MTD 450 - Manual (Page 10)

10
Setting The Depth
Tilling depth is controlled by the depth stake which can be
adjusted to five different settings. Adjust the side shields
as you adjust the depth stake.
WARNING: Be certain spark plug wire is
disconnected and grounded against the
engine when performing any adjustments.
• When using the tiller for the first time, use the second
adjustment hole from the top (1” of tilling depth). See
Figure 5-1.
• When breaking up sod and for shallow cultivation, use
the setting which gives 1” of tilling depth (second hole
from the top). Place the side shields in their lowest
position.
• For further depth, raise the depth stake and side
shields and also make one or two more passes over
the area.
• When tilling loose soil, the depth stake may be raised
to its highest position (use bottom adjustment hole) to
give the deepest tilling depth. Raise the side shields to
their highest position.
• To transport tiller, lower the depth stake (use top
adjustment hole).
WARNING: Read, understand, and follow
all instructions and warnings on the ma-
chine and in this manual before operating.
Before Starting
Gas And Oil Fill-Up
Service the engine with gasoline and oil as instructed in
the separate engine manual packed with your tiller. Read
instructions carefully.
WARNING: Use extreme care when
handling gasoline. Gasoline is extremely
flammable and the vapors are explosive.
Never fuel machine indoors or while the
engine is hot or running.
Starting Engine
NOTE: When pushing the unit with the engine off, you
will hear a ratcheting sound (gear noise) which is normal.
WARNING: Be sure no one is standing in
front of the tiller while the engine is running
or being started.
• Place gear selection lever in NEUTRAL.
• Place the throttle control lever in FAST position or
if equipped, place the engine speed control in the
START position.
• Move choke lever to CHOKE position or if equipped,
push primer two (2) or three (3) times. Wait about two
(2) seconds between each push.
NOTE: A warm engine may not require choking or priming.
• Stand at side of tiller. Grasp the starter handle and pull
out slowly, until it pulls slightly harder. Let rope rewind
slowly.
• Pull starter handle rapidly. Do not allow handle to snap
back. Allow it to rewind slowly while keeping a firm
hold on the starter handle.
• Repeat previous steps until engine starts.
• As engine warms up and begins to operate evenly,
move choke lever gradually to RUN position. If engine
falters, return to choke position, then slowly move to
RUN position.
• Refer to engine manual for additional engine informa-
tion.
NOTE: After starting and prior to using the tiller for the
first time, be certain to check the clutch adjustment as
described in “Checking the Clutch Adjustment” section of
the Assembly Instructions.
To Stop Engine
• Move throttle control to STOP or OFF position.
• Disconnect spark plug wire and ground to prevent
accidentally starting while equipment is unattended.
NOTE: After the first ten hours of operation, recheck
the clutch adjustment. Refer to final clutch adjustment in
Assembly Instructions.
5
Operating
Your Tiller
WARNING
Read, understand,
and follow all instruc-
tions and warnings
on the machine and
in this manual before
operating.
Use extreme care
when handling
gasoline. Gasoline is
extremely flammable
and the vapors are
explosive. Never fuel
machine indoors or
while the engine is
hot or running.
Be sure no one is
standing in front of
the tiller while the
engine is running or
being started.
Be certain spark
plug wire is discon-
nected and grounded
against the engine
when performing any
adjustments.
Figure 5-1
Transport Postion
1”
3”
5”
7”
Use This Position
First Time
Clevis Pin
Use This Hole for
Lowest (shallowest)
Postion
Use This Hole for
Highest (deepest)
Postion
Side Sheild