Mtd OEM-290-264 owners guide

Introduction

Thank you for ordering this aerator attachment for your
tiller/edger. We know that it will perform to your satisfac­tion if installed and used properly as described in the fol­lowing instructions.

The shipping carton contains four aerator tines (see Figure

1). If any tines are missing or damaged, be sure to contact
your authorized tiller/edger dealer or the factory.

To help ensure the proper installation and safe operation of
this attachment, read and carefully follow these instruc­tions. If you have any questions or concerns, please con­tact your authorized tiller/edger dealer or the factory.

SINGLE TINE ORDERING INFORMATION: In case of wear
or damage, a single aerator tine can be ordered by request­ing Part Number 1915054.

TO AVOID INJURY:

• Read the owner’s manual.

• Know the location and function of all controls.

• Keep all safety devices and shields in place.

• Never allow children or uninstructed adults to operate
the machine.

• Shut off engine and disconnect spark plug wire before
unclogging tines or making repairs.

• Keep bystanders away from machine.

• Keep away from rotating parts.

Safety

Before installing or using this attachment, carefully review
the “Safety Rules” and “Operation” instructions in your
Tiller/Edger Owner’s Manual. Doing so will refresh your
memory concerning safe operating practices that must be
followed at all times.

Tools/Supplies Needed

• No tools are needed.

• Fine-grade sandpaper (to remove rust from tine shaft).

• General purpose oil (to lubricate tine shafts).

Figure 1: Four aerator tines are included in the kit.

Figure 2: The aerator tines are easily mounted on the tine shaft.
The aerator tine attachment hardware (hairpin cotters, threaded
knobs or ring lock pins) will vary depending upon which tiller
model you have.

Aerator Attachment

OEM-290-264 / 290-264-081

TILLER/EDGER

®

INSTALLATION AND USE INSTRUCTIONS

CAUTION

2

• The four aerator tines are identical. Place one aerator tine on
either the right-side or left-side tine shaft. The hub (see “F”,
Figures 3 and 4) on the tine must face to the outside.

• Add a second aerator tine. The hub (“G”, Figures 3 and 4) on
this tine must face to the inside. If installed correctly, the tine
hubs will be facing each other.

• Reinstall the tine mounting hardware (refer to Figures 3 and 4).

• Repeat this procedure on the other side. After all four aerator

tines are installed (refer to Figures 6 and 7), return the
machine to its normal operating position.

• FOR MODELS WITH A DEPTH ADJUSTMENT KNOB (G,
FIGURE 5): Loosen the depth adjustment knob (G) and move
the wheel bracket (H) up to its highest position in relation to
the height adjustment bar (J). (See the “OPERATION” section
in your Owner’s Manual for detailed instructions on how to
adjust the wheel bracket.) Retighten the depth adjustment
knob securely.

IMPORTANT: DO NOT MOVE THE WHEEL BRACKET ANY
HIGHER THAN THE TOP OF THE HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT BAR.

Figures 3 and 4: Depending upon your tiller/edger model, the tines may be secured with two hairpin cotters (A), two ring lock pins (B) or two
threaded knobs (C). The plain washer (D) and star washer (E) are used only with the threaded knob.

Installation Instructions

NOTE: References to Left and Right sides are from the operator’s
position behind the handlebars. The instructions apply to more
than one model of tiller/edger — be sure to use the information
that applies to your particular model.

• Shut the engine off, allow it to cool, then disconnect the spark
plug wire and bend it away to prevent it from touching the
spark plug.

• Place the machine on a hard, level surface.

• Tilt the machine forward until it rests on the front of the engine,

or until it rests on the two carrying handle tubes (if equipped)
at the front of the engine.

• Remove and save the hardware (refer to Figures 3 and 4) that
secures the four tines to the tine shafts.

• Slide off and save the four tines. For easier reinstallation, keep
the left-side and right-side tine sections separated from each
other and mark them LEFT and RIGHT. If necessary, refer to
the Maintenance Section in your Owner’s Manual for more
detailed information on tine removal.

• Clean the steel tine shafts and inspect for any rust or burrs
(use fine-grade sandpaper to remove rust or burrs). Apply a
thin coating of general purpose oil to the tine shafts.

Figure 5: Some models are equipped with a depth adjustment knob
and wheel bracket assembly.

G

H

J

C

E

D

B

A

G

F

F

G

TO AVOID INJURY:

• Before installing or removing any attachment, shut the

engine off, allow it to cool, and disconnect the spark plug
wire and prevent it from touching the spark plug.

• The tines may have sharp edges – wear heavy work gloves

when handling the tines.

CAUTION