Product Manual A

MRT190H
20195 South Diamond Lake Road, STE 100
Rogers, MN 55374
800.621-2789
29
7.6 Tilling
• Tilling is digging into, turning over, and breaking up packed soil before planting. Loose,
unpacked soil helps root growth. Best tilling depth is 4” to 6” (10-15 cm). A tiller will also
clear the soil of unwanted vegetation. The decomposition of this vegetable matter
enriches the soil. Depending on the climate (rainfall and wind), it may be advisable to till
the soil at the end of the growing season to further condition the soil.
• You will find tilling much easier if you leave a row un- tilled between passes. Then go back
between tilled rows. (See Fig. 15) There are two reasons for doing this. First, wide turns
are much easier to negotiate than about-faces. Second, the tiller won’t be pulling itself,
and you, toward the row next to it.
• Soil conditions are important for proper tilling. Tines will not readily penetrate dry, hard
soil which may con- tribute to excessive bounce and difficult handling of your tiller. Hard
soil should be moistened before tilling; however, extremely wet soil will “ball-up” or
clump during tilling. Wait until the soil is less wet in order to achieve the best results.
When tilling in the fall, remove vines and long grass to prevent them from wrapping
around the tine shaft and slowing your tilling operation.
• Do not lean on handle. This takes weight off the wheels and reduces traction. To get
through a tough section of sod or hard ground, apply downward pressure on handle or
raise the depth bar.