Know Your Tiller - MTD 410 Thru 420 Operator's Manual

SECTION 3: KNOW YOUR TILLER
Gear Selection
Handle
Handle Height
Adjustment
Lock
Figure 10
Gear Selection Handle
The gear selection handle is located on the front of the
handle assembly (right hand handle on Model 420
Series). It is used to select NEUTRAL, REVERSE, or
one of the FORWARD modes.
This tiller is designed for the gear selection handle to be
moved while the engine is running. (It will be difficult to
obtain all four positions with the engine off.) Pull or push
the handle so that the indicator on top of shift cover
points to the area of the operating mode desired. See
Figure 10.
NOTE: If difficulty is encountered in moving the gear
selection handle, refer to following helpful hints. To shift
into forward or reverse wheel drive, move tiller forward
slightly, then backward, to allow the gears to
synchronize.
To shift into forward wheels and tine drive, push
forward slightly on the gear selection handle and slowly
engage the clutch handle allowing the gears to
synchronize. To stop forward movement, and tine drive,
release the clutch handle. Do not shift gears with the
clutch handle engaged except when engaging the
tines.
REVERSE—Reverse wheel drive only.
NEUTRAL—Transmission is in neutral.
FORWARD Modes:
Wheels Forward— Forward wheel drive only.
Tines Reverse— Forward wheel drive and reverse tine
drive.
Handle
Clutch
Adjustment
Handle
(Side to Side)
(Bail)
(Model 420 series
only)
Depth
Stake
WARNING:
NEUTRAL when starting the engine.
Clutch Handle - (Bail)
The clutch handle (bail) is located beneath the handle.
See Figure 10. Squeezing the clutch handle against the
handle engages the wheel and tine drive mechanisms.
Throttle Control (All Engines)
The throttle control lever is located on the engine. It
controls the engine speed and stops the engine. See
Figure 11.
Choke Lever (Brigg & Stratton Standard and Intek Engines)
The choke lever is located by the throttle. It is used to
enrich the fuel mixture in the carburetor when starting a
cold engine. See Figure 11.
Primer Button (Tecumseh Engine Only)
The primer button is located behind the air cleaner. It is
used to enrich the fuel mixture in the carburetor when
starting a cold engine. See Figure 11.
Depth Stake
The depth stake controls the tilling depth. Refer to
''Setting the Depth'' on page 10.
Handle Adjustment
(See Figure 10)
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.
On Model 420 series, the handle may also be adjusted
to be in line with the tiller, or swung to the left or right so
the operator is not walking in the freshly tilled soil. To
adjust the handle position from side to side, pull the
handle adjustment handle back, pivot the tiller handle to
desired position and release the handle.
Fuel Shut-Off Valve (Briggs & Stratton Intek Engine if
equipped)
Make sure the valve is in the On (horizontal) position
when starting the unit. Any time the tiller is not in
operation (i.e., storing, performing maintenance or
adjustment), make sure the valve is in the OFF
(vertical) position.
8
Make certain unit is in