Use and Care Manual

14Questions? Call Toll Free at 1-800-737-2112 Copyright © 2012 MAT Engine Technologies, LLC
Operation (Continued)
• Save all instructions
Adjustments (Cont.)
I
BELT TENSION ADJUSTMENT (See Figure 14)
Proper belt tension is critical to good performance. After
1/2 hour of operation, all cables may have to be adjusted
due to initial stretch. Thereafter, check tension after every 2
hours of operation.
TO INCREASE BELT TENSION
1. Loosen upper jam nut. Turn nut up cable in 1/8” increments.
2. Tighten lower jam nut.
3. Check adjustment. With clutch lever engaged, spring
length should be 0.8 inches (20 mm).
TO DECREASE BELT TENSION
1. Loosen lower jam nut. Turn nut down cable in 1/8” increments.
2. Tighten upper jam nut.
3. Check adjustment.
This procedure can be repeated until conduit adjustment
bolts are fully adjusted. If no more adjustment can be
made, belt may have to be replaced.
Tilling Tips
J
The key to successful tilling is to begin with a shallow cut
on the first pass, and then work an inch or two deeper on
each successive pass.
• Tillingdepthwillvarywithgroundconditions.
• Whenbeginningtotillinunbrokengroundorinextremely
hard soil, set the pin in the highest hole of the drag bar
(follow instructions under Tilling section). This will allow
for shallow tilling. With the drag stake in this position,
make several light passes over the area to be tilled. Reset
for deeper depths with successive passes.
• Iftillerjumpsorskidsuncontrollably,lowerthedrag 
stake by placing the pin in a higher hole. This will allow
 forshallowertilling.Holdfirmlytothehandlebarsto 
control sudden lurches.
• Ifweeds,tallgrasses,vines,orothermaterialsclogor
jam the tines, reverse the tiller to unwind vegetation.
WARNING
Immediately release the clutch lever if the tines jam or you
strike a foreign object. With clutch lever in neutral position,
stop the engine. Disengage the spark plug wire. When
tines have stopped, remove foreign objects and check for
damage.
Cultivating Tips
K
If you plan to use your tiller for cultivating:
• Plantrowson20"-22"centersforeaseofturning.
• Setthedrag bar with the pin in one of the higher holes. This will allow for shallow cultivation necessary to
turn over weeds, and break up and aerate the soil.
WARNING
Extreme caution must be taken in selecting tilling depth. If you
attempt to till too deeply for soil conditions, that is, with the drag
bar in too high a position, loss of control could result.
When removing material from the tines, stop engine and
removesparkplugwirerst.
Figure 14
Upper Jam Nut
Lower Jam Nut
Drive Clutch Cable
Spring