The Tarter Rotary Tiller is a 3-point implement designed for cultivating and stirring up soil in gardens, food plots, and for other tillage needs. It is engineered for dependable and satisfactory use, requiring proper care and operation to ensure many years of service.
Function Description:
The primary function of the Tarter Rotary Tiller is to prepare soil for planting by breaking it up and mixing it. It attaches to a tractor's 3-point hitch and is powered by the tractor's Power Take-Off (PTO) shaft. The tiller features rotating tines that dig into the soil, providing a mulching effect. The direction of the tiller tines can be reversed for different tillage requirements. The implement is designed for agricultural applications and should not be operated within 300 feet of bystanders or public roads.
Important Technical Specifications:
- Recommended Tractor PTO Horsepower: 15-35 HP
- Weight: 470 lbs.
- Working Depth: 7 inches
- Working Width: 46.5 inches
- Overall Width: 51.5 inches
- Hitch: Limited Cat 1/Quick Hitch Compatible
- Driveline: 540 RPM Slip Clutch Protection
- Number of Flanges on Rotor: 6
- Number of Tines per Flange: 4
- Rotor Rotation: Reversible (FWD/REV)
- Rotor Shaft Speed: 211 rpm @ 540 rpm PTO
- Skid Shoes: Adjustable (0.4", 1.4", 2.4")
- Top Gearbox Construction: Cast Iron Housing, Precision Forged Steel Gears
- Side Drive Construction: Formed Steel Housing, Hardened Steel Gears
- Top Gearbox Lubrication: EP 80-90W gear oil
- Side Drive Lubrication: EP 80-90W gear oil
Usage Features:
- Assembly: The tiller arrives in a shipping rack and requires assembly, including attaching the A-Arms, top link support, PTO shaft, and manual holder. The hardware box is removed, and a lift strap is used to relieve pressure from the shipping rack during removal.
- Initial Setup: Before first use, the gearboxes must be filled with 85W90 gear oil, and all grease fittings must be lubricated with Type/Grade II tube grease. It is crucial not to overfill the gearboxes to prevent damage to oil seals.
- PTO Driveline: The PTO driveline length must be checked and adjusted to ensure it does not bottom out or pull apart throughout the full range of the tractor hitch. Instructions are provided for shortening the driveline if necessary, ensuring proper overlap of profile tubes. Safety chains for the driveline shields must be attached to restrict shield rotation.
- Attaching to Tractor: The tiller attaches to the tractor's 3-point hitch using Category I pins and lynch pins for the lift arms and top link. Anti-rotation chains for the PTO driveline must be secured. The top link is adjusted to ensure the tiller sets level from front to back.
- Operation: The tiller should be positioned on level ground, and the tractor lift arms adjusted so the rotor bar remains parallel to the ground when lifted. Skid shoes are adjustable to control tillage depth. The rear guard assembly, with its regulating chain, can be adjusted for the desired mulching effect. The PTO should be engaged at idle RPM, then slowly advanced to 540 RPM. Tractor ground speed should be controlled by gear selection, not engine speed, and the tiller lowered gradually.
- Reversing Tine Direction: The tiller tines can be reversed for different soil conditions or desired tillage effects. This involves detaching the tiller from the tractor, removing the PTO shaft, carefully removing the tine bar assembly, rotating it 180 degrees, and then reattaching it. The gearbox must also be removed, and the vent and flat plugs switched between the top and bottom of the gearbox. This process is complex and requires careful handling due to the weight and sharp edges of components.
Maintenance Features:
- Pre-Use Checklist: Before each use, verify complete assembly, check gearbox oil levels and for leaks, lubricate all fittings, ensure all shields are in place and in good condition, and confirm all fasteners are torqued to specifications. The PTO driveline length should be checked for compatibility with the tractor. All decals must be in place and legible.
- Lubrication: Periodically check and maintain proper gear oil levels. Every 8 hours, grease the outboard hub, PTO shaft universal joints, PTO shaft safety shield, and PTO telescoping surface.
- Tine Inspection: Check tiller tines for cracks and breaks before every use. They should be sharp, free of nicks and cracks, and securely fastened.
- Slip Clutch Check: After storage of 30 days or more, perform an operational check of the slip clutch. This involves loosening bolts, marking the clutch plate and Belleville Spring, engaging the PTO at idle to ensure slippage, and then retightening the bolts to specific torque settings.
- Cleaning: After each use, clean all debris from the tiller tines.
- Storage: For extended storage, spray shaft extensions with a dry film preservative, pack grease around seals, fill gearboxes to cover the top input seal, remove the breather, and replace it with an airtight plug. Remember to drain oil back to the correct level and replace the breather plug before next use.
- Safety Decals: Replace any illegible or missing safety decals immediately.
The Tarter Rotary Tiller is a robust piece of equipment designed to provide efficient soil preparation, emphasizing safety and regular maintenance for optimal performance and longevity.
Need help?
General
To Next Page
