Troy-Bilt Bronco, Pro-Line CRT, Super Bronco Operator's Manual
Safe Operation Practices • Set-Up • Operation • Maintenance • Service • Troubleshooting • Warranty
OperatOr’s Manual
Bronco, Super Bronco & Pro-Line CRT Tillers
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.
NOTE: This Operator’s Manual covers several models. Features may vary by model. Not all features in this manual are applicable to all
models and the model depicted may differ from yours.
TROY-BILT LLC, P.O. BOX 361131 CLEVELAND, OHIO 44136-0019
WARNING
Form No. 769-12041
(November 15, 2016)
To The Owner
Thank You
Thank you for purchasing this product. 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. We reserve
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 .................................................. 5
Control & Operation................................................ 7
Service .....................................................................10
1
If applicable, the power testing information used to establish
the power rating of the engine equipped on this machine can be
found at www.opei.org or the engine manufacturer’s web site.
If you have any problems or questions concerning the machine,
phone an 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.
Troubleshooting .....................................................12
Replacement Parts ........ See Separate Supplement
Warranty ........................ See Separate Supplement
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 front right corner of the tine shield. 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 the Customer Support Department.
If you have difficulty assembling this product or have any questions regarding the controls, operation, or maintenance of
this machine, want to order replacement parts/attachments/accessories, or want to view an online How-To video; you can
seek help from the experts. Have your full model number and serial number ready. Choose from the options below:
◊ Web: www.troybilt.com/equipment/troybilt
◊ Phone: (800) 828-5500
◊ Mail: 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
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 of age to
operate this 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.
4. Never allow adults to operate this machine
without proper instruction.
5. Keep the area of operation clear of all
persons, particularly small children and pets.
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 moving
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.
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.
• Never fill containers inside a vehicle or
on a truck or trailer bed with a plastic
liner. Always place containers on the
ground away from your vehicle before
filling.
• When practical, remove gas-powered
equipment 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 tank or container
opening at all times until fueling is
complete. Do not use a nozzle lockopen device.
• Extinguish all cigarettes, cigars, pipes
and other sources of ignition.
• Never fuel machine indoors.
• Never remove gas cap or add fuel
while the engine 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 inch below bottom
of filler neck to allow space for fuel
expansion.
• Replace gasoline cap and tighten
securely.
• If gasoline is spilled, wipe it off the
engine and equipment. Move unit to
another area. Wait 5 minutes before
starting the engine.
• To reduce fire hazards, keep machine
free of grass, 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 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
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 away 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. 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 (if fitted) 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 too deep at too fast of
a rate.
3
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 judgement.
Contact Customer Support for assistance and
the name of you nearest servicing dealer..
Maintenance & Storage
1. Keep machine, attachments and accessories
in safe working order.
2. Allow a machine to cool at least five minutes
before storing. Never tamper with safety
devices. Check their proper operation
regularly.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. Do not change the engine governor settings
or over-speed the engine. The governor
controls the maximum safe operating speed
of engine.
6. Maintain or replace safety and instruction
labels, as necessary.
7. Follow this manual for safe loading,
unloading, transporting, and storage of this
machine.
8. Always refer to the operator’s manual for
important details if the machine is to be
stored for an extended period.
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.
11. 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 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.
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), Oxidizing Catalyst (OC),
Secondary Air Injection (SAI) 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 arrestor meeting
applicable local or state laws (if any).
If a spark arrestor 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 arrestor 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.
Safety Symbols
This page depicts and describes safety symbols that may appear on this product. Read, understand, and follow all instructions on the machine before attempting to
assemble and operate.
Symbol Description
READ THE OPERATOR’S MANUAL(S)
Read, understand, and follow all instructions in the manual(s) before attempting to assemble and operate
WARNING— ROTATING TINES
Do not put hands or feet near rotating parts. Contact with the rotating parts can amputate hands and feet.
WARNING—GASOLINE IS FLAMMABLE
Allow the engine to cool at least two minutes before refueling.
WARNING— CARBON MONOXIDE
Never run an engine indoors or in a poorly ventilated area. Engine exhaust contains carbon monoxide, an odorless and
deadly gas.
WARNING— HOT SURFACE
Engine parts, especially the muffler, become extremely hot during operation. Allow engine and muffler to cool before
touching.
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 — important Safe operation practiceS
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS!
Assembly & Set-Up
Lower
Handlebar
Support Brackets
Hex Screw
Hex
Screw
Flange
Lock
Nuts
Carriage
Bolt
Knob
Belleville
Washer
Handle Support
Upper
Handle
Hex Screw
Flange Lock Nut
Knob
Belleville
Washer
Carriage Bolt
Knob
Carriage Screw
Contents of Carton
• One Tiller • One Bottle of Oil • One Handlebar Assembly
• One Operator’s Manual • One Engine Operator’s Manual
3
NOTE : This Operator’s Manual covers several garden
tiller models. The tiller depicted may differ from
yours.
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
• Two ⁄” open-end wrenches
• Block of wood (to support tiller when
removing wheels)
• Tire pressure gauge
• Clean oil funnel
• Motor oil. Refer to the Engine Operator’s
Manual for oil specifications and quantity
required.
Assembly
Unpacking Instructions
NOTE : While unpacking, do not severely bend any of
the control cables.
1. The tiller is heavy, do not attempt to remove it
from the shipping platform until instructed to
do so in these Assembly steps.
2. Remove any packaging material from the
carton. Remove any staples from the bottom
of the carton and remove the carton from the
shipping platform.
3. Remove all loose parts 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).
Handle
NOTE : All references to the right or left side of the
tiller are from the operator’s position.
1. Remove two hex screws (⁄-18 x 1.50), two
flange lock nuts (⁄-18), carriage bolt (⁄-18 x
6.75), belleville washer (.326 x .875 x .145) and
knob (⁄-18) from the lower handlebar and
support brackets. See Figure 3-1.
Figure 3-1
2. Using two hex screws and two flange lock
nuts, loosely attach the handlebar support
using the upper holes. See Figure 3-2.
3. Loosely attach the support brackets to the
outside of the handlebar assembly using the
carriage bolt, belleville washer and knob. Refer
to Figure 3-3.
Figure 3-3
NOTE : If a support bracket will not move,
loosen the attaching hex screws (⁄-18 x .75)
and flange lock nuts (⁄-18) at the base of the
support brackets.
NOTE : The support brackets must be
assembled to the outside of the handlebar
assembly.
4. There are three height adjustment holes in the
handlebar support bracket. Use a setting that
will position the handlebars at approximately
waist level when the tines are 3-4” into the
soil. To adjust the height of the handlebars
loosen the knob on the handle, pull out on the
carriage screw, adjust to the desired setting,
push the carriage screw in until the square
portion of the screw locks into place and retighten the knob. See Figure 3-4.
Figure 3-2
Figure 3-4
5
Z-Connector
Cable Bracket
Z-Connector
Cable Bracket
5. Tighten all the handlebar mounting hardware
Wheel Drive Pin
Wheel Shaft
securely.
Move Tiller Off Crate
To roll the tiller off the shipping platform, put the
wheels in freewheel, as follows:
1. Place a sturdy block under the transmission to
raise one wheel about 1” off the ground.
2. Remove the wheel drive pin from the wheel
hub and wheel shaft. See Figure 3-5.
Figure 3-5
3. Slide the wheel fully inward on the wheel
shaft. Reinstall the wheel drive pin through the
wheel shaft only (not through the wheel hub).
See Figure 3-5. The wheel should now spin
freely (freewheel) on the wheel shaft. Repeat
with the other wheel.
4. Use the handlebar to roll the tiller to a flat area.
NOTE : Before starting the engine, the wheels
must be placed in the WHEEL DRIVE position
(pins through wheel hubs and wheel shaft).
2. Pull the forward clutch cable with the black
end fitting up through the bottom hole of the
cable bracket and push the cable connector
up through the hole until the groove in the
connector snaps into place. See Figure 3-7.
Figure 3-7
3. Place the Z-connector into the hole in the
forward clutch bail from the outside of the bail
to the inside. See Figure 3-7.
4. Pull the reverse clutch cable (if equipped) with
the red fitting up through the top hole of the
cable bracket and push the cable connector
up through the hole until the groove in the
connector snaps into place. See Figure 3-8.
Set-Up
Tire Pressure
Check the air pressure with a tire gauge. 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
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.
Service the engine with gasoline and oil as instructed
in the Engine Operator’s Manual packed separately
with your tiller. Read the instructions carefully.
Attaching Clutch Cables
1. Carefully unwrap the cable(s) from the shipping
position. To attach the clutch cable(s), feed the
cable(s) up the front of the lower right handle and
behind the handle panel. See Figure 3-6.
Figure 3-6
Figure 3-8
5. Place the Z-connector into the hole in the
reverse clutch handle assembly from the inside
of the handle to the outside. See Figure 3-8.
6 Section 3— ASSembly & Set-Up
Controls & Operation
Depth Regulator Lever
Handlebar Height
Adjustment
Wheel Drive Pin
Tines
Reverse Handle Assembly
Forward Clutch Bail
Figure 4-1
NOTE : This Operator’s Manual covers several garden
tiller models. The tiller depicted may differ from yours.
Engine Controls
For detailed information on all engine controls refer
to the separate 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 Handle Assembly (if equipped)
The reverse handle assembly controls the
engagement of the reverse drive of the wheels and
tines.
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.
WARNING! Before operating your
machine, carefully read and
understand this manual and all of its
safety, operating and maintenance
sections and instructions, along with
all of the decals on the machine. Failure
to follow these instructions can result
in serious personal injury.
Introduction
Read this Operation Section and the Engine
Operator’s Manual before you start the engine. Then,
take the time to familiarize yourself with the basic
operation of the tiller before using it in the garden.
Find an open, level area and practice using the tiller
controls without the tines engaging the soil (put
tines in “transport” setting).
Only after you’ve become completely familiar with
the tiller should you begin using it in the garden.
Break-In Operation
Perform the following maintenance after the first
five (5) hours of new operation (see Maintenance &
Adjustments Section in this manual).
1. Change engine oil.
2. Check for loose or missing hardware on the
tiller. Tighten or replace as needed.
3. Check transmission gear oil level. See the
Maintenance & Adjustments section.
4
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:
1. Read the Safe Operation Practices and the
Features & Controls Section in this manual.
Read the separate Engine Operator’s Manual
provided with the tiller.
2. Put the wheels in the WHEEL DRIVE position
(wheel pins 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.
3. Check the tiller for loose or missing hardware.
Service as required.
4. Check the engine oil level. See the Engine
Operator’s Manual.
5. Check that all the safety guards and covers are
in place.
6. Check the air cleaner and engine cooling
system. See the Engine Operator’s Manual.
7. Fill the fuel tank with gasoline according to the
directions in the separate Engine Operator’s
Manual. Follow all instructions and safety rules
carefully.
8. If necessary, Attach the spark plug wire to the
spark plug.
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 the
lever.
WARNING! Never run the engine
indoors or in an enclosed, poorly
ventilated area. 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.
1. Complete the Pre-Start Checklist above on this
page.
2. Put the wheels in the WHEEL DRIVE position.
7
3. Move the depth regulator lever all the way
A
B
Depth Regulator Lever
Forward Clutch Bail
Reverse Handle
3
2
1
down to the “travel” position, so that the tines
clear the ground. To change the depth setting,
pull back on the depth regulator lever (A) and
lift up or down (B), then release the lever (C) to
secure in the desired position. See Figure 4-2.
Figure 4-2
4. Release all of the controls on the tiller.
5. Start the engine as instructed in the Engine
Operator’s Manual.
Stopping the Engine
1. To stop the wheels and tines, release the
Forward Clutch Bail.
2. Refer to the Engine Operator’s Manual for
instructions on stopping the engine.
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.
2. When tilling, relax and let the wheels pull the
machine 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
Figure 4-3. 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.
Figure 4-3
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.
3. To move in reverse:
a. On models with reverse handle:
• 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 Handle back.
To stop reversing, let go of the
Reverse Handle.
• If longer distances need to be
covered in reverse, shut off the
engine, then place the two wheels
in freewheel.
b. On models without reverse handle:
• Release the forward clutch bail.
Then lift the handlebar until the
tines are off the ground.
• Swing the handlebar to the
left so the right wheel takes a
“step” backward. Next swing the
handlebar to the right so the left
wheel “steps” backward. Repeat
as needed.
• If longer distances need to be
covered in reverse, shut off
the engine, then place the two
wheels in freewheel.
Turning the Tiller
Practice turning the tiller in a level, open area. Be
very careful to keep your feet and legs away from the
tines.
1. To begin a turn, lift the handlebars until the
tines are out of the ground and the engine
and tines are balanced over the wheels. See
Figure 4-4.
Figure 4-4
2. With the tiller balanced, push sideways on the
handlebar to steer in the direction of the turn.
See Figure 4-4.
3. After turning, slowly lower the tines into the
soil to resume tilling. See Figure 4-4.
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. Failure to follow
this warning could result in personal
injury.
Tilling Tips & Techniques
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.
• 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).
• 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.
• When cultivating (breaking up surface soil
around plants to destroy weeds, see Figure 4-5),
Adjust the tines to dig only 1” to 2” deep. Using
shallow tilling depths helps prevent injur y 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.
8 Section 4— controlS & operation
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