® Operator’s Manual Rear Tine Tiller Model 454 IMPORTANT: READ SAFETY RULES AND INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY Warning: This unit is equipped with an internal combustion engine and should not be used on or near any unimproved forest- covered, brush-covered or grass-covered land unless the engine’s exhaust system is equipped with a spark arrester meeting applicable local or state laws (if any).
Operating Your Tiller Making Adjustments 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. Before you start assembling your new equipment, please locate the model plate on the equipment and copy the information from it in the space provided below.
Stop the machine if anyone enters the area. Be careful when tilling in hard ground. The tines may catch in the ground and propel the tiller forward. If this occurs, let go of the handle bars and do not restrain the machine.
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The safety label on the tiller is reproduced below for your review. To ensure safe operation of the tiller, follow the instructions on all labels closely.
Place flat washer on the hex bolt and thread “T” knob onto the hex bolt. Tighten securely. See Figure 1. • Tip the tiller back down so it rests on the tines. Flat Washer Hex Bolt T-Knob Clevis Pin...
NEUTRAL, start the engine. Refer to the Slot Head Screw separate engine manual. Flat Washers Standing on the right side of the tiller, examine the belt (inside the belt cover). It should not be turning. WARNING: belt cover.
Gear Selection Handle The gear selection handle is located in the center of the handle on the tiller. It is used to select NEUTRAL, REVERSE, or one of the FORWARD modes. Pull or push the handle so that the indicator on top of shift cover points to the operating mode desired.
NOTE: A warm engine may not require choking or to be primed. • Stand at side of tiller. Grasp the starter handle and pull out slowly, until it pulls slightly harder. Let rope rewind slowly. • Pull starter handle rapidly. Do not allow handle to snap back.
Be certain spark plug wire is disconnected and grounded against the engine when performing any adjustments. • When using the tiller for the first time, use the second adjustment hole from the top (1" of tilling depth). See Figure 7. Use This Position...
The spark plug should be cleaned and the gap reset every 25 hours of engine operation. Spark plug replacement is recommended at the start of each tiller season; check engine manual for correct plug type and gap specification.
See Figure 9. Engine Pulley Off-Season Storage If the tiller will not be used for a period longer than 30 days, the following steps should be taken to prepare the tiller for storage. • Clean the exterior of engine and the entire tiller thoroughly.
Improper rotation. ground Wheels do not Clevis pin missing. engage Tiller is not being shifted properly. Control cable not adjusted properly. Belt worn and/or stretched. NOTE: For repairs beyond the minor adjustments above, contact your local authorized service dealer. Corrective Action Fill tank with clean, fresh gasoline.
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...