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Power Composting
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Power composting simply means tilling under and
burying in the soil all manner of organic matter such as
crop residues, leaves, grass clippings and cover crops. This
material will decompose during the non-growing season
and add important natural nutrients to the soil.
WARNING!
the Depth Regulator Lever at a deep setting if the
tiller jumps or bucks. If jumping or bucking occurs,
move the Depth Regulator Lever down to one of the
shallower settings and then slowly increase the
tilling depth on later passes. Failure to follow this
warning could result in personal injury.
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The first place to begin is with crop residues such as
leftover vines, stalks, stems and roots. Power compost
these crop residues as soon as they finish bearing. The
sooner this is done, the better, as tender green matter is
easier to till under. Use the deepest depth regulator setting
possible without causing the engine to labor or the tiller to
jump ahead.
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Standing cornstalks of reasonable height can be power
composted. Pushing over (but not uprooting) cornstalks
will often make it easier for your tiller to chop up the stalks.
Keep the tines clear of excessive tangling by "fishtailing" or
frequently using reverse. Make several passes, then return
a few days later to finish off any remaining stubble.
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After tilling under crop residues, add more organic
matter such as leaves, grass clippings and even kitchen
scraps. When tilled into the soil, this organic matter will
decompose and add even more important nutrients to the
soil.
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After power composting, you may want to plant a
"green manure" cover crop to protect the soil during
the off-season. You simply grow a crop of clover, alfalfa,
buckwheat, peas, beans, rye grass, grain, or kale and then
till it into the soil prior to the planting season.
Loading & Unloading the Tiller
WARNING!
vehicle is potentially hazardous and is not
recommended unless absolutely necessary, as this
could result in personal injury or property damage.
However, if you must load or unload the tiller, follow
the guidelines given next.
•
Before loading or unloading, stop the engine, wait for all
the parts to stop moving, disconnect the spark plug wire
and let the engine and muffler cool. Remove the ignition
key on electric start models.
•
The tiller is too heavy (over 170 lbs.) and bulky to be safely
lifted by one person. Two or more people should share the
load.
•
Use sturdy ramps and manually — with the engine shut
off — roll the tiller into and out of the vehicle. Two or more
people are needed to do this.
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When power composting, do not keep
Loading and unloading the tiller into a
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Ramps must be strong enough to support the combined
weight of the tiller and any handlers. The ramps should
provide good traction to prevent slipping; they should
have side rails to guide the tiller along the ramps and they
should have a locking device to secure them to the vehicle.
•
The handlers should wear sturdy footwear that will help to
prevent slipping.
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Position the loading vehicle so that the ramp angle is as flat
as possible (the less incline to the ramp, the better). Turn
the vehicle's engine off and apply the parking brake.
•
When going up the ramps, stand in the normal operating
position and push the tiller ahead of you. Have a person at
each side to turn the wheels.
•
When going down the ramps, walk backward with the tiller
following you. Keep alert for any obstacles behind you.
Position a person at each wheel to control the speed of the
tiller. Never go down ramps tiller-first, as the tiller could tip
forward.
•
Use wooden blocks to place on the downhill side of the
wheels if you need to stop the tiller from rolling down the
ramp. Also, use the blocks to temporarily keep the tiller in
place on the ramps (if necessary), and to chock the wheels
in place after the tiller is in the vehicle.
•
When the tiller is in the vehicle, prevent it from rolling
by engaging the wheels in the wheel drive position (put
Wheel Gear Lever in ENGAGE). Chock the wheels with
blocks and securely tie the tiller down.
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