READ SAFETY RULES AND INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY BEFORE OPERATION
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).
If a spark arrester is used, it should be maintained in effective working order by the operator. In the State of California the above is required by law
(Section 4442 of the California Public Resources Code). Other states may have similar laws. Federal laws apply on federal lands. A spark arrester
for the muffler is available through your nearest engine authorized service dealer or contact the service department, P.O. Box 361131 Cleveland,
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(Section 4442 of the California Public Resources Code). Other states may have similar laws. Federal laws apply on federal lands. A spark arrester for the muffler is available through your nearest engine authorized service dealer or contact the service department, P.O. Box 361131 Cleveland, Ohio 44136-0019. PRINTED IN U.S.A FORM NO. 769-02193 MTD LLC, P.O. BOX 361131 CLEVELAND, OHIO 44136-0019 01/2006...
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. Please read and understand what it says. Table of Contents Safety Labels ............3 Maintaining Your Tiller ........12 Safe Operation Practices ........
Safety Labels WARNING WARNING Hot surfaces can Hot surfaces can cause severe burns. cause severe burns. Do not touch Do not touch WARNING muffler or muffler or adjacent areas. adjacent areas. This symbol points out important safety instructions which, if not followed, could WARNING WARNING...
WARNING: Engine Exhaust, some of its constituents, and certain vehicle compo- nents contain or emit chemicals known to State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. DANGER: This machine was built to be operated according to the rules for safe operation in this Safe manual.
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Your Responsibility 16. Do not overload machine capacity by attempting to till soil to deep at too fast of a rate. 1. Restrict the use of this power machine to persons who read, 17. If the machine should start making an unusual noise or understand, and follow the warnings and instructions in this vibration, stop the engine, disconnect the spark plug wire manual and on the machine.
NOTE: References to right or left side of the tiller are Hex Bolt determined from behind the unit in the operating position. Flat Washer To Remove Unit From Carton Hairpin Clip T-Knob • Remove staples, break glue on top flaps, or cut tape Clevis Pin at carton end and peel along top flap to open carton.
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Attaching Control Rod Slot Head Screw, Nut, & Flat Washers • Make sure the handle assembly is in the highest position. Refer to Know Your Tiller section. Internally • Remove hairpin clips from control rod, (rubber Threaded Tube washers to remain on control rod). •...
Clutch Control Gear Selection Handle Know Your Handle Adjustment Lock Tiller Depth Stake WARNING Make certain unit is in NEUTRAL when starting the engine. Figure 6 Gear Selection Handle IMPORTANT: Use the reverse tine drive when tilling virgin ground, sod, or hard soil. Use the forward tine drive The gear selection handle is located in the center of when cultivating or tilling soft ground.
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Clutch Control The clutch control is located beneath the handle. Squeezing the clutch control against the handle engages the wheel and tine drive mechanisms. NOTE: Never engage clutch lever while shifting. Know Your Handle Adjustment Lock Tiller The handle may be adjusted to the height desired. Loosen the handle height adjustment lock a few turns.
Setting The Depth WARNING: Read, understand, and follow all instructions and warnings on Tilling depth is controlled by the depth stake which can be the machine and in this manual before adjusted to five different settings. Adjust the side shields operating.
Belt Tension Adjustment To adjust the depth stake, remove the clevis pin and hairpin clip. Move the depth stake to the desired setting and Periodic adjustment of the belt tension may be required secure with the clevis pin and hairpin clip. See Figure 7. due to normal stretch and wear on the belt.
WARNING: Disconnect the spark plug The dirt washes off the tines easier if rinsed off im- wire and ground it against the engine mediately instead of after it dries. Always towel dry the before performing any repairs. tiller afterwards and apply a light coat of oil or silicone to prevent rusting or water damage.
• Clean the exterior of engine and the entire tiller Idler Pulley Rod thoroughly. Lubricate the tiller as described in the lubrication instructions. • We do not recommend the use of pressure washers to clean your unit. They may cause damage to electric components, spindles, pulleys, bearings or Off-Season the engine.
Illustrated Ref. Part No. Part Description Ref. Part No. Part Description Parts List 611-04074 Wheel Shaft Ass’y 33T 717-1594 Spur Gear 16T 721-0378 Seal 1.0 Shaft 611-0021 Tine Shaft Ass’y: 18T Model 450 721-0379 Seal.75 Shaft 611-0128 Jack Shaft Ass’y Series 726-0277 Taper Cap Ring...
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Ref. Part No. Part Description Ref. Part No. Part Description 747-1152 Shift Rod 786-0090 Shoulder 649-0041 Upper Handle Ass’y 786-0113 Tine Shield Hinge Flap 649-0034 Lower Handle Ass’y 786-0176 RH Handle Bracket 710-3005 Hex Screw 3/8-16 x 1.25 786-0177 LH Handle Bracket 710-3056 Hex Screw 5/16-18 x 3.25 786-0178...
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Ref. Part No. Part Description Ref. Part No. Part Description Illustrated 686-0111 Belt Cover Bracket Ass’y 756-0972 Inner Engine Pulley Half Parts List 710-0237 Hex Bolt 5/16-24 x .62” 756-1162 Input Pulley 710-0412 Hex Bolt 1/4-28 x .75” 786-0064A Idler Bracket Model 450 710-0520 Hex Washer Screw 3/8-16 x 1.50”...
Problem Cause Remedy Engine fails to start 1. Spark plug wire disconnected. 1. Connect wire to spark plug. 2. Fuel tank empty or stale fuel. 2. Fill tank with clean, fresh gasoline. 3. Throttle control lever not in correct 3. Move throttle lever to start position. Trouble starting position (if equipped) 4.
NOTES: Use this page to make notes and write down important information. For parts and/or accessories please call 1-800-800-7310, or 1-330-220-4683. www.mtdproducts.com NOTE: Specifications are subject to change without notification or obligation. Images my not reflect your exact model and are for reference purposes only.
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NOTES: Use this page to make notes and write down important information. For parts and/or accessories please call 1-800-800-7310, or 1-330-220-4683. www.mtdproducts.com NOTE: Specifications are subject to change without notification or obligation. Images my not reflect your exact model and are for reference purposes only.
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NOTES: Use this page to make notes and write down important information. For parts and/or accessories please call 1-800-800-7310, or 1-330-220-4683. www.mtdproducts.com NOTE: Specifications are subject to change without notification or obligation. Images my not reflect your exact model and are for reference purposes only.
MANUFACTURER’S LIMITED WARRANTY FOR The limited warranty set forth below is given by MTD LLC with respect e. MTD does not extend any warranty for products sold or exported to new merchandise purchased and used in the United States, its outside of the United States, its possessions and territories, except possessions and territories.
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