MTD 218-360 - Manual (Page 4)

ASSEMBLY
Your rotary tiller is shipped complete in a single carton.
The tines, wheels, handles, controls and depth bar are
to be assembled. This is done in the manner described
below.
TINES
-Mount tines on tine shaft as shown. Tines must
be mounted with the cutting edges facing the front. The
tiller will not operate properly unless the sharpened
surface of the tines enter the soil first. Secure tines in
position on tine shaft with cap screws (46), and nuts
(45). NOTE; Dust pads (62 & 63) are provided in screw
pack. These must be assembled as shown.
WHEELS
- Insert axle bolts(30)into wheel hubs. Secure
with locknuts (31) tightened only enough to allow free
movement of the wheels (29). Attach wheel and axle
assemblies to tiller with support and locking pins.
HANDLES
- Insert handles (23 & 24) into slots in tail­
piece assembly (1). NOTE: The handles are left (24)
and right (23) and must be positioned accordingly.
Secure handles in position with cap screws (47) through
the upper mounting holes and the tailpiece bracket (28).
Fasten with lockwashers (43) and nuts (44). Do not
tighten.
HANDLE PANEL & CLUTCH CONTROL - STD. HANDLE
Assemble handle panel (22) (small) to handles as shown
with handle panel (108) (large) covering both small
panel and handles. Secure top portion with carriage
bolts (107) and locknuts (34). Secure large panel at
bottom with cap screws (47), lockwashers (43) and nuts
(44). Assemble control handle assembly (6) to panel with
cap screw (54), spring (76), washer (41) and locknut (34)
as shown. Attach adjustment tube (15) to control rod
(25). Insert formed end of control rod into control pivot
lever (11) from left side. Fasten upper end to control
handle assembly with cap screw (109) and locknut (110).
Move throttle control knob out enough to allow face
washer to be loosened. Position control (58) into slot
in end of large panel. Tighten face washer. Fasten
control cable to handle with cable clip (59).
HANDLE PANEL AND CLUTCH CONTROL -
PLOW TYPE HANDLE
- Position handle panel (22)
over upper handles. Hold in position with cap screws
(106). Mount throttle control on under side of left
handle. Position on upper cap screw and fasten with
locknut (34). Do not tighten. Fasten control cable to
handle with cable clip (59). Attach hooked end of upper
control rod (25) to control pivot lever (11) from left
side. . Put hand of control handle assembly (6) in
“Forward” position. Attach adjustment tube to control
handle with cap screw (109) and stop nut (110). Be
sure “F-N-R” can be read from operator’s position
of tiller. Position control mounting bracket (111) on
under side of right handle. Wide end should be to top.
Fasten with cap screws as shown. Assemble remaining
nuts. Tighten all nuts securely.
DEPTH BAR
- Attach depth bar (26) in desired position
with clevis pin (65) and locking pin (66).
GRIPS
- Assemble grips (27) to handle bars.
OPERATION
1. Check tiller tines for proper installation. With throttle
control lever set on “Stop” position and the clutch
control handle set in “Forward” position, slowly
crank engine to determine direction of tine rotation.
Be sure all tines are mounted so the sharpened
edges enter the soil first.
2. Check all nuts and bolts for proper tightness. This is
especially important during the initial operation
period. Make this same check periodically thereafter.
3. Check throttle control for proper setting. If choke
control on engine is not fully extended when the
throttle control lever is on “Choke” position, reset
as shown in ADJUSTMENT instructions.
4. Check gear case for proper lubricant level. With tiller
on a level surface, lubricant level should be up to the
front pipe plug opening. This can be checked by
removing front pipe plug. Maintain correct lubricant
level with Molilube SAE 140 Gear Oil or equivalent.
The gear case holds five (5) ounces of lubricant.
5. Check fuel tank. Clean, fresh, regular gasoline
should be used at all times.
6. Check engine crankcase for proper oil level. The
engine is shipped without oil in the crankcase. Be
sure to fill crankcase before starting engine. Be
sure crankcase is FULL.
NOTE: The engine is warranted separately by the
engine manufacturer. For warranty service contact the
engine manufacturer or their local authorized service
station. All important information pertaining to care and
operation is included in the engine manual.
STARTING YOUR TILLER
1. Be sure clutch control handle is in “Neutral”
position.
2. Move throttle control lever to “Choke” position.
3. After cranking the engine several times, or as the
engine fires, move the throttle control lever to run
position.
4. Use “Choke” as needed to keep engine operating
during warm-up period.
5. Adjust throttle control lever for desired operating
speed.
6. To stop engine, move throttle control lever to “Stop”
position. Keep throttle control lever in “Stop”
position at all times when tiller is not in use.
NOTE: A brief break in period is essential to insure
maximum engine life. This consists of running the
engine at half speed for a period of time required to
use one tank of gasoline. This is necessary on the
initial run only. It is also recommended that the oil be
changed after five (5) hours of operation. This allows
for the removal of impurities which may have accumu­
lated during the break in period. Subsequent oil changes
should be made as stated in the engine manual. Always
check oil before using your tiller. Be sure crankcase
is full.
FORM NO. 770-1345D