MTD 21B-342-062 Owner’s Manual

OPERATOR'S MANUAL

Front Tine Tillers

Models

340 Thru 390

Model 390 Shown

IMPORTANT: Read safety rules and instructions carefully before operating equipment.

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

covered, brush-covered or grass-covered land unless the engine's exhaust system is equipped with a spark arrester meeting
applicable local or state laws (if any). If a spark arrester 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 arrester for the muffler is available through your nearest engine authorized
service dealer or contact the service department, P.O. Box 368022 Cleveland, Ohio 44136-9722.

MTD PRODUCTS INC. P.O. BOX 368022 CLEVELAND, OHIO 44136-9722

PRINTED IN U.S.A. FORM NO. 770-10132A

(9/99)

TABLEOFCONTENTS

Content Page

Important Safe Operation Practices ................................................................... 3, 4

Assembling Your Tiller ....................................................................................... 5

Know Your Tiller ................................................................................................. 7

Operating Your Tiller .......................................................................................... 8

Making Adjustments .......................................................................................... 12

Maintaining Your Tiller ....................................................................................... 13

Off-Season Storage ........................................................................................... 14

Troubleshooting ................................................................................................. 15

Parts List ............................................................................................................ 16

FINDINGMODELNUMBER

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.

Before you start assembling your new equipment, please locate the model plate on the

equipment and copy the informationfrom itin the space provided below. The information on

the model plate is very important if youneed help from our Customer Support Department or

an authorized dealer.

You can locate the model number by standing in the operating position behind the unit and looking

down at the frame on the right side. A sample model plate is explained below. For future reference,

please copy the model number and the serial number of the equipment inthe space below.

(Model Number) (Serial Number)

Copy the model number here:

Copy the serial number here:

MTD PRODUCTS INC

P.O. BOX 368022

CLEVELAND,OHIO 44136 •

CALLINGCUSTOMERSUPPORT

If you have difficulty assembling this product or have any questions regarding the controls, operation or

maintenance of this unit, please call the Customer Support Department.

Call 1- (330) 220-4MTD (4683) or 1- (800)-800-7310 to reach a Customer Support
representative. Please have your unit's model number and serial number ready when you
call. See previous section to locate this information. You will be asked to enter the serial
number in order to process your call.

SECTION1' IMPORTANTSAFEOPERATIONPRACTICES

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.

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.

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

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

GENERALOPERATION

• 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 inthe 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.

• Ifyour 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 utilities. Rotating tines can cause

damage or injury.

• Do not operate engine 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.

• Ifsituations occur which are not covered by this

manual, use care and good judgment. Contact your

dealer for assistance.

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.

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.

• We do not recommend the use of pressure
washers to clean your unit. They may cause
damage to electric components, spindles, pulleys,

bearings or the engine. The use of pressure

washers will result in shortened life and reduce
serviceability.

• 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.

,il_ 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.

TO AVOID INJURY

• READTHEOPERATOR'SMANUAL.

• I_OW LOCATIONAND
FUNCTIONSOFALL CONTROLS

• I_EP ALLSAFETYDEVICESAND
SHIELDSIN PLACE,

• NEVERALLOWCHILDRENOR
UNINSTRUCTEDADULTSTO

OPERATETILLER.

• SHUTOFFENGINEBEFORE
UNCLOGGINGTINESORMAKING
REPAIRS,

• I_EP BYSTANDERSAWAYFROM
MACHINE,

AVOID INJURYFROMROTATING
TINES- KEEP HANDS,FEET AND

CLOTHINGAWAY.

• KEEPAWAYFROMROTATING
PARTS,

• USEEXTREMECAUTIONWHEN
REVERSINGORPULUNGTHE

MACHINETOWARDSYOU

SECTION2: ASSEMBLINGYOURTILLER

NOTE: This operator's guide covers three different

model tillers. Models 340 thru 345 have forward tine
drive only. Model 390 has both forward and reverse tine

drive. Follow only the instructions which pertain to your
model tiller. See the model plate on your tiller for the

correct model number.

IMPORTANT:This unit isshipped WITHOUT GASOLINE
or OIL. After assembly, see separate engine manual for
proper fuel and engine oil recommendations.

NOTE: Left and right is determined from the operator's

position, standing behind the tiller.

RemovingUnit FromCarton

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

carton.

• Remove all loose parts included with unit (i.e.,
operator's manual, etc.)

• Cut corners and lay carton down flat.

• Remove packing material.

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

• Extend control cable(s) to the rear of the tiller and
lay them on the floor. Be careful not to bend or kink
control cable(s).

SettingUpYourTiller

Attaching The Tailpiece And Depth Stake

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. See Figure 1.

Attaching TheHandleAssembly

NOTE: When attaching the handle assembly, steps
three (3) and four (4) will vary depending on the engine

you have. Follow instructions which pertain to your

model tiller.

• 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 as it will
fall when the bolt is removed. See Figure 2.

• Insert the handle assembly between the two frame

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

• Loosen the hand knob which secures the handle
brace to the handle assembly. (Standard Briggs &

Stratton & Tecumseh Engines).

• Remove handle crank from the handle brace.
(Briggs & Stratton Intek Only).

• Remove the hex lock nut from on top of the engine,

just to the left of the spark plug. Attach the curved
end of the handle brace to the top of the engine,

using hex lock nut just removed. Tighten securely.
See Figure 3.(Standard Briggs & Stratton &

Tecumseh engines).

• Insert handle crank through the welded bracket on

the handle and into the threaded u-nut on the end
of the handle brace. (Briggs & Stratton Intek

only).

• Select one of the three handle height positions
(three notches in welded bracket), and tighten the
hand knob to secure the handle in desired position.
Make certain carriage bolt is seated securely into

one of the three positions provided.

Tailpiece

Lower

Hole

Self-Tapping

Screw

Figure 1

HandKnob

",,,Brace

Handle

HexBolt/\
Cupped \t'_-_ _'_

Washer /_____

Frame _ /

Half _'_/

Spark Hex

Plug _ Nut_-

/ Bolt

Figure 2

Crank

Handle

Welded

Bracket

Hex Bolt

Cupped
Washer

Handle

Brace

Briggs and Stratton Intek Engine

Hex

Lock Nut

Handle --

Brace

Frame

Half

Fuel

Shut-off

Valve

attached closer to the rear of the tiller).

• 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.

• 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. See

Figure 4.

• Thread the rod back into the cable until the cable is

straight. Do not tighten it enough to put any tension
on the spring.

• 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.

"Z" End

Hooked In

Bracket

Briggs and Stratton Standard Engine

Spark

Plug

Handle

Brace

Lock

Tecumseh Engine

Figure 3

Attaching Clutch Control Cable(s)

Forward Cable

Attach the end of the forward cable to the bracket
underneath the handle assembly as follows. (On model

390, the forward clutch cable is the cable which is

Threaded

Rod

Cable

Models 340 thru 345

Figure 4

ReverseCable(Model3900nly)
The reverse clutch cable is the cable which is attached
closer to the front of the tiller. Attach the end of the

reverse cable to the reverse tine drive clutch lever,
above the handle assembly, inthe same manner as
you attached the forward cable. See Figure 5.

Reverse Tine

Threaded

Rod

Hex Nut

Reverse

Cable

"Z" End

Hooked In

Bracket

Model 390

Figure 5

Final Clutch AdJustment

To check the clutch cable adjustment, proceed as
follows.

Disconnect the spark plug wire and move it away
from the spark plug to prevent accidental starting.
Engage and release the tine engagement handle,
then the reverse tine engagement lever (model 390
only). If an excessive noise is heard when releasing

either the tine drive clutch handle or lever, the cable
may be too loose. Adjust either the forward or

reverse clutch cable by loosening the hex nut,
threading the rod into the cable one or two turns,
then retightening the nut.

Reverse Tine

ement Handle

Tine

Engagement Handle

Models 340 thru 345

Model 390

Figure 6

With tine engagement handle in neutral (released)
as shown in Figure 6, pull the starter rope several

times. The tines should not turn. Ifthey turn
forward, loosen the hex nut on the forward cable

(underneath the handle assembly). If they turn

toward the rear (model 390 only), loosen the hex

nut on the reverse cable (above the handle

assembly). Unthread the rod from the cable 2 or 3
turns. Retighten the hex nut, and check again for
correct adjustment. See Figure 6.

SECTION3: KNOWYOURTILLER

Handle
Crank

Tin,

Model 390 Shown

Read this operator's manual and safety rules before
operating your tiller. Compare the illustations in Figure
7 with your tiller to familiarize yourself with the location
of various controls and adjustments. Save this manual

for future reference.

Engagement
Handle

'_ Forward Tine

Engagement
Handle

-Depth

Stake

End Cap

Figure 7

Throttle Control
The throttle control lever is located on the engine. It

controls the engine speed and stops the engine. See
Figure 8.

ChokeLever(Model340/390)
Thechokeleverislocatedabovethethrottlecontrol.It

isusedtoenrichthefuelmixturewhenstartingacold
engine.SeeFigure8.

PrimerButton(Model345)
Theprimerbuttonis locatedbehindtheaircleaner.It

is usedto enrichthefuel mixturein thecarburetor
whenstartinga coldengine.SeeFigure8

ForwardTineEngagementHandle
Theforwardtineengagementhandleislocated

beneaththetillerhandle.SeeFigure7.Squeezingthe
handleupagainstthetillerhandleengagesthetines.

Releasethehandletostopthetines.

ReverseTineDriveClutchLever

(Model390Only)
Thereversetinedriveclutchleverislocatedontopof
thehandlepanel.SeeFigure7.Pullthelevertotherear
tomovethetinesinreverse.Releasethelevertostop

thereversetinedrive.

NOTE:Never engage both the forward and reverse tine

drives at the same time. Engaging both forward and
reverse tine drives at the same time could damage the
belt drives and cause the engine to stall.

, top

Briggs and Stratton Intek

Choke

,Throttle Control

Briggs and Stratton Standard

Depth Stake
The depth stake controls the tilling depth. Refer to

OPERATING YOUR TILLER in Section 4.
Tines And EndCaps

The tilling tines and end caps (are used to cultivate,
furrow, and preapre yoru garden for seeding. The end
caps (Model 390 only) are used to avoid tilled soil from
overflowing onto unwanted areas.

SECTION4: OPERATINGYOURTILLER

GasandOilFill up

Service the engine with gasoline and oil as instructed in
the separate engine manual packed with your tiller.

Read instructions carefully.

NOTE: Your tiller is shipped without oil; however, a
small amount ofoil may be present from the factory.

Starting Engine

front of the tiller while the engine is

WARNING: Be sure no one is standing in
running or being started,

__/___ / Air

"_'_ I_---__----_ Cleaner

Primer.._ _._ __ ¢

Figure 8

Models 340, 342, & 390

• Attach spark plug wire to spark plug. Make certain
the metal loop on the end of the spark plug wire

(inside the boot) is fastened securely over the metal

tip on the spark plug.

• Make certain all controls are in the neutral position

(released). See Figure 6.

• Place the throttle control lever in FAST position.

See Figure 8.

• Move choke lever to CHOKE position. (A warm
engine requires little or no choke.)

• Grasp starter handle and pull rope out slowly until
engine reaches start of compression cycle (rope
will pull slightly harder at this point). Let the rope

rewind slowly.