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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).
Content Important Safe Operation Practices ...3 Assembling Your Tiller ...5 Know Your Tiller ...7 Operating Your Tiller ...8 Making Adjustments...10 Maintaining Your Tiller...10 Troubleshooting ...12 Parts List ...14 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.
SECTION 1: IMPORTANT SAFE OPERATION PRACTICES WARNING: This symbol points out important safety instructions which, if not followed, could endanger the personal safety and/or property of yourself and others. Read and follow all instructions in this manual before attempting to operate this machine. Failure to comply with these instructions may result in personal injury.
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Never operate the machine at high transport speeds on hard or slippery surfaces. Exercise caution to avoid slipping or falling. Look down and behind and use care when in reverse or pulling machine towards you. Start the engine according to the instructions found in this manual and keep feet well away from the tines at all times.
SECTION 2: ASSEMBLING YOUR TILLER NOTE: References to right or left side of the tiller are determined from behind the unit in the operating position. To Remove Unit From Carton • Remove staples, break glue on top flaps, or cut tape at carton end and peel along top flap to open carton.
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• Push the cable through the hole in the center of the handle and snap in the plastic fitting. See Figure 3. Slot Head Screw, Nut, & Flat Washers Internally Threaded Tube Plastic Fitting Figure 3 • Remove slot head screw, nut, and two flat washers from the clutch bail.
NOTE: A secondary cable adjustment is available if you reach the point that additional adjustment is needed. Remove the belt cover and move the hex nuts at the other end of the cable towards the end of the casing. Then readjust the hex nuts at the handle. SECTION 3: KNOW YOUR TILLER Gear Selection Handle The gear selection handle is located in the center of the...
To shift into forward wheels and tine drive, push forward slightly on the gear selection handle and slowly engage the clutch control allowing the gears to synchronize. To stop forward movement and tine drive, release the clutch control. Do not shift gears with the clutch control engaged except when engaging the tines.
To Stop Engine • Move throttle control to STOP or OFF position. • Disconnect spark plug wire and ground to prevent accidentally starting while equipment is unattended. NOTE: After the first ten hours of operation, recheck the clutch adjustment. Refer to final clutch adjustment in Assembly Instructions.
SECTION 5: MAKING ADJUSTMENTS WARNING: Never attempt to make any adjustments while the engine is running, except where specified in operator’s manual. Handle Adjustment The handle height may be adjusted to the desired height. Refer to the handle adjustment in Know Your Tiller section.
Wheel Shafts Remove wheel assemblies and lubricate the axle shafts at least once a season. Cleaning Tine Area Clean the underside of the tine shield after each use. The dirt washes off the tines easier if rinsed off immediately instead of after it dries. Always towel dry the tiller afterwards and apply a light coat of oil or silicone to prevent rusting or water damage.
SECTION 7: TROUBLE SHOOTING GUIDE Trouble Possible Cause(s) Engine fails to Fuel tank empty, or stale fuel. start Throttle control lever not in correct starting position (if so equipped). Blocked fuel line. Dirty aircleaner. Choke not in ON position. Spark plug wire disconnected. Faulty spark plug.
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Model 454 Ref. Part No. Part Description 686-0111 Belt Cover Bracket Ass’y 710-0237 Hex Bolt 5/16-24 x .62” 710-0412 Hex Bolt 1/4-28 x .75” 710-0502A Hex Washer Screw 3/8-16 x 1.25” 710-0152 Hex Bolt 3/8-24 x 1.0 710-0599 Hex Washer Screw 710-0723 Hex Cap Screw 3/8-16 x 1.25...
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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 materials or workmanship.