Yard Machines 420, 410 User Manual

OPERATOR’S MANUAL

REAR TINE

TILLER

Models

410 Thru 420

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. 770-8879A

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 center of the rear tine cover.

• 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 both your model and serial number ready. By having the model and
serial number ready, you help the Customer Support Representative give you faster service. To find your
units model and serial number, see SECTION 2: FINDING YOUR MODEL NUMBER.

SECTION 4: UNPACKING

TO REMOVE UNIT FROM CARTON

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

2. Remove loose parts included with unit (i.e.,
owner’s manual, etc.).

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 and lay on the floor. Be
careful not to bend or kink control cable.

IMPORTANT:

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

This unit is shipped WITHOUT

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SECTION 5: ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS

This instruction manual covers several different
model tillers. Follow only those instructions which
pertain to your unit.

NOTE:

operator’s position, standing behind the tiller.

Left and right is determined from the

TOOLS REQUIRED FOR ASSEMBLY

(2) 1/2" Wrenches*
(1) 9/16" Wrench*
(1) Pair of Pliers
*Two adjustable wrenches may be used.

LOOSE PARTS IN CARTON

(1) Depth Stake
(1) Handle Assembly
(1) Shift Rod
(1) Handle Adjustment Rod (Model 420 Only)

NOTE:

attached to the loose parts or the tiller.

All hardware needed for assembly is

ATTACHING THE DEPTH STAKE
ASSEMBLY

T-Knob, Flat Washer, Hex Bolt

1. Tip the tiller forward so it rests on front

2. Unthread the “T” knob from the top of the depth

3. Raise the tine shield hinge flap assembly. Insert

4. Insert clevis pin through the tine shield and

5. Insert hex bolt into the top hole of the depth

6. Tip the tiller back down so it rests on the tines.

Attaching the Handle Assembly

1. Remove the Handle Adjustment Lock, Flange

2. Place the handle assembly in position in the

counterweight.

stake, and remove the flat washer and hex bolt.
Remove the hairpin clip from the clevis pin. See
Figure 3.

the depth stake assembly in the slot (under the
tine shield) and up through the tine shield
assembly as shown in Figure 3.

depth stake assemblies. Secure with hairpin clip.

stake assembly. Place flat washer on the hex
bolt and thread “T” knob onto the hex bolt. See
Figure 3. Tighten securely.

Nut Retainer Bracket, Shoulder Bolt and Lock
Nut from the Pivot Bracket.

handle pivot bracket lining the upper holes in
the handle with the slots in the pivot bracket.
See Figure 4.

Tine Shield

Hinge Flap

Clevis Pin

Hairpin Clip

Depth Stake

Figure 3

Flange Nut Retainer Bracket

Shoulder Bolt

Handle Adjustment

Lock

Flange Nut

Pivot Bracket

3. Lift up the handle assembly and align the
bottom holes in the handle assembly with the
holes in the pivot bracket. Insert hex bolt (with
Hex nut retainer attached through the round
hole). The head of hex bolt and retainer bracket
should be to the right hand side of the unit. See
Figure 5.

Lock Nut

Figure 4

5

Flange Nut Retainer Bracket

Shoulder Bolt

Lock Nut

Lift up
Handle

Figure 5

4. Place the hex opening of the hex nut retainer
bracket over the flange nut securing the handle
adjustment lock and install the lock nut on the
lower shoulder bolt. See Figure 6.

Hex Hole in
Retainer Bracket
over Flange Nut

Handle Adjustment

Lock

T-Handles

Gear Shift

Rod

Shift Cover

Handle

Adjustment Rod

(Model 420 Only)

Figure 7

Gear Shift Rod

Opening

Rubber Washer

Flat Washer
Hairpin Clip

Figure 6

5. Pivot handle assembly into position desired.
Tighten the bottom bolt and nut securely.
Tighten the handle adjustment lock.

ATTACHING THE GEAR SHIFT ROD
NOTE:

gear shift rod is the longer rod.

1. Remove the T-handle, nut, hairpin clip, flat

2. Insert the end of the gear shift rod through the

Model 420 tiller has two control rods. The

washer and rubber washer from the end of the
gear shift rod. Slide the rod up through the
bracket on the front of the handle assembly
(use the right hand hole for Model 420). See
Figure 7.

opening in the top of the shift cover, and into
the shift bracket. See Figure 8. Secure with
rubber washer first, then flat washer and hairpin
clip.

Figure 8

3. Install the nut and T-handle on the gear shift rod.

A TTACHING THE HANDLE ADJUSTMENT
ROD

(Model 420 Only)

Handle

Adjustment

Rod

Positioner

Bracket

Rubber
Washer

Figure 9

Hairpin

Clip

6