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Section 4: Operation
Starting the Engine:
1. With the engine off, place the Wheels/
Tines/PTO Drive Lever (Figure 4-2) in the
NEUTRAL position. If in the FORWARD
position, tap the lever sharply upward, it
should automatically move into NEUTRAL
position.
2. Put the Depth Regulator Lever in the
Travel position (lever all the way down)
so that the tines are off the ground. To
do this, lift up on the handlebars, pull the
lever (Figure 4-2) back, and push it down
all the way to the top detent (notched)
position.
3. Move the Wheel Speed Lever (Figure
4-2) to either the SLOW or FAST position.
Be sure to roll the wheels while shifting the
lever until the wheels engage.
NOTE: If using a PTO stationary attach
-
ment, move the Wheel Speed Lever into
FREEWHEEL and block the wheels to
prevent the equipment from moving (Figure
4-29 on page 29).
4. Move the Tines/PTO Clutch Lever into
DISENGAGE position (Figure 4-2).
NOTE: Use the ENGAGE position if you want
the tines to revolve or to apply power to a
PTO-driven stationary attachment.
5. If engine is equipped with a fuel valve,
turn valve to OPEN position as instructed
in the separate Engine Owner’s Manual.
6. If engine is equipped with an ON/OFF
switch, move the switch to ON.
7. Move engine throttle lever (Figure 4-2)
away from STOP.
8. Choke or prime engine as instructed in
the separate Engine Owner’s Manual.
9. If not equipped with an electric start
system, place one hand on the fuel tank to
stabilize the unit when you pull the recoil
starter rope. Use the recoil starter rope
to start the engine as instructed in the
separate Engine Owner’s Manual.
10. If equipped with an electric start
system, turn key to START position to crank
engine then release when engine starts. If
the engine does not start right away, do
not hold key at START for more than a few
seconds. Release then try again after a short
pause. Damage to starter motor can occur
if it is cranked more than 15 seconds per
minute.
11. If the engine does not start after a
number of tries, refer to the Engine Owner’s
Manual for specific instructions.
12. When engine starts, move the Throttle
Lever to the SLOW
position and then
gradually move choke lever (on engines so
equipped) to OFF or RUN position.
13. Move the throttle speed control to
FAST setting when tilling.
Starting Electric Start Engines
with the Recoil Starter Rope
You may, at some point, have to start
an electric start engine with the recoil
starter rope. Before attempting to do so,
perform the following applicable steps:
• If you suspect the battery charge is
weak, and there is no visible damage.
Disconnect cables from battery and
clean both cable terminals, and the
battery posts in accordance with the
instructions provided in Section 5,
Battery Care and Maintenance
.
Figure 4-2: Tiller and engine controls.
Wheels/Tines/PTO
Drive Lever
Forward
Interlock Levers
Depth
Regulator
Lever
Wheel
Speed
Lever
Engine Throttle
Lever
Tines/PTO
Clutch Lever
Recoil Start Rope
(at front of engine)
T o h e l p p r e v e n t s e r i o u s
personal injury or damage to equipment:
• Always place Wheels/Tines/PTO Drive
Lever into NEUTRAL before starting
engine, and before engaging wheels,
tines or other PTO-driven attachments.
• Never run engine indoors or in
enclosed, poorly ventilated areas.
Engine exhaust contains carbon
monoxide, an odorless and deadly gas.
• Avoid engine muffler and nearby
areas. Temperatures in these areas
may exceed 150
o
F.
CAUTION