Craftsman 29918 Owners Manual - Page 12

7. If the choke lever has been moved to the "ON" position to start the engine, gradually move it to the opposite position as the engine warms up. NOTE: A warm engine requires less choking to start. 8. Move throttle control to desired running position. 9. Allow engine to warm up for a few minutes before engaging tines. NOTE: If engine does not start, see troubleshooting points. Fuel Valve Spark Throttle Control Choke, "_ / 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 "1DLE"). • 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 vegetation. 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 moistened 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. 7/ // // /z // // // // z CULTIVATING Cultivating is destroying the weeds between rows to prevent them from robbing nourishment and moisture from the plants. At the same time, breaking up the upper layer of soil crust will help retain moisture in the soil. Best digging depth is 1" to 3" (2.5-7.5 cm). Lower the outer side shields to protect small plants from being buried. • Cultivate up and down the rows at a speed which will allow tines to uproot weeds and leave the ground in rough condition, promoting no further growth of weeds and grass. • Do not lean on handle, this takes weight off the wheels, reduces traction, and may cause the tiller to skip over the ground. , Always lower the drag stake when using the forward rotating tine drive. \_ r _ f, S¸ _ 12