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Section 3: Features and Controls 11
FORWARD CLUTCH BAIL
The Forward Clutch Bail (E, Figure 3-4)
controls the engagement of forward drive
to the wheels and tines.
To operate the Forward Clutch Bail:
1. Put wheels in WHEEL DRIVE position
(see “WARNING” statement above).
2. Lift and hold the clutch bail (E, Figure
3-4) against the handlebar to start the
wheels and tines rotating in a forward
direction.
3. Release the clutch bail to disengage
(stop) the wheels and tines (the engine
will continue to run).
REVERSE CLUTCH CONTROL
(Models 12209/12210 only)
The Reverse Clutch Control (F, Figure 3-4)
controls the engagement of reverse drive
to the wheels and tines. The reversing
feature is used for maneuvering the tiller
only – never engage the tines in the
ground while operating in reverse.
To operate the Reverse Clutch Control:
1. Put wheels in WHEEL DRIVE position
(see “WARNING” statement at the left).
2. Stop all tiller motion by releasing the
Forward Clutch Bail.
3. Lift the handlebar until the tines clear
the ground, look behind you to avoid any
obstacles, and then pull the control knob
(F, Figure 3-4) out. The wheels and tines
will rotate in a reverse direction.
4. Release the control knob to disengage
(stop) the wheels and tines (the engine
will continue to run).
DEPTH REGULATOR LEVER
This lever (G, Figure 3-5) controls the
tilling depth of the tines. Pull the lever
back and slide it up or down to engage the
notched height settings.
The “travel position” (highest notch) raises
the tines approximately 1-1/2" off the
ground, allowing the tiller to be moved
without the tines contacting the ground.
This setting should also be used when
starting the engine.
Moving the lever upward will increase the
tilling depth. The lowest notch allows a
tilling depth of approximately 6",
depending on soil conditions. For best
results, always begin tilling at a very
shallow depth setting and gradually
increase the tilling depth.
HANDLEBAR HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT
The handlebar height is adjustable to three
different settings (Figure 3-6). In general,
adjust the handlebars so they are at waist
level when the tines are 3"-4" in the soil.
To adjust the handlebars:
1. Stop engine, disconnect spark plug
wire from spark plug and allow engine to
cool.
2. Remove hardware, reposition handle-
bars, and reinstall hardware securely.
Figure 3-3: FREEWHEEL position.
A
B
D
C
Before starting engine, be sure that both
wheels are in WHEEL DRIVE position.
See Wheel Drive Pins for instructions.
Engaging the Forward Clutch Bail or
Reverse Clutch Control (if equipped)
when the wheels are not in WHEEL
DRIVE could allow the tines to rapidly
propel the tiller forward or backward.
Failure to comply could cause loss of
tiller control, property damage, or per-
sonal injury.
WARNING
Figure 3-4: All models have a Forward
Clutch Bail (E). Only Models 12209/12210
have a Reverse Clutch Control (F).
F
E
• Use extreme caution when reversing
or pulling the machine towards you.
Look behind to avoid obstacles.
• Never attempt to till in reverse.
Failure to follow this warning could
result in personal injury or property
damage.
WARNING
• Do not attempt to till too deeply too
quickly. Gradually work down to
deeper tilling depths.
• Place the Depth Regulator Lever in
the “travel” position before starting
the engine. This position prevents
the tines from touching the ground
until you are ready to begin tilling.
Failure to follow this warning could
result in personal injury or property
damage.
WARNING
Figure 3-5: Depth Regulator Lever (G).
Travel Position
Shallow
Settings
Deep
Settings
G
Figure 3-6: Handlebar height adjustment.
High
Low
Medium