This document is an operator's manual for a Rear Tine Tiller, specifically models 410-422, manufactured by MTD Products Inc. It provides comprehensive information for assembly, operation, and maintenance of the tiller.
Function Description
The Rear Tine Tiller is a powerful agricultural tool designed primarily for tilling soil. Its main purpose is to break up and cultivate soil, making it suitable for planting or other gardening activities. The tiller uses rotating tines to dig into the ground, and its depth stake allows for adjustment of tilling depth. Some models also feature wheel drive for easier maneuverability.
Important Technical Specifications
Models Covered: 410, 412, 415, 417, 422.
Tire Pressure:
- 14-inch tires: Approximately 14 p.s.i.
- 16-inch tires: Approximately 20 p.s.i.
- Maximum tire pressure (under any circumstances): 30 p.s.i.
Transmission: Pre-lubricated and sealed at the factory. Requires 22 ounces of Benalene 920 grease if disassembled.
Belt Type: Kevlar Tensile "V"-Belt (Part No. 754-0438).
Engine: Internal combustion engine. Shipped without oil. Requires clean, fresh, lead-free, low-lead, or regular grade leaded gasoline. Specific engine details are covered in a separate engine manual.
Tilling Depth: Adjustable via a depth stake with five different settings (e.g., 1", 3", 5", 7" from the top adjustment hole).
Usage Features
Assembly:
- Requires basic tools: two 1/2" wrenches, one 9/16" wrench, and a pair of pliers (adjustable wrenches can substitute).
- The depth stake assembly is inserted through a slot in the tine shield and secured with a clevis pin and hairpin clip.
- The handle assembly attaches to a pivot bracket, allowing for height adjustment. Model 422 also allows for side-to-side handle adjustment.
- The gear shift rod connects to the handle assembly and the shift cover.
- The clutch cable routes underneath the handle and connects to the clutch control, with hex nuts for tension adjustment.
Controls:
- Gear Selection Handle: Located on the front of the handle assembly (right-hand handle on Model 422). Used to select NEUTRAL, REVERSE, or FORWARD modes. Can be moved while the engine is running.
- REVERSE: Reverse wheel drive only.
- NEUTRAL: Transmission is in neutral.
- FORWARD Modes: Wheels Forward (wheel drive only), Tines Reverse (forward wheel drive and reverse tine drive).
- Clutch Handle (Bail): Squeezing this handle against the main handle engages the wheel and tine drive mechanisms.
- Throttle Control: Located on the engine, controls engine speed and stops the engine.
- Choke Lever (Models 410, 412 & 422): Enriches fuel mixture for cold starts.
- Primer Button (Models 415 & 417): Enriches fuel mixture for cold starts.
- Depth Stake: Controls tilling depth.
- Handle Adjustment: Allows adjustment of handle height. Model 422 also allows side-to-side adjustment to avoid walking in tilled soil.
Starting the Engine:
- Ensure the gear selection lever is in NEUTRAL.
- Set throttle control to FAST.
- Engage choke (for cold engines) or use primer button (for Models 415 & 417).
- Pull starter handle rapidly.
- Gradually move choke lever to RUN position as the engine warms.
Operating the Tiller:
- Select desired depth stake setting.
- Start the engine.
- Move the gear selection handle to the desired forward or reverse mode.
- Squeeze the clutch handle to engage wheels and tines.
- For best results, till the garden twice (lengthwise, then widthwise).
- Safety Note: Do not move the gear selection handle with wheels or tines engaged. Ensure the unit is stopped completely before changing gear selection. Do not push down on handles to lift wheels off the ground during tine drive, as this can cause the tiller to move backward and result in injury.
Maintenance Features
General Maintenance:
- Engine: Refer to the separate engine manual for specific instructions.
- Air Cleaner: Service every ten hours under normal conditions, or every hour in dusty conditions.
- Spark Plug: Clean and reset gap every 25 hours. Replace at the start of each tilling season.
- Engine Cleaning: Regularly clean the engine with a cloth or brush. Keep the cooling system and muffler area free of debris.
- Tine Area Cleaning: Clean the underside of the tine shield after each use. Rinse dirt off tines immediately, then towel dry and apply a light coat of oil or silicone to prevent rust.
- Important: Never use a "pressure" washer to clean the tiller, as water can damage internal components.
Lubrication:
- Clutch Handle & Cable: Lubricate pivot point and cable with light oil at least once a season.
- Pivot Points & Linkages: Lubricate all pivot points and linkages with light oil at least once a season.
- Tine Shafts: Remove tine assemblies and lubricate shafts at least once a season.
- Wheel Shafts: Remove wheel assemblies and lubricate axle shafts at least once a season.
Adjustments:
- Handle Adjustment: Adjust height and, on Model 422, side-to-side position.
- Belt Tension Adjustment: Required periodically due to normal stretch and wear. Refer to the "Final Clutch Adjustment" section in Assembly Instructions.
- Carburetor Adjustment: Factory settings are usually correct. Refer to the engine manual if adjustments are needed.
Belt Replacement:
- Requires a specific Kevlar Tensile "V"-Belt (Part No. 754-0438). Do not use off-the-shelf belts.
- Involves removing the belt cover, engine pulley, and belt keeper assembly.
- Ensure the new belt is routed correctly over the idler pulley and inside the belt keepers.
Off-Season Storage:
- Clean the exterior of the engine and tiller thoroughly.
- Lubricate the tiller as described in the maintenance section.
- Refer to the engine manual for specific engine storage instructions.
- Wipe tines with an oiled rag to prevent rust.
- Store in a clean, dry area, away from corrosive materials like fertilizer.
- For unventilated or metal storage sheds, rustproof equipment with light oil or silicone on springs, bearings, and cables.
Troubleshooting:
- A troubleshooting guide is provided for common issues like engine failure to start, erratic running, overheating, and problems with tine or wheel engagement. It lists possible causes and corrective actions, including checking fuel, spark plug, air cleaner, cable adjustments, and belt condition. For complex repairs, contact an authorized service dealer.
Safety:
- The manual emphasizes important safety practices, including reading the manual thoroughly, keeping children and pets away from the operating area, wearing appropriate clothing, operating in good light, and disconnecting the spark plug wire before maintenance.
- It warns against operating the tiller under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and stresses caution when tilling near fences, buildings, or underground utilities.
- Specific warnings are given regarding hot mufflers and engines, flammable fuels, and the dangers of rotating tines.
- Spark arrester information is provided, noting its legal requirement in some areas (e.g., California) and its importance for preventing fires.
- The manual includes safety labels found on the unit, such as "TO AVOID INJURY" and "AVOID INJURY FROM ROTATING TINES - KEEP HANDS, FEET AND CLOTHING AWAY."
- A warning about engine exhaust containing chemicals known to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm (State of California Proposition 65) is included.
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