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Section 4: Operation 15
LOADING AND UNLOADING
THE TILLER
• Before loading or unloading, stop the
engine, wait for all parts to stop moving,
disconnect the spark plug wire and let
the engine and muffler cool. Remove the
ignition key on electric start models.
• The tiller is too heavy (over 170 lbs.) and
bulky to lift safely by one person. Two or
more people should share the load.
• Use sturdy ramps and manually (engine
shut off) roll the tiller into and out of the
vehicle. Two or more people are needed
to do this.
• Ramps must be strong enough to
support the combined weight of the tiller
and any handlers. The ramps should
provide good traction to prevent slipping;
they should have side rails to guide the
tiller along the ramps; and they should
have a locking device to secure them to
the vehicle.
• The handlers should wear sturdy
footwear that will help to prevent
slipping.
• Position the loading vehicle so that the
ramp angle is as flat as possible (the less
incline to the ramp, the better). Turn the
vehicle’s engine off and apply its parking
brake.
• When going up ramps, stand in the
normal operating position and push the
tiller ahead of you. Have a person at
each side to turn the wheels.
• When going down ramps, walk backward
with the tiller following you. Keep alert
for any obstacles behind you. Position a
person at each wheel to control the
speed of the tiller. Never go down ramps
tiller-first, as the tiller could tip forward.
• Place wooden blocks on the downhill
side of the wheels if you need to stop the
tiller from rolling down the ramp. Also,
use the blocks to temporarily keep the
tiller in place on the ramps (if neces-
sary), and to chock the wheels in place
after the tiller is in the vehicle.
• After loading the tiller, prevent it from
rolling by engaging the wheels (put
Wheel Gear Lever in ENGAGE). Chock
the wheels with blocks and securely tie
the tiller down.
Loading and unloading the tiller into a
vehicle is potentially hazardous and we
don’t recommend doing so unless abso-
lutely necessary, as this could result in
personal injury or property damage.
However, if you must load or unload the
tiller, follow the guidelines given next.
WARNING
The tines have a self-clearing action which eliminates most tangling of debris in
the tines. However, occasionally dry grass, stringy stalks or tough vines may
become tangled. Follow these procedures to help avoid tangling and to clean
the tines, if necessary.
• To reduce tangling, set the depth regulator deep enough to get maximum
“chopping” action as the tines chop the material against the ground. Also, try
to till under crop residues or cover crops while they are green, moist and
tender.
• While power composting, try swaying the handlebars from side to side (about
6" to 12"). This “fishtailing” action often clears the tines of debris.
• It may be necessary to remove the debris by hand (a pocket knife will help you
to cut away the material). Be sure to stop the engine and disconnect the spark
plug wire before clearing the tines by hand.
TILLING TIPS & TECHNIQUES (cont.)
Clearing the Tines
Before clearing the tines by hand, stop the
engine, allow all moving parts to stop and
disconnect the spark plug wire. Remove
the ignition key on electric start models.
Failure to follow this warning could result
in personal injury.
WARNING
Terrace Gardening (continued)
• To create a terrace, start at the top of the slope and work down. Go back and forth
across the first row as shown in Figure 4-9.
• Each succeeding lower terrace is started by walking below the terrace you’re prepar-
ing. For added stability of the tiller, always keep the uphill wheel in the soft, newly
tilled soil. Do not till the last 12" or more of the downhill outside edge of each terrace.
This untilled strip helps prevents the terraces from breaking apart and washing downhill.
It also provides a walking path between rows.
Figure 4-9
1
2
3
12" UNTILLED
1
REPEAT
DOWNHILL
UPHILL