MTD 410 Thru 420 - Manual (Page 10)

10
Setting The Depth
Tilling depth is controlled by the depth stake which can
be adjusted to five different settings. See Figure 12.
Adjust the side shields as shown in Figure 13, as you
adjust the depth stake. Be certain spark plug wire is
disconnected and grounded against the engine.
• When using the tiller for the first time, use the
second adjustment hole from the top (1" of tilling
depth). See Figure 12.
Figure 12
Figure 13
• 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 make one or two
more passes over the area.
• When tilling loose soil, 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).
To adjust the depth stake, remove the clevis pin and
hairpin clip. See Figure 12. Move the depth stake to the
desired setting. Secure with the clevis pin and hairpin
clip.
To adjust the side shields, remove the wing nuts. See
Figure 13. Move the side shield to the desired position.
Replace the wing nuts. Tighten securely.
Operating the Tiller
• Select the depth stake setting.
• Start engine as instructed on page 9.
• Move gear selection handle to one of the forward
modes or reverse.
WARNING: Do not move the gear selection
handle with the wheels or tines engaged.
Make certain the unit is stopped
completely before changing the gear
selection. A partial engagement may be necessary
when engaging tines. Refer to “Know Your Tiller”
section on page 8.
• Squeeze the clutch handle against the handle to
engage the wheels and tines.
NOTE: Make certain the gear selection indicator is
correctly positioned before engaging the clutch handle.
If it is between gears, the engine will stall.
To transport tiller, do not engage the tines. Select the
wheel drive only.
WARNING: Do not push down on the
handles so that the wheels are lifted off the
ground while using the tine drive, or the
tiller could move backward and cause
personal injury.
For best results, it is recommended the garden be tilled
twice (lengthwise, then widthwise) to pulverize the soil.
SECTION 5: MAKING ADJUSTMENTS
Handle Adjustment
The handle height may be adjusted. On Model 420
series, the handle may also be adjusted to be in line
with the tiller, or swung to the left or right. Refer to the
handle adjustment on page 8 for details of handle
adjustment.
Belt Tension Adjustment
Periodic adjustment of the belt tension may be required
due to normal stretch and wear on the belt. Adjustment
is needed if the tines or wheels seem to hesitate while
turning, but the engine maintains the same speed.
Use This
Position
First Time
Transport
Position
1"
3"
5"
7"
Clevis
Pin
Hairpin
Clip
Use This
Hole for
Lowest (Shallowest)
Position
Side
Shields
Use This Hole for
Highest (Deepest)
Position