Tested out my Refurbished Tiller

[Johndeere3720]

Well, on Saturday, i finally got to use my Agric AL50 Tiller that I refurbished after it was in a bad barn fire. First thing that I noticed was that It is a little big for my Little Yannie since the tractor bogged down when the tiller was on the ground. Second, I was tilling a garden for one of my neighbors and it happens to have a bit of river rock in it since he lives along the creek. I made 3 passes (small garden) and then my Tiller tines just stopped and the PTO shaft kept going. First i thought that i might have broken a link of the chain where the gears of the PTO and tiller meet. So I drove my Tiller back home, throwing mud all over the gravel road from the muddy garden. Once i got home, i unhooked the tiller and washed it off, prepairing for taking it back apart. While washing it, i washed the tiller tines and had to rotate then to clean the mud off. well, when I rotated then, the PTO shaft turned as well. So i turned the PTO shaft and the tiller worked. So I am now wondering that maybe a rock was caught in the tiller and got the tiller to stop. Since the PTO still was turning, does this mean there is a slip clutch in my tiller or is something broken? My neighbor was a little worried about the tiller since this is the second time it has happend there. I told him I was gonna figure it out and he has nothing to worry about. Atleast i got to try out my tiller.

 

[Ductape]

Judging by the second picture, it appears that the tiller has a slip clutch. If so..... it worked properly, though probably should be adjusted.

 

[jenkinsph]

I'm with Ductape on this ^^^^^^^


Looks like a nice tiller after you get the bugs out.:thumbsup:

 

[jnjpream]

You should definitely adjust it... There was a really good thread here somewhere about how to adjust it but I'll sum up what I do. You can also download instructions from the different tiller mfgs websites..

First you need to apply even tension on the springs so loosen them then turn them finger tight. Then start with 3/4 (I've heard 1/2 turn too) turn on each bolt. You should be able to make it slip under normal load at this point.. Then it's 1/4 turn at a time until it doesn't slip under normal load, normal is a non-shock load, a shock load is hitting a rock or some other abrupt force. If you don't notice the clutch slipping but the clutch is hot after a test run, this means it is still slipping and give it another 1/4 turn and try again. You may need to let the clutch cool off in the process, a warm clutch tends to slip easier than a cold clutch.

Also, every year before you till the first time, loosen the clutch bolts (count the turns), slip the clutch a couple revolutions, then tighten it back up. This ensures the clutch is not rusted together or otherwise frozen.

When I hit a shock load (one I would want the tiller to stop on) the static friction is overcome by the impact, the clutch starts slipping, and the engine rpms jump up due to less load (static friction holds stronger than dynamic(?) friction). Quickly disengage and lift the tiller to figure out what caused the issue (Don't get off the seat unless the engine is off! You will NOT win a fight with a live PTO shaft or tiller!). For me it is usually a big rock jammed in the tines. Clear the obstruction and go again..

 

[tree farmer]

Glad it's working out for you so far. It's lookin' very good.:thumbsup: I'll bet the Yannie has to grunt a little turning that size tiller in the damp ground. Saturday I bought a 66" KK box blade from Wilco in Cornelius, and you're right, they do have the best prices around. Thanks....Dan.

 

[Johndeere3720]

Thanks for the info on the slip clutch. I'll hopefully get to that this weekend. Tree Farmer, that boxblade will definatly work well for you. Mine has always been up to the tasks I've put it through. My little Yannie really grunts when using the tiller. I run it at full throttle and in the lowest gear so i can get enough power and a good till.

 

[magicheater]

You have a great start on retirement, get your toys before you start working!
Good for you, maybe some day you can get a tractor with a loader. I noticed there were stickers/labels on your tillers back flap. You mentioned a fire, did you get replacements? Agric tillers are tough, I have one. You may want to disassemble the slip clutch and see the condition of the pads, even though they are designed to take heat. Nice paint job, take care with the back flap on the tiller, they are easy to damage. Believe me, I know!

 

[Johndeere3720]

I wish i knew where to get new stickers/labels. I just put some reflectors on it so it is more visible at night just in case. I have been thinking about checking that out. Ive been working all weekend, chopping wood, working on the garden, brush hogging, boxblading, moving rocks, etc. I am currently saving up for a loader for my yanmar but would some day like a bigger tractor with power steering for loader work. Does anyone know where to get the logos/stickers?

 

[kebo]

Have you not contacted the manufacturer of the tiller? They will probably sell (maybe even give) you a set of the original decals and stickers.

 

[Johndeere3720]

Actually, I havent found an Agric Dealer near me yet. I got my new seals and parts from Kubota. I have seen a few Agric tillers on craigslist though.