How to Engage Tiller Tines

Tillers are one way to break up ground in your yard when planting a garden. Tillers replace the back breaking job of shoveling, hoeing and raking. When using a tiller, allow the unit to move at its own pace rather than pushing through the soil. This helps prevent accidents and ensures that the tiller operates efficiently. Engaging the tines on a tiller only requires a little squeeze. Once the tines are engaged, the tiller works its way forward through the soil.

• 1

  Push the depth lever all the way down. The depth regulator is in the center of the tiller tine cover. Pushing it down raises the tines off the ground.

• 2

  Start the tiller and allow the engine to warm up for five minutes.

• 3

  Pull the depth lever up one notch to the 1-inch depth position.

• 4

  Place both hands on the handle. Squeeze the clutch bail to the handle with your left hand to engage the tines. The clutch bail is the small handle below the main handle.

• 5

  Walk behind the tiller, allowing the tiller to operate at its own pace. Release the clutch bail when you reach the end of a row. Lift the handle to raise the tines off the ground and turn the tiller around.

• 6

  Pull the depth lever to the desired depth and lower the tines onto the ground. Squeeze the clutch bail to the handle to engage the tines again.