Troy-Bilt Pony Operator's Manual page 8

c. Gradually move the choke lever (on
engines so equipped) to the NO
CHOKE, CHOKE OFF or RUN position.
d. Leave the Engine Throttle Control
Lever in the FAST setting.
Recoil Starter
If necessary, the electric start engine can be started
with the recoil starter rope by following the steps
below:
1. If the battery is not dead or damaged, leave it
connected to the tiller so it will be recharged
during engine operation.
2. If the battery is dead or damaged, remove it
and have it tested. Before starting the engine,
cover the terminal on the loose end of the
positive (+) cable with the insulated boot
and secure it in place with electrical tape to
prevent electrical sparks.
3. Put the ignition key in the RUN position and
then follow Steps 1-8 of Starting the Engine.
Stopping the Engine
1. To stop the wheels and tines, release the
Forward Clutch Control levers or the Reverse
Clutch Control knob (whichever control may
be engaged).
2. To stop the engine on the recoil start model,
move the Engine Throttle Control Lever to the
"STOP" position.
3. To stop the engine on an electric start model,
move the ignition key to "OFF".
NOTE:
After stopping an electric start engine,
remove the ignition key from the switch to reduce
the possibility of unauthorized use of your machine.
Engaging the Drive & Tines
1. For forward motion of the wheels and tines:
a. Pull the bail up and hold it against the
handlebars. See Figure 4-3.
Figure 4-3
b. As the tiller drives forward the tines will
also rotate, digging into the ground.
Walk behind and a little to one side
of the tiller. Use a secure, comfortable
grip on the handlebars. Let the tiller
move ahead at its own pace. See Figure
4-4. To stop the forward motion of the
wheels and tines, release the bail.
8 S 4— c
ection ontrolS
WARNING!
handlebars to try to make the tiller till
more deeply. This prevents the wheels
from holding the tiller back and can
allow the tines to rapidly propel the tiller
forward, which could result in loss of
control, property damage or personal
injury.
2. For reverse motion of the wheels and tines:
a.
b.
& o
peration
Figure 4-4
Do not push down on the
Stop all forward motion before
reversing.
Lift the handlebars until the tines are
slightly off the ground and then pull the
Reverse Control knob out to engage the
reverse motion. See Figure 4-5.
Figure 4-5
c. While driving in reverse the tines will
also rotate in reverse. See Figure 4-6.
Figure 4-6
WARNING!
Look behind and exercise
caution while operating in reverse. Do
not attempt to till when in reverse.
d. To stop the reverse motion, let go of
the Reverse Drive Control knob.
Turning the Tiller
1. Practice turning the tiller in a level, open area.
Be very careful to keep your feet and legs
away from the tines.
2. To make a turn, reduce the drive speed and
lift the handlebars slightly until the tines are
balanced just above the ground.
3. With the tiller balanced, push the handlebars
to one side to turn. After completing the
turn, slowly lower the tines into the soil and
increase the drive speed.
Clearing the Tines
The tines have a self-clearing feature that cuts down
tangling of debris in the tines. However, debris
may occasionally become entangled. Follow these
procedures to help avoid tangling and to clean 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.
• Try to till under crop residues or cover crops
while they are green, moist and tender.
• While power composting, try swaying the
handlebars from side to side in a controlled
manner (about 6" to 12"). This "fishtailing"
action often clears the tines of debris.
• If tangling occurs, lift the tines out of the soil
and run the tiller in reverse for a few feet. This
reversing action should unwind a good deal
of debris.
• If reversing the tiller doesn't clear the debris,
it may be necessary to remove the debris by
hand.
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.