How To Use Your Tiller - MTD Yard Machines 450 Series Operator's Manual

SECTION 6: HOW TO USE YOUR TILLER
WARNING:
wire is disconnected
against the engine when performing any
adjustments.
Tilling depth is controlled by the depth stake which can
be adjusted to five different settings. See Figure 7.
Adjust the side shields as shown in Figure 7, as you
adjust the depth stake. Be certain spark plug wire is
disconnected and grounded against the engine.
1. When using the tiller for the first time, use the
second adjustment hole from the top (1" of tilling
depth). See Figure 7.
2. When breaking up sod and for shallow cultivation,
use the setting which gives 1" of tilling depth
(second hole from the top). Place the side shields
in their lowest position. For further depth, raise the
depth stake and side shields and make one or two
more passes over the area.
3. When tilling loose soil, depth stake may be raised
to its highest position (use bottom adjustment
hole) to give the deepest tilling depth. Raise the
side shields to their highest position.
4. To transport tiller, lower the depth stake (use top
adjustment hole).
To adjust the depth stake, remove the clevis pin and
hairpin clip. See Figure 7. Move the depth stake to the
desired setting and secure with the clevis pin and
hairpin clip.
To adjust the side shields, remove the wing nuts. See
Figure 7. Place side shield in position desired. Replace
wing nuts and tighten securely.
TO OPERATE THE TILLER:
1. Select the depth stake setting.
2. Start engine as instructed on page 9.
3. Move gear selection handle to one of the forward
modes or reverse.
WARNING:
selection handle with the wheels or tines
engaged. Make certain the unit is stopped
completely before changing the gear
selection.
IMPORTANT: Use the reverse tine drive when
tilling virgin ground, sod or hard soil. Use the forward
tine drive when cultivating or tilling soft ground.
4. Squeeze the clutch control bail against the handle
to engage the wheels and tines.
Make certain the gear selection indicator is
NOTE:
correctly positioned before engaging the clutch handle.
If it is between gears, the engine will stall.
Be certain the spark plug
and grounded
Do not move the
Use This
Position
First Time
Clevis Pin
Use This Hole For
Lowest (shallowest)
Position
To transport tiller, do not engage the tines. Select the
wheel drive only.
WARNING:
handles so that the wheels are lifted off
the ground while using the reverse tine
gear
drive, or the tiller could move backward
and cause personal injury.
For best results, it is recommended the garden be tilled
twice (lengthwise, then widthwise) to pulverize the soil.
10
Transport Position
1"
3"
5"
Side Shields
Use This Hole For
Highest (Deepest)
Position
Figure 7
Do not push down on the
7"