MTD 410 Thru 420, Yard Machines 410, Yard Machines 420 Operator's Manual

Operator’s Manual

Rear Tine Tiller

410 Thru 420 Series

Models

IMPORTANT: Read safety rules and instructions carefully before operating equipment.

Warning:

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 368022 Cleveland, Ohio 44136-9722.

This unit is equipped with an internal combustion engine and should not be used on or near any unimproved forest-

MTD PRODUCTS INC. P.O. BOX 368022 CLEVELAND, OHIO 44136-9722

PRINTED IN U.S.A.

FORM NO.

770-10136A.fm

(10/99)

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Content Page

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

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

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

Operating Your Tiller .......................................................................................... 9

Making Adjustments .......................................................................................... 10

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

Service............................................................................................................... 11

Off-Season Storage ........................................................................................... 12

Troubleshooting ................................................................................................. 13

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

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 center of the rear tine cover. 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.

(Model Number)

CLEVELAND, OHIO 44136

(Serial Number)

MTD PRODUCTS INC

Copy the model number here:

Copy the serial number here:

CALLING CUSTOMER SUPPORT

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

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 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 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.

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.

3

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.

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.

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

• Never refuel 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.

• We do not recommend the use of pressure
washers to clean your unit. They may cause
damage to electric components, spindles, pulleys,
bearings or the engine. The use of pressure
washers will result in shortened life and reduce
serviceability.

• 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.

4

SECTION 2: ASSEMBLING YOUR TILLER

This instruction manual covers several different model
tillers. Follow only those instructions which pertain to
your unit.

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:

GASOLINE or OIL. After assembly, see separate

engine manual for proper fuel and engine oil
recommendations.

NOTE: Left and right is determined from the operator’s
position, standing behind the tiller.

The Engine is shipped WITHOUT

Loose Parts In Carton

(1) Depth Stake
(1) Handle Assembly
(1) Shift Rod
(1) Handle Adjustment Rod (Model 420 series only)

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

• Tip the tiller forward so it rests on front

• Unthread the “T” knob from the top of the depth

• Raise the tine shield hinge flap assembly. Insert the

• Insert clevis pin through the tine shield and depth

• Insert hex bolt into the top hole of the depth stake

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

Attaching the Handle Assembly

• Remove the handle adjustment lock, flange nut

• Place the handle assembly in position in the handle

Handle Adjustment

counterweight.

stake, and remove the flat washer and hex bolt.
Remove the hairpin clip from the clevis pin. See
Figure 1.

depth stake assembly in the slot (under the tine
shield) and up through the tine shield assembly as
shown in Figure 1.

stake assemblies. Secure with hairpin clip.

assembly. Place flat washer on the hex bolt and
thread “T” knob onto the hex bolt. See Figure 1.
Tighten securely.

retainer bracket, shoulder bolt and lock nut from the
pivot bracket.

pivot bracket lining the upper holes in the handle
with the slots in the pivot bracket. See Figure 2.

Flange Nut Retainer Bracket

Shoulder Bolt

Lock Nut

Lock

Flange Nut

Attaching The Depth Stake Assembly

T-Knob, Flat Washer, Hex Bolt

Tine Shield

Hinge Flap

Clevis Pin

Hairpin Clip

Depth Stake

Figure 1

Pivot Bracket

Figure 2

• 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, flange nut retainer bracket should be to the
right hand side of the unit. See Figure 3.

5

Flange Nut Retainer Bracket

Shoulder Bolt

Lock Nut

T-Handles

Lift up
Handle

Figure 3

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

Hex Hole in
Retainer Bracket
over Flange Nut

Handle Adjustment

Lock

Gear Shift

Rod

Shift Cover

Handle

Adjustment Rod

(Model 420 series only)

Figure 5

Gear Shift Rod

Opening

Rubber Washer

Flat Washer
Hairpin Clip

Figure 6

Figure 4

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

Attaching The Gear Shift Rod

NOTE: Model 420 series tiller has two control rods. The
gear shift rod is the longer rod.

• 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 420 series). See Figure 5.

• 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 6. Secure with rubber
washer first, then flat washer and hairpin clip.

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

Attaching The Handle Adjustment Rod

(Model 420 series only)

Handle

Adjustment

Rod

Positioner

Bracket

Rubber
Washer

Figure 7

• Remove the T-handle, nut, hairpin clip, and rubber
washer from the ends of the handle adjustment rod.
Slide the rod up through the left side of the bracket
on the front of the handle assembly. Refer to Figure

5.

Hairpin

Clip

6