Craftsman 944.627592 Owner's Manual page 11

OPERATION
TO START ENGINE (See Fig. 13) TILLING HINTS
A CAUTION: Keep drive control bar in
"DISENGAGED" position when start-
ing engine.
• Make sure spark plug Wire is properly connected, and
fuel shut-off valve is open.
• Move shift lever indicator to "N" (neutral) position.
• Place throttle control in "FAST" position.
• Move choke control to full "CHOKE" position. Grasp
recoil starter handle with one hand and grasp tiller
handle with other hand. Pull rope out slowly until
engine reaches start of compression cycle (rope will
pull slightly harder at this point).
• Pull recoil starter handle quickly. Do not let starter
handle snap back against starter. Repeat if necessary.
• If engine fires but does not start, move choke control to
half choke position. Pull recoil starter handle until
engine starts.
• When engine starts, slowly move choke control to
"RUN" position as engine warms up.
NOTE: A warm engine requires less choking to start.
• Move throttle control to desired running position.
• Allow engine to warm up for a few minutes before
engaging tines.
NOTE: If at a high altitude (above 3000 feet) or in cold
temperatures (below 32°F), the carburetor fuel mixture
may need to be adjusted for best engine performance. See
"TO ADJUST CARBURETOR" in the Service and Adjust-
merits section of this manual.
NOTE: Ifengine does not start, see troubleshooting points.
CHOKE
CONTROL SPARK
FUELSHUT-OFF VALVE
\
_ PLUG
(UNDERNEATH GASTANK)
_ TO
OPEN: SEVERAL
TURNSCOUNTERCLOCK-
WISE
RECOIL STARTER HANDLE
FIG. 13
A AUTION: Untilyouareaccustomedto {
handling your tiller, start actual field
use with throttle in slow position (mid-
way between "FAST" and "IDLE").
• Tilling is digging into_turning over, and breaking up
packed soil before planting. Loose, unpacked soil
helps root growth. Best tilling depth is 4" to 6". A tiller
will also clear the soil of unwanted vegetation. The
decomposition of this vegetable matter enriches the
soil. Depending on the climate (rainfall and wind), it
may be advisable to tillthe soil at the end of the growing
season to further condition the soil.
• You will find til!ing much easier if you leave a row
untilled between passes. Then go back between tilled
rows. (See Fig. 14) There are two reasons for doing
this. First, wide turns are much easier to negotiate than
about-faces. Second, the tiller won't be pulling itself,
and you, toward the row next to it.
• Soilconditions are importantfor proper tilling.Tines will
not readily penetrate dry, hard soil which may contrib-
ute to excessive bounce and difficult handling of your
tiller. Hard soil should be moistened before tilling;
however, extremely wet soil will "ball-up" or clump
dudng tilling. Wait until the soil is less wet in order to
achieve the best results. When tillingin the fall, remove
vines and long grass to prevent them from wrapping
around the tine shaft and slowing your tillingoperation.
• Do not lean on handle. This takes weight offthe wheels
and reduces traction. To get through a really tough
section of sod or hard ground, apply upward pressure
on handle or lower the depth stake.
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