Clearing The Tines; Loading And Unloading The Tiller - Champion 100379 Operator's Manual

100379 - FRONT TINE TILLER
When tilling vertically, try to make the first pass uphill as the
tiller digs more deeply going uphill than it does downhill. In soft
soil or weeds, you may have to lift the handlebars slightly while
going uphill. When going downhill, overlap the first pass by
about one-half the width of the tiller.
Tilling Across Slopes Without Using Terraces (Horizontal
Tilling)
If vertical or terracing gardening aren't practical for you, then
you can till laterally across a slope. We don't recommend this
method as it can create unsure footing and invites soil erosion.
As in terrace gardening, start at the top of the slope and overlap
the first pass by half the width of the tiller. For added stability
of the tiller, always keep the uphill wheel in the soft, newly tilled
soil.
Terrace Gardening
– When a slope is too steep or too short for vertical tilling,
it may be necessary to till across the slope and create
terraced rows. Terraces are rows that are cut into the side
of a slope, creating a narrow, but flat area on which to plant.
– On a long slope, you can make several terraces, one below
the other.
– Terraces should be only 2-to-3 ft. (60-90 cm) wide. Digging
too far into the side of the slope will expose poor subsoil
that is unproductive for plants.
– To create a terrace, start at the top of the slope and work
down. Go back and forth across the first row.
– Each succeeding lower terrace is started by walking below
the terrace you're preparing. For added stability of the tiller,
always keep the uphill wheel in the soft, newly tilled soil.
Do not till the last 12 in. (30 cm) or more of the downhill
outside edge of each terrace. This untilled strip helps
prevents the terraces from breaking apart and washing
downhill. It also provides a walking path between rows.

Clearing the Tines

The tines have a self-clearing action which eliminates most
tangling of debris in the tines. However, occasionally dry grass,
stringy stalks or tough vines may become tangled. Follow these
procedures to help avoid tangling and to clean the tines, if
necessary.
– To reduce tangling, set the depth regulator deep enough
to get maximum "chopping" action as the tines chop the
material against the ground. Also, try to till under crop
residues or cover crops while they are green, moist and
tender.
– While power composting, try swaying the handlebars
from side to side about 6 in. to 12 in. (15 to 30 cm). This
"fishtailing" action often clears the tines of debris.
TILLING TIPS AND TECHNIQUES
– If tangling occurs, lift the tines out of the soil and run the
tiller in reverse (if unit is equipped with powered reverse) for
a few feet. This reversing action should unwind a good deal
of debris.
– It may be necessary to remove the debris by hand (a pocket
knife will help you to cut away the material). Be sure to
stop the engine and disconnect the spark plug wire before
clearing the tines by hand.
Before clearing the tines by hand, stop the engine, allow all
moving parts to stop and disconnect the spark plug wire.
Remove the ignition key on electric start models.
Failure to follow this warning could result in personal injury.

Loading and Unloading the Tiller

Loading and unloading the tiller into a vehicle is potentially
hazardous and we don't recommend doing so 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
parts to stop moving, disconnect the spark plug wire and let
the engine and muffler cool.
– The tiller is too heavy and bulky to lift safely by one person.
Two or more people should share the load.
– Use sturdy ramps and manually (engine shut off) roll the
tiller into and out of the vehicle. Two or more people are
needed to do this.
– The 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.
– 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 its parking brake.
– When going up ramps, stand in the normal operating
position and push the tiller ahead of you. Have a person at
each side to turn the wheels.
WARNING
WARNING
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