Tiller Loose tines on Tiller

PaulInMi · Sep 5, 2001

This weekend after doing several tilling jobs(60" King Kutter w/less than 20 hours) I noticed that most of the bolts that attach my tines were loose and one had actually come out and disappeared.

Does this happen to all tillers and if so what can be done to prevent it? Perhaps a lock nut over top the original nut?

Thanks in advance.

Paul

Bird · Sep 5, 2001

I would think lock washers under the nuts would do it, but a second jam nut if the bolts are long enough. I've never even checked the tightness of the bolts on my Bush Hog, but after 6 years I've never had one get loose.

Bird

Lono · Sep 5, 2001

I would replave the nuts with nyloc nuts. This would keep them from working loose.

TerryinMD · Sep 5, 2001

What does the owners manual say about maintenance?

I would think that they wouldl have a suggested maintenance schedule. Also, there's a possibility that the bolts and nuts weren't tightened in the first place.

PaulInMi · Sep 5, 2001

The manual doesn't say anything reference the tine bolts. Luckily we had a 7/8" wrench w/us so we tightened them in between our 2nd and 3rd job. After the 3rd job they were just as loose again.

They do have lock washer but they don't seem to be helping.

Thanks again.

Paul

DDT · Sep 5, 2001

I'm on my second tiller and as of yet never had that problem. I belive they were never tight to begain with.

TerryinMD · Sep 6, 2001

Sounds like you need to talk to the dealer and have them service it.

Maybe it's possible that the wrong type of bolts and nuts were used.

CVHoss · Sep 6, 2001

Paul,
I'd try some Blue (242/243) Loctite on them and see if that helps. If they still work loose, I've used the Green Loctite in some applications before and while it can be removed with hand tools, it will take considerably more force. If all else fails, you can use one of the Red Loctites, but removal will then require the application of heat with a torch to soften the material.

Hoss