User manual MTD OEM-290-263

[. . . ] 1 “S” Hook. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 1-1⁄4"long Spacer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 1 2 Safety 6 4 5 Before installing or using this attachment, carefully review the “Safety Rules” and “Operation” instructions in your Tiller/Cultivator Owner/Operator Manual. Doing so will refresh your memory concerning safe operating practices that must be followed at all times. 3 CAUTION TO AVOID INJURY: • Read the Owner/Operator Manual. [. . . ] Always stop the engine before transporting the machine. • Do not operate the Power Rake without the debris shield installed and properly secured with its mounting strap. • Stop engine, allow it to cool, and disconnect the spark plug wire before untangling the tines or performing any repairs or maintenance. Operation • Move the machine outdoors and start the engine (see the “OPERATION” section in your Tiller/Cultivator Owner’s Manual for specific starting instructions). IMPORTANT: Use slower engine speeds and a shallower raking depth when first learning to use the Power Rake attachment. • The penetrating depth of the spring tines is primarily controlled by the amount of upward or downward pressure applied to the handlebar. Upward pressure will result in a deeper tine penetration; downward pressure will result in a more shallow tine penetration. NOTE: The height setting of the wheel bracket also helps to determine tine penetration depth. Adjust the wheel bracket up or down as necessary. • Hold the handlebar firmly with both hands, press down on the handlebar to raise the rake tines off the ground, and squeeze the engine throttle lever. When the rake tines begin turning, slowly lift up on the handlebar until the spinning tines contact the lawn. IMPORTANT: Do not pull the machine backward while using the Power Rake attachment. • For more thorough thatch removal, let the machine move forward slowly. For lighter thatch removal, let the machine move forward more quickly. In areas containing very heavy thatch build-up, momentarily hold the machine in that area. • For uniform results, make side-by-side passes lengthwise across the lawn, overlaying each pass by approximately one-half the width of the machine (see Figure 6). For more thorough thatch removal, make a second series of passes at a right angle to the first series of passes (Figure 7). • When you have finished, collect the thatch and other grass residue for disposal. Operation Tips • Thatch is a slowly decomposing layer of organic material that develops on top of the soil, beneath the visible layer of grass. A heavy layer of thatch can prevent the movement of water, air and fertilizers to the lawn’s shallow root system. It can also increase the susceptibility of grass to disease. The Power Rake attachment will loosen some of the matted grass and other lawn debris— it can then be easily collected for disposal. • For best results: - To help prevent bending or binding of the spring tines, inspect the area before using the Power Rake and remove any sticks, stones or other debris. - Mow the lawn before using the Power Rake. [. . . ] 66 Tine Kit (contains 5 spring tines) – End Cap – inner. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 “S” Hook . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Debris Shield. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Decal – Caution . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . [. . . ]