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
Serial Number
Numéro de série
XXXXXXXXXXX
This is where your serial number will be.
www.mtdcanada.com
MTD PRODUCTS LIMITED
KITCHENER, ON N2G 4J1
1-800-668-1238
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.
: Check your Yellow Pages, or contact customer support listed about MTD LLC at P.O. Box 361131,
Cleveland, 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
: Contact MTD Products Limited, Kitchener, ON N2G 4J1, or call 1-800-668-1238 or log on to our Web
site at www.mtdcanada.com.
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: LOOSE PARTS
Handle
Assembly
Control
Rod
Depth
Stake
Assembly
NOTE: All hardware needed for assembly is attached to the loose parts or the tiller.
NOTE: Cable tie not shown.
5
SECTION 3: 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.
TOOLS REQUIRED FOR ASSEMBLY
Adjustable Wrenches
Pair of Pliers
Screw Driver
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.,
operator’s manual, etc.).
3. Cut corners 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.
Hex Bolt
Flat Washer
T-Knob
Clevis Pin
Hairpin Clip
ATTACHING DEPTH STAKE ASSEMBLY
1. Tip the tiller forward so it rests on front
counterweight.
2. 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.
3. Insert clevis pin through the tine shield and the
second hole from top of the depth stake. Secure
with hairpin clip.
4. 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.
5. Tip the tiller back down so it rests on the depth
stake (transport position).
ATTACHING THE HANDLE ASSEMBLY
Remove
Handle
Assembly
Handle
Bracket
Rear Tine
Shield
Depth Stake
WARNING: Disconnect the spark plug
wire and ground against the engine to
prevent unintended starting.
Figure 1
Figure 2
1. 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.
2. Place handle assembly in position between the
handle mounting brackets. See Figure 2.
3. Line up holes in handle with holes in handle
mounting brackets. Secure with hardware
removed in step 1.
6
Slot Head Screw,
Nut, Flat Washers
Internally Threaded
Tube
Clutch
Bail
Threaded
Eyebolt
Slot Head Screw
Flat Washers
1/4”
Nut
Plastic Fitting
Figure 3
ATTACHING THE CLUTCH CABLE
Attach the clutch cable to the handle as follows (be
careful not to kink the cable).
1. Remove threaded eyebolt and nut from the end of
the cable.
2. Route the clutch cable to the right side of the
handle mounting brackets and underneath the
handle.
3. Push the cable through the hole in the center of
the handle and snap in the plastic fitting. See
Figure 3.
4. Remove slot head screw, nut and two flat washers
from the clutch bail.
5. Fasten the threaded eyebolt onto bail as shown in
Figure 4. The parts go together from top to bottom
as follows: Slot Head Screw, Flat Washer, Clip,
Eyebolt, Flat Washer and 1/4” Nut.
6. Thread eyebolt and #10 nut, removed in step 1,
into the internally threaded tube at the end of the
cable. Thread engagement should be about 3/4”.
Tighten nut against tube at end of cable. See
Figure 4.
#10
Nut
”
4
/
3
Internally
Threaded
Tube
Figure 4
ATTACHING THE CONTROL ROD
•Make sure the handle assembly is in the highest
position.
•Remove hairpin clips from control rod, (rubber
washers to remain on control rod).
•Insert the shorter, (angled), end of the control rod
through the indicator bracket on the shift cover and
secure with hairpin clip that was removed in step 1.
See Figure 5.
•Insert the longer end of the control rod through the
hole in the gear selector handle and secure with
hairpin clip.See Figure 6.
Rubber
Washer
Idler Pulley Rod
Control Rod
Indicator Bracket
Hairpin Clip
NOTE: Do not overtighten control wire. Too much
tension may cause it to break.
WARNING:
clutch cable adjustment before operating
the tiller.
Be certain to check the
Figure 5
CHECKING THE CLUTCH ADJUSTMENT
IMPORTANT:
gasoline before checking this adjustment. Refer to the
separate engine manual packed with your tiller for
proper fuel and engine oil recommendations.
Position the tiller so the front counterweight is against
a solid object, such as a wall. With the gear selection
lever in NEUTRAL, start the engine. Refer to the
separate engine manual.
Standing on the right side of the tiller, examine the belt
(inside the belt cover). It should not be turning.
7
Service the engine with oil and
WARNING: Do not put fingers under the
belt cover.
If the belt turns without bail engaged, adjust by
unthreading the internally threaded tube at the end of
the cable a few turns clockwise (when standing in
operator’s position), and then retighten the nut against
the tube.
Now move the shift lever to FORWARD (Wheels
Forward) position. Carefully engage the clutch by lifting
the clutch control bail against the handle. The wheels
should spin.
If the wheels do not spin with the unit in forward,
adjust by unthreading the tube at the end of the cable a
few turns counter-clockwise, (when standing in
operator’s position), and then retighten the nut against
the tube.
Recheck both adjustments, and readjust as necessary.
SECTION 4: CONTROLS
NOTE: A secondary cable adjustment is available if
you reach the point that additional adjustment is
needed. Remove the belt cover and move the hex nuts
at the other end of the cable towards the end of the
casing. Then readjust the hex nuts at the handle.
TIRE PRESSURE
The tires on your unit may be over-inflated for shipping
purposes. Reduce the tire pressure before operating
the unit. Recommended operating tire pressure is
approximately 20 p.s.i. (check sidewall of tire for tire
manufacturer’s recommended pressure).
WARNING: Maximum tire pressure
under any circumstances is 30 p.s.i. Equal
tire pressure should be maintained on
both tires.
THROTTLE CONTROL
The throttle control lever is located on the engine. It
controls the engine speed and stops the engine. See
Engine manual for further information.
CHOKE LEVER (if equipped)
The choke lever is located to the left of the throttle. It is
used to enrich the fuel mixture in the carburetor when
starting a cold engine. See Engine manual for further
information.
Clutch
Gear
Selection
Handle
Height
Adjustment
Lever
Control
Rod
Clutch
Cable
Cable Tie
Figure 6
Control
Bail
below). Pull or push the handle so that the indicator on
top of shift cover points to the operating mode desired.
See Figure 6.
NEUTRAL—Transmission is in neutral.
REVERSE—Reverse wheel drive.
tilling virgin ground, sod, or hard soil. Use the forward
tine drive when cultivating or tilling soft ground.
NOTE: If difficulty is encountered in moving the gear
selection handle, move the tiller forward or backward
slightly to allow the gears to synchronize.
• To shift into forward or reverse wheel drive,
move tiller forward slightly then backward to
allow the gears to synchronize.
• To shift into forward wheels and tine drive, push
forward slightly on the gear selection handle and
slowly engage the clutch control allowing the
gears to synchronize.
• To stop forward movement and tine drive,
release the clutch control. Do not shift gears
with the clutch control engaged except when
engaging the tines.
GEAR SELECTION HANDLE
The gear selection handle is located in the center of
the handle on the tiller. It is used to select NEUTRAL,
REVERSE, or one of the FORWARD modes (see
WARNING: Make certain unit is in
NEUTRAL when starting the engine.
8
DEPTH STAKE
The depth bar controls the tilling depth. Refer to
SECTION 6: HOW TO USE YOUR TILLER on page
10.
ENGINE CONTROLS
See the separate engine manual for additional
information and functions of the engine controls.
PRIMER BUTTON (if equipped)
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.
SECTION 5: OPERATION
HANDLE ADJUSTMENT
The handle may be adjusted to be raised or lowered in
line with the tiller. To adjust the handle position loosen
the handle height adjustment crank a few turns. Pivot
handle up or down to desired position. Tighten crank.
See Figure 6.
CLUTCH CONTROL BAIL
The clutch control bail is located below the handle.
See Figure 6. Lifting the clutch control bail against the
handle engages the wheel and tine drive mechanisms.
NOTE: Never engage clutch lever while shifting.
NOTE: Engine is shipped WITHOUT oil.
WARNING: Read, understand, and
follow all instructions and warnings on
the machine and in this manual before
operating.
BEFORE STARTING
Service 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
NOTE:When pushing the unit with the engine off,
you will hear a ratcheting sound (gear noise) which is
normal.
WARNING: Be Sure No One Is Standing
In Front Of The Tiller While The Engine Is
Running Or Being Started.
1. Place gear selection lever in NEUTRAL.
2. Place the throttle control lever in the FAST (rabbit)
position. Place the engine speed control in the
START position.
3. Move choke lever to CHOKE position or if
equipped, push primer two (2) or three (3) times.
Wait about two (2) seconds between each push.
4. Stand at side of tiller. Grasp the starter handle and
pull out slowly, until it pulls slightly harder. Let rope
rewind slowly.
5. Pull starter handle rapidly. Do not allow handle to
snap back. Allow it to rewind slowly while keeping
a firm hold on the starter handle.
6. Repeat steps 3 and 4 until engine starts.
7. As engine warms up and begins to operate evenly,
move choke lever gradually to RUN position. If
engine falters, return to choke position, then slowly
move to RUN position.
NOTE: 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 Assembly Instructions.
TO STOP ENGINE
1. Move throttle control to the STOP position.
2. Disconnect spark plug wire and ground to prevent
accidentally starting while equipment is
unattended.
NOTE: After the first ten hours of operation, recheck
the clutch adjustment. Refer to “Checking the Clutch
Adjustment” section of the Assembly Instructions.
NOTE: A warm engine may not require choking.
9
SECTION 6: HOW TO USE YOUR TILLER
WARNING: Be certain the spark plug
wire is disconnected and grounded
against the engine when performing any
adjustments.
Tilling depth is controlled by the depth stake which can
be adjusted to five different settings. See Figure 7.
Adjust the side shields as shown in Figure 7, as you
adjust the depth stake. Be certain spark plug wire is
disconnected and grounded against the engine.
1. When using the tiller for the first time, use the
second adjustment hole from the top (1" of tilling
depth). See Figure 7.
2. When breaking up sod and for shallow cultivation,
use the setting which gives 1" of tilling depth
(second hole from the top). Place the side shields
in their lowest position. For further depth, raise the
depth stake and side shields and make one or two
more passes over the area.
3. When tilling loose soil, depth stake may be raised
to its highest position (use bottom adjustment
hole) to give the deepest tilling depth. Raise the
side shields to their highest position.
4. To transport tiller, lower the depth stake (use top
adjustment hole).
To adjust the depth stake, remove the clevis pin and
hairpin clip. See Figure 7. Move the depth stake to the
desired setting and secure with the clevis pin and
hairpin clip.
To adjust the side shields, remove the wing nuts. See
Figure 7. Place side shield in position desired. Replace
wing nuts and tighten securely.
TO OPERATE THE TILLER:
1. Select the depth stake setting.
2. Start engine as instructed on page 9.
3. Move gear selection handle to one of the forward
modes or reverse.
WARNING: Do not move the gear
selection handle with the wheels or tines
engaged. Make certain the unit is stopped
completely before changing the gear
selection.
To transport tiller, do not engage the tines. Select the
wheel drive only.
For best results, it is recommended the garden be tilled
twice (lengthwise, then widthwise) to pulverize the soil.
Use This
Position
First Time
Clevis Pin
Use This Hole For
Lowest (shallowest)
Position
WARNING: Do not push down on the
handles so that the wheels are lifted off
the ground while using the reverse tine
drive, or the tiller could move backward
and cause personal injury.
Figure 7
Transport Position
1”
3”
5”
7”
Side Shields
Use This Hole For
Highest (Deepest)
Position
IMPORTANT: Use the reverse tine drive when
tilling virgin ground, sod or hard soil. Use the forward
tine drive when cultivating or tilling soft ground.
4. Squeeze the clutch control bail against the handle
to engage the wheels and tines.
NOTE: Make certain the gear selection indicator is
correctly positioned before engaging the clutch handle.
If it is between gears, the engine will stall.
10
SECTION 7: ADJUSTMENTS
WARNING: Never attempt to make any
adjustments while the engine is running,
except where specified in operator’s
manual.
HANDLE ADJUSTMENT
The handle height may be adjusted. Refer to the
Control section for details of handle adjustment.
BELT TENSION ADJUSTMENT
Periodic adjustment of the belt tension may be
required due to normal stretch and wear on the belt.
Adjustment is needed if the tines or wheels seem to
hesitate while turning, but the engine maintains the
same speed.
To adjust the tension on the belt, refer to clutch
adjustment information in “Checking the Clutch
Adjustment” section of the Assembly Instructions.
After belt tension has been adjusted, if the belt is
excessively stretched, you may need to adjust the idler
pulley rod. This can easily be checked.
With the engine off and the clutch control bail
disengaged, shift the gear selection handle to each
forward mode. If the indicator bracket touches the idler
pulley rod, (with the clutch control bail disengaged),
then an adjustment is necessary.
1. Disconnect and ground out spark plug wire against
the engine.
2. Remove the belt cover as described in the belt
replacement section on page 12.
3. Remove the hairpin clip and flat washer from the
idler pulley rod. See Figure 9.
4. Move the idler pulley rod to the lower hole in the
idler bracket. See Figure 9.
5. Replace the wave washer and hairpin clip.
6. Check clearance of the idler pulley rod to the
indicator bracket by shifting to each forward mode,
as before.
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.
Never make unnecessary adjustments. The factory
settings are correct for most applications. If
adjustments are needed, refer to the separate engine
manual packed with your tiller.
SECTION 8: LUBRICATION
Transmission—The transmission is pre-lubricated
and sealed at the factory. It requires no checking
unless the transmission is disassembled. To fill with
grease, lay the right half of the transmission on its
side. Add 30 ounces of Benalene 920 grease. Apply a
bead of RTV or silicone sealant to the right half of the
transmission, all the way around the gear
compartment. Assemble the left half to it. This grease
can be obtained at your nearest authorized dealer.
Order part number 737-0300.
SECTION 9: MAINTENANCE
WARNING: Disconnect the spark plug
wire and ground it against the engine
before performing any repairs or
maintenance.
ENGINE
Refer to the separate engine manual for engine
maintenance instructions.
Maintain engine oil as instructed in the separate
engine manual packed with your unit. Read and follow
instructions carefully.
Clutch Bail—Lubricate the pivot point on the clutch
bail and the cable at least once a season with light oil.
The control must operate freely in both directions.
Pivot Points—Lubricate all pivot points and linkages
at least once a season with light oil.
Tine Shaft—Remove tines at least once a season and
lubricate with oil.
Wheel Axle—Remove the wheel assemblies at least
once a season and lubricate with oil.
Service air cleaner every ten hours under normal
conditions. Clean every hour under extremely dusty
conditions. Poor engine performance and flooding
usually indicates that the air cleaner should be
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.
11
Loading...
+ 25 hidden pages
You need points to download manuals.
1 point = 1 manual.
You can buy points or you can get point for every manual you upload.