Yard Machines 30 User Manual
OPERATOR’S MANUAL
Front Tine Tiller
Model 030
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 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 368022 Cleveland, Ohio 44136-9722.
MTD PRODUCTS INC. P.O. BOX 368022 CLEVELAND, OHIO 44136-9722
PRINTED IN U.S.A.
FORM NO.
770-10473.fm
(1/2001)
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Content Page
Important Safe Operation Practices................................................................... 3
Assembling Your Tiller ....................................................................................... 5
Know Your Tiller................................................................................................. 6
Operating Your Tiller .......................................................................................... 7
Making Adjustments .......................................................................................... 9
Maintaining Your Tiller ....................................................................................... 10
Troubleshooting ................................................................................................. 11
Parts List............................................................................................................ 12
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 looking down at the rear of the tiller. 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.
(Model Number)
CLEVELAND, OHIO 44136
(Serial Number)
MTD PRODUCTS INC
Copy the model number here:
Copy the serial number here:
CALLING 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 Dealer Referral Line.
Call 1- (330) 220-4MTD (4683) or 1- (800)-800-7310 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.
2
SECTION 1: 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.
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. Failure to observe the
following safety instructions could result in serious injury or death.
Tra in in g
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.
7. Never operate the machine at high transport
speeds on hard or slippery surfaces.
8. Exercise caution to avoid slipping or falling.
3
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 1-800-800-7310 for assistance
and the name of your nearest servicing dealer.
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 not change the engine governor settings or overspeed 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.
4
SECTION 2: ASSEMBLING YOUR TILLER
IMPORTANT:
in the engine. Be certain to service engine with gasoline
and oil, as instructed in the engine manual, before
operating your tiller. (The engine manual is packed
seperately and shipped in the tiller carton.)
NOTE: Reference to right or left side of the tiller is
observed from the operating position.
This unit is shipped without gasoline or oil
Removing 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 (i.e., operator’s
manual, etc.) from carton.
• Cut along corners, lay carton down flat, and remove
packing material. Roll or slide unit out of carton and
check carton thoroughly again before discarding.
• Extend control cables to the rear of the tiller and lay
them on the floor. Do not bend or kink cables.
Setting up the Tiller
• Disconnect the spark plug wire and move it away
from the spark plug.
• Remove the handle lever from the handle.
• Lift up and pull back on the handle to raise to the
operating position. Reinsert handle lever and
tighten securely.
• Pull depth stake down into the operating position.
Please refer to instructions in detail on page 8.
Check Cable Adjustment
• With the clutch lever disengaged, pull starter rope
slowly several times. Tines should not turn. If tines
do turn, the cable is not adjusted properly.
• To adjust cable, loosen bottom nut at cable bracket
slightly to provide additional slack in cable wire
while clutch is disengaged. See Figure 1 inset.
• Tighten top nut and check again for proper
adjustment. See Figure 1 inset.
Tine Clutch
Control Lever
Handle
Lever
Depth Stake
Lift
handle
up
Clutch Cable
Top Hex Nut
Cable
Bracket
Bottom
Hex Nut
Figure 1
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