MTD 410 Thru 420 Manuel D’Utilisation

8

The gear selection handle is located on the front of the 
handle assembly (right hand handle on Model 420 
Series). It is used to select NEUTRAL, REVERSE, or 
one of the FORWARD modes. 

This tiller is designed for the gear selection handle to be 
moved while the engine is running. (It will be difficult to 
obtain all four positions with the engine off.) Pull or push 
the handle so that the indicator on top of shift cover 
points to the area of the operating mode desired. See 
Figure 10.

NOTE:  If difficulty is encountered in moving the gear
selection handle, refer to following helpful hints. To shift
into forward or reverse wheel drive, move tiller forward
slightly, then backward, to allow the gears to
synchronize.

To shift into forward wheels and tine drive, push 
forward slightly on the gear selection handle and slowly 
engage the clutch handle allowing the gears to 
synchronize. To stop forward movement, and tine drive, 
release the clutch handle. Do not shift gears with the 
clutch handle engaged except when engaging the 
tines.

REVERSE—Reverse wheel drive only.

NEUTRAL—Transmission is in neutral.

FORWARD Modes:

Wheels Forward— Forward wheel drive only.

Tines Reverse— Forward wheel drive and reverse tine 
drive.

The clutch handle (bail) is located beneath the handle. 
See Figure 10. Squeezing the clutch handle against the 
handle engages the wheel and tine drive mechanisms.

The throttle control lever is located on the engine. It 
controls the engine speed and stops the engine. See 
Figure 11.

The choke lever is located by the throttle. It is used to 
enrich the fuel mixture in the carburetor when starting a 
cold engine. See Figure 11.

The primer button is located behind the air cleaner. It is 
used to enrich the fuel mixture in the carburetor when 
starting a cold engine. See Figure 11. 

The depth stake controls the tilling depth. Refer to 
‘‘Setting the Depth’’ on page 10.

The handle may be adjusted to the height desired. 
Loosen the handle height adjustment lock a few turns. 
Pivot handle up or down to desired position. Tighten 
lock.

On Model 420 series, the handle may also be adjusted 
to be in line with the tiller, or swung to the left or right so 
the operator is not walking in the freshly tilled soil. To 
adjust the handle position from side to side, pull the 
handle adjustment handle back, pivot the tiller handle to 
desired position and release the handle.

Make sure the valve is in the On (horizontal) position 
when starting the unit. Any time the tiller is not in 
operation (i.e., storing, performing maintenance or 
adjustment), make sure the valve is in the OFF 
(vertical) position.