Goint to use my tiller for the first time!

[Lane Ranger 11,410]

Well I spent Sunday afternoon getting my tiller  (Model No.   79370  -Serial No.  3900513 - a 1993  Wheel Horse Tiller) attached to the 1978 Wheel Horse C-121  8 speed tractor I bought three years ago.   This tractor has not been run a lot in last three years as a 3000 Watt Wheel Horse Generator was on it during that time.  

 

I had to installl the rear lift hitch on the transmission (and make the special clevis pins for locking the hitch on the tiller bar) , bellcrank, lift cable,  Spring assist and chain at the top of the tiller to the bellcrank.    I attached the Mid-Attach pulleys, the belt for the tiller, checked it out with a short run (not in the soil).  I followed and re-read continuously the Tiller Operating and Parts Manual to make sure I was doing things as recommended.   I have three different bellcranks and setups for the lift  for tractors from 1976 thru later models.  We have some of each and the B-100 -1976 Model was the other choice to se the tiller on -but I went with the C-121!

 

 

 

 

 

 

For you longtime tiller users,  I have a couple questions.   How do you know if the tiller has enough gear oil in it?   Is there a way to know if the gear oil level is where it should be?    Have you ever sharpened the tiller blades for better cutting into the soil?    What is the best way to know how deep the tiller should ride in the soil?   I know that is the tiller is pushing the tractor forward  (according to the manual)  that you should raise the tiller out of the ground a bit more until it does not push forward.    

 

I am going to have a big vegetable garden this year and probably will have most of the rows in between the size of the rear tiller -so I can limit the  hand weeding, etc.

 

Any "lessons learned" from tilling experienced Wheel Horse owners would be appreciated!

Edited April 1, 2014 by Lane Ranger

[KC9KAS 4,744]

Looking good Lane!

We had over 1 1/2" of rain late last week, so no tilling around here!

[Tim 97]

below is a link to the owners manual for a tiller

they are all pretty close

oil level, is in the manual

depth, this is a feel thing, if the tiller jumps a lot take shallower passes and make subsequent ones

Virgin soil can be difficult

I never sharpened the tines, they will sharpen themselves over time

 

 

you may want to consider front weights, I have a c160 and the front is light without weight

Edited April 1, 2014 by Tim

[slammer302 2,156]

here's a pic of the inside of my tiller after hitting something soils as you can see it's a chain and sprockets and two gears it would probably last for a long time with no oil

I meant soilded

[can whlvr 994]

real nice lookin tractor,the tiller will kinda find its own depth,soil conditions are every thing,once its worked good she tears through it,full depth,when breaking virgin ground it takes a few passes,sometimes I backup with it,this realy digs,but you need to use the lift when doing this,you will really enjoy the tiller

[Lane Ranger 11,410]

Thanks Tim , Don  and Slammer!   I have a set of front weights so maybe that is the next addition before going into the dirt!

 

 

Tim:  The manual you refer to is MUCH BETTER than the one I have.   A lot more detailed instruction and photos!  Thank you!

Edited April 1, 2014 by Lane Ranger

[AMC RULES 37,196]

Looks great Lane, can't wait for our action video.    

[312Hydro 474]

That sure is a nice setup! Those tines look close to new. I think tilling is more relaxing than cutting grass. x2 on the front weight and I move over halfway for the next pass because the gearbox leaves a strip untilled.

[slammer302 2,156]

Its kinda fun riding wheelies with the tiller hooked up!"

[leeave96 490]

Tiller and tractor look great! Just keep in mind that if you go to deep, you might find yourself being propelled by the tiller!

Good luck,

Bill

[slammer302 2,156]

Don't forget the lift assist spring

[Lane Ranger 11,410]

I think I am set up correctly and the lift assist spring is in place!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[slammer302 2,156]

Looks good

[dennist 139]

I agree with some of the posts above....tilling is very enjoyable to me also. It just seems to be one of the best attachments I use. And yeah, your tractor looks great. Enjoy, we were getting snow on my way home a few mins. ago.