The Cub Cadet 42" Hydraulic Tiller Attachment, Model 190-004, is a power equipment designed for tilling soil. It is intended for use with Cub Cadet Series 3000 Garden Tractors and requires specific additional components for operation, including the Weight Kit Bracket (190-413-100), Suitcase Weights (190-390-100, two required, three recommended for uneven surfaces), and a Three Point Hitch (190-207-100). Without the front weights, steering can become extremely difficult, and there is a potential for backwards tip-over on uneven surfaces.
Function Description:
The tiller attachment cultivates soil using rotating tines. It is driven by a hydraulic pump assembly, which is powered by the tractor's PTO. The tiller can operate in both forward and reverse tine directions, allowing for versatility in breaking ground, tilling hard soil, or cultivating soft soil. The tines are designed to cultivate soil when in contact with the ground while the tractor is in motion. A roller, mounted behind the tines, levels the tilled soil without compacting it, potentially eliminating the need for post-tilling raking. The roller is spring-loaded and adjustable for various tilling depths and terrains. A rear tine shield, used in place of the roller, acts as a safety device to prevent debris from being thrown during operation. The hydraulic system, including the pump, motor, hoses, and filter, circulates hydraulic fluid to power the tines.
Important Technical Specifications:
- Tiller Width: 42 inches.
- Tilling Depth: Adjustable from 0" to a maximum of 6.5". For hard ground or first-time tilling, it's recommended to till no more than 2" at a time, increasing depth on successive passes. For soft or previously tilled soil, up to 3" per pass is acceptable.
- Hydraulic Fluid Capacity: Six gallons.
- Recommended Hydraulic Fluids: Mobile 424, Texaco TDH, Shell Donax, Farmland TF, Citgo TF, Sun Tractor Fluid, Amoco 1000, and Shell TTF.
- Weight Requirements: Requires Weight Kit Bracket (190-413-100) and Suitcase Weights (190-390-100). Two weights are required, but three 42lb weights are recommended for uneven surfaces.
- Hitch Type: Three Point Hitch (190-207-100).
- Slope Operation: Not to be used on inclines exceeding 10 degrees (approximately 2 feet rise every 10 feet) to prevent overturn and serious injury. Operate riding mowers up and down slopes, never across the face of slopes.
Usage Features:
- Tine Direction Lever: Located on top of the tiller frame, it allows selection between forward (F) and reverse (R) tilling directions, as well as a neutral (N) position for transport. The PTO must be disengaged before changing tine direction to prevent damage to the hydraulic motor.
- Tilling Ground Speed: Determined by soil conditions and depth of cut. For hard ground, ground speed should be less than 30% of the tractor's top speed. For soft or previously tilled ground, up to 50% of the tractor's total speed is acceptable. Slow speeds produce finer tilled soil, while faster speeds result in coarser soil.
- Tilling Depth Adjustment: Controlled by the tractor's implement lift lever. The tiller should be lowered into the ground while the tractor is not in motion. An optional skid shoe kit (190-014-100) is available to simplify depth regulation.
- Roller Height Adjustment: The roller's height can be adjusted using a U-handle and a spring-loaded locking rod to match desired tilling depths. The lowest hole (highest setting) is used for transport or tilling without the roller.
- Rear Tine Shield: Can be installed in place of the roller. Its chain should be adjusted to touch the ground to prevent objects from being thrown.
- Foreign Object Handling: If a foreign object jams the tines, immediately shut off the PTO, stop forward motion, raise the tiller, and attempt to dislodge the object. If the object doesn't dislodge, shift the tine direction lever to the opposite direction and re-engage the PTO. If still jammed, turn off the PTO, shift to neutral, raise the tiller, and turn off the tractor engine to manually remove the object.
- Turning: Intended for straight-line use. Slight turns are possible at slower ground speeds, but sharp turns can stress the equipment and cause excessive vibration.
- Clearance: The tiller is slightly wider than the tractor's rear wheels and makes the tractor noticeably longer, requiring careful attention to clearances during operation and turns.
- Wet Soil: Tilling wet soil can create large clumps and increase the risk of the tractor getting stuck. If wheels spin, disengage PTO, raise tiller, and drive out. Resume tilling after the ground dries.
- Tiller Stand: Equipped with a stand for self-support when not attached to the tractor, aiding in reattachment.
Maintenance Features:
- Hydraulic Fluid Level Check: Crucial for prolonging hydraulic motor life. Check fluid level before use as described in the assembly section. Do not check immediately after use, as the fluid will be hot and pressurized; allow the tiller to cool for several minutes. The hydraulic reservoir has a vented tank cap with a dipstick for checking and filling.
- Hydraulic Filter Change: Should be changed every 50 running hours. Requires placing a pan under the filter to collect oil, using a filter wrench to loosen, and draining excess oil.
- Lubrication:
- Pivot Points: Lubricate all pivot points where the tiller raises and lowers with a lithium-based lubricant (white lithium spray lube recommended) every 10 running hours.
- Roller Bearings: Lubricate the bearings on each end of the roller shaft with a grease gun every 25 hours. Replace fitting caps after lubrication.
- Roller Locking Rod: Lubricate the spring-loaded locking rod, adjustment bar, and clevis pin area with white lithium spray grease.
- Roller Frame Pivot Points: Lubricate the two attaching bolts where the roller frame attaches to the tiller frame.
- Drive Shaft U-joints: Lubricate the two U-joints on the drive shaft with a grease gun every 25 hours.
- Cleaning: Clean the tiller, especially around the tines, after every use. It's easier to clean wet dirt. After washing, run the tines for a few minutes to disperse water from bearings and tine shaft areas to prevent corrosion. Avoid direct water contact with the hydraulic reservoir cap. Dry the machine after washing to prevent corrosion.
- Tine Inspection: Check tine mounting bolts frequently for tightness. Visually inspect tines for damage (bent, cracked, worn) and replace with original equipment manufacturer (O.E.M.) tines only. Tines are sharp; wear heavy gloves and use caution when servicing.
- Hydraulic Hose Inspection: Regularly check hydraulic hoses and fittings for cracks, leaks, or damage. Replace any hose showing signs of cracking or leaking. Tighten fittings if leaking persists after tightening, the fitting or hose may need replacement.
- General Maintenance: Keep all nuts, bolts, and screws tight. Never tamper with safety devices and check their operation regularly. Inspect for damage after striking foreign objects. Do not change engine governor setting or overspeed the engine. Observe proper disposal laws for fluids and materials. Maintain or replace safety and instruction labels.
To Next Page
Need help?
General
