Yard Machines 450 User Manual

OPERATOR’S MANUAL

REAR TINE

TILLER

MODEL

450 Series

IMPORTANT: READ
MTD PRODUCTS LTD. P.O. BOX 1386 KITCHENER, ON N2G 4J1
PRINTED IN THE U.S.A.
772C0731 (10/04)
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Content Page
Customer Support 2 Important Safe Operation Practices 3 Loose Parts 5 Assembly 6 Controls 8 Operation 9 How To Use Your Tiller 10
Content Page
Adjustments 11 Lubrication 11 Maintenance 11 Off-Season Storage 12 Trouble Shooting Guide 13 Parts Lists/Pièces détachées 14 Warranty 20

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
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.
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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.
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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

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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.
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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.
FORWARD Modes: Wheels Forward— Forward wheel drive only.
Tines Reverse— Forward wheel drive and reverse
tine drive.
Tines Forward— Forward wheel and tine drive.
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.
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.
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