Craftsman 29906 Owners Manual - Page 11

_iILCAUTION: Fill to within 1/2 inch of top of fuel tank to prevent spills and to allow for fuel expansion. If gasoline is accidentally spilled, move machine away from area of spill. Avoid creating any source of ignition until gasoline vapors have disappeared. Wipe off any spilled oil or fuel. Do not store, spill or use gasoline near an open flame. IMPORTANT: When operating in temperatures below32°F(0°C), use fresh, clean winter grade gasoline to help insure good cold weather starting. CAUTION: Alcohol blended fuels (called gasohol or using ethanol or methanol) can attract moisture which leads to separation and formation of acids during storage. Acidic gas can damage the fuel system of an engine while in storage. To avoid engine problems, the fuel system should be emptied before storage of 30 days or longer. Drain the gas tank, start the engine and let it run until the fuel lines and carburetor are empty. Use fresh fuel next season. See Storage Instructions for additional information. Never use engine or carburetor cleaner products in the fuel tank or permanent damage may occur. TO START ENGINE _CAUTION: Keep tine control in "OFF" position when starting engine. When starting engine for the first time or if engine has run out of fuel, it will take extra pulls of the recoil starter to move fuel from the tank to the engine. 1. Make sure spark plug wire is properly connected. 2. Place the fuel valve to the "ON" position. 3. To start a cold engine, move the choke lever to the "ON" position. 4. Move the throttle lever away from the "SLOW" position, about 1/3 of the way toward the "FAST" position. 5. Turn the engine switch to the "ON" po- sition. Pull rope out slowly until engine reaches start of compression cycle (rope will pull slightly harder at this point). 6. Pull recoil starter handle quickly. Do not let starter handle snap back against starter. Repeat if necessary. NOTE: If engine fires but does not start, move choke control to half choke posi- tion. Pull recoil starter handle until engine starts. Spark Throttle Choke Control Fuel Valve Recoil Starter Engine Switch TILLING HINTS _,CAUTION: Until you are accustomed to handling your tiller, start actual field use with throttle in slow position (mid-way between "FAST" and "IDLE"). • Tilling is digging into, turning over, and breaking up packed soil before planting. Loose, unpacked soil helps root growth. Best tilling depth is 4" to 6". A tiller will also clear the soil of unwanted vegeta- tion. The decomposition of this vegetable matter enriches the soil. 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. • Soil conditions are important for proper tilling. Tines will not readily penetrate dry, hard soil which may contribute to excessive bounce and difficult handling of your tiller. Hard soil should be mois- tened before tilling; however, extremely wet soil will "ball-up" or clump during tilling. Wait until the soil is less wet in order to achieve the best results. When tilling in the fall, remove vines and long grass to prevent them from wrapping around the tine shaft and slowing your tilling operation. • You will find tilling much easier if you leave a row untilled between passes. Then go back between tilled rows.There are two reasons for doing this. First, wide turns are much easier to negotiate than about-faces. Second, the tiller won't be pulling itself, and you, toward the row next to it. • Do not lean on handle. This takes weight off the wheels and reduces traction. To get through a really tough section of sod or hard ground, apply upward pressure on handle or lower the depth stake. 11