MTD 454, Operator'S Manual

8

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

WARNING: 

Make certain unit is in

NEUTRAL when starting the engine.

Clutch Control 

The clutch control is located beneath the handle.   
Squeezing the clutch control against the handle 
engages the wheel and tine drive mechanisms.

NOTE: 

Never engage clutch lever while shifting.

Handle Adjustment Lock

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.

Throttle Control

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

Choke Lever 

(If Equipped)

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

Primer Button 

(If Equipped)

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. 

Depth Stake

The depth stake controls the tilling depth. Refer to 
‘‘Setting the Depth’’ in the Operating Section.

Engine Controls

See the separate engine manual for additional 
information and functions of the engine controls. 

SECTION 4:  OPERATING YOUR TILLER

WARNING: 

Read, understand, and

follow all instructions and warnings on the
machine and in this manual before
operating.

Before Starting

Gas And Oil Fill-Up

Service the engine with gasoline and oil as instructed in 
the separate engine manual packed with your tiller. 
Read instructions carefully.

WARNING: 

Use extreme care when

handling gasoline. Gasoline is extremely
flammable and the vapors are explosive.
Never fuel machine indoors or while the
engine is hot or running.

Starting Engine

NOTE: 

When pushing the unit with the engine off, you

will hear a ratcheting sound (gear noise) which is
normal.

WARNING: 

Be sure no one is standing

in front of the tiller while the engine is
running or being started.

•

Place gear selection lever in NEUTRAL.

•

Place the throttle control lever in FAST position or if 
equipped, place the engine speed control in the 
START position.  

•

Move choke lever to CHOKE position or if 
equipped, push primer two (2) or three (3) times. 
Wait about two (2) seconds between each push.

NOTE: 

A warm engine may not require choking or to

be primed.

•

Stand at side of tiller. Grasp the starter handle and 
pull out slowly, until it pulls slightly harder. Let rope 
rewind slowly.

•

Pull starter handle rapidly. Do not allow handle to 
snap back. Allow it to rewind slowly while keeping a 
firm hold on the starter handle.

•

Repeat previous steps until engine starts.

•

As engine warms up and begins to operate evenly, 
move choke lever gradually to RUN position. If 
engine falters, return to choke position, then slowly 
move to RUN position.

•

Refer to engine manual for additional engine 
information.

NOTE: 

After starting and prior to using the tiller for the

first time, be certain to check the clutch adjustment as
described in “Checking the Clutch Adjustment” section
of the Assembly Instructions.