Are these Tiller Bolts Suppose to be loose (see picture)

[saxon11]

Just got done year 1 with tractor and tiller. Lots of use and lots of maintenance needed. I noticed these bolts i'm pointing to are loose around. Seems like suppose to be that way? FYI I have Tar River 6' tiller. thank you

 

[3gunr]

I dont have a tar river but i do have 2 other tillers and those bolts on mine are tight, I cant see a scenario where those are supposed to be loose, That would allow dirt and crud down into the gears or chain drive .

 

[azbinder]

Should be NO loose bolts on a tiller.

 

[redman135]

TIGHTEN those BOLTS BEFORE you use it next. There should NOT be any loose bolts . When these bolts have been tightened, go around and check ALL the other bolts.
Also read the manual to find the torque setting for the bolts.
Loose bolts mean movement and the bolts eventually break, also the bolt holes get flogged out and it is very hard to get replacement bolts to stay tight

 

[mcfarmall]

Short answer...no.

 

[WranglerX]

If I am seeing lock washers under the nuts, I get the indication they are supposed to be tight....

 

[saxon11]

The challenge here for me to tighen these bolts is that the heads of the bolts are not exposed. instead they are inside the side gear box. So i'll have to take that whole side off.

 

[Smokeydog]

The challenge here for me to tighen these bolts is that the heads of the bolts are not exposed. instead they are inside the side gear box. So i'll have to take that whole side off.
View attachment 774145

Heads maybe tacked welded? Maybe something you can do too. I often do that for one side tightening. Sometimes loose bolts can loose or wear away threads and have to be replaced.

 

[Sawyer Rob]

Are they bolts or are they studs??

SR

 

[K5lwq]

If the bolt is spinning trying to tighten the nut maybe using a impact wrench on them would snug the nuts?