MTD 21A34M5099 Owner's manual

Operator's Manual

I:Rl FI'SlVl N

208cc Engine

Front Tine Tiller

Model No. 247.29934

CAUTION: Before using

this product, read this

manual and follow all

safety rules and operating

instructions.

* SAFETY

* ASSEMBLY

* OPERATION

* MAINTENANCE

* PARTS LIST

* ESPANOL

Sears Brands Management Corporation, Hoffman Estates, iL 60179, U.S.A.

Visit our web site: www.craftsman.com

FORMNO.769-05511F

11/1/2011

WarrantyStatement..................................Pac

Safetyinstructions....................................Pac

Assembly..................................................Pac

Operation..................................................Pac

ServiceandMaintenance.........................Pac

Off-SeasonStorage..................................Pac

Troubleshooting........................................Pac

e2

es3-6

es7-10

es11-15

es16-19

e20

e21

PartsList...................................................Page22-33

LabelMap.................................................Page34

RepairProtectionAgreement...................Page37

Espa_ol.....................................................Page38

ServiceNumbers......................................BackCover

CRAFTSMAN TWO YEAR FULL WARRANTY

FORTWOYEARSfromthedateofpurchase,this productiswarrantedagainstanydefectsin materialor workmanship.Adefectiveproductwill

receivefreerepairor replacementif repairisunavailable.

Forwarranty coverage details to obtain free repairor replacement,visittheweb site:www.craftsman.com

Thiswarranty coversONLYdefects in material andworkmanship. Warrantycoverage does NOTinclude:

• Expendableitemsthatcanwearoutfromnormalusewithinthewarrantyperiod,suchastheblades,tines,or belts.

Productdamageresultingfromuserattemptsat productmodificationor repairorcausedbyproduct accessories.

Repairsnecessarybecauseofaccidentorfailuretooperateor maintaintheproductaccordingtoall suppliedinstructions.

Preventivemaintenance,or repairsnecessaryduetoimproperfuelmixture,contaminatedor stalefuel.

Thiswarrantyisvoidif thisproductiseverusedwhileprovidingcommercialservicesor ifrentedtoanotherperson.

Thiswarrantygivesyouspecificlegalrights,andyoumayalsohaveotherrightswhichvaryfromstatetostate.

Sears Brands Management Corporation, Hoffman Estates, IL 60179

EngineSeries: 208cc

EngineOilType: 10w30

EngineOilCapacity: 20ounces

Fuel: UnleadedGasoline

SparkPlug: F6RTC

SparkPlugGap: .030"

Model Number.................................................................

Serial Number .................................................................

Dateof Purchase.............................................................

Recordthemodelnumber,serialnumber

anddateof purchaseabove

©KCDIP,LLC 2

Thissymbolpointsoutimportantsafetyinstructionswhich,if not

followed,couldendangerthepersonalsafetyand/orpropertyof

yourselfandothers.Readandfollowall instructionsin thismanual

beforeattemptingtooperatethismachine.Failuretocomplywith

theseinstructionsmayresultin personalinjury.Whenyouseethis

symbol,HEEDITSWARNING!

CALIFORNIA PROPOSITION 65

EngineExhaust,someof itsconstituents,andcertainvehicle

componentscontainoremitchemicalsknowntoStateofCalifornia

tocausecancerandbirthdefectsorotherreproductiveharm.Bat-

tery posts,terminals,andrelatedaccessoriescontainleadand lead

compounds,chemicalsknowntotheStateof Californiatocause

cancerandreproductiveharm.Washhandsafterhandling.

Thismachinewasbuilttobeoperatedaccordingtothesafeopera-

tionpracticesin thismanual.Aswithanytypeofpowerequipment,

carelessnessorerroronthepartoftheoperatorcan resultin

seriousinjury.Thismachineiscapableofamputatingfingers,hands,

toesandfeetandthrowingdebris.Failureto observethefollowing

safetyinstructionscouldresultin seriousinjuryordeath.

Your Responsibility--Restricttheuseofthispowermachineto

personswhoread,understandandfollowthewarningsand instruc-

tionsin thismanualandon themachine.

SAVETHESEINSTRUCTIONS!

TRAINING

• Read,understand,andfollowall instructionson themachineand

in themanual(s)beforeattemptingtoassembleandoperate.

Keepthis manualina safeplaceforfutureand regularreference

andfororderingreplacementparts.

• ReadtheOperator'sManualand followallwarningsand safety

instructions.Failuretodosocanresultin seriousinjurytothe

operatorand/orbystanders.Forquestions,call1-800-4MY-HOME.

• Befamiliarwithall controlsandtheirproperoperation.Knowhow

tostopthemachineanddisengagethemquickly.

• Neverallowchildrenunder14yearsofagetooperatethis

machine.Children14andovershouldreadandunderstandthe

instructionsandsafeoperationpracticesin thismanualandon

themachineandbe trainedandsupervisedbyanadult.

• Neverallowadultstooperatethis machinewithoutproper

instruction.

• Keepbystanders,pets,andchildrenatleast75feetfromthe

machinewhileitisin operation.Stopmachineifanyoneenters

thearea.

• Neverrunanengineindoorsor ina poorlyventilatedarea.Engine

exhaustcontainscarbonmonoxide,anodorlessanddeadlygas.

PREPARATION

• Thoroughlyinspecttheareawheretheequipmentistobeused.

Removeall rocks,bottles,cans,or otherforeignobjectswhich

couldbepickedupor thrownandcausepersonalinjuryor

damageto themachine.

• Alwayswearsafetyglassesor safetygogglesduringoperation

andwhileperformingan adjustmentor repair,to protectyour

eyes.Thrownobjectswhichricochetcancauseseriousinjuryto

theeyes.

• Wearsturdy,rough-soledworkshoesandclose-fittingslacksand

shirts.Loosefittingclothesor jewelrycanbecaughtin movable

parts.Neveroperatethismachineinbarefeetorsandals.

• Beforestarting,checkallboltsandscrewsforpropertightnessto

besurethemachineisinsafeworkingcondition.Also,visually

inspectmachineforanydamageatfrequentintervals.

• Disengageclutchleversandshift(if provided)intoneutral("N")

beforestartingtheengine.

• Neverleavethismachineunattendedwiththeenginerunning.

• Neverattempttomakeanyadjustmentswhiletheengineis

running,exceptwherespecificallyrecommendedintheoperator's

manual.

• Maintainor replacesafetyandinstructionslabels,asnecessary.

3

SafeHandlingof Gasoline:

Toavoidpersonalinjuryor propertydamageuseextremecarein

handlinggasoline.Gasolineisextremelyflammableandthevaporsare

explosive.Seriouspersonalinjurycanoccurwhengasolineisspilled

onyourselfor yourclotheswhichcanignite.Washyourskinand

changeclothesimmediately.

• Useonlyan approvedgasolinecontainer.

• Neverfillcontainersinsidea vehicleor ona truckor trailerbed

witha plasticliner.Alwaysplacecontainersonthegroundaway

fromyourvehiclebeforefilling.

• Whenpractical,removegas-poweredequipmentfromthetruck

ortrailerand refuelitontheground.Ifthisisnotpossible,then

refuelsuchequipmenton a trailerwitha portablecontainer,rather

thanfroma gasolinedispensernozzle.

• Keepthenozzleincontactwiththerimofthefueltankor

containeropeningatalltimesuntilfuelingiscomplete.Donotuse

a nozzlelock-opendevice.

• Extinguishallcigarettes,cigars,pipesandothersourcesof

ignition.

• Neverfuelmachineindoors.

• Neverremovegascapor addfuelwhiletheengineishotor run-

ning.Allowenginetocoolatleasttwo minutesbeforerefueling.

• Neveroverfillfueltank.Filltankto nomorethan1/2inchbelow

bottomoffillernecktoallowspaceforfuelexpansion.

• Replacegasolinecapandtightensecurely.

• Ifgasolineisspilled,wipeitoff theengineandequipment.Move

unittoanotherarea.Wait5 minutesbeforestartingtheengine.

• Toreducefirehazards,keepmachinefreeofgrass,leaves,or

otherdebrisbuild-up.Cleanupoil orfuelspillageand removeany

fuelsoakeddebris.

• Neverstorethemachineorfuelcontainerinsidewherethereisan

openflame,sparkor pilotlightason awaterheater,spaceheater,

furnace,clothesdryerorothergasappliances.

OPERATION

• Donotputhandsorfeetnear rotatingparts.Contactwiththe

rotatingpartscanamputatehandsand feet.

• Donotoperatemachinewhileundertheinfluenceofalcoholor

drugs.

• Neveroperatethismachinewithoutgoodvisibilityor light.Always

be sureofyourfootingandkeepa firmholdonthehandles.

• Keepbystandersawayfromthemachinewhileitisinoperation.

Stopthemachineif anyoneentersthearea.

• Becarefulwhentillinginhardground.Thetines maycatchinthe

groundandpropelthetillerforward.Ifthis occurs,letgoofthe

handlebarsanddo notrestrainthemachine.

• Exerciseextremecautionwhenoperatingonor crossinggravel

surfaces.Stayalertforhiddenhazardsortraffic.Donotcarry

passengers.

• Neveroperatethemachineat hightransportspeedsonhardor

slipperysurfaces.

• Exercisecautiontoavoidslippingor falling.

• Lookdownand behindandusecarewhenin reverseorpulling

machinetowardsyou.

• Starttheengineaccordingtothe instructionsfoundinthis manual

and keepfeetwellawayfromthetinesatall times.

• Afterstrikingaforeignobjector ifyourmachineshouldstartmak-

inganunusualnoiseor vibration,immediatelyshuttheengineoff.

Disconnectthesparkplugwire,grounditagainsttheengineand

performthefollowingsteps:

a. Inspectfordamage.

b. Repairor replaceanydamagedparts.

c. Checkforanyloosepartsandtightento assurecontinued

safeoperation.

• Disengageall clutchlevers(iffitted)and stopenginebeforeyou

leavetheoperatingposition(behindthe handles).Waituntil

thetinescometoa completestopbeforeuncloggingthetines,

makinganyadjustments,or inspections.

• Neverrunanengineindoorsorina poorlyventilatedarea.Engine

exhaustcontainscarbonmonoxide,an odorlessanddeadlygas.

• Mufflerandenginebecomehotandcancausea burn.Donot

touch.

• Usecautionwhentillingnearfences,buildingsandunderground

utilities.Rotatingtinescancausepropertydamageor personal

injury.

• Donotoverloadmachinecapacitybyattemptingtotillsoiltoo

deepattoofastofa rate.

• Ifthemachineshouldstartmakinganunusualnoiseor vibration,

stoptheengine,disconnectthesparkplugwireandgroundit

againsttheengine.Inspectthoroughlyfordamage.Repairany

damagebeforestartingandoperating.

• Keepallshields,guards,and safetydevicesinplaceandoperat-

ing properly.

• Neverpick uporcarrymachinewhiletheengineisrunning.

• Useonlyattachmentsandaccessoriesapprovedbythemanu-

factureras listedin thePartsListpagesofthisoperator'smanual.

Failuretodosocanresultin personalinjury.

• Ifsituationsoccurwhichare notcoveredinthis manual,usecare

andgoodjudgement.ContactCustomerSupportat 1-800-4MY-

HOMEforassistanceandthenameof thenearestservicedealer

MAINTENANCE & STORAGE

• Keepthemachine,attachmentsandaccessoriesin safeworking

order.

• Allowthemachinetocoolat leastfiveminutesbeforestoring.

Nevertamperwithsafetydevices.Checktheirproperoperation

regularly.

• Checkboltsandscrewsforpropertightnessatfrequentintervals

to keepthemachineinsafeworkingcondition.Also,visually

inspectmachineforanydamage.

• Beforecleaning,repairing,or inspecting,stoptheengineand

makecertainthetinesandall movingpartshavestopped.

Disconnectthesparkplugwireandgrounditagainsttheengineto

preventunintendedstarting.

4

• Donotchangetheenginegovernorsettingsorover-speedthe

engine.Thegovernorcontrolsthemaximumsafeoperatingspeed

ofengine.

Maintainorreplacesafetyandinstructionlabels,asnecessary.

Followthismanualforsafeloading,unloading,transporting,and

storageof thismachine.

Alwaysreferto theoperator'smanualforimportantdetailsifthe

machineisto bestoredforan extendedperiod.

If thefueltankhastobe drained,do thisoutdoors.

Observeproperdisposallawsandregulationsforgas,oil,etc.to

protecttheenvironment.

AccordingtotheConsumerProductsSafetyCommission(CPSC)

andtheU.S.EnvironmentalProtectionAgency(EPA),thisproduct

hasan AverageUsefulLifeof seven(7)years,or 130hoursof

operation.Attheendof theAverageUsefulLifehavethemachine

inspectedannuallybyanauthorizedservicedealertoensurethat

allmechanicalandsafetysystemsareworkingproperlyandnot

wornexcessively.Failuretodo socanresultinaccidents,injuries

ordeath.

DO NOT MODIFY ENGINE

Toavoidseriousinjuryordeath,donotmodifyenginein anyway.

Tamperingwiththegovernorsettingcanleadto a runawayengineand

causeittooperateatunsafespeeds.Nevertamperwithfactorysetting

ofenginegovernor.

NOTICE REGARDING EMISSIONS

EngineswhicharecertifiedtocomplywithCaliforniaandfederal

EPAemissionregulationsforSORE(SmallOff RoadEquipment)are

certifiedtooperateon regularunleadedgasoline,and mayinclude

thefollowingemissioncontrolsystems:EngineModification(EM),

OxidizingCatalyst(CO),SecondaryAirInjection(SAI)and ThreeWay

Catalyst(TWO)if soequipped.

SPARK ARRESTOR

Thismachineis equippedwithan internalcombustionengineand

shouldnotbe usedonor nearanyunimprovedforest-covered,

brushcoveredorgrass-coveredlandunlesstheengine'sexhaust

systemisequippedwitha sparkarrestormeetingapplicablelocalor

statelaws(ifany)

Ifa sparkarrestorisused,itshouldbe maintainedin effectiveworking

orderbytheoperator.IntheStateofCaliforniatheaboveis required

bylaw(Section4442oftheCaliforniaPublicResourcesCode).Other

statesmayhavesimilarlaws.Federallawsapplyonfederallands.

A sparkarrestorforthemufflerisavailablethroughyournearestSears

PartsandRepairServiceCenter.

SAFETY SYMBOLS

Thispagedepictsanddescribessafetysymbolsthatmayappearonthisproduct. Read,understand,andfollowall instructionson themachine

beforeattemptingtoassembleandoperate.

i

READ THE OPERATOR'S MANUAL(S)

Read, understand, and follow all instructions in the manual(s) before attempting to assemble and

operate

WARNING-- ROTATING TINES

Do not put hands or feet near rotating parts. Contact with the rotating parts can amputate

hands and feet.

WARNING-- ROTATING TINES

Do not put hands or feet near rotating parts. Contact with the rotating parts can amputate

hands and feet.

WARNING--GASOLINE ISFLAMMABLE

Allow the engine to cool at least two minutes before refueling.

WARNING-- CARBON MONOXIDE

Never run an engine indoors or in a poorly ventilated area. Engine exhaust contains carbon

monoxide, an odorless and deadly gas.

WARNING-- HOT SURFACE

Engine parts, especially the muffler, become extremely hot during operation. Allow engine

and muffler to cool before touching.

WARNING: YourResponsibility--Restricttheuseofthis powermachineto personswhoread,understandandfollowthe

warningsandinstructionsinthis manualandonthemachine.

SAVETHESEINSTRUCTIONS!

6

NOTE:Thisunitisshippedwithoutgasolineor oilin theengine.Be

certaintoserviceenginewithgasolineandoil asinstructedin the

Operationsectionofthis manualbeforeoperatingyourmachine.

NOTE:Referenceto rightand lefthandsideoftheTillerisobserved

fromtheoperatingposition.

OPENING CARTON

1. Cuteachcornerofthecartonverticallyfromtopto bottom.

2. Removeall looseparts.

3. Removeloosepackingmaterial.

REMOVING UNIT FROM CARTON

1. Usethehandlebartoliftand pullthetillerbackwardstoa flat

area.Checkthecartonthoroughlyforlooseparts.

2. Besurenotto kinktheforwardclutchcable.

LOOSE PARTS IN CARTON

• HandlebarAssembly

• Tiller

• EngineOil

• Operator'sManual

• DepthGageAssembly

ATTACHING THE CABLE

1. Identifytheforwardclutchcable(A).SeeFigure1.

Forward Clutch

Cable

Figure1

2. Hookthe"Z"endoftheforwardclutchcable(A)intotheforward

fineengagementlever.SeeFigure2.

f

Figure2

NOTE:Besurenotto kinkthecablewhileattaching.

ATTACHING THE HANDLE ASSEMBLY

1. Removethehexboltandcuppedwasherfromtherightsideofthe

frame.Holdthecableguidebracketontheleft sideofframeas it

willfallwhentheboltisremoved.Step1inFigure3.

.

3.

//': , "-d,.......

Figure3

Insertthehandleintothetillerframe.Step2 in Figure3.

Inserttheboltthroughthecuppedwasher,frame,handleandinto

thecableguidebracket(notethenotchinthecableguidebracket

goesovertheflangeon theframe.)Step3 in Figure3.

7

4. Tightentheboltsecurelyaftersecuringthehandlebrace.See

Figure4.

Bell Washer

Handle Brace

Figure4

5. Locatethecarriagebolt,bellwasherandhandknobpackedwith

yourtiller.

6. Insertthecarriageboltthroughtheweldedbracketon thehandle,

bellwasher,handlebraceandintothehandknob.SeeFigure4.

7. Selectoneofthethreehandleheightpositions(threenotchesin

theweldedhandlebracket)andtightenthehandknobtosecure

thehandleinthedesiredposition.SeeFigure4. Returntothe

lowerhandleandtightenthehexboltsecurely.

ATTACHING THE DEPTH STAKE

1. Removethetwo screwsfromthedepthstakeassembly.See

Figure5.

Insertthedepthstakeassemblyintotheframeandreinstallthe

two screwsremovedearlier.Tightenthehexboltssecurely.See

Figure6.

DepthStake

Assembly

/ /

Figure6

Securethepinwiththeclip removedearlier.Thedepthstakecan

beplacedat variouspositions.Forsetuppurposesit issuggested

thatthedepthstakebeassembledwiththestakejust above

or levelwiththegroundsurface.Forfurtherinstructionsonthe

DepthStakerefertotheOperationSectionof thismanual.

Depth Stake

Assembly

Screws

Figure5

8

SET-UP

Checking and Adding Oil

Theengineisshippedwithoutoil intheengine.Youmustfillthe

enginewithoil beforeoperating.Runningtheenginewithinsufficient

_o cancauseserous engnedamageandvod theproductwarranty.

Initial Use

1. Removetheoil filldipstick.

2. Placethetilleron levelground,usea funneltoemptyentire

contentsoftheoil bottleprovidedwiththeunitintotheengine.

3. Replacetheoil filldipstickandtighten.

Checkingand adding oil

1. Placethetillerona flat,levelsurface.

2. Removetheoil fillercap/dipstickandwipethedipstickclean.See

Figure7.

Figure7

3. Insertthecap/dipstickintotheoilfillerneck,butdo notscrewitin.

4. Removetheoil fillercap/dipstick.Ifthelevelislow,slowlyaddoil

untiloil levelregistersbetweenhigh(H)and low(L),Figure8.

NOTE:Donotoverfill.Overfillingwithoil maycausesmoking,hard

starting,or sparkplugfouling.

5. Replaceandtightencap/dipstickfirmlybeforestartingengine.

NOTE:DONOTallowoil leveltofallbelowthe"L"markon the

dipstick.Doingsomayresultinequipmentmalfunctionsordamage.

NOTE:Tochangetheoilon yourengine,seethe Maintenance

Sectionofthismanual.

Fuel Recommendations

Useautomotivegasoline(unleadedor lowleadedtominimizecombus-

tionchamberdeposits)witha minimumof87 octane.Gasolinewith

up to 10%ethanolor 15%MTBE(MethylTertiaryButylEther)canbe

used.Neverusean oil/gasolinemixtureordirty gasoline.Avoidgetting

dirt, dust,or waterinthefueltank.DONOTuseE85gasoline.

• Refuelina well-ventilatedareawiththeenginestopped.Donot

smokeorallowflamesor sparksin theareawheretheengineis

refueledor wheregasolineisstored.

• Donotoverfillthefueltank.After refueling,makesurethetank

capisclosedproperlyandsecurely.

• Becarefulnotto spillfuelwhenrefueling.Spilledfuelorfuelvapor

mayignite.Ifanyfuelisspilled,makesuretheareaisdrybefore

startingtheengine.

• Avoidrepeatedorprolongedcontactwithskinorbreathingofvapor.

Adding Fuel

Useextremecarewhenhandlinggasoline.Gasolineisextremely

flammableandthevaporsareexplosive.Neverfuelthemachine

indoorsorwhiletheengineishotor running.Extinguishcigarettes,

cigars,pipesandothersourcesof ignition.

1. Besureengineisoutdoorsandina well-ventilatedarea.

2. Cleanareaaroundthefuelfillcapandremovethefuelfillcap.

3. UsinganapprovedredGASOLINEcontainer,addfuelslowly,being

carefultoavoidspilling.

4. Fillthetankuntilthefuelreachesthe"fuelfull"indicatormark.See

Figure8.

Fuel Level Indicator

TopView

.

Figure8

Replacethefuelcapandtightensecurely.Wipeupspilledfuel

beforestartingengine.IffuelisspilledDONOTstartengine.Move

machineawayfromareaofspillage.Avoidcreatinganysourceof

ignitionuntilfuelvaporsaregone.

9

ADJUSTMENTS

Priortooperatingyourtiller,carefullyreadandfollowall instructions

below.Performalladjustmentstoverifyyourtillerisoperatingsafely

andpropery.

Depth Stake & Wheels

Thetillerisshippedwiththewheelsadjustedsothatthemachinesits

level.Thewheelsneedtobeadjustedtomeetyourtillingneedsbefore

operation.Thisadjustmentismadebyremovingtheclevispinfromthe

wheelyokeandraisingthewheelstothedesiredheight.SeeFigure9.

Wheel Yoke

Depth

Stake

Figure9

Clutch Cable Adjustment

Beforeoperatingthetillertheadjustmentoftheforwardclutchcables

mustbechecked.

1. Disconnectandgroundthesparkplugwireagainsttheengine.

2. Adjusttheforwardclutchcablebylooseningthehexnut.See

Figure10.

Figure10

3. Turnthecablecollarsectionone ortwoturnstoincreaseor

decreasetensiononthecable.See Figure10.

4. Retightenthelocknutagainstthecablecollar.SeeFigure10.

5. Withtheforwardfineengagementhandleintheneutral-- re-

leased-- position,pullthestarterropeseveraltimes.Thetines

shouldnotturn.

6. Iftheyturnadjusttheforwardclutchcableto releasetension

usingthepreviousstepsinthis section.

7. Checkagainforcorrecttensiononthecable.

8. Aftertilling,ifthetinesstopmoving,re-adjustthecables.

10

Fuel Cap

Forward Tine

Engagement Lever

Handle Height

Adjustment

OU Fill Cap

& Dipstick

)th Stake

Tiller Tines

Figure10

Nowthat youhavesetup yourtillerforoperation,getacquaintedwith

itscontrolsandfeatures.Thesearedescribedonthenexttwopages

andillustratedon thispage.Thisknowledgewillallowyoutouseyour

newequipmenttoits fullestpotential.

Theoperationofanytillercanresultinforeignobjectsbeingthrown

intotheeyes,whichcandamageyoureyesseverely.Alwayswear

Isafetyglassesduringoperationor whileperforminganyadjustments

[or repairs.

RECOIL STARTER HANDLE

Thishandleisusedto starttheengine.

THROTTLE CONTROL

@

Thethrottlecontrolis locatedonthesideoftheengine.Itregulatesthe

spreadoftheengineandwillshutoff theenginewhenmovedintothe

STOPposition.

CHOKE CONTROL

CHOKE RUN

Thechokecontrolisfoundon thesideoftheengineandisactivated

bymovingthelevertotheCHOKEposition.Activatingthechoke

controlclosesthechokeplateon thecarburetorandaidsinstartingthe

engine.

AIR FILTER

Theairfilterisa deviceon theengineairintakethatpreventsdustand

dirtenteringtheengine.SeeFigure10.

MUFFLER

Engineexhaustexitstheengineviathemuffler.SeeFigure10.

DEPTH STAKE

Thedepthstakecontrolsthetillingdepth.See Figure10.

TINES

Tillingtinesareusedtocultivate,furrowandprepareyourgardenfor

seeding.SeeFigure10.

Meets ANSi Safety Standards

CraftsmanTillersconformtothesafetystandardoftheAmericanNationalStandardsInstitute(ANSI).

11

OiL FiLL CAP & DIPSTICK

Engineoil levelcanbecheckedand oiladdedthroughtheoil fill. See

Figure10.

NOTE:ThisunitwasshippedWITHOUToilintheengine.Oilis

includedintheplasticbag packedwiththemanualinwiththeunit.

Addtheoil asdirectedintheGas& OilFillUpsection.Checktheoil

levelbeforeeachoperationtoensureadequateoil isintheengine.

Forfurtherinstructions,refertothestepsintheEngineMaintenance

sectionof thismanual.

FORWARD TINE ENGAGEMENT LEVER

Theforwardtineengagementlevercontrolstheengagementofthe

tines.Releasethelevertostopthetines.SeeFigure10.

HANDLEBAR HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT

Thehandleheightmaybeadjusted.Loosenthe knobto changethe

position.Tightenhardwarewhencomplete.SeeFigure10.

TO START ENGINE

1. Attachsparkplugwireand rubberboottosparkplug.

2. Filltankto nomorethan1/2"belowbottomoffillernecktoprovide

spaceforfuelexpansion.

3. Makesurethefineclutchcontrolisdisengaged.

4. MovethechokeleverontheenginetoCHOKEI'_1 position.(A

warmenginemaynotrequirechoking.)SeeFigure11.

Figure11

5. MovethrottlecontroltoSTART/RUN(Rabbit),_ position.See

Figure11.

6. Standingon thesideoftheunit,graspstarterhandleandpull

ropeoutuntilyoufeela drag.

7. Pullthe ropewitha rapid,continuous,fullarmstroke.Keepafirm

gripon thestarterhandle.Letthe roperewindslowly.

8. Repeat,ifnecessary,untilenginestarts.Whenenginestarts,

movechokecontrolgraduallytowardthe RUNI _'I position..

9. Ifenginefalters,movechokecontrolbacktowardtheCHOKE

I'_1 positionandrepeatsteps5 though8.

10. ALWAYSkeepthethrottlecontrolin theSTART/RUN(Rabbit)

positionwhenoperatingthetiller.

TO STOP ENGINE

1. Tostopthewheelsandtines,releasetheForwardClutchBail.

2. Movethrottlecontrolleverto slow(turtle)_ position.

Wheneverpossible,graduallyreduceenginespeedbefore

stoppingengine.

3. Movethrottlecontrolleverto STOP orOFFposition.

4. Disconnectsparkplugwireandgrounditagainsttheengineto

preventaccidentalstartingwhiletheequipmentisunattended.

TO ENGAGE DRIVE & TINES

1. Forforwardmotionofthewheelsandpowertothetinespullthe

ForwardClutchBailupagainstthehandlebar.

2. Whentilling,relaxandletthewheelspullthemachinewhilethetines

dig.Walkslowlybehindthetillerallowingittomoveatitsownpace

whilekeepingasecuregriponthehandlebarwithyourelbowsflexed.

3. Releasethebailtostoptheforwardmotionof wheelsandtines.

TURNING THE TILLER

1. Practiceturningthetillerina level,openarea.Beverycarefulto

keepyourfeetand legsawayfromthetines.

2. Tobegina turn,liftthehandlebarsuntilthetinesare outofthe

groundandtheengineandtinesarebalancedoverthewheels.

3. Withthetillerbalanced,pushsidewaysonthehandlebartosteer

inthedirectionof theturn.Afterturning,slowlylowerthetinesinto

thesoiltoresumetilling.

SETTING THE DEPTH

Becertainsparkplugwireisdisconnectedandgroundedagainstthe

enginewhenperforminganyadjustments.

Yoke Forward

Attachthewheelyokesothatthewheelsareforward(nearesttotines)

forshallowtilling,cultivatingandtransportbyremovingtheclevispin

12

\

andcotterpin.SeeFigure12.

Depth Stake

Thedepthstakeactsasa brakeforthetillerandcontrolsthedepth

and speedatwhichthemachinewilloperate.Removetheclevispin

and hairpinclipto raiseorlowerthedepthstake.SeeFigure14.

Depth Stake

Wheel

Figure12

Yoke Back

Attachthewheelyokesothatthewheelsaretowardtherear(closest

todepthstake)fordeeptillingandcultivatingbyremovingtheclevis

pinandcotterpin.SeeFigure13.

Wheel Yoke

Wheel

Figure13

Figure14

ADJUSTING THE HANDLE HEIGHT

Thehandleshouldbeadjustedsothat whenthetillerisdigging3-4"

intothesoil,thehandlefallstoaboutwaste-high.Toadjusthandle,

simplyloosenthehandleknob,movethehandletothedesiredheight

and retightenthehandleknob.SeeFigure15.

J

Figure15

13

CLEARING THE TINES

Beforeclearingthetinesbyhand,stoptheengine,allowall moving

partstostopanddisconnectthesparkplugwire.Failuretofollowthis

warningcouldresultinpersonalinjury.

Thetines havea self-clearingactionwhicheliminatesmostofthe

tanglingofdebris.However,occasionallydrygrass,stringystalksor

toughvinesmaybecometangled.Followtheseprocedurestohelp

avoidtanglingandtoclearthetines,ifnecessary.

• Trytotillundercropresiduesorcovercropswhiletheyaregreen,

moistandtender.

• Whiletilling,try swayingthehandlebarsfromsideto side(about

6"to 12").This"fishtailing"actionoftenclearsthetinesof debris.

TILLING TiPS & TECHNIQUES

Beforetilling,contactyourtelephoneor utilitiescompanyandinquire

l ifundergroundequipmentor linesareusedon yourproperty.Donot

[till nearburiedelectriccables,telephonelines,pipesor hoses.

Tilling Depth

• Thisisa FRT(forward-rotatingfine)tiller.Whentheforwardtine

engagementleveris pressedagainstthehandlethetinesrotate

forward.Thiscreatesan "uppercut"fineactionwhichdigsdeeply,

uprootingsoiland weeds.Don'toverloadtheengine,butdigas

deeplyaspossibleoneachpass.

• Whencultivating(breakingupthesurfacesoilaroundtheplantsto

destroyweeds,SeeFigure16),trytohavethetinesonlydig1"to

2"deep.Usingtheshallowtillingdepthhelpspreventinjurytothe

plantswhoserootsoftengrowclosetothesurface.If needed,lift

uponthehandlebarsslightlytopreventthetinesfromdiggingtoo

deeply.(Cultivatingona regularbasisnotonlyeliminatesweeds,it

alsoloosensandaeratesthesoilforbettermoistureabsorptionand

fasterplantgrowth.)Wateringthegardenareaa fewdayspriorto

tillingwillmaketillingeasier,aswilllettingthenewlyworkedsoilset

fora dayortwobeforemakingafinal,deeptillingpass.

f

Choosing the Correct Tine Speed

Withexperience,youwillfindthetillingdepthandtillingspeedcombina-

tionthatisbestforyourgarden.Settheenginethrottleleverata speed

togivetheengineadequatepowerandyetallowittooperateattheslow-

estpossiblespeeduntilyouhaveachievedthemaximumtillingdepth

youdesire.Fasterenginespeedsmaybedesirablewhenmakingfinal

passesthroughtheseedbedor whencultivating.Selectionofthecorrect

enginespeed,inrelationtothetillingdepth,willensurea sufficientpower

leveltodo thejob withoutcausingtheenginetolabor.

Suggested Tilling Patterns

• Whenpreparingaseedbed,go overthesamepathtwicein the

firstrow,thenoverlapone-halfthetillerwidthon therestof the

passes.SeeFigure17.

J

Figure17

Whenfinishedin onedirection,makea secondpassata right

angle,SeeFigure18.Overlapeachpassforthebestresults(in

very hardground,itmaytakethreeor fourpassestothoroughly

pulverizethesoil).

mm_

Figure16

,J

14

Figure18

Ifthegardensizewillnotpermitlengthwiseandthencrosswise

tilling,thenoverlapthefirstpassesbyone-halfatillerwidth,fol-

lowedbysuccessivepassesatone-quarterwidth.SeeFigure19.

Terrace Gardening

1. Tocreatea terrace,startatthetopoftheslopeandworkdown

Go backandforthacrossthefirstrow.SeeFigure20.

f

Figure19

Tilling on a Slope

Donotoperatethetilleron a slopetoosteepforsafeoperation.Till

slowlyandbe sureyouhavegoodfooting.Neverpermitthetillerto

freewheeldownslopes.Failuretofollowthis warningcouldresultin

_persona njury.

1. Tillonlyon moderateslopes,neveronsteepgroundwherethe

footingisdifficult.

2. Tillingupanddownslopesisrecommendedoverterracing.Tilling

verticallyona slopeallowsmaximumplantingareaandalso

leavesroomforcultivating.

NOTE:Whentillingonslopes,besurethecorrectoil levelismain-

tainedintheengine(checkeveryone-halfhourofoperation).The

inclineoftheslopewillcausetheoil toslantawayfromitsnormal

levelandthiscanstarveenginepartsof requiredlubrication.Keepthe

motoroil levelatthefull pointat alltimes.

Tilling Lip and Down a Slope

1. Tokeepsoilerosiontoa minimum,be suretoaddenoughorganic

matterto thesoilsothatit hasgoodmoisture-holdingtextureand

try toavoidleavingfootprintsorwheelmarks.

2. Whentillingvertically,try tomakethefirstpassuphillasthetiller

digsmoredeeplygoinguphillthanitdoesdownhill.Insoftsoilor

weeds,youmayhavetolift thehandlebarsslightlywhilegoingup-

hill.Whengoingdownhill,overlapthefirstpassbyaboutone-half

thewidthofthetiller.

.

,e

L' REPEAT

Figure20

Eachsucceedinglowerterraceisstartedbywalkingbelowtheter-

raceyouarepreparing.Foraddedstabilityofthetiller,alwayskeep

theuphillwheelinthesoft,newlytilledsoil.Donottillthelast12"

or moreofthedownhilloutsideedgeofeachterrace.Thisuntilled

striphelpspreventtheterracesfrombreakingapartandwashing

downhill.Italsoprovidesawalkingpathbetweentherows.

15

MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE

Beforeperforminganytypeofmaintenance/service,disengageall

controlsandstoptheengine.Waituntilallmovingpartshavecometo

acompletestop.Disconnectsparkplugwireandgrounditagainstthe

enginetopreventunintendedstarting.Alwayswearsafetyglassesduring

operationor whileperforminganyadjustmentsor repairs.

Followthemaintenanceschedulegivenbelow.Thischartdescribes

serviceguidelinesonly.UsetheServiceLogcolumntokeeptrackof

completedmaintenancetasks.Tolocate the nearest SearsService

Centeror toscheduleservice,simplycontactSearsat

1-800-4-MY-HOME®.

EachUse

1st2 hours

1st5 hours

Every10hours

Every25hours

Every30hours

Every50hours

Every100hours

BeforeStorage

.

2.

3.

4.

1.

2.

1.

2.

1.

2.

1.

2.

1.

Engineoillevel

Looseormissinghardware

Engineandaroundmuffler

Aircleaner

Drivebelttension

Nutsand Bolts

Engineoil

Drivebelttension

Unit

Sparkplug

Tinesforwear

Tirepressure

Engineoill-

Aircleaner

SparkPlug

Fuelsystem

= =

1. Check

2. Tightenor_place

3. Clean

4. Check

1. Check

2. Check

1. Change

1. Check

2. Lubricate

1. Check

2. Check

1. Change

2. Change

1. Runengineuntilit stopsfromlackof

fueloradda gasolineadditivetothe

gasin thetank.

Changeoileverytwentyfivehourswhenoperatingengineunderheavyloadorin hightemperatures

Alwaysstopengineanddisconnectsparkplugwirebeforeperforming

lanymaintenanceor adjustments.Alwayswearsafetyglassesduring

_operationorwhileperforminganyadjustmentsor repairs.

GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS

• Alwaysobserveallsafetyrulesfoundonproductlabelsandin

thisoperator'smanualwhenperforminganymaintenance.Safety

rulescanbefoundonthe productlabelsandin thisOperator's

Manualbeginningonpage3.

• Thewarrantyon thistillerdoesnotcoveritemsthathavebeen

subjectedto operatorabuseor negligence.Toreceivefullvalue

fromwarranty,operatormustmaintaintheequipmentas

instructedhere.

• Someadjustmentswillhavetobe madeperiodicallytomaintain

yourunitproperly.

• Periodicallycheckall fastenersandmakesurethesearetight.

ENGINE MAINTENANCE

Checking the Spark Plug

DONOTcheckforsparkwithsparkplugremoved.DONOTcrank

enginewithsparkplug removed.

Iftheenginehasbeenrunning,themufflerwillbeveryhot. Becareful

nottotouchthemuffler.

Thesparkplugmustbesecurelytightened.Animproperlytightened

sparkplugcanbecomeveryhotandmaydamagetheengine.

Toensureproperengineoperation,thesparkplugmustbeproperly

gappedandfreeofdeposits.Checkthesparkplugevery25hoursand

replaceitevery100hours.

16

1. Removethesparkplugbootandusea sparkplugwrenchto

removetheplug.See Figure21.

Figure21

2. Visuallyinspectthesparkplug.Discardthesparkplugifthereis

apparentwear,orifthe insulatoriscrackedor chipped.Cleanthe

sparkplugwitha wirebrushifitisto be reused.

3. Measurethepluggapwitha feelergauge.Correctasnecessaryby

bendingsideelectrode.SeeFigure22.Thegapshouldbe0.030".

F

Figure22

4. Checkthatthe sparkplugwasherisingoodconditionandthread

thesparkplugin byhandtopreventcrossthreading.

5. Afterthesparkplugisseated,tightenwitha sparkplugwrenchto

compressthewasher.

NOTE:Wheninstallinga newsparkplug,tighten1/2turnafterthespark

plugseatstocompressthewasher.Whenreinstallinga usedsparkplug,

tighten1/8-1/4turnafterthesparkplugseatstocompressthewasher.

Servicing the Air Cleaner

Neverusegasolineor lowflashpointsolventsforcleaningtheair

cleanerelement.A fireor explosioncouldresult.

Theaircleanerpreventsdamagingdirt,dust,etc.,fromenteringthe

carburetorandbeingforcedintotheengineandis importanttoengine

lifeandperformance.Neverruntheenginewithoutanair cleaner

completelyassembled.Checktheair cleanerbeforeeachuse.

Paperfilterscannotbecleanedand mustbereplacedoncea year

or every100operatinghours;moreoftenif usedinextremelydusty

conditions.

1. Pressthetabontheair filtercover,liftthecoverand removethe

air filter.SeeFigure23.

.............

Air Filter

Cover

Filter

Figure23

2. Discardoldair filter.

3. Installnewair filter.

4. Closethecover.

NOTE:ifthefilteristornor damagedinanyway,replaceit.

Cleaning the Engine

Donotsprayenginewithwatertocleanbecausewatercould

contaminatefuel.Usinga gardenhoseor pressurewashingequip-

mentcanalsoforcewaterintothemuffleropening.Waterthatpasses

throughthemufflercanenterthecylinder,causingdamage.

Accumulationofdebrisaroundmufflercouldcausea fire. Inspectand

cleanbeforeeveryuse.

Iftheenginehasbeenrunning,allowittocoolforat leasthalfanhour

beforecleaning.Periodicallyremovedirt build-upfromtheengine.

Cleanaroundthemuffler.Cleanwitha brushor compressedair.

17

Check Engine Oil

1. Checkoil beforeeachuse.Stopengineandwaitseveralminutes

beforecheckingoil level.Withengineon levelground,theoilmust

beto FULLmarkon dipstick.

2. RefertotheAssemblysectionofthismanualforinstructionson

checkingtheoil.

Change Engine Oil

• Refertotheviscositychart(Figure24)foroilrecommendations.Do

notover-fill.Usea4-stroke,oranequivalenthighdetergent,premium

qualitymotoroilcertifiedtomeetorexceedU.S.automobilemanufac-

turer'srequirementsforserviceclassificationofa minimumlevelSF

orSG(higherletterratingsareacceptablesuchasSJ,SLandSM

grades).Motoroilwilldisplaythisdesignationonthecontainer.

! t

o I -_1 I l

I oC)=30° -20o =I0o 0o 100 200 300 400

_. (OF) -20o 0o 150 300 500 700 850 1050 j

Figure24

NOTE:Donotusenon-detergentoil or2-strokeengineoil. Itcould

shortentheengine'sservicelife.

• Changeengineoil afterthefirstfivetoeighthoursofoperation,

andeveryfifty hoursoreveryseasonthereafter.Changeoil every

twentyfivehourswhenoperatingengineunderheavyloadorin

hightemperatures.

To Drain Oil

Usedoilisa hazardouswasteproduct.Disposeofusedoil properly

IDonotdiscardwithhouseholdwaste.Checkwithyourlocalauthori-

[tiesor SearsServiceCenterforsafedisposal/recyclingfacilities.

Beforetippingengineor equipmenttodrainoil,drainfuelfromtank by

runningengineuntilfueltankisempty.

Usedmotoroilmaycauseskincancerifrepeatedlyleftincontactwith

theskinforprolongedperiods.Althoughthisisunlikelyunlessyouhandle

lusedoilonadailybasis,itisstilladvisabletothoroughlywashyourhands

[withsoapandwaterassoonaspossibleafterhandlingusedoil.

1. Drainthefuelfromthetankbyrunningtheengineuntilthefuel

tankisempty.Besurefuelfillcapis secure.

2. WithengineOFFbutstillwarm,disconnectsparkplugwireand

keepitawayfromsparkplug.

3. Removeoil drainendcaplocatedatthebaseoftheengine,and

drainoil intoanappropriatereceptacle.See Figure25.

Drain

Figure25

4. Replaceandtightentheoildrainendcap.

5. Whenengineisdrainedofall oil,placeenginelevel.Refillwith

approximately20oz.offreshoil.Fillto FULLlineondipstick.

Donotoverfill.Referto CheckEngineOil inthis SERVICE&

MAINTENANCEsection.

6. Replacesparkplugwirebeforestarting.

LUBRICATION

Afterevery10operatinghours,oil or greasethelubricationpoints.Use

cleanlubricatingoil (#30weightmotoroilis suitable)andcleangeneral

purposegrease(greasecontaininga metallubricantispreferred,if

available).

• Removethetinesand cleanthetineshaft.Useafileor sandpa-

pertogentlyremoveanyrust,burrsor roughspots(especially

aroundtheholesin theshaft).Applygreasetotheendsofthe

shaftbeforeinstallingthetines.

Removethebeltcoverandlubricateall thepivotpointsand

linkageswitha lightcoatofoil.Keepthebeltsfreeof lubrication.

Thechaincaseispre-lubricatedandsealedatthefactoryand

requiresnomaintenance.

HARDWARE

Checkforlooseor missinghardwareafterevery10operatinghours

andtightenor replace-- asneeded-- beforereusingthetiller.Be

sureto checkthescrewsunderneaththetillerhoodthat securethe

transmissioncoverandthe DepthRegulatorLevertothetransmission.

8

BELT REPLACEMENT

Beforeperforminganytypeofmaintenanceonthemachine,waitfor

all partsto stopmovinganddisconnectthesparkplugwire.Failure

tofollowthis instructioncouldresultinpersonalinjuryor property

damage.

Ifthedrivebeltneedstobe replaced,makesureyouuseonlya factory

authorizedbeltlistedin thePartspagesofthisoperator'smanual,asan

"over-the-counter"beltmaynotperformsatisfactorily.Theprocedure

requiresaveragemechanicalabilityandcommonlyavailabletools.

Toreplacethe Drivebelt,followthesesteps:

1. RemovethebeltcoverfromtheIdt sideofthetillerbyremovingthe

twoselftappingscrewsandhexstopnutandwasher.SeeFigure26.

\

Hex Stop

Nut

.

f

Washer

Figure26

Removetheidlerpulleyboltandmovethebeltfromunderthe

idlerpulleykeeper.SeeFigure27.

J

3. Removethebeltkeeperassemblylocatedbehindtheengine

pulleybyremovingthetwohexboltsand lockwashers.See

Figure27.

4. Removetheoldbeltfromaroundthetransmissionpulleyand

installthenewbelt. SeeFigure27.

5. Followtheinstructionsinreverseorderto re-installthebeltkeeper

and idlerpulley.

NOTE:Uponreassembly,makecertainthattheidlerpulleykeeperisas

showninFigure27.Takenoteofthenotchonthebottomofthekeeper

andthealignmentwhenreassemblingwiththereplacementbelt.

NOTE;Afterre-installingthebelt,double-checkthecableadjustment.

RefertotheAssemblysectionforinstructionsonadjustingthecable.

TINES

Thetineswillwearwithuseandshouldbeinspectedatthebeginning

ofeachtillingseasonandafterevery30operatinghours.Thetines

canbe replaced.RefertothePartsListsectionofthis manualforpart

numbers.

Tine Inspection

Withuse,thetineswillbecomeshorter,narrowerandpointed.Badly

worntineswillresultina lossoftillingdepth,and reducedeffective-

nesswhenchoppingup andturningunderorganicmatter.

Removing/Installing a Tine Assembly

1. A fineassemblyconsistsofa left handtineanda righthandfine.

NOTE:Thesharpedgesof thetinesare positionedto enterthesoil

firstwhenrotating.Notethispositionofthetinesfor reinstallationofthe

newfineassemblies.

2. Toremoveafineassembly,simplyremovethecotterpinsecuring

theclevispinforeachtine.SeeFigure28.

.

4.

Belt Keeper IdJer Transmission

Assembly Pulley Pulley

Figure27 5.

19

Figure28

Removetheclevispinforeachfine,andslidetheassemblytothe

outsideoftheunitandoffofthefineshaft.

Beforereinstallingthetineassembly,inspectthefineshaftfor

rust,roughspotsor burrs.Lightlyfileor sand,as needed.Applya

thincoatofgreasetotheshaft.

Installeachfineoftheassemblysothatthecutting(sharp)edge

ofthetineswillenterthesoilfirstwhenthetillermovesforward.

NeverstoretillerwithfuelintankindoorsorinpoorlyventilatedareasI

wherefuelfumesmayreachanopenflame,spark,orpilotlightason

a furnace,waterheater,cothesdryer,orgasapp ance. 1

PREPARING THE ENGINE

Neverleaveengineunattendedwhileit isrunning.

Enginesstoredbetween30and 90daysneedto betreatedwitha

gasolinestabilizerandenginesstoredover90daysneedto bedrained

offueltopreventdeteriorationandgumfromforminginfuelsystemor

on essentialcarburetorparts.Ifthegasolineinyourenginedeterio-

ratesduringstorage,youmayneedtohavethecarburetor,andother

fuelsystemcomponents,servicedor replaced.

1. Removeallfuelfromtankbyrunningengineuntilit stopsfrom

lackoffuel.

2. Changetheoil.SeeChangeEngineOilinSERVICEAND

MAINTENANCEsection.

3. Removesparkplugand pourabouta 1/2ounceof engineoilinto

thecylinder.Replacesparkplugandcrankit slowlytodistribute

oil.

4. Cleandebrisfromaroundtheengineandthemuffler.Touchup

anydamagedpaint,andcoatotherareasthatmayrustwitha light

filmofoil.

5. Storein a clean,dryandwellventilatedareaawayfromanyap-

pliancethatoperateswitha flameorpilotlight,suchasa furnace,

waterheater,orclothesdryer.Alsoavoidanyareawitha spark

producingelectricmotor,orwherepowertoolsare operated.

6. Ifpossible,alsoavoidstorageareaswithhighhumidity,because

that promotesrustandcorrosion.

7. Keeptheenginelevelinstorage.Tiltingcancausefuelor oil

leakage.

PREPARING THE TILLER

Whenthetillerwon'tbe usedforan extendedperiod,prepareitfor

storageasfollows:

1. Cleanthetillerandengine.

2. Followthelubricationrecommendationsandcheckforlooseparts

and hardware.

3. Storethetillerina clean,dryarea.

4. Neverstorethetillerwithfuelinthefueltankinan enclosedarea

wheregasfumescouldreachan openflameor spark,or where

ignitionsourcesare present(spaceheaters,hotwaterheaters,

furnaces,etc.).

2O

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MTD 21A34M5099, 247.29934, 24729934 Owner's manual

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