Yard Machines 340 User Manual

OPERATOR’S MANUAL

FRONT TINE

TILLERS

Models

340 Thru 390

Model 340 Shown

IMPORTANT: READ SAFETY RULES AND INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY

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. 770-8576A

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.

WARNING: The Engine Exhaust from this product contains chemicals known to

the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects or other reproductive harm.

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.

1. GENERAL OPERATION

• Read this operator’s manual carefully in its entirety
before attempting to assemble this machine. Read,
understand, and follow all instructions on the
machine and in the manual(s) before operation. Be
completely familiar with the controls and the proper
use of the machine before operating it. Keep this
manual in a safe place for future and regular
reference and for ordering replacement parts.

• Your tiller is a powerful tool, not a plaything.
Therefore, exercise extreme caution at all times.
Your unit has been designed to perform one job: to
till soil. Do not use it for any other purpose.

• Never allow children under age 14 to operate the
unit. Children 14 years and older should only
operate the unit under close parental supervision.
Only responsible individuals who are familiar with
these rules of safe operation should be allowed to
use your unit.

• Do not operate tiller while under the influence of
alcohol or drugs.

• Keep the area of operation clear of all persons,
particularly small children and pets. Stop the
engine when they are in the vicinity of your tiller.

• Wear sturdy, rough-soled work shoes and close
fitting slacks and shirt. Shirt and slacks that cover
the arms and legs and steel-toed shoes are
recommended. Do not wear loose fitting clothes or
jewelry and secure hair so it is above shoulder
length. They can be caught in moving parts. Never
operate a unit in bare feet, sandals or sneakers.

• Operate tiller only in daylight or good artificial light.

• Do not start tiller unless the shift lever (if provided)
is in the neutral (N) position.

• Do not allow anyone to stand or walk in front of
tiller when starting or running engine.

• Do not place feet or hands on or near the tines
when starting the engine or while the engine is
running.

• Never attempt to make depth bar, tine width,
cable, handle, or wheel adjustments while the
engine is running.

• Do not leave the tiller unattended with the engine
running.

• Before attempting to remove rocks, bricks and
other objects from tines, stop the engine and be
sure the tines have stopped completely.
Disconnect the spark plug wire and move it away
from the spark plug.

• If your machine should start making an unusual
noise or vibration, immediately stop the engine and
allow the machine to come to a complete stop.
Disconnect the spark plug wire and move it away
from the spark plug. Take the following steps:

• Inspect for damage.

• Repair or replace any damaged parts.

• Check for any loose parts and tighten to
assure continued safe operation.

• Muffler and engine become hot and can cause a
burn. Do not touch.

• Keep all shields, guards and safety devices in
place and operating properly.

• Use caution when tilling near fences, buildings and
underground utilities. Rotating tines can cause
damage or injury.

• Do not operate engine if air cleaner or cover over
carburetor air intake is removed, except for
adjustment. Removal of such parts could create a
fire hazard.

2

• Only use accessories approved for this machine
by the manufacturer. Read, understand, and follow
all instructions provided with the approved
accessory.

• If situations occur which are not covered by this
manual, use care and good judgment. Contact
your dealer for assistance.

2. CHILDREN

• Tragic accidents can occur if the operator is not
alert to the presence of small children. Children
are often attracted to the tilling activity. Never
assume that children will remain where you last
saw them.

• Keep children out of the work area and under the
watchful eye of a responsible adult other than the
operator.

• Be alert and turn the unit off if a child enters the
area.

• Never allow children under the age of 14 to
operate the tiller.

3. SERVICE

• Use extreme care in handling gasoline and other
fuels. They are extremely flammable and the
vapors are explosive.

• Store fuel and oil in approved containers, away
from heat and open flame, and out of the reach of
children. Check and add fuel before starting the
engine. Never remove gas cap or add fuel while
the engine is running. Allow engine to cool at least
two minutes before refueling.

• Replace gasoline cap securely and wipe off any
spilled gasoline before starting the engine as it
may cause a fire or explosion.

• Extinguish all cigarettes, cigars, pipes and other
sources of ignition.

• Never refuel unit indoors because flammable
vapors will accumulate in the area.

• Never store the machine or fuel container inside
where there is an open flame or spark such as a
gas hot water heater, space heater, clothes dryer
or furnace.

• Never run your machine in an enclosed area as
the exhaust from the engine contains carbon
monoxide, which is a odorless, tasteless and
deadly poisonous gas.

• To reduce fire hazard, keep engine and muffler
free of leaves, grass, and other debris build-up.
Clean up fuel and oil spillage. Allow unit to cool at
least 5 minutes before storing.

• Before cleaning, repairing, or inspecting, make
certain the tines and all moving parts have
stopped. Disconnect the spark plug wire and keep
wire away from spark plug to prevent accidental
starting. Do not use flammable solutions to clean
air filter.

• Keep all nuts, bolts, and screws tight to be sure
the equipment is in safe working condition.

• Never tamper with safety devices. Check their
proper operation regularly.

• Do not alter or tamper with the engine’s governor
setting. The governor controls the maximum safe
operating speed of the engine. Overspeeding the
engine is dangerous and will cause damage to the
engine and to other moving parts of the machine.

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

3

SECTION 2: FINDING YOUR MODEL NUMBER

This Operator’s Manual is an important part of your new tiller. It will help you assemble, prepare and maintain
your tiller. Please read and understand what it says.
Before you start to prepare your tiller for its first use, please locate the model plate and copy the information
from it in this Operators Manual. The information on the model plate is very important if you need help from
your dealer or the MTD customer support department.

• Every tiller has a model plate. You can locate it by standing in the operating position behind the unit
and looking down at the frame on the right side.

• The model plate will look like Figure 2.

This is where your model number will be.

XXX-X-XXX-X-XXX XXXXXXXXXXX

This is where your serial number will be.

Copy the model number here:

MTD PRODUCTS INC

CLEVELAND , OHIO 44136

Copy the serial number here:

Figure 2

SECTION 3: CALLING CUSTOMER SUPPORT

If you are having difficulty assembling this product or if you have any question regarding the controls, operation
or maintenance of this unit, please call the Customer Support Department. You can reach them by calling:

1-800-800-7310

Before you call, make sure that you have your model and serial numbers ready. By having the model and
serial numbers ready, you help the Customer Support Representative give you faster service. To find your
unit’s model and serial number, see SECTION 2: FINDING YOUR MODEL NUMBER.

SECTION 4: UNPACKING
INSTRUCTIONS

1. Remove staples, break glue on top flaps, or cut
tape at carton end and peel along top flap to
open carton.

2. Remove all loose parts included with unit.

3. Cut along dotted lines and lay carton down flat.

4. Remove packing material.

5. Roll or slide unit out of carton. Check carton
thoroughly for loose parts.

6. 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).

All hardware required for assembly has been placed
in position on the tiller.

SECTION 5: ASSEMBLY
INSTRUCTIONS

IMPORTANT:

GASOLINE or OIL. After assembly, see separate
engine manual for proper fuel and engine oil
recommendations.

NOTE:

operator's position, standing behind the tiller.

Left and right is determined from the

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 three different model
tillers. Models 340 and 345 have 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.

This unit is shipped WITHOUT

4

A TT ACHING THE T AILPIECE AND DEPTH
ST AKE

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. Secure with screws
just removed. (See Figure 3.)

Tailpiece

Lower
Hole

Self-Tapping

Screw

Handle

Brace

Spark

Plug

Models 340 & 390

Hex

Lock Nut

Spark

Plug

Model 345

Figure 3

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 5.)

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 hex lock nut from on top of the
engine, just to the left of the spark plug. Attach
the curved end of the handle brace to the top of
the engine, using hex lock nut just removed.
Tighten securely. (See Figure 4.)

5. 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.

Hex

Lock Nut

Hand Knob

Handle
Hex Bolt

Cupped
Washer

Frame

Half

Figure 4

Handle

Brace

Spark
Plug

Handle

Brace

Hex

Lock Nut

Shoulder

Bolt

5

Figure 5

A TT ACHING THE CLUTCH CONTROL CABLE(S)

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.

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 6.)

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.

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:

much tension may cause it to break when engaged

Do not overtighten control cable. Too

.

REVERSE CABLE

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 drive
clutch lever, above the handle assembly, in the
same manner as you attached the forward cable.
(See Figure 7.)

(Model 390 Only)

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 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.

Threaded

Rod

Hex Nut

Reverse

Cable

Threaded

Rod

Hex Nut

Cable

Figure 6 Model 340/345

Reverse Tine

Engagement Handle

“Z” End

Hooked In

Bracket

“Z” End

Hooked In

Bracket

Model 340/345

Tine

Engagement Handle

Figure 8

3. With tine engagement handle in neutral
(released) as shown in Figure 8, 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 6. 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 8.

Reverse Tine

Engagement Handle

Model 390

Figure 7 Model 390

6

SECTION 6: CONTROLS

THROTTLE CONTROL

The throttle control lever is located on the engine. It
controls the engine speed and stops the engine. (See
Figure 9.)

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 9).

PRIMER BUTTON

The primer button is located behind the air cleaner. It
is used to enrich the fuel mixture in the carburetor
when starting a cold engine. (See Figure 9).

(Model 340/390)

(Model 345)

FORWARD TINE ENGAGEMENT HANDLE

The forward tine engagement handle is located
beneath the tiller handle. (See Figure 8). Squeezing
the handle up against the tiller handle engages the
tines. Release the handle to stop the tines.

REVERSE TINE DRIVE CLUTCH LEVER

(Model 390 Only)

The reverse tine drive clutch lever is located on top
of the handle panel. (See Figure 8). Pull the lever to
the rear to move the tines in reverse. Release the
lever to stop the reverse tine drive.

NOTE:

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.

Never engage both the forward and reverse

Choke

Primer

Models 340/390

Throttle Control

Model 345

Fast

Stop

Figure 9

Air

Cleaner

Throttle
Control

DEPTH STAKE

The depth stake controls the tilling depth. Refer to
"HOW TO USE YOUR TILLER" SECTION" at
bottom of this page.

SECTION 7: OPERATION

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.

NOTE:

small amount of oil may be present from the factory.

TO START ENGINE

Model 340/390

1. Attach spark plug wire to spark plug. Make

2. Make certain all controls are in the neutral

Your tiller is shipped without oil; however, a

WARNING:

standing in front of the tiller while the
engine is running or being started.

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.

position (released). (See Figure 8).

Be sure no one is

3. Place the throttle control lever in FAST position.
(See Figure 9).

4. Move choke lever to CHOKE position. (A warm
engine requires little or no choke.)

5. Grasp starter handle (See Figure 9) 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.

7. Repeat preceding instructions 5 and 6 until
engine starts. 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.

7

1.

Model 345

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 all controls are in the neutral
position (released). (See Figure 8).

3. Place the engine speed control in the START
position.

4. Push primer two (2) or three (3) times (see
Figure 9). Wait about two (2) seconds between
each push.

NOTE: Primer may be needed to restart a warm

engine after a short shutdown.

5. Stand at side of tiller. Grasp the starter handle
and pull out slowly, until it pulls slightly harder.
Let rope rewind slowly.

6. Pull rope with a rapid full arm stroke. Do not
allow handle to snap back. Allow it to rewind
slowly while keeping a firm hold on the starter
handle.

NOTE: If engine fails to start after three (3) pulls,

push primer two (2) times and pull starter rope again.

7. Repeat steps 4 and 5 until engine starts. Refer
to engine manual for additional engine
information.

NOTE: After starting engine and prior to using the

tiller, be certain to check the clutch adjustment as
described in “Checking the 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.

WHEEL POSITION

The tiller is shipped with the wheels adjusted 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, which is
essential for proper engine operation. This
adjustment is made by removing the clevis pin and
hairpin clip from wheel yoke, raising the wheels to
the desired height, and replacing the clevis pin and
hairpin clip. (See Figure 10.)

Depth Stake

Wheel

Yoke

Hairpin

Clip and

Clevis Pin

Figure 10

CONTROLLING SPEED AND TILLING
DEPTH

Wheel Yoke Adjustment: 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. Turn yoke around (farthest point
between wheels and tines) for deep tilling.
Forward speed will decrease. (See Figure 11.)

HOW T O 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.

Wheel Yoke in this

position for

deep tilling.

8

Wheel Yoke in this
position for shallow tilling,
cultivating, and transport.

Figure 11