Troy-Bilt 12208 - Manual (Page 15)

Section 4: Operation
A WARNING
Do not push down on the handlebars to
try to make the tiller till more deeply.
This prevents the wheels trom holding
the tiller back and can allow the tines
to rapidly propel the tiller forward,
which could result in loss of control,
property damage, or personal injury.
5. For reverse motion of the wheels and
tines (Models 12209/12210 only):
(a) Look behind and exercise caution
when operating in reverse. Do not till
while in reverse.
(b) Stop all forward motion before
reversing. Lift the handlebars with one
hand until the tines are off the ground
and then pull the Reverse Clutch
Control knob out to engage reverse
motion (see Figure 4-3). To stop
reverse motion, let go of the Reverse
Clutch Control knob.
NOTE: To move the Models 12208/12217
in reverse for short distances, use the
following procedure:
(a) Release the Forward Clutch Bail.
(b) Tilt the handlebar slightly upward until
the tines are out of the soil.
(c) Swing the handlebar to the left so the
right wheel takes a “step” backward.
Next move the handlebar to the right so
the left wheel takes a “step” backward.
(d) Repeat to “walk” the tiller rearward. If
longer distances need to be covered in
reverse, shut off the engine, then place
the two wheels in FREEWHEEL.
6. To Turn the Tiller Around:
(a) Practice turning the tiller in a level,
open area. Be very careful to keep
your feet and legs away from the tines.
(b) To make a turn, lift the handlebars
until the engine and tines are balanced
over the wheels (Figure 4-4). The
tines must be out of the ground while
turning the tiller.
Turning the Tiller Around
Figure 4-3: Raise tines off ground and iook
behind when moving in reverse. (Modeis
12209 and 12210 have powered reverse.
Models 12208 and 12217 can be “fish-
tailed’’ backward manuaiiy for a short
distance, or rolled backward when wheels
are in FREEWHEEL)
(c) With the tiller balanced, push sideways
on the handlebar to move the tiller in
the direction of the turn (Figure 4-5).
After completing the turn, slowly lower
the tines into the soil to resume tilling.
Stopping the Tiller and Engine
1. To stop the wheels and tines, release
the Forward Clutch Bail or the Reverse
Clutch Control (on Models 12209/12210)
-whichevercontrol is in use.
2. To stop the engine, put the ignition
switch and/or the throttle control lever on
the engine in the “OFF” or “STOP”
position.
A
WARNING
Before tilling, contact your telephone or
utilities company and inquire if under­
ground equipment or lines are used in
your area. Their representative will be
glad to answer your questions and tell
you if any of their equipment or lines
are
buried underground on your
property.
Figure 4-4: To begin turn, lift handlebars
until engine and tines are balanced over
wheels. Be sure tines are out of ground.
Figure 4-5: With tiller balanced over
wheels (and tines out of the ground),
push handlebars sideways to turn tiller.
15