MTD 390 Shown - User Manual

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IMPORTANT: Read safety rules and instructions carefully before operating equipment.

MTD PRODUCTS INC. P.O. BOX 368022 CLEVELAND, OHIO 44136-9722

Front Tine Tillers

Models

340 Thru 390

PRINTED IN U.S.A.

Warning: This unit is equipped with an internal combustion engine and should not be used on or near any unimproved forest-

covered, 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 California the above is required by law (Section 4442 of the California Public Resources Code). Other states may have

similar laws. Federal laws apply on federal lands. A spark arrester for the muffler is available through your nearest engine authorized

service dealer or contact the service department, P.O. Box 368022 Cleveland, Ohio 44136-9722.

FORM NO.

770-10132A.fm

(9/99)

Model 390 Shown

OPERATOR’S MANUAL

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This document is an operator's manual for Front Tine Tillers, specifically Models 340 through 390, manufactured by MTD Products Inc. It provides comprehensive instructions for assembly, safe operation, adjustments, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

Function Description:

The primary function of these tillers is to prepare soil for planting, cultivate gardens, create furrows, and mulch. They are designed to minimize manual labor in vegetable and flower gardens. The tillers are capable of tilling soil for seedbed preparation, loosening hard soil for excavation, mixing compost, and preparing lawn areas for seeding. Model 390 offers both forward and reverse tine drive, while Models 340-345 have forward tine drive only. The tines and end caps are used for cultivating, furrowing, and preparing gardens for seeding. The end caps (Model 390 only) prevent tilled soil from overflowing onto unwanted areas.

Important Technical Specifications:

Models Covered: 340, 342, 343, 345, and 390.
Tine Drive: Models 340-345 feature forward tine drive only. Model 390 features both forward and reverse tine drive.
Engine: Equipped with an internal combustion engine. Specific engine details (e.g., horsepower, displacement) are not provided in this manual but are referenced in a separate engine manual.
Fuel: Requires gasoline.
Oil: Requires engine oil, specified in a separate engine manual.
Tilling Width: The standard tilling width is 22 inches. This can be increased to 24 inches by adjusting the outer tines or reduced to 13 inches by removing the outer tines for cultivation.
Belts: Uses special material (Kevlar Tensile) belts. Part numbers for belts are provided: Forward Drive Belt (Part No. 754-0428) and Reverse Drive Belt (Model 390 Only, Part No. 754-0429).

Usage Features:

Assembly: The manual details how to attach the tailpiece, depth stake, handle assembly, and clutch control cables. Specific instructions are provided for different engine types (Briggs & Stratton Intek, Standard Briggs & Stratton, and Tecumseh).
Starting the Engine: Instructions include connecting the spark plug wire, ensuring controls are in neutral, setting the throttle to FAST, using the choke (for cold engines) or primer button (for Model 345), and pulling the starter rope.
Stopping the Engine: Involves moving the throttle control lever to STOP or OFF position and disconnecting the spark plug wire.
Wheel Position Adjustment: The wheel yoke can be adjusted for shallow tilling, cultivating, and transport (wheels forward, nearest to tines) or for deep tilling (wheels backward, farthest from tines). This adjustment affects forward speed.
Depth Stake Adjustment: The depth stake acts as a brake, controlling tilling depth and speed. Raising the depth stake reduces working depth and increases forward speed, while lowering it increases working depth and reduces forward speed.
Handle Pressure: Applying downward pressure on the handles reduces working depth and increases forward speed. Upward pressure increases working depth and reduces forward speed.
Throttle Control: Located on the engine, it adjusts engine speed (START, FAST, SLOW) and stops the engine. Maximum engine speed is recommended for deep tilling, and SLOW for transport.
Transporting: Involves pivoting the depth stake forward and setting the throttle to SLOW, allowing the unit to walk freely.
Cultivating: Recommended depth is 2-3 inches. Tine width can be reduced to 13 inches by removing outer tines for narrower cultivation.
Garden Preparation: The tiller can be used for deep seedbed preparation, loosening hard soil for excavation, and mixing compost or other organic matter into the soil to improve fertility, moisture retention, and aeration.

Maintenance Features:

Lubrication: Pivot points and moving parts should be lubricated at least once a season with SAE 30 engine oil. The chain case is pre-lubricated and sealed.
Engine Maintenance: Refer to the separate engine manual for specific instructions on oil, air cleaner, and spark plug. The air cleaner should be serviced every 25 hours or more frequently in dusty conditions. The spark plug should be cleaned and gap reset once a season.
Cleaning: The engine should be cleaned regularly. The cooling system (blower housing area) must be kept clean for proper air circulation. The underside of the tine shield and tines should be cleaned after each use. Pressure washers are not recommended due to potential damage to electrical components, spindles, pulleys, bearings, or the engine.
Belt Removal and Replacement: Detailed instructions are provided for removing and replacing the forward and reverse drive belts. Only special Kevlar Tensile belts (Part Nos. 754-0428 and 754-0429) should be used.
Off-Season Storage: Recommendations include draining fuel from the tank, running the engine until it stops, draining and refilling engine oil, protecting the engine interior, cleaning the tiller thoroughly, wiping tines with oiled rags to prevent rust, and storing in a clean, dry area away from corrosive materials. Rustproofing equipment with light oil or silicone is advised for unventilated or metal storage sheds.
Safety Precautions: Emphasizes disconnecting the spark plug wire before any adjustments, repairs, or maintenance.
Troubleshooting Guide: Provides a table of common problems, possible causes, and corrective actions for issues like engine failure to start, erratic engine running, engine overheating, and tines not engaging.