Safe Operation Practices • Set-Up • Operation • Maintenance • Service • Troubleshooting • Warranty L Rear Tine Tiller m Model Series 450 MTD LLC, P.O. BOX 361131 CLEVELAND, OHiO 44136-0019 PrintedIn USA FormNo.
1 ToTheOwner ThankYou Thank you for purchasing a Garden Tiller manufactured by If you have any problems MTD LLC. It was carefully engineered to provide excellent performance when properly operated and maintained. Please read this entire manual It instructs prior to operating your machine. persons who will operate address and mailing the equipment.
2 importantSafeOperationPractices WARNING! This symbol could endanger all instructions points the personal safety and/or in this manual with these instructions out important before property attempting may result in personal When you see this symbol. safety instructions of yourself to operate which, if not followed, and others. this machine. Read and follow Failure to comply injury.
When practical, e_ equipment 11. After striking dispenser nozzle. 12. Keep the nozzle in contact with the rim of the fuel tank or container at all times until fueling opening complete. Do not use a nozzle lock-open Extinguish all cigarettes, g. Never remove Disengage is handles). device. all clutch levers (if fitted) Engine exhaust indoors. Never over fill fuel tank. Fill tank to no more than 1/2 of filler 15. Use caution when tilling underground utilities. damage i.
9. If the fuel tank has to be drained, 10. Observe proper disposal etc. to protect 11. do this outdoors. laws and regulations the environment. internal According to the Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), this product SparkArrester for gas, oil, _ brushcovered has an Average Useful Life of seven (7) years, or 130 hours of operation.
Safety Symbols This page depicts and describes safety symbols that may appear machine before attempting to assemble and operate. on this product. Read, understand, and follow all instructions on the READ THE OPERATOR'S MANUAL(S) Read, understand, assemble and follow all instructions WARNING-- WARNING-- WARNING--GASOLINE parts. Contact with the rotating parts can amputate parts.
3 Assembly& Set-Up Contents of Carton OneTiller One Depth NOTE:This Stake operator's The tiller illustrated manual Assembly One Shift Rod One Operator's Manual One Engine Operator's Manual covers various models may vary slightly only those instructions One Handlebar which of tillers. from your machine. pertain to your model number. plug wire and Before groundassembly, it against disconnect the engine the to spark ARNING! prevent unintended starting. _ Assembly I.
4. HandlebarAssembly 1. the clutch Remove the top two bolts and flange lock nuts from the handle mounting brackets, Remove the slot head screw, nut and two flat washers from bail. See Fig. 3-4. but do not remove the bottom Head Screw bolt and nut. See Fig. 3-2. Washers Bolts&Flange / Lock Nuts / / / !l_ Contro Handle /Handle %_Bracket Nut Threaded Tube Figure 3=4 5. Figure 3-2 2. Place the handle assembly mounting 3. in position between 6. previously removed. ClutchCable 1.
ControlRod Adjustments 1. Make sure the handle assembly is in the highest Refer to the Controls & Features Section. 2. Remove the hairpin clips from rubber washers in place. 3. the control position. ClutchCable NOTE: Service the engine rod, put the this adjustment. removed 1. hairpin clip. See Fig. 3-5. Position the tiller so the front counterweight solid object, 2. Rubber checking 3. With the gear selection Rod Standing Bracket 4. Manual.
Set-Up Tires The tires on your tiller may be over-inflated purposes. Reduce the tire pressure before for shipping operating the tiller. Recommended operating tire pressure is approximately p.s.i. (check the sidewall of the tire for the manufacturer's recommended 20 pressure). circumstances is 30 p.s.i. tire Equal tire pressure should ARNING! Maximum pressure under any be maintained on both tires.
4 Controls and Features Handle Adjustment Lock r Clutch Control Depth Stake Figure 4=1 EngineControls See the separate information ChokeLever(if equipped) Engine Operator's and functions Manual The choke lever is used to enrich the fuel mixture for additional of the engine controls. carburetor GearSelection Handle The gear selection handle is located when starting Primer(If equipped) on the front of the handle The primer is used when starting assembly.
Operation When using the tiller for the first time, use the second Starting the Engine adjustment hole from the top (1" of tilling depth). See Figure 5-1. _ instructions and warnings on theand machine in WARNING! Read, understand, follow and all the this manual before operating. NOTE:When pushing the machine with the engine off, you will hear a ratcheting-gear sound coming from the tiller's chain case. This is normal.
To adjust the side shields, remove the wing nuts. Move the side shield to the desired nuts. Tighten position and replace the wing securely. See Fig. 5-2. F Operatingthe Tiller 1. Select the depth stake setting. 2. Start the engine as instructed Manual. 3. Move the gear selection modes or reverse. WARNING! in the Engine Operator's handle to one of the forward Do not move the gear selection with the wheels or tines engaged.
6 Maintenance & Adjustments Lubrication ground it against the engine before plug performing ARNING! Disconnect the spark wire and any maintenance or repairs. _ Transmission The transmission Maintenance requires is pre-lubricated no checking and sealed at the factory. unless the transmission It is disassembled.
IdlerPulleyRod After the belt tension has been adjusted, if the belt is excessively stretched, you may need to adjust the idler pulley rod. This can be checked easily. With the engine offand the gear selection the clutch control handle to each forward bail disengaged, bracket touches the idler pulley rod with the clutch control disengaged, then an adjustment is necessary. 1. Disconnect and ground shift mode. If the indicator bail the spark plug wire against the engine. 2.
7 EngineMaintenance MaintenanceSchedule First S Hours Each Useor EverySeason Every Season EverySeason Service Every S Hrs. or 25 Hours or SOHours orlO0 Hours Dates ,/ CheckEngine Oil Level Change Engine Oil _" _" CheckAir Cleaner _" Service Air Cleaner V/ CheckSparkPlug V/ Replace Spark Plug V/ Clean around muffler V/ Periodic inspection and adjustment of the engine is essential if high level performance is to be maintained.
f f ====l_ lOw _ "% _m_= _ m__ 20w 20 mmm30 20w40, 20w50 _ I _ _ _ v 15w40, 15w50 _____ ®, 10w40 _Img I lOw30 _____n _ _ ("6)-30 o -20o -10° 0° ,,. Drain 3. Figure 6-1 Reinstall the drain plug and tighten it securely. 4. Refill with the recommended Refer to the Assembly how to properly 5. Reinstall -- for instructions 2. 2-stroke couldnon-detergent shorten the engine's AUTION!engine DO oil. NOTIt use oil or service life.
2. To clean foam element, separate it from the paper element and wash in liquid detergent thoroughly before 4. and water. Allow to dry Check that the spark plug washer is in good condition and thread using. Do not oil the foam element. 5. After the spark plug is seated, tighten wrench WARNING! plug removed.
Off-SeasonStorage Engines stored between 30 and 90 days need to be treated with a gasoline stabilizer and engines stored over 90 days need to be drained of fuel to prevent deterioration and gum from forming in fuel system or on essential your engine deteriorates the carburetor, replaced. 1. i_ carburetor during and other fuel system components, Remove all fuel from tank by running from lack of fuel. is running. WARNING! Change the oil. See Changing 3.
7 Service Belt Replacement Fig. 7-1. Your tiller has been engineered with a belt designed for long life and optimal performance. It should never be replaced with Off-SeasonStorage a non-OEM belt. Order all belts through dealer or by contacting 2. Customer an authorized Support service as instructed on page If the tiller will not be used for a period longer than 30 days, the following steps should be taken to prepare the tiller for storage. Clean the exterior Refer to Fig.
Troubleshooting Problem Engine fails to start Engine runs erratic Cause Remedy 1. Fuel tank empty or stale fuel. 1. Fill tank with clean, fresh gasoline. 2. Throttle control lever not in correct starting position (if equipped). 2. Move throttle 3. Blocked fuel line. 3. Clean fuel line. 4. Dirty air cleaner. 4, Refer to the Engine Operator's 5. Choke notin 5. Move switch to ON position. ON position. lever to start position. Manual 6. Spark plug wire disconnected. 6.
9 Replacement Parts Component l " -9 Phone (800) 800-7310 serial number or (330) 220-4683 ready). Parts Manual to order replacement downloads are also available Part Number and Description 954-0434 Belt, 4L x 58.16 742-0305A Articulating 746-1117 Clutch Cable Tine 934-04233 Tires, 14 x 4.
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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 and/or its territories and possessions, and by MTD Products Limited with respect to new merchandise purchased and used in Canadaand/ or its territories and possessions (either entity respectively, "MTD").
