MTD 217-300 - Manual (Page 5)

OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
For your own convenience and safety, observe all safety
suggestions shown on the front cover. Your tiller is not
a toy, it is a precision piece of power equipment. Treat
it as such.
It is importantto recognize the fact that the forward and
penetrating action of the rotary tiller is obtained from
the rotating action of the tines in the soil. The depth
bar acts as a brake for the tiller and controls the depth
and speed at which the machine will operate. By lower­
ing the setting of the depth bar, the forward speed of the
machine is reduced and the working depth of the tines
is increased. Raising the setting of the depth bar
increases the forward speed and reduces the working
depth. When soil conditions are severe and several
passes must be made over a certain area, the depth bar
setting should be lowered each time a pass is made.
Further control of tilling depth and travel speed can be
obtained by variation of pressure on the handles. A
downward pressure on the handles will increase the
working depth and reduce the forward speed. An upward
pressure on the handles will reduce the working depth
and increase the forward speed. The type of soil and
working conditions will determine the actual setting of
of the depth bar and the handle pressure required.
1. Tine engagement and forward travel is achieved by
moving the clutch control handle to “Forward” posi­
tion. Tine rotation and forward motion are stopped by
moving the clutch control handle to “Neutral” posi­
tion. Reverse tine action and reverse travel motion
can be maintained by HOLDING the clutch control
handle in “Reverse” position. Releasing the handle
stops reverse operation automatically,
2. The throttle control lever adjusts the engine speed.
It also gives fingertip control of the carburetor choke
and magneto stop switch. With the throttle control
knob pushed completely forward, and carburetor is in
“Choke” position. Pulling the knob out slightly
releases the carburetor from “Choke” and adjusts
the engine speed to “Fast.” Pulling the knob further
out reduces the engine speed to “Slow.”
When the knob is pulled completely out, the magneto
stop switch grounds out the spark and stops the
engine.
3. With the depth bar raised out of operation, self
propelled transporting of the tiller is easily achieved.
With no pressure on the handles and the throttle
control set for “Slow” engine speed, move the
clutch control handle to the rear position and let
the tiller gently propel itself.
ADJUSTMENTS
BELTS
- Belt slack is taken up by a spring loaded
idler pulley. Because of this, belt adjustment is not
required.
CLUTCH.
- No adjustment in clutch linkage is required.
This is done automatically by the spring loaded idler.
“O” RING
- If oil leakage at the bearing cap should
occur, take up on the “o” ring of the gear case may
be needed. This is accomplished by removing the
locking clamp and turning the bearing adjustment cap
clockwise enough to correct. Move adjustment cap back
one notch and replace locking clamp.
THROTTLE -If adjustment becomes necessary, the
throttle control wire assembly can be reset as follows;
1. Loosen, but do not remove, screw securing throttle
control wire assembly at engine.
2.
Move throttle control knob to “Choke” position,
3. Move lever, to which control wire is festo.ied at
engine, to full choke position and retigAten screw to
secure throttle control wire assembly.
HANDLES
- The positio of the handles may be adjust­
ed by removing and m(jving carriage bolts in the lower
mounting holes. Adjustment should be made for the
most convenient operating height.
WHEELS
- Wheel positions maybe varied to give further
adjustment of handle height. Various wheel positions
also give variations of the leverage and weight
distribution over the tines. Wheels should be set to
suit the local soil conditions and the operator’s
convenience.
TINES - The standard width of cut is 26”. Because of
the various types of work the tiller may be put to,
variation in the tilling width may be necessary. This
can be accomplished in a number of ways.
1. Standard tine arrangement. 26”
2. Remove outer tine assemblies (complete). 12”
3. Remove outer tines from outer tine assemblies. 20”
Tines may be interchanged with opposite sides.
4. Add tine extensions! to standard arrangement. 40”
NOTE: When adjusting tines, be sure the cutting edges
enter the soil first.
MAINTENANCE AND LUBRICATION
ENGINE
- Service engine in accordance with the engine
manufacturer’s owner’s guide. NOTE: To drain oil,
remove oil filler plug and tip tiller on its side. Drain
oil while the engine is warm. See engine manual for
filling instructions.
GEAR CASE
- Proper lubricant level should be up to
the front pipe plug. Check with tiller on a level surface.
Add lubricant through the vented pipe plug hole. Add
enough to bring level up to front plug hole. Use Molilube
SAE 140 Gear Oil or equivalent. Gear case should be
maintained with five (5) ounces of lubricant.
Lubricate the upper bushing in the gear case with a
small amount of grease. Do not over lubricate as any
excess will enter the gear case proper. Use a high
pressure gun grease.
THROTTLE
- Periodically lubricate throttle control
lever and throttle control wire assembly with a few
drops of light oil (SAE 10 or 20) for ease of operation.
FORM NO. 770-912E