MTD 240 Series - Manual (Page 9)

9
many other useful labor saving tasks in the garden. After
engine is running and appropriate speed set on throttle
(if equipped), squeeze tine clutch control (see Figure 4-1)
against upper handle to engage the tine drive. Release
the lever to stop the tines from turning.
Wheel Position
The tiller is shipped with the wheel adjusted such that the
unit sits level. Before tilling, the wheel must be raised. To
do this, remove the clevis and cotter pins, raise the wheel
to the desired position, then reattach pins to secure,
Figure 4-2. For transporting the tiller, reverse the steps to
lower the wheel.
Depth Stake
The depth stake acts as a brake for the tiller and controls
the depth and speed at which the machine will operate,
Figure 4-3. Remove the clevis and cotter pins, raise or
lower the depth stake, then reattach pins to secure.
4
Operating
Your Tiller
WARNING
Be sure no one other than
the operator is standing
near the tiller while start-
ing engine or operating
the unit. Never run engine
indoors or in enclosed,
poorly ventilated areas.
Engine exhaust contains
carbon monoxide, an
odorless and deadly gas.
Keep hands, feet, hair
and loose clothing away
from any moving parts on
engine and tiller.
See your engine manual
packaged with your unit
for detailed instructions
pertaining to starting the
engine.
WARNING: Read, understand, and follow
all instructions and warnings posted on the
machine and in this manual before operating.
Before Starting
Gas And Oil Fill-Up
Service the engine with gasoline and oil as instructed in
the engine manual packed with your tiller. Read instruc-
tions 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 the Engine
WARNING: Be sure no one is standing in
front of the tiller while the engine is running
or being started.
Refer to the engine manual shipped with your unit for
engine-specific instructions.
1. Attach spark plug wire to spark plug. Make sure the
metal cap on the end of the spark plug is fastened
securely over the metal tip on the spark plug.
2. Make sure that the tine clutch control is disengaged.
3. For units with Briggs & Stratton engine, place the
throttle control in the FAST position.
For units with Tecumseh engine, move lever on engine
to RUN position.
4. For first time start-up, firmly press engine primer five
(5) times. For all future starts, press three (3) times.
Wait about two seconds between each press.
5. Place left hand on gas tank. Grasp recoil starter and
pull rope out slowly until engine reaches the beginning
of its compression cycle (rope will pull slightly harder
at this point).
6. Pull rope with a rapid, continuous, full arm stroke.
Keep a firm grip on handle. Let rope rewind slowly. Do
not let recoil starter snap back against engine. Repeat
until engine starts.
Stopping the Engine
1. Move the control lever on the engine to the STOP or
OFF position.
2. Disconnect spark plug wire from spark plug and
ground against the engine.
Using Your Tiller
Your tiller (also known as a cultivator) is a precision built
machine designed for seed bed preparation, cultivating,
furrowing, and mulching. It is engineered to minimize
the hardest work in the vegetable or flower garden, to
till the soil for planting and cultivating, and to perform
Figure 4-2: Wheel Adjustment
Figure 4-3: The Depth Stake