Howard Rotavator E50 questions

[srjones]

A few months ago, I purchased a very used Rotavator which I think is a E series (E50).

For anyone who owns something like this, can you tell me?

1. What are the four speeds of the Selectatilth gears?
2. Why type of gear oil should I use?
3. What (if any adjustments) do I need to make? Grease points?
4. For those who have one of these, do you run them offset, or centered like I'm trying to do?

Thanks in advance,

-Steve

 

[srjones]

b.u.m.p.

Anybody with a 60's or 70's era Rotavator?

 

[Sean from Solex]

b.u.m.p.

Anybody with a 60's or 70's era Rotavator?

Hi srjones. Just found this forum.

There were four generations of E series:

• Series I First produced in 1954, and continued to serial no 11628. Single speed only.
• Series II Serial numbers 11629 to 40000. Selectatilth with redesigned clutch
• Series III Serial numbers 40001 to 6364776. Recognition feature, cushion drive built into left hand side of rotor. Topmast secured to gearbox by one bolt through cast lug on gearbox.
• Series IV Serial numbers later than 6364777, recognition feature and safety clutch positioned on the gearbox input shaft.

If you can identify the series, I may have gear ratios and some of the service literature for your tiller.

I believe all Howard tillers recommend SAE 90 oil.

 

[srjones]

Sean,

Thank you for the information. It looks like it's a Series IV.

I went out and took a closer look at the tag, and I got the following:

Model: EMU 50
Serial: 6365878 F

 

[Arkaybee]

Talk with the fellows at
Market Farm Implement
257 Fawn Hollow Rd
Friedens, PA 15541
Phone (814) 444-1931

They are experts and very knowledgeable of many implements.

BTW, that tiller is in desperate need of new blades--ask them about that too.

HTH
ARKAYBEE

 

[Sean from Solex]

Sean,

Thank you for the information. It looks like it's a Series IV.

Ok. I looked around and dug up the following --

Here's the operation/service manual for the Howard HE. That should be functionally equivalent to your E Series IV. The maintenance procedures and lubrication points are listed in there:
http://solexcorp.com/manuals/howard/howard_he_manual.pdf

Here's the parts breakdown for Howard E Series IV tillers:
http://solexcorp.com/manuals/howard/howard_e4_parts.pdf

Here is a listing of Howard blades. If you will be using it in abrasive conditions, it is worth using the Superlife tungsten-carbide blades. The initial cost is higher, but will save you money in the long run:
solexcorp.com/manuals/howard/hwdblades.pdf

Your Howard (Kongskilde) distributor in Oregon is now General Implement. Any of your local dealers should be able to get you replacement parts through them. We also stock as many replacement parts for Howard as possible.

 

[srjones]

Sean, Thank You! Thank you, thank you, thank you!

This is the mother lode of info!


Arkaybee, you can't really tell from the picture, but the tines are actually in really good shape. The soils around here aren't really that abrasive (clay mostly)

 

[WayneB]

Sean that is really nice information! I have a Howard H4 works great for me.
regards,

Wayne

 

[srjones]

It looks pretty close, but to be sure you should find the serial number plate. I can't answer the other questions, but I think your tractor would pull it just fine.

 

[Quartlow]

Arkaybee, you can't really tell from the picture, but the tines are actually in really good shape. The soils around here aren't really that abrasive (clay mostly)

Actually Arkaybee is right, them tines are about whipped.
New Howard tines are are almost square across the cutting edge. I have my brothers 50 in the back of my truck right now, going to do some serious tilling this week, but its the baby tiller

Heres its new Mama
and ST160

 

[JB_Ontario]

Greetings - Just joined this forum. I too recently bought a Howard Selectatilth Rotavator which looks like it is going to take some elbow grease to get it operational. First question is can someone send a photo of where to find the serial number / model. I cannot seem to locate it and if was on an attached tag it may be gone. Judging from posted photos it looks like it could be an E50. Secondly, is anyone aware of a parts supplier in Canada? Thanks.

 

[hornblower]

JB - the tag is located under the input shaft on the side of the chain case that turns the tines. If you look under the tube, where all the oil/dirt sludge is its under there. I'm from ontario as well, just picked up my e 50 yesterday, so i'm still finding everything out.

 

[JB_Ontario]

Thanks HornBlower. Unfortunately the metal tag seems to have broken away from where it was mounted. I read in the manual that there was to be a serial number stamped on the mast frame. Have you seen the serial number there? Mine may be under rust! Have you looked for a source for parts in Canada? I just removed the chain case to determine why there was no gear oil. Alas the previous owner had used silicone for a gasket and it was virtually gone. As well the large roller chain had not been adjusted properly and the slack caused the chain to rub against the inside of the chaincase and actually wore through the case in 2 locations. Now I am looking for a welder to repair the chaincase and neoprene stock for the gasket. I can't believe the number of rusted bolts I had to remove on the weekend but at least it is progress. A word of caution - check the chain tension as directed in the manuals that Sean posted. Thanks again.

 

[howardrotavator]

Your machine is an E Series IV Howard Rotavator. The four rotor speeds with standard gears (15, 16, 17 & 18 teeth) are 122, 153, 172 ad 216 RPM. Recommended gear oil is S.A.E. 90 per the Howard manual. The machine can be mounted offset 10" to the right or center mounted.
The serial number locations are on a plate riveted to the left hand side plate near where the tube from the center gearbox is attached to the side plate and stamped in the arm to the right of the gearbox (U bolt on one end and welded to front support tube). I can see from the photo it is definitely an E Series IV.
I can give you information on maintenance and adjustments.
Steve Mundy, Howard USA Phone 815-765-9505 Email howardrotavator2007@yahoo.com

 

[halldorh]

Hello,
where can I buy spere parts in my old howard rotavator selectatilth gear?

kind reguards,

 

[damomayo]

Hello there,
have just got a howard rotavator for restoration with normal problems tines and backdoor,
Big problem is the slip clutch and drive from gearbox to pto

anybody know where i can get one of these shafts or what it is called please.
Over here in ireland not sure if its a Series 3 or 4 till I see it again

 

[Brian Sommers]

Hey guys i have a 7ft Howard Rotavator with a selectatilth gear box its old, i need the interchangeable gears that are behind the cover, anybody know where i can get some thanx. Machine # EM37086B

 

[howardrotavator]

The serial seems to be missing a digit. It probably is EM637086B. The B indicates manufactured in 1962. It is an E Series 3. Gears are the same as the E Series 4. See attachment to access E 4 parts list on line and contact information to buy parts

 

[D7E]

Howard was takenover by dowdswell
Dowdeswell Engineering Ltd.

And now by standen i believe !
STANDEN


British

 

[eparker267]

Howard Rotavator is being made in Malaysia, but it looks like they are also still being made in Australia. Below are some websites for Howard rotavator.
www.Kongskilde.com
www.howard-australia.com.
www.howardmy.com