Operation - MTD 450 Series Operator's Manual

Operation

Starting & Stopping the Engine
WARNING!
instructions and warnings on the machine and in
this manual before operating.
NOTE: When pushing the machine with the engine off, you will
hear a ratcheting-gear sound coming from the tiller's chain case.
This is normal.
WARNING!
of the tiller while the engine is running or being
started.
Place the gear selection lever in NEUTRAL and refer to the Engine
Operator's manual for instruction on starting and stopping the
engine.
Setting the Depth
Tilling depth is controlled by the depth stake which can be
adjusted to five different settings. Adjust the side shields as you
adjust the depth stake.
WARNING!
and ground it against the engine before performing
any adjustments.
1. When using the tiller for the first time, use the second
adjustment hole from the top (1" of tilling depth). See
Figure 5-1.
Use this position
for the first pass
Clevis Pin
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.
3. For further depth, raise the depth stake and side shields
and also make one or two more passes over the area.
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Read, understand, and follow all the
Be sure that no one is standing in front
Always disconnect the spark plug wire
Transport Position
1"
3"
5"
Cotter Pin
Figure 5-1
4. When tilling loose soil, the depth stake may be raised to its
highest position (use the bottom adjustment hole) to give
the deepest tilling depth. Raise the side shields to their
highest position.
5. To transport the tiller, lower the depth stake by using the
top adjustment hole.
6. To adjust the depth stake, remove the clevis pin and hairpin
clip. Move the depth stake to the desired setting and
secure with the clevis pin and hairpin clip. See Figure 5-1.
7. To adjust the side shields on models so equipped, remove
the wing nuts. Move the side shield to the desired position
and replace the wing nuts. Tighten securely. See Fig. 5-2.
Shallow Tilling
Position
Wing Nuts
Deep tilling position
8. For further depth, raise the depth stake and side shields
and also make one or two more passes over the area.
9. When tilling loose soil, the depth stake may be raised to its
highest position by using the bottom adjustment hole to
7"
give the deepest tilling depth. Raise the side shields to the
highest position.
10. To transport the tiller, lower the depth stake by using the
top adjustment hole.
Side Shields
Figure 5-2
5