Starting the Engine
Pre-Start Checklist
With the spark plug wire disconnected from the spark plug,
perform the following checks and services before each use.
Read the Safe Operation Practices and the Features & 1.
Controls Section in this manual. Read the separate Engine
Operator’s Manual provided with the tiller.
Put the wheels in the WHEEL DRIVE position (wheel pins 2.
must be through holes in wheel hubs and wheel shaft).
WARNING! Never allow either of the wheels to be
in the FREEWHEEL position when the engine is
running. Always put both wheels in the WHEEL
DRIVE position before starting the engine. Failure to
comply could cause loss of tiller control, property
damage or personal injury.
Check the tiller for loose or missing hardware. Service as 3.
required.
Check the engine oil level. See the Engine Operator’s 4.
Manual.
Check that all the safety guards and covers are in place.5.
Check the air cleaner and engine cooling system. See the 6.
Engine Operator’s Manual.
Fill the fuel tank with gasoline according to the directions 7.
in the separate Engine Operator’s Manual. Follow all
instructions and safety rules carefully.
Attach the spark plug wire to the spark plug.8.
Starting the Engine
WARNING! To help prevent serious personal injury
or damage to the equipment, put both wheels in the
WHEEL DRIVE position. Never have the wheels in
FREEWHEEL position when the engine is running.
When the wheels are in FREEWHEEL, they do not
hold back the tiller and the tines could propel the
tiller rapidly forward or backward. Put the Forward
Clutch Bail in neutral (disengaged) positions by
releasing the lever.
WARNING! Never run the engine indoors or in an
enclosed, poorly ventilated area. Engine exhaust
contains carbon monoxide, an odorless and deadly
gas. Avoid the engine muffler and nearby areas.
Temperatures in these areas may exceed 150° F.
Complete the Pre-Start Checklist on this page. 1.
Put the wheels in the WHEEL DRIVE position.2.
Move the Depth Regulator Lever all the way down to the 3.
“travel” position, so that the tines clear the ground.
Release all the controls on the tiller.4.
Put the throttle control lever located on the engine in the 5.
“ON”, “RUN”, “FAST” or “START” position, as instructed in
the Engine Operator’s Manual.
Choke or prime the engine, as instructed in the Engine 6.
Operator’s Manual.
Put one hand on the fuel tank to stabilize the tiller when 7.
pulling the starter rope handle. Then use the recoil starter
to start the engine as instructed in the Engine Operator’s
Manual. When the engine starts, gradually move the choke
lever (if so equipped) to “NO CHOKE”, “CHOKE OFF” or
“RUN” position.
Use the “FAST” throttle speed setting when tilling.8.
Stopping the Engine
To stop the wheels and tines, release the Forward Clutch 1.
Bail.
To stop the engine, put the throttle control lever in the 2.
“OFF” or “STOP” position.
Operation
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