MTD 340 User Manual

OPERATOR’S MANUAL

Front Tine Tillers

Models

340 Thru 390

IMPORTANT: READ SAFETY RULES AND INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY

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 361131 Cleveland, Ohio 44136-0019.

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

PRINTED IN U.S.A.

FORM NO.

770-10135B.fm
(11/01)

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Content Page

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

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

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

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

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

Maintaining Your Tiller .......................................................................................11

Troubleshooting.................................................................................................14

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

FINDING MODEL NUMBER

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 information from it in the space provided below. The information on
the model plate is very important if you need 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 in the space below.

Copy the model number here:

Copy the serial number here:

ENGINE INFORMATION

The engine manufacturer is responsible for all engine-related issues with regards to performance, power­rating, specifications, warranty and service. Please refer to the engine manufacturer’s Owner’s/Operator’s
Manual packed separately with your unit for more information.

CONTACTING CUSTOMER SUPPORT

If you have difficulty assembling this product or have any questions regarding the controls, operation or
maintenance of this unit, please call 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.

For more details about your unit, visit our website at www.mtdproducts.com

2

SECTION 1: IMPORTANT SAFE OPERATION PRACTICES

WARNING: This symbol points out important safety instructions which, if not followed, could endanger
the personal safety and/or property of yourself and others. Read and follow all instructions in this
manual before attempting to operate this machine. Failure to comply with these instructions may result
in personal injury. When you see this symbol— heed its warning.

WARNING: Engine exhaus t, s om e o f it s con st itu ents , a nd certain vehicle c om ponents contain or e m it
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 is capable of amputating hands and feet. Failure to observe the
following safety instructions could result in serious injury or death.

Training

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 old to operate
this machine. Children 14 years old and ov er should
read and understand the operation instructions and
safety rules in this manual and should be trained
and supervised by a parent.

4. Never allow adults to operate this machine without
proper instruction.

5. Keep bystanders, helpers, pets and children at least
75 feet from the machine while it is in operation.
Stop machine if anyone enters the area.

Preparation

1. 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.

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

3. Disengage clutch levers and shift (if provided) into
neutral (“N”) before starting the engine.

4. Never leave this machine unattended with the
engine running.

5. Never attempt to make any adjustments while
engine is running, except where specifically
recommended in the operator’s manual.

6. 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.

7. Use only an approved gasoline container.

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

9. Never fuel machine indoors.

10. Never remove gas cap or add fuel while the engine
is hot or running.

11. Allow engine to cool at least two minutes before
refueling.

12. Never over fill fuel tank. Fill tank to no more than ½
inch below bottom of filler neck to provide space for
fuel expansion.

13. Replace gasoline cap and tighten securely.

14. If gasoline is spilled, wipe it off the engine and
equipment. Move machine to another area. Wait 5
minutes before starting the engine.

15. Never store the machine or fuel container inside
near an open flame, spark or pilot light (e.g.
furnace, water or space heater, clothes dryer etc.).

16. Allow machine to cool 5 minutes before storing.

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, helpers, pets, and children at
least 75 feet 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, let go 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.

3

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 and stop engine before
you leave the operating position (behind the
handles). Wait until the tines come to a comple te
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 to deep at to 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 devic es 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 judgment. Contact your
dealer or telephone [phone] for assistance
and the name of your nearest servicing dealer.

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

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

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

7. Never store the machine or fuel container inside
where there is an open flame, spark or pilot light
such as a water heater, furnace, clothes dryer etc.

8. Always refer to the operator’s manual for proper
instructions on off-season storage.

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.

Y our Responsibility

1. 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.

2. The safety label on the tiller is reproduced below for
your review. To ensure safe operation of the tiller,
follow the instructions on all labels closely.

Maintenance & Storage

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

2. 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.

3. 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.

4

SECTION 2: ASSEMBLING YOUR TILLER

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 in st ruct ions which pertain to your
model tiller. See the mode l plate on your tiller for the
correct model number.

NOTE: References to right or left side of the tiller are
determined from behind the unit in the operating
position.

Removing Unit From Carton

• 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 sl ide u nit o ut of c art on. Ch eck car ton

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).

IMPORT ANT :

in the engine. Be certain to service engine with gasoline
and oil as instructed in the separate engine manual
before operating your machine.

This unit is shipped without gasoline or oil

Before Assembly

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

Attaching 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 Figu re 1.

Tailpiece

Depth
Stake

Attaching Handle Assembly

• Remove the hex bolt and cupped washer from the
top right sid e of the fra me halves . Hold the ca ble
guide bracket on the left side of the frame as it will
fall when the bolt is removed. See Figure 2.

Handle

Hand Knob

Handle

Hex Bolt &
Cupped Washer

Frame Half

• 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 ju st removed. Tig hten 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.

Brace

Spark

Plug

Figure 2

Hex Lock Nut

Shoulder Bolt

Self-Tapping
Screws

Figure 1

5

Welded
Bracket

Handle
Crank

Handle

Hex Bolt &
Cupped Washer

Briggs and Stratton Intek Engine

Hex Lock Nut

Handle Brace

Handle
Brace

Fuel Shut-Off
Valve

Frame Half

Spark
Plug

• 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 th e rod.

NOTE: Do not overtighten control cable. Too much
tension may cause it to break when engaged.

Threaded Rod

“Z” End

Hooked In

Bracket

Briggs and Stratton Standard Engine

Spark
Plug

Handle
Brace

Hex Lock
Nut

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
attached closer to the rear of the tiller).

Hex Nut

Cable

Models 340 thru 345

Figure 4

Reverse Cable (Model 390 Only)

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, in the same manner as
you attached the forward cable. See Figure 5.

Z End Hooked
in Bracket

Threaded
Rod

Hex Nut

Reverse Tine
Engagement Lever

Hex Nut

Figure 5

Forward Tine
Engagement Handle

Z End Hooked
in Bracket

Threaded
Rod

6

Final Clutch Adjustme nt

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.

• With tine engagement handle in neutral (released)
as shown in Figure 6, pull the starter rope several
times. The tines should not turn. If they turn
forward, loosen the hex nut on the forward cable
(underneath the handle assembly). If they turn

SECTION 3: KNOW YOUR TILLER

WARNING: Read, understand, and follow
all instructions and warnings on the
machine and in this manual before
operating.

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.

Forward Tine
Engagement Lever

Reverse Tine
Engagement Lever

Models 340 thru 345

Model 390

Figure 6

Run

Choke

Stop

Fast

Throttle Control

The throttle control lever is located on the engine. It
controls the engine speed and stops the engine. See
Figure 7.

Choke Lever (Model 340/390)

The choke lever is located above the throttle control. It
is used to enrich the fuel mixture when starting a cold
engine. See Figure 7.

Primer Button (Model 345)

The primer button is located behind the air cleaner. It is
used to enrich the fuel mixture in the carburetor when
starting a cold engine. See Figure 7

Forward Tine Enga gement Handle

The forward tine engagement handle is located
beneath the tiller handle. Squeezing the handle up
against the tiller handle engages the tines. Release the
handle to stop the tines. See Figure 8

Reverse Tine Drive Clutch Lever

(Model 390 Only)

The reverse tine drive clutch lever is located on top of
the handle panel. Pull the lever to the rear to move the
tines in reverse. Release the lever to stop the reverse
tine drive. See Figure 8

NOTE: Never engage both the forward and reverse tine
drives at the same time. Engaging both forward and
reverse tine drives at the same ti me co uld da mag e the
belt drives and cause the engine to stall.

Briggs and Stratton Intek

Choke

Throttle Control

Briggs and Stratton Standard

Primer

Fast

Stop

Tecumseh

Figure 7

Air

Cleaner

Throttle

Control

7

Depth Stake

The depth stake controls the tilling depth. Refer to
OPERATING YOUR TILL ER in Sectio n 4.

Handle
Crank

Tines

Model 390 Shown

Tines And End Caps

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
overflowi ng onto un wante d areas.

Reverse Tine
Engagement

Handle

Forward Tine
Engagement

Handle

Depth
Stake

End Cap

Figure 8

SECTION 4: OPERATING YOUR TILLER

Gas and Oil Fill up

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

Read ins tructi ons caref ully .

Starting Engine

WARNING: Be sure no one is standing in
front of the tiller while the engine is
running or being started.

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 th e spar k plug .

• Make certain all controls are in the neutral position
(released). See Figure 6.

• Place the throttle control lever in FAST position.
See Figure 7.

• Move chok e leve r to C HOKE p ositi on. (A war m
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.

• Pull rope with a rapid, continuous, full arm stroke.
Keep a firm grip on starter handle. Let rope rewind
slowly. Do not let starter handle snap back against
starter.

• Repeat preceding instructions until engine starts.
When engine starts, move choke lever on engine
halfway between CHOKE and RUN.

• Move throttle control to IDLE position for a few
minutes warm-up. Move choke lever to RUN
position as engine warms up.

Models 343 & 345

• 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 th e spar k plug .

• Make certain all controls are in the neutral position
(released). See Figure 8.

• Place the engine speed control in the START
position.

• Push primer two (2) or three (3) times. Wait about
two (2) seconds between each push.

NOTE: Primer may be needed to restart a warm engine
after a short shutdown.

8