MTD 450 Series - Manual (Page 11)

Starting the Engine
WARNING! Read, understand, and follow all the
instructions and warnings on the machine and in
this manual before operating.
NOTE: When pushing the machine with the engine off, you will
hear a ratcheting-gear sound coming from the tiller’s chain case.
This is normal.
WARNING! Be sure that no one is standing in front
of the tiller while the engine is running or being
started.
Place the gear selection lever in NEUTRAL.
Place the throttle control lever in the FAST position or — if
equipped — place the engine speed control in the START
position.
Move the choke lever to the CHOKE position or — if
equipped — push the 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 the side of the tiller. Grasp the starter handle and
pull out slowly, until it pulls slightly harder. Let the rope
recoil slowly.
Pull the starter handle rapidly. Do not allow the handle to
snap back. Allow it to recoil slowly while keeping a firm
hold on the starter handle.
Repeat the previous steps until the engine starts.
As the engine warms up and begins to operate evenly,
move the choke lever gradually to the RUN position. If the
engine falters, return to the choke position, then slowly
move to the RUN position.
NOTE: See the Engine Operator’s Manual packed with your
tiller for more detailed instructions.
Stopping the Engine
To stop the engine, move the throttle control to the STOP or
OFF position. Disconnect the spark plug wire and ground it to
prevent accidental starting while the equipment is unattended.
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! Always disconnect the spark plug wire
and ground it against the engine before performing
any adjustments.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
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 the bottom adjustment hole) to give
the deepest tilling depth. Raise the side shields to their
highest position.
To transport the tiller, lower the depth stake by using the
top adjustment hole.
To adjust the depth stake, remove the clevis pin and
hairpin clip. Move the depth stake to the desired setting
and secure with the clevis pin and hairpin clip. See Figure
5-1.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
1”
Transport Position
3”
5”
Cotter Pin
”
Use this position
for the first pass
Clevis Pin
Figure 5-1
Operation
5
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