MTD 21AB455C730 Owner’s Manual

Safety • Assembly • Operation • Tips & Techniques • Maintenance • Troubleshooting • Parts Lists • Warranty

OF A O AL

Rear Tine Tiller - Model Series 450

iMPORTANT

READ SAFETY RULES AND iNSTRUCTiONS CAREFULLY BEFORE OPERATION

Warning: Thisunitisequippedwithan internalcombustionengineandshouldnotbeusedon or nearanyunimprovedforest-covered,brush- coveredor grass-coveredlandunlesstheengine'sexhaustsystemisequippedwitha sparkarrestermeetingapplicablelocalor statelaws(if any). If a sparkarresterisused,it shouldbemaintainedineffectiveworkingorderby theoperator.IntheStateofCaliforniatheaboveisrequiredbylaw (Section4442oftheCaliforniaPublicResourcesCode).Otherstatesmayhavesimilarlaws.Federallawsapplyonfederallands.A sparkarrester forthemufflerisavailablethroughyournearestengineauthorizedservicedealeror contactthe servicedepartment,RO.Box361131Cleveland,

Ohio44136-0019.

PRINTEDIN U.S.A

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

FORMNO.769-02193C

03/16/2007

This Operator's Manual is an important part of your new tiller, it will help you assemble,

prepare, and maintain the unit for best performance. Please read and understand what it says.

Table of

Safety Labels ...................................................... 3

Safe Operation Practices ................................... 4

Assembling Your Tiller ........................................ 6

Know Your Tiller .................................................. 8

Operating Your Tiller ......................................... 10

Making Adjustments ........................................ 11

Finding and Recording Model Number

BEFOREYOUBEGINASSEMBLINGYOURNEW EQUIPMENT,pleaselocatethe model plate on the equipment

and copy the informationto the samplemodel plate provided to the right.You can locatethe modelplate by looking at

the rearof the tine shield. This informationis importantfor usewhenvisiting the manufacturer'sweb site,obtaining

assistancefrom the CustomerSupport Department, or when communicatingwith anauthorizedservice dealer.

Contents

Maintaining Your Tiller ...................................... 12

Off Season Storage .......................................... 13

Parts List ........................................................... 14

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

Notes .................................................................. 21

Warranty ............................................. Back Cover

Model Number

www.mtdproducts.com

Serial Number

MTD LLC

P.O= BOX 361131

CLEVELAND, OH 44136 330=220=4683

800-800-731 0

Customer Support

Please do NOTreturn the unit to the retailer from which it was

purchased, without first contacting Customer Support.

Ifyou have difficulty assemblingthis product or have any questions regardingthe controls, operation,or maintenanceof this unit,youcanseek helpfromthe experts.Choosefrom the options below:

1. Visit mtdproducts.com. Click on the Service & Support menu option.

2. Phonea Customer Support Representative at 1 (800) 800-7310.

3. The engine manufacturer is responsiblefor all engine-relatedissueswith regardsto performance,power-rating,specifica- tions,warranty and service. Pleasereferto the engine manufacturer'sOwner's/Operator'sManual,packedseparatelywith your unit, for more information.

WARNING

Thissymbolpoints out importantsafety

instructionswhich,if notfollowed,could endangerthepersonal safetyand/or property

of yourselfandothers.

Readandfollowall

instructionsinthis

manualbeforeat- temptingto operate

this machine.Failure to complywiththese

instructionsmayresult in personalinjury.When

youseethis symbol.

HEED ITS WARNING!

Your Responsibility

Restrictthe use ofthis power machine

to persons who read,

understand and follow thewarnings

and instructions

in this manual and onthe machine.

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.

DANGER: This machine 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 machine iscapable of amputating hands and feet and throwing objects. Failure to observethe following safety instructionscould result in

serious injuryordeath.

WARNING

Thissyrnbolpointsout

importantsafety in-

structionswhich, ff not followed,could endanger

ithe personalsafetyand/or i property ofyourself and

others_Readand follow all

Iinstructionsinthisrnanual i beforeattempting tooper-

iatethis machine.Failure

fITS WARNING!

Training

• Read,understand,andfollowall instructionson the machineandinthemanual(s)beforeattemptingto

assemNeand operate.Keepthis manualina safe placefor futureandregularreferenceandforordering replacementparts.

• Befamiliarwithallcontrolsandtheirproperoperation. Knowhowtostopthemachine.

• Neverallowchildrenunder14yearsoldtooperate thismachine.Children14yearsoldandover should readand understandtheoperationinstructionsand safetyrulesinthismanualandshouldbetrainedand supervisedbya parent.

• Neverallowadultstooperatethismachinewithout properinstruction.

• Keepbystanders,helpers,pets,andchildrenat least 75feetfromthemachinewhileit isin operation.Stop machineif anyoneentersthearea.

Preparation

• Thoroughlyinspecttheareawheretheequipmentis tobeused.Removeall stones,sticks,wire,andother

foreignobjectswhichcouldbetrippedoverandcause personalinjury.

• Wearsturdy,rough-soledworkshoesandclose fittingslacksand shirt.Loosefittingclothesor jewelry canbe caughtin movaNeparts.Neveroperatethis

machinein barefeetorsandals.

• Disengagedutchleversandshift (ifprovided)into neutral("N') beforestartingtheengine.

• Neverleavethis machineunattendedwiththeengine running.

• Neverattempttomakeanyadjustmentswhileengine isrunning,exceptwherespedficallyrecommendedin theoperator'smanual.

• Toavoidpersonalinjuryor propertydamageuse extremecarein handlinggasoline.Gasolineis extremelyflammableandthevaporsareexplosive. Seriouspersonalinjurycan occurwhengasolineis spilledonyourselforyourclotheswhichcanignite. Washyourskinandchangeclothesimmediately.

• Useonlyanapprovedgasolinecontainer.

• Extinguishall cigarettes,cigars,pipesandother sourcesofignition.

• Neverfuelmachineindoors.

• Neverremovegascaporaddfuelwhiletheengine ishot or running.

• Allowenginetocoolat leasttwominutesbefore

refueling

• Neveroverfillfueltank.FilltanktonomorethanY2 inchbelowbottomoffillernecktoprovidespacefor

fuelexpansion.

• Replacegasolinecapandtightensecurely.

• If gasolineisspilled,wipeit off theengineand

equipment.Movemachineto anotherarea.Waitfive minutesbeforestartingtheengine.

• Neverstorethemachineorfuelcontainerinside nearanopenflame,sparkor pilotlight(e.g.furnace,

wateror spaceheater,clothesdryer,etc.).

• Allowmachinetocoolfiveminutesbeforestoring.

Operation

• Donotputhandsor feetnearrotatingparts.Contact withtherotatingpartscanamputatehandsandfeet.

• Donotoperatemachinewhileundertheinfluenceof alcoholordrugs.

• Neveroperatethismachinewithoutgoodvisibilityor light.Nwaysbesureof yourfootingandkeepa firm

holdonthehandles.

• Keepbystanders,helpers,pets,andchildrenat least 75feetfromthemachinewhileit isin operation. Stopthe machineifanyoneentersthearea.

• Becarefulwhentillinginhardground.Thetinesmay catchin thegroundandpropelthetillerforward. If thisoccurs,letgod the handlebarsanddo not

restrainthemachine.

• Exerciseextremecautionwhenoperatingonor crossinggravelsurfaces.Stayalertforhidden

hazardsortraffic.

• Neveroperatethemachineat hightransportspeeds onhardorslipperysurfaces.

• Exercisecautiontoavoidslippingor falling.

• Lookdownandbehindandusecarewhenin reverse

orpullingmachinetowardsyou.

• Starttheengineaccordingtotheinstructionsfound in thismanualandkeepfeetwellawayfromthetines

atalltimes.

• Afterstrikingaforeignobject,stoptheengine, disconnectthesparkplugwireandgroundagainst theengineThoroughlyinspectthe machineforany damage.Repairthedamagebeforestartingand operating.

• Disengageallclutchlevers(iffitted)andstopengine beforeyouleavetheoperatingposition(behindthe handles).Waituntilthetinescometoa complete stopbeforeuncloggingthetines,makinganyadjust- ments,or inspections.

• Neverrunanengineindoorsorina poorlyventilated area.Engineexhaustcontainscarbonmonoxide,an odorlessanddeadlygas.

• Mufflerandenginebecomehotandcancausea burn.Donottouch.

• Usecautionwhentillingnearfences,buildingsand undergroundutilities.Rotatingtinescancause propertydamageorpersonalinjury.

• Donotoverloadmachinecapacitybyattemptingto till soiltoodeepattoo fastofarate.

• Ifthemachineshouldstartmakinganunusualnoise or vibration,stoptheengine,disconnectthespark plugwireand grounditagainsttheengine.Inspect thoroughlyfordamage.Repairanydamagebefore startingandoperating.

• Keepallshields,guards,andsafetydevicesinplace andoperatingproperly.

• Neverpickuporcarrymachinewhiletheengineis

running.

Useonlyattachmentsandaccessoriesapproved bythemanufacturer.Failuretodo socanresultin personalinjury.

• Ifsituationsoccurwhichare notcoveredinthis manual,usecare andgoodjudgment.Contactyour

dealerorcallthecustomerservicenumberfoundon pagetwo.

Maintenance & Storage

• Nevertamperwithsafetydevices.Checktheir properoperationregularly.

• Checkboltsandscrewsforpropertightnessat frequentintervalstokeepthemachineinsafe workingcondition.Also,visuallyinspectmachine foranydamage.

• Beforecleaning,repairing,or inspecting,stopthe engineandmakecertainthetinesandallmoving partshavestopped.Disconnectthesparkplug wireandgroundit againsttheenginetoprevent unintendedstarting.

• Donotchangetheenginegovernorsettingsor over-speedtheengine.Thegovernorcontrolsthe maximumsafeoperatingspeedoftheengine.

• Maintainorreplacesafetyandinstructionlabels, asnecessary.

• Followthismanualforsafeloading,unloading, transporting,and storageofthis machine.

• Neverstorethemachineorfuelcontainerinside wherethereisanopenflame,sparkor pilotlight

suchasa waterheater,furnace,clothesdryer,etc.

• Alwaysrefertotheoperator'smanualforproper instructionson off-seasonstorage.

• If thefueltankhastobedrained,do thisoutdoors.

• Observeproperdisposallawsand regulationsfor gas,oil,etc.toprotecttheenvironment.

Your Responsibility

• Restricttheuseof thispowermachinetopersons whoread,understand,andfollowthewarningsand

instructionsin thismanualandonthemachine.

• Thesafetylabelsonthetillerare showninthe "SafetyLabels"section.Toensuresafeoperation

ofthetiller,followtheinstructionsonalllabels closely.

Practices

WARNING

Thissymbolpointsout importantsafetyin-

structions which,if not followed, couldendanger

the personalsafetyand/or

propertyof yourself and others.Readandfollow all

instructionsinthis manual

beforeattempting to oper-

atethis machine. Failure to comply with these

instructions may result in personal injury. Whenyou seethis symbol, HEEDITS

WARNING!

WARNING

Disconnectthe spark

plugwire and ground

itagainst the engine

to preventunintended starting.

Becertain to check

the clutchcable

adjustmentbefore operatingthe tiller.

NOTE:specificationsare subjecttochangewithout

notification or obligation

imagesmynotreflectyour

exact modelandarefor

refeiencepurposeson!y

NOTE:Referencesto rightorleft sideofthetillerare ff determinedfrombehindtheunitintheoperatingposition.

To Remove Unit From Carton

• Removestaples,breakglueon topflaps,orcuttape atcartonend andpeelalongtopflaptoopencarton.

• Removeloosepartsincludedwithunit (i.e., operator'smanual,etc.).

• Cutcornersandlaycartondownflat.

• Removepackingmaterial.

• Rollorslideunitoutof carton.Checkcarton

thoroughlyforlooseparts.

• Extendcontrolcableand layonthefloor.Becareful nottobendorkinkcontrolcable.

IMPORTANT:Thisunitisshippedwithoutgasoline oroilintheengine.Becertainto serviceenginewith gasolineandoil as instructedinthe separateengine manualbeforeoperatingyourmachine.

Loose Parts In Carton

• DepthStake

• HandleAssembly

• ShiftRod

NOTE: Allhardwareneededforassemblyisattached totheloosepartsorthetiller.

Before Assembly

_ ARNING:Disconnectthe spark plug

wire and ground it against theengineto

preventunintended starting.

Attaching Depth Stake

• Tipthetillerforwardsoit restsonfrontcounterweight.

• Unthreadthe"T"knobfromthetopofthedepthstake

andremovetheflatwasherandhexbolt.Removethe hairpinclipfromtheclevispin.SeeFigure3-1.

• Raisethefine shieldhingeflap assemblyandinsert thedepthstakeassemblyintheslot (underthe tine

shield)andupthroughthefineshieldassembly.

• Insertclevispinthroughthefineshieldanddepth stakeassemblies.Securewithhairpinclip.

• Insertahexboltintotopholeofthedepthstake assembly.Placeflatwasheronthehexboltandthread "T"knobontothehexbolt.Tightensecurely. SeeFigure3-1.

• Tipthetillerbackdownso itrestson thetines.

Attaching Handle Assembly

• Removetoptwo boltsandflangelocknutsfrom

handlemountingbrackets,butdonotremovethe bottomboltandnut.SeeFigure3-2.

• Placehandleassemblyinpositionbetweenthe handlemountingbrackets.

• Lineupholesin handlewithholesinbracketand securewithhardwarepreviouslyremoved.

Attaching Clutch Cable

Attachtheclutchcabletothehandleas follows: (becarefulnottokinkthe cable)

FlatWasher

T-Knob

DepthStake

HexBolt

o Hairpin Clip

Figure3-1

• Removethreadedeyeboltandnutfromthecableend.

• Routethe clutchcabletotheright sideof thehandle

mountingbracketsand underneaththe handle.

• Pushthecablethroughtheholeinthecenterof the handleandsnapin theplasticfitting.See Figure3-3.

• Removeslotheadscrew,nut,andtwoflatwashers fromtheclutchbail.SeeFigure3-4.

• Fastenthethreadedeyeboltontobailbysecuringfrom topwithslotheadscrew,flatwashersandlock nut.

• Threadeyeboltandnut removedearlierintothe internallythreadedtubeat theendofthecable. Threadengagementshouldbeabout3/4".Tightennut againsttubeat endofcable.SeeFigure3-4.

NOTE: Do notovertightenclutchcable.Toomuch tensionmaycauseitto break.

_ ARNING: Becertain to checkthe clutch

cable adjustment before operating the tiller.

Remove

Figure 3-2

Handle Assembly

Handle

f SlotHeadScrew,Nut_,

& FiatWashers

PlasticFitting

\ t

Figure3-3

ClutchControl

SlotHeadScrew

FiatWashers

Figure3-4

RubberWasher /Control Rod

idlerPulleyRod

\ J

Figure3-5

Attaching Control Rod

• Makesurethehandleassemblyisinthehighest

position.Referto KnowYourTillersection.

• Removehairpinclipsfromcontrolrod,(rubber washerstoremainoncontrolrod).

• Inserttheshorter,(angled),endofthecontrolrod throughtheindicatorbracketontheshift coverand securewithhairpinclipthatwaspreviouslyremoved. SeeFigure3-5.

• Insertthelongerendofthecontrolrodthroughthe holeinthegearselectorhandleandsecurewith hairpinclip.

Final Clutch Adjustment

IMPORTANT:Servicethe enginewithoilandgasoline beforecheckingthis adjustment.Referto theseparate enginemanualpackedwithyourtillerforproperfueland

engineoil recommendations. Positionthetillersothefrontcounterweightis against

a solidobject,suchasawall.Withthegearselection leverinNEUTRAL,starttheengine.Refertothe separateenginemanual.

Standingonthe rightsideofthetiller,examinethebelt (insidethe beltcover).Itshouldnotbeturning.

_ ARNING:Donotputyourfingers under

Ifthe belt turns without bail engaged,adjustby unthreadingthe internallythreadedtubeattheend ofthecablea fewturnsclockwise(whenstandingin

operator'sposition)and thenretightenthe nutagainst thetube.

Now movethe shift leverto FORWARDposition. Carefullyengagethe clutchby liftingtheclutchcontrol bailagainstthehandle.Thewheelsshouldspin.

If thewheelsdo not spinwiththeunit inforward,adjust byunthreadingthetubeat theendofthecablea few

turnscounter-clockwise(whenstandinginoperator's position)andthenretightenthenut againstthetube.

Recheckbothadjustments,and readjustasnecessary. NOTE: A secondarycableadjustmentisavailableifyou

reachthe pointthatadditionaladjustmentisneeded. Removethe beltcoverand movethe hexnutsat the

otherendofthecabletowardstheendofthe casing. Thenreadjustthehexnutsatthehandle.

the belt cover.

Tire Pressure

Thetireson yourunitmaybeover-inflatedfor shipping purposes.Reducethe tirepressurebeforeoperating theunit.Recommendedoperatingtirepressureis approximately20 p.s.i.(checksidewallof tirefortire manufacturer'srecommendedpressure).

_ ARNING: Maximumtire pressureunder

any circumstancesis 30 p.s.i.Equaltire

pressureshouldbemaintainedon both

tires.

Do not putyour

fingers underthe

belt cover.

Maximumtire pressure under any

circumstancesis 30 p.s.i. Equal tire

pressureshould be

maintained on both

tires.

NOTE:Specificationsa[e subjectto changewithout

notificationor obligationl

Imagesmy not reflect your

exactmodelandarefor

referencepurposeson!y.

/++_..-- .........,...............................,=

ii LI):i;¸ A "k

i GearSelectionHandle......

KnoWYour

HandleAdjustment

Tiller

Depth Stake

! i

WARNING

Make certain unit is

in NEUTRALwhen

starting the engine.

NOTE:Specificationsare

i subjecttochangewith0ut notification or obligation

ImageSmynotreflectyour

exact modelandarefo[ [eference purposeson!y,

Figure4-1

Gear Selection Handle

Thegearselectionhandleislocatedinthecenterof thehandleonthetiller.It is usedtoselectNEUTRAL,

REVERSE,oroneofthe FORWARDmode.Pullorpush thehandlesothattheindicatoron topof shiftcover pointstotheoperatingmodedesired.SeeFigure4-1.

Neutra|

Transmissionisinneutral.

Reverse

Reversewheeldrive.

Forward Modes

Wheels Forward: Forwardwheeldriveonly. Tines Reverse: Forwardwheeldriveandreversefine

drive. Tines Forward: Forwardwheeland tinedrive.

iMPORTANT:Usethereversefinedrivewhentilling virginground,sod,orhardsoil.Usetheforwardtinedrive whencultivatingortilling softground.

NOTE: If difficultyis encounteredin movingthegear selectionhandle,referto followinghelpfulhints.Toshift

intoforwardor reversewheeldrive,movetillerforward slightlythenbackwardtoallowthegearstosynchronize.

Toshift intoforwardwheelsandtinedrive,pushforward slightlyonthegearselectionhandleandslowlyengage theclutchcontrolallowingthegearstosynchronize.To stopforwardmovementandfinedrive,releasetheclutch control.Donotshiftgearswiththeclutchcontrolengaged exceptwhenengagingthetines.

_ ARNING:MakecertainunitisinNEUTRALwhenstartingtheengine.

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