The FG201 tiller was developed to realize the highest level of work performance among compact tillers while also achieving low weight. This tiller utilizes a specially-designed 4-stroke OHV engine equipped with a mechanical governor that maintains optimum rotor speed. This keeps the engine speed from falling off even when tilling hard soil, thus producing excellent tilling performance. The tiller is designed to keep the center of gravity low and near the tiller blade axis. The blades are newly designed to match the lightweight body. Special attention was given to the shape of the drag bar, and tine shaft rotation was set at an optimum speed. These measures achieved a low weight of 17 kg, making this the lightest tiller in the 4-stroke engine class, and also made it possible to achieve top class work efficiency for compact tillers. In terms of operability, the recoil starter force has been reduced 40% over conventional tillers by utilizing optimum decompressor valve lift and valve timing settings. A centrifugal clutch was adopted so that the throttle lever alone could be used to start and stop operation. This produces simplicity of operation, making the tiller easy to use for beginners and elderly people. This model was also made to easily carry around and stow in a passenger vehicle, with a folding handle for compact storage and a single handed carrying handle. In terms of environmental conformity, this model meets the EPA Phase II and CARB Tier II regulation levels, as well as European EN noise regulations for 2006 Stage 2.
Article of Honda R&D Technical Review Vol.14 No.2 (9 - 16)