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12 Section 4: Operation
(b) Use the recoil starter rope to start
the engine as instructed in the separate
Engine Owner’s Manual. When the
engine starts, gradually move the
choke lever (if used) to the OPEN,
CHOKE OFF or RUN position.
(c) Put the engine throttle lever in the
FAST setting when tilling.
STOPPING THE ENGINE
1. To stop the wheels and tines, release
the Forward Clutch Control Levers.
2. To stop the engine, move the engine
switch to the OFF position (if time allows,
first move the engine throttle lever to the
SLOW position).
3. Turn the fuel valve (if so equipped) to
the OFF position.
OPERATING THE TILLER
The following pages provide guidelines to
using your tiller effectively and safely in
various gardening applications. Be sure to
read Tilling Tips & Techniques in this
section before you actually put the tines
into the soil.
NOTE: This is a traditional “standard rotat-
ing tine” tiller with forward rotating tines.
It operates completely differently from
CRT (Counter Rotating Tines) tillers or
from low-cost front tine tillers.
1. Follow the Pre-Start Checklist on the
previous page. Be sure that the Wheel
Gear Lever is in the ENGAGE position.
2. Put the Depth Regulator Lever in the
“travel” position (lever all the way down)
so that the tines clear the ground. Use
this position when practicing with or
transporting the tiller. When you are
ready to begin tilling, move the Depth
Regulator Lever to the desired depth
setting (see Tilling Tips & Techniques).
3. Start the engine and allow it to warm
up. When warm, put throttle control in
FAST speed setting.
4. FORWARD MOTION of the wheels and
tines:
(a) Pull up and hold one or both of the
Forward Clutch Control Levers against
the handlebars. To stop the wheels and
tines, release both levers.
(b) As the tiller moves forward, relax and
let the wheels pull the unit along while
the tines dig. Walk behind and a little to
one side of the tiller. Use a light but
secure grip with one hand on the han-
dlebars, but keep your arm loose. See
Figure 4-2. Let the tiller move ahead at
its own pace. Do not push down on the
handlebars to try and force the tiller to
dig deeper – this takes weight off the
wheels, reduces traction, and causes the
tines to try and propel the tiller.
5. Moving the unit rearward:
(a) Look behind and exercise caution
when pulling the machine toward you.
Do not till when reversing.
(b) Stop all tiller motion by releasing the
Forward Clutch Control Levers.
(c) Stop the engine.
(d) Shift the Wheel Gear Lever into the
DISENGAGE (freewheel) position. Lift
the handlebars with one hand until the
tines are off the ground and then pull the
unit rearward.
6. To turn the tiller around:
(a) Practice turning in a level, open area.
Be very careful to keep your feet and
legs away from the tines.
(b) To start a turn, reduce the engine
speed and then lift the handlebars until
the engine and tines are balanced over
the wheels (Figure 4-3).
(c) With tiller balanced, push sideways
on handlebar to move tiller in direction
of the turn (Figure 4-4). After complet-
ing the turn, slowly lower the tines into
the soil and increase the engine speed.
STOPPING THE TILLER AND ENGINE
1. To stop the wheels and tines, release
the Forward Clutch Control Levers.
2. To stop the engine, move the engine
switch to the OFF position.
Do not push down on the handlebars to
make the tiller till more deeply. This
prevents the wheels from holding tiller
back and can allow the tines to rapidly
propel the tiller forward, which could
result in loss of control, property
damage, or personal injury.
WARNING
Figure 4-2: Guiding the tiller with one hand.
Figure 4-3: Find balance point before turning.
Figure 4-4: Push handlebars sideways to turn
tiller.
Before tilling, contact your telephone or
utilities company and inquire if
underground equipment or lines are on
your property.
WARNING