Filter
Top Products
11
WARNING: Before
operating your machine,
carefully read and understand
all safety (Section 1), controls
(Section 3) and operating
instructions (Section 4) in this
Manual, in the separate Engine
Owner’s Manual, and on the
decals on the machine. Failure
to follow these instructions can
result in serious personal
injury.
Introduction
Read this Section of the manual thorough-
ly before you start the engine. Then, take
time to familiarize yourself with the basic
operation of the tiller before using it. Find
an open, level area and practice using the
tiller controls without engaging the tines in
the soil (put tines in “travel” setting). Only
after you’ve become completely familiar
with the tiller should you begin using it in
the garden.
Break-In Operation
Perform the following maintenance during
the first hours of new operation (see Sec-
tion 5: Maintenance and the maintenance
section of the Engine Owner’s Manual).
1. Change motor oil after first 2 hours of
new engine operation.
2. Check for loose or missing hardware on
unit. Tighten or replace as needed.
3. Check tension on forward drive belt af-
ter first 2 hours of operation.
4. Check transmission gear oil level after
first 2 hours of operation.
STARTING AND STOPPING ENGINE
The following steps describe how to start
and stop the engine. Do not engage the
tines or wheels until you have read all of
the operating instructions in this Section.
Also review the safety rules in Section 1:
Safety and the tiller and engine controls
information in Section 3: Features and
Controls.
Pre-Start Checklist
Do the following before starting the en-
gine.
1. Check unit for loose or missing hard-
ware. Service as required.
2. Check motor oil level. See Engine Own-
er’s Manual.
3. Check that all safety guards and covers
are in place.
4. Check air cleaner and engine cooling
system. See Engine Owner’s Manual.
5. Select a forward belt speed range (see
Changing Belt Speed Ranges in this Sec-
tion).
6. Fill the fuel tank with gasoline according
to the directions in the separate Engine
Owner’s Manual. Follow all instructions
and safety rules carefully.
DANGER: GASOLINE IS
HIGHLY FLAMMABLE AND ITS
VAPORS ARE EXPLOSIVE.
Follow gasoline safety rules in
this manual (see Section 1) and
in the separate Engine Owner’s
Manual. Failure to follow
gasoline safety instructions can
result in serious personal injury
and property damage.
7. Attach spark plug wire to spark plug.
Starting the Engine
1. Complete the Pre-Start Checklist.
2. Put the Wheel Gear Lever (Figure 4-1)
into the ENGAGE position.
CAUTION: To help prevent
serious personal injury or
damage to equipment:
• Before starting engine, put Wheel Gear
Lever into ENGAGE position.
• Before starting engine, put Forward
Clutch Levers and Reverse Clutch Control
into neutral (disengaged) positions by
releasing controls.
• Never run engine indoors or in an
enclosed, poorly ventilated area. Engine
exhaust contains carbon monoxide, an
odorless and deadly gas.
• Avoid engine muffler and nearby areas.
Temperatures in these areas may exceed
150
° F.
3. Put the Depth Regulator Lever into the
“travel” position (lever all the way down)
so that the tines are clear of the ground.
4. Release all controls on the tiller.
5. If the engine is equipped with a fuel
shutoff valve, turn the valve to the open
position, as instructed in the separate En-
gine Owner’s Manual.
WARNING: Keep away
from rotating tines. Rotating
tines will cause injury.
6. Move the Engine Throttle Lever into the
START position.
SECTION 3: OPERATION
Figure 4-1
Recoil Rope Starter
Counter Rotating Tines
Depth
Forward Clutch Lever
Wheel Gear Lever
Reverse Clutch Control
Forward Clutch Lever
Regulator
Lever