Question About how to Operate my JD790 with a Tiller

garpue01 · Feb 4, 2015

Hi Folks,
Now that I have my new King Kutter Tiller (5ft), and my JD790 I'm ready to start tilling the soil. I know how to operate the tractor pretty well but I have never used it to plough. And I hope someone can help me out with a quick lesson on how to actually operate the tractor with a tiller attached. For example, the tractor has four speeds, so what speed should I use when tilling, etc.

Thanks,
Phil

DK35vince · Feb 4, 2015

On a 790 I would till in lowest gear you have (1rst gear, low range.)
Try to avoid picking the tiller up to high on the 3 point while the tiller is running. It may cause the PTO shaft to be on a very steep angle.

garpue01 · Feb 4, 2015

Ah, nice to know that. Thanks.

davesl708 · Feb 4, 2015

Also, if breaking sod start with shallow passes. (2-3") to reduce stress and shock on the tiller and tractor.
I use a 5' tiller to restore a lawn. It will break sod but not ideal. Go slow.

Muhammad · Feb 4, 2015

I have moved this thread to the JD forum.

Henri88 · Feb 4, 2015

Turn your PTO ''on'' and ''off'' at idle with tiller in the up position. I always operate mine at 540 pto rpm.

jenkinsph · Feb 4, 2015

Henri88 said:
Turn your PTO ''on'' and ''off'' at idle with tiller in the up position. I always operate mine at 540 pto rpm.

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Your tractor should have a low and high range with four gears, 8 speeds total. You can use L1, L2 and in light fluffy soil maybe L3. Make sure the pto driveline has grease now and check/grease every 8 hours of use. Listen and pay attention to any unusual noises that may come up. On new ground watch out for debris and wires that may wrap up in the tiller.