Troy-Bilt Colt FT Operation Manual - Page 12

Handle Pressure Further control of the tilling depth and travel speed can be obtained by variation of pressure on the handles. A downward pressure on the handles will reduce the working depth and increase the forward speed. An upward pressure on the handles will increase the working depth and reduce the forward speed. The type of soil and working conditions will determine the actual setting of the depth stake and the handle pressure required. Transporting and Storing the Tiller To transport and store the tiller move the throttle to the stop position. Pivot the depth stake away from ground up between wheels. See Figure 1-3. Using Your Tiller Your tiller is designed for seed bed preparation, cultivating, furrowing and mulching. Tilling Procedure When tilling, leave approximately 8" of untilled soil between the first and second tilling paths, then make the third path between the first and second, Figure 1-4. Cultivating Procedures For cultivating, a 2-3" depth is desirable. The tine width can be reduced to 13" by removing the outer tines completely from the tiller. See the Maintenance & Adjustments Section for instructions on removing the tines. When laying out plant rows, be sure to allow enough width to permit cultivation between the rows. In growing corn or similar crops, check-row planting will permit cross cultivation and practically eliminate hand hoeing. See Figure 1-5. 4 5 2 3 1 Figure 1-4 In some soils, the desired depth is obtained the first time over the garden. In other soils, the desired depth is obtained by going over the garden two or three times. Passes should be made across the length and width of the garden alternately. Rocks which are turned up should be removed from the garden area. Figure 1-5 Other Uses The tiller has many uses other than tilling and cultivating a garden. One of these is the preparation of lawn area for seeding. The tiller will prepare a deep seed bed which will be free of hard untilled spots, allowing a better stand of grass to grow. The tiller is very useful for loosening hard soil for excavation with a shovel; No tedious handwork will be necessary. Your tiller may be used for mixing compost in the pile or for mixing it with the soil in your garden. This should be done after the soil has been broken to the full working depth. The compost should be worked in to a depth of 6-7". This may be done by working the length of the garden and then by making separate passes across its width. The addition of decayed organic matter will substantially increase the fertility of your garden. For proper decaying action, fertilizer should be applied and worked in with the mulch materials. Breaking up leaves and straw and mixing it with several inches of soil allows proper aeration of the plant root system and retards the growth of weeds. 12 Section 5- Operation