Tiller Howard Rotavator help

[cddickson]

I am new to the Forum, but see the vast potential of this community. I have recently acquired an older Howard Rotavator. The model number on the tiller is HN 812 B. It seems to be in good working condition, but when the tiller is dropped to the soil, it vibrates excessively. I am using the tiller behind a John Deere 2210 (23 hp) sub compact tractor. This is my first experience with a pto driven tiller, but I have to wonder if there isn't something wrong. Could the tines be installed incorrectly? Also, I was hoping to acquire an owners manual and a parts distributor. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Baby Grand]

Welcome to TBN!
At what PTO speed are you running the tiller?
At what ground speed are you running the tractor?
How wide is the tiller?
What's your soil like?
Have you checked gearbox oil level?
Have you greased the U-Joints?
Is the PTO shaft cut to the correct length for your tractor?
Examine the rotor for missing tines - there shouldn't be any.
Check for rocks, roots, etc lodged up in the shielding above the tines - there shouldn't be any.
With the tiller mounted on the 3PH and lifted off the ground, turn the engine off & disconnect the PTO shaft from the tractor PTO spline.
Spin the PTO shaft by hand, keeping it roughly aligned with the tractor PTO spline.
Does it spin with just a little resistance? It should.
Does it feel like it's clunking, dragging or rough? It shouldn't.
If all this checks out okay, then I'd turn my attention to the PTO shaft & U-Joints.
Let us know how you make out!
-Jim

 

[cddickson]

Thank you for the reply. I will hook up and try out your suggestions and let you know.

 

[jaken]

I am new to the Forum, but see the vast potential of this community. I have recently acquired an older Howard Rotavator. The model number on the tiller is HN 812 B. It seems to be in good working condition, but when the tiller is dropped to the soil, it vibrates excessively. I am using the tiller behind a John Deere 2210 (23 hp) sub compact tractor. This is my first experience with a pto driven tiller, but I have to wonder if there isn't something wrong. Could the tines be installed incorrectly? Also, I was hoping to acquire an owners manual and a parts distributor. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

I have the exact same tiller. I may be able to copy the owners manual and parts list for you. Sounds to me like your PTO shaft length or alignment is the problem.

 

[mjstef]

Contact Clyde at Guy Machinery in Woodstock Illinois. He can tell you whatever you need to know about Howards and has rhousands of NEW and NOS parts at his warehouse..... 815-338-0600

 

[Microvineyard]

I just bought the same model Howard Rotavator and am replacing the tines and cleaning and lubing everything. It is missing the trailing flap (or hood)and I was wondering if anyone knows where I might be able to get a replacement?