The Winton Power Harrow WPH Series is an agricultural attachment designed for tilling soil and preparing seed beds. It is specifically intended for use with compact tractors. The power harrow's design ensures that moisture remains in the soil as it is tilled, and its vertically rotating cutters prevent soil compaction, making it an effective tool for soil preparation.
Important Technical Specifications:
The WPH Series comes in two models: WPH130 and WPH170, with varying specifications to suit different tractor sizes and working requirements.
-
Model WPH130:
- Weight: 274kg
- Working Width: 130cm
- Number of Blades: 12 (6 Left + 6 Right)
- Tilling Depth: 18cm
- Recommended Tractor HP: 25-40hp
- Width: 170cm
- Depth: 120cm
- Height: 95cm
- Drive Type: Gears
- PTO Speed: 540 RPM
- PTO Shaft With Shearbolt Size: 70-90cm
- Linkage Size: Category 1
-
Model WPH170:
- Weight: 345kg
- Working Width: 170cm
- Number of Blades: 16 (8 Left + 8 Right)
- Tilling Depth: 18cm
- Recommended Tractor HP: 36-50hp
- Width: 210cm
- Depth: 120cm
- Height: 95cm
- Drive Type: Gears
- PTO Speed: 540 RPM
- PTO Shaft With Shearbolt Size: 70-90cm
- Linkage Size: Category 1
Both models utilize a blade type that is designed for efficient tilling without turning up the soil, thus preserving moisture. The drive system for both models is gear-based, ensuring robust power transmission.
Usage Features:
The Winton Power Harrow is designed for straightforward installation and operation, with several features to enhance user experience and safety:
- Installation: The power harrow attaches to the tractor's 3-point linkage system. The top linkage arm is used to ensure the power harrow sits level and the A-frame is vertical.
- Working Depth Adjustment: The working depth is set by lifting the tractor's hydraulic arms to increase or decrease the blade tine depth. Further adjustment can be made via the rear mesh roller, which has 7 set holes on either side, allowing for height customization by removing and replacing a pin and R-clip. For dense or compact soil, the tiller can be set at a higher position to reduce working depth, and multiple passes can be made to achieve the desired depth.
- Operation Speed: The power harrow should be operated at a slow speed of 1-3 mph, with the tractor in a low gear range and the PTO delivering 540 rpm. If encountering harder soil, the speed should be lowered, or the working depth raised.
- Soil Preparation: The rear mesh roller can be adjusted to achieve different finishes on the soil.
- Safety during Operation:
- Spectators should be kept at a safe distance (at least 10m).
- The working area must be clear of large stones or debris to prevent damage to the blades.
- The power harrow must be at a complete standstill before being raised from the ground during maneuvers to prevent debris from flying off.
- The tractor PTO must always be switched off before a reverse maneuver.
- The power harrow should never be raised more than 25cm from the ground with the PTO driveline engaged, as the maximum angle for the driveline with the PTO engaged is 20 degrees, and exceeding this can cause strong vibrations or damage.
- When working on sloped areas, operate at a slow speed and avoid wet/slippery soil. Work upwards or downwards along the gradient to minimize the risk of overturning.
Maintenance Features:
Regular maintenance is crucial for the longevity and safe operation of the Winton Power Harrow. The manual provides detailed instructions for pre-use, installation, post-use, and general maintenance checks.
- Safety First: Before any installation or maintenance, both the tractor and attachment must be stationary, the hydraulic lift system in a neutral position, and the ignition key removed.
- Attachment Pre-use Checks:
- Check and tighten all bolts, nuts, and screws (especially those securing blades).
- Check and adjust belt tension if applicable.
- Apply grease to grease points.
- Tractor & Attachment Installation Checks:
- Ensure the tractor and attachment are stationary with the ignition key removed before installing the PTO shaft.
- Check engine oil level.
- Verify the attachment is securely fastened to the tractor with secure pins.
- Ensure the tractor PTO turns freely and the attachment's PTO drive shaft extends easily, applying grease to the PTO drive shaft.
- Add extra weights to the front of the tractor if needed.
- Confirm all safety guards/doors/covers are securely in place.
- Post-use Regular Checks:
- Allow the attachment to cool down before performing checks, as components can be hot.
- Regularly check and tighten all bolts, nuts, and screws, especially those securing blades.
- Inspect the condition of blades, belts, wearing parts, PTO shaft, and safety guards, repairing or replacing damaged parts immediately.
- Clean the attachment regularly, removing any entangled material around moving parts.
- With the PTO shaft detached, turn the shaft by hand to check for obstructions.
- Regularly check and clean rotor and roller bearings, applying grease as required. Replace bearings if oil seals are damaged.
- Blade Replacement:
- Wear gloves and use suitable tools.
- Ensure the power harrow is supported and stable.
- Each blade carrier uses either 2x left blades or 2x right blades, depending on the carrier's spin direction (clockwise or anti-clockwise).
- Remove fastening bolts and nuts (2 per blade).
- Replace damaged, bent, worn, or blunt blades, ensuring the sharp side points in the same direction as the previous ones.
- Replace and tighten fastening bolts and nuts.
- Gearbox Oil Change & Check:
- Gear Oil Grade: 80w90 gear oil (or equivalent).
- Gearbox Oil Level: Approximately 1.5 litres to the level plug.
- First Oil Change: After 120 hours of use.
- Oil Change Frequency: Every 250 hours or yearly (whichever comes first).
- Check oil level by unscrewing the filler plug/breather and using a dipstick; the level should ideally be half full. Top up as needed.
- Use an oil pump to remove old oil and debris during changes.
- Gear Reservoir Oil Change:
- Gear Oil Grade: EPO semi-fluid grease (or equivalent).
- Gear Reservoir Oil Level: Approximately 10mm.
- First Oil Change: After 120 hours of use.
- Oil Change Frequency: Every 250 hours or yearly (whichever comes first).
- Check oil level prior to use and routinely (every 4 hours).
- Ensure the machine is on a flat/level surface for accurate oil level checks.
- Unscrew and remove the filler cap, use a dipstick or visual check, then top up and replace the cap.
- Greasing & Lubrication Points:
- Grease Type: Multi-purpose lithium-based grease.
- Grease Frequency: Check every 4-8 hours (top-up if required).
- Wipe grease nipples clean before greasing.
- Press grease into each nipple 3 to 5 times using a hand-held grease gun.
- Grease both grease points on either end of the PTO shaft and apply grease to the inner shaft.
- Apply grease to both rear roller bearings (A) on the square bearing casing.
- Apply grease to each blade bearing unit (B) on the top of each blade seat.
- Other Maintenance:
- Regularly check screw connections between tines and tine flange/guard plate.
- Check oil levels every 4 hours and prior to use, topping up as needed.
- Check PTO shaft condition and replace if worn/damaged.
- Clean the machine regularly, avoiding spraying water on bearings with a high-pressure washer.
- Check blade rotor bearings for smooth operation by running the machine for 3-5 minutes. Replace oil seals/bearings if damaged.
- Re-coat damaged paintwork to prevent corrosion.
- Store the machine in a dry, level area, ensuring it is supported/stable.
- Check the condition of gears and replace if required.
- PTO Shaft Resizing:
- The PTO shaft may need resizing for proper fit.
- Attach the rotovator to the tractor without the PTO shaft, raise the linkage to level the PTO shaft.
- Measure the length between the tractor PTO and the rotovator's shaft.
- If the compressed PTO shaft length exceeds this measurement, the driveline needs to be cut.
- Remove PTO shaft shielding, shorten driveline tubes and guard tubes to equal lengths, tidy edges, and grease the internal driveline tube.
- Ensure at least 16cm (6 inches) or 1/3 of the length of overlap.
The Winton Power Harrow WPH Series is a robust and versatile attachment designed for efficient soil preparation, emphasizing user safety and ease of maintenance.