Operator`s manual

Operation
5
11
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.
To Put The Tines in Transport:
Pull back on the depth adjustment bracket (A) and push down (B)
until the bracket reaches the highest notch. See Figure 5-1. Then
release the bracket (C).
A
B
C
Figure 5-1
Break-In Operation
Perform the following maintenance after the first five (5) hours
of new operation (see the Maintenance & Adjustments Section in
this manual).
1. Change engine oil.
2. Check for loose or missing hardware on unit. Tighten or
replace as needed.
3. Check transmission gear oil level.
Starting & Stopping 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 Safety Section in this manual. Read the Controls
Section in this manual. Read the Engine Operator’s Manual.
2. Put the wheels in the WHEEL DRIVE position (wheel pins
must be through the holes in the wheel hubs and the
wheel shaft).
3. Check unit for loose or missing hardware. Service as
required.
4. Check engine oil level. See Engine Operator’s Manual.
5. Check that all safety guards and covers are in place.
6. Check air cleaner and engine cooling system. See the
Engine Operator’s Manual.
WARNING! GASOLINE IS HIGHLY FLAMMABLE AND
ITS VAPORS ARE EXPLOSIVE. Follow the gasoline
safety rules in the Important Safe Operation
Practices section of this manual. Failure to follow
gasoline safety instructions can result in serious
personal injury and property damage.
7. Fill the fuel tank with gasoline according to the directions
in the Engine Operator’s Manual. Follow all instructions and
safety rules carefully.
8. Attach the spark plug wire to the spark plug.
Starting & Stopping 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 the neutral (disengaged) position 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 by removing
the click pins, sliding the wheel all the way in and reinstalling
the click pin through the wheel hubs and wheel shaft.
3. Move the Depth Regulator Lever all the way down to the
“transport” position, so that the tines clear the ground.
4. Release all of the controls on the tiller and refer the Engine
Operator’s Manual for engine starting and stopping
instructions.