MTD 84451 User Manual
Operator’s Manual
Front Tine Tiller
Model Series
300 & 330
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.
770-10564D
(2/2004)
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Content Page
Important Safe Operation Practices 3
Assembling Your Tiller 5
Know Your Tiller 6
Operating Your Tiller 7
Content Page
Maintaining Your Tiller 10
Troubleshooting 11
Illustrated Parts List 12
Warranty 16
Making Adjustments 9
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, p lease locate the model plate on th e
equipment and copy the information from it in the space pr ovided below. A sample model plate is
also given below. You can locate the model plate by standing at the operating position an d
looking down at the right side of the frame. This information will be necessary to use the
manufacturer’s web site and/or help from the Customer Suppor t Department or an authorized
service dealer.
Copy the model number here:
www.mtdproducts.com
MTD LLC
P. O. BOX
CLEVELAND,OH
330-220-4683
800-800-7310
361131
44136
Copy the serial number here:
CUSTOMER SUPPORT
Please do NOT return the unit to the retailer from where it was purchased, without first contacting Customer Support.
If you have difficulty assembling this product or have any questions regarding the controls, opera tion or
maintenance of this unit, you can seek help from the experts. Choose from the options below:
Visit mtdproducts.com for many useful suggestions. Click on Customer Support button and
you will get the four options reproduced here. Click on the appr opriate button and help is
immediately available.
The answer you are
looking for could be just
a mouse click away!
If you prefer to reach a Customer Support Representat ive, please call 1-800-800-7310.
The answer you are
looking for could be just
a mouse click away!
Engine
Manual
The engine manufactur er is responsible for all engine-related issu es with regards to
performance, power-rating, specifica tions, warranty and service. Please re fer to the engine
manufacturer’s Owner’s/Operator’s Manual, packed separately with your unit, for more
information.
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 o f yourself and other s. Read and follow all instr uctions 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 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.
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 amputati ng hands and feet. Failure to obser ve the
following safety instructions could result in serious injury or death.
Tra in in g
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 over 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 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 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 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 judgment. Contact your
dealer or telephone 1-800-800-7310 for assistance
and the name of your nearest servicing dealer.
4. Do not change the engine governor settings or overspeed 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.
Your 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 manual covers variou s models
of tillers. The units illustrated may vary slightly from
your unit. Follow only those instructions which pertain
to your model number.
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 car eful
not to bend or kink control cable.
IMPORTANT:
in the engine. Be certain to service engine wi th gasoline
and oil as instructed in the separate engine manual
before operating your machine.
This unit is shipped without gasoline or oil
Handle
Adjustment Lever
Handle
Adjustment Lever
Loose Parts In Carton
Tailpiece and Depth Stake
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.
Assembling The Handle
• Remove the handle adjustment lever from handle
and lift up upper handle to raise in operating
position. See Figure 1.
• Reinsert adjustment lever through the lower hole,
tightening the lever into lock nut on the retainer
bracket.
• Once the lever is in the lock nut, the handle can be
moved to the desired position and then tighten
securely.
Attaching Tailpiece and Depth Stake
• Remove the two self-tapping screws on the frame
and slide the tailpiece into the frame, with the lower
hole in the tailpiece toward the front. See Figure 2.
• Secure tailpiece with the screws just removed.
Retainer Bracket
Lock Nut
Figure 1
Self-Tapping
Tailpiece
5
Screws
Lower Hole
Figure 2
Loading...