Yard Machines 300 User Manual
OPERATOR’S MANUAL
FRONT TINE
TILLERS
300 Series
IMPORTANT: READ
SAFETY RULES AND
INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY
MTD PRODUCTS LTD. P.O. BOX 1386 KITCHENER, ON N2G 4J1
PRINTED IN THE U.S.A.
772C0730
(10/04)
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Content Page
Customer Support 2
Important Safe Operation Practices 3
Assembly 5
Controls 7
Operation 8
Adjustments 10
Content Page
Lubrication 11
Maintenance 11
Off-Season Storage 13
Troubleshooting 13
Parts Lists/Pièces détachées 14
Warranty 18
FINDING MODEL NUMBER
This Operator’s Manual is an important part of your new equipment. 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. A sample model plate is also given below. You can locate the model plate by standing at the operating
position and looking down at the rear of the deck . This information will be necessary to use the manufacturer’s web site and/or help
from the Customer Support Department or an authorized service dealer.
This is where your model number will be.
Model Number
Numéro de modèle
XXXXXXXXXX
www.mtdcanada.com
Serial Number
Numéro de série
XXXXXXXXXXX
MTD PRODUCTS LIMITED
KITCHENER, ON N2G 4J1
1-800-668-1238
This is where your serial number will be.
Copy the model number here:
Copy the serial number here:
ENGINE INFORMATION
The engine manufacturer is responsible for all engine-related issues with regards to performance, power-rating, specifications, warranty and
service. Please refer to the engine manufacturer’s Owner’s/Operator’s Manual packed separately with your unit for more information.
CALLING CUSTOMER SUPPORT
Please do NOT return the unit to the retailer from which it was purchased, without first contacting Customer Support.
If you have difficulty assembling this product or have any questions regarding the controls, operation or maintenance of this unit,
please call a Customer Support Representataive.
For US Customers: 1- (330) 220-4MTD (4683) or 1- (800)-800-7310
For Canadian Customers: 1-800-668-1238
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.
HOW TO OBTAIN SERVICE
Service is available, WITH PROOF OF PURCHASE, through your local authorized service dealer. To locate the dealer in your
area;
In the U.S.A.
Ohio 44136-0019, or call 1-800-800-7310 or 1-330-220-4683 or log on to our Web site at www.mtdproducts.com.
In Canada
www.mtdcanada.com.
: Check your Yellow Pages, or contact customer support listed about MTD LLC at P.O. Box 361131, Cleveland,
: Contact MTD Products Limited, Kitchener, ON N2G 4J1, or call 1-800-668-1238 or log on to our Web site at
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 your tiller. Failure to comply with these instructions may result in personal
injury. when you see this symbol— HEED ITS WARNING
DANGER: Your tiller 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 tiller is capable of amputating hands and feet. 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, children and pets 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 closefitting slacks and shirts. Loose fitting clothes and
jewelry can be caught in movable parts. Never
operate this machine in bare feet or sandals.
3. Disengage clutch levers and shift (if provided) lever 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 the 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
9. Never fuel machine indoors.
10. Never remove gas cap or add fuel while the
11. Allow engine to cool at least two minutes before
12. Never over fill fuel tank. Fill tank to no more than
13. Replace gasoline cap and tighten securely.
14. If gasoline is spilled, wipe it off the engine and
15. Never store the machine or fuel container inside
16. Allow a machine to cool at least 5 minutes before
OPERATION
1. Do not put hands or feet near rotating parts.
2. Do not operate the machine while under the
3. Never operate this machine without good visibility
4. Keep bystanders, helpers, children and pets at
5. Be careful when tilling in hard ground. The tines
6. Exercise extreme caution when operating on or
7. Never operate the machine at high transport
8. Exercise caution to avoid slipping or falling.
.
sources of ignition.
engine is hot or running.
refueling.
½ inch below bottom of filler neck to allow space
for fuel expansion.
equipment. Move unit to another area. Wait 5
minutes before starting the engine.
where there is an open flame, spark or pilot light
as on a water heater, space heater, furnace,
clothes dryer or other gas appliances.
storing.
Contact with the rotating parts can amputate
hands and feet.
influence of alcohol or drugs.
or light. Always be sure of your footing and keep a
firm hold on the handles.
least 75 feet from the machine while it is in
operation. Stop machine if anyone enters the area.
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.
crossing gravel surfaces. Stay alert for hidden
hazards or traffic. Do not carry passengers.
speeds on hard or slippery surfaces.
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(s) 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 the 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.
17. If the machine should start making 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 accessories and attachments approved for this machine by the machine manufacturer. Failure to do so, can result in serious injury.
21. If situations occur which are not covered in this manual, use care and good judgment. Contact your authorized dealer for assistance.
MAINTENANCE & STORAGE
1. Never tamper with safety devices. Check their proper operation regularly.
2. Check bolts and screws for proper tightness at frequent intervals to keep the machine in safe working condition. Also, visually inspect machine for any damage.
3. Before cleaning, repairing, or inspecting, make certain the tine(s) and all moving parts have stopped. Disconnect the spark plug wire and ground against the engine to prevent unintended starting.
4. Do not change the engine governor settings or over-speed the engine. The governor controls the maximum safe operating speed of the engine.
5. Maintain or replace safety and instruction labels, as necessary.
6. Follow this manual for safe loading, unloading, transporting, and storage of this machine.
7. Never store the machine or fuel container inside where there is an open flame, spark or pilot light as on a water heater, space heater, furnace, clothes dryer or other gas appliances.
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.
Figure 1 Safety labels found on your unit
4
SECTION 2: ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS
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.
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 all loose parts included with unit (i.e.,
operator’s manual, etc.)
• Cut along corners, lay carton down flat, and remove
packing material.
• Roll or slide unit out of carton and check carton
thoroughly for loose parts.
• Extend control cable(s) to the rear of the tiller and
lay them on the floor. Be careful not to bend or kink
control cable(s).
TOOLS REQUIRED FOR ASSEMBLY
(1)-1/2" Wrench or Socket*
(1)-Pair of Pliers
(1)-3/8" Wrench*
*An adjustable wrench may be used.
This owner's guide covers two different model
tillers. Model 340 has forward tine drive only.
Model 390 has both forward and reverse tine drive.
Follow only the instructions which pertain to your
model tiller. See the model plate on your tiller for
the correct model number.
LOOSE PARTS IN CARTON
1. Tailpiece
2. Depth Stake
3. Handle Assembly
NOTE: All hardware required for assembly has been
placed in position on the tiller.
Hex Nut and
Cupped Washer
Tailpiece
Depth
Stake
Self-Tapping
Screws
Figure 2
ATTACHING THE HANDLE ASSEMBLY
1. Remove the hex bolt and cupped washer from the top right side of the frame halves. Hold the cable guide bracket on the left side of the frame as it will fall when the bolt is removed. See Figure 3.
2. Insert the handle assembly between the two frame
halves. Insert the hex bolt just removed through
the frame halves, handle assembly, and into the
cable guide bracket (notch in cable guide bracket
goes over the flange on the frame). Tighten
securely.
3. Loosen the hand knob which secures the handle brace to the handle assembly.
4. Remove the handle knob and hardware from the handle brace. Insert the carriage screw through the welded bracket on the handle and into the end of the handle brace. See Figure 3.
5. Secure with cupped washer and handle knob.
6. Select one of the three handle height positions (three notches in welded bracket), and tighten the hand knob to secure the handle in desired position. Make certain carriage bolt is seated securely into one of the three positions provided.
Handle
Brace
Handle
Crank
U-Nut
BEFORE ASSEMBLY
WARNING: Disconnect the spark plug wire
and ground against the engine to prevent
unintended starting.
ATTACHING THE TAILPIECE AND DEPTH STAKE
1. Remove the two self-tapping screws on the frame. Slide the tailpiece into the frame, with the lower hole in the tailpiece toward the front.
2. Secure with screws just removed. See Figure 2.
Handle
Assembly
Figure 3
5
ATTACHING THE CLUTCH CONTROL CABLES
FORWARD CABLE
Attach the end of the forward cable to the bracket
underneath the handle assembly as follows. (On
model 390, the forward clutch cable is the cable which
is attached closer to the rear of the tiller).
1. Loosen the hex nut on the threaded rod near the end of the cable, and move it up the rod as far as it will go. See
2. Unthread the rod from the rest of the cable. Hook the “Z” end of the rod into the bracket underneath the handle assembly from the right hand side. See Figure 4 or Figure 5.
3. Thread the rod back into the cable until the cable is straight. Do not tighten it enough to put any tension on the spring. See Figure 4 or Figure 5.
4. Thread the hex nut down against the end of cable. Use a pair of pliers and a wrench to lock the nut against the rod.
NOTE: Do not overtighten control cable. Too much
tension may cause it to break when engaged.
REVERSE CABLE (Model 390 Only)
The reverse clutch cable is the cable which is attached
closer to the front of the tiller. Attach the end of the
reverse cable to the reverse tine engagement handle
above the handle assembly, in the same manner as
you attached the forward cable. See Figure 5.
FINAL CLUTCH ADJUSTMENT
To check the clutch cable adjustment, proceed as
follows.
1. Disconnect the spark plug wire and move it away from the spark plug to prevent accidental starting.
2. Engage and release the forward tine engagement
handle, then the reverse tine engagement lever
(model 390 only). If an excessive noise is heard
when releasing either the tine drive clutch handle
or lever, the cable may be too loose. Adjust either
the forward or reverse clutch cable by loosening
the hex nut, threading the rod into the cable one or
two turns, then retightening the nut. See Figure 6.
Model 340
Reverse Tine
Engagement Handle
Threaded
Rod
Hex Nut
Reverse
Cable
Threaded
Rod
Hex Nut
Cable
Figure 4 Model 340
Reverse Tine
Engagement Handle
“Z” End
Hooked In
Bracket
Engagement Handle
3. With tine engagement handles in neutral
(released) as shown in Figure 6, pull the starter
rope several times. The tines should not turn. If
they turn forward, loosen the hex nut on the
forward cable (underneath the handle assembly).
See Figure 5. If they turn toward the rear (model
390 only), loosen the hex nut on the reverse cable
(above the handle assembly). Unthread the rod
from the cable 2 or 3 turns. Retighten the hex nut,
and check again for correct adjustment. See
Figure 6.
Tine
Model 390
Figure 6
“Z” End
Hooked In
Bracket
Figure 5 Model 390
6
SECTION 3: CONTROLS
Tines
WARNING: Read, understand, and follow
all instructions and warnings on the machine
and in this manual before operating.
Forward Tine
Engagement
Reverse Tine
Engagement
Lever
Figure 7 Model 390 Shown
Lever
End
Cap
Handle Knob
Depth Stake
REVERSE TINE DRIVE CLUTCH LEVER
(Model 390 Only)
The reverse tine drive clutch lever is located on top of
the handle panel. Pull the lever to the rear to move the
tines in reverse. Release the lever to stop the reverse
tine drive. See Figure 7.
NOTE: Never engage both the forward and reverse
tine drives at the same time. Engaging both forward
and reverse tine drives at the same time could damage
the belt drives and cause the engine to stall.
Choke
Models 340/390
Throttle Control
Figure 8
DEPTH STAKE
The depth stake controls the tilling depth. Refer to
"HOW TO USE YOUR TILLER" SECTION" for more
details.
THROTTLE CONTROL
The throttle control lever is located on the engine. It controls the engine speed and stops the engine. See Figure 8.
CHOKE LEVER
The choke lever is located above the throttle control. It
is used to enrich the fuel mixture when starting a cold
engine. See Figure 8.
FORWARD TINE ENGAGEMENT HANDLE
The forward tine engagement handle is located
beneath the tiller handle. Squeezing the handle up
against the tiller handle engages the tines. Release the
handle to stop the tines. See Figure 7.
TINE AND END CAPS
The tilling tines and end caps are used to cultivate,
furrow, and prepare your garden for seeding. The end
caps are used to avoid tilled soil from overflowing onto
unwanted areas.
HANDLE KNOB
The handle knob is attached to the handle and is used
to adjust the height of the handle to three different
settings.
ENGINE CONTROLS
See the separate engine manual for the location and
function of the other controls on the engine.
7
SECTION 4: OPERATION
WARNING: Read, understand, and follow
all instructions and warnings on the machine
and in this manual before operating.
GAS AND OIL FILL-UP
Service the engine with GASOLINE and OIL as
instructed in the separate engine manual packed with
your tiller. Read instructions carefully.
WARNING: Use extreme care when
handling gasoline. Gasoline is extremely
flammable and the vapors are explosive.
Never fuel machine indoors or while the
engine is hot or running.
TO START ENGINE
WARNING:
front of the tiller while the engine is running or
being started.
1. Attach spark plug wire to spark plug. Make certain the metal loop on the end of the spark plug wire (inside the boot) is fastened securely over the metal tip on the spark plug.
2. Make certain the tine engagement controls are in the neutral position (released). See Figure 7.
3. Place the throttle control lever in FAST position. (See Figure 8 ).
4. Move choke lever to CHOKE position. (A warm engine requires little or no choke.)
5. Grasp starter handle and pull rope out slowly until engine reaches start of compression cycle (rope will pull slightly harder at this point). Let the rope rewind slowly.
6. Pull rope with a rapid, continuous, full arm stroke. Keep a firm grip on starter handle. Let rope rewind slowly. Do not let starter handle snap back against starter. Repeat preceding instructions 5 and 6 until engine starts.
7. When engine starts, move choke lever on engine halfway between CHOKE and RUN.
8. Move throttle control to IDLE position for a few minutes warm-up. Move choke lever to RUN position as engine warms up.
Be sure no one is standing in
WHEEL POSITION
NOTE:
such that the unit sits level. While tilling, as the tines
enter the ground and the front of the tiller lowers, the
wheels must be raised to level the unit. Follow the
steps below to adjust the wheels.
• Remove the clevis pin and hairpin clip from wheel
The tiller is shipped with the wheels adjusted
yoke, raising the wheels to the desired height, and
replacing the clevis pin and hairpin clip. (See Figure
9.)
Depth
Stake
Wheel Yoke
Hairpin Clips
and Clevis Pins
Figure 9
REMOVING END CAPS
The end cap are used to avoid tilled soil from getting
onto unwanted areas. You can remove each end cap
from the outer axle by removing the hairpin clip and
clevis pin that secure it. Slide end cap off the axle to
remove. See Figure 10.
NOTE: After starting engine and prior to using the
tiller, be certain to check the clutch adjustment as
described in “Finall Clutch Adjustment” section of the
Assembly Instructions.
TO STOP ENGINE
1. Move throttle control lever to STOP or OFF position.
2. Disconnect spark plug wire from spark plug and ground against the engine to prevent accidental starting while equipment is unattended.
8
Clevis
Pin
End
Cap
Hairpin Clip
Figure 10
CONTROLLING SPEED AND TILLING DEPTH
WHEEL YOKE ADJUSTMENT:
1. Place wheel yoke so that the wheels are forward (nearest point between wheels and tines) for shallow tilling, cultivating and transport. The forward speed will increase.
2. Turn yoke around (farthest point between wheels and tines) for deep tilling. Forward speed will decrease. (See Figure 11.)
the garden. Passes should be made across the length
and width of the garden alternately. Rocks which are
turned up should be removed from the garden area.
Transport
Depth
Stake
Position
Depth Stake Adjustment:
The depth stake acts as a brake for the tiller and
controls the depth and speed at which the machine will
operate.
1. By increasing the depth of the depth stake, the forward speed of the machine is reduced, and the working depth is increased. (See Figure 12.)
2. When the depth stake is raised, the working depth of the machine is reduced and the forward speed is increased.
• Remove the clevis pin and hairpin clip to raise or
lower depth stake. (See Figure 9.)
Raised Wheel Setting
For Deep Tilling
Figure 12
Shallow Tilling
Fast Forward
Deep Tilling
Slow Forward
Shallow
Tilling
Figure 11
Deep
Tilling
IMPORTANT: The working depth of the machine
may be predetermined by setting the depth stake and
wheels so that the wheels are about four inches from
the ground when the tines and depth stake are resting
on the ground. This setting will permit a working depth
of about four inches. When presetting the working
depth, the handles should be adjusted so the hand
grips are a little above waist height because the tiller
will be lower when the tines and depth stake penetrate
the ground. See Figure 12.
When tilling, leave approximately 8 inches of untilled
soil between the first and second tilling paths, then
make the third path between the first and second as
shown in Figure 13. In some soils, the desired depth is
obtained the first time over the garden. In other soils,
the desired depth is obtained by going over the garden
two or three times. In the latter case, the depth stake
should be lowered before each succeeding pass over
Figure 13
Handle Pressure:
Further control of tilling depth and travel speed can be
obtained by variation of pressure on the handles.
1. A downward pressure on the handles will reduce the working depth and increase the forward speed.
2. An upward pressure on the handles will increase the working depth and reduce the forward speed.
NOTE: The type of soil and working conditions will
determine the actual setting of the depth stake and the
handle pressure required.
Throttle Control: The throttle control lever adjusts the
engine speed and stops the engine. With the throttle
control lever pushed completely forward, the carburetor
is in START position. Pulling the throttle control back
slightly adjusts the engine speed to FAST. Pulling the
throttle back further reduces the engine speed to
SLOW. Pull the throttle completely back to stop the
engine.
Use maximum engine speed for deep tilling. Move the
throttle control to SLOW when transporting the tiller.
9
TRANSPORTING THE TILLER
To transport the tiller to or from the garden, pivot the
depth stake forward, out of the way. (See Figure 12.)
With the throttle control in SLOW position, the unit will
walk freely on top of the lawn. If the operator does not
allow the tiller to move freely, the unit will start to till
the surface.
HOW TO USE YOUR TILLER
Your tiller is a precision built machine designed for
seed bed preparation, cultivating, furrowing and
mulching. It is engineered to minimize the hardest
work in the vegetable or flower garden, to till the soil
for planting and cultivating, and to perform many other
useful labor saving tasks in the garden. With the
proper amount of care and maintenance, this machine
will provide the owner with many years of service.
CULTIVATING
For cultivating, a two to three inch depth is desirable.
Set the wheels and depth stake so that the wheels are
about two inches above the ground while the tiller is
resting on the tines and depth stake will allow the
machine to work at cultivating depth. The throttle
should be set to control forward movement to a slow
walking speed. With the outer tines installed, the
working width of the machine is 22 or 24 inches. For
cultivation, this may be reduced to 13 inches by
removing the outer tines. Refer to Tine Width
Adjustment in Adjustment section. When laying out
plant rows, be sure to allow enough width to permit
cultivation between the rows. In growing corn or similar
crops, check-row planting will permit cross cultivation
and practically eliminate hand hoeing. (See .Figure
14).
Figure 14
The tiller has many uses other than tilling and
cultivating a garden. One of these is the preparation of
lawn area for seeding. The tiller will prepare a deep
seed bed which will be free of hard untilled spots,
allowing a better stand of grass to grow. The tiller is
very useful for loosening hard soil for excavation with a
shovel. No tedious hand pickwork will be necessary.
Your tiller may be used for mixing compost in the pile,
or for mixing it with the soil in your garden. This should
be done after the soil has been broken to the full
working depth. The compost should be worked in to a
depth of six to seven inches. This may be done by
working the length of the garden, and then by making
separate passes across its width. The addition of
decayed organic matter will substantially increase the
fertility of your garden. For proper decaying action,
fertilizer should be applied and worked in with the
mulch materials. Breaking up leaves and straw and
mixing it with several inches of soil causes the soil to
hold moisture longer and allows proper aeration of the
plant root system. This also retards the growth of
weeds.
SECTION 5: ADJUSTMENTS
WARNING: Disconnect the spark plug
wire and ground against the engine before
performing any adjustments, repairs, or
maintenance.
WHEEL ADJUSTMENTS
To adjust the wheel yoke and wheel position, refer to
WHEEL POSITION on page 8.
DEPTH STAKE ADJUSTMENT
To adjust the depth stake, refer to WHEEL POSITION
on page 8.
CLUTCH CONTROL ADJUSTMENTS
Periodic adjustment of the belt tension may be required
due to normal stretch and wear on the belt. To adjust
the clutch control lever, refer to the Final Adjustment
section of assembly instructions.
ENGINE
Refer to the separate engine manual for engine adjustment instructions.
CARBURETOR ADJUSTMENT
WARNING: If any adjustments are made
to the engine while the engine is running
(e.g. carburetor), disengage all clutches and
tines. Keep clear of all moving parts. Be
careful of heated surfaces and muffler.
Minor carburetor adjustment may be required to
compensate for differences in fuel, temperature,
altitude or load. If adjustments are needed, refer to the
engine manual packed with the tiller.
TINE WIDTH ADJUSTMENT
The tilling width of the unit is 22 inches. (See Figure
15.) Tilling width can be increased to 24 inches by
removing the clevis pins and hairpin clips, sliding the
outer tines out one inch, and securing in this position
with the clevis pins and hairpin clips. (See Figure 16.)
For cultivation, reduce the tine width to 13 inches by
removing the outer tines completely. (See Figure 17.)
10
22"
Figure 15
24"
Figure 16
SECTION 6: LUBRICATION
13"
Figure 17
NOTE: A dirty air cleaner will cause engine to run
rough. Be certain air cleaner is clean and attached to
the carburetor before adjusting carburetor. Do not
make unnecessary adjustments. Factory settings are
satisfactory for most applications and conditions.
WARNING: Always stop engine and
disconnect spark plug wire before cleaning,
lubricating or doing any kind of work on tiller.
Tine Engagement Handle/Lever
• Lubricate the pivot points on the tine handle/lever
and the cable at least once a season with light oil.
The controls must operate freely in both directions.
Pivot Points
• Lubricate all pivot points and linkages at least once
a season with light oil.
SECTION 7: MAINTENANCE
WARNING: Disconnect spark plug wire
and ground it against the engine before
performing any repairs or maintenance.
TROUBLE SHOOTING
Refer to page 13 of this manual for trouble shooting
information.
ENGINE
Refer to the separate engine manual for all engine
maintenance instructions.
Maintain engine oil as instructed in the separate
engine manual packed with your unit. Read and follow
instructions carefully.
IMPORTANT: Do not attempt to start the engine
when the oil level is inadequate.
Service air cleaner every 25 hours under normal
conditions. Clean after every hour under extremely
dusty conditions. Poor engine performance and
flooding usually indicates that the air cleaner should be
Tine Shafts
• Remove the tine assemblies and lubricate the tine
shafts at least once a season.
Wheel Shafts
• Remove wheel assemblies and lubricate the axle
shafts at least once a season.
Transmission
• The transmission is pre-lubricated and sealed at
the factory. It requires no checking unless the
transmission is disassembled. See an authorized
service dealer if the transmission is disassembled.
serviced. To service the air cleaner, refer to the
separate engine manual packed with your unit.
IMPORTANT: Never run your engine without air
cleaner completely assembled.
The spark plug should be cleaned and the gap reset
after every 25 hours of engine operation. Spark plug
replacement is recommended at the start of each
season; check engine manual for correct plug type and
gap specifications.
Clean the engine regularly with a cloth or brush.
Keep the cooling system (blower housing area) clean
to permit proper air circulation which is essential to
engine performance and life. Be certain to remove all
dirt and combustible debris from muffler area.
CLEANING THE TINE AREA
Clean the underside of the tine shield after each use.
The dirt washes off the tines easier if washed off
immediately instead of after it dries.
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