Troy-Bilt 769-03618 User Manual

Safe Operation Practices • Set-Up • Operation • Maintenance • Service • Troubleshooting • Warranty

OperatOr’s Manual

Rear Tine Tiller — Super Bronco

WARNING

READ AND FOLLOW ALL SAFETY RULES AND INSTRUCTIONS IN THIS MANUAL

BEFORE ATTEMPTING TO OPERATE THIS MACHINE.

FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THESE INSTRUCTIONS MAY RESULT IN PERSONAL INJURY.

TROY-BILT LLC, P.O. BOX 361131 CLEVELAND, OHIO 44136-0019

Printed In USA

Form No. 769-03618

(November 21, 2007)

To The Owner

Thank You

Thank you for purchasing a Garden Tiller manufactured by
Troy-Bilt LLC. It was carefully engineered to provide excellent
performance when properly operated and maintained.

Please read this entire manual prior to operating the equipment.
It instructs you how to safely and easily set up, operate and
maintain your machine. Please be sure that you, and any other
persons who will operate the machine, carefully follow the
recommended safety practices at all times. Failure to do so could
result in personal injury or property damage.

All information in this manual is relative to the most recent
product information available at the time of printing. Review
this manual frequently to familiarize yourself with the machine,
its features and operation. Please be aware that this Operator’s
Manual may cover a range of product specifications for various
models. Characteristics and features discussed and/or illustrated
in this manual may not be applicable to all models. Troy-Bilt LLC
reserves the right to change product specifications, designs and
equipment without notice and without incurring obligation.

Table of Contents

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

Assembly & Set-Up .................................................. 6

Controls & Features ................................................10

Operation ................................................................11

1

This product has met the rigid safety standards of the Outdoor
Power Equipment Institute and an independent testing
laboratory. If you have any problems or questions concerning the
machine, phone a authorized Troy-Bilt service dealer or contact
us directly. Troy-Bilt’s Customer Support telephone numbers,
website address and mailing address can be found on this page.
We want to ensure your complete satisfaction at all times.

Throughout this manual, all references to right and left side of the
machine are observed from the operating position

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
machine, for more information.

Maintenance & Adjustments .................................16

Service .................................................................... 20

Troubleshooting .....................................................21

Replacement Parts ................................................ 22

Record Product Information

Before setting up and operating your new equipment, please
locate the model plate on the equipment and record the
information in the provided area to the right. You can locate the
model plate by standing at the operator’s position and looking
down at the rear of the tiller. This information will be necessary,
should you seek technical support via our web site, Customer
Support Department, or with a local authorized service dealer.

MOdel nuMber

serial nuMber

Customer Support

Please do NOT return the machine to the retailer or dealer without first contacting our Customer Support Department.

If you have difficulty assembling this product or have any questions regarding the controls, operation, or maintenance of
this machine, you can seek help from the experts. Choose from the options below:

Visit us on the web at www.troybilt.com

◊

Call a Customer Support Representative at [phone] or [phone]

◊

Write us at Troy-Bilt LLC • P.O. Box 361131 • Cleveland, OH • 44136-0019

◊

2

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 this machine. Failure to comply
with these instructions may result in personal injury.
When you see this symbol. HEED ITS WARNING!

CALIFORNIA PROPOSITION 65

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.

WARNING! Battery posts, terminals, and related accessories contain lead and lead
compounds, chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and reproductive
harm. Wash hands after handling

DANGER! This machine was built to be operated according to the safe operation practices 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 fingers, hands,
toes and feet. Failure to observe the following safety instructions could result in serious
injury or death.

2

Training

Read, understand, and follow all instructions on the

1.
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.

Be familiar with all controls and their proper operation.

2.
Know how to stop the machine and disengage them
quickly.

Never allow children under 14 years of age to operate this

3.
machine. Children 14 and over should read and understand
the instructions and safe operation practices in this manual
and on the machine and be trained and supervised by an
adult.

Never allow adults to operate this machine without proper

4.
instruction.

Keep the area of operation clear of all persons, particularly

5.
small children and pets. Stop machine if anyone enters the
area.

Preparation

Thoroughly inspect the area where the equipment is to

1.
be used. Remove all stones, sticks, wire, and other foreign
objects which could be tripped over and cause personal
injury.

Wear sturdy, rough-soled work shoes and close fitting

2.
slacks and shirt. Loose fitting clothes or jewelry can be
caught in moving parts. Never operate this machine in bare
feet or sandals.

Disengage clutch levers and shift (if provided) into neutral

3.
(“N”) before starting the engine.

Never leave this machine unattended with the engine

4.
running.

Never attempt to make any adjustments while engine is

5.
running, except where specifically recommended in the

operator’s manual.

Safe Handling of Gasoline:

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.

Use only an approved gasoline container.

a.

Never fill containers inside a vehicle or on a truck

b.

or trailer bed with a plastic liner. Always place
containers on the ground away from your vehicle
before filling.

3

When practical, remove gas-powered equipment

c.

from the truck or trailer and refuel it on the ground.
If this is not possible, then refuel such equipment on
a trailer with a portable container, rather than from a
gasoline dispenser nozzle.

Keep the nozzle in contact with the rim of the fuel

d.

tank or container opening at all times until fueling is
complete. Do not use a nozzle lock-open device.

Extinguish all cigarettes, cigars, pipes and other

e.

sources of ignition.
Never fuel machine indoors.

f.

Never remove gas cap or add fuel while the engine

g.

is hot or running. Allow engine to cool at least two
minutes before refueling.

Never over fill fuel tank. Fill tank to no more than ½

h.

inch below bottom of filler neck to allow space for
fuel expansion.

Replace gasoline cap and tighten securely.

i.

If gasoline is spilled, wipe it off the engine and

j.

equipment. Move unit to another area. Wait 5
minutes before starting the engine.

To reduce fire hazards, keep machine free of grass,

k.

leaves, or other debris build-up. Clean up oil or fuel
spillage and remove any fuel soaked debris.

Never store the machine or fuel container inside

l.

where there is an open flame, spark or pilot light
as on a water heater, space heater, furnace, clothes
dryer or other gas appliances.

Operation

Do not put hands or feet near rotating parts. Contact with

1.
the rotating parts can amputate hands and feet.

Do not operate machine while under the influence of

2.
alcohol or drugs.

Never operate this machine without good visibility or light.

3.
Always be sure of your footing and keep a firm hold on the
handles.

Keep bystanders away from the machine while it is in

4.
operation. Stop the machine if anyone enters the area.

Be careful when tilling in hard ground. The tines may catch

5.
in the ground and propel the tiller forward. If this occurs,
let go of the handle bars and do not restrain the machine.

Exercise extreme caution when operating on or crossing

6.
gravel surfaces. Stay alert for hidden hazards or traffic. Do
not carry passengers.

Never operate the machine at high transport speeds on

7.
hard or slippery surfaces.

Exercise caution to avoid slipping or falling.

8.
Look down and behind and use care when in reverse or

9.
pulling machine towards you.

Start the engine according to the instructions found in this

10.
manual and keep feet well away from the tines at all times.

After striking a foreign object, stop the engine, disconnect

11.
the spark plug wire and ground against the engine.
Thoroughly inspect the machine for any damage. Repair
the damage before starting and operating.

Disengage all clutch levers (if fitted) and stop engine

12.
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.

Never run an engine indoors or in a poorly ventilated area.

13.
Engine exhaust contains carbon monoxide, an odorless
and deadly gas.

Muffler and engine become hot and can cause a burn. Do

14.
not touch.

Use caution when tilling near fences, buildings and

15.
underground utilities. Rotating tines can cause property
damage or personal injury.

Do not overload machine capacity by attempting to till soil

16.
too deep at too fast of a rate.

If the machine should start making an unusual noise or

17.
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.

Keep all shields, guards, and safety devices in place and

18.
operating properly.

Never pick up or carry machine while the engine is running.

19.
Use only attachments and accessories approved by the

20.
manufacturer. Failure to do so can result in personal injury.

If situations occur which are not covered in this manual, use

21.
care and good judgement. Contact Customer Support for
assistance and the name of you nearest servicing dealer..

Maintenance & Storage

Keep machine, attachments and accessories in safe

1.
working order.

Allow a machine to cool at least five minutes before

2.
storing. Never tamper with safety devices. Check their
proper operation regularly.

Check bolts and screws for proper tightness at frequent

3.
intervals to keep the machine in safe working condition.
Also, visually inspect machine for any damage.

Before cleaning, repairing, or inspecting, stop the engine

4.
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.

Do not change the engine governor settings or over-speed

5.
the engine. The governor controls the maximum safe
operating speed of engine.

Maintain or replace safety and instruction labels, as

6.
necessary.

Follow this manual for safe loading, unloading,

7.
transporting, and storage of this machine.

Always refer to the operator’s manual for important details

8.
if the machine is to be stored for an extended period.

4 sectiOn 2 — iMpOrtant safe OperatiOn practices

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.

Notice Regarding Emissions

Engines which are certified to comply with California and federal
EPA emission regulations for SORE (Small Off Road Equipment)
are certified to operate on regular unleaded gasoline, and
may include the following emission control systems: Engine
Modification (EM) and Three Way Catalyst (TWC) if so equipped.

Spark Arrestor

WARNING! This machine is equipped with an

internal combustion engine and should not be used
on or near any unimproved forest-covered,
brushcovered 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.

Average Useful Life

According to the Consumer Products Safety Commission
(CPSC) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA),
this product has an Average Useful Life of seven (7) years, or 130
hours of operation. At the end of the Average Useful Life, buy
a new machine or have the machine inspected annually by an
authorized service dealer to ensure that all mechanical and
safety systems are working properly and not worn excessively.
Failure to do so can result in accidents, injuries or death.

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.

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS!

5sectiOn 2 — iMpOrtant safe OperatiOn practices

Hex Screw

Flat Washer

Locknut

Assembly & Set-Up

Contents of Carton

One Tiller • One Handlebar Support• One Handlebar Assembly•
One Hardware Pack• One Operator’s Manual• One Engine Operator’s Manual•

3

WARNING! To prevent personal injury or property

damage, do not start the engine until all assembly
steps are complete and you have read and
understand the safety and operating instructions in
this manual.

Recommended Tools for Assembly

⁄” open-end wrench

•
⁄” open-end wrench

•
⁄” open-end wrench

•
Scissors (to trim plastic ties)

•
Ruler (for belt tension check)

•
Block of wood (to support tiller when removing wheels)

•
Tire pressure gauge (for models with pneumatic tires)

•
Clean oil funnel

•
Motor oil. Refer to the Engine Operator’s Manual for oil

•
specifications and quantity required.

Contents of Hardware pack

Hex Screw, ⁄-18 x 1-⁄”

•
Hex Screw, ⁄-16 x ⁄”

•
Flat Washer, ⁄”

•
Split Lock Washer, ⁄”

•
Hex Nut, ⁄”-18

•
Hex Locknut, ⁄”-16

•

Assembly

Handle

NOTE: All references to the right or left side of the tiller are from
the operators positon.

Loosely attach the legs of the handlebar support to the

1.
inner sides of the tiller frame using two ⁄”-16 x ⁄” hex
head screws, ⁄” flat washers, and ⁄”-16 hex locknuts. See
Fig. 3-1.

Figure 3-1

Unpacking Instructions

NOTE: While unpacking, do not severely bend any of the control
cables.

The tiller weighs approximately 133 lbs. Do not attempt to

1.
remove it from the shipping platform until instructed to do
so in these assembly steps.

Remove any packaging material from the carton. Remove

2.
any staples from the bottom of the carton and remove the
carton from the shipping platform.

Remove all unassembled parts and the separate hardware

3.
pack from the carton. Check that you have the items listed
in the Contents of Carton list (contact your local dealer or
the factory if items are missing or damaged).

4.

6

Using two ⁄”-18 x 1-⁄” screws, ⁄” split lock washers and

Hex Screw

Hex nut

Lock Washer

Click Pin

2.
⁄”-18 hex nuts, loosely attach the handlebar support
using the upper holes. Tighten the two screws securely.
See Fig. 3-2.

Figure 3-2

There are three height adjustment holes in the two

3.
handlebar support brackets. Use a setting that will position
the handlebars at approximately waist level when the tines
are 3-4” into the soil. Loosely attach the support brackets
to the outside of the handlebar assembly using two ⁄”-18
x 1-⁄” screws, ⁄” split lock washers and ⁄”-18 hex nuts.
Refer to Fig. 3-2.

NOTE: If a support bracket will not move, loosen attaching
screw and nut.

NOTE: The support brackets must be assembled to the
outside of the handlebar assembly.

Tighten all the handlebar mounting hardware securely.

4.

Remove the click pin from the wheel hub and wheel shaft.

2.
See Fig. 3-3.

Figure 3-3

Slide the wheel fully inward on the wheel shaft . Reinstall

3.
the click pin through the wheel shaft only (not through the
wheel hub). See Fig. 3-3. The wheel should now spin freely
(freewheel) on the wheel shaft. Repeat with the other
wheel.

Use the handlebar to roll the tiller to a flat area.

4.

NOTE: Before starting the engine, the wheels must be placed in
the WHEEL DRIVE position (pins through wheel hubs and wheel
shaft).

Move Tiller Off Crate

To roll the tiller off the shipping platform, put the wheels in
freewheel, as follows:

Place a sturdy block under the transmission to raise one

1.
wheel about 1” off the ground.

7sectiOn 2 — asseMbly & set-up

Forward Clutch Cable

Cable Bracket

Forward

Clutch

Cable

Hex Nut

Spring

1

2

3

4

5

6

1.

Carefully unwrap the forward clutch cable from its
shipping position and slide the thin cable wire into the slot
in the cable bracket. Push the cable connector up through
the hole in the bracket until the groove in the connector
snaps into place. See Fig. 3-4.

4.

Check for the correct tension on the forward drive belt by
taking two measurements of the cable spring, as follows:

With the Forward Clutch Bail in an open (released)

a.

position, measure the length of the cable spring
from the outermost coil to the outermost coil. See
Fig. 3-6.

Figure 3-4

Thread the #10-24 hex nut halfway onto the screw which

2.
runs through the spring. See Inset Fig. 3-6.

Figure 3-5

Thread the screw into the cable adjuster.

3.

Figure 3-6

Squeeze the Forward Clutch Bail against the

b.

handlebar (see Fig. 3-6) and re-measure the spring
length. The belt tension is correct if this second
measurement is between ⁄” to ⁄” longer than
the first measurement. If so, turn the hex nut tightly
against the cable adjuster while preventing the
cable adjuster from turning.

If the spring length is incorrect, you must adjust

c.

the cable tension as described in the Maintenance
& Adjustments Section under Forward Drive Belt.
Incorrect cable tension can result in belt slippage
(cable tension too loose), or unintentional tine
movement when the clutch bail is in Neutral (cable
tension too tight).

8 sectiOn 2— asseMbly & set-up

Reverse Clutch Cable

Depth Regulator Lever

Oil Fill Plug

Cable Bracket

Hex Nut

Reverse Clutch

Cable

Unwrap the reverse clutch cable from its shipping position

1.
and route it up to the handlebar. See Fig. 3-7. Be sure that
the cable is routed beneath the Forward Clutch Bail.

Figure 3-7

Insert the cable through the slot in the cable bracket and

2.
position the flat side of the threaded assembly next to the
flat side of the hole. Slide the hex nut up the cable and
tighten it securely.

Fasten the reverse clutch cable to the left side handlebar

3.
with a cable tie.

Test the function of the reverse clutch by pulling out and

4.
releasing the cable knob. The knob should return to its
neutral position (resting against bracket). If it doesn’t,
contact your local dealer or Troy-Bilt LLC for technical
assistance.

Transmission Gear Oil

The transmission was filled with gear oil at the factory. However,
you should check the gear oil level at this time to make certain it
is correct.

NOTE: Do not operate the tiller if the gear oil level is low. Doing
so will result in severe damage to the transmission components.

With the tiller on level ground, pull the Depth Regulator

1.
Lever back and then all the way up until the lowest notch in
the lever is engaged. See Fig. 3-8.

Figure 3-8

Remove the oil fill plug from the transmission housing

2.
cover and locate the main drive shaft situated inside the
housing. See Fig. 3-9.

Set-Up

Tire Pressure

Check the air pressure with a tire guage. Deflate or inflate the
tires equally to between 15 and 20 PSI.

NOTE: Be sure that both tires are inflated equally or the tiller will
pull to one side.

Gas & Oil Fill Up

Service the engine with gasoline and oil as instructed in the
Engine Operator’s Manual packed seperately with your tiller.
Read the instructions carefully.

WARNING! Use extreme care when handling

gasoline. Gasoline is extremely flammable and the
vapors are explosive. Never fuel the machine
indoors or while the engine is hot or running.
Extinguish cigarettes, cigars, pipes and any other
sources of ignition.

Figure 3-9

The gear oil level is correct if the gear oil is approximately

3.
halfway up the side of the main drive shaft.

If the oil level is low, add gear oil by referring to the

4.
Maintenance & Adjustments Section.

9sectiOn 2 — asseMbly & set-up

Forward Clutch Bail

Reverse Clutch Control

Depth Regulator

Handlebar

Height

Adjustment

Wheel Drive Pin

Controls and Features

4

NOTE: This Operator’s Manual covers various models of tillers
and the machine illustrated may vary slightly from your tiller.

Engine Controls

For detailed information on all engine controls refer to the
seperate Engine Operator’s Manual.

Wheel Drive Pins

Each wheel is equipped with a wheel drive click pin that secures
the wheel to the wheel shaft. The wheels can be positioned in
either a WHEEL DRIVE or a FREEWHEEL mode.

Forward Clutch Bail

The forward clutch bail controls the engagement of the forward
drive of the wheels and tines.

Reverse Clutch Control

The Reverse Clutch Control controls the engagement of reverse
drive to the wheels and tines.

10

Figure 4-1

Depth Regulator Lever

This lever controls the tilling depth of the tines. Pull the lever
back and slide it up or down to engage the notched height
settings.

Handlebar Height Adjustment

The handlebar height is adjustable to three different settings. In
general, adjust the handlebars so they are at waist level when the
tines are 3-4” in the ground.

Gas Cap

Unthread the gas cap to add gasoline to the fuel tank.

Oil Fill

Engine oil level can be checked and oil added through the oil fill.

Operation

Starting the Engine

Pre-Start Checklist

With the spark plug wire disconnected from the spark plug,
perform the following checks and services before each use:

Read the Safe Operation Practices and Features & Controls

1.
Sections in this manual. Read the separate Engine
Operator’s Manual provided with the tiller.

Put the wheels in the WHEEL DRIVE position (wheel pins

2.
must be through holes in wheel hubs and wheel shaft).

WARNING! Never allow either of the wheels to be

in the FREEWHEEL position when the engine is
running. Always put both wheels in the WHEEL
DRIVE position before starting the engine. Failure to
comply could cause loss of tiller control, property
damage, or personal injury.

Check the tiller for loose or missing hardware. Service as

3.
required.

Check engine oil level. See Engine Operator’s Manual.

4.
Check that all safety guards and covers are in place.

5.
Check air cleaner and engine cooling system. See Engine

6.
Operator’s Manual.

Fill the fuel tank with gasoline according to the directions

7.
in the separate Engine Operator’s Manual. Follow all
instructions and safety rules carefully.

Attach the spark plug wire to the spark plug.

8.

6.

Put the ignition switch and/or throttle the control lever
located on the engine in the “ON”, “RUN”, “FAST” or “START”
position, as instructed in the Engine Operator’s Manual.

Choke or prime engine, as instructed in Engine Operator’s

7.
Manual.

Put one hand on the fuel tank to stabilize the tiller when

8.
pulling the starter rope handle. Then use recoil starter to
start the engine, as instructed in the Engine Operator’s
Manual. When the engine starts, gradually move choke
lever (if so equipped) to “NO CHOKE”, “CHOKE OFF” or
“RUN” position.

Use the “FAST” throttle speed setting when tilling.

9.

Stopping the Engine

To stop the wheels and tines, release the Forward Clutch

1.
Bail.

To stop the engine, put the ignition switch and/or the

2.
throttle control lever in the “OFF” or “STOP” position.

5

Starting the Engine

WARNING! To help prevent serious personal injury

or damage to equipment, put both wheels in the
WHEEL DRIVE position. Never have wheels in
FREEWHEEL position when the engine is running.
When the wheels are in FREEWHEEL, they do not
hold back the tiller and the tines could propel the
tiller rapidly forward or backward. Put the Forward
Clutch Bail in neutral (disengaged) positions by
releasing levers.

WARNING! Never run the engine indoors or in

enclosed, poorly ventilated areas. Engine exhaust
contains carbon monoxide, an odorless and deadly
gas. Avoid the engine muffler and nearby areas.
Temperatures in these areas may exceed 150° F.

Complete the Pre-Start Checklist on this page.

1.
Put the wheels in the WHEEL DRIVE position.

2.
Move the Depth Regulator Lever all the way down to the

3.
“travel” position, so that the tines clear the ground.

Release all the controls on the tiller.

4.
On engine’s with a fuel shut-off valve, turn the valve to

5.
the open position, as instructed in the separate Engine
Operator’s Manual.

11

To Engage Drive & Tines

1.

For forward motion of the wheels and power to the tines
pull the Forward Clutch Bail up against the handlebar.
Release the bail to stop the forward motion of the wheels
and tines.

When tilling, relax and let the wheels pull the machine

2.
while the tines dig. Walk behind and a little to one side
of the tiller. Use one hand, yet keep a light — but secure
— grip on the handlebar (while keeping your arm loose).
See Fig. 5-1. Let the tiller move at its own pace and do not
push down on the handlebars to try and force the tines to
dig deeper — this takes weight off the wheels and reduces
traction.

Turning the Tiller

1.

Practice turning the tiller in a level, open area. Be very
careful to keep your feet and legs away from the tines.

To begin a turn, lift the handlebars until the tines are out of

2.
the ground and the engine and tines are balanced over the
wheels (Fig. 5-2).

To move in reverse:

1.
a.

b.

c.

Figure 5-1

WARNING! Do not push down on the handlebars

to try to make the tiller till more deeply. This
prevents the wheels from holding the tiller back and
can allow the tines to rapidly propel the tiller
forward, which could result in loss of control,
property damage, or personal injury.

Look behind and exercise caution when operating in
reverse. Do not till while in reverse.

Stop all forward motion. Lift the handlebar with one
hand until the tines are off the ground and then
pull the Reverse Clutch Control knob out. To stop
reversing, let go of the Reverse Clutch Control knob

If longer distances need to be covered in reverse,
shut off the engine, then place the two wheels in
FREEWHEEL.

Figure 5-2

With the tiller balanced, push sideways on the handlebar

3.
to steer in the direction of the turn. After turning, slowly
lower the tines into the soil to resume tilling. See Fig. 5-3.

Figure 5-3

12 sectiOn 5— OperatiOn

Clearing the Tines

•

The tines have a self-clearing action which eliminates most
tangling of debris in the tines. However, occasionally dry
grass, stringy stalks or tough vines may become tangled.
Follow these procedures to help avoid tangling and to
clean the tines, if necessary.

•

To reduce tangling, set the depth regulator deep enough
to get maximum “chopping” action as the tines chop the
material against the ground. Also, try to till under crop
residues or cover crops while they are green, moist and
tender.

•

While tilling, try swaying the handlebars from side to side
(about 6” to 12”). This “fishtailing” action often clears the
tines of debris.

•

If tangling occurs, lift the tines out of the soil and run the
tiller in reverse for a few feet. This reversing action should
unwind a good deal of debris.

WARNING! Before clearing the tines by hand, stop

the engine, allow all moving parts to stop and
disconnect the spark plug wire. Remove the ignition
key on electric start models. Failure to follow this
warning could result in personal injury.

Tilling Tips & Techniques

•

When cultivating (breaking up surface soil around plants
to destroy weeds, see Fig. 4-9), adjust the tines to dig only
1” to 2” deep. Using shallow tilling depths helps prevent
injury to the plants whose roots often grow close to the
surface. If needed, lift up on the handlebars slightly to
prevent the tines from digging too deeply. (Cultivating on a
regular basis not only eliminates weeds, it also loosens and
aerates the soil for better moisture absorption and faster
plant growth.) Watering the garden area a few days prior
to tilling will make tilling easier, as will letting the newly
worked soil set for a day or two before making a final, deep
tilling pass.

Tilling Depth

WARNING! Before tilling, contact your telephone

or utilities company and inquire if underground
equipment or lines are used on your property. Do
not till near buried electric cables, telephone lines,
pipes or hoses.

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This is a CRT (counter-rotating tine) tiller. As the wheels
pull forward, the tines rotate backward. This creates an
“uppercut” tine action which digs deeply, uprooting soil
and weeds. Don’t overload the engine, but dig as deeply
as possible on each pass. On later passes, the wheels may
tend to spin in the soft dirt. Help them along by lifting up
slightly on the handlebar (one hand, palm up, works most
easily).

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Avoid the temptation to push down on the handlebars in
an attempt to force the tiller to dig deeper. Doing so takes
the weight off the powered wheels, causing them to lose
traction. Without the wheels to hold the tiller back, the
tines will attempt to propel the tiller backward, towards
the operator.

Figure 5-4

Choosing Correct Wheel & Tine Speeds

With experience, you will find the tilling depth and tilling speed
combination that is best for your garden. Set the engine throttle
lever at a speed to give the engine adequate power and yet
allow it to operate at the slowest possible speed until you have
achieved the maximum tilling depth you desire. Faster engine
speeds may be desirable when making final passes through the
seedbed or when cultivating. Selection of the correct engine
speed, in relation to the tilling depth, will ensure a sufficient
power level to do the job without causing the engine to labor.

13sectiOn 5 — Oper atiOn

Suggested Tilling Patterns

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2

3

When preparing a seedbed, go over the same path twice in

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the first row, then overlap one-half the tiller width on the
rest of the passes. See Fig. 5-5.

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If the garden size will not permit lengthwise and then
crosswise tilling, overlap the first passes by one-half a tiller
width, followed by successive passes at one-quarter width.
See Fig. 5-7.

Figure 5-7

Figure 5-5

When finished in one direction, make a second pass at

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a right angle, as shown in Fig. 5-6. Overlap each pass for
best results (in very hard ground, it may take three or four
passes to thoroughly pulverize the soil.)

Figure 5-6

Tilling on a Slope

WARNING! Do not operate the tiller on a slope too

steep for safe operation. Till slowly and be sure you
have good footing. Never permit the tiller to
freewheel down slopes. Failure to follow this
warning could result in personal injury.

1.

Till only on moderate slopes, never on steep ground where
the footing is difficult.

2.

We recommend tilling up and down slopes rather than
terracing. Tilling vertically on a slope allows maximum
planting area and also leaves room for cultivating.

NOTE: When tilling on slopes, be sure the correct oil level
is maintained in the engine (check every one-half hour
of operation). The incline of the slope will cause the oil to
slant away from its normal level and this can starve engine
parts of the required lubrication. Keep the motor oil level at
the full point at all times.

Tilling Up and Down a Slope

1.

To keep soil erosion to a minimum, be sure to add enough
organic matter to the soil so that it has good moisture­holding texture and try to avoid leaving footprints or
wheel marks.

2.

When tilling vertically, try to make the first pass uphill
as the tiller digs more deeply going uphill than it does
downhill. In soft soil or weeds, you may have to lift the
handlebars slightly while going uphill. When going
downhill, overlap the first pass by about one-half the width
of the tiller.

14 sectiOn 5— OperatiOn

Terrace Gardening

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2

3

12" UNTILLED

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REPEAT

DOWNHILL

UPHILL

1.

To create a terrace, start at the top of the slope and work
down. Go back and forth across the first row as shown in
Fig. 5-8.

Figure 5-8

2.

Each succeeding lower terrace is started by walking below
the terrace you’re preparing. For added stability of the
tiller, always keep the uphill wheel in the soft, newly tilled
soil. Do not till the last 12” or more of the downhill outside
edge of each terrace. This untilled strip helps prevents the
terraces from breaking apart and washing downhill. It also
provides a walking path between rows.

Position the loading vehicle so that the ramp angle is as flat

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as possible (the less incline to the ramp, the better). Turn
the vehicle’s engine off and apply its parking brake.

When going up ramps, stand in the normal operating

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position and push the tiller ahead of you. Have a person at
each side to turn the wheels.

When going down ramps, walk backward with the tiller

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following you. Keep alert for any obstacles behind you.
Position a person at each wheel to control the speed of the
tiller. Never go down ramps tiller-first, as the tiller could tip
forward.

Place wooden blocks on the downhill side of the wheels

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if you need to stop the tiller from rolling down the ramp.
Also, use the blocks to temporarily keep the tiller in place
on the ramps (if necessary), and to chock the wheels in
place after the tiller is in the vehicle.

After loading the tiller, prevent it from rolling by engaging

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the wheels in the WHEEL DRIVE position. Chock the wheels
with blocks and securely tie the tiller down.

Loading & Unloading the Tiller

WARNING! Loading and unloading the tiller into a

vehicle is potentially hazardous and it is not
recommend doing so unless absolutely necessary,
as this could result in personal injury or property
damage.

However, if you must load or unload the tiller, follow the
guidelines given next.

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Before loading or unloading, stop the engine, wait for all
parts to stop moving, disconnect the spark plug wire and
let the engine and muffler cool.

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The tiller is too heavy and bulky to be lifted safely by one
person. Two or more people should share the load.

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Use sturdy ramps and manually — with the engine shut
off — roll the tiller into and out of the vehicle. Two or more
people are needed to do this.

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The ramps must be strong enough to support the
combined weight of the tiller and any handlers. The ramps
should provide good traction to prevent slipping; they
should have side rails to guide the tiller along the ramps;
and they should have a locking device to secure them to
the vehicle.

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The handlers should wear sturdy footwear that will help
prevent slipping.

15sectiOn 5 — Oper atiOn