Safety • Assembly • Operation • Tips & Techniques • Maintenance • Troubleshooting • Parts Lists • Warranty OPERATOR’S MANUAL Rear Tine Tiller – Model Series 450 IMPORTANT READ SAFETY RULES AND INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY BEFORE OPERATION Warning: This unit is equipped with an internal combustion engine and should not be used on or near any unimproved forest-covered, brushcovered or grass-covered land unless the engine’s exhaust system is equipped with a spark arrester meeting applicable local or state laws (if
This Operator’s Manual is an important part of your new tiller. It will help you assemble, prepare, and maintain the unit for best performance. Please read and understand what it says. Table of Contents Safety Labels ...................................................... 3 Safe Operation Practices ................................... 4 Assembling Your Tiller........................................ 6 Know Your Tiller .................................................. 8 Operating Your Tiller .................
1 Safety Labels WARNING Hot surfaces can cause severe burns. Do not touch muffler or adjacent areas. S30647 WARNING WARNING WARNING TO AVOID SERIOUS INJURY 1. READ THE OPERATOR'S MANUAL. 2. KNOW LOCATION AND FUNCTIONS OF ALL CONTROLS. 3. KEEP ALL SAFETY DEVICES AND SHIELDS IN PLACE AND WORKING. 4. NEVER ALLOW CHILDREN OR UNINSTRUCTED ADULTS TO OPERATE TILLER. 5. SHUT OFF ENGINE BEFORE U NCLOGGING TINES OR MAKING REPAIRS. 6. KEEP BYSTANDERS AWAY FROM M ACHINE. 7. KEEP AWAY FROM ROTATING PARTS. 8.
2 Safe Operation Practices WARNING This symbol points out important safety instructions which, if not followed, could endanger the personal safety and/or property of yourself and others. Read and follow all instructions in this manual before attempting to operate this machine. Failure to comply with these instructions may result in personal injury.
16. Do not overload machine capacity by attempting to till soil to deep at too fast of a rate. 17. If the machine should start making an unusual noise or vibration, stop the engine, disconnect the spark plug wire and ground it against the engine. Inspect thoroughly for damage. Repair any damage before starting and operating. 18. Keep all shields, guards, and safety devices in place and operating properly. 19. Never pick up or carry machine while the engine is running. 20.
3 Assembling Your Tiller WARNING Di c ec he a k l g i ea dg d i agai he e gi e e e i e ded a i g. Be ce ai check he cl ch cable adj e bef e e a i g he ille . NOTE: References to right or left side of the tiller are determined from behind the unit in the operating position. To Remove Unit From Carton • Remove staples, break glue on top flaps, or cut tape at carton end and peel along top flap to open carton. • Remove loose parts included with unit (i.e., operator’s manual, etc.).
3 Assembling Your Tiller WARNING D fi ge de he bel c e . Ma i i e e e de a ci c a ce i 30 . .i. E al i e e e h ld be ai ai ed b h ie .
4 Clutch Control The clutch control is located beneath the handle. Squeezing the clutch control against the handle engages the wheel and tine drive mechanisms. NOTE: Never engage clutch lever while shifting. Know Your Tiller Handle Adjustment Lock The handle may be adjusted to the height desired. Loosen the handle height adjustment lock a few turns. Pivot handle up or down to desired position. Tighten lock. Throttle Control The throttle control lever is located on the engine.
5 Operating Your Tiller Setting The Depth WARNING: Read, de a d, a d f ll all i ci a d a i g he achi e a d i hi a al bef e e a i g. Tilling depth is controlled by the depth stake which can be adjusted to five different settings. Adjust the side shields as you adjust the depth stake. Before Starting WARNING: Be ce ai ak l g i e i di c ec ed a d g ded agai he e gi e he e f i g a adj e .
To adjust the depth stake, remove the clevis pin and hairpin Belt Tension Adjustment clip. Move the depth stake to the desired setting and Periodic adjustment of the belt tension may be required secure with the clevis pin and hairpin clip. See Figure 7. due to normal stretch and wear on the belt. Adjustment To adjust the side shields, remove the wing nuts.
7 Maintaining Your Tiller WARNING: Di c ec he a k l g i ea dg d i agai he e gi e bef e e f i g a e ai . The dirt washes off the tines easier if rinsed off immediately instead of after it dries. Always towel dry the tiller afterwards and apply a light coat of oil or silicone to prevent rusting or water damage. Engine IMPORTANT: Never use a “pressure washer” to clean your tiller. Water can penetrate tight areas of the tiller and its chain case and cause serious damage to the unit.
8 • Clean the exterior of engine and the entire tiller thoroughly. Lubricate the tiller as described in the lubrication instructions. • We do not recommend the use of pressure washers to clean your unit. They may cause damage to electric components, spindles, pulleys, bearings or the engine. The use of pressure washers will result in shortened life and reduce serviceability. Trouble Shooting Guide • Refer to the engine manual for correct engine storage instructions.
9 Illustrated Parts List Model 450 Series T 15 de e lace e a , c ac 1 (800) 949-4483 i i . hi e d .
9 Illustrated Parts List Model 450 Series T 17 de e lace e a , c ac 1 (800) 949-4483 i i . hi e d .
9 Ref. Part No. Part Description Ref. Part No. Part Description 1. 686-0111 Belt Cover Bracket Ass’y 24. 756-1162 Input Pulley 2. 710-0237 Hex Bolt 5/16-24 x .62” 25. 786-0064A Idler Bracket 3. 710-0412 Hex Bolt 1/4-28 x .75” 26. 786-0185 Belt Keeper Bracket 4. 710-0502A Hex Washer Screw 3/8-16 x 1.25” 27. 786-0187 Shift Cover Bracket 5. 710-0152 Hex Bolt 3/8-24 x 1.0 28. 786-0193 Idler Belt Keeper 6. 710-0599 Hex Washer Screw 29. 634-04231 Wheel Assembly 16.0 x 4.
MANUFACTURER’S LIMITED WARRANTY FOR The limited warranty set forth below is given by MTD LLC with respect to new merchandise purchased and used in the United States, its possessions and territories. “MTD” warrants this product against defects in material and workmanship for a period of two (2) years commencing on the date of original purchase and will, at its option, repair or replace, free of charge, any part found to be defective in materials or workmanship.