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Section 4: Operation 13
Preparing Seedbeds
Figure 4-5
Figure 4-6
• If the garden size will not permit
lengthwise and then crosswise
tilling, then overlap the first passes
by one-half a tiller width, followed
by successive passes at one-
quarter width (see Figure 4-7).
With planning, you can allow
enough room between rows
to cultivate (see Figure 4-8).
Leave room for the hood
width, plus enough
extra room for future
plant growth.
Figure 4-8
1
2
3
Figure 4-7
Cultivating
• When preparing a seedbed, go over the same path twice in the first row, then
overlap one-half the tiller width on the rest of the passes (see Figure
4-5). When finished in one direction, make a second pass at a right angle, as
shown in Figure 4-6. Overlap each pass for best results (in very hard ground,
it may take three or four passes to thoroughly pulverize the soil.)
Tilling wet soil often results in large, hard
clumps of soil that can interfere with plant-
ing. If time permits, wait a day or two after
heavy rains to allow the soil to dry before
tilling. Test soil by squeezing it into a ball.
If it compresses too easily, it is too wet to
till.
Avoid Tilling Soggy, Wet Soil
Whenever possible, walk on the untilled
side of the unit to avoid making footprints
in your freshly tilled or cultivated soil.
Footprints cause soil compaction that can
hamper root penetration and contribute to
soil erosion. They can also “plant”
unwanted weed seeds back into the
freshly tilled ground.
While tilling, relax and let the wheels pull
the tiller along while the tines do the
digging. Walk on the side that is not yet
finished (to avoid making footprints in the
freshly tilled soil) and lightly, but securely
grip the handlebar with just one hand.
Let the Tiller Do the Work Avoid Making Footprints
• Avoid the temptation to push down on the handlebars in an
attempt to force the tiller to dig deeper. Doing so takes the
weight off the powered wheels, causing them to lose traction.
Without the wheels to help hold the tiller back, the tines will
attempt to propel the tiller – often causing the tiller to skip rapidly
across the ground. (Sometimes, slight downward pressure on
the handlebars will help get through a particularly tough section
of sod or unbroken ground, but in most cases this won’t be
necessary.)
• Avoid trying to dig too deeply too quickly, especially when
busting sod or when tilling soil that hasn’t been tilled for some
time. Use shallow depth regulator settings (only an inch or
two deep) for the first passes through the garden area. With
each succeeding pass, adjust the depth regulator to dig
another inch or two deeper. (Watering the garden area a few
days prior to tilling will make tilling easier, as will letting the
newly worked soil set for a day or two before making a final,
deep tilling pass.)
• When cultivating (breaking up surface soil around plants to destroy weeds, see Figure 4-8), adjust the tines to dig only 1" to 2" deep.
Using shallow tilling depths helps prevent injury to plants whose roots often grow close to the surface. If needed, lift up on the handle-
bars slightly to prevent the tines from digging too deeply. (Cultivating on a regular basis eliminates weeds, and loosens and aerates
the soil for better moisture absorption and faster plant growth.)
With experience, you will find the “just right” tilling depth and tilling speed combination that is best
for your garden.
Set the engine throttle lever at a speed to give the engine adequate power and yet allow it to operate at the slowest possible speed...at
least until you have achieved the maximum tilling depth you desire. Faster engine speeds may be desirable when making final passes
through the seedbed or when cultivating. Selection of the correct engine speed, in relation to the tilling depth, will ensure a sufficient
power level to do the job without causing the engine to labor.
TILLING TIPS & TECHNIQUES
Tilling Depths
Choosing Correct
Wheel and Tine Speeds