Ryobi 21AB454B734 Owner’s Manual

BIo

Operator's Manual

Rear Tine Tiller

Model 454

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. 769-00030B

(10/2003)

TABLEOFCONTENTS

Content

Important Safe Operation Practices

Assembling Your Tiller
Know Your Tiller

Operating Your Tiller
Making Adjustments

Page Content

3 Maintaining Your Tiller
5 Troubleshooting

7 Illustrated Parts List
8 Warranty

10

FINDINGMODELNUMBER

This Operator's Manual is an important part of your new tiller. It will help you assemble, prepare and
maintain the unitfor 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. A sample model plate is
also given below. You can locate the model plate by standing at the operating position and
looking down at the center of the rear tine cover. This information will be necessary to use the
manufacturer's web site and/or help from the Customer Support Department or an authorized

service dealer.

Copy the model number here:

I _ww.RVvobiOOutdo_oRor.!j m MT8 LLC

P. O. BOX 361131

CLEVELAND, OH 44136

338-558-721 8

888-345-8746

Copy the serial number here:

Page

10
12
14
20

CUSTOMERSUPPORT

Please doNOTreturntheunitto the retailer fromwhereit waspurchased,withoutfirstcontactingCustomerSupport.

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:

Visit ryobioutdoor.com for many useful suggestions. Click on Customer Support button and
you will get the four options reproduced here. Click on the appropriate button and help is

immediately available.

answer you are

looking for could be just

a mouse c//cA awayf

If you prefer to reach a Customer Support Representative, please call 1- 800-345-8746.

" f

answer are

looking for could be just

a mouse c//cA awayf

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En ine

The engine manufacturer is responsible for all engine-related issues with regards to

performance, power-rating, specifications, warranty and service. Please refer to the engine
manufacturer's Owner's/Operator's Manual, packed separately with your unit, for more

information.

SECTION1: IMPORTANTSAFEOPERATIONPRACTICES

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.

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 amputating hands and feet and throwing objects.
Failure to observe the following safety instructions could result inserious injury or death.

Training

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 CN") 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 offthe 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. Neveroperatethemachineathightransport
speedsonhardorslipperysurfaces.

8. Exercisecautiontoavoidslippingorfalling.

9. Lookdownandbehindandusecarewhenin

reverseorpullingmachinetowardsyou.

10. Starttheengineaccordingtotheinstructionsfound

inthismanualandkeepfeetwellawayfromthe

tinesatalltimes.

11. Afterstrikingaforeignobject,stoptheengine,
disconnectthesparkplugwireandgroundagainst
theengine.Thoroughlyinspectthemachineforany

damage.Repairthedamagebeforestartingand
operating.

12. Disengageallclutchleversandstopenginebefore
youleavetheoperatingposition(behindthe

handles).Waituntilthetinescometoacomplete

stopbeforeuncloggingthetines,makingany
adjustments,orinspections.

13. Neverrunanengineindoorsorinapoorly
ventilatedarea.Engineexhaustcontainscarbon

monoxide,anodorlessanddeadlygas.

14. Mufflerandenginebecomehotandcancausea

burn.Donottouch.

15. Usecautionwhentillingnearfences,buildingsand

undergroundutilities.Rotatingtinescancause
propertydamageorpersonalinjury.

16. Donotoverloadmachinecapacitybyattemptingto
tillsoiltodeepattofastofarate.

17. Ifthemachineshouldstartmakinganunusualnoise
orvibration,stoptheengine,disconnectthespark

plugwireandgrounditagainsttheengine.Inspect

thoroughlyfordamage.Repairanydamagebefore
startingandoperating.

18. Keepallshields,guardsandsafetydevicesinplace
andoperatingproperly.

19. Neverpickuporcarrymachinewhiletheengineis

running.

20. Useonlyattachmentsandaccessoriesapprovedby
themanufacturer.Failuretodoso,canresultin

personalinjury.

21. Ifsituationsoccurwhicharenotcoveredinthis

manual,usecareandgoodjudgment.Contactyour

dealerortelephone1-800-345-TRIM(8746)for
assistanceandthenameofyournearestservicing

dealer.

4.

Do not change the engine governor settings or
over-speed 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.

Ifthe fuel tank has to be drained, do this outdoors.

10.

Observe proper disposal laws and regulations for
gas, oil, etc. to protect the environment.

YourResponsibility

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.

SECTION2: ASSEMBLINGYOURTILLER

NOTE: References to fight or left side of the tiller are

determined from behind the unit in the operating
position.

ToRemoveUnitFromCarton

• 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.

LoosePartsInCarton

Depth Stake
Handle Assembly

Shift Rod

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

BeforeAssembly

,_ WARNING: Disconnect the spark plugwire and ground it against the engine to

prevent unintended starting.

Flat Washer Hex Bolt

T-Knob

rpin Clip

Clevis Pin

Rear Tine

Shield

Depth

Figure 1

AttachingHandleAssembly

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

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

• Line up holes in handle with holes inbracket and

secure with hardware previously removed.

Remove

Assembly

Handle
Bracket

AttachingDepthStake

• 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 1.

• Raise the rear tine shield 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 hex bolt into the 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 1.

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

Figure 2

AttachingClutchCable

Attach the clutch cable to the handle as follows:

(be careful not to kink the cable)

• Remove threaded eyebolt and nut from the end of
the cable.

• Route the clutch cable to the right side of the

handle mounting brackets and underneath the
handle.

Pushthecablethroughtheholeinthecenterofthe
handleandsnapintheplasticfitting.SeeFigure3.

Slot Head Screw, Nut,
& Flat Washers

Internally

Threaded Tube

• 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 5.

• Insert the longer end of the control rod through the

hole in the gear selector handle and secure with
hairpin clip.See Figure 6.

Fitting

Figure 3

• Remove slot head screw, nut, and two flat washers
from the clutch bail. See Figure 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 314".Tighten
nut against tube at end of cable. See Figure 4.

Clutch

Slot Head Screw

Flat Washers

Nut

Rubber

Idler Pulley

Figure 5

Rod

Clip

FinalClutchAdjustment

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.

Threaded Tube

Figure 4

NOTE: Do not overtighten clutch cable. Too much

tension may cause it to break.

_ ARNING: Be certain to check the

clutch cable adjustment before operating
the tiller.

AttachingControlRod

• 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).

,i_ WARNING: Do not put fingers under the

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.

belt cover.