Pull recoil starter handle until engine starts. • When engine starts, slowly move choke control to "RUN" position as engine warms up. NOTE: A warm engine requires less choking to start. • Move throttle control to desired running position. • Allow engine to warm up for a few minutes before engaging tines. NOTE: If at a high altitude (3000 feet) or in cold tem per a tures (below 32°F), the carburetor fuel mixture may need to be adjusted for best engine performance. See "TO AD JUST CARBURETOR" in the Service and Adjustments section of this manual. NOTE: If engine does not start, see troubleshooting points. Spark Plug Throttle Control Choke Con trol Recoil Starter FIG. 14 TILLING HINTS (See Fig. 15) CAUTION: Until you are accustomed to handling your tiller, start actual field use with throttle in slow position (mid-way between “FAST” and “IDLE”). • Tilling is digging into, turning over, and breaking up packed soil before planting. Loose, unpacked soil helps root growth. Best tilling depth is 4" to 6" (10-15 cm). A tiller will also clear the soil of unwanted vege ta tion. The de com po si tion of this vegetable mat ter enriches the soil. Depending on the climate (rain fall and wind), it may be advisable to till the soil at the end of the growing season to further condition the soil. • You will find tilling much easier if you leave a row untilled between passes. Then go back between tilled rows. (See Fig. 14) There are two reasons for doing this. First, wide turns are much easier to negotiate than about-faces. Sec ond, the tiller won’t be pulling itself, and you, toward the row next to it. • Soil conditions are important for proper tilling. Tines will not readily penetrate dry, hard soil which may con trib ute to excessive bounce and difficult handling of your tiller. Hard soil should be mois tened before tilling; however, extremely wet soil will “ball-up” or clump during tilling. Wait until the soil is less wet in order to achieve the best results. When tilling in the fall, re move vines and long grass to prevent them from wrapping around the tine shaft and slowing your tilling operation. 10 11 • Do not lean on handle. This takes weight off the wheels and reduces traction. To get through a really tough section of sod or hard ground, apply upward pressure on handle or lower the depth stake. FIG. 15 FIG. 16 OPERATION 3 2 1 5 4 6 7 CULTIVATING Cultivating is destroying the weeds between rows to prevent them from robbing nourishment and moisture from the plants. At the same time, breaking up the upper layer of soil crust will help retain moisture in the soil. Best digging depth is 1" to 3" (2.5-7.5 cm). Lower the outer side shields to protect small plants from being buried. • Cultivate up and down the rows at a speed which will allow tines to uproot weeds and leave the ground in rough condition, promoting no further growth of weeds and grass (See Fig. 16). • Do not lean on handle, this takes weight off the wheels, reduces traction, and may cause the tiller to skip over the ground. • Always lower the drag stake when using the for ward rotating tine drive. tire_1 HAIRPIN CLIP FIG. 17 OUTER VIEW OF TIRE tire_2 FIG. 18 INNER VIEW OF TIRE CLEVIS PIN HAIRPIN CLIP ADJUST WHEELS FOR CULTIVATING (See Figs. 17 and 18) • Place blocks under right hand side of tiller and remove hairpin clip and clevis pin from right hand wheel. • Move wheel outward approximately 1 inch until hole in inner wheel hub lines up with inner hole in axle. • Replace clevis pin and hairpin clip on inside of wheel and remove blocks. • Repeat preceding steps on left hand side. NOTE: In extremely rough conditions and while cultivating, the wheels should be moved outward on the axle for increased stability. CLEVIS PIN MAINTENANCE MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE FILL IN DATES AS YOU COMPLETE REGULAR SERVICE BEFORE EACH USEEVERY 5 HOURSEVERY 25 HOURSEVERY 50 HOURSSERVICE DATESEVERY SEASON Check Engine Oil Level Change Engine Oil 1,2 Oil Pivot Points Inspect Spark Arrester / Muffler Inspect Air Screen Clean or Replace Air Cleaner Cartridge 2 Clean Engine Cylinder Fins Replace Spark Plug RH Gear Case Grease Fitting (1oz.) 1 - Change more often when operating under a heavy load or in high ambient temperatures. 2 - Service more often when operating in dirty or dusty conditions. GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS The warranty on this tiller does not cover items that have been subjected to operator abuse or negligence. To receive full value from the warranty, the operator must main tain tiller as instructed in this manual. Some adjustments will need to be made periodically to properly maintain your tiller. All adjustments in the Service and Adjustments section of this manual should be checked at least once each season. • Once a year you should replace the spark plug, clean or replace air filter, and check tines and belts for wear. A new spark plug and clean air filter assure proper air-fuel mixture and help your engine run better and last longer. BEFORE EACH USE • Check engine oil level....