Yard-Man 21A-392B401 User Manual

OPERATOR’S MANUAL

Front Tine Tiller

Model Number

21A-392B401

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 361131 Cleveland, Ohio 44136-0019.

MTD LLC P.O. BOX 361131 CLEVELAND, OHIO 44136-0019

PRINTED IN U.S.A.

FORM NO.

770-10461A.fm
(11/01)

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Content Page

Important Safe Operation Practices...................................................................3

Assembling Your Tiller.......................................................................................5

Know Your Tiller.................................................................................................6

Operating Your Tiller..........................................................................................7

Making Adjustments ..........................................................................................10

Maintaining Your Tiller .......................................................................................10

Troubleshooting.................................................................................................12

Parts List............................................................................................................14

FINDING MODEL NUMBER

This Operator’s Manual is an important part of your new tiller. 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. The information on
the model plate is very important if you need help from our Customer Support Department or
an authorized dealer.

• You can locate the model number by looking down at the rear of the tiller. A sample model plate is
explained below. For future reference, please copy the model number and the serial number of the
equipment in the space below.

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, power­rating, 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

If you have difficulty assembling this product or have any questions regarding the controls, operation or
maintenance of this unit, please call the Customer Support Department.

Call 1- (330) 220-4MTD (4683) or 1- (800)-800-7310 to reach a Customer Support
representative. 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.

For more details about your unit, visit our website at www.yardman.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 this machine. Failure to comply with these instructions may result
in personal injury. When you see this symbol— heed its warning.

WARNING: Engine exhaus t, s om e o f it s con st itu ents , a nd certain vehicle c om ponents contain or e m it
chemicals known to State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm.

DANGER: This machine 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 machine 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 ov er 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, pets and children 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 close
fitting slacks and shirt. Loose fitting clothes or
jewelry can be caught in movable parts. Never
operate this machine in bare feet or sandals.

3. Disengage clutch levers and shift (if provided) 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
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
sources of ignition.

9. Never fuel machine indoors.

10. Never remove gas cap or add fuel while the engine
is hot or running.

11. Allow engine to cool at least two minutes before
refueling.

12. Never over fill fuel tank. Fill tank to no more than ½
inch below bottom of filler neck to provide space for
fuel expansion.

13. Replace gasoline cap and tighten securely.

14. If gasoline is spilled, wipe it off the engine and
equipment. Move machine to another area. Wait 5
minutes before starting the engine.

15. Never store the machine or fuel container inside
near an open flame, spark or pilot light (e.g.
furnace, water or space heater, clothes dryer etc.).

16. Allow machine to cool 5 minutes before storing.

Operation

1. Do not put hands or feet near rotating parts. Contact
with the rotating parts can amputate hands and feet.

2. Do not operate machine while under the influence
of alcohol or drugs.

3. Never operate this machine without good visibility
or light. Always be sure of your footing and keep a
firm hold on the handles.

4. Keep bystanders, helpers, pets, and children at
least 75 feet from the machine while it is in
operation. Stop the machine if anyone enters the
area.

5. Be careful when tilling in hard ground. The tines
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.

6. Exercise extreme caution when operating on or
crossing gravel surfaces. Stay alert for hidden
hazards or traffic. Do not carry passengers.

7. Never operate the machine at high transport
speeds on hard or slippery surfaces.

8. Exercise caution to avoid slipping or falling.

9. Look down and behind and use care when in
reverse or pulling machine towards you.

3

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 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 engine before
you leave the operating position (behind the
handles). Wait until the tines come to a comple te
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 to deep at to fast of a rate.

17. If the machine should start making an 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 attachments and accessories approved by
the manufacturer. Failure to do so, can result in
personal injury.

21. If situations occur which are not covered in this
manual, use care and good judgment. Contact your
dealer or telephone [phone] for assistance
and the name of your nearest servicing dealer.

7. Never store the machine or fuel container inside
where there is an open flame, spark or pilot light
such as a water heater, furnace, clothes dryer etc.

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.

Y our Responsibility

1. 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.

2. The safety label on the tiller is reproduced below for
your review. To ensure safe operation of the tiller,
follow the instructions on all labels closely.

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, stop the
engine and make certain the tines and all moving
parts have stopped. Disconnect the spark plug wire
and ground it against the engine to prevent
unintended starting.

4. Do not change the engine governor settings or over­speed 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.

4

SECTION 2: ASSEMBLING YOUR TILLER

IMPORT ANT :

in the engine. Be certain to service engine with gasoline
and oil as instructed in the separate engine manual
before operating your mower.

NOTE: Reference to right or left hand side of the tiller is
observed from the operating position.

This unit is shipped without gasoline or oil

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 loose parts if 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 cables to the rear of the tiller and lay

them on the floor. Be careful not to bend or kink
control cables.

Loose Parts In Carton

Tailpiece and Depth Stake

NOTE: All hardware need ed for assembly is attached
to the loose parts or the tiller.

• Remove the two self-tapping screws on the frame
and slide the tailpiece into the frame, with the lower
hole in the tailpiece toward the front. See Figure 1.

• Secure tailpiece with screws just removed.

Attaching The Handle Assembly

• Remove the hex bolt and cupped washer from the
top right sid e of the fra me halves . Hold the ca ble
guide bracket on the left side of the frame as it will
fall when the bolt is removed. See Figure 1.

• Insert the handle assembly between the two frame
halves and insert the hex bolt just removed through
the frame halves, handle assembly, and into the
cable guide bracket (notch in cable bracket goes
over the flange on the frame).Tighten securely.

• 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 2.

• Secure with bell washer and handle knob.

• Select one of the three handle height positions

(three notches in welded bracket), and tighten the
handle knob to secure the handle in desired
position. Make certain the carriage screw is seated
securely into one of the three positions provided.

Handle
Brace

Handle
Knob

Before Assembly

WARNING: Disconnect the spark plug wire
and ground it against the engine to prevent
unintended starting.

Setting Up Y our Tiller

Attaching The Tailpiece And Depth Stake

Hex Nut and
Cupped Washer

Tailpiece

Depth
Stake

Self-Tapping
Screws

Figure 1

Handle
Assembly

Figure 2

Attaching Clutch Control Cables

Attach the end of the forward clutch cable, which is
located in the rear of the tiller, to the bracket
underneath the handle assembly as follows:

• 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 Figure 3.

• Unthread the rod from the rest of the cable and
hook the “Z” end of the rod into the bracket
underneath the handle assembly from the right
hand side.

5

Z End Hooked
in Bracket

Threaded
Rod

Hex Nut

Reverse Tine
Engagement Lever

Hex Nut

Forward Tine
Engagement Handle

Z End Hooked
in Bracket

Threaded
Rod

Figure 3

• Thread th e rod back i nto t he ca ble unt il th e cab le is
straight. Do not tighten it enough to put any tension
on the spring. See Figure 3.

• Thread the hex nut down against the end of cable.
Use a pair of pliers and a wrench to lock the nut
against the r od.

The reverse clutch cable is attached 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 the forward cable. See Figure 3.

NOTE: Do not overtighten control cables. Too much
tension may cause it to break when engaged.

Final Clutch Adjustment

To check the clutch cables, proceed as follows:

• Disconnect the spark plug wire and move it away
from the spark plug to prevent accidental starting.

• Engage and release the forward tine engagement
handle, then the reverse tine engagement lever. 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 4.

• With tine engagement handles in neutral, pull the
starter rope several times. The tines should not
turn. If they turn forward, loosen the hex nut on the
forward cable. If they turn toward the rear, loosen
the hex nut on the reverse cable and unthread the
rod from the cable two or three turns. Retighten the
hex nut and check again for correct adjustment.

Reverse Tine
Engagement Lever

Forward Tine
Engagement Handle

Figure 4

SECTION 3: KNOW YOUR TILLER

Reverse Tine
Engagement Lever

Tines

Forward Tine
Engagement Handle

Handle Knob

Depth Stake

End Cap

Figure 5

6