Slip Clutch on Howard Rotavator HA 80

[EdwardB]

The other day I was using my father's Howard Rotavator HA on some sloping terrain. As I was going ahead, the tiller caught some buried wood and I was quite concerned (read scared shi*****) /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif with the stability of the tractor; but that's a future post in the safety section.

Anyway, after a few seconds of surveying the situation, I noticed the slip clutch on the rotovator just smoking in back. I quickly disengaged the PTO and when I got the unit back on level ground, re-engaged the PTO. The tines were moving just as usual.

Now, not being a mechanic, I have to wonder if I did any permanent damage to the gear box, or if the unit functioned as normal. There was a fairly strong smell while the event was happening, but that has now dissipated. My understanding is that these Howard Rotovators are built tough, but any insight into this would be appreciated.

 

[Bird]

Sounds like the slip clutch did what it was supposed to do. And it sounds as if you should have disengaged the PTO a little quicker, but you may or may not have burned enough of the friction material for it to need replacing. If it's still working right, I'd probably leave it alone, but you can take it apart and see if it needs relining.

 

[ZJ_HR]

Howard Rotavator HA 80 is not a "toy tiller". It is not as easy to break it.
Bird explained you well, and I'm curious what tractor did you use for run it /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif

 

[EdwardB]

ZJ,

I was using a JD 4410. This is a 35 HP tractor. It was previously used on a Ford 3000, which I think is around 40-45 HP.

I'm not sure if the slip clutch was worn at all previously. I haven't used it since to see if it is ok, but I will be using it this weekend.

 

[JCF]

Purchased Howard Rototiller used Model RM1601B. No manual or guide on settings. Can anyone help

 

[GreenWannabe]

I would contact Kongskilde USA by email and request a copy of the manual. You can reach them here: mail@kus.kongskilde.com, or try their webiste at Kongskilde. They bought the Howard Rotavator line a number of years ago, and still make a number of models.

 

[WayneB]

You can also contact the following people and they can help with most parts for the Howard Rotavators.
I just rebuilt the tine drive bearing and was able to get all of the parts from Guy Machinery. Nice people to deal with.

AL ANDERSON
Office: 503-981-4700
Branch Manager
503-981-5300
Cell: 503-931-9071
Free: 800-234-0033
aanderson@arnoldmachinery.com
General Implement


Steve Mundy
howardrotavator2007@yahoo.com
Guy Machinery
14213 WASHINGTON STREET
WOODSTOCK, IL 60098
PHONE (815) 338-0600
FAX (815) 338-2525
Clyde Morter guymachinery@hotmail.com>