MTD 216-031-000 - Manual (Page 8)

CONTROLLING SPEED AND TILLING DEPTH
The tiller has eight 10-inch diameter, spring steel
tines. Tine speed is 160 RPM The normal tilling
depth is 4V2 inches deep. It may be changed by
adjusting the depth bar and pressure exerted on
the handles. The tilling width may also be /aried.
See adjustment section.
Throttle Control
The throttle control lever is located on the right
hand side of handle.
NOTE
Right hand side is determined frorr
the operator’s position standing be
hind the tiller.
The throttle control lever adjusts the engine
speed. It also gives finger tip control of the car­
buretor and magneto stop switch. With the throt­
tle control knob pushed completely forwa d, the
carburetor is in FAST position. Pulling the t irottle
control back slightly adjusts the engine speed to
START. Pulling the throttle back further reduces
the engine speed to SLOW. When the throttle is
pulled completely back, the magneto stop switch
grounds out the spark and stops the engine Move
the throttle control to slow when transporting the
tiller. When the tiller is being moved to or from the
garden, the depth bar should be raised up jntil it
clears the ground.
The machine may be moved under its own power,
without damaging grass areas as long as it is
allowed to move freely. If the operator holds back,
it will start to dig.
Depth Bar
The depth bar acts as a brake for the tiller and con­
trols the depth and speed at which the machine
will operate. You may till deeper by moving the
depth bar all the way down. See adjustmer t sec­
tion.
Handle Pressure
Further control of tilling depth and travel speed
can be obtained by variation of pressure on the
handle. A downward pressure on the hand e will
reduce the working depth and increase the for­
ward speed. An upward pressure on the handle
will increase the working depth and reduc e the
forward speed. The type of soil and working condi­
tions will determine the actual setting of the
depth bar and the handle pressure required
ADJUSTMENTS
A t WARNING i
Disconnect the spark plug wire from
spark plug and ground against the
engine block (secure in “V” slot)
before making any adjustments or
performing maintenance. See fig­
ure 8.
HANDLE POSITION
The upper handle can be adjusted to two different
heights. The operator of the tiller can easily adjust
the handle position by unscrewing the two knobs,
removing the two bolts and reassembling in
another position. No tools are necessary to make
this adjustment. See figure 13.
FIGURE 13.
DEPTH BAR ADJUSTMENT
The working depth of the tiller is determined by
the position of the depth bar. Remove the clevis
pin and internal cotter pin to raise or lower depth
bar. See figure 14.
Six Hole
Adjustment
Clevis Pin and
Internal Cotter Pin
FIGURE 14.