Section
4
Operation
INTRODUCTION
Read this Section of the manual
thoroughly before you start the engine.
Then, take the time to familiarize yourself
with the basic operation of the tiller before
using it in your garden. Find an open,
level area and practice using the tiller
controls without the tines engaging the
soil (put tines in Travel setting— Section
3, Depth Regulator Lever). 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
Maintenance Section in this Manual and
maintenance information in the Engine
Owner’s Manual).
1. Change engine oil after first 2 hours of
new engine operation.
2. After the first 2 hours of new operation,
check the gear oil levels in the PTO Power
Unit and the tine attachment transmis-
sions.
3. Check for loose or missing hardware
on unit. Tighten or replace as needed.
4. Check tension on forward drive belt
after first 2 hours of operation.
Starting and Stopping the Engine
The following steps describe how to start
and stop the engine.
IMPORTANT: Do not attempt to engage
the tines, wheels, or any PTO attachment
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
Make the following checks and perform
the following services
before starting the
engine.
1. Read the Safety and Controls Sections
in this Manual. Read the separate Engine
Owner’s Manual provided by the engine
manufacturer.
2. Check unit for loose or missing
hardware. Service as required.
3. Check engine oil level. See Engine
Owner’s Manual.
4. Shift the Wheels/Tines/PTO Drive lever
(Figure 4-2) into NEUTRAL position. See
Section 3, Controls for more information
on this lever.
5. Check Safety Guards. All guards and
covers must be securely in place.
6. Check air cleaner. See Engine Owner’s
Manual.
7. Attach spark plug wire to spark plug.
8. Check Engine Cooling System. Clear
cooling fins and air intake screen of
debris.
9. Select High/Low Belt Speed range.
10. Adjust Handlebar Height.
11. Fill the fuel tank with gasoline in
accordance with the directions in the
separate Engine Owner’s Manual. Follow
all instructions and safety rules carefully.
Your tiller and its optional PTO Power
Unit attachments are capable of causing
serious injury to untrained or careless
operators.
To avoid serious personal injury or
property damage, read the Owner’s
Manual that is provided with any
optional accessories or attachments
before using the tiller or PTO Power
Unit.
WARNING
Figure: 4-1
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.
WARNING
GASOLINE IS HIGHLY FLAMMABLE AND
ITS VAPORS ARE EXPLOSIVE.
Follow gasoline safety rules in this
Manual (Section 1) and in the separate
Engine Owner’s Manual.
Failure to follow gasoline safety instruc
-
tions can result in serious personal
injury and property damage.
DANGER
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