Troy-Bilt Thoroughbred 654J, Operator'S Manual

10

Tine Direction Selector

The tine direction selector (found in the lower left area the 
handle panel) is used to alternate tine rotation between 
FRT mode (Forward Rotating Tines) to CRT mode 
(Counter Rotating Tines). 

•

Operate the tiller in CRT mode when tilling virgin 
ground, sod or hard soil. 

•

Operate the tiller in FRT mode when cultivating or 
tilling soft ground or previously tilled soil.

IMPORTANT:

 When operating the tiller in FRT mode, 

always lower the depth regulator lever (for a shallower 
tilling depth).

Depth Regulator Lever

The highest notch (lever all the 

way down) raises the tines 
approximately 1/2-inch off the 
ground. This “travel” position 
allows the tiller to be moved 
without the tines digging into 
the ground.

Moving the lever up increases 
the tilling depth. The lowest 
notch allows a tilling depth of 
approximately six to eight 
inches, depending on soil 
conditions. 

Tine Engagement Lever

The tine engagement lever is 

located on the left side of the 
handle panel and has two 
positions, ON and OFF. To 
engage the tines and begin 
tilling, place the lever in the ON 
position. To disengage the 
tines, move the lever into the 
OFF position.

NOTE: 

 The tIne engagement

lever cannot be placed in the
ON position without first closing
the wheel engagement handle.
Also, the tIne engagement
lever cannot be placed in the
ON position unless the wheel
shift lever is in the FORWARD
position. Refer to 

Safety Interlock

System

 on Page 11. 

Handle Height Adjuster

The handle mount bracket can be adjusted downward (for 
shorter operators) or upward (for taller operators) using 
the handle height adjuster. Align the handle mount 
bracket’s rear holes with the holes in the tiller frame. Insert 
the carriage bolt through the holes from right to left and 
secure it with the handle crank.

SHALLOW /

TRANSPORT

POSITION

DEEP /

FINAL TILLING

POSITION

ON

OFF

TINES