Full Product Manual
Controls & Operation
4
8
Engine Throttle Lever
Handlebar Height
Adjustment Lever
Wheels/Tines/PTO
Drive Lever
Forward
Interlock
Levers
Depth
Regulator
Lever
Wheel Speed Lever
Tines/PTO Clutch Lever
Figure 4-1
Controls
WARNING! Be familiar with all the
controls and their proper operation.
Know how to stop the machine and
disengage it quickly.
NOTE: For detailed information on all engine controls
refer to the separate Engine Operator’s Manual.
Wheels/Tines/PTO Drive Lever
Use the Wheels/Tines/PTO Drive Lever to engage and
disengage power to the transmission.
Forward Interlock Levers
The Forward Interlock Levers are attached under the
handlebar grip and will stop the engine if both levers
are released.
Wheel Speed Lever
The Wheel Speed Lever controls the speed at which
the wheels spin.
Tines/PTO Clutch Lever
The Tines/PTO Clutch Lever is used to engage or
disengage power to the transmission.
Depth Regulator Lever
The Depth Regulator Lever is used to regulate the
tilling depth of the tines.
Handlebar Height Adjustment Lever
The Handlebar Height Adjustment Lever is used to
adjust the handlebars to one of two heights.
Engine Throttle Lever
Use the throttle lever to adjust engine speed as well
as to start and stop the engine.
Keyswitch Starter (If So Equipped)
The keyswitch starter on electric start models is used
to start, run and stop the tiller.
Starting the Engine
The following steps describe how to start and stop
the engine.
NOTE: Do not attempt to engage the tines, wheels,
or any PTO attachment until you have read all of the
operating instructions in this section.
Pre-Start Checklist
Make the following checks and perform the
following services before starting the engine.
1. Read the Safe Operation Practices and
Features & Controls sections in this Manual.
Read the separate Engine Operator’s Manual.
2. Check the tiller for loose or missing hardware.
Service as required.
3. Check the engine oil level. See Engine
Operator’s Manual.
4. Shift the Wheels/Tines/PTO Drive lever into
NEUTRAL position. See the Controls and
Features section for more information on this
lever.
5. Check the safety guards. All guards and covers
must be securely in place.
6. Check the air cleaner. See the Engine
Operator’s Manual.
7. Attach the spark plug wire to the spark plug.
8. Check Engine Cooling System. Clear cooling
fins and air intake screen of debris. See the
Engine Operator’s Manual.
9. Select High/Low Belt Speed range.
10. Adjust the Handlebar Height.
11. Fill the fuel tank with gasoline in accordance
with the directions in the separate Engine
Operator’s Manual. Follow all instructions and
safety rules carefully.
WARNING! Never run the engine indoors
or in an enclosed, poorly ventilated area.
Engine exhaust contains carbon monoxide,
an odorless and deadly gas. Avoid engine
muffler and nearby areas. Temperatures in
these areas may exceed 150° F.
NOTE: After the first two hours of operation,
perform the maintenance procedures shown in
the Maintenance Schedule in the Maintenance &
Adjustments Section of this manual.
Starting the Engine
1. With the engine off, place the Wheels/Tines/
PTO Drive Lever in the NEUTRAL position. If in
the FORWARD position, tap the lever sharply
upward, it should automatically move into
NEUTRAL position.
2. Put the Depth Regulator Lever in the Travel
position (lever all the way down) so that the
tines are off the ground. To do this, lift up on
the handlebars, pull the lever back, and push
it down all the way to the top detent (notched)
position.
3. Move the Wheel Speed Lever to either the
SLOW or FAST position. Be sure to roll the
wheels while shifting the lever until the wheels
engage.
NOTE: If using a PTO stationary attachment,
move the Wheel Speed Lever into FREEWHEEL
and block the wheels to prevent the
equipment from moving. See Figure 4-2.
Blocks Blocks
Figure 4-2
4. Move the Tines/PTO Clutch Lever into
DISENGAGE position.
NOTE: Use the ENGAGE position if you want
the tines to revolve or to apply power to a
PTO-driven stationary attachment.
5. If the engine is equipped with a fuel valve, turn
the valve to the OPEN position as instructed in
the separate Engine Operator’s Manual.
6. If the engine is equipped with an ON/OFF
switch, move the switch to ON. Move engine
throttle lever away from STOP. Choke or prime
the engine as instructed in the separate
Engine Operator’s Manual.
7. If not equipped with an electric start system,
place one hand on the fuel tank to stabilize the
tiller when you pull the recoil starter rope.