Did I jump too soon?

[jwstewar]

Here are some shots of the ground that I was playing with.
First shot is after two passes on Saturday. I was afraid to go too far and at PTO speed because of the latch being broken - but I still wanted to play a little bit. I loosened up the slip clutch and put it in the ground to free the slip clutch and then I tightened it back down. In the second picture you could see a rock I hit that made the slip clutch slip. Had me concerned at first because it was the first time I had ever used a slip clutch and the sound/feel felt strange. Last is a shot of the ground after I ran over it yesterday at PTO speed with the latch fixed.

When I tilled the area Saturday the ground was really dry and hard. Tiller was wanting to bounce a lot so I had to keep ground speed and PTO speed down (also because of the latch) but even so the tractor never groaned a bit, not a sign of smoke or anything like I was over working it. I don't even think it lost an RPM. The 3rd pass Sunday was pretty cool. Since it was broken up already and I was running at PTO speed the dirt came out really fine and powdery. I'm thinking my garden is going to be a whole lot easier next year.

 

[RickS]

Looks like you got a good deal. Enjoy the new toys.

 

[milkman]

Looks like the tiller is going to work out well for you, I bet you were suprised at how well your tractor handled it.

 

[bjr]

I don't know a thing about PHD's, but have a little experience with 60" tillers. I did an extensive rebuild on a Grey Market tiller that the original tines mounted in a rectangle tube with one bolt holding it. Also had make new heavy 3pt mounts got maybe $1000 in the whole mess. It's a good tiller NOW. So if you picked up a 60" double bolt flange style tiller for $500, you did good. Be happy you got a good deal pretty close to home. I have used every implement I've aquired. Some times I scratched my head thinking when will I ever used this and then some aquintance "friend" comes along and needs somethin' done with that very implement. bjr

 

[FamilyFarm]

Jim,
Very nice to see this worked out for you! I am probably way too skeptical about used equipment - used anything for that matter. I hate to pay new prices, but like to know how something has been taken care of (or abused!).
Congrats on your bargains and the all the new uses for your tractor now that you have them.
Terry

 

[texasjohn]

Good story, Good photos, great deal, my opinion, and good repair analysis on your part... glad it all worked out! thanks for posting.

 

[jwstewar]

I was really surprised how well the tractor handled the tiller. Sometimes my little tractor amazes me - in both a good and bad way. Sometimes I'm like, Wow!!! I can't believe this little tractor did that but then other times its like Wow!!! I can't believe it wouldn't do that!!!

Went yesterday and bought the new cutting edges and tip for the PHD. Went first to TSC and saw what they had and almost decided to get them and make them work, but then I decided to go to the original dealer that sold it. They had the cutting edges and tip designed for it - and they were CHEAPER then TSC. Got both cutting edges and the tip for something like $32. I've did get new bolts while I was at TSC though. I've put the cutting edges on but not the tip yet - have to wait until it is on the tractor so I can lift it. That'll be tomorrow as we have about 40 holes to dig for poles for a fence around Monica's flower garden. I'll get some picks of the new edges and tips. I wouldn't have even thought the tips were the right ones because the existing ones were so worn out they didn't even resemble the new ones.

 

[john_bud]

Jim,

Of all the attachments, the PHD is the hardest to put on alone. I went and built a stand for mine to both store it and hold it at the right height so I could get that awkward heavy $%*!@#!! on.

jb

 

[jwstewar]

Jim,

Of all the attachments, the PHD is the hardest to put on alone. I went and built a stand for mine to both store it and hold it at the right height so I could get that awkward heavy $%*!@#!! on.

jb

Boy, don't I know that one already. I've already put it on twice and taken it off once. First time wasn't too bad, yesterday seemed like it took forever - even had to let the thing drop once . I will be figuring out some type of stand in the near future - as soon as my immediate projects are done.

 

[jwstewar]

Here are some pics of the new cutting edges and tip. First is a pic of the new edges compared to the old edges. There is no resemblance. BTW, I had to take them back off to get the tip off. Which took some beating with a little a hammer and punch/chisel. Also took a little bit of heat from a propane torch - finally got it though. Second pic is of the new tip and cutting edge. Third is a closer view of the cutting edge. Fourth pic is a shot of the cutting edge after it took me forever to try to drill four holes w/ a lot of work from a spud bar and several hours. Once I installed the cutting edges correctly I could drill a hole in probably 30 seconds to a minute.