User manual MCCULLOCH MC900

[. . . ] MC900 Operator's Manual / 96083000400 / 2009-11 532 43 21-09 SAFETY RULES Safe Operation Practices for Walk-Behind Powered Rotary Tillers · TRAINING · · Read the Owner's Manual carefully. Be thoroughly familiar with the controls and the proper use of the equipment. Never allow adults to operate the equipment without proper instruction. Keep the area of operation clear of all persons, particularly small children, and pets. · · · · · · · PREPARATION · · · · · · · · · · Thoroughly inspect the area where the equipment is to be used and remove all foreign objects. [. . . ] Then work across the first cuts at normal depth. Recoil Starter Engine Switch Fig. 8 4 5 3 6 2 7 1 BREAKING IN YOUR TILLER Break-in your belt(s), pulleys and tine control before you actually begin tilling. · Start engine, tip tines off ground by pressing handles down and engage tine control to start tine rotation. See "TINE OPERATION CHECK" in the Service and Adjustments section of this manual. Fig. 9 CULTIVATING Cultivating is destroying the weeds between rows to prevent them from robbing nourishment and moisture from the plants. At the same time, breaking up the upper layer of soil crust will help retain moisture in the soil. Begin by tipping the depth stake forward until it is held by the stake spring. · Cultivate up and down the rows at a speed which will allow tines to uproot weeds and leave the ground in rough condition, promoting no further growth of weeds and grass (See Fig. 10). TILLING HINTS CAUTION: Until you are accustomed to handling your tiller, start actual field use with throttle in slow position. To help tiller move forward, lift up the handles slightly (thus lifting depth stake out of ground). If you are straining or tiller is shaking, the wheels and depth stake are not set properly in the soil being tilled. The proper setting of the wheels and depth stake is through trial and error and depends upon the soil condition. (The harder or wetter the ground, the slower the engine and tine speed needed. Under these poor conditions, at fast speed the tiller will run and jump over the ground). A properly adjusted tiller will dig with little effort from the operator. · Tilling is digging into, turning over, and breaking up packed soil before planting. Depending on the climate (rainfall and wind), it may be advisable to till the soil at the end of the growing season to further condition the soil. Fig. 10 9 MAINTENANCE EE EV AC ER HU Y5 SE HO EV ER UR Y2 S 5H EV OU ER RS Y5 0H OU RS MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE FILL IN DATES AS YOU COMPLETE REGULAR SERVICE Check Engine Oil Level Change Engine Oil Oil Pivot Points Inspect Spark Arrester / Muffler Inspect Air Screen Clean or Replace Air Cleaner Cartridge Clean Engine Cylinder Fins Replace Spark Plug BE FO R SERVICE DATES 2 1 - Change more often when operating under a heavy load or in high ambient temperatures. 2 - Service more often when operating in dirty or dusty conditions. GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS The warranty on this tiller does not cover items that have been subjected to operator abuse or negligence. To receive full value from the warranty, the operator must maintain tiller as instructed in this manual. Some adjustments will need to be made periodically to properly maintain your tiller. At least once a season, check to see if you should make any of the adjustments described in the Service and Adjustments section of this manual. [. . . ] If possible, store your unit indoors and cover it to give protection from dust and dirt. Cover your unit with a suitable protective cover that does not retain moisture. Plastic cannot breathe which allows condensation to form and will cause your unit to rust. IMPORTANT: NEVER COVER TILLER WHILE ENGINE AND EXHAUST AREAS ARE STILL WARM. Empty the fuel tank by starting the engine and let it run until the fuel lines and carburetor are empty. · Never use engine or carburetor cleaner products in the fuel tank or permanent. [. . . ]