MTD 200 Series Operator's Manual page 11

In some soils, the desired depth is obtained the first time over
the garden. In other soils, the desired depth is obtained by going
over the garden two or three times. Passes should be made
across the length and width of the garden alternately. Rocks
which are turned up should be removed from the garden area.
HandlePressure
Further control of tilling depth and travel speed can be obtained
by variation of pressure on the handles. A downward pressure
on the handles will reduce the working depth and increase the
forward speed. An upward pressure on the handles will increase
the working depth and reduce the forward speed. The type of
soil and working conditions will determine the actual setting of
the depth stake and the handle pressure required.
Cultivating
For cultivating, a two to three inch depth is desirable. With
the outer tines installed (Series 240), the working width of the
machine is 22 or 24 inches. The working width of Series 220
machines is fixed at 16 inches
For cultivation, the tine width can be reduced to 13 inches
(Series 240), by removing the outer tines, refer to the Adjustment
Section. When laying out plant rows, be sure to allow enough
width to permit cultivation between the rows. In growing corn or
similar crops, check-row planting will permit cross cultivation and
practically eliminate hand hoeing, Fig. 5-3.
For proper decaying action, fertilizer should be applied and
worked in with the mulch materials. Breaking up leaves and straw
and mixing it with several inches of soil allows proper aeration of
the plant root system and retards the growth of weeds.
Transporting and Storing the Tiller
To transport the tiller, lower the wheel and move the depth stake
to the highest position. See Fig. 5-4.
J
Figure 5=3
The tiller has many uses other than tilling and cultivating a
garden. One of these is the preparation of lawn area for seeding.
The tiller will prepare a deep seed bed which will be free of hard
untilled spots, allowing a better stand of grass to grow. The tiller
is very useful for loosening hard soil for excavation with a shovel;
No tedious handwork will be necessary. Your tiller may be used
for mixing compost in the pile or for mixing it with the soil in
your garden. This should be done after the soil has been broken
to the full working depth. The compost should be worked in
to a depth of six to seven inches. This may be done by working
the length of the garden and then by making separate passes
across its width. The addition of decayed organic matter will
substantially increase the fertility of your garden.
Figure 5=4
To store the tiller, lower the wheel and orient the depth stake so
both are touching the ground. See Fig. S-S.
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Figure 5-5
SECTION S -- OPERATION
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