MTD 31699557, 21A-240M000 Owner’s Manual

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

L

Worlcl Rear Wheel Tiller m Series 240

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

PrintedIn USA FormNo.769-04454A

(April17,2009)

ToTheOwner

ThankYou

1

Thank you for purchasing a Garden Tiller manufactured by
MTD LLC. 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. MTD LLC

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

Table of Contents

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

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

Controls ................................................................... 10

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

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

The engine manufacturer is responsible for all engine-related
issues with regards to performance, power-rating, specifications,
warranty and service. Please refer to the engine manufacturer's
Owner's/Operator's Manual, packed separately with your

machine, for more information.

Maintenance &Adjustment. ................................. 13

Service ..................................................................... 15

Troubleshooting ..................................................... 16

Illustrated Parts List ............................................... 17

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 rear of the tine shield near the handle. 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

DIqFllqFllqFllqNIqD

SERIALNUMBER

DIqFIIqFIIqFIIqFIIqD

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 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 attester 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
arrester 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

3

OneTiller
One Engine Operator's Manual

NOTE: Stand behind the tiller as if you were going to operate 2.
it. Your right hand corresponds to the right side of the tiller and
your left hand corresponds to the left side of the tiller.

NOTE:This operator's manual may cover various models of tillers.
The machines illustrated may vary slightly from your tiller, f

NOTE:The tiller is shipped without gasoline or oil in the engine.
Fill up gasoline and oil as instructed in the accompanying engine
manual before operating your machine.

One 20 oz. bottle SAE 30W oil

Assembly

Handle

1. Remove the star handle knobs and the carriage bolts from
the lower handle. See Fig. 3-1.

Handle Knobs

One Tiller Operator's Manual

Position the upper handle onto the lower handle, Step A in
Fig. 3-2. Align the holes on the lower handle with the holes
on the upper handle. Choose the upper or lower holes

depending on the desired handle height.

Figure 3-1

Figure 3-2

3.

Insert carriage bolts through the holes and secure with the
star knobs, Step Bin Fig.3-2. Make certain the carriage bolts
are seated securely into one of the two positions provided.

4. Inserttheleftendofthetineclutchcontrolintotheholeon

the left side of the upper handle. See Fig. 3-3.

Figure 3-3

5. Insert the Z-fitting on the clutch cable into the hole on the
tine clutch control. Hook the "Z" end into the opening from
the inside to the outside as shown in Fig. 3-4.

6. Squeeze the tine clutch control inward. Insert the right end
into the hole on the right side of the upper handle. See Fig.

3-5.

f

\\

J

Figure 3-5

Set-Up

(;as& OilFill-Up

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

Z-fitting

Figure 3-4

gasoline. Gasoline is extremely flammable and the

il_g_kli WARNING! Use extreme care when handling

vapors are explosive. Never fuel machine indoors or
while the engine is hot or running.

8 I SECTION3-- ASSEMBLY& SET-UP

Adjustments

Wheels

The tiller is shipped with the wheel adjusted such that the
unit sits level. Before tilling, the wheel must be raised. To do

this, remove the clevis and cotter pins, raise the wheel to the
desired position, then reattach pins to secure, Figure 4-2. For
transporting the tiller, reverse the steps to lower the wheel.

Cotter

Figure 3-6

SECTION 3 -- ASSEMBLY& SET-UP 9

ControlsandFeatures

Tine Clutch

Control

Depth

4

Recoil Starter

TineClutchControl

The clutch control lever is located on the upper handle.
Squeezing the lever against the handle engages the tine drive.
Release the lever to stop the tines from turning.

HandleKnobs

The handle height may be adjusted. Loosen the knobs and
remove the carriage bolts to change the position. Reinstall and
tighten the hardware when complete.

RecoilStarter

The recoil starter islocated on the engine and is used to
manually start the engine.

DepthStake

The depth stake acts as a brake for the tiller and controls the
depth and speed at which the machine will operate.

Figure 4-1

RearWheelwith DepthStake

The rear wheel can be raised and lowered for transport and
storage. Refer to the Maintenance & Adjustments Section for
instructions on depth stake adjustment and the Assembly & Set-
Up Section for instructions on wheel adjustment.

EngineControls

Refer to engine manual for additional information and functions
of the engine controls.

ThrottleControl (If Equipped)

The throttle control lever is located on the engine. It controls the
engine's speed and stops the engine.

Primer

The primer, located on the engine, is used to pump gas into the
carburetor and aid in starting the engine. Use it to start a cold

engine, but do not use it to restart a warm engine after a short
shutdown.

Operation

WARNING! Read,understand, and follow all

instructions and warnings posted on the machine

and in this manual before operating.
WARNING! Be sure no one other than the operator

isstanding near the tiller while starting engine or
operating the unit. Never run engine indoors or in

enclosed, poorly ventilated areas. Engine exhaust

contains carbon monoxide, an odorless and deadly
gas. Keep hands, feet, hair and loose clothing away

from any moving parts on engine and tiller.

Starting Engine

_ ARNING! Be sure no one isstanding in front of

Referto the engine manual for instructions.

1. Attach spark plug wire to spark plug. Make sure the metal

2. Make sure that the tine clutch control is disengaged.

3. Placethe throttle control (if equipped) in the FASTposition.

4. For first time start-up, firmly pressengine primer five (5)

5. Place left hand on gastank. Grasp recoil starter and pull

6. Pull rope with a rapid, continuous, full arm stroke. Keep

the tiller while the engine is running or being

started.

cap on the end of the spark plug isfastened securely over
the metal tip on the spark plug.

times. Forall future starts, press three (3) times. Wait about
two seconds between each press.

rope out slowly until engine reaches the beginning of
its compression cycle (rope will pull slightly harder at this
point).

afirm grip on handle. Let rope rewind slowly. Do not let
recoil starter snap back against engine. Repeat until engine
starts.

Stopping Engine

1. Move throttle control lever (if equipped) to STOPor OFF
position. Referto the engine manual for instructions on

stopping the engine.

2. Disconnect spark plug wire from spark plug and ground
against the engine.

The working depth of the machine may be predetermined by
setting the depth stake so that the wheels are about four inches
from the ground when the tines and depth stake are resting on

the ground. This setting will permit aworking depth of about
four inches. When presetting the working depth, the handles
should be adjusted so the hand grips are a little above waist. The
tiller will be lower when the tines and depth stake penetrate the
ground.

For tilling, the depth stake must be lowered and the wheel must
be raised. See Fig. 5-1.

f

//

Figure 5-1

When tilling, leave approximately eight inches of untilled soil
between the first and second tilling paths, then make the third

path between the first and second. See Fig. 5-2.

f

UsingYourTiller

Your tiller is designed for seed bed preparation, cultivating,
furrowing, and mulching.

ControllingTillingand DepthSpeed

Byincreasing the depth of the depth stake, the forward speed
of the machine isreduced and the working depth is increased.
When the depth stake is raised, the working depth of the
machine isreduced and the forward speed is increased.

Figure 5-2

11

Insomesoils,thedesireddepthisobtainedthefirsttimeover
thegarden.Inothersoils,thedesireddepthisobtainedbygoing
overthegardentwoorthreetimes.Passesshouldbemade
acrossthelengthandwidthofthegardenalternately.Rocks

whichareturnedupshouldberemovedfromthegardenarea.

HandlePressure

Further control of tilling depth and travel speed can be obtained
by variation of pressure on the handles. A downward pressure
on the handles will reduce the working depth and increase the
forward speed. An upward pressure on the handles will increase
the working depth and reduce the forward speed. The type of

soil and working conditions will determine the actual setting of
the depth stake and the handle pressure required.

Cultivating

For cultivating, a two to three inch depth is desirable. With the
outer tines installed, the working width of the machine is 22 or

24 inches.
For cultivation, the tine width can be reduced to 13 inches by

removing the outer tines, refer to the Adjustment Section. When
laying out plant rows, be sure to allow enough width to permit

cultivation between the rows. In growing corn or similar crops,
check-row planting will permit cross cultivation and practically
eliminate hand hoeing, Fig. 5-3.

For proper decaying action, fertilizer should be applied and
worked in with the mulch materials. Breaking up leaves and straw
and mixing it with several inches of soil allows proper aeration of
the plant root system and retards the growth of weeds.

TransportingandStoringthe TUler

To transport the tiller, lower the wheel and move the depth stake
to the highest position. See Fig. 5-4.

Figure 5-3

The tiller has many uses other than tilling and cultivating a
garden. One of these is the preparation of lawn area for seeding.
The tiller will prepare a deep seed bed which will be free of hard
untilled spots, allowing a better stand of grass to grow. The tiller
is very useful for loosening hard soil for excavation with a shovel;

No tedious handwork will be necessary. Your tiller may be used
for mixing compost in the pile or for mixing it with the soil in
your garden. This should be done after the soil has been broken
to the full working depth. The compost should be worked in
to a depth of six to seven inches. This may be done by working

the length of the garden and then by making separate passes
across its width. The addition of decayed organic matter will
substantially increase the fertility of your garden.

J

Figure 5-4

To store the tiller, lower the wheel and orient the depth stake so
both are touching the ground. See Fig. 5-5.

J

Figure 5-5

12 I SECTION 5-- OPERATION