Controls & Operation
4
7
Depth Regulator Lever
Handlebar Height
Adjustment
Wheel Drive Pin
Tines
Reverse Handle Assembly
Forward Clutch Bail
Figure 4-1
NOTE:
This Operator’s Manual covers several garden
tiller models. The tiller depicted may differ from yours.
Engine Controls
For detailed information on all engine controls refer
to the separate Engine Operator’s Manual.
Wheel Drive Pins
Each wheel is equipped with a wheel drive click
pin that secures the wheel to the wheel shaft. The
wheels can be positioned in either a wheel drive or a
freewheel mode.
Forward Clutch Bail
The forward clutch bail controls the engagement of
the forward drive of the wheels and tines.
Reverse Handle Assembly (if equipped)
The reverse handle assembly controls the
engagement of the reverse drive of the wheels and
tines.
Depth Regulator Lever
This lever controls the tilling depth of the tines. Pull
the lever back and slide it up or down to engage the
notched height settings.
Handlebar Height Adjustment
The handlebar height is adjustable to three different
settings. In general, adjust the handlebars so they are
at waist level when the tines are 3-4” in the ground.
WARNING!
Before operating your
machine, carefully read and
understand this manual and all of its
safety, operating and maintenance
sections and instructions, along with
all of the decals on the machine. Failure
to follow these instructions can result
in serious personal injury.
Introduction
Read this Operation Section and the Engine
Operator’s Manual before you start the engine. Then,
take the time to familiarize yourself with the basic
operation of the tiller before using it in the garden.
Find an open, level area and practice using the tiller
controls without the tines engaging the soil (put
tines in “transport” 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 after the first
five (5) hours of new operation (see Maintenance &
Adjustments Section in this manual).
1.
Change engine oil.
2.
Check for loose or missing hardware on the
tiller. Tighten or replace as needed.
3.
Check transmission gear oil level. See the
Maintenance & Adjustments section.
Starting the Engine
Pre-Start Checklist
With the spark plug wire disconnected from the
spark plug, perform the following checks and
services before each use:
1.
Read the Safe Operation Practices and the
Features & Controls Section in this manual.
Read the separate Engine Operator’s Manual
provided with the tiller.
2.
Put the wheels in the WHEEL DRIVE position
(wheel pins must be through holes in wheel
hubs and wheel shaft).
WARNING!
Never allow either of the
wheels to be in the freewheel position
when the engine is running. Always
put both wheels in the wheel drive
position before starting the engine.
Failure to comply could cause loss of
tiller control, property damage or
personal injury.
3.
Check the tiller for loose or missing hardware.
Service as required.
4.
Check the engine oil level. See the Engine
Operator’s Manual.
5.
Check that all the safety guards and covers are
in place.
6.
Check the air cleaner and engine cooling
system. See the Engine Operator’s Manual.
7.
Fill the fuel tank with gasoline according to the
directions in the separate Engine Operator’s
Manual. Follow all instructions and safety rules
carefully.
8.
If necessary, Attach the spark plug wire to the
spark plug.
Starting the Engine
WARNING!
To help prevent serious
personal injury or damage to equipment,
put both wheels in the WHEEL DRIVE
position. Never have wheels in
FREEWHEEL position when the engine is
running. When the wheels are in
FREEWHEEL, they do not hold back the
tiller and the tines could propel the tiller
rapidly forward or backward. Put the
Forward Clutch Bail in neutral
(disengaged) positions by releasing the
lever.
WARNING!
Never run the engine
indoors or in an enclosed, poorly
ventilated area. Engine exhaust
contains carbon monoxide, an odorless
and deadly gas. Avoid the engine
muffler and nearby areas.
Temperatures in these areas may
exceed 150° F.
1.
Complete the Pre-Start Checklist above on this
page.
2.
Put the wheels in the WHEEL DRIVE position.
