MTD 21A-450 Series - Manual (Page 10)

Place side shield in position desired. Replace wing
nuts and tighten securely.
Front
Wing Nut
Rear
Wing Nut
Use This Hoie for
Highest (Deepest)
Position
Figure 8
To Operate The Tiller
• Select the depth stake setting.
• Start engine as instructed on page 9.
• Move gear selection handle to one of the forward
modes or reverse.
Use the reverse tine drive when tilling virgin
ground, sod or hard soil. Use the forward tine
drive when cultivating or tilling soft ground.
IMPORTANT: When using the forward tine drive, lower
the depth stake (use a shallower tilling depth) to make
certain the tines do not run across the ground.
A
WARNING: Do not move the gear
selection handle with the wheels or tines
engaged. Make certain the unit is stopped
completely
before changing the gear
selection.
• Squeeze the clutch control bail against the handle
to engage the wheels and tines.
NOTE: Make certain the gear selection indicator is
correctly positioned before engaging the clutch handle.
If it is between gears, the engine will stall.
To transport tiller, do not engage the tines. Select the
wheel drive only.
A
WARNING: Do not push down on the
handles so that the wheels are lifted off the
ground while using the reverse tine drive, or
the tiller could move backward and cause
personal injury.
For best results, it is recommended the garden be tilled
twice (lengthwise, then widthwise) to pulverize the soil.
SECTION 6: MAKING ADJUSTMENTS
Handle Adjustment
The handle height may be adjusted. Refer to the Know
Your Tiller section for details of handle adjustment.
Belt Tension Adjustment
Periodic adjustment of the belt tension may be required
due to normal stretch and wear on the belt. Adjustment
is needed if the tines or wheels seem to hesitate while
turning, but the engine maintains the same speed.
To adjust the tension on the belt, refer to clutch
adjustment information in “Checking the Clutch
Adjustment” section of the Assembly Instructions. After
belt tension has been adjusted, if the belt is excessively
stretched, you may need to adjust the idler pulley rod.
This can easily be checked. With the engine off and the
clutch control bail disengaged, shift the gear selection
handle to each forward mode. If the indicator bracket
touches the idler pulley rod, (with the clutch control bail
disengaged), then an adjustment is necessary.
• Disconnect and ground out spark plug wire against
the engine.
Remove the belt cover as described in the belt
replacement section on page 12.
Remove the hairpin clip and spring washer from the
idler pulley rod. See Figure 10.
Move the idler pulley rod to the lower hole in the
idler bracket. See Figure 10.
Replace the spring washer and hairpin clip.
Check clearance of the idler pulley rod to the
indicator bracket by shifting to each forward mode,
as before.
Carburetor Adjustment
A WARNING: If any adjustments are made to
the engine while the engine is running, (e.g.
carburetor), disengage all clutches and tines.
Keep clear of all moving parts. Be careful of
heated surfaces and muffler.
Never make unnecessary adjustments. The factory
settings are correct for most applications. If
adjustments are needed, refer to the separate engine
manual packed with your tiller.
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