Ryobi Outdoor 454 User Manual
OPERATOR’S MANUAL
®
Rear Tine Tiller
Model 454
IMPORTANT: READ SAFETY RULES AND INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY
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 361131 Cleveland, Ohio 44136-0019.
This unit is equipped with an internal combustion engine and should not be used on or near any unimproved forest-
MTD LLC P.O. BOX 361131 CLEVELAND, OHIO 44136-0019
PRINTED IN U.S.A.
FORM NO.
769-00030A.fm
(12/2002)
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Content Page
Important Safe Operation Practices ...................................................................3
Assembling Your Tiller .......................................................................................5
Know Your Tiller .................................................................................................7
Operating Your Tiller ..........................................................................................8
Making Adjustments ...........................................................................................10
Maintaining Your Tiller........................................................................................10
Troubleshooting .................................................................................................12
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.
Copy the model number here:
Copy the serial number here:
www.RyobiOutdoor.com
®
MTD LLC
P. O. BOX 361131
CLEVELAND, OH 44136
330-558-7210
800-345-8746
ENGINE INFORMATION
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.
CONTACTING 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) 558-7210 or 1- (800)-345-TRIM (8746) 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.
For more details about your unit, visit our website at www.ryobioutdoor.com
2
SECTION 1: IMPORTANT SAFE OPERATION PRACTICES
WARNING:
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.
This symbol points out important safety instructions which, if not followed, could
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
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.
This machine was built to be operated according to the rules for safe operation in this
Tra in ing
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.
3
7. Never operate the machine at high transport
speeds on hard or slippery surfaces.
8. Exercise caution to avoid slipping or falling.
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 1-800-345-TRIM (8746) for
assistance and the name of your nearest servicing
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. 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:
determined from behind the unit in the operating
position.
References to right or left side of the tiller are
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:
in the engine. Be certain to service engine with gasoline
and oil as instructed in the separate engine manual
before operating your machine.
This unit is shipped without gasoline or oil
Loose Parts In Carton
Depth Stake
Handle Assembly
Shift Rod
NOTE:
to the loose parts or the tiller.
All hardware needed for assembly is attached
Before Assembly
Flat Washer
T-Knob
Clevis Pin
Depth Stake
Hex Bolt
Hairpin Clip
Figure 1
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 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.
Remove
Handle
Assembly
WARNING:
wire and ground it against the engine to
prevent unintended starting.
Disconnect the spark plug
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 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 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.
Handle
Bracket
Figure 2
Attaching Clutch Cable
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.
5
• Push the cable through the hole in the center of the
handle and snap in the plastic fitting. See Figure 3.
Slot Head Screw, Nut,
& Flat Washers
Internally
Threaded Tube
• 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 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.
.
Plastic 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 3/4”. Tighten
nut against tube at end of cable. See Figure 4.
Clutch Control
Threaded
Eyebolt
Slot Head Screw
Flat Washers
Nut
Nut
Rubber
Washer
Idler Pulley Rod
Control Rod
Indicator Bracket
Hairpin Clip
Figure 5
Final Clutch Adjustment
IMPORTANT:
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.
Service the engine with oil and gasoline
WARNING:
Do not put fingers under the
belt cover.
Internally
Threaded Tube
Figure 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.
Attaching Control Rod
• Make sure the handle assembly is in the highest
position. Refer to Know Your Tiller section.
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.
6
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