MTD 213-381A - Manual (Page 9)

Wheel Setting
For Deep Digging
Shailow Dig
Fast Forward
Deep Dig Siow
Forward Wheei Setting For
Shallow Digging
and/or Transport
FIGURE 17.
By increasing the depth of the depth bar, the
forward speed of the machine is reduced, and
the working depth is increased. When the
depth bar is raised, the working depth of the
machine is reduced and the forward speed is
increased. The working depth of the machine
may be predetermined by setting the depth
bar and wheels so that the wheels are about
four inches from the ground when the tines
and depth bar are resting on the ground. This
setting will permit a working depth of about
four inches. Use maximum engine speed for
deep tilling. When presetting the working
depth, the handles should be a little above
waist height because the tiller will be lower
when the tines and depth bar penetrate the
ground. The best method will be determined
by the soil condition. In some soils, the
desired depth is obtained the first time over
the garden, in other soils, the desired depth is
obtained by going over the garden two or
three times. In the latter case, the depth bar
should be lowered before each succeeding
pass over the garden. Passes should be made
across the length and width of the garden
alternately. Rocks which are turned up should
be removed from the garden area.
3. Handle Pressure: Further control of tilling
depth and travel speed can be obtained by
variation of pressure on the handles. A
downward
pressure on the handles will
reduce the working depth and increase the
forward speed. An upward pressure on the
handles will increase the working depth and
reduce the forward speed. The type of soil and
working conditions will determine the actual
setting of the depth bar and the handle
pressure required.
4. Throttle Control: The throttle control lever is
located on the right side of handle panel.
NOTE
Right hand side is determined from
the operator’s position standing be­
hind the tiller.
The throttle control lever adjusts the engine
speed. It also gives fingertip control of the car­
buretor and magneto stop switch. With the throt­
tle control knob pushed completely forward, the
carburetor is in “START” position. Pulling the
throttle control back slightly adjusts the engine
speed to “FAST.” Pulling the throttle back further
reduces the engine speed to “SLOW.” When the
throttle is pulled completely back, the magneto
stop switch grounds out the spark and stops the
engine.
Use maximum engine speed for deep tilling. Move
the throttle control to slow when transporting the
tiller. When the tiller is being moved to or from the
garden, the depth bar should be pivoted forward
until it engages the depth bar spring pin. The
machine may be moved under its own power,
without damaging grass areas as long as it is
allowed to move freely. If the operator holds back,
it will start to dig.
CULTIVATING
For cultivating, a two to three inch depth is
desirable. Setting the wheels and depth bar so
that the wheels are about two inches above the
ground while the tiller is resting on the tines and
depth bar will allow the machine to work at
cultivating depth. The throttle should be set to
control forward movement to a slow walking
speed. With standard tines, the working width of
the machine is 26 inches. For cultivation, this may
be reduced to 14 inches by removing the outer
tines. See figures 18 and 19.
FIGURE 18.