Poulan 172487 - Manual (Page 10)

OPERATION
TO START ENGINE (See Fig. 13) TILLING HINTS
A
CAUTION: Keep drive control bar in
“DISENGAGED** position when starting
engine.
When starting engine forthe first time or if engine has run out
of fuel, it will take extra pulls of the recoil starter to move fuel
from the tank to the engine.
•
Make sure spark plug wire is properly connected.
• Move shift lever indicator to “N” (neutral) position.
• Place throttle control in “FAST” position.
• Move choke control to full “CHOKE” position. Grasp
recoil starter handle with one hand and grasp tiller handle
with other hand. Pull rope out slowly until engine
reaches start of compression cycle (rope will pull slightly
harder at this point).
• Pull recoil starter handle quickly. Do not let starter
handle snap back against starter. Repeat if necessary.
® If engine fires but does not start, move choke control to
half choke position. Putt recoil starter handle until engine
starts.
• When engine starts, slowly move choke control to “RUN”
position as engine warms up.
NOTE: A warm engine requires less choking to start.
• Move throttle control to desired running position.
• Allow engine to warm up for a few minutes before
engaging tines.
NOTE: If at a high altitude (above 3000 feet) or In cold
temperatures (below 32® F), the carburetor fue I mixture may
need to be adjusted for best engine performance. See “TO
ADJUST CARBURETOR” in the Service and Adjustments
section of this manual.
NOTE: If engine does not start, see troubleshooting points.
A CAUTION: Until you are accustomed to
handling your tiller, start actual field use
with throttle in slow position (mid-way
between “FAST” and “IDLE”).
Tilling is digging Into, turning over, and breaking up
packed soil before planting. Loose, unpacked soli helps
root growth. Best tilling depth is 4" to 6" (10-15 cm). A
tiller wiii also clear the soil of unwanted vegetation. The
decomposition of this vegetable matter enriches the
soil. Depending on the climate (rainfall and wind), it may
be advisable to till the soil at the end of the growing
season to further condition the soil.
Soil conditions are importantforpropertiliing. Tines will
not readily penetrate dry, hard soil which may contribute
to excessive bounce and difficult handling of your tiller.
Hard soil should be moistened before tilling; however,
extremely wet soil will “ball-up” or clump during tilling.
Wait until the soil is less wet in order to achieve the best
results. When tilling in the fail, remove vines and long
grass to prevent them from wrapping around the tine
shaft and slowing your tilling operation.
You will find tilling much easier if you leave a row untitled
between passes. Then go back between tilled rows.
(See Fig. 14) There aretwo reasons for doing this. First,
wide turns are much easier to negotiate than about-
faces. Second, the tiller won’t be pulling itself, and you,
toward the row next to it.
Do not lean on handle. This takes weight off the wheels
and reduces traction. To get through a really tough
section of sod or hard ground, apply upward pressure on
handle or lower the depth stake.
TINE SHEAR PINS
The tine assemblies on your tiller are secured to the tine
shaft with shear pins (See “TINE REPLACEMENT” in the
Service and Adjustments section of this manual).
Ifthetiileris unusuailyoverioadedorjammed, the shear pins
are designed to break before internal damage occurs to the
transmission.
• If shear pin(s) break, replace only with those shown in
the Repair Parts section of this manual.
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