MTD 410 - 422 User Manual

Operator s Manual

REAR TINE

TILLER

Models

410-422

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 sen/lce 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. 770-10133

(10/98)

SECTION 1: FINDING YOUR MODEL NUMBER

This Operator's Manual is an important part of your new tiller. It will help you assemble, prepare and maintain
your tiller. Please read and understand what it says.
Before you start to prepare your tiller for its first use, please locate the model plate and copy the information
from it in this Operators Manual. The information on the model plate is very important if you need help from
your dealer or the MTD customer support department.

• Every tiller has a model plate. You can locate it by standing in the operating position behind the unit
and looking down at the center of the rear tine cover. An example of the model plate is shown below in
Figure 1.

- This is where your model number will be.

XXX-X-XXX-X-XXX XXXXXXXXXXX

. This is where your serial number will be.

Copy the model number here:.

MTD PRODUCTS INC

CLEVELAND, OHIO 44136 .

Copy the serial number here: _

Figure 1

SECTION 2: CALLING CUSTOMER SUPPORT

• LOCATE YOUR MODEL NUMBER AND SERIAL NUMBER — Record this information in the space

provided. To find your unit’s specific model number and serial number, see SECTION 1: FINDING
YOUR MODEL NUMBER.

• If you are having difficulty assembling this product or if you have any questions regarding the controls,
operation or maintenance of this unit, please call the Customer Support Department.

• Customer Support can be reached by dialing: 1- (330) 220-4MTD

(4683)

or

1-(800)-800-7310

• Please have your model number and serial number ready when you call.

• Although both numbers are important, you will be asked to enter only your serial number before your

call can be processed.

SECTION 3: IMPORTANT SAFE OPERATION PRACTICES

A

A.

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 YOUR TILLER. FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THESE
INSTRUCTIONS MAY RESULT IN PERSONAL INJURY. WHEN YOU SEE THIS SYMBOL— HEED

ITS WARNING.

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

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

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

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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.

1. GENERAL OPERATION

• 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 in the 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.

• If your 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.

• If situations occur which are not covered by this
manual, use care and good judgment. Contact your
dealer for assistance.

2. 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.

3. 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.

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

Never refuei 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.

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.

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.

^WARNING

TO AVOID INJURY

• READ THE OPERATOR'S MANUAL. |
.KNOW LOCATION AND

FUNCTIONS OF ALL CONTROLS

. KEEP ALL SAFETY DEVICES AND

SHIELDS IN PLACE.

. NEVER ALLOW CHILDREN OR

UNINSTRUCTED ADULTS TO
OPERATE TILLER.

.SHUT OFF ENGINE BEFORE

UNCLOGGING TINES OR MAKING
REPAIRS.

. KEEP BYSTANDERS AWAY FROM

MACHINE.

. KEEP AWAY FROM ROTATING

PARTS.

• USE EXTREME CAUTION WHEN
REVERSING OR PULLING THE
MACHINE TOWARDS YOU.

Awarning

AVOID INJURY FROM ROTATING
TINES - KEEP HANDS, FEET AND
CLOTHING AWAY.

Figure 2 Safety labels found on your unit

SECTION 4: UNPACKING

TO REMOVE UNIT FROM CARTON

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

2. Remove loose parts included with unit (i.e.,
owner’s manual, etc.).

3. Cut along dotted lines and lay carton down flat.

4. Remove packing material.

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

6. Extend control cable and lay on the floor. Be
careful not to bend or kink control cable.

IMPORTANT: This unit is shipped WITHOUT

GASOLINE or OIL. After assembly, see separate
engine manuai for proper fuei and engine oii
recommendations.

SECTION 5: ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS

This instruction manual covers several different

model tillers. Follow only those instructions which
pertain to your unit.

NOTE: Left and right is determined from the

operator’s position, standing behind the tiller.

TOOLS REQUIRED FOR ASSEMBLY

(2) 1/2" Wrenches*
(1) 9/16" Wrench*
(1) Pair of Pliers
*Two adjustable wrenches may be used.

LOOSE PARTS IN CARTON

(1) Depth Stake
(1) Handle Assembly
(1) Shift Rod
(1) Handle Adjustment Rod (Model 422 Only)

1. Tip the tiller forward so it rests on front

2. Unthread the "T” knob from the top of the depth

3. Raise the tine shield hinge flap assembly. Insert

4. Insert clevis pin through the tine shield and

5. Insert hex bolt into the top hole of the depth

6. Tip the tiller back down so it rests on the tines.

counterweight.

stake, and remove the flat washer and hex bolt.

Remove the hairpin clip from the clevis pin. See
Figure 3.

the depth stake assembly in the slot (under the
tine shield) and up through the tine shield

assembly as shown in Figure 3.

depth stake assemblies. Secure with hairpin clip.

stake assembly. Place flat washer on the hex
bolt and thread “T” knob onto the hex bolt. See
Figure 3. Tighten securely.

NOTE: All hardware needed for assembly is

attached to the loose parts or the tiller.

ATTACHING THE DEPTH STAKE
ASSEMBLY

T-Knob, Flat Washer, Hex Bolt

Tine Shield

Attaching the Handle Assembly

1. Remove the Handle Adjustment Lock, Flange
Nut Retainer Bracket, Shoulder Bolt and Lock
Nut from the Pivot Bracket.

2. Place the handle assembly in position in the
handle pivot bracket lining the upper holes in the
handle with the slots in the pivot bracket. See

Figure 4.

Flange Nut Retainer Bracket

Shoulder Bolt

Figure 4

3.

Lift up the handle assembly and align the bottom
holes in the handle assembly with the holes in
the pivot bracket. Insert hex bolt (with Hex nut
retainer attached through the round hole). The
head of hex bolt and retainer bracket should be
to the right hand side of the unit. See Figure 5.

Flange Nut Retainer Bracket

Shoulder Bolt

Lock Nut

Lift up

Handle

Figure 5

4. Place the hex opening of the hex nut retainer
bracket over the flange nut securing the handle
adjustment lock and install the lock nut on the
lower shoulder bolt. See Figure 6.

T-Handles

Figure 7

Gear Shift Rod

Hex Hole in

5. Pivot handle assembly into position desired.
Tighten the bottom bolt and nut securely.
Tighten the handle adjustment lock.

Handle Adjustment

ATTACHING THE GEAR SHIFT ROD
NOTE: Model 422 tiller has two control rods. The

gear shift rod is the longer rod.

1. Remove the T-handle, nut, hairpin clip, flat
washer and rubber washer from the end of the
gear shift rod. Slide the rod up through the
bracket on the front of the handle assembly (use
the right hand hole for Model 422). See Figure 7.

2. Insert the end of the gear shift rod through the
opening in the top of the shift cover, and into the
shift bracket. See Figure 8. Secure with rubber
washer first, then flat washer and hairpin clip.

Figure 8

3. Install the nut and T-handle on the gear shift rod.

ATTACHING THE HANDLE ADJUSTMENT

ROD

(Model 422 Only)