Troy-Bilt Pony ES Operation Manual - Page 13

Engaging the Drive & Tines 2. 1. For forward motion of the wheels and tines: a. Pull one or both of the Forward Clutch Control Levers up and hold them against the handlebars. To stop the forward motion of the wheels and tines, release the levers. b. As the tiller moves forward, relax and let the wheels pull the machine along while the tines dig. Walk behind and a little to one side of the tiller. Use a light but secure grip with one hand on the handlebars, and keep your arm loose. See Fig. 5-1. Let the tiller move ahead at its own pace and do not push down on the handlebars to try and force the tiller to dig deeper - this takes weight off the wheels, reduces traction, and causes the tines to try and propel the tiller. For reverse motion of the wheels and tines: a. Look behind and exercise caution when operating in reverse. Do not till while in reverse. b. Stop all forward motion before reversing. Lift the handlebars with one hand until the tines are off the ground and then pull the Reverse Clutch Control knob out to engage the reverse motion. See Fig. 5-2. To stop the reverse motion, let go of the Reverse Clutch Control knob. Figure 5-1 WARNING! Do not push down on the handlebars to try to make the tiller till more deeply. This prevents the wheels from holding the tiller back and can allow the tines to rapidly propel the tiller forward, which could result in loss of control, property damage or personal injury. Figure 5-2 Turning the Tiller 1. Practice turning the tiller in a level, open area. Be very careful to keep your feet and legs away from the tines. 2. To make a turn, reduce the engine speed and then lift the handlebars until the engine and tines are balanced over the wheels. See Fig. 5-3. Figure 5-3 Section 5 - Operation 13