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Section4: Operation
TillingTips& Techniques
Clearing the tines
Dry grass, stringy stalks or tough vines
may becometangled in the tines. Follow
these proceduresto help avoid tangling
andto clean the tines, if necessary.
• To reducetangling, set the depth
regulator to maximum depth.
• Whiletilling, try swayingthe handle-
bars from side to side (about 6" to 12").
This "fishtailing" action often clears the
tines of debris.
• If tangling occurs, lift thetines out of
the soil and run the tiller in reversefor
afew feet. This may unwind a good
dealof debris.
• It may be necessaryto removethe
debris by hand (a pocket knife will help
you to cut away the material).
WARNING
Before clearing the tines by
hand, stop the engine, allow
all moving parts to stop and
disconnect the spark plug
wire.
Failure to follow this warning
could result in personal
injury.
Tilling on slopes
If you must garden on a moderateslope,
pleasefollow two very important guide-
lines:
1. Till only on moderateslopes, neveron
steep ground where footing is difficult
(review safety rules in the "Safety"
section of this manual).
2. We recommend tilling up and down
slopes rather than terracing. Tilling
vertically on a slope allows maximum
planting areaand also leavesroom for
cultivating.
IMPORTANT:When tilling on slopes, be
sure the correct oil level is maintained in
the engine (checkevery one-half hour of
operation). The inclineof the slope will
causethe oil to slant awayfrom its
normal level and this can starve engine
parts of required lubrication. Keepthe
engine oil level at the full point at all
times!
A. Tilling upand downslopes:
• To keepsoil erosion to a minimum, be
sure to add enough organic matter to
the soil so that it has good moisture-
holding texture and try to avoid leaving
footprints or wheel marks.
• Whentilling vertically, try to makethe
first passuphill as the tiller digs more
deeply going uphill than it does
downhill. Insoft soil or weeds, you
may haveto lift handlebarsslightly
while going uphill.
B. Tilling acrossslopeswithout
usingterraces:
If previously describedtilling methods
aren't practical for you, then you can till
laterallyacross a slope. However,we
don't reallyrecommend this method as
it can create unsure footing and invites
soil erosion.
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