Operator`s manual

Section 5— operation
14
• If the garden size will not permit lengthwise and then
crosswise tilling, then overlap the first pass by one-half a
tiller width, followed by successive passes at one-quarter
width. See Figure 5-7.
1
2
3
Figure 5-7
Tilling on a Slope
WARNING! Do not operate the tiller on a slope too
steep for safe operation. Till slowly and be sure you
have good footing. Never permit the tiller to
freewheel down slopes. Failure to follow this
warning could result in personal injury.
1. Till only on moderate slopes, never on steep ground where
the footing is difficult.
2. Tilling up and down slopes is recommended over terracing.
Tilling vertically on a slope allows maximum planting area
and also leaves room for cultivating.
NOTE: When tilling on slopes, be sure the correct oil level
is maintained in the engine (check every one-half hour
of operation). The incline of the slope will cause the oil to
slant away from its normal level and this can starve engine
parts of required lubrication. Keep the motor oil level at the
full point at all times.
Tilling Up and Down a Slope
1. To keep soil erosion to a minimum, be sure to add enough
organic matter to the soil so that it has good moisture-
holding texture and try to avoid leaving footprints or wheel
marks.
2. When tilling vertically, try to make the first pass uphill
as the tiller digs more deeply going uphill than it does
downhill. In soft soil or weeds, you may have to lift the
handlebars slightly while going uphill. When going
downhill, overlap the first pass by about one-half the width
of the tiller.
Terrace Gardening
1. To create a terrace, start at the top of the slope and work
down. Go back and forth across the first row as shown in
Figure 5-8.
1
2
3
12" UNTILLED
1
REPEAT
DOWNHILL
UPHILL
Figure 5-8
2. Each succeeding lower terrace is started by walking below
the terrace you are preparing. For added stability of the
tiller, always keep the uphill wheel in the soft, newly tilled
soil. Do not till the last 12” or more of the downhill outside
edge of each terrace. This untilled strip helps prevent the
terraces from breaking apart and washing downhill. It also
provides a walking path between the rows.
Clearing the Tines
• The tines have a self-clearing action which eliminates most
of the tangling of debris. However, occasionally dry grass,
stringy stalks or tough vines may become tangled. Follow
these procedures to help avoid tangling and to clear 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 tilling, try swaying the handlebars from side to side
(about 6” to 12”). This “fishtailing” action often clears the
tines of debris.
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.