MTD 450, 460 User Manual

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

OPERATOR’S MANUAL

Rear Tine Tiller – Model Series 450

IMPORTANT

READ SAFETY RULES AND INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY BEFORE OPERATION

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.

PRINTED IN U.S.A

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

FORM NO. 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 Contents

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Finding and Recording Model Number

BEFORE YOU BEGIN ASSEMBLING YOUR NEW EQUIPMENT, please locate the model plate on the equipment and copy the information to the sample model plate provided to the right. You can locate the model plate by looking at the rear of the tine shield. This information is important for use when visiting the manufacturer’s web site, obtaining assistance from the Customer Support Department, or when communicating with an authorized service dealer.

Model Number Serial Number

Customer Support

Please do

purchased, without ﬁrst contacting Customer Support.

If you have difficulty assembling this product or have any questions regarding the controls, operation, or maintenance of this unit, you can seek help from the experts. Choose from the options below:

1. Visit

2. Phone a

3. The

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

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

engine manufacturer is responsible for all engine-related issues with regards to performance, power-rating, specifica-

tions, warranty and service. Please refer to the engine manufacturer’s Owner’s/Operator’s Manual, packed separately with your unit, for more information.

NOT

return the unit to the retailer from which it was

WARNING

Hot surfaces can

cause severe burns.

Do not touch

muffler or

adjacent areas.

74 6

0 3S

WARNING

Hot surfaces can

cause severe burns.

Do not touch

muffler or

adjacent areas.

74 6

0 3S

WARNING

KEEP AWAY FROM

ROTATING TINES.

ROTATING TINES

WILL CAUSE INJURY.

DEPTH

DEPTH STAKE

STAKE

TRANSPORT

1" 3"

3" 5"

5" 7"

WARNING

TO AVOID SERIOUS INJURY

1. READ THE OPERATOR'S MANUAL.

2. KNOW LOCATION AND FUNCTIONS

OF ALL CONTROLS.

3. KEEP ALL SAFETY DEVICES AND

3. KEEP ALL SAFETY DEVICES AND SHIELDS IN PLACE AND WORKING.

SHIELDS IN PLACE AND WORKING.

4. NEVER ALLOW CHILDREN OR

4. NEVER ALLOW CHILDREN OR UNINSTRUCTED ADULTS TO

UNINSTRUCTED ADULTS TO

OPERATE TILLER.

5. SHUT OFF ENGINE BEFORE

U NCLOGGING TINES OR MAKING

U NCLOGGING TINES OR MAKING REPAIRS.

REPAIRS.

6. KEEP BYSTANDERS AWAY FROM

6. KEEP BYSTANDERS AWAY FROM M ACHINE.

M ACHINE.

7. KEEP AWAY FROM ROTATING

7. KEEP AWAY FROM ROTATING PARTS.

PARTS.

8. USE EXTREME CAUTION WHEN

8. USE EXTREME CAUTION WHEN R EVERSING OR PULLING THE

R EVERSING OR PULLING THE M ACHINE TOWARDS YOU.

M ACHINE TOWARDS YOU.

S32146

Safety

Labels

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!

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: 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.

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!

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 and throwing objects. Failure to observe the following safety instructions could result in serious injury or death.

Never remove gas cap or add fuel while the engine

Training

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.

Be familiar with all controls and their proper operation.

• Know how to stop the machine.

Never allow children under 14 years old to operate

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

Never allow adults to operate this machine without

• proper instruction.

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

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 movable parts. Never operate this machine in bare feet or sandals.

Disengage clutch levers and shift (if provided) into

• neutral (“N” ) before starting the engine.

Never leave this machine unattended with the engine

• running.

Never attempt to make any adjustments while engine

• is running, except where specifically recommended in the operator’s manual.

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.

Use only an approved gasoline container.

•

Extinguish all cigarettes, cigars, pipes and other

• sources of ignition.

Never fuel machine indoors.

•

• is hot or running.

Allow engine to cool at least two minutes before

• refueling

Never over fill fuel tank. Fill tank to no more than ½

• inch below bottom of filler neck to provide space for fuel expansion.

Replace gasoline cap and tighten securely.

•

If gasoline is spilled, wipe it off the engine and

• equipment. Move machine to another area. Wait five minutes before starting the engine.

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.).

Allow machine to cool five minutes before storing.

•

Operation

Do not put hands or feet near rotating parts. Contact

• with the rotating parts can amputate hands and feet.

Do not operate machine while under the influence of

• alcohol or drugs.

Never operate this machine without good visibility or

• light. Always be sure of your footing and keep a firm hold on the handles.

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.

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.

Exercise extreme caution when operating on or

• crossing gravel surfaces. Stay alert for hidden hazards or traffic.

Never operate the machine at high transport speeds

• on hard or slippery surfaces.

Exercise caution to avoid slipping or falling.

•

Look down and behind and use care when in reverse

• or pulling machine towards you.

Start the engine according to the instructions found

• in this manual and keep feet well away from the tines at all times.

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.

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.

Never run an engine indoors or in a poorly ventilated

• area. Engine exhaust contains carbon monoxide, an odorless and deadly gas.

Muffler and engine become hot and can cause a

• burn. Do not touch.

Use caution when tilling near fences, buildings and

• underground utilities. Rotating tines can cause property damage or personal injury.

Do not overload machine capacity by attempting to

• till soil too deep at too fast of a rate.

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.

Keep all shields, guards, and safety devices in place

• and operating properly.

Never pick up or carry machine while the engine is

• running.

Use only attachments and accessories approved

• by the manufacturer. Failure to do so can result in personal injury.

If situations occur which are not covered in this

• manual, use care and good judgment. Contact your dealer or call the customer service number found on page two.

Maintenance & Storage

Never tamper with safety devices. Check their

• proper operation regularly.

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.

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.

Do not change the engine governor settings or

• over-speed the engine. The governor controls the maximum safe operating speed of the engine.

Maintain or replace safety and instruction labels,

• as necessary.

Follow this manual for safe loading, unloading,

• transporting, and storage of this machine.

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.

Always refer to the operator’s manual for proper

• instructions on off-season storage.

If the fuel tank has to be drained, do this outdoors.

•

Observe proper disposal laws and regulations for

• gas, oil, etc. to protect the environment.

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.

The safety labels on the tiller are shown in the

• “Safety Labels” section. To ensure safe operation of the tiller, follow the instructions on all labels closely.

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!

Assembling

Your Tiller

WARNING

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

Be certain to check the clutch cable adjustment before operating the tiller.

NOTE: Specifications are subject to change without notification or obligation. Images my not reflect your exact model and are for reference purposes only.

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

To Remove 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 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 and lay on the floor. Be careful not to bend or kink control cable.

IMPORTANT: This unit is shipped without gasoline or oil in the engine. Be certain to service engine with gasoline and oil as instructed in the separate engine manual before operating your machine.

Loose Parts In Carton

• Depth Stake

• Handle Assembly

• Shift Rod

NOTE: All hardware needed for assembly is attached to the loose parts or the tiller.

Before Assembly

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

Attaching Depth Stake

• Tip the tiller forward so it rests on front counterweight.

• Unthread the “T” knob from the top of the depth stake and remove the flat washer and hex bolt. Remove the hairpin clip from the clevis pin. See Figure 3-1.

• Raise the tine shield hinge flap assembly and insert the depth stake assembly in the slot (under the tine shield) and up through the tine shield assembly.

• Insert clevis pin through the tine shield and depth stake assemblies. Secure with hairpin clip.

• Insert a hex bolt into top hole of the depth stake assembly. Place flat washer on the hex bolt and thread “T” knob onto the hex bolt. Tighten securely. See Figure 3-1.

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

Attaching Handle Assembly

• Remove top two bolts and flange lock nuts from handle mounting brackets, but do not remove the bottom bolt and nut. See Figure 3-2.

• Place handle assembly in position between the handle mounting brackets.

• Line up holes in handle with holes in bracket and secure with hardware previously removed.

Attaching Clutch Cable

Attach the clutch cable to the handle as follows: (be careful not to kink the cable)

Flat Washer

T-Knob

Clevis Pin

Depth Stake

• Remove threaded eyebolt and nut from the cable end.

• Route the clutch cable to the right side of the handle mounting brackets and underneath the handle.

• Push the cable through the hole in the center of the handle and snap in the plastic fitting. See Figure 3-3.

• Remove slot head screw, nut, and two flat washers from the clutch bail. See Figure 3-4.

• Fasten the threaded eyebolt onto bail by securing from top with slot head screw, flat washers and lock nut.

• Thread eyebolt and nut removed earlier into the internally threaded tube at the end of the cable. Thread engagement should be about 3/4”. Tighten nut against tube at end of cable. See Figure 3-4.

NOTE: Do not overtighten clutch cable. Too much tension may cause it to break.

WARNING: Be certain to check the clutch cable adjustment before operating the tiller.

Hex Bolt

Figure 3-1

Remove

Figure 3-2

Hairpin Clip

Handle Assembly

Handle Bracket

Clutch Control

Rubber Washer

Internally Threaded Tube

Figure 3-3

Threaded Eyebolt

Figure 3- 4

Slot Head Screw, Nut, & Flat Washers

Plastic Fitting

Slot Head Screw

Flat Washers

Nut

Internally Threaded Tube

Control Rod

Indicator Bracket

Attaching Control Rod

• Make sure the handle assembly is in the highest position. Refer to Know Your Tiller section.

• Remove hairpin clips from control rod, (rubber washers to remain on control rod).

• Insert the shorter, (angled), end of the control rod through the indicator bracket on the shift cover and secure with hairpin clip that was previously removed. See Figure 3-5.

• Insert the longer end of the control rod through the hole in the gear selector handle and secure with hairpin clip.

Final Clutch Adjustment

IMPORTANT: Service the engine with oil and gasoline before checking this adjustment. Refer to the separate engine manual packed with your tiller for proper fuel and engine oil recommendations.

Position the tiller so the front counterweight is against a solid object, such as a wall. With the gear selection lever in NEUTRAL, start the engine. Refer to the separate engine manual.

Standing on the right side of the tiller, examine the belt (inside the belt cover). It should not be turning.

WARNING: Do not put your fingers under the belt cover.

If the belt turns without bail engaged, adjust by

unthreading the internally threaded tube at the end of the cable a few turns clockwise (when standing in operator’s position) and then retighten the nut against the tube.

Now move the shift lever to FORWARD position.

Carefully engage the clutch by lifting the clutch control bail against the handle. The wheels should spin.

If the wheels do not spin with the unit in forward, adjust by unthreading the tube at the end of the cable a few turns counter-clockwise (when standing in operator’s position) and then retighten the nut against the tube.

Recheck both adjustments, and readjust as necessary.

NOTE: A secondary cable adjustment is available if you reach the point that additional adjustment is needed. Remove the belt cover and move the hex nuts at the other end of the cable towards the end of the casing. Then readjust the hex nuts at the handle.

Assembling

Your Tiller

WARNING

Do not put your fingers under the belt cover.

Maximum tire pressure under any circumstances is 30 p.s.i. Equal tire pressure should be maintained on both tires.

Idler Pulley Rod

Figure 3-5

Hairpin Clip

Tire Pressure

The tires on your unit may be over-inflated for shipping purposes. Reduce the tire pressure before operating the unit. Recommended operating tire pressure is approximately 20 p.s.i. (check sidewall of tire for tire manufacturer’s recommended pressure).

WARNING: Maximum tire pressure under any circumstances is 30 p.s.i. Equal tire pressure should be maintained on both tires.

NOTE: Specifications are subject to change without notification or obligation. Images my not reflect your exact model and are for reference purposes only.

Clutch Control

Know Your

Tiller

WARNING

Make certain unit is in NEUTRAL when starting the engine.

Gear Selection Handle

Handle Adjustment Lock

Depth Stake

NOTE: Specifications are subject to change without notification or obligation. Images my not reflect your exact model and are for reference purposes only.

Note: Bumper Styles vary by model.

Figure 4-1

Gear Selection Handle

The gear selection handle is located in the center of the handle on the tiller. It is used to select NEUTRAL, REVERSE, or one of the FORWARD mode. Pull or push the handle so that the indicator on top of shift cover points to the operating mode desired. See Figure 4-1.

Neutral

Transmission is in neutral.

Reverse

Reverse wheel drive.

Forward Modes

Wheels Forward: Forward wheel drive only. Tines Reverse: Forward wheel drive and reverse tine

drive.

Tines Forward: Forward wheel and tine drive.

IMPORTANT: Use the reverse tine drive when tilling

virgin ground, sod, or hard soil. Use the forward tine drive when cultivating or tilling soft ground.

NOTE: If difficulty is encountered in moving the gear selection handle, refer to following helpful hints. To shift into forward or reverse wheel drive, move tiller forward slightly then backward to allow the gears to synchronize.

To shift into forward wheels and tine drive, push forward slightly on the gear selection handle and slowly engage the clutch control allowing the gears to synchronize. To stop forward movement and tine drive, release the clutch control. Do not shift gears with the clutch control engaged except when engaging the tines.

WARNING: Make certain unit is in NEUTRAL when starting the engine.

+ 16 hidden pages