MTD 12211 - Manual (Page 16)

16
Figure 4-1: Location of main tiller controls.
Section
4
INTRODUCTION
Read this Section of the manual thor-
oughly 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 “travel”
setting). Only after you’ve become com-
pletely familiar with the tiller should you
begin using it in the garden.
BREAK-IN OPERATION
Perform the following maintenance
during the first hours of new operation
(see “Maintenance” in this manual and in
the Engine Owner’s Manual).
1. Change engine oil after first two (2)
hours of new engine operation.
2. Check for loose or missing hardware
on unit. Tighten or replace as needed.
3. Check transmission gear oil level after
first two (2) hours of operation.
4. Check tension on forward clutch belt
after first two (2) hours of operation.
STARTING AND STOPPING
THE ENGINE
PRE-START CHECKLIST:
Make the following checks and perform
the following services before starting the
engine.
1. Read the “Safety” and “Controls” Sec-
tions in this Manual. Read the separate
Engine Owner’s Manual provided by the
engine manufacturer.
Forward Clutch
Control Lever
Depth Regulator Lever
Engine Throttle
Control Lever
Handlebar Height
Adjustment Screw
Wheel Gear Lever
2. Check unit for loose or missing hard-
ware. Service as required.
3. Check engine oil level. See Engine
Owner’s Manual.
4. Check that all safety guards and
covers are in place.
5. Check air cleaner and engine cooling
system. See Engine Owner’s Manual.
6. Attach spark plug wire to spark plug.
7. Fill the fuel tank with gasoline accord-
ing to the directions in the separate
Engine Owner’s Manual. Follow all
instructions and safety rules carefully.
Before operating your machine, care-
fully read and understand all safety
(Section 1), controls (Section 3) and
operating instructions (Section 4) in
this Manual, in the separate Engine
Owner’s Manual, and on the decals on
the machine.
Failure to follow these instructions can
result in serious personal injury.
WARNING
GASOLINE IS HIGHLY FLAMMABLE AND
ITS VAPORS ARE EXPLOSIVE.
Follow gasoline safety rules in this
manual (see Section 1) and in the sepa-
rate Engine Owner’s Manual.
Failure to follow gasoline safety instruc-
tions can result in serious personal
injury and property damage.
DANGER
Operation
To help prevent serious personal injury
or damage to equipment:
• Before starting engine, put Wheel
Gear Lever in ENGAGE position.
• Before starting engine, put Forward
Clutch Control levers and Reverse
Clutch Control in neutral (disengaged)
positions by releasing controls.
• Never run engine indoors or in
enclosed, poorly ventilated areas.
Engine exhaust contains carbon
monoxide, an odorless and deadly
gas.
• Avoid engine muffler and nearby
areas. Temperatures in these areas
may exceed 150oF.
CAUTION
Reverse Clutch
Control
Forward Clutch
Control Lever