Operating your tiller, Warning, Setting the depth – Cub Cadet 450 User Manual
Page 10: Before starting

10
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 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 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).
WARNING: Read, understand, and follow 
all instructions and warnings on the ma-
chine and in this manual before operating.
Before Starting
Gas And Oil Fill-Up
Service the engine with gasoline and oil as instructed in 
the separate engine manual packed with your tiller. Read 
instructions 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 Engine
NOTE: When pushing the unit with the engine off, you 
will hear a ratcheting sound (gear noise) which is normal.
WARNING: Be sure no one is standing in 
front of the tiller while the engine is running 
or being started.
• Place gear selection lever in NEUTRAL.
• Place the throttle control lever in FAST position or 
if equipped, place the engine speed control in the 
START position. 
• Move choke lever to CHOKE position or if equipped,
push 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 side of tiller. Grasp the starter handle and pull 
out slowly, until it pulls slightly harder. Let rope rewind 
slowly.
• Pull starter handle rapidly. Do not allow handle to snap
back. Allow it to rewind slowly while keeping a firm 
hold on the starter handle.
• Repeat previous steps until engine starts.
• As engine warms up and begins to operate evenly, 
move choke lever gradually to RUN position. If engine 
falters, return to choke position, then slowly move to 
RUN position.
• Refer to engine manual for additional engine informa-
tion.
NOTE: After starting and prior to using the tiller for the 
first time, be certain to check the clutch adjustment as 
described in “Checking the Clutch Adjustment” section of 
the Assembly Instructions.
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.
5
Operating 
Your Tiller
WARNING
Read, understand, 
and follow all instruc-
tions and warnings 
on the machine and 
in this manual before 
operating.
 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. 
 Be sure no one is 
standing in front of 
the tiller while the 
engine is running or 
being started.
Be certain spark 
plug wire is discon-
nected and grounded 
against the engine 
when performing any 
adjustments.
Figure 5-1
Transport Postion
1”
3”
5”
7”
Use This Position
First Time
Clevis Pin
Use This Hole for
Lowest
(shallowest)
Postion
Use This Hole for
Highest
(deepest)
Postion
Side Sheild
