OPERATOR'S MANUAL Rear Tine Tiller Model 454 IMPORTANT: READ SAFETY RULES AND INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY Warning: This unit is equipped with an internal combustion engine and should not be used on or near any unimproved forestcovered, brush-covered or grass-covered land unless the engine's exhaust system is equipped with a spark arrester meeting applicable local or state laws (if any), If a spark arrester is used, it should be maintained in effective working order by the operator, In the State of Califo
TABLEOFCONTENTS Content Page Important Safe Operation Practices ................................................................... 3 Assembling Your Tiller ....................................................................................... 5 Know Your Tiller ................................................................................................. 7 Operating Your Tiller .......................................................................................... 8 Making Adjustments ....
SECTION1: IMPORTANT SAFEOPERATION PRACTICES WARNING: This symbol points out important safety instructions which, if not followed, could endanger the personal safety and/or property of yourself and others. Read and follow all instructions in this manual before attempting to operate this machine. Failure to comply with these instructions may result in personal injury. When you see this symbol - heed its warning.
7. 8. 9. 10. 11. Neveroperate themachine athightransport Do not change the engine governor settings or speedsonhardorslippery surfaces. over-speed the engine. The governor controls the Exercise cautiontoavoidslipping orfalling. maximum safe operating speed of the engine. Lookdownandbehindandusecarewhenin Maintain or replace safety and instruction labels, as reverse orpullingmachine towards you. necessary. Starttheengineaccording totheinstructions found 6.
SECTION2: ASSEMBLING YOURTILLER NOTE: References to right or left side of the tiller are determined from behind the unit in the operating position. Flat Washer Hex Bolt T-Knob rpin Clip ToRemoveUnitFromCarton • Remove staples, break glue on top flaps, or cut tape at carton end and peel along top flap to open carton. • Remove loose parts included with unit (i.e., operator's manual, etc.). Cut corners and lay carton down flat. Remove packing material. Roll or slide unit out of carton.
• Pushthecablethroughtheholeinthecenterofthe handleandsnapintheplasticfitting.SeeFigure3. • • Slot Head Screw, Nut, & Flat Washers • Internally Threaded Tube Remove hairpin clips from control rod, (rubber washers to remain on control rod). Insert the shorter, (angled), end of the control rod through the indicator bracket on the shift cover and secure with hairpin clip that was previously removed. See Figure 5.
NOTE: A secondary cable adjustment is available if you reach the point that additional adjustment is needed. Remove the belt cover and move the hex nuts at the other end of the cable towards the end of the casing. Then readjust the hex nuts at the handle. Tire Pressure The tires on your unit may be over-inflated for shipping purposes. Reduce the tire pressure before operating the unit. Recommended operating tire pressure is approximately 20 p.s.i.
To shift into forward wheels and tine drive, push forward slightly on the gear selection handle and slowly engage the clutch control allowing the gears to synchronize. To stop forward movement and tine drive, release the clutch control. Do not shift gears with the clutch control engaged except when engaging the tines. NEUTRAL when Make startingcertain the engine. WARNING: unit is ThrottleControl The throttle control lever is located on the engine. It controls the engine speed and stops the engine.
• ToStopEngine • • Move throttle control to STOP or OFF position. Disconnect spark plug wire and ground to prevent accidentally starting while equipment is unattended. NOTE: After the first ten hours of operation, recheck the clutch adjustment. Refer to final clutch adjustment in Assembly Instructions. SettingTheDepth Tilling depth is controlled by the depth stake which can be adjusted to five different settings. Adjust the side shields as you adjust the depth stake.
SECTION5: MAKINGADJUSTMENTS _, 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 adjustments while WARNING: Neverthe attempt engineto ismake running, any except where specified in operator's manual. pulley rod (with the clutch control bail disengaged), then an adjustment is necessary. HandleAdjustment • The handle height may be adjusted to the desired height.
Wheel Shafts Remove wheel assemblies and lubricate the axle shafts at least once a season. Rod Idler Puny Cleaning TineArea Clean the underside of the tine shield after each use. The dirt washes off the tines easier if rinsed off immediately instead of after it dries. Always towel dry the tiller afterwards and apply a light coat of oil or silicone to prevent rusting or water damage. _lt Keeper Bracket IMPORTANT: Never use a "pressure washer" to clean your tiller.
SECTION7: TROUBLE SHOOTING GUIDE Trouble Possible Engine fails to start Fuel tank empty, or stale fuel. Engine runs erratic Engine overheats Tines do not engage Tines skip over ground Wheels do not engage Cause(s) Throttle control lever not in correct starting position (if so equipped). Blocked fuel line. Dirty aircleaner. Choke not in ON position. Spark plug wire disconnected. Faulty spark plug. Engine flooded. Unit running on CHOKE. Spark plug wire loose. Blocked fuel line or stale fuel.
Notes 13
Model454 13 29 46 53 16 / 28 17 17 I 134 23 7.
Model454 Ref. No. Part No. Ref. No. Part Description Part No. Part Description 1. 611-0020 Wheel Shaft Ass'y 33T 27. 717-1594 2. 611-0021 Tine Shaft Ass'y: 18T 28. 721-0378 Spur Gear 16T Seal 1.0 Shaft 3. 611-0128 Jack Shaft Ass'y 29. 721-0379 Seal.75 Shaft 4. 5. 611-0129 617-0058 Input Shaft Ass'y 31. 32. 726-0277 732-0496 Taper Cap Ring Rev. Idler Gear Ass'y: 30T 6. 617-0059 Tine Idler Gear Ass'y: 30T 33. 736-0163 Compression Spring.50" Leg. Thrust Wash. 1.03" I.D.X. 1.
Model454 67 12 2_ 7 62 2_ _ \20 _ 34 37 39 26 27 36 24 41 40 51 65 53 55 16
Model454 Ref. No. Part No. Ref. No. Part Description Part No. Part Description 1. 747-1152 Shift Rod 34. 750-0885A 2. 649-0041 Upper Handle Ass'y 35. 786-0090 3. 649-0034 36. 786-0113 4. 5. 710-3005 710-3056 Lower Handle Ass'y Hex Screw 3/8-16 x 1.25 Hex Screw 5/16-18 x 3.25 37. 38. 786-0176 786-0177 6. 711-0415 Clevis Pin 3/8-1.62 39. 786-0178 Tine Shield 7. 712-0379 40. 786-0179 Tine Shield Bracket 8. 712-0429 Flange Lock Nut 3/8-24 Hex Lock Nut 5/16-18 41.
Model454 17 24 / 15 1 40 11 13 4 16 \ \ 41 32_ -29 18
Model454 Ref. No. Part No. Part Description Ref. No. Part No. Part Description 1. 686-0111 2. 710-0237 Belt Cover Bracket Ass'y Hex Bolt 5/16-24 x .62" 25. 26. 786-0064A 786-0186 3. 710-0412 Hex Bolt 1/4-28 x .75" 27. 786-0187 Belt Keeper Bracket Shift Cover Bracket 4. 710-0502A Hex Washer Screw 3/8-16 x 1.25" 28. 786-0193 Idler Belt Keeper 5. 710-0152 Hex Bolt 3/8-24 x 1.0 29. 634-0238 Wheel Assembly RH 16.0 x 4.6 6.
MANUFACTURER'S LIMITED WARRANTY The limited warranty set forth below is given by MTD LLC with respect to new merchandise purchased and used in the United States, its possessions and territories. "MTD"warrants this product against defects in material and workmanship for a period of two (2) years commencing on the date of original purchase and will, at its option, repair or replace, free of charge, any part found to be defective in materials or workmanship.