Troy-Bilt 7 Hp Horse Manual

							11
Engine Throttle Lever and Cable
For shipping purposes, the throttle cable, together with the 
throttle lever, is wound around the engine. Carefully unwind 
the cable. If the throttle control label is covered with a clear 
protective coating, peel it off.
WARNING! To avoid electric shock from a short 
circuit (electric start tillers only), never allow the 
throttle cable to touch the battery. Route the cable 
below the battery, on the outside of the battery 
holder.
To attach the throttle lever and cable:
1. Run the throttle cable up the inside edge of the right 
handlebar and position the lever as shown in Fig. 3-13.
2. From the outside of the handlebar, insert the curved head 
screw, through the handlebar and the center hole in the 
throttle lever mounting bracket. See Fig. 3-13.
3.  Loosely install the flanged lock nut and move the throttle 
lever back to the STOP position. 
4. From the lever side of the bracket, thread a pan head screw 
through the small hole in the throttle lever bracket and into 
the handlebar. Tighten the screw securely.
5. Securely tighten both the flanged lock nut and the curved 
head screw. 
6. Use two plastic ties to secure the throttle cable to the 
right handlebar in two places. Loop each tie around the 
handlebar and cable (serrated side faces in) and pull the 
ties tight. Trim the ends.
Electric Start System (If Equipped)
The following steps explain how to install and charge the battery 
on electric start tillers. For your safety, follow all steps and 
observe all accompanying safety messages. The Maintenance & 
Adjustments section contains other general battery maintenance 
and recharging instructions.
WARNING! Battery produces explosive gases. Keep 
away sparks, flames, and cigarettes. Ventilate area 
when charging or using battery in an enclosed 
space. Make sure battery vent tube is always open 
after battery is filled with acid.
WARNING! Remove metal jewelry before working 
near the battery or near the electrical system. Failure 
to comply may cause a short circuit, resulting in 
electrical burns, a shock, or battery gas explosion.
NOTE: If the battery is put into service after the date shown on 
the top of the battery, charge for a minimum of one hour at 6-10 
amps. Refer to the Maintenance & Adjustments section of this 
manual for more detailed instructions regarding proper battery 
charging procedure.
WARNING! Never jump start the battery with a 
vehicle battery or charging system. This may 
produce a battery explosion, causing acid or 
electrical burns. 
1. Before installing the battery and its hold-down clamp, 
insert the plastic wire harness receptacle into the prongs 
of the keyswitch located on the hold-down clamp. See Fig. 
3 -14 .
2. Remove the ignition keys from the keyswitch and store 
them safely away. Do not insert the key into the keyswitch 
until you complete this section and read the Operation 
section. See Fig. 3-14.
Pan Head
Screw
Curved Head
Screw
Figure 3-13
O IL
ScrewNegative
Battery
Post
Negative
Battery
Cable
Black
Rubber
Boot
Nut
Keyswitch
Harness
Receptacle
Selenoid
Black
Rubber
Boot
Positive
Battery
Cable
Positive
Battery
Post
Figure 3-14
SECTION 3 
						

							12
3. Use a 5⁄8” long screw and 1⁄4-20 hex nut to connect the 
positive (+) battery cable to the positive (+) battery post. 
Make sure that this is the cable on the left side, with one 
end attached to the solenoid. See Fig 3-14.
WARNING! To Avoid Personal Injury or Property 
Damage: Do not touch the positive battery terminal 
and any surrounding metal objects with tools, 
jewelry or other metal items. Failure to comply could 
cause a short circuit leading to electrical burns or an 
explosion of battery gases. Never bring a gas can 
near the positive (+) battery terminal. A short circuit 
could occur leading to an explosion of the gasoline 
or the battery gases. Always fill the engine fuel tank 
from the front or side of the engine. 
4. Slide the black rubber boot completely over the battery 
post and cable connector.  See Fig. 3-14.
5. Use a 5⁄8” long screw and 1⁄4-20 hex nut to connect the 
negative (-) battery cable to the negative (-) battery post 
and secure with screw and nut. See Fig. 3-14.
6. Slide the black rubber boot completely over the battery 
post and cable connector. See Fig. 3-14.
Set-Up
Tires
For shipping purposes, the tires may be overinflated. Check the 
air pressure in each tire and adjust them to between 10 and 20 
pounds per square inch. You must inflate each tire to equal air 
pressures to prevent the tiller from pulling to one side.
Gas & Oil Fill-Up
Service the engine with gasoline and oil as instructed in the 
Engine Operator’s Manual packed separately with your tiller. 
Read the instructions carefully.
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.
Transmission Gear Oil
The transmission was filled with gear oil at the factory. However, 
be sure to check the oil level at this time to make certain it 
is correct. See the Maintenance & Adjustments section for 
instructions on checking and adding transmission gear oil.
SECTION 3
						

							13
Handlebar Height
Adjustment Lever
Wheels/Tines/PTO
Drive Lever
Forward
Interlock
Levers
Depth Regulator
Lever
Wheel Speed Lever
Tines/PTO Clutch Lever
Figure 4-1
Tiller controls and features are described below and illustrated in 
Fig. 4-1.
WARNING! Be familiar with all the controls and 
their proper operation. Know how to stop the 
machine and disengage it quickly.
NOTE: For detailed information on all engine controls refer to the 
separate Engine Operator’s Manual.
Wheels/Tines/PTO Drive Lever
Use the Wheels/Tines/PTO Drive Lever to engage and disengage 
power to the transmission.
Forward Interlock Levers
The Forward Interlock Levers are attached under the handlebar 
grip and will stop the engine if both levers are released.
Wheel Speed Lever
The Wheel Speed Lever controls the speed at which the wheels 
spin.
Tines/PTO Clutch Lever
The Tines/PTO Clutch Lever is used to engage or disengage 
power to the transmission.
Depth Regulator Lever
The Depth Regulator Lever  is used to regulate the tilling depth 
of the tines.
Handlebar Height Adjustment Lever
The Handlebar Height Adjustment Lever is used to adjust the 
handlebars to one of two heights.
Engine Throttle Lever
Use the throttle lever to adjust engine speed as well as to start 
and stop the engine.
Keyswitch Starter (If So Equipped)
The keyswitch starter on electric start models is used to start, run 
and stop the tiller.
Controls & Features4  
						

							14
Starting the Engine
The following steps describe how to start and stop the engine.
NOTE: Do not attempt to engage the tines, wheels, or any PTO 
attachment until you have read all of the operating instructions 
in this section. 
Pre-Start Checklist
Make the following checks and perform the following services 
before starting the engine.
1. Read the Safe Operation Practices and Features & Controls 
sections in this Manual. Read the separate Engine 
Operator’s Manual.
2. Check the tiller for loose or missing hardware. Service as 
required. 
3.  Check the engine oil level. See Engine Operator’s Manual.
4. Shift the Wheels/Tines/PTO Drive lever into NEUTRAL 
position. See the Controls and Features section for more 
information on this lever.
5. Check the safety guards. All guards and covers must be 
securely in place.
6. Check the air cleaner. See the Engine Operator’s Manual.
7. Attach the spark plug wire to the spark plug.
8. Check Engine Cooling System. Clear cooling fins and air 
intake screen of debris. See the Engine Operator’s Manual.
9.  Select High/Low Belt Speed range.
10. Adjust the Handlebar Height.
11 .  Fill the fuel tank with gasoline in accordance with the 
directions in the separate Engine Operator’s Manual. 
Follow all instructions and safety rules carefully.
WARNING! Never run the engine indoors or in an 
enclosed, poorly ventilated area. Engine exhaust 
contains carbon monoxide, an odorless and deadly 
gas. Avoid engine muffler and nearby areas. 
Temperatures in these areas may exceed 150° F.
NOTE: After the first two hours of operation, perform the 
maintenance procedures shown in the Maintenance Schedule in 
the Maintenance & Adjustments Section of this manual.
Starting the Engine
1. With the engine off, place the Wheels/Tines/PTO Drive 
Lever in the NEUTRAL position. If in the FORWARD position, 
tap the lever sharply upward, it should automatically move 
into NEUTRAL position.
2. Put the Depth Regulator Lever in the Travel position (lever 
all the way down) so that the tines are off the ground. To do 
this, lift up on the handlebars, pull the lever back, and push 
it down all the way to the top detent (notched) position.
3.  Move the Wheel Speed Lever to either the SLOW or FAST 
position. Be sure to roll the wheels while shifting the lever 
until the wheels engage. 
NOTE: If using a PTO stationary attachment, move the 
Wheel Speed Lever into FREEWHEEL and block the wheels  
to prevent the equipment from moving. See Fig. 4-1.
4. Move the Tines/PTO Clutch Lever into DISENGAGE position. 
NOTE: Use the ENGAGE position if you want the tines 
to revolve or to apply power to a PTO-driven stationary 
attachment.
5. If the engine is equipped with a fuel valve, turn the valve 
to the OPEN position as instructed in the separate Engine 
Operator’s Manual.
6. If the engine is equipped with an ON/OFF switch, move the 
switch to ON. Move engine throttle lever away from STOP. 
Choke or prime the engine as instructed in the separate 
Engine Operator’s Manual. 
7. If not equipped with an electric start system, place one 
hand on the fuel tank to stabilize the tiller when you pull 
the recoil starter rope. 
8. If equipped with an electric start system, turn the key to 
START position to crank the engine then release when the 
engine starts. If the engine does not start right away, do 
not hold the key at START for more than a few seconds. 
Release then try again after a short pause. Damage to 
the starter motor can occur if it is cranked more than 15 
seconds per minute.
9.  If the engine does not start after a number of tries, refer to 
the Engine Operator’s Manual for specific instructions.
10. When the engine starts, move the Throttle Lever to the 
SLOW position and then gradually move the choke lever 
(on engines so equipped) to OFF or RUN position.
11 .  Move the throttle speed control to FAST setting when 
tilling.
BlocksBlocks
Figure 4-1
Operation5  
						

							15
 Starting Electric Start Engine with Recoil Starter
You may, at some point, have to start an electric start engine with 
the recoil starter rope. Before attempting to do so, perform the 
following applicable steps:
• If you suspect the battery charge is weak, and there is no 
visible damage. Disconnect the cables from the battery 
and clean both cable terminals, and the battery posts 
in accordance with the instructions provided in the 
Maintenance & Adjustments section. Reconnect the cables 
and securely tighten to the battery posts. The engine will 
recharge the battery if the battery is still good.
• If you suspect the batter is “dead”, or if the battery is 
damaged, disconnect, and remove it. Have it checked by a 
qualified technician.
• If the battery has been removed, wrap the cable terminals 
at the end of the positive cable with electrical tape and 
secure the cable to the battery bracket. This will prevent 
electrical discharge.
• Before pulling the recoil starter rope, turn the keyswitch 
to the RUN position. Move the Throttle Lever away from 
the STOP position and set the choke as applicable. See the 
Engine Operator’s Manual.
Cold Weather Operation
When temperatures fall below 40º F, do the following steps to 
protect your engine and transmission from damage:
1. Refer to the Engine Operator’s Manual for the motor oil 
specifications for cold weather operation. 
2. Use winter blend gasoline.
3.  Warm the engine up before putting it under a load.
4. Use the correct weight gear oil in the PTO Power 
transmission.
5. Warm up the transmission gear oil as follows: 
a. With the engine running, move the Wheel Speed 
Lever to FREEWHEEL (then block the wheels so they 
can’t roll).
b.  Put the Tines/PTO Clutch Lever into DISENGAGE, 
then squeeze one of the Forward Interlock Levers 
and shift the Wheels/Tines/PTO Drive Lever to 
FORWARD.
6. If the wheels are frozen to the ground, melt the ice with 
warm water.
Stopping the Engine and the Tiller
1. To stop the wheels and tines, move the Wheels/Tines/PTO 
Drive Lever into NEUTRAL position and then release both 
Forward Interlock Levers.
2. Move the engine Throttle Lever to the STOP position. Then 
on electric start models, turn the key to OFF. Remove the 
key for safekeeping.
NOTE: The engine may have a separate Throttle Control Lever 
and ON/OFF switch on the engine. These controls can also be 
used to stop the engine. See the Engine Operator’s Manual for 
information specific to your engine.
Engaging the Drive & Tines
NOTE: This is a traditional standard-rotating-tine (SRT) tiller 
with forward rotating tines. It operates in a completely different 
manner than counter-rotating-tine (CRT) tillers, or from front-tine 
tillers.
WARNING! To help avoid personal injury, be aware 
that the tiller can unexpectedly bounce up or jump 
ahead and propel away from you if the tines strike 
hard or frozen ground, or buried obstacles like large 
stones, roots or stumps.
1. Start the engine and gradually increase the engine speed 
to  FA S T.
2. Test the Forward Interlock Safety System. See the Forward 
Interlock System in the Maintenance & Adjustments section 
for more information.
WARNING! The Forward Interlock Safety System is 
designed for the operator’s safety. Do not 
disconnect or attempt to defeat the purpose of the 
system. If the system malfunctions, immediately 
contact your local authorized dealer or the TROYBILT 
Technical Service Department for assistance. Do not 
use the tiller or the PTO power feature until the 
Forward Interlock Safety System is functioning 
properly. 
3.  When practicing, set the Depth Regulator Lever to Travel 
position. Otherwise, set the Depth Regulator Lever to a 
desired depth.
4. Move Tines/PTO Clutch Lever to ENGAGE position if you 
want the tines to turn. If practicing, leave in DISENGAGE.
NOTE: Do not move Tines/PTO Clutch Lever to ENGAGE 
unless Wheels/Tines/PTO Drive Lever is in NEUTRAL. Tiller 
damage may occur.
5. To move the tiller forward and engage the tines, squeeze 
and hold either Forward Interlock Lever against the 
handlebar grip (See Fig. 4-2), then move the Wheels/Tines/
PTO Drive Lever down to FORWARD position.
Figure 4-2
SECTION 5 
						

							16
6. When the tiller moves forward, relax and let the wheels 
power the tiller along while the tines dig. Walk behind 
and to one side of the tiller. Walk on the side that is not yet 
tilled. Use a firm grip on the handlebars but keep your arm 
relaxed. See Fig. 4-3.
NOTE: Let the tiller move ahead at its own pace. Do not 
push it ahead — this reduces operator control and tilling 
efficiency. Do not push the handlebars down in an attempt 
to dig deeper — this takes weight off the wheels, reduces 
traction, and causes the tines to try to propel the tiller.
Stopping Forward Motion & Tines
1. To stop forward motion, tap Wheels/Tines/PTO Drive Lever 
upward into NEUTRAL. Then release the Forward Interlock 
Levers. The wheels and tines will stop and the engine will  
continue running.
2. In an emergency, release all of the control levers. This stops 
forward motion and shuts-off the engine.
Moving in Reverse
WARNING! To help avoid personal injury or 
damage to the equipment be sure no obstacles are 
behind you before operating the tiller in REVERSE. 
Disengage the tines, reduce engine speed, and 
move the Wheel Speed Lever to SLOW position 
before operating in REVERSE. Avoid using FAST 
wheel speed until you are familiar with backing the 
tiller.
NOTE: Do not till while in REVERSE.
1. Shift the Tines/Wheels/PTO Drive Lever into NEUTRAL and 
move the Wheel Speed Lever to the SLOW position.
2. Move the Tines/PTO Clutch Lever into DISENGAGE position.
3.  Verify that the area behind you is clear. 
4. Lift up the handlebars until the tines are off the ground, 
then shift the Wheels/Tines/PTO Drive Lever all the way 
up and hold. You do not need to squeeze the Forward 
Interlock Levers to use reverse.
5. The tiller immediately engages in reverse. Periodically 
check behind you while holding the handlebars up and the 
Wheels/Tines/PTO Lever in its upper-most position.
Stopping Reverse Motion
Release the Wheels/Tines/PTO Drive Lever   — the lever 
automatically returns to the NEUTRAL position. This stops the 
wheels immediately. The Forward Interlock Levers will not stop 
REVERSE motion.
Turning the Tiller
Turning the tiller is easy and just requires practice. First find the 
balance point between the engine and the tines by lifting up the 
handlebars. See Fig. 4-4. Once you find the balance point, then 
let the powered wheels do the turning as you push sideways on 
the handlebars in the direction of the turn. Practice the turning 
maneuver described here in a large open area. Once comfortable 
turning the tiller, you can then take it to the garden area.
1. At the end of a row, move the Wheels/Tines/PTO Drive 
Lever to NEUTRAL position and reduce the engine speed.
2. Move the Tines/PTO Clutch Lever into the DISENGAGE 
position. 
3.  Resume forward operation, and lift the handlebars until the 
tines are off the ground. Refer to Fig. 4-4. Find the balance 
point between the engine and the tines. Then push the 
handlebars in the direction of the turn. Be very careful to 
keep feet and legs away from the tines — which should be 
disengaged. Let the powered wheels do the hard work. 
NOTE: Use REVERSE if necessary to turn in a limited space.
4. When the turn is complete, shift to NEUTRAL and lower 
the handlebars. Move the Tines/PTO Clutch Lever back to 
ENGAGE position and resume forward operation.
Figure 4-3
Figure 4-4
SECTION 5
						

							17
Choosing Wheel & Tine Speeds
The tiller has four FORWARD wheel/tine speed combinations for 
handling a variety of tilling tasks and gardening jobs. Experiment 
with the tine depth, engine speed, and wheel/tine speed to 
determine the combination that provides the best results. Here 
are some tips:
1. Advance the throttle lever so the engine has sufficient 
p ower.
2. When tilling untilled or hard earth, do not set the Depth 
Regulator too deep. The tiller will buck and the engine will 
load down.
3.  You will know your settings are ideal when the tines 
break-up the soil easily, the engine does not labor, and your 
progress is steady and smooth. See Fig. 4-5.
Changing Belt speed
Your tiller has two belt-driven speed ranges — HIGH RANGE and 
LOW RANGE — you pick one or the other by deciding which set 
of pulley grooves to move the forward belt into. By moving the 
belt from one speed range into the other, in combination with 
the FAST and SLOW wheel speeds, you obtain a choice of four 
different forward wheel speeds and two different tine speeds.
WARNING! To help avoid serious personal injury, 
stop the engine, remove the ignition key, disconnect 
spark plug wire and move the wire away from the 
spark plug and let engine and muffler cool down 
before changing the belt speeds.
Changing the belt from LOW range into HIGH range (or back 
again) is a matter of moving the belt from one set of pulley 
grooves to a second set of pulley grooves. This change is done 
quickly and without tools.
WHEEL SPEED AND BELT RANGE SELECTION GUIDE
SLOW GEAR, LOW BELT RANGE
For:
1. Tilling in sod.
2. Tilling in hard clay.
3.  Tilling under standing 
cornstalks in tough soil 
conditions.
4. Tilling under cover crops.
5. Preparing a deep 
seedbed.
6. Tilling in stony soil.
7. Tilling under residues 
and organic matter.
8. Mixing in fertilizers, 
manure.
SLOW GEAR, HIGH BELT RANGE
For:
1.  Tilling in sod or hard clay.
2. Tilling under standing 
cornstalks (slow, steady 
speed allows time to 
shred stalks).
3.  Tilling under cover crops 
(best wheel speed and 
belt speed range in most 
soils).
4. Preparing seedbeds 
(best speed choice in 
most soils).
5. Tilling in stony ground.
6. Building raised garden 
beds.
7. Mixing in fertilizer.
8. Using tiller wings in hard 
soil.
9.  Mixing fertilizer and 
manure.
10. Tilling residues and 
organics.
FAST GEAR, LOW BELT RANGE
For:
1. Going over seedbed 
for the last time before 
planting crops.
2. Covering over seeds in 
wide row or plot planting 
(lift handlebars to avoid 
going too deep).
3.  Hilling and furrowing.
4. Making raised beds.
5. Cultivating (lift 
handlebars to avoid 
going too deep).
6. Tilling large areas.
7. Tilling organic matter in.
8. Cultivating between 
raised beds with 
optional hiller/furrower 
attachment.
FAST GEAR, HIGH BELT RANGE
For:
1.  Preparing seedbeds for 
planting.
2. Covering seeds with 
less need to hold up the 
handlebars.
3.  Cultivating (tiller travels 
faster, rides higher on 
the soil; allows engine 
RPM to be reduced; 
handlebars don’t have to 
be raised).
4. Keeping large areas tilled 
and cultivated in the 
summer.
5. Tilling organic matter 
under.
6. Moving tiller quickly.
7. Cultivating between 
raised beds using the 
optional hiller/furrower.
When the tiller is moving in REVERSE, the wheels are 
powered by a rubber reverse disc, not by the belt. Therefore, you 
have only two reverse speeds SLOW and FAST, as set with the 
Wheel Speed Lever.
Fig. 4-6 shows the range of wheel and tine speeds available 
when using the two belt speed ranges and the FAST and SLOW 
selections on the Wheel Speed Lever.
Figure 4-6
Available wheel and tine speeds at 3000 RPM engine speed.
Belt  
PositionWheel Speed  LeverWheel SpeedTine 
Speed
Low Range Slow.5 MPH 146RPM
Low Range Fast1.2 MPH 146RPM
High Range Slow.7 MPH 200RPM
High Range Fast1.72 MPH 200RPM
Figure 4-5
SECTION 5 
						

							18
Changing Belt From Low Range to High Range
1. To avoid personal injury, shut off the engine, let all moving 
parts come to a complete stop, then disconnect the spark 
plug wire from the spark plug and move the wire away 
from the spark plug before making any adjustments. Wait 
for the engine and muffler to cool down.
2. Move the Wheels/Tines/PTO Drive Lever into NEUTRAL.
WARNING! The HIGH speed belt range position 
combined with a FAST wheel speed setting propels 
the tiller at the fastest pace. Reduce the engine 
throttle speed when starting out to help avoid 
personal injury or property damage if using this 
speed combination.
3.  Kneel on the left side of tiller. To create belt slack, reach 
over to the right side of the pulleys and push in at the 
center of the belt with a finger. At the same time, use your 
left hand to work the belt part-way onto the lower-front 
transmission pulley groove. See Fig. 4-7.
4. Go to the other side of the tiller to finish seating the belt 
onto the pulley groove.
5. Working from the left side of the tiller, work the belt as 
much as possible onto the top-front engine pulley groove. 
See Fig. 4-8.
6. Finish seating the belt from the right side of the tiller.
NOTE: Proper belt tension is important for good 
performance. See the Maintenance & Adjustment Section 
for instructions on adjusting belt tension.
NOTE: If extra belt slack is needed to move the belt, just 
raise the Wheels/Tines/PTO Drive Lever up into REVERSE. 
This lowers the engine pulley, and creates more slack.
7. Check both sides of the high range pulley grooves to verify 
that the belt is properly seated.
Changing Belt From High Range to Low Range
1.  To avoid personal injury, shut off the engine, let all moving 
parts come to a complete stop, then disconnect the spark 
plug wire from the spark plug and move the wire away 
from the spark plug before making any adjustments. Let 
engine and muffler cool.
2. Move the Wheels/Tines/PTO Drive Lever into NEUTRAL.
Lower-Rear Groove
Lower-Front Groove
Belt
Figure 4-7
Top-Rear Groove
Top-Front Groove
Belt
Figure 4-8
SECTION 5
						

							19
3. Stand on the left side of the tiller. Use your right hand to 
hold the Wheels/Tines/PTO Drive Lever up into REVERSE 
position. Use your left hand to move the belt off the 
top-front engine pulley groove to top-rear engine pulley 
groove. See Fig. 4-9.
4. Go to the right side of the tiller and finish seating the belt.
5. Still holding the lever up in REVERSE position, and working 
from the left side of the tiller, move the belt from the lower 
front transmission groove to the lower rear transmission 
groove.
6. Go to the right side of the tiller and finish seating the belt. 
See Fig. 4-10.
7. Check that the belt is fully seated in the pulley grooves. 
Check this from both sides of the tiller.
Clearing the Tines
The tines have a self-clearing action which helps to eliminate 
most tangling of debris. However, occasionally dry grass, 
stringy stalks or tough vines may become tangled. Follow these 
procedures to help avoid tangling and to clear the tines, if 
ne cessar y.
• To reduce tangling, set the Depth Regulator deep enough 
to get maximum “chopping” action as the tines chop the 
material against the ground. Also, try to till under crop 
residues or cover crops while they are green, moist and 
tender.
• While power composting, try swaying the handlebars from 
side to side (about 6” to 12”). This “fishtailing” action often 
clears the tines of debris.
•  It may be necessary to remove the debris by hand (a 
pocket knife will help you to cut away the material).
WARNING! Before clearing the tines by hand, stop 
the engine, allow all moving parts to stop and 
disconnect the spark plug wire. Failure to follow this 
warning could result in personal injury.
Tilling Tips & Techniques
Let the Tiller Do the Work 
• While tilling, relax and let the wheels pull the tiller along 
while the tines do the digging. Walk on the side that is not 
yet finished to avoid making footprints in the freshly tilled 
soil and lightly, but securely grip the handlebar with just 
one hand. Refer to Fig. 4-3.
• Avoid pushing down on the handlebars in an attempt to 
force the tiller to dig deeper. Doing so takes the weight 
off the powered wheels, causing them to lose traction. 
Without the wheels helping to hold the tiller back, the 
tines will attempt to propel the tiller — often causing 
the tiller to skip rapidly across the ground. Sometimes, 
slight downward pressure on the handlebars will help get 
through a particularly tough section of sod or unbroken 
ground, but in most cases this won’t be necessary.
Tilling Depths
• Avoid trying to dig too deeply too quickly, especially when 
busting sod or tilling soil that hasn’t been tilled for some 
time. Use shallow depth settings (only an inch or two deep) 
for the first passes through the garden area. With each 
succeeding pass, adjust the depth regulator to dig another 
inch or two deeper. Watering the garden area a few days 
prior to tilling will make tilling easier, as will letting the 
newly worked soil set for a day or two before making a 
final, deep tilling pass.
• When cultivating — breaking up the surface soil around 
plants to help destroy weeds — use very shallow depth 
settings to prevent injury to plants whose roots often grow 
close to the surface. If needed, lift up on the handlebars 
slightly to prevent the tines from digging too deeply. 
Cultivating on a regular basis not only eliminates weeds, 
it also loosens and aerates the soil for better moisture 
absorption and faster plant growth.
Wheels/Tines/PTO Drive Lever
Top-Rear Gear
Top-Front Gear
Figure 4-9
Belt
Lower-Rear Groove
Lower-Front Groove
Figure 4-10
SECTION 5 
						

							20
Avoid Tilling Wet, Soggy Soil
• Tilling wet soil often results in large, hard clumps of soil 
that can interfere with planting. If time permits, wait 
a day or two after heavy rains to allow the soil to dry 
before tilling. Test the soil by squeezing it into a ball. If it 
compresses too easily, it is too wet to till.
Avoid Making Footprints
• When possible, walk on the untilled side of the tiller to 
avoid making footprints in the freshly tilled soil. See Fig. 
4-3. Footprints cause soil compaction that can hamper root 
penetration and contribute to soil erosion. They can also 
“plant” unwanted weed seeds back into the newly tilled 
soil.
Suggested Tilling Patterns
• When preparing a seedbed, go over the same path twice in 
the first row, then overlap one-half the tiller width on the 
rest of the passes. See Fig. 4-11.
• When finished in one direction, make a second pass at 
a right angle . See Fig. 4-12. Overlap each pass for best 
results. In very hard ground it may take three or four passes 
to thoroughly pulverize the soil.
• If the garden size will not permit lengthwise and then 
crosswise tilling, then overlap the first passes by 1⁄2 a tiller 
width, followed by successive passes at 1⁄⁄4 width. See Fig. 
4 -13 .
1
2
3
Figure 4-13
Figure 4-11
Figure 4-12
SECTION 5