Section 4: Operation
13
Stopping the Engine and Tiller
1. To stop the wheels and tines, release
the Forward Clutch Bail (all models) or the
Reverse Clutch Control (Models 12209
and 12210) – whichever control is in use.
2. To stop the engine, put the ignition
switch and/or the throttle control lever in
the “OFF” or “STOP” position.
OPERATING THE TILLER
The following operating instructions pro-
vide guidelines to using your tiller effec-
tively and safely. Be sure to read Tilling
Tips & Techniques in this Section before
actually putting the tines into the soil.
NOTE: This is a traditional “Standard-
Rotating-Tine” (SRT) tiller with forward
rotating tines. It operates completely dif-
ferently from “Counter-Rotating-Tine”
(CRT) tillers or from front-tine tillers.
1. Follow the Pre-Start Checklist at the
beginning of this Section. Be sure that the
wheels are in the WHEEL DRIVE position.
2. Move the Depth Regulator Lever all the
way down, so that the tines clear the
ground. Use this position when practicing
with the tiller and when traveling between
tilling sites. Before actually tilling, move
the lever to the desired depth setting (see
Tilling Tips & Techniques).
3. Start engine and allow it to warm up.
Then put throttle in “FAST” setting.
4. For forward motion of the wheels and
tines:
(a) Pull Forward Clutch Bail (Fig. 4-1) up
against handlebar. Release bail to stop
forward motion of wheels and tines.
(b) When tilling, relax and let the wheels
pull the unit while the tines dig. Walk
behind and a little to one side of the
unit. Use one hand, yet keep a light—
but secure—grip on the handlebar
(while keeping your arm loose). See
Fig. 4-2. Let the unit move at its own
pace and do not push down on the
handlebars to try and force the tines to
dig deeper — this takes weight off the
wheels, reduces traction, and causes
the tines to try and propel the tiller.
5. For reverse motion of the wheels and
tines (Models 12209/12210 only):
(a) Look behind and exercise caution when
operating in reverse. Do not till while
in reverse.
(b) Stop all forward motion. Lift handlebar
with one hand until tines are off the
ground and then pull Reverse Clutch
Control knob out (see Fig. 4-3). To
stop reversing, let go of Reverse Clutch
Control knob.
6. To move the Model 12227 in reverse
for short distances:
(a) Release Forward Clutch Bail. Then lift
handlebar until tines are off the ground.
(b) Swing the handlebar to the left so the
right wheel takes a “step” backward.
Next swing the handlebar to the right
so the left wheel “steps” backward.
Repeat as needed.
(c) If longer distances need to be covered
in reverse, shut off the engine, then
place the two wheels in FREEWHEEL.
7. To Turn the Tiller Around:
(a) Practice turning the tiller in a level,
open area. Be very careful to keep
your feet and legs away from the tines.
(b) To begin a turn, lift the handlebars until
the tines are out of the ground and the
engine and tines are balanced over the
wheels (Fig. 4-4).
(c) With tiller balanced, push sideways on
handlebar to steer in direction of turn
(Fig. 4-5). After turning, slowly lower
tines into soil to resume tilling.
Stopping the Tiller and Engine
1. To stop the wheels and tines, release
the Forward Clutch Bail (all models) or the
Reverse Clutch Control (Models 12209
and 12210) – whichever control is in use.
2. To stop the engine, put the ignition
switch and/or the throttle control lever in
the “OFF” or “STOP” position.
Keep away from rotating tines. Rotating
tines will cause injury.
WARNING
Fig. 4-2: Use one hand to guide tiller when
moving forward.
Do not push down on the handlebars to
try to make the tiller till more deeply.
This prevents the wheels from holding
the tiller back and can allow the tines
to rapidly propel the tiller forward,
which could result in loss of control,
property damage, or personal injury.
WARNING
Fig. 4-3: Raise tines off ground and look
behind when moving in reverse.
Fig. 4-4: To begin turn, lift handlebars until
tines are out of ground and unit is balanced.
Fig. 4-5: With tines out of ground, push
handlebars sideways to turn tiller.
