Troy-Bilt 21AE682W766 Operator's Manual page 9

8. If equipped with an electric start system, turn
the key to START position to crank the engine
then release when the engine starts. If the
engine does not start right away, do not hold
the key at START for more than a few seconds.
Release then try again after a short pause.
Damage to the starter motor can occur if it is
cranked more than 15 seconds per minute.
9. If the engine does not start after a number of
tries, refer to the Engine Operator's Manual for
specific instructions.
10. When the engine starts, move the Throttle
Lever to the SLOW position and then
gradually move the choke lever (on engines so
equipped) to OFF or RUN position.
11. Move the throttle speed control to FAST
setting when tilling.
Starting Electric Start Engine with Recoil Starter
You may, at some point, have to start an electric
start engine with the recoil starter rope. Before
attempting to do so, perform the following
applicable steps:
• If you suspect the battery charge is weak, and
there is no visible damage. Disconnect the
cables from the battery and clean both cable
terminals, and the battery posts in accordance
with the instructions provided in the Service
section. Reconnect the cables and securely
tighten to the battery posts. The engine will
recharge the battery if the battery is still good.
• If you suspect the batter is "dead", or if the
battery is damaged, disconnect, and remove
it. Have it serviced by an authorized service
dealer.
• If the battery has been removed, wrap the
cable terminals at the end of the positive cable
with electrical tape and secure the cable to
the battery bracket. This will prevent electrical
discharge.
• Before pulling the recoil starter rope, turn
the keyswitch to the RUN position. Move the
Throttle Lever away from the STOP position
and set the choke as applicable. See the
Engine Operator's Manual.
Cold Weather Operation
When temperatures fall below 40º F, do the following
steps to protect your engine and transmission from
damage:
1. Refer to the Engine Operator's Manual for
the motor oil specifications for cold weather
operation.
2. Use winter blend gasoline.
3. Warm the engine up before putting it under
a load.
4. Use the correct weight gear oil in the PTO
Power transmission.
5. Warm up the transmission gear oil as follows:
a. With the engine running, move the
Wheel Speed Lever to FREEWHEEL
(then block the wheels so they can't
roll).
b. Put the Tines/PTO Clutch Lever into
DISENGAGE, then squeeze one of the
Forward Interlock Levers and shift
the Wheels/Tines/PTO Drive Lever to
FORWARD.
6. If the wheels are frozen to the ground, melt
the ice with warm water.
Stopping the Engine and the Tiller
1. To stop the wheels and tines, move the
Wheels/Tines/PTO Drive Lever into NEUTRAL
position and then release both Forward
Interlock Levers.
2. Move the engine Throttle Lever to the STOP
position. Then, on electric start models only, turn
the key to OFF. Remove the key for safekeeping.
NOTE: The engine may have a separate Throttle
Control Lever and ON/OFF switch on the engine.
These controls can also be used to stop the engine.
See the Engine Operator's Manual for information
specific to your engine.
Engaging the Drive & Tines
NOTE: This is a traditional standard-rotating-tine
(SRT) tiller with forward rotating tines. It operates in a
completely different manner than counter-rotating-
tine (CRT) tillers, or from front-tine tillers.
WARNING! To help avoid personal injury,
be aware that the tiller can unexpectedly
bounce up or jump ahead and propel
away from you if the tines strike hard or
frozen ground, or buried obstacles like
large stones, roots or stumps.
1. Start the engine and gradually increase the
engine speed to FAST.
2. Test the Forward Interlock Safety System. See the
Forward Interlock System in the Service section
for more information.
WARNING! The Forward Interlock Safety
System is designed for the operator's safety.
Do not disconnect or attempt to defeat the
purpose of the system. If the system
malfunctions, immediately contact your
local authorized dealer or the TROYBILT
Technical Service Department for
assistance. Do not use the tiller or the PTO
power feature until the Forward Interlock
Safety System is functioning properly.
3. When practicing, set the Depth Regulator
Lever to Travel position. Otherwise, set the
Depth Regulator Lever to a desired depth.
4. Move Tines/PTO Clutch Lever to ENGAGE
position if you want the tines to turn. If
practicing, leave in DISENGAGE.
NOTE: Do not move Tines/PTO Clutch Lever to
ENGAGE unless Wheels/Tines/PTO Drive Lever
is in NEUTRAL. Tiller damage may occur.
5. To move the tiller forward and engage the
tines, squeeze and hold either Forward
Interlock Lever against the handlebar grip (See
Figure 4-3), then move the Wheels/Tines/PTO
Drive Lever down to FORWARD position.
Figure 4-3
6. When the tiller moves forward, relax and let
the wheels power the tiller along while the
tines dig. Walk behind and to one side of the
tiller. Walk on the side that is not yet tilled. Use
a firm grip on the handlebars but keep your
arm relaxed. See Figure 4-4.
Figure 4-4
NOTE: Let the tiller move ahead at its own
pace. Do not push it ahead — this reduces
operator control and tilling efficiency. Do not
push the handlebars down in an attempt to
dig deeper — this takes weight off the wheels,
reduces traction, and causes the tines to try to
propel the tiller.
Stopping Forward Motion & Tines
1. To stop forward motion, tap Wheels/Tines/
PTO Drive Lever upward into NEUTRAL. Then
release the Forward Interlock Levers. The
wheels and tines will stop and the engine will
continue running.
2. In an emergency, release all of the control
levers. This stops forward motion and shuts-
off the engine.
Moving in Reverse
WARNING! To help avoid personal injury or
damage to the equipment be sure no
obstacles are behind you before operating
the tiller in REVERSE. Disengage the tines,
reduce engine speed, and move the Wheel
Speed Lever to SLOW position before
operating in REVERSE. Avoid using FAST
wheel speed until you are familiar with
backing the tiller.
NOTE: Do not till while in REVERSE.
1. Shift the Tines/Wheels/PTO Drive Lever into
NEUTRAL and move the Wheel Speed Lever to
the SLOW position.
2. Move the Tines/PTO Clutch Lever into
DISENGAGE position.
3. Verify that the area behind you is clear.
4. Lift up the handlebars until the tines are off
the ground, then shift the Wheels/Tines/PTO
Drive Lever all the way up and hold. You do
not need to squeeze the Forward Interlock
Levers to use reverse.
5. The tiller immediately engages in reverse.
Periodically check behind you while holding
the handlebars up and the Wheels/Tines/PTO
Lever in its upper-most position.
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