Table of Contents
Section 2 Operating
General Notes for Field Operations
Before beginning to till, the following inspection should be performed:
1.Check oil level in gearbox and chaincase. Refer to the Lubrication portion of the “Maintenance and Lubrication” section on page 21.
2.Check that all plugs have been replaced properly in the gearbox and chaincase.
3.Check drive chain tension. Refer to the Drive Chain portion of the “Adjustments” section on page 15.
4.Be sure all tiller tines, bolts and nuts are tight.
5.Be certain all guards and shields are in place and secure.
6.Grease PTO shaft and all other grease fittings. Refer to the Lubrication portion of the “Maintenance and Lubrication” section on page 21.
7.Clear the area to be tilled of rocks, branches and other foreign objects.
8.Tall grass and weeds should be mowed before tilling.
9.Operate with 540 rpm PTO tractor.
10.At first begin tilling at a slow forward speed and shift up as ground conditions warrant.
11.Tiller should be operated with the tiller deck level to the ground.
12.Tiller tines will cut better at a faster rotor speed than at reduced throttle.
13.Do not engage PTO at full throttle.
14.Tilling should not be done in wet conditions as soil will stick to tines.
15.After tilling the first 50 feet, stop and check to see that the tiller is adjusted properly.
16.Do not make turns or attempt to back up while tiller is in the ground. See important note below.
IMPORTANT: Turning or backing up with rotary tines in the ground will damage the tiller.
17.Do not engage PTO with machine in the fully raised or lowered position.
18.Periodically check for foreign objects wrapped around the rotor shaft and remove them after disengaging PTO, turning off tractor, and removing ignition key.
Operating Check List
In addition to design and configuration of equipment, hazard control and accident prevention are dependent upon the awareness, concern, prudence and proper training involved in its operation, transport, maintenance and storage of equipment. Before beginning operation the following inspections should be performed.
Read and follow the “Important Safety Information” section on starting on page 1 carefully.
Read all of Tractor Hookup in the “Assembly and Setup” section on page 9.
Read all of the “Operating Instructions” section on page 12.
Lubricate the tiller as needed. Refer to the Lubrication portion of the “Maintenance and Lubrication” section on page 17.
Check the tiller initially and periodically for loose bolts & pins, using the Torque Values Chart in the “Appendix” section on page 27.
Make sure all guards and shields are in place.
Check initially and periodically for loose bolts, pins, and chains.
Transporting
!CAUTION
When traveling on public roads whether at night or during the day, use accessory light and devices for adequate warning to operators of other vehicles. Comply with all federal, state and local laws.
IMPORTANT: Always disengage the driveline before raising the tiller to transport position.
1.When raising the tiller to the transport position, be sure that the driveline does not contact tractor or tiller. Adjust the tractor’s
2.Be sure to reduce tractor ground speed when turning, and leave enough clearance so the tiller does not contact obstacles such as buildings, trees or fences.
3.Select a safe ground travel speed when transporting from one area to another. When traveling on roadways, transport in such a way that faster moving vehicles may pass you safely.
4.When traveling over rough or hilly terrain, shift tractor to a lower gear.
12 RTA10 & RTA15 Series Rotary Tillers | 10/13/08 |