PTO Speed for roto-tiller JM-354

[crofutt]

I finally got the roto-tiller assembled, lubed up and installed on my JM-354. But I don't know what rpm to run the tiller (pto) at. It seems to work better at 720 but not sure if that is right or not. Can someone please tell me what PTO rpm to use? Thanks!

By the way, that thing works great!

 

[bluechip]

The Tiller should be run at 540. Since the JM354 has no creeper, If your ground speed is too fast at PTO speed on the tach, you might run in 720, but be sure to reduce the RPM to about 1600. Remember that you will be outside the power curve if you do this, but it should allow your tiller to run at about its designed speed...

 

[schmalts]

I hope you put red loctite on the tine bolts. If you didnt you will be as they all loosen up. I ended up buying a bunch of grade 5 bolts too.

 

[crofutt]

Bluechip - That's what I found was over 2000 rpm the ground speed was too fast but if I lowered the rpm the roto-tiller was too slow. I tried running it around 1700 give or take and it works good at the 720 pto rpm. At that "setting" it has plenty of power and it turns the dirt to powder. We are river bottom so you have to look pretty hard for a rock.

Schmalts - Actually.... I anti-siezed them all and torqued. I'll check them often to see if they loosen.

Thanks guys for the info.

I gotta say, this tractor continues to impress me. The mower cuts great, the FEL has plenty of lifting power, the hoe works better than expected and now the roto-till makes short work of what would be a big job for my 1972 Gravely 16hp. So far, even considering the few minor problems I have had, I am quite happy with this tractor.

Bill

 

[jenniferrodriquez]

I use it at 720 rpm.

 

[3RRL]

crofutt,
We are about to finish assembling out 48" tiller.
Loretta wants to start her gardening work this week. What advice can you give about the assembly and lubrication etc, that we should be aware of? What about other set up procedures once on the tractor? She has a creeper gear on her Jinma 284.
Do you have photos to share of your set up? We would love to see them.

As preparation for the plot, Loretta is going to run her box blade with rippers down about 6" to "feel" for any rocks or logs before running the tiller over it. Not to move any dirts, just sort of "sift" through it. Our land is very rocky so we thought it was a good idea to remove any obstacles that might jack up the tiller first.
Thanks,
Rob-