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This document is an Operator's Manual and Parts Manual for the BEFCO TILL-RITE Side-Shift Rotary Tiller, models T60-266, 366, T60-274, and 374. The manual, identified as Manual 971-103B, was published in January 2014.
The TILL-RITE Side-Shift Rotary Tiller is a technologically advanced machine designed for landscaping, gardening, and tilling in vineyards and greenhouses. It is a new side-shift rotary tiller that can be positioned to till next to trees and shrubs and along sidewalks. The tiller can be shifted completely to the right in order to cover the tractor tire tracks. This feature is particularly important when dealing with narrower tillers or with tractors equipped with especially wide tires. The three-point hitch can also remain positioned in the center to work like a normal center mount tiller. The tractor PTO transmits its power through a driveline to a special reduction gearbox. This gearbox turns a hexagonal drive shaft to which a chain sprocket is attached. A chain transfers power from the drive chain sprocket to a driven chain sprocket connected to a tilling bladed rotor. The rotor speed is set at the optimum speed to ensure ideal tillage conditions.
The manual includes a torque specification table for various bolt sizes and grades, indicating the required torque in N.m and ft-lb. For example, an M6 bolt (Class 8.8) requires 9 N.m (7 ft-lb) of torque, while an M20 bolt (Class 8.8) requires 300 N.m (221 ft-lb). The tiller is designed for use on tractors ranging from 30 to 60 HP, equipped with a standard rear PTO and category 1 three-point hitch. The tractor PTO rpm should be set at 540 and turn clockwise. The gearbox is specified as 540 rpm. The tiller's working depth is controlled by raising or lowering the side skids, with a maximum working depth when the skids are touching the side plates. The gearbox oil level should be checked, and SAE 90 wt. gear oil should be used.
The tiller offers side-shift capability, allowing it to be positioned off-center to till next to shrubs, sidewalks, or buildings. This feature enables smaller sizes to cover wider tractor tire tracks. The three-point linkage can be shifted from the center mount position to the left or right, providing flexibility in operation. The manual provides detailed instructions for setting up and lubricating the tiller, including connecting the three-point connecting bolt, top hitch support arm bolt, and top hitch arm bolt. It also describes how to assemble and set up the tiller for initial operation, including lowering the stand, disassembling the top and sides of the crate, and bolting the hitch together. The gearbox oil level should be checked and filled with SAE 90 wt. gear oil. The hexagonal drive shaft is protected by a telescopic sliding shield, and proper assembly of this shield is crucial for safety. The right rotor support bearing also requires adjustment.
The manual outlines a comprehensive maintenance schedule and procedures. General maintenance includes ensuring all hardware is metric and using only metric tools. Warranty registration is crucial for coverage, which includes defective material and workmanship. Regular lubrication is essential, with specific instructions for various components. The driveline should be greased every four hours, and the gearbox oil checked daily. The chain case should be inspected and cleaned after the first 200 hours, and the chain sprockets reassembled with fresh GP grease. Blade maintenance involves checking for excessive wear or damage, and replacing blades when necessary. The driveline includes a safety slip clutch, which must be working properly and set to a specific torque for normal conditions. If the clutch slips frequently, the spring nuts can be tightened in ½ turn increments, and the unit tested. If slipping continues, the clutch discs need to be replaced.
The manual emphasizes safety with clear warnings and cautions. A safety alert symbol (exclamation mark in a triangle) indicates "ATTENTION! BECOME ALERT! YOUR SAFETY IS INVOLVED!" Signal words like DANGER, WARNING, and CAUTION are used to indicate varying levels of hazard. DANGER indicates an imminently hazardous situation that, if not avoided, will result in death or serious injury. WARNING indicates a potentially hazardous situation that, if not avoided, could result in death or serious injury. CAUTION indicates a potentially hazardous situation that, if not avoided, may result in minor or moderate injury.
Key safety instructions include:
The manual also includes a pre-delivery checklist for dealers to ensure the machine is functioning properly before delivery to the customer. This checklist covers items such as gearbox oil level, guard and shield fastening, lubrication, hardware tightening, decal placement, overall condition, and a test run. The warranty is only valid if the pre-delivery checklist and warranty registration form are completed in detail and mailed to the company.