MTD 217-100A - Manual (Page 3)

ASSEMBLY
Your rotary tiller is shipped complete in a single
carton. The tines, wheels, handle and depth bar
are to be assembled. This is done in the manner
described below.
Tines—Mount tines on tine shaft as shown. (See
page 10.) Tines must be mounted with the cutting
edges facing the correct direction. 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).
Wheels—Insert axle bolts (23) into wheel hubs.
Place washers (26) between wheel and leg. Attach
wheel and axle assemblies to outside of tiller legs
(27) and (30). Secure with nuts (29) and
lockwashers (28). Tighten securely. See page 8 for
correct sequence of parts.
Handle—Assemble the handle brackets (8) to
the handle (2) with hex head screw (11),
lockwashers (9) and hex nuts (10). DO NOT
tighten. Place the handle brackets (8) in the
tailpiece slots. Line up lower holes in handle
brackets
with mounting holes in tailpiece
assembly. Secure with carriage bolt 5/16-18 x
3/4” Lg. (20), lockwasher (13) and hex nut (12).
Line up upper holes in handle brackets with
mounting holes in mounting plate assemblies (19)
and secure with carriage bolt (20), lockwasher (13)
and hex nut (12). See page 8 for correct sequence.
Tighten all nuts and bolts securely.
CLUTCH CONTROL LEVER ASSEMBLY
Clutch Lever—Assemble in this order: rubber
washer (42), steel washer (41), clutch lever
assembly (43), (rod bracket to the front), steel
washer (41) and lock nut (40). Tighten until rubber
washer compresses slightly. (See page 8.)
Clutch Control Assembly—Screw the ferrule (37)
on the threaded end of the control rod (38) until
about
Vz" of the threads show above the ferrule.
Insert the ferrule through the control pivot lever
(36), fasten with flat washer (35) and cotter hairpin
(34). Put the clutch handle in the neutral position.
Insert the control rod in the bracket on the clutch
lever and secure with a cotter hairpin (34) through
the center of the bracket. Adjust the ferrule so the
belt Is slack when the clutch lever is in the neutral
position. (See page 8.)
Depth Bar—Attach depth bar (18) in desired
position with clevis pin (17) and locking pin (15).
(See page 8.)
Grips—Slip hand grips on the upper end of each
handle. They will slip on more easily if you first
soak them in warm soapy water.
CHECK LIST BEFORE OPERATION
A. After the tiller is assembled and before
gasoline and oil are added to the engine, check
the case for correct lubricant level.
1. Remove rear pipe plug from tiller gear case.
See figure 1.
Pipe Plug
IS
Adjustable
Wrench
FIGURE 1.
2. If lubricant flows from the outlet, lubricant
is at the correct level. See figure 2.
FIGURE 2.
3. If lubricant fails to flow from the outlet,
lubricant should be added. USE PENNANT
OIL EP #35000. This is available in 8 ounce
squeeze
tubes. Order part number
737-0136. See figure 3.
FIGURES.