Tiller Old Howard 3pl rotary hoe (tiller) - trying to identify model

[paddockbasha]

When I bought our farm some years ago, there was an old 3pl 5 foot Howard rotary hoe in the shed. I used it a couple of times in the early years but it has been idle since.

I am now hoping to restore it but I am not sure what model it is. There are various places on the internet that sell old manuals (or copies of them) but before I can buy one I need to know what model it is for sure. I can't find the id plate but I have found the serial number stamped into one of the supports for the linkage arms - a common place for Howard serial numbers. From some info on the internet I thought it might be an E series IV but can't be sure.

I am wondering if anyone can help me identify the model from the serial number. It would be an Australian model most likely built in the Sydney factory.

The serial number is 630N 1678

 

[Smokeydog]

I’ve got one that looks like that. 5’. Two speed gearbox. Dad bought it used over 50 years ago and used it every year until recently. Only saw maintenance the few times I borrowed it. Select-O-till or something like that casted on the gearbox. Built to last.

 

[Big Barn]

I’m pretty certain that is indeed an E series. We had two that size when I was little. Subsequent models we had were the heavier S and M series in ten foot working widths.

We even had a lighter P series for lettuce seedbed preparation in peat soils.

Oh and a HB 120 Rotaspike. What a piece of crap. Poor design.

Made in England Howard was the standard back in the day. We progressed to Rotadairon reverse till near the end.

 

[Big Barn]

I’ve got one that looks like that. 5’. Two speed gearbox. Dad bought it used over 50 years ago and used it every year until recently. Only saw maintenance the few times I borrowed it. Select-O-till or something like that casted on the gearbox. Built to last.

Select-o-Tilth or Till I think. . I was able to change gear configurations to make our HB model 1000RPM pto input.