Hi Rob,
third gear (top) is for moving the machine only. Rotovating can be done in first or second, with the drive wheels engaged, the gear you choose will be goverend byt the soil conditions – light sandy soil, you’ll get away with second, heavy clay, or lots of vegetation to get through, use first.
The lever on the back of main body, by the rotovator box is to disengage the drive from the wheels. It should be engaged before putting the machine in gear (not always possible, as the dog clutch doesn’t always line up, but engage it in first, then change up, don’t try to engage it in second or third).
The small pegs on the wheels are for ratchet hubs, when out, the wheels should be on a ratchet, similar to a push bike freewheel, to allow for easier turning, when in, the hubs are locked. If the wheel ratchets aren’t engaginf, they will at least need cleaning and lubricating, but may need new springs. You need to lock the hubs to use reverse, and they are best locked for rotovating, especially if you wnat to go in a straight line!
Speaking of reverse, take great care, as the rotovator tines will continue to turn, and if you fall, it will go right over you (you get the – messy- picture).
You are also missing the rotovator depth gauge – this is a piece of steel strip with a number of holes for the depth, and a small picec of flat plate welded on the end to make a foot. There should be a spring loaded peg in the top of the rotovator box to hold it in place, but it often goes missing.
Hope that helps!
Jim.
