MTD 214-200A - Manual (Page 2)

1. Your tiller is a precision piece of power equipment.
Exercise extreme caution at all times.
2. Do not attempt to start engine with the clutch con­
trol in the engaged or FORWARD position.
3. Stand clear of tines when starting engine. Never
stand in front of, or work on tines while the en­
gine is running.
4. NEVER place hands or feet in the vicinity of the
tines while the engine is running.
5. Always stop engine when tiller is not in actual use.
6. Always disconnect spark plug wire during repairs
or refueling operations.
7. Do not fill gas tank while engine is running. Do not
spill gasoline on hot engine.
Your rotary tiller is a precision built machine designed
to take the work out of gardening and other related
chores. It can be used for seed bed preparation, tilling,
cultivating, furrowing, composting and mulching. Like
any other piece of power equipment, it requires a cer­
tain amount of care and maintenance. In return for
this, it will give a maximum of service and efficiency.
Read these instructions carefully before assembling or
operating your tiller. Through proper care and opera­
tion, you will obtain long, efficient service and trouble
free operation.
Handle — Assemble the handle brackets (10) to the
handle (2) with hex head screw (13), lockwashers (11)
and hex nuts (12). DO NOT tighten. Place the handle
brackets (10) in the tail piece slots. Fasten the lower
hole in the handle brackets to the frame with a car­
riage bolt 5/16-18 x%" Lg. (21), lockwasher (15) and
hex nut (14). Tighten all screws and nuts. (See page 6.)
CLUTCH CONTROL LEVER ASSEMBLY
Lockout Lever — Assemble in this order: rubber wash­
er (44), steel washer (43), lockout rod (45) (rod bracket
to the front), steel washer (43) and lock nut (42). Tight­
en until rubber washer compresses slightly. (See page
6 .)
Clutch Control Assembly — Screw the ferrule (39) on
the threaded end of the lock out rod (40) until about
’/ 2 " of the threads show. Insert the ferrule through the
control lever (38), fasten with flat washer (37) and
hair pin cotter (36). Put the lockout handle in the neu--
tral position. Insert the lockout rod in the bracket on
the lockout lever and secure with a hairpin cotter (36)
through
the center of the bracket. Adjust the ferrule
so both belts are slack when the lockout lever is in
the neutral position. (See page 6.)
Grips — Assemble grips (1) to handle bars.
CHECK LIST BEFORE OPERATION
1. Check tiller tines for proper installation. With
throttle lever set on STOP position and the clutch
control
handle set in FORWARD position, slowly
crank engine to determine direction of tine rota­
tion. Be sure all tines are mounted so the sharpened
edges enter the soil first.
ASSEMBLY
Your rotary tiller is shipped complete in a single car­
ton. The tines, wheels, handle and deptK bar are to be
assembled. This is done in the manner described be­
low.
Tines—Mount tines on tine shaft as shown. (See page
8.) Tines must be mounted with the cutting edges fac­
ing 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
(41), and nuts (32).
Note: Dust pads (29 and 30) are provided in screw
pack. These must be assembled as shown. (See Page 8.)
Wheels — Insert axle bolts (25) and washer (28) into
wheel hubs. Secure with nuts (31) and washers (30)
tightened only enough to allow free movement of the
wheels (27). Attach wheel and axle assemblies to out­
side of tiller legs (29) and (32). (See page 8.)
2. Check all nuts and bolts for proper tightness. This is
especially important during the initial operation
period. Make the same check periodically there­
after.
3. 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 cor­
rect lubricant level with Mobilube SAE 140 Gear Oil
or equivalent. The gear case holds five (5) ounces
of lubricant.
4. Check fuel tank. Clean, fresh, regular gasoline
should be used at all times.
5. 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.