With the tiller balanced, push sideways on the
handlebar to move the tiller in the direction of the
turn. See Fig. 5-4. After completing the turn, slowly
lower the tines into the soil and increase the engine
speed.
Clearing the Tines
The tines have a self-clearing action which eliminates most
tangling of debris in the tines. However, occasionally dry
grass, stringy stalks or tough vines may become tangled.
Follow these procedures to help avoid tangling and to
clean 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.
If tangling occurs, lift the tines out of the soil and run the
tiller in reverse for a few feet. This reversing action should
unwind a good deal of debris.
If reversing the tiller doesn’t clear the debris, it may be
necessary to remove the debris by hand (a pocket knife will
help you to cut away the material).
WARNING!
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.
Tilling Tips & Techniques
WARNING!
Before tilling, contact your telephone
or utilities company and inquire if underground
equipment or lines are used in your area. Do not till
near buried electric cables, telephone lines, pipes or
hoses.
c.
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Let the Tiller Do the Work
While tilling, relax and let the wheels pull the tiller along
while the tines do the digging. Walk on the side that is not
yet finished (to avoid making footprints in the freshly tilled
soil) and lightly, but securely grip the handlebar with just
one hand.
Avoid pushing down on the handlebars in an attempt to
force the tiller to dig deeper. Doing so takes the weight
off the powered wheels, causing them to lose traction.
Without the wheels helping to hold the tiller back, the
tines will attempt to propel the tiller — often causing
the tiller to skip rapidly across the ground. (Sometimes,
slight downward pressure on the handlebars will help get
through a particularly tough section of sod or unbroken
ground, but in most cases this won’t be necessary at all.)
Tilling Depths
Avoid trying to dig too deeply too quickly, especially
when busting sod or when tilling soil that hasn’t been
tilled for some time. Use shallow depth regulator settings
(only an inch or two deep) for the first passes through
the garden area. With each succeeding pass, adjust the
depth regulator to dig an inch or two deeper. (Watering
the garden area a few days prior to tilling will make tilling
easier, as will letting the newly worked soil set for a day or
two before making a final, deep tilling pass.)
When cultivating, use very shallow depth settings to
prevent injury to plants whose roots often grow close to
the surface. If needed, lift up on the handlebars slightly to
prevent the tines from digging too deeply. (Cultivating on a
regular basis not only eliminates weeds, it also loosens and
aerates the soil for better moisture absorption and faster
plant growth.)
Avoid Tilling Soggy, Wet Soil
Tilling wet soil often results in large, hard clumps of soil
that can interfere with planting. If time permits, wait a
day or two after heavy rains to allow the soil to dry before
tilling. Test soil by squeezing it into a ball. If it compresses
too easily, it is too wet to till.
Avoid Making Footprints
When possible, walk on the untilled side of the machine to
avoid making footprints in the freshly tilled soil. Footprints
cause soil compaction that can hamper root penetration
and contribute to soil erosion. They can also “plant”
unwanted weed seeds back into the freshly tilled ground.
Choosing Correct Wheel and Tine Speeds
With experience, you will find the tilling depth and tilling
speed combination that is best for your garden. Set the
Engine Throttle Control Lever to a speed to give the engine
adequate power and yet allow it to operate at the slowest
possible speed until you have achieved the maximum
tilling depth you desire. Faster engine speeds may be
desirable when making final passes through the seedbed
or when cultivating. Selection of the correct engine speed,
in relation to the tilling depth, will ensure a sufficient
power level to do the job without causing the engine to
labor.
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Figure 5-4
13
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ectiOn
5 — O
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