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B. Terrace Gardening:
• When a slope is too steep or too short
for vertical tilling, it may be necessary
to till across the slope and create
terraced rows. Terraces are rows that
are cut into the side of a slope, creating
a narrow, but flat area on which to
plant.
• On a long slope, you can make several
terraces, one below the other.
• Terraces should be only 2-to-3 feet
wide. Digging too far into the side of
the slope will expose poor subsoil that
is unproductive for plants.
• To create a terrace, start at the top of
the slope and work down. Go back and
forth across the first row as shown in
Figure 4-18.
• Each succeeding lower terrace is
started by walking below the terrace
you’re preparing. For added stability of
the tiller, always keep the uphill wheel
in the soft, newly tilled soil. Do not till
the last 12" or more of the downhill
outside edge of each terrace. This
untilled strip helps prevents the
terraces from breaking apart and
washing downhill. It also provides a
walking path between rows.
C. Tilling across slopes
without terracing
• If vertical or terracing gardening aren’t
practical for you, then you can till
laterally across a slope. We don’t
really recommend this method as it
can create unsure footing and invites
soil erosion.
• Study the terrain to make certain the
slope is not too steep for safe tilling.
If possible, make terraced rows or till
vertically.
• Move the belt into LOW belt range and
the Wheel Speed Gear Lever to SLOW
position. As in terrace gardening, start
at the top of the slope and overlap the
first pass by half the width of the tiller.
For added stability, keep the uphill
wheel in the soft, newly tilled soil. Each
succeeding terraced area is started by
walking below the terrace you are
preparing (Figure 4-19).
Clearing the tines
The tines have a self-clearing action
which helps to eliminate most tangling
of debris. However, occasionally dry
grass, stringy stalks or tough vines may
become tangled.
Follow these procedures to help avoid
tangling and to clear the tines, if
necessary.
• To reduce tangling, set the Depth
Regulator deep enough to get
maximum “chopping” action as the
tines chop the material against the
ground. Also, try to till under crop
residues or cover crops while they are
green, moist and tender.
• While power composting, try swaying
the handlebars from side to side (about
6" to 12"). This “fishtailing” action
often clears the tines of debris.
• It may be necessary to remove the
debris by hand (a pocket knife will help
you to cut away the material).
Section 4: Operation
Figure 4-18
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.
WARNING
Figure 4-19: Make a terrace in just 4
or 5 passes with the tiller.
Tilling Tips
&
Techniques