MTD 454 - Manual (Page 9)

9
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.
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 7.
Figure 7
• 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).
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 7.
To adjust the side shields, remove the wing nuts. Move
the side shield to the desired position and replace the
wing nuts. Tighten securely.
Operating the Tiller
• Select the depth stake setting.
• Start engine as instructed on the previous page.
• 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.
IMPORTANT: Use the reverse tine drive when tilling
virgin ground, sod, or hard soil. Use the forward tine
drive when cultivating or tilling soft ground.
• 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.
Use This Position
First Time
Transport Position
1”
3”
5”
7”
Clevis Pin
Use This Hole For
Lowest (Shallowest)
Position
Use This Hole For
Highest (Deepest)
Position
Side Shields