Yard Machines 21A-450 Operator's Manual

Operator's Manual

Rear Tine

Tiller

21A-450 Series

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

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 attester meeting
applicable local or state laws (if any). If a spark arrester is used, itshould 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 depadment, P.O. Box 368022 Cleveland, Ohio 44136-9722.

MTD PRODUCTS INC P.O. BOX 368022 CLEVELAND, OHIO 44136.9722

PRINTED IN U.S.A. FORM NO. 770-10137D

(10i20oo)

TABLEOFCONTENTS

Content Page

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

Loose Parts & Hardware Pack ........................................................................... 5

Assembling Your Tiller ....................................................................................... 6

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

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

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

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

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

Off Season Storage ........................................................................................... !2

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

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

FINDINGMODELNUMBER

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.

.,DP.ooucTs,.c

Iwm I _ |Jfl P.O.BOX 368022

I1_ ' Um_ CLEVELAND, OHIO 44136_

Copy the model number here:

Copy the serial number here:

CALLINGCUSTOMERSUPPORT

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-(800)-800-7310 or 1-(330) 220-4MTD 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.

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 al! 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 in serious 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 shirts. 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.

a. Use only an approved gasoline container.
b. Extinguish all cigarettes, cigars, pipes, and

other sources of ignition.

c. Never fuel machine indoors.
d. Never remove gas cap or add while the

engine is hot or running.

e. Allow engine to cool at least two minutes

before refueling,

f. Never over fill fuel tank. Fill tank to no more

than 1/2 inch below bottom of filler neck to

provide space for fuel expansion,

g. Replace gasoline cap and tighten securely.

h. If gasoline is spilled, wipe it off the engine

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

i. Never store the machine or fuel container

inside where there is an open flame, spark,
or pilot light (e.g. furnace, water heater,
space heater, clothes dryer, etc.)

j. To reduce a fire hazard, keep machine free

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

k. Allow machine to cool at least 5 minutes

before storing.

OPERATION

1, Do not put hands and feet near rotating parts.

Contact with the rotating parts can amputate
fingers, 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.

3

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 handlebars and

de 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, 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 apoorly
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 [phone] for assistance
and the name of your nearest servicing dealer.

MaintenanceAndStorage

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. Do net 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,

,_ 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.

NOTE: Not all safety labels shown may apply toyour tillers.

_,.A._ .=

SECTION2: LOOSEPARTS

Handle

Assembly

Depth

Control Stake

Rod Assembly

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n

/ /

/

/

/ :

/' /

/ /

/ /

/ :

S; •

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i:

II

i

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NOTE: Cable tie not shown.

5

SECTION3: ASSEMBLINGYOURTILLER

IMPORTANT:This unit is shipped WITHOUT GASOLINE
or OIL. After assembly, see separate engine manual for
proper fuel and engine oil recommendations.

NOTE: Left and right is determined from the

operator's position, standing behind the tiller.

ToolsRequiredForAssembly

• Adjustable Wrenches

• Pair of Pliers

• Screw Driver

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.

T-Knob Hex Bolt

T-Knob

D Hex Bolt

pth ,Washer

Washer Stake_ i Clevis Pin

i /- Hairpin Clip

AttachingDepthStakeAssembly

• Tip the tiller forward so it rests on front
counterweight.

• Raise the tine shield hinge flap assembly. Remove
"T" knob, flat washer and hex bolt from depth stake.
Insert the depth stake assembly in front of spacer
(under the tine shield) and up through the tine
shield assembly as shown in Figure 1.

• Insert clevis pin through the tine shield and the
second hole from top of the depth stake. Secure

with hairpin clip.

• Insert hex bolt into the top hole of the depth stake
assembly. Place flat washer on hex bolt and thread

"T" knob onto the hex bolt. See Figure 1. Tighten
securely.

• Tip the tiller back down so it rests on the depth
stake (transport position).

AttachingTheHandleAssembly

Remove

Handle

j "i_ Ass'y

Handle
Bracket

5

I
J

Depth Stake

Figure 1

Figure 2

• Remove top two bolts and flange lock nuts from
handle mounting brackets as shown in Figure 2. Do
not remove the bottom bolt and nut.

• Place handle assembly in position between the
handle mounting brackets. See Figure 2.

• Line up holes in handle with holes in handle
mounting brackets. Secure with hardware removed
in step 1.

6