MTD 217-200 - Manual (Page 4)

ASSEMBLY
Your rotary tiller is shipped complete in a single carton.
The tines, wheels, handles, controls and depth bar are to
be assembled. This is done in the manner described be­
low.
TINES - Mount tines on tine shaft as shown. Tines must
be mounted with the cutting edges facing the front. The
tiller will not operate properly unless the sharpened sur­
face of the tines enter the soil first. Secure tines in
position on tine shaft with cap screws (47), and nuts
(46). NOTE: Dust pads (68 & 69) are provided in screw
pack. These must be assembled os shown.
WHEELS - Insert axle bolts (31) into wheel hubs. Se­
cure with locknuts (32) tightened only enough to allow
free movement of the wheels (26) . Attach wheel and
axle assemblies to outside of tiller legs (10 & 11). Fas­
ten with locknuts (32) as shown.
HANDLES - Insert handles (8 & 9) into slots in tail­
piece assembly (3). NOTE: The handles are left (9) and
right (8) and must be positioned accordingly. Secure
lower part of handle with carriage bolts (50). Use square
holes to rear. Do not tighten.
HANDLE PANEL AND CLUTCH CONTROL -
Standard Handle
Assemble handle panel (13) (small) to handles as
shown with handle panel (115) (large) covering both
small panel and handles. Secure top portion with
carriage bolts (104) and locknuts (35). Secure large
panel at bottom with cap screws (48), lockwashers
(44) and nuts (53). Assemble control handle
assembly (6) to panel with cap screw (106), spring
(101),
washer (107) and locknut (35) as shown.
Attach adjustment tube (110) to control rod (19).
Insert formed end of control rod into control pivot
lever
(15) from left side. Fasten upper end of
control handle assembly with cap screw (112) and
locknut (113). Move throttle control knob out enough
to allow face washer to be loosened. Position con­
trol (64) into slot in end of large panel. Tighten
face washer. Fasten control cable to handle with
cable clip (67).
HANDLE PANEL AND CLUTCH CONTROL -
Plow Type Handle
Position handle panel (13) over upper handles. Hold
in position with cap screws (61). Mount throttle
control on under side of handle. Position on upper
cap
screw and fasten with locknut (35). Do not
tighten. Fasten control cable to handle with cable
clip (67). Attach hooked end of upper control rod
(19) to control pivot lever (15) from left side. Put
control handle assembly (6) in “Forward” positiork.
Attach adjustment tube to control rod. Assemble to
control handle with cap screw (112) and stop nut
(113). Be sure “F-N-R”can be read from operator’s
position of ti Her. Position control mounting bracket
(25) on under side of right handle. Wide end should
be to top. Fasten with cap screws as shown.
Assemble remaining nuts. Tighten all nuts securely.
DEPTH BAR - Attach depth bar (12) in desired position
with clevis pin (29) and locking pin (28).
GRIPS - Assemble grips (22) to handle bars.
CHICK LIST IIFOKi
OPERATION
1. Check tiller tines for proper installation. With throttle
control lever set on “Stop" position and the clutch
control handle set in “Forward” position, slowly
crank engine to determine direction of tine rotation. Be
sure oil tines ore mounted so the sharpened edges
enter the soil first.
2. Check all nuts and bolts for proper tightness. This is
especially important during the initial operation period.
Make this some check periodically thereafter.
3. Check throttle control for proper setting. If choke con­
trol on engine is not fully extended when the throttle
control lever is on “Choke" position, reset as shown
in ADJUSTMENT instructions.
4. Check gear case for proper lubricant level. With tiller
on a level surface, lubricant level should be up to the
rear pipe plug opening. This can be checked by re­
moving rear pipe plug. Maintain correct lubricant
level with Molilube SAE 140 Gear Oil or equivalent.
The gear case holds five (5) ounces of lubricant.
5. Check fuel tank. Clean, fresh, regular gasoline
should be used at all times.
6. Check engine crankcase for proper oil level. The
engine is shipped without oil in the crankcase. Be
sure to fill crankcase before starting engine. Be sure
crankcase is FULL.
NOTE: The engine is warranted separately by the engine
manufacturer. For warranty service contact the engine
manufacturer or their local authorized service station.
All important information pertaining to care and opera­
tion is included in the engine manual.
S T A R T I N G Y O U R T I L L E R
1. Be sure clutch control handle is in “Neutral" position.
2. Move throttle control lever to “Choke” position.
3. After cranking the engine several times, or as the
engine fires, move the throttle control lever to run
position.
4. Use “Choke” as needed to keep engine operating
during warm-up period.
5. Adj ust throttle control lever for desired operating
speed.
6. To stop engine, move throttle control lever to “Stop”
position. Keep throttle control lever in “Stop"
position at all times when tiller is not in use.
NOTE: A b rief break in period is essential to insure
maximum engine life. This consists of running the
engine at half speed for a period of time required to use
one tank of gasoline. This is necessary on the initial
run only. It is also recommended that the oil be changed
after five (5) hours of operation. This allows for the re­
moval of impurities which may have accumulated during
the break in period. Subsequent oil changes should be
made as stated in the engine manual. Always check oil
before using your tiller. Be sure crankcase is full.
PORM NO. 770-91 ID