Troy-Bilt Pony Operator's Manual page 8

Stopping the Engine
1. To stop the wheels and tines, release the Forward Control Levers or the
Reverse Control Knob (whichever control may be engaged).
2. To stop the engine, move the Engine Throttle Control Lever to the STOP position.
NOTE:
Electric start models may also be equipped with a STOP switch. Consult the separate
Engine Operator's Manual for detailed starting and stopping instructions.
Using Emergency Stop Control (IF EQUIPPED)
To stop the running engine using the Emergency Stop Control, move the switch to
the OFF position, represented by the circle. See Figure 14.
Engaging the Drive & Tines
1. For forward motion of the wheels and tines:
a. Pull the bail up and hold it
against the handlebars. See
Figure 15.
NOTE:
When placing the NEUTRAL
ENGAGE/DISENGAGE lever in the ENGAGE
position, there may be a delay between
pressing the bail and the transmission
beginning to drive. This is normal. Though
pressing the bail should cause the lever to
ENGAGE the unit in drive, to quickly and
accurately ENGAGE the transmission into
drive gently rock the tiller backward and
forward on the wheels. The transmission
will click into drive and you will be able
to feel the proper drive resistance from
the wheels.
b. As the tiller drives
forward the tines will
also rotate, digging into
the ground. Walk behind
and a little to one side of
the tiller. Use a secure,
comfortable grip on the
handlebars. Let the tiller
move ahead at its own
pace. See Figure 16. To stop the forward motion of the wheels and
tines, release the bail.
Do not push down on the handlebars to try to make the tiller till more
deeply. This prevents the wheels from holding the tiller back and can allow
the tines to rapidly propel the tiller forward, which could result in loss of
control, property damage, or personal injury.
2. For reverse motion of the wheels and tines:
a. Stop all forward motion before reversing.
b. Lift the handlebars until the tines are slightly off the ground and
then pull the Reverse Control Knob out to engage the reverse
motion. See Figure 17.
c. While driving in reverse
the tines will also rotate
in reverse. See Figure 18.
Figure 17
CONTROLS & OPERATION
Figure 15
Figure 16
WARNING
Figure 18
Look behind and exercise caution while operating in reverse. Do not
attempt to till when in reverse.
d. To stop the reverse motion, let go of the Reverse Control Knob.
Turning the Tiller
1. Practice turning the tiller in a level, open area. Be very careful to keep your
feet and legs away from the tines.
2. To make a turn, reduce the drive speed and lift the handlebars slightly until
the tines are balanced just above the ground.
3. With the tiller balanced, push the handlebars to one side to turn. After
completing the turn, slowly lower the tines into the soil and increase the
drive speed.
Clearing the Tines
The tines have a self-clearing feature that cuts down tangling of debris in the tines.
However, debris may occasionally become entangled. 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.
• 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 in a
controlled manner (about 6" to 12"). This "fishtailing" action often clears the
tines of debris.
• If tangling occurs, lift the tines out of the soil and run the tiller in reverse for
a few feet. This reversing action should unwind a good deal of debris.
• If reversing the tiller doesn't clear the debris, it may be necessary to remove
the debris by hand.
Before clearing the tines by hand, stop the engine, allow all moving parts
to stop, and disconnect the spark plug wire. Failure to follow this warning
could result in personal injury.
Tilling Tips & Techniques
Before tilling, contact your telephone or utilities company and inquire if
underground equipment or lines are used on your property. Do not till near
buried electric cables, telephone lines, pipes, or hoses.
Let the Tiller Do the Work
• While tilling, relax and let the wheels pull the tiller along while the tines
do the digging. Walk on the side that is not yet finished to avoid making
footprints in the freshly tilled soil. Lightly, but securely, grip the handlebar
with just one hand.
• Avoid pushing down on the handlebars in an attempt to force the tiller to dig
deeper. Doing so takes the weight off the powered wheels, causing them to
lose traction. Without the wheels helping to hold the tiller back, the tines
will attempt to propel the tiller — often causing the tiller to skip rapidly
across the ground.
• Sometimes, slight downward pressure on the handlebars will help get
through a particularly tough section of sod or unbroken ground, but in most
cases this will not be necessary at all.
8
WARNING
WARNING
WARNING