants to destroy weeds, see Fig. 5-3), adjust the tines to
dig only 1" to 2" deep. Using the shallow tilling depth helps
prevent injury to the plants whose roots often grow close

to the surface. If needed, lift up on the handlebars slightly
to prevent the tines from digging too deeply. (Cultivating
on a regular basis not only eliminates weeds, it also loosens
and aerates the soil for better moisture absorption and
faster plant growth.) Watering the garden area a few days

prior to tilling will make tilling easier, as will letting the
newly worked soil set for a day or two before making a
final, deep tilling pass.

i_ WARNING! Before tilling, contactyour 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).

Avoid the temptation to push down on the handlebars in
an attempt to force the tiller to dig deeper. Doing so takes
the weight off the powered wheels, causing them to lose

traction. Without the wheels to hold the tiller back, the
tines will attempt to propel the tiller backward, towards the
operator.

Figure 5-3

ChoosingCorrectWheel& TineSpeeds

With experience, you will find the tilling depth and tilling speed
combination that is best for your garden. Set the engine throttle
lever at a speed to give the engine adequate power and yet

allow it to operate at the slowest possible speed until you have
achieved the maximum tilling depth you desire. Faster engine
speeds may be desirable when making final passes through the

seedbed or when cultivating. Selection of the correct engine
speed, in relation to the tilling depth, will ensure a sufficient
power level to do the job without causing the engine to labor.

SECTION S -- OPERATION 13

SuggestedTilling Patterns

When preparing a seedbed, go over the same path twice in
the first row, then overlap one-half the tiller width on the
rest of the passes. See Fig. 5-4.

If the garden size will not permit lengthwise and then
crosswise tilling, then overlap the first passes by one-half
a tiller width, followed by successive passes at one-quarter

width. See Fig. 5-6.

f

Figure 5-4

When finished in one direction, make a second pass at a
right angle, as shown in Fig. 5-5. Overlap each pass for the
best results (in very hard ground, it may take three or four
passes to thoroughly pulverize the soil.)

r _ 7

Figure 5-5

Figure 5-6

Tillingona Slope

steep for safe operation. Till slowly and be sure you

WARNING! Do not operate the tiller on a slope too

have good footing. Never permit the tiller to
freewheel down slopes. Failure to follow this
warning could result in personal injury.

I. Till only on moderate slopes, never on steep ground where

the footing is difficult.

2. Tilling up and down slopes is recommended over terracing.
Tilling vertically on a slope allows maximum planting area
and also leaves room for cultivating.

NOTE:When tilling on slopes, be sure the correct oil level
is maintained in the engine (check every one-half hour

of operation). The incline of the slope will cause the oil to
slant away from its normal level and this can starve engine
parts of required lubrication. Keep the motor oil level at the

full point at all times.

Tilling Upand Down aSlope

I. To keep soil erosion to a minimum, be sure to add enough

organic matter to the soil so that it has good moisture-
holding texture and try to avoid leaving footprints or wheel

marks.

2.

When tilling vertically, try to make the first pass uphill
as the tiller digs more deeply going uphill than it does
downhill. In soft soil or weeds, you may have to lift the
handlebars slightly while going uphill. When going

downhill, overlap the first pass by about one-half the width
of the tiller.

SECTION 5-- OPERATION

TerraceGardening

1. To create a terrace, start at the top of the slope and work
down. Go back and forth across the first row as shown in

Fig. 5-7.

e

O

I_'REPEAT

Figure 5-7

2.

Each succeeding lower terrace is started by walking below
the terrace you are preparing. For added stability of the
tiller, always keep the uphill wheel in the soft, newly tilled

soil. Do not till the last 12" or more of the downhill outside
edge of each terrace. This untilled strip helps prevent the

terraces from breaking apart and washing downhill. It also
provides a walking path between the rows.

Loading& Unloadingthe Tiller

vehicle is potentially hazardous and doing so is not
WARNING! Loading and unloading the tiller into a

recommended unless absolutely necessary, as this
could result in personal injury or property damage.

However, if you must load or unload the tiller, follow the
guidelines given next.

Before loading or unloading the tiller, stop the engine, wait
for all parts to stop moving, disconnect the spark plug wire
and let the engine and muffler cool.

The tiller is too heavy and bulky to be safely lifted by one
person. Two or more people should share the load.

Use sturdy ramps and manually -- with the engine shut
off-- roll the tiller into and out of the vehicle. Two or more

people are needed to do this.
The ramps must be strong enough to support the

combined weight of the tiller and any handlers. The ramps
should provide good traction to prevent slipping; they
should also have side rails to guide the tiller along the
ramps; and they should have a locking device to secure

them to the vehicle.
The handlers should wear sturdy footwear that will help to

prevent slipping.
Position the loading vehicle so that the ramp angle is as flat

as possible (the less incline to the ramp, the better). Turn
the vehicle's engine offand apply the parking brake.

When going up the ramps, stand in the normal operating
position and push the tiller ahead of you. Have a person at

each side to turn the wheels.
When going down the ramps, walk backward with the tiller

following you. Keep alert for any obstacles behind you.
Position a person at each wheel to control the speed of the

tiller. Never go down the ramps tiller-first, as the tiller could
tip forward.

Place wooden blocks on the downhill side of the wheels
if you need to stop the tiller from rolling down the ramp.

Also, use the blocks to temporarily keep the tiller in place
on the ramps (if necessary), and to chock the wheels in

place after the tiller is in the vehicle.
After loading the tiller, prevent it from rolling by engaging

the wheels in the WHEEL DRIVE position. Chock the wheels
with blocks and securely tie the tiller down.

SECTION S -- OPERATION 15