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14 Section 4: Operation
Preparing Seedbeds
Fig. 4-5
Fig. 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 Fig. 4-7).
With planning, you can allow
enough room between
rows to cultivate (see Fig.
4-8). Leave room for the
hood width, plus enough
extra room for future
plant growth.
Fig. 4-8
1
2
3
Fig. 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 Fig.
4-5). When finished in one direction, make a second pass at a right angle, as
shown in Fig. 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
planting. 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 dig-
ging. Walk on the side that is not yet fin-
ished (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 pushing 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 helping to 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 soil. With each succeeding pass, dig another inch
or two deeper. (Watering the 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 Fig. 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 not only eliminates weeds, it also 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
Before tilling, contact your tele-
phone or utilities company and
inquire if underground equipment
or lines are used on your property.
Do not till near buried electric
cables, telephone lines, pipes or
hoses.
WARNING