MTD 21BA405C500 User manual

MTD PRODUCTS LTD., P. P. BOX 1386, KITCHENER, ONTARIO CANADA N2G 4J1
Printed In USA
Safe Operation Practices • Set-Up • Operation • Maintenance • Service • Troubleshooting • Warranty
WARNING
READ AND FOLLOW ALL SAFETY RULES AND INSTRUCTIONS IN THIS MANUAL
BEFORE ATTEMPTING TO OPERATE THIS MACHINE.
FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THESE INSTRUCTIONS MAY RESULT IN PERSONAL INJURY.
OPERATOR’S MANUAL
769-05715D
1.9.14
Rear Tine CRT Tiller — 400

Customer Support
Please do NOT return the machine to the retailer or dealer without first contacting our Customer Support Department.
If you have difficulty assembling this product or have any questions regarding the controls, operation, or maintenance of
this machine, you can seek help from the experts. Choose from the options below:
◊ Visit us on the web at www.mtdcanada.com
◊ Call a Customer Support Representative at [phone]
◊ Write us at MTD Products. Ltd., P. O. Box 1386, Kitchener, ON Canada N2G 4J1
Thank you for purchasing a machine manufactured by MTD. It
was carefully engineered to provide excellent performance when
properly operated and maintained.
Please read this entire manual prior to operating the equipment.
It instructs you how to safely and easily set up, operate and
maintain your machine. Please be sure that you, and any other
persons who will operate the machine, carefully follow the
recommended safety practices at all times. Failure to do so could
result in personal injury or property damage.
All information in this manual is relative to the most recent
product information available at the time of printing. Review
this manual frequently to familiarize yourself with the machine,
its features and operation. Please be aware that this Operator’s
Manual may cover a range of product specifications for various
models. Characteristics and features discussed and/or illustrated
in this manual may not be applicable to all models. MTD
reserves the right to change product specifications, designs and
equipment without notice and without incurring obligation.
If you have any problems or questions concerning the machine,
phone your local authorized MTD service dealer or contact us
directly. MTD’s Customer Support telephone numbers, website
address and mailing address can be found on this page. We want
to ensure your complete satisfaction at all times.
Throughout this manual, all references to right and left side of the
machine are observed from the operating position.
The engine manufacturer is responsible for all engine-related
issues with regards to performance, power-rating, specifications,
warranty and service. Please refer to the engine manufacturer’s
Owner’s/Operator’s Manual, packed separately with your
machine, for more information.
Thank You
Record Product Information
Before setting up and operating your new equipment, please
locate the model plate on the equipment and record the
information in the provided area to the right. You can locate
the model plate by standing at the operator’s position and
looking down at the rear of the machine. This information will be
necessary, should you seek technical support via our web site,
Customer Support Department, or with an authorized service
dealer.
Model NuMber
Serial NuMber
To The Owner 1
2
Safe Operation Practices ........................................ 3
Assembly & Set Up................................................... 6
Controls & Features................................................. 9
Operation................................................................11
Maintenance & Adjustment .................................16
Service .....................................................................18
Troubleshooting.................................................... 20
Parts List..................................................................21
Warranty................................................................ 22
Table of Contents

Important Safe Operation Practices 2
3
Training
1. Read, understand, and follow all instructions on the
machine and in the manual(s) before attempting to
assemble and operate. Keep this manual in a safe place for
future and regular reference and for ordering replacement
parts.
2. Be familiar with all controls and their proper operation.
Know how to stop the machine and disengage them
quickly.
3. Never allow children under 14 years of age to operate this
machine. Children 14 and over should read and understand
the instructions and safe operation practices in this manual
and on the machine and be trained and supervised by an
adult.
4. Never allow adults to operate this machine without proper
instruction.
5. Keep the area of operation clear of all persons, particularly
small children and pets. Stop machine if anyone enters the
area.
Preparation
1. Thoroughly inspect the area where the equipment is to
be used. Remove all stones, sticks, wire, and other foreign
objects which could be tripped over and cause personal
injury.
2. Wear sturdy, rough-soled work shoes and close fitting
slacks and shirt. Loose fitting clothes or jewelry can be
caught in moving parts. Never operate this machine in bare
feet or sandals.
3. Disengage clutch levers and shift (if provided) into neutral
(“N”) before starting the engine.
4. Never leave this machine unattended with the engine
running.
5. Never attempt to make any adjustments while engine is
running, except where specifically recommended in the
operator’s manual.
Safe Handling of Gasoline:
To avoid personal injury or property damage use extreme care
in handling gasoline. Gasoline is extremely flammable and the
vapors are explosive. Serious personal injury can occur when
gasoline is spilled on yourself or your clothes which can ignite.
Wash your skin and change clothes immediately.
a. Use only an approved gasoline container.
b. Never fill containers inside a vehicle or on a truck
or trailer bed with a plastic liner. Always place
containers on the ground away from your vehicle
before filling.
c. When practical, remove gas-powered equipment
from the truck or trailer and refuel it on the ground.
If this is not possible, then refuel such equipment on
a trailer with a portable container, rather than from a
gasoline dispenser nozzle.
d. Keep the nozzle in contact with the rim of the fuel
tank or container opening at all times until fueling is
complete. Do not use a nozzle lock-open device.
e. Extinguish all cigarettes, cigars, pipes and other
sources of ignition.
f. Never fuel machine indoors.
g. Never remove gas cap or add fuel while the engine
is hot or running. Allow engine to cool at least two
minutes before refueling.
h. Never over fill fuel tank. Fill tank to no more than ½
inch below bottom of filler neck to allow space for
fuel expansion.
i. Replace gasoline cap and tighten securely.
j. If gasoline is spilled, wipe it off the engine and
equipment. Move unit to another area. Wait 5
minutes before starting the engine.
k. To reduce fire hazards, keep machine free of grass,
leaves, or other debris build-up. Clean up oil or fuel
spillage and remove any fuel soaked debris.
WARNING! This symbol points out important safety instructions which, if not followed,
could endanger the personal safety and/or property of yourself and others. Read and follow
all instructions in this manual before attempting to operate this machine. Failure to comply
with these instructions may result in personal injury.
When you see this symbol. HEED ITS WARNING!
DANGER! This machine was built to be operated according to the safe operation practices in
this manual. As with any type of power equipment, carelessness or error on the part of the
operator can result in serious injury. This machine is capable of amputating fingers, hands,
toes and feet. Failure to observe the following safety instructions could result in serious
injury or death.

4
Section 2 — important Safe operation practiceS
20. Use only attachments and accessories approved by the
manufacturer. Failure to do so can result in personal injury.
21. If situations occur which are not covered in this manual, use
care and good judgement. Contact Customer Support for
assistance and the name of you nearest servicing dealer.
Maintenance & Storage
1. Keep machine, attachments and accessories in safe
working order.
2. Allow a machine to cool at least five minutes before
storing. Never tamper with safety devices. Check their
proper operation regularly.
3. Check bolts and screws for proper tightness at frequent
intervals to keep the machine in safe working condition.
Also, visually inspect machine for any damage.
4. Before cleaning, repairing, or inspecting, stop the engine
and make certain the tines and all moving parts have
stopped. Disconnect the spark plug wire and ground it
against the engine to prevent unintended starting.
5. Do not change the engine governor settings or over-speed
the engine. The governor controls the maximum safe
operating speed of engine.
6. Maintain or replace safety and instruction labels, as
necessary.
7. Follow this manual for safe loading, unloading,
transporting, and storage of this machine.
8. Always refer to the operator’s manual for important details
if the machine is to be stored for an extended period.
9. If the fuel tank has to be drained, do this outdoors.
10. Observe proper disposal laws and regulations for gas, oil,
etc. to protect the environment.
11. According to the Consumer Products Safety Commission
(CPSC) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA),
this product has an Average Useful Life of seven (7) years,
or 130 hours of operation. At the end of the Average Useful
Life have the machine inspected annually by an authorized
service dealer to ensure that all mechanical and safety
systems are working properly and not worn excessively.
Failure to do so can result in accidents, injuries or death.
Notice Regarding Emissions
Engines which are certified to comply with California and federal
EPA emission regulations for SORE (Small Off Road Equipment)
are certified to operate on regular unleaded gasoline, and
may include the following emission control systems: Engine
Modification (EM), Oxidizing Catalyst (OC), Secondary Air
Injection (SAI) and Three Way Catalyst (TWC) if so equipped.
l. Never store the machine or fuel container inside
where there is an open flame, spark or pilot light
as on a water heater, space heater, furnace, clothes
dryer or other gas appliances.
Operation
1. Do not put hands or feet near rotating parts. Contact with
the rotating parts can amputate hands and feet.
2. Do not operate machine while under the influence of
alcohol or drugs.
3. Never operate this machine without good visibility or light.
Always be sure of your footing and keep a firm hold on the
handles.
4. Keep bystanders away from the machine while it is in
operation. Stop the machine if anyone enters the area.
5. Be careful when tilling in hard ground. The tines may catch
in the ground and propel the tiller forward. If this occurs,
let go of the handle bars and do not restrain the machine.
6. Exercise extreme caution when operating on or crossing
gravel surfaces. Stay alert for hidden hazards or traffic. Do
not carry passengers.
7. Never operate the machine at high transport speeds on
hard or slippery surfaces.
8. Exercise caution to avoid slipping or falling.
9. Look down and behind and use care when in reverse or
pulling machine towards you.
10. Start the engine according to the instructions found in this
manual and keep feet well away from the tines at all times.
11. After striking a foreign object, stop the engine, disconnect
the spark plug wire and ground against the engine.
Thoroughly inspect the machine for any damage. Repair
the damage before starting and operating.
12. Disengage all clutch levers (if fitted) and stop engine
before you leave the operating position (behind the
handles). Wait until the tines come to a complete stop
before unclogging the tines, making any adjustments, or
inspections.
13. Never run an engine indoors or in a poorly ventilated area.
Engine exhaust contains carbon monoxide, an odorless
and deadly gas.
14. Muffler and engine become hot and can cause a burn. Do
not touch.
15. Use caution when tilling near fences, buildings and
underground utilities. Rotating tines can cause property
damage or personal injury.
16. Do not overload machine capacity by attempting to till soil
too deep at too fast of a rate.
17. If the machine should start making an unusual noise or
vibration, stop the engine, disconnect the spark plug wire
and ground it against the engine. Inspect thoroughly for
damage. Repair any damage before starting and operating.
18. Keep all shields, guards, and safety devices in place and
operating properly.
19. Never pick up or carry machine while the engine is running.

5
Section 2 — important Safe operation practiceS
Spark Arrestor
WARNING! This machine is equipped with an internal combustion engine and should not be used on or near any
unimproved forest-covered, brushcovered or grass-covered land unless the engine’s exhaust system is equipped with a
spark arrester meeting applicable local or provincial laws (if any).
If a spark arrester is used, it should be maintained in effective working order by the operator. A spark arrester for the
muffler is available through your nearest engine authorized service dealer.
Safety Symbols
This page depicts and describes safety symbols that may appear on this product. Read, understand, and follow all instructions on the
machine before attempting to assemble and operate.
Symbol Description
READ THE OPERATOR’S MANUAL(S)
Read, understand, and follow all instructions in the manual(s) before attempting to
assemble and operate
WARNING— ROTATING TINES
Do not put hands or feet near rotating parts. Contact with the rotating parts can amputate
hands and feet.
WARNING— ROTATING TINES
Do not put hands or feet near rotating parts. Contact with the rotating parts can amputate
hands and feet.
WARNING—GASOLINE IS FLAMMABLE
Allow the engine to cool at least two minutes before refueling.
WARNING— CARBON MONOXIDE
Never run an engine indoors or in a poorly ventilated area. Engine exhaust contains carbon
monoxide, an odorless and deadly gas.
WARNING— HOT SURFACE
Engine parts, especially the muffler, become extremely hot during operation. Allow engine
and muffler to cool before touching.
WARNING: Your Responsibility—Restrict the use of this power machine to persons who read, understand and
follow the warnings and instructions in this manual and on the machine.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS!

4. Tighten the hex bolt installed in Step 2 at this time. Be
careful not to overtighten this hardware.
5. With the handle in the desired position, tighten the handle-
crank adjustment rod at this time.
Attaching the Cables
To attach the cables, follow these steps:
1. Route the two cables along the handle assembly on the right-
hand side.
2. Connect the reverse cable (Red) to the reverse cable
control by feeding the z-hook through the hole on the
reverse cable control from the inside towards the outside.
Refer to Fig. 3-2 on the following page.
3. Connect the forward drive cable (Black) to the clutch bail
by feeding the z-hook through the hole on the clutch bail
from the outside towards the inside. See Fig. 3-2.
Note: Test the function of the reverse clutch by pulling the
reverse handle and releasing it. The handle should return
to its neutral position. If it doesn’t, contact your local dealer
for technical assistance.
To Test the function of the forward drive bail, lift the bail
to the handle and release it. The bail should return to its
neutral position. If it doesn’t, contact your local dealer for
technical assistance.
WARNING! To prevent personal injury or property
damage, do not start the engine until all assembly
steps are complete and you have read and
understand the Safe Operation Practices Section
and the Operating Section in this manual.
Assembly
Unpacking Instructions
NOTE: While unpacking, do not severely bend any of the control
cables.
1. The tiller is heavy, do not attempt to remove it from
the shipping platform until instructed to do so in these
Assembly steps.
2. Remove all parts from the carton. Check that you have the
items listed in the Contents of Carton list (contact your
local dealer or customer support if items are missing or
damaged).
3. Remove any packaging material from the carton. Remove
any staples from the bottom of the carton and remove the
carton from the shipping platform.
NOTE: This unit is shipped WITHOUT OIL or GASOLINE. After
assembly, see separate engine manual for proper fuel and engine
oil recommendations.
Handle
NOTE: All references to the right or left side of the tiller are from
the operator’s position.
1. Install the handle onto the tiller using the hardware pre-
installed on the handle mounting brackets. This consists of
a 5/16-18 x 3.00” hex bolt, a handle crank assembly, retainer
bracket and two 5/16-18 flange lock nuts. Remove this
hardware from the handle mounting brackets on the tiller.
2. Insert the handle into the handle mounting brackets, lining
up the pre-drilled holes. Insert the 5/16-18 x 3.00” hex bolt
in the bottom hole from the left hand side through to the
other side. Place the round hole end of the hex retainer
bracket over the hex bolt and secure loosely with a bell
washer and 5/16-18 flange lock nut removed earlier.
Note: The bell washer should be positioned with the top
of the bell shape towards the hex nut which will create
tension and further secure the flange lock nut once
tightened. Do not tighten this hardware at this time.
3. Install the handle-crank adjustment rod into the top hole of
the mounting bracket from the left hand side of the handle
assembly, secure with the other flange lock nut previously
removed. Fit the hex end of the retainer bracket over the
flange lock nut. See Fig. 3-1.
Contents of Carton
• One Tiller • One Operator’s Manual • One Handlebar Assembly • Bottle Oil
Figure 3-1
Assembly & Set-Up 3
6

4. Snap the cable housing clips into the handle
assembly cable mount as seen here. The red
clip (reverse cable) fits into the top position
on the handle assembly, while the black clip
(forward/clutch cable) feeds into the lower
position on the handle assembly. See Fig. 3-2.
5. Clip the cables into the cable guides located on the handle
assembly panel as seen in Fig. 3-3.
Move Tiller Off Crate
To roll the tiller off the shipping platform, put the wheels in
freewheel, if they are not already from the factory, as follows:
1. Placeasturdy blockunderthetransmissionto raiseonewheel
about 1” off the ground. Remove the click pin from the
wheel hub and wheel shaft. See Fig. 3-4.
2. Slide the wheel fully inward on the wheel shaft . Reinstall the
click pin through the wheel shaft only (not through the
wheel hub). See Fig. 3-4. The wheel should now spin freely
(freewheel) on the wheel shaft. Repeat with the other
wheel.
3. Use the handlebar to roll the tiller to a flat area.
NOTE: Before starting the engine, the wheels must be placed in
the WHEEL DRIVE position (pins through wheel hubs and wheel
shaft). This procedure is described in Wheel Drive Pins on page 10.
Set-Up
Tire Pressure
Check the air pressure with a tire gauge. Deflate or inflate the
tires equally to between 15 and 20 PSI. DO NOT EXCEED 20 P.S.I.
NOTE: Be sure that both tires are inflated equally or the tiller will
pull to one side.
Gas & Oil Fill Up
WARNING! Use extreme care when handling
gasoline. Gasoline is extremely flammable and the
vapors are explosive. Never fuel the machine
indoors or while the engine is hot or running.
Extinguish cigarettes, cigars, pipes and any other
sources of ignition.
This unit was shipped WITHOUT oil or gasoline in the engine.
Oil is included in the plastic literature bag packed with the unit.
Add the oil as instructed in the separate engine manual. Check
oil level before each operation to ensure adequate oil in the
engine. For further instructions, refer to the separate engine
manual packed with your unit.
Click Pin
Figure 3-2
Figure 3-4
Figure 3-3
Red
Black
Remove the click pin
from the wheel hub
Slide the wheel fully
inward on the wheel
shaft . Reinstall the
click pin
7Section 3 — ASSembly & Set-Up

Transmission/Gear Oil
The transmission was filled with gear oil at the factory. However,
you should check the gear oil level at this time to make certain it
is correct.
NOTE: Do not operate the tiller if the gear oil level is low. Doing
so will result in severe damage to the transmission components.
1. With the tiller on level ground, pull the Depth Regulator
Lever back and then all the way up until the lowest notch in
the lever is engaged. See Fig. 3-5.
2. Remove the oil fill plug from the transmission housing
cover and locate the main drive shaft situated inside the
housing. See Fig. 3-6.
3. The gear oil level is correct if the gear oil is approximately
halfway up the side of the main drive shaft.
4. If the oil level is low, refer to the Maintenance &
Adjustments Section for instructions on adding gear oil.
Figure 3-6
Depth Regulator Lever
Figure 3-5
8
Section 3 — ASSembly & Set-Up

Figure 4-1
Recoil Starter Handle
This handle is used to start the engine.
Throttle Control
The throttle control is located on the front of the engine. It
regulates the speed of the engine and will shut off the engine
when moved into the STOP position.
Choke Control
The choke control is located on the front of the engine. It is used
to enrich the fuel mixture in the carburetor when starting a cold
engine. See separate engine manual for further information.
NOTE: This unit was shipped WITHOUT gasoline or oil in the
engine. Oil is included in the plastic literature bag packed in
with the unit. Add the oil as directed in the Setup section. Check
the oil level before each operation to ensure adequate oil is in
the engine. For further instructions, refer to the separate engine
manual packed with your unit.
Forward Clutch Bail
& Tine Engagement
Reverse Handle
Tines
Side Shield
Rear Tine Shield
Wheel Drive Pin
Starter
Handle
Depth Regulator
Throttle
Handle Height
Adjustment
WARNING! Read and follow all safety rules and instructions in this manual, including the entire Operation section,
before attempting to operate this machine. Failure to comply with all safety rules and instructions may result in personal
injury.
Choke
Controls and Features 4
9

Reverse Handle
The Reverse Handle controls the reverse drive of the wheels and
tines.
Forward Clutch Bail & Tine Engagement
The forward clutch bail controls the engagement of the forward
drive of the wheels and tines.
Depth Regulator Lever
This lever controls the tilling depth of the tines. Pull the lever
back and slide it up or down to engage the notched height
settings.
Handlebar Height Adjustment
The handlebar height is adjustable to three different settings. In
general, adjust the handlebars so they are at waist level when the
tines are 3-4” in the ground.
Rear Tine Shield
The rear tine shield protects the operator from flying debris
while also smoothing out freshly tilled soil.
Side Shield
The side shield is used to maintain clear even rows and may be
adjusted to one of five different positions.
Tines
Your tiller’s tines are a series of hoes arranged on a revolving
power-driven shaft.
Wheel Drive Pins
Each wheel is equipped with a wheel drive click pin that secures
the wheel to the wheel shaft. The wheels can be positioned in
either a WHEEL DRIVE or a FREEWHEEL mode.
10
Section 4— controlS and FeatureS