MTD 21A-240D731 User manual

Safety • Assembly • Operation • Tips &Techniques • Maintenance • Troubleshooting • Parts Lists • Warranty
AOA AL
Model241shown
Front Tine Tiller -- Model Series 240
IMPORTANT
READ SAFETY RULES AND INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY BEFORE OPERATION
Warning: Thisunitisequippedwithaninternalcombustionengineandshouldnotbeusedon or nearanyunimprovedforest-covered,brush-
coveredor grass-coveredlandunlesstheengine'sexhaustsystemisequippedwitha sparkarrestermeetingapplicablelocalor statelaws(if any).
If a sparkarresterisused,itshouldbemaintainedineffectiveworkingorderbytheoperator.IntheStateofCaliforniatheaboveisrequiredbylaw
(Section4442oftheCaliforniaPublicResourcesCode).Otherstatesmayhavesimilarlaws.Federallawsapplyonfederallands.A sparkarrester
forthemufflerisavailablethroughyournearestengineauthorizedservicedealeror contacttheservicedepartment,RO.Box361131Cleveland,
Ohio44136-0019.
PRINTEDIN U.S.A. MTD LLC, P.O. BOX 361131 CLEVELAND, OHIO 44136-0019 FORMNO.769-02153
12/20/2005

This Operator's Manual is an important part of your new tiller, it will help you assemble,
prepare, and maintain the unit for best performance. Please read and understand what it says.
Table of Contents
Safety Labels ...................................................... 3
Safety ................................................................... 4
Assembly ............................................................. 6
Operation ............................................................. 8
Adjustments ...................................................... 12
Maintenance ...................................................... 13
Troubleshooting ................................................ 14
Off-Season Storage .......................................... 15
Parts List ........................................................... 16
Warranty ............................................ Back Cover
Finding and Recording Model Number
BEFOREYOU ASSEMBLINGYOUR NEW EQUIPMENT,
please locatethe modelplate onthe equipmentand copythe
informationtothe sample modelplate providedtothe right.
Youcan locatethe modelplate by looking at the rearof the
tineshield. This informationis importantfor usewhen visiting
the manufacturer'sweb site,obtainingassistancefrom the
CustomerSupport Department,or when communicatingwith
an authorizedservice dealer.
f
Model Number
www.mtdproducts.com
Serial Number
MTD LLC
P.O. BOX 361131
CLEVELAND, OH 44136
330=220=4683
800-800-731 0
Customer Support
Please do IVOTretum the unit to the retailer from which it was
purchased, without first contacting Customer Support.
Ifyou have difficulty assemblingthis productor have anyquestions regardingthe controls, operation,or maintenanceof this
unit,youcanseek help from the experts.Choosefrom the options below:
• Visitwww.mtdproducts.com. Click onthe Service & Supportmenu option.
• Phonea Customer Support Representative at 1-800-800-7310.
• The engine manufacturer is responsiblefor all engine-relatedissueswith regardsto performance,power-rating,specifica-
tions,warranty and service. Pleasereferto theengine manufacturer'sOwner's/Operator's Manual,packedseparatelywith
your unit,for moreinformation.
MTD _er_afio_a_ Aw®_8Wi_mir_@_r®d_cf_ O¢_rCompa_y
Product Menu
Coa_ad__J_ ?riwcy Porky
S,'.::hr_,iceS ,::_Jpp,._rt
Produd: Registration
2

Safety Labels Found On Your Tiller
TO AVOID SERIOUS iNJURY
1.READTHEOPERATOR'SMANUAL.
2.KNOWLOCATIONANDFUNCTIONSOFALL
CONTROLS.
3.KEEPALLSAFETYDEVICESANDSHIELDS
iNPLACEANDWORKING.
4.NEVERALLOWCHILDRENOR
UNINSTRUCTEDADULTSTOOPERATE
TILLER.
5. SHUTOFF ENGINE BEFOREUNCLOGGING
TINES OR MAKING REPAIRS.
6.KEEPBYSTANDERSAWAYFROMMACHINE.
7,KEEP AWAY FROM ROTATING PARTS.
8.USE EXTREME CAUTION WHEN
REVERSING OR PULLING THE MACHINE
TOWARDS YOU. S32147
i_ii__i ii_iI i__ii_
Labels
WARNING
DONOT remove safety
(or any) labels from
tiller for any reason.
3

Operat on
WARNING
This symbol points
out important safety
instructionswhich, if
notfollowed,could
endangerthe personal
safetyand/or property
of yourself and others.
Readand follow all
instructionsinthis man-
ualbeforeattempting to
operatethis machine.
Failureto complywith
these instructions
may result in personal
injury.Whenyousee
i this symbol, HEED ITS
WARNING!
WARNING: EngineExhaust,some of itsconstituents,andcertain vehiclecompo-
nentscontain or emit chemicals knownto Stateof Californiato cause cancerand
birth defectsor other reproductiveharm.
DANGER: Thismachinewas builtto beoperatedaccordingto the rulesfor safe operationin this
manual.As with anytype of powerequipment,carelessnessor erroronthe part ofthe operatorcan
result in seriousinjury.This machine is capableof amputatinghands andfeet andthrowing objects.
Failureto observethe followingsafety instructionscould resultin serious injury ordeath.
Training
1. Read,understand,andfollowall instructionsonthemachine
and in the manual(s)beforeattemptingto assembleand
operate.Keepthismanualina safeplaceforfuture and
regularreferenceandfor orderingreplacementparts.
2. Befamiliarwithall controlsandtheirproperoperation.Know
howtostopthe machine.
3. Neverallowchildrenunder14yearsoldto operatethis
machine.Children14yearsoldand overshouldreadand
understandthe operationinstructionsandsafetyrules in
this manualandshouldbetrainedand supervisedbya
parent.
4. Neverallowadultsto operatethismachinewithoutproper
instruction.
5. Keepbystanders,helpers,petsandchildrenatleast75feet
fromthe machinewhile it isin operation.Stop machineif
anyoneentersthe area.
Preparation
1. Thoroughlyinspectthe areawheretheequipmentisto be
used.Removeallstones,sticks,wire,andotherforeign
objectswhichcouldbetrippedoverandcausepersonal
injury.
2 Wearsturdy,rough-soledworkshoesand closefitting
slacksand shirt.Loosefittingclothesor jewelrycan be
caughtin movableparts.Neveroperatethismachinein bare
feet or sandals.
3. Disengageclutchleversand shift(ifprovided)intoneutral
("N")beforestartingthe engine.
4. Neverleavethis machineunattendedwiththe engine
running.
5. Neverattemptto makeanyadjustmentswhile engineis
running,exceptwherespecificallyrecommendedinthe
operator'smanual.
6. Toavoid personalinjury orpropertydamageuseextreme
carein handlinggasoline.Gasolineis extremelyflammable
andthevaporsareexplosive.Seriouspersonalinjurycan
occurwhengasolineisspilledonyourselforyourclothes
which canignite.Washyourskin andchangeclothes
immediately.
7. Useonlyanapprovedgasolinecontainer.
8. Extinguishallcigarettes,cigars,pipesand othersourcesof
ignition.
9. Neverfuel machineindoors.
10.Neverremovegascapor addfuel whiletheengineishot or
running.
11.Allowenginetocoolat leasttwo minutesbeforerefueling
12.Neveroverfillfuel tank. Filltankto nomorethanY2inch
belowbottomoffillerneckto providespacefor fuel
expansion.
13. Replacegasolinecapandtightensecurely.
14. Ifgasolineisspilled,wipeit offthe engineand
equipment.Movemachinetoanotherarea.Wait5
minutesbeforestartingthe engine.
15. Neverstorethe machineorfuelcontainerinsidenearan
openflame,sparkor pilotlight(e.g.furnace,wateror
spaceheater,clothesdryer,etc.).
16. Allowmachineto cool5minutesbeforestoring.
Operation
1. Do notput handsor feetnear rotatingparts.Contactwith
the rotatingpartscanamputatehandsandfeet.
2. Do notoperatemachinewhileunderthe influenceofalcohol
or drugs.
3. Neveroperatethismachinewithoutgoodvisibility or light.
Alwaysbesureof yourfootingand keepafirm hold onthe
handles.
4. Keepbystanders,helpers,pets,and childrenat least75feet
fromthe machinewhile itis inoperation.Stopthe machineif
anyoneentersthe area.
5. Becarefulwhentillingin hardground.Thetines maycatch
in the groundand propelthe tillerforward.Ifthis occurs,let
goof the handlebarsanddo notrestrainthe machine.
6. Exerciseextremecautionwhenoperatingonor crossing
gravelsurfaces.Stayalertfor hiddenhazardsor traffic.
7. Neveroperatethe machineat hightransportspeedsonhard
or slipperysurfaces.
8. Exercisecautionto avoidslippingorfalling.
9. Lookdownand behindand usecare whenin reverseor
pullingmachinetowardsyou.
10.Startthe engineaccordingtothe instructionsfoundin this
manualandkeepfeet wellawayfromthetinesat alltimes.
11.Afterstrikinga foreignobject,stoptheengine,disconnect
the sparkplugwireand groundagainstthe engine
Thoroughlyinspectthe machineforanydamage.Repairthe
damagebeforestarting andoperating.
12.Disengageall clutchlevers(iffitted)and stopenginebefore
youleavetheoperatingposition(behindthe handles).Wait
untilthetinescometoacompletestopbeforeunclogging
thetines, makinganyadjustments,orinspections.
13.Neverrun anengineindoorsor inapoorlyventilatedarea.
Engineexhaustcontainscarbonmonoxide,an odorlessand
deadlygas.
14.Mufflerand enginebecomehotandcancausea burn.Do
nottouch.
15.Use cautionwhentilling nearfences,buildingsand
undergroundutilities.Rotatingtinescancause property
damageor personalinjury.
4

16.Do notoverloadmachinecapacityby attemptingtotill soilto
deepattoofast ofa rate.
17.Ifthe machineshouldstartmakinganunusualnoiseor
vibration,stopthe engine,disconnectthe sparkplugwire
and groundit againstthe engine.Inspectthoroughlyfor
damage.Repairanydamagebeforestartingandoperating.
18.Keepallshields,guards,andsafetydevicesin placeand
operatingproperly.
19.Neverpick upor carrymachinewhiletheengineis running.
20.Use onlyattachmentsand accessoriesapprovedbythe
manufacturer.Failuretodoso can resultin personalinjury.
21. Ifsituationsoccurwhichare notcoveredinthis manual,use
careandgoodjudgment.Contactyourdealerortelephone
1-800-800-7310for assistanceandthe nameofyour
nearestservicingdealer.
Maintenance & Storage
1. Nevertamperwith safetydevices.Checktheirproper
operationregularly.
2. Checkboltsand screwsfor propertightnessatfrequent
intervalsto keepthe machineinsafe workingcondition.
Also,visuallyinspectmachineforanydamage.
3. Beforecleaning,repairing,or inspecting,stopthe engine
and makecertainthe tinesand all movingpartshave
stopped.Disconnectthe sparkplugwireandgroundit
againstthe engineto preventunintendedstarting.
4. Do notchangethe enginegovernorsettings orover-speed
the engine.Thegovernorcontrolsthe maximumsafe
operatingspeedofthe engine.
5. Maintainor replacesafetyand instructionlabels,as
necessary.
6. Followthismanualforsafeloading,unloading,transporting,
andstorageofthis machine.
7. Neverstorethemachineor fuelcontainerinsidewhere
there isanopenflame,spark orpilotlightsuchas awater
heater,furnace,clothesdryer,etc.
8. Alwaysrefertothe operator'smanualfor properinstructions
on off-seasonstorage.
9. Ifthe fueltank hasto bedrained,dothis outdoors.
10.Observeproperdisposallawsandregulationsfor gas,oil,
etc.to protectthe environment.
Your Responsibility
1. Restrictthe useofthispowermachineto personswhoread,
understand,andfollowthe warningsand instructionsinthis
manualandonthe machine.
2. Thesafetylabelsonthetillerareshowninthe "Safety
Labels"section.Toensuresafeoperationofthe tiller,follow
theinstructionsonall labelsclosely.
5
ces
WARNING
This symbol points
out importantsafety
instructionswhich, if
notfollowed,could
endangerthe personal
safety and/or property
ofyourself and others.
Readandfollow all
instructions inthis man-
ual beforeattemptingto
operatethis machine.
Failureto complywith
these instructions
may result in personal
njury.Whenyou see
this symbol, HEED ITS
WARNING!

NOTE: Stand behind
the tilleras ifyouwere
goingto operateit. Your
righthand corresponds
to the right sideof the
tiller; your left hand
correspondsto the left
sideof the tiller.
NOTE:This operator's
manualmaycover
various modelsof tillers.
The unitsillustrated
mayvary slightlyfrom
your unit. Followonly
those instructionswhich
pertainto your model
number.
iMPORTANT
::Thisunit isshipped
without gasolineoroi
iin the engine. Fillup
igasolineand oilas
instructedin the accom-
panyingengine manual
iBEFOREoperatingyour
machine.
Assembly
1. Removethe star handleknobs andcarriage
boltsfrom the lowerhandle, Figure3-1.
Figure3-1:Removehardwarefrom lowerhandle. J
2. Positionthe upper handleontothe lower
handle,Step A Figure3-2.Alignthe holes
onlower handle with the holeson the upper
handle(choosethe upper or lowerholes
dependingon the desired handle height).
3. Insertcarriage boltsthrough theholes and se-
cure with star knobs,Step B Figure3-2. Make
certain carriagebolts are seatedsecurelyinto
one ofthe two positionsprovided.
f
4. Insert leftend of tineclutch control intothe
holeon the leftside of the upper handle,
Figure3-3.
f
\
Figure3-3: Installleftsideofthe tineclutchcontrol. J
5. Insert the Z-fittingon the clutchcable into
the hole on thetine clutch control. Hook the
"Z" end intothe opening fromthe insideto
theoutside as shownin Figure3-4.
\
....... J
Figure3-4: Hookcableintotineclutchcontrol.
'_ _j
Figure3-2:Attachandsecureupperhandle.
6

6.Squeezethetineclutchcontrolinward.
Insertrightendintotheholeontherightside
oftheupperhandle,Figure3-5.
f
,,_ .y
Figure3-5: Installrightend oftineclutchcontrol.
7
NOTE: Stand behind
thetiller as ifyouwere
goingto operateit. Your
ighthand corresponds
to the rightside ofthe
tiller; your lefthand
correspondstothe left
side of thetiller.
NOTE: Thisoperator's
manualmaycover
various modelsoftillers.
The units illustrated
mayvary slightlyfrom
our unit. Followonly
those instructionswhich
)ertain to your mode[
number.

You rTiller
WARNING
Thetine clutch control
isasafetydevice.
Neverattemptto
bypass its operation.
Useextremecare
when handling
gasoline.Gasoline is
extremely flammable
and the vapors are
explosive.Never fuel
the machine indoors
ior while the engine
ishot or running.
Extinguishcigarettes,
cigars, pipes, and
other sources of
ignition.
Keephandsand feet
awayfrom the tines.
Referto warning label
on the unit.
Clutch Cable
Rec0il
Starter
Rear Wheel
with Depth
Stake
Figure4-1:Themajorpartsofthetiller(model241shown).
_ARNING:Read,understand, and
follow ail instructionsand warnings
postedon the machine and inthis
manualbeforeoperating.
Tine Clutch Control
Theclutchcontrolleverislocatedontheupperhandle.
Squeezingtheleveragainstthehandleengagesthefine
drive.Releasetheleverto stopthetinesfromturning.
Rear Wheel with Depth Stake
Thedepthstakeandwheelare locatedatthe rearof
thetiller.Bothmaybeadjusted.Refertothe"Wheel
Position"and"DepthStake"sectionsforinstructions.
Handle Knobs
Thehandleheightmaybeadjusted.Loosentheknobs
andremovethecarriageboltstochangetheposition.
Reinstallandtightenthehardwarewhencomplete.
Engine Controls
NOTE:Seetheseparateenginemanualforadditional
engineinformationand functions.
Throttle Control
Thethrottlecontrolleverislocatedon theengine,it
controlstheengine'sspeedand stopstheengine.
*Withthethrottlecontrolmovedcompletelytotheleft,
thecarburetorisin STARTor FASTposition.Use
maximumenginespeedfordeeptilling.
*Movethethrottlecontrollevertotherightto reduce
enginespeed.ThrottlecontrolshouldbeatIDLEfor
transportingthetiller.
Movethethrottleallthewaytotherighttostopthe
engine.
Primer
Theprimer,locatedontheengine,isusedtopumpgas
intothecarburetorandaid instartingtheengine.Useit
tostarta coldengine,butdo notuseitto restarta warm
engineaftera shortshutdown.
Recoil Starter
Therecoilstarteris locatedon theengineandisusedto
manuallystarttheengine.
8

_ARNING:Read,understand,and
follow all instructionsandwarnings
postedon the machine and in this
manualbefore operating.
Before Starting
Gas And Oil Fill-Up
Servicetheenginewithgasolineandoil asinstructedin
theseparateenginemanualpackedwithyourtiller.Read
instructionscarefully.
_._|1_ ARNING:Useextremecarewhen
handlinggasoline. Gasolineisex-
tremely flammable and thevaporsare
explosive.Neverfuel machine indoors
or while the engineishot or running.
Starting Engine
_ WARNING:Besureno one isstanding
infront of the tiller while the engineis
runningor being started.
1. Attachsparkplugwireto sparkplug.Makesurethe
metalcapontheendofthesparkplugisfastened
securelyoverthemetaltipon thesparkplug.
2. Makesurethatthefineclutchcontrolisdisengaged.
3. PlacethethrottlecontrolintheFASTposition.
4. Forfirsttimestart-up,firmlypressengineprimerfive
(5)times.Forall futurestarts,pressthree(3) times.
Waitabouttwo secondsbetweeneachpress.
5. Placelefthandongastank.Grasprecoilstarterand
pullropeoutslowlyuntilenginereachesthebeginning
ofitscompressioncycle(ropewillpull slightlyharder
atthispoint).
6. Pullropewith a rapid,continuous,fullarmstroke.
Keepa firmgripon handle.Letroperewindslowly.Do
notletrecoilstartersnapbackagainstengine.Repeat
untilenginestarts.
Stopping Engine
1. MovethrottlecontrollevertoSTOPor OFFposition.
2. Disconnectsparkplugwirefromsparkplugand
groundagainsttheengine.
Using Your Tiller
Yourtiller(alsoknownasa cultivator)isa precisionbuilt
machinedesignedforseedbedpreparation,cultivating,
furrowing,andmulching.It isengineeredto minimize
thehardestworkinthevegetableor flowergarden,to
till thesoilforplantingandcultivating,andto perform
manyotherusefullaborsavingtasksinthegarden.After
engineis runningandappropriatespeedseton throttle,
squeezefineclutchcontrol(seeFigure4-1)against
upperhandleto engagethefinedrive.Releasethelever
tostopthetinesfromturning.
Wheel Position
Thetillerisshippedwiththewheeladjustedsuchthat the
unitsitslevel.Beforetilling,thewheelmustberaised.To
dothis,removetheclevisandcotterpins,raisethewheel
tothedesiredposition,thenreattachpinsto secure,
Figure4-2.Fortransportingthetiller,reversethestepsto
lowerthewheel.
Figure4-2:WheelAdjustment
Depth Stake
Thedepthstakeactsas a brakeforthetillerand controls
thedepthand speedatwhichthemachinewilloperate,
Figure4-3. Removetheclevisandcotterpins,raiseor
lowerthedepthstake,thenreattachpinstosecure.
Figure4-3:TheDepthStake
Your Tiller
WARNING
Besorenooneother
thanthe operator :is
standing near the tiller
while starting engine
or operating the unit.
Never run engine
indoorsor in enclosed,
poorly ventilated
areas. Engine exhaust
contains carbon
monoxide, an odorless
and deadly
hands, feet, hair and
loose clothing away
fromanymo. ngparts
See your engine
manual packagedwith
your unit for detailed
instructions pertaining
to starting the engine,
_ii_i_;i/;I_I:_I_I_I_I_I_I_I_I_I_I_I_I!!il
9

i ¸
Fortilling,thedepthstakemustbeloweredandthe
wheelmustbe raised,Figure4-4.
Byincreasingthedepthof thedepthstake,theforward
speedofthemachineis reducedandtheworkingdepth
isincreased.Whenthedepthstakeis raised,theworking
depthofthemachineisreducedandtheforwardspeed
isincreased.Theworkingdepthofthemachinemay
bepredeterminedbysettingthedepthstakesothatthe
wheelsareaboutfourinchesfromthegroundwhenthe
tinesanddepthstakearerestingontheground.This
settingwillpermitaworkingdepthofaboutfourinches.
Whenpresettingtheworkingdepth,thehandlesshould
beadjustedsothehandgripsarea littleabovewaist.
Thetillerwillbelowerwhenthetinesand depthstake
penetratetheground.
Figure4-4:Lowerthedepthstakeand raisethe wheelwhen
tilling.
Controlling Speed and Tilling Depth
Whentilling,leaveapproximately8 inchesof untilledsoil
betweenthefirstandsecondtillingpaths,thenmake
thethirdpathbetweenthefirstandsecond,Figure4-5.
Insomesoils,thedesireddepthisobtainedthefirst
timeoverthegarden.Inothersoils,thedesireddepth
isobtainedbygoingoverthegardentwo orthreetimes.
Passesshouldbemadeacrossthelengthandwidth
ofthegardenalternately.Rockswhichareturnedup
shouldberemovedfromthegardenarea.
J
Figure4-5:Recommendedtillerpaths.
Handle Pressure
Furthercontroloftillingdepthandtravelspeedcanbe
obtainedbyvariationofpressureonthehandles.
A downwardpressureon thehandleswill reducethe
workingdepthandincreasetheforwardspeed.An
upwardpressureon thehandleswillincreasethe
workingdepthandreducetheforwardspeed.
Thetypeof soilandworkingconditionswilldeterminethe
actualsettingofthedepthstakeandthehandlepressure
required.
Cultivating
Forcultivating,a twotothreeinchdepthisdesirable.The
throttleshouldbe settocontrolforwardmovementtoa
slowwalkingspeed.Withtheoutertinesinstalled,the
workingwidthofthemachineis22 or24inches.
Forcultivation,thismaybereducedto 13inchesby
removingtheoutertines,refertotheAdjustmentSection.
Whenlayingoutplantrows,be suretoallowenough
widthto permitcultivationbetweentherows.Ingrowing
cornor similarcrops,check-rowplantingwill permitcross
cultivationandpracticallyeliminatehandhoeing,Figure
4-6.
Figure4-6:Allowenoughareabetweenrows.
Thetillerhasmanyusesotherthantillingandcultivating
a garden.Oneoftheseisthepreparationoflawnarea
forseeding.Thetillerwillprepareadeepseedbedwhich
10

willbefreeofharduntilledspots,allowinga betterstandofgrassto grow.Thetillerisveryusefulforlooseninghard
soilforexcavationwitha shovel;Notedioushandworkwillbenecessary.Yourtillermaybe usedformixingcompost
in thepileorfor mixingitwiththesoilinyourgarden.Thisshouldbe doneafterthesoilhasbeenbrokentothefull
workingdepth.Thecompostshouldbe workedin toa depthofsix toseveninches.Thismaybedonebyworkingthe
lengthofthegardenandthenbymakingseparatepassesacrossits width.Theadditionofdecayedorganicmatterwill
substantiallyincreasethefertilityofyourgarden.Forproperdecayingaction,fertilizershouldbeappliedandworkedin
withthemulchmaterials.Breakingupleavesandstrawandmixingitwith severalinchesof soilallowsproperaeration
oftheplantrootsystemand retardsthegrowthofweeds.
Transporting and Storing the Tiller
Totransportthetiller,lowerthewheeland movethe Tostorethetiller,lowerthewheelandorientthedepth
depthstaketothehighestposition,Figure4-7. stakesobotharetouchingtheground,Figure4-8.
J _ J
Figure4-7:Fortransport,lowerwheelandraisedepthstake. Figure4-8:Forstorage,lowerwheelanddepthstake.
Your Tiller
Besurenooneother
than the operator is
standing near the tiller
while starting engine
or operating the unit;
Never engine
indoorsOrinenclosed,
poorlyventilated
areas. Engineexhaust
containscarbo
monoxide, anodorless
and deadly gas:Keep
hands, feet, hairand
looseclothingaway
from any moving parts
See your engine
manual packagedwith
your unit for detailed
instructions pertaining
to starting the enginei
11

i¸ : /i:!
NOTEi This operator,s
manual may coverVari_
ous modelsoftillerS:
The unts illuStrated
mayVaryslightlyfrom
your unit.Followon!y
those instructions
Whichpertain to your
model numberl ...........
NOTE: Standbehind
thetiller as ifyouwere
goingto operate it.
Yourrighthand cor-
respondsto the right
side ofthe tiller; your
left handcorresponds
:othe left sideof the
:iller.
Making Adjustments
Warning: Disconnectthe spark
plugwire and ground itagainst
the engine before performing
any adjustments.
Engine Adjustment
Referto theseparateengine manualfor engine
adjustmentinstructions.
Tine Width Adjustment
The tillingwidth ofthe unit is22 inches.Tilling
width can increaseto 24 inches by removing
the clevis and cotterpins,sliding each outer
tine out one inch, and securing in this position
with the pins. Forcultivation,reduce the tine
width to 13inches byremovingthe outer tines
completely,Figure5-1.
f
,€ 24-inch
2-inch •
J
Figure5-1:Tinewidthadjustment.
12

nect sparkplug,and groundagainst
performinganymaintenanceon your
machine.
Engine
Refertotheseparateenginemanualforenginemainte-
nanceinstructions.
• Maintainengineoilas instructedintheseparate
enginemanualpackedwithyourunit.Readandfollow
instructionscarefully.
•Serviceair cleanereverytenhoursundernormal
conditions.Cleaneveryhourunderextremelydusty
conditions.Poorengineperformanceandflooding
usuallyindicatesthattheair cleanershouldbe
serviced.Toservicetheaircleaner,refertothe
separateenginemanualpackedwithyourunit.
'_,'_) MPORTANT:Neverrunyourenginewithout
air cleanercompletely assembled.
• Thesparkplugshouldbecleanedandthegap reset
every25hoursofengineoperation.Sparkplug
replacementis recommendedatthestartofeachtiller
season;checkenginemanualforcorrectplugtype
andgap specification.
• Cleantheengineregularlywitha clothor brush.
Keepthecoolingsystem(blowerhousingarea)clean
to permitproperaircirculationwhichisessentialto
engineperformanceand life.Becertainto removeall
dirtandcombustibledebrisfrommufflerarea.
Lubrication
Transmission
Thetransmissionispre-lubricatedandsealedatthefac-
tory.It requiresnochecking.Seean authorizedservice
dealerforanyserviceissues.
Tine Shafts
Removetineassembliesand lubricatethetineshaftsat
leastoncea season.
Wheel Shaft
Removewheelassemblyandlubricatetheaxleshaftat
leastoncea season.
Cleaning Tine Area
Cleantheundersideofthefineshieldaftereachuse.
Thedirtwashesoff thetineseasierifrinsedoff im-
mediatelyinsteadofafteritdries.Alwaystoweldrythe
tillerafterwardsandapplya lightcoatofoil or siliconeto
preventrustingorwaterdamage.
(]_,_j) IMPORTANT:Neveruse a "pressure washer"
to cleanyour tiller. Water canpenetratetight
areasof the tiller causing serious damage.
Yourtillerhasbeenengineeredwitha beltmadeof
specialmaterialforlongerlifeand betterperformance.
It shouldnotbe replacedwithanoff-the-shelfbelt.See
theretailerfromwhichyoupurchasedyourtiller,an
authorizedMTDServiceDealer,or call1-800-800-7310
forinformationregardingpriceandavailability.
1. Removetheframeandenginebyremovingthesix
screwsandlocknutsholdingtheengineandframeto
theshield,Figure6-1.
Figure6-1:Removeengineandframetogainaccesstothebelt.
(Model241shown)
2. LoosenthelocknutshowninStepA Figure6-2.
3. Unloopthebeltfromthepulleys,StepB Figure6-2.
4. Reassemblethenewbeltandtightenthelocknut.
5. Reattachframeandengineusingthehardware
removedearlier.
Figure6-2:Loosenthenuttoremovethebelt.
Alwaysstop engine,
disconnectspark
plugland ground
ga nstenginebefore
cleaningl lubricat-
mgor performing
maintenance on your
machine:
IMPORTANT:Never
usea pressurewasher
to cleanyourtiller.
Water can penetrate
tightareas ofthe tiller
causing seriousdamage
to the unit.
IMPORTANT:Never run
your enginewithoutthe
aircleaner completely
assembled.
13

For repairs beyond
the minor adjust.
merits listed here,
contact an authorized
service dealer.
Problem Cause Remedy
Engine fa! s tOstart wi!ed ! connectwiretospa[k
I 2 Fue tankemptyorstaefue 2 F tankwthcean freshgaso ne
3. Throttle control!evernotincorrect 3, Movethrottlelevertostartposition.
sta_ingPosition(i!equipped)position I
4, Chokenot n ONpost on. 5: clean fuelline.
&Blocked fue! 6 C!ean:adjustgaROr[epiace:
Fau!tysPa[k wait afew rninutesto restartlbutdo
7, Engnefood ng. . notprme(f equpped)
Engineruns erratic 1. Sparkplugwireloose.
2. Unitrunningon CHOKE.
3. Blockedfuellineor stalefuel.
4. Ventplugged.
5. Wateror dirtin fuelsystem.
6. Dirtyair cleaner.
7. Carburetoroutofadjustment.
1. Connectandtightenspark
plugwire.
2. MovechokelevertoOFE
3. Cleanfuelline;filltankwithclean,
freshgasoline.
4. Clearvent.
5. Drainfueltank.Refillwith
freshfuel.
6. Cleanfollowingenginemanual.
7. Referto enginemanual.
I
Engineoverheats !; Engineoi!!eve!low: 1; E!!crankcasewthProPeroi!:
2 Di!tYa[fi!ter: 2 c!eanai[C!eaiei:
Ai[f!ow iest[cte& Removeblowerhousingandc!eanr
4. Carburetornotadjustedproperly. 4. Referto enginemanual.
1. Foreignobjectlodgedintines.
2. Tineclevispin(s)missing.
3. Beltwornand/orstretched.
4. Pulleyandidlernotincorrectadjust-
ment.
1. Stoptillercompletely,checkand
discardforeignobject.
2. Replacefineclevispin(s).
3. Replacebelt.
4. Takeunittoauthorizedservice
Tines do no engage
14

Off-Season Storage
ifthetillerwillnotbe usedforaperiodlongerthan30
days,thefollowingstepsshouldbetakentopreparethe
tillerforstorage.
Cleantheexteriorofengineandtheentiretiller
thoroughly.Lubricatethetillerasdescribedin the
lubricationinstructions.
Wedonotrecommendtheuseof pressurewashersto
cleanyourunit.Theymaycausedamageto spindles,
pulleys,bearings,ortheengine.Theuseofpressure
washerswill resultin shortenedlifeand reduce
serviceability.
Refertotheenginemanualforcorrectenginestorage
instructions.
Wipetineswithoiled ragto preventrust.
Storetillerin aclean,dryarea.Donotstorenextto
corrosivematerials,suchasfertilizer.
Whenstoringanytypeofpowerequipmentinan
unventilatedor metalstorageshed,careshouldbe
takentorustprooftheequipment.Usinga lightoil
or silicone,coattheequipmentandespeciallyany
springs,bearings,andcables.
NOTE: When storing
anytype of power
equipment inan unven-
tilatedor metalstorage
shed.care should be
takento rustproofthe
equipment.Usinga
Ightoil or silicone,coat
theequipmentand
especiallyany springs,
bearings,and cables.
15

16

1 749-04282 UpperHandle
2 720-04072 StarHandle Knob
3 749-04281 LowerHandle
4 710-04398 FlangeScrew5/16-18x7.5
5 754-04123 Belt
6 756-04163 idlerPulley
7 748-04125 ShoulderSpacer
8 686-04080 IdlerBracket
9 712-04065 FlangeLockNut:3/8-16
10 710-0654A TT Screw3/8-16x 1.00
11 786-04303 Frame
12 710-0514 HHCapScrew3/8-16x 1.00
13 732-0418 ExtensionSpring
14 738-04139 Stud33x 1.5x3/8-16
15 756-04217 FlywheelPulley
16 710-0591 HHCapScrew3/8-24x 1.00
17 710-0520 HHCapScrew3/8-16x 1.50
18 786-04256 TineShield61cm
19 711-0415 ClevisPin
20 642-0005 OuterTineAssemblyLH
21 642-0003 InnerTineAssemblyLH
22 714-0149B internalCotterPin
23 710-0809 TT Screw1/4-20x 1.25
24 GW-9727 PipePlug3/8 NPT
25 642-0002 InnerTineAssemblyRH
26 642-0004 OuterTineAssemblyRH
27 618-04276A CaseAssembly
28 721-04157 Gasket
29 726-0299 PushCap
30 734-0973 Wheel5 x 1.38
31 749-04265 DepthStakeTube
32 711-04520 AxleShaft
33 710-1007 TT Screw3/8-16x 1.50
34 786-04296 WheelBracket
35 749-04266 RearWheelTube
36 714-3020 internalCotterPin
37 712-04063 FlangeLockNut:5/16-18
38 710-0487 CarriageBolt
39 731-05385 ClutchCableFitting
40 746-04247 ClutchCable
41 710-0599 TT Screw1/4-20x.50
42 786-04307 CableMountBracket
43 747-04508 ClutchBail
44 736-0300 FiatWasher.406x.875x.059
Parts List
_FACTORY PARTS
To order
replacement parts, call
1-800-800-7310
or visit
www.mtdproducts.com
Fora proper working
machine,use Fac-
tory Approved Parts.
V-BELTSare specially
designed to engageand
disengagesafely. A
substitute (nomOEM)
V-Belt canbe danger-
ous by not disengaging
completely.
Tiller features/compo-
nentsvary by model.
Someparts listedmay
not beavailableonyour
unit.
17

Notes
_ ii_ _ i_ill i_ii i_iii_ _ I_
Use this page to take notes.

Use this page to take notes.
19
Notes

MANUFACTURER'S LiMiTED WARRANTY FOR
ThelimitedwarrantysetforthbelowisgivenbyMTDLLCwithrespect
tonewmerchandisepurchasedandusedin theUnitedStates,its
possessionsandterritories.
"MTD"warrantsthisproductagainstdefectsinmaterialandworkman-
shipfora periodoftwo (2)yearscommencingonthedateoforiginal
purchaseandwill,at itsoption,repairor replace,freeofcharge,any
partfoundto bedefectiveinmaterialsorworkmanship.Thislimitedwar-
rantyshallonlyapplyifthisproducthasbeenoperatedand maintained
inaccordancewiththeOperator'sManualfurnishedwiththeproduct,
andhasnotbeensubjectto misuse,abuse,commercialuse,neglect,
accident,impropermaintenance,alteration,vandalism,theft,fire,water,
ordamagebecauseofotherperilor naturaldisaster.Damageresulting
fromthe installationor useofanypart,accessoryor attachmentnot
approvedby MTDforusewiththeproduct(s)coveredbythis manual
willvoidyourwarrantyastoanyresultingdamage.
Normalwearpartsarewarrantedto befreefromdefectsinmaterialand
workmanshipfora periodofthirty(30)daysfromthedateof purchase.
Normalwearpartsinclude,butare notlimitedto itemssuchas: batter-
ies,belts,blades,bladeadapters,grassbags,riderdeckwheels,seats,
snowthrowerskidshoes,shaveplates,augerspiralrubberandtires.
NOW TO OBTAINSERVICE: Warrantyservice isavailable,WITH
PROOFOF PURCHASE,throughyour localauthorized service
dealer.Tolocate the dealer in yourarea, check yourYellowPages,
or contact MTDLLCat RO. Box361131,Cleveland,Ohio 44136-
0019,or call 1-800-800-7310or 1-330-220-4683 or log on to our
Website at www.mtdproducts.com.
Thislimitedwarrantydoesnotprovidecoverageinthefollowingcases:
a. Theengineor componentpartsthereof.Theseitemsmaycarrya
separatemanufacturer'swarranty.Refertoapplicablemanufacturer's
warrantyfortermsandconditions.
b. Logsplitterpumps,valves,andcylindershavea separateoneyear
warranty.
c. Routinemaintenanceitemssuchaslubricants,filters,blade
sharpening,tune-ups,brakeadjustments,clutchadjustments,deck
adjustments,andnormaldeteriorationoftheexteriorfinishdueto
useor exposure.
d. Servicecompletedbysomeoneotherthananauthorizedservice
dealer.
e. MTDdoesnotextendanywarrantyforproductssoldor exported
outsideoftheUnitedStates,its possessionsandterritories,except
thosesoldthroughMTD'sauthorizedchannelsofexportdistribution.
f. ReplacementpartsthatarenotgenuineMTDparts.
g. Transportationchargesandservicecalls.
Noimpliedwarranty,includingany impliedwarrantyof mer-
chantabilityof fitness for a particular purpose,applies after the
applicable periodof expresswritten warranty aboveasto the
partsasidentified.Nootherexpresswarranty, whetherwritten or
oral, exceptas mentioned above,givenby anypersonor entity,
includingadealeror retailer, withrespect to any product,shall
bindMTD.Duringthe periodof the warranty,the exclusiveremedy
isrepairor replacementof the productas setforth above.
Theprovisionsasset forth inthis warrantyprovidethesoleand
exclusiveremedy arising from the sale.MTDshallnot be liable
for incidentalor consequentiallossor damageincluding,without
limitation, expensesincurredfor substituteor replacementlawn
careservicesor for rentalexpensesto temporarily replacea
warranted product.
Somestatesdo notallowtheexclusionor limitationofincidentalor
consequentialdamages,or limitationsonhowlongan impliedwarranty
lasts,sotheaboveexclusionsor limitationsmaynotapplytoyou.
Innoeventshallrecoveryofanykindbegreaterthantheamountofthe
purchasepriceof theproductsold.Alterationof safetyfeaturesof
the product shallvoid this warranty. Youassumetheriskand liability
forloss,damage,or injurytoyouandyourpropertyand/ortoothersand
theirpropertyarisingoutofthemisuseor inabilitytousethe product.
Thislimitedwarrantyshallnotextendtoanyoneotherthantheoriginal
purchaserorto thepersonforwhomitwas purchasedasa gift.
HOWSTATELAWRELATESTOTHISWARRANTY:This limited
warrantygivesyouspecificlegalrights,and youmayalsohaveother
rightswhichvaryfromstatetostate.
IMPORTANT:OwnermustpresentOriginalProofof Purchasetoobtain
warrantycoverage.
MTD LLC, P.O. BOX 361131 CLEVELAND, OHIO 44136=0019; Phone: 1=800=800=7310, 1=330=220=4683