Starting And Stopping; Break-In Operation - MTD 21AA404B031 Operator's Manual

Operation
WARNING: Before operating your machine,
carefully read and understand this manual and all of
its safety, operating and maintenance sections and
instructions, along with all of the decals on the
machine. Failure to follow these instructions can
result in serious personal injury.
introduction
Read this Operation Section and the Engine Maintenance section
of this manual before you start the engine. Then, take the time
to familiarize yourself with the basic operation of the tiller before
using it in the garden.
Find an open, level area and practice using the tiller controls
without the tines engaging the soil (put tines in "transport"
setting).
Only after you've become completely familiar with the tiller
should you begin using it in the garden.
ToPutTheTinesin Transport:
Pull back on the depth adjustment bracket (A) and push down
(B) until the bracket reaches the highest notch. See Fig. 5-1. Then
release the bracket (C).
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Figure S-1
Break-in Operation
Perform the following maintenance after the first five (5) hours of
new operation (see Maintenance Sections in this manual).
1. Change engine oil.
2. Check for loose or missing hardware on unit. Tighten or
replace as needed.
3. Check transmission gear oil level.
Starting AndStopping
Pre-Start Checklist
With the spark plug wire disconnected from the spark plug,
perform the following checks and services before each use:
1. Read the Safety and Controls Sections in this manual. Read
the Engine Maintenance section in this manual.
2. Put the wheels in the WHEEL DRIVE position (wheel pins
must be through holes in wheel hubs and wheel shaft).
3. Check unit for loose or missing hardware. Service as
required.
4. Check engine oil level. See Engine Maintenance section.
5. Check that all safety guards and covers are in place.
6. Check air cleaner and engine cooling system. See the
Engine Maintenance section.
WARNING: GASOLINE IS HIGHLY FLAMMABLE AND
ITS VAPORS ARE EXPLOSIVE. Follow the gasoline
safety rules in the Important Safe Operations
Practices section of this manual. Failure to follow
gasoline safety instructions can result in serious
personal injury and property damage.
7. Fill the fuel tank with gasoline according to the directions
in the Assembly & Set-Up section of this Manual. Follow all
instructions and safety rules carefully.
8. Attach spark plug wire to spark plug.
Starting the Engine
WARNING! To help prevent serious personal injury
or damage to equipment, put both wheels in the
WHEEL DRIVE position. Never have wheels in
FREEWHEEL position when the engine is running.
When the wheels are in FREEWHEEL, they do not
hold back the tiller and the tines could propel the
tiller rapidly forward or backward. Put the Forward
Clutch Bail in neutral (disengaged) positions by
releasing the lever.
WARNING! Never run the engine indoors or in an
enclosed, poorly ventilated area. Engine exhaust
contains carbon monoxide, an odorless and deadly
gas. Avoid the engine muffler and nearby areas.
Temperatures in these areas may exceed 150 ° F.
1. Complete the Pre-Start Checklist above on this page.
2. Put the wheels in the WHEEL DRIVE position.
3. Move the Depth Regulator Lever all the way down to the
"transport" position, so that the tines clear the ground.
4. Release all of the controls on the tiller.