Agri-fab 45-03088 Multi Fit Clockwise Tow Behind Tiller Instruction Manual

45-03088

45-03088 Multi Fit Clockwise Tow Behind Tiller

IMPORTANT! The engine is shipped without oil. Oil must be added before starting the engine. See Engine Maintenance on page 10 of this manual for instructions.
IMPORTANT! Check engine air filter prior to each use. Follow the maintenance schedule on page 8 of this manual.
Congratulations on your purchase of a tow behind tiller. It has been designed, engineered and manufactured to give you the best possible dependability and performance.
Please read and retain this manual. The instructions will enable you to assemble and maintain your tiller properly. Always observe the SAFETY RULES.
MODEL NUMBER: 45-03088
SERIAL NUMBER:_________________
DATE OF PURCHASE:______________
THE MODEL AND SERIAL NUMBER WILL BE FOUND ON THE MODEL PLATE ATTACHED TO THE RIGHT HAND CHASSIS.
YOU SHOULD RECORD BOTH SERIAL NUMBER AND DATE OF PURCHASE AND KEEP IN A SAFE PLACE FOR FUTURE REFERENCE.
CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES

• Read and observe all product safety rules.
• Follow the instructions under MAINTENANCE and STORAGE sections of this Owners Manual.

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS
OIL (20 oz. Capacity):  Above 32 F: SAE 30 Below 32 F: SAE 5W30
TILLING GROUND SPEED: Approx. 2 MPH
TILLING WIDTH: 36 in.
TILLING TINE SPEED: 230 RPM

SAFETY

Look for these symbols to point out important safety precautions. It means — ATTENTION! Become alert! Your safety is involved.
Failure to follow safety instructions could result in death or serious injury.
TRAINING

• Read assembly, operation, and service instructions carefully.
• Be thoroughly familiar with the controls and the proper use of the equipment.
• Towing vehicle’s braking and handling may be affected with the use of a tiller or other attachment. Know how your towing vehicle handles with the use of an attachment. Refer to towing vehicle owner’s manual.
• Never allow children to operate the machine. Do not allow adults to operate the machine without proper instruction.

PREPARATION

• Do not fill the gasoline tank while the engine is running or still hot.
• Do not fill the gasoline tank indoors.
• Wipe off any spilled gasoline before starting the engine.
• Inspect the area to be tilled. Dial 811 to have underground pipes and wiring located prior to tilling. Remove glass, wire, metal objects, large sticks, and stones.

OPERATION

• Keep the area of operation clear of all bystanders, particularly small children and pets.
• Personal injury may result from debris thrown by this machine.
• Never place hands, feet, or loose clothing under or into rotating parts or concealed areas. Keep hands and feet clearly away from auger elements, belts, pulleys, etc. while engine is running.
• Never operate machine without proper guards, plates, or other safety protective devices in place.
• Never store tiller inside a building while gasoline is in the tank. Allow engine to cool before storing in an enclosure.
• Stop engine and disconnect spark plug lead wire before cleaning augers, removing obstacles, or making adjustments. Refer to engine manual.
• Never run the engine indoors.
• Disengage the tine clutch lever and stop the tiller and tractor engines before getting off the tractor.
• Wear closed toe shoes and eye protection while using tiller.
• Slowly engage clutch lever when tilling harder soil. Refer to operation section.
• Operate the tiller in daylight or good artificial light.
• Always proceed slowly and carefully while operating tiller.

This unit is equipped with an internal combustion engine and should not be used on or near any unimproved forest covered, brush covered, or grass covered land unless the engine’s exhaust system is equipped with a spark arrester meeting applicable local or state laws (if any). If a spark arrester is used, it should be maintained in effective working order by the operator. In the state of California the above is required by law (Section 4442 of the California Public Resources Code). Other states may have similar laws. Federal laws apply on federal lands. A spark arrester muffler is available at your nearest authorized engine service center.

ASSEMBLY

REMOVE UNIT FROM CARTON

• Cut all four corners of the carton from top to bottom and lay panels flat. See figure 1.
• Remove the lag screw that holds the floating hitch to the packing skid.
• Remove wooden top and side supports.
• Remove four hex bolts, hex nuts, and flat washers
  from the hold down brackets at the rear of the carton.
• Remove and save the two flat washers and cotter pins from the rear axle. Reuse when attaching gauge wheels.
• Discard all other packing hardware.

INSTALL TILLER GAUGE WHEELS

• Assemble gauge wheels onto rear axle with the extended end of the hub facing inward. Secure with the flat washers and cotter pins that were removed from the axle during unpacking. See figure 2.

INSTALL TILLER TINE ASSEMBLIES

• Attach floating hitch to tractor draw bar (Refer to OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS on page 6.)
• Remove the pre-assembled 3/8″ x 2″ hex bolt and 3/8″ nylock nut from the left hand tine assembly. Slide the tine assembly onto the transmission axle on the left side of the tiller and secure with the hex bolt and nylock nut. See figure 3. Repeat for opposite side.

INSTALL (WHEEL) WEIGHTS TO TILLER
NOTE: Weights are not furnished with the tiller. Wheel weights may be purchased to mount to the tiller if extra weight is required. (Refer to the OPERATION section of this manual.)

• Remove the four hex bolts and nuts located approximately 3-1/2″ from the front edge of the tine shields. See Figure 4.
• Secure (wheel) weights to tine shield using bolts and nuts furnished with the weights. See Figure 4.

OPERATION

RIGHT HAND (RH) AND LEFT HAND (LH) ARE DETERMINED FROM THE DRIVERS POSITION WHILE SEATED ON THE TRACTOR.
WE RECOMMEND THAT YOU REMOVE THE MOWER DECK BEFORE USING THE TILLER. REFER TO YOUR TRACTOR OWNER’S MANUAL.
KNOW YOUR TILLER
Compare the illustration below with your tiller to familiarize yourself with the location of various controls and adjustments.

SAFETY SWITCH – prevents engine from starting while tine clutch lever is engaged
LIFT HANDLE – selects tilling or transport position by moving gage wheels
TINE CLUTCH LEVER – starts and stops tine rotation
FLOATING HITCH – telescoping hitch limits shock loads to tractor
RECOIL START HANDLE – used to start the engine
THROTTLE CONTROL – controls engine speed
FUEL SHUT OFF – shuts of fuel to engine
CHOKE CONTROL – used when starting a cold engine
DEPTH STAKE – controls tilling/cultivating depth

HOW TO USE YOUR TILLER

Flying debris can cause eye injury. Always wear eye protection before starting and while operating tiller.
Never fill fuel tank indoors, or with the engine running, or while the engine is hot. Do not smoke while filling tank.
Moving belt can crush and cut. Do not operate with belt guard removed. Always disengage clutch lever before starting
STOPPING YOUR TILLER TINES

• Pull forward on the tine clutch lever to disengage tines.
• Raise tiller to transport position.
  ENGINE (Refer to separate engine manual.)
• Move throttle control to “STOP” position.
• Turn shut off to “OFF” position.
• Never use choke to stop engine.

STARTING YOUR TILLER

• BEFORE STARTING YOUR TILLER FILL THE ENGINE WITH OIL! Your tiller engine is shipped without oil or gasoline. Add oil as instructed in ENGINE MAINTENANCE on page 9 of this manual.
  Add gas as instructed in the engine manual.

The muffler and adjacent areas are hot!

• Check oil and gas in tiller engine.
• Attach spark plug wire to spark plug.
• Pull forward on tine clutch lever to disengage tines. A safety switch prevents engine from starting while tines are engaged.
• Turn shut off to “ON” position.
• Move choke lever on engine to CHOKE position. (A warm engine may not require choking.)
• Move throttle control lever on engine to FAST position.
• Grasp starter handle and pull rope out slowly until engine reaches start of compression cycle (rope will pull slightly harder at this point). Let the rope rewind slowly.
• Keep a firm grip on starter handle and pull rope with a rapid, continuous, full arm stroke. Let rope rewind slowly. Do not let starter handle snap back against starter.
• Repeat instructions in two preceding paragraphs until engine starts. After engine starts, move choke control gradually to RUN position.
• Allow engine to warm up for a few minutes before engaging tines.

ATTACHING TILLER TO TRACTOR
(See Figure 6)

• Rear wheel weights and tire chains can be used on tractor if additional traction is required for tilling. Place tiller on level ground and back tractor up to it.
• Attach hitch bracket extension to floating hitch of tiller using a hitch pin and hair cotter pin.
• Fasten hitch bracket extension to tractor drawbar with a 1/2-13 x 1-1/4″ hex bolt and 1/2″ nylock nut.
• Hitch bracket extension can be attached as shown in figure 6 or turned upside down for tractors with lower drawbars.

BREAKING IN YOUR TILLER
Break-in your belts, pulleys, and the control before you Start engine with tiller attached to tractor in transport position. Engage tine clutch lever to start tine rotation. Allow tines to rotate for five minutes.

• Check tine operation and adjust if necessary. See TINE OPERATION CHECK in the SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS section of this manual.

TRANSPORTING YOUR TILLER

• Pull forward on lift handle until it locks in the transport (up) position.
• Disconnect spark plug wire.
• Drain fuel tank.
• Transport in upright position to prevent oil leakage.
• Do not transport on roads or public thoroughfares

TO ADJUST DEPTH STAKE

• The top depth stake hole selects a till depth of 1″ with each lower hole increasing till depth by 1″ to a maximum of 5″.
• To change till depth, remove the hair cotter pin from the clevis pin which is connecting the depth stake to the stake support bracket.
• Grasp the top of the depth stake, remove the clevis pin and reposition the depth stake. Insert clevis pin and hair cotter pin.

Removing the depth stake could result in loss of control of the towing vehicle and result in injury.
TILLING

• Tilling should be done with the tiller engine full throttle. If tiller engine seems to be overloaded or stalls out, lower gauge wheels for shallower tilling.
• Operate tiller engine at full throttle and operate tractor in slowest forward speed with tractor engine at idle speed or just above idle.
• Soil conditions will determine how deep tiller can penetrate on the first pass. In extremely hard ground, several passes may be necessary to till to a depth of 6 inches. While in soft ground, tiller may penetrate to a depth of 6 inches in the first pass.

TILLING HINTS
IMPORTANT OPERATING HINTS
NOTE: The following are general guidelines for tilling, but may vary depending upon soil conditions.

• In virgin soil, the tiller should be started in shallowest depth position and lowered one position at a time after each pass in each direction.
• Extremely hard and dry soil will need to be cross tilled at a shallow depth first, then tilled in the direction of planting rows on the second pass at the final depth.
• Till in a pattern similar to that shown in Figure 7. Make the first pass, skip a space equal to the width of the tiller and make the return pass, then till the skipped area. Tilling in this pattern will enable you to maintain better control. If the passes are made side-by-side, the tractor and tiller will pull toward the tilled (soft) side.
• Check ground moisture. The ground is too wet if you can make it into a ball with your hand. Tilling soil when it is too wet will cause lumps which are difficult to work up.
• In soil that was tilled the year before, select the tilling depth at which the tiller engine runs comfortable and does not stall or pull down. Lower depth for additional passes if great depth is desired.
• Whenever working multiple passes, go perpendicular to the previous tilling direction.
• In cases where the soil is too hard to get proper penetration or if tiling action causes tiller to hop or bounce, it will be necessary to purchase a set of tiller (wheel) weights.

CULTIVATING

• A minimum of two (2) inches of soil penetration is required for cultivating.
• Set depth stake so the tiller penetrates soil to a depth of 2 to 3 inches.
• Run the tiller engine at full throttle except when cultivating small plants. A slower engine speed is necessary to prevent burying small plants. See Figure 8.

MAINTENANCE

GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS
The warranty on this tiller does not cover items that have been subjected to operator abuse or negligence.
To receive full value from the warranty, operator must maintain unit as instructed in this manual.
Some adjustments will need to be made periodically to properly maintain your unit.
All adjustments in the SERVICES AND ADJUSTMENTS section of this manual should be checked at least once each season.

• Once a year you should replace the spark plug, clean or replace the air filter, and check tines and belts for wear. A new spark plug and clean air filter ensure proper air-fuel mixture and help your engine run better and last longer.

BEFORE EACH USE

• Check engine oil level.
• Check tine operation.
• Check for loose fasteners

LUBRICATION
Keep unit well lubricated. See LUBRICATION CHART.
Refer to the engine manual for instructions on engine maintenance.
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE
Fill in dates as you complete regular service.
Before each use First 5 to 8 hrs. 25 hrs. or every season 50 hrs. or every season 100 hrs. or every season Yearly Service Dates

*Change oil every 25 hours when operating the engine under heavy load or in high temperatures.
**Clean more often under dusty conditions or when airborne debris is present. Replace air cleaner parts, if very dirty.

1. REFER TO SEPARATE ENGINE OPERATING & MAINTENANCE INSTRUCTIONS
2. REFER TO MAINTENANCE, TILLER LUBRICATION SECTION
3. GENERAL PURPOSE GREASE
   IMPORTANT: DO NOT OIL OR GREASE PIVOT POINTS.
   VISCOUS LUBRICANTS WILL ATTRACT DUST AND DIRT THAT CAN CAUSE WEAR ON PIVOT POINTS. IF YOU FEEL THEY MUST BE   BRICATED, USE ONLY A DRY POWDERED GRAPHITE TYPE LUBRICANT.

TRANSMISSION LUBRICATION

• Check the transmission oil level after first 5 hours of operation. Remove oil fill plug (figure 10). Oil level must be even with the plug hole (with tiller level). Add oil if necessary. Use SAE 30 non-detergent motor oil. Replace oil fill plug.
• Check the transmission oil level after each 10 hours of operation.
  NOTE: It is not necessary to change the oil in this tiller transmission. If for any reason it must be changed, oil capacity is 16 oz.

BEARING LUBRICATION

• Grease the tine shaft bearings every 8-10 hours of use.
• Use a grease gun to apply about 10 pumps of General Purpose grease in the grease fittings.
• Wipe off excess grease that is forced out of the bearings.
• Perform this lubricating procedure more often in dry and dusty environments.

CLEANING

• Clean engine as instructed in the engine manual.
• Clean wheels, finish, etc. of all foreign matter.
• Keep finished surfaces and wheels free of all gasoline, oil, etc.
• Protect painted surfaces with automotive type wax.
• Do not use a garden hose to clean your unit unless the muffler, air filter, and carburetor are covered to keep water out. Water in the engine will result in shorter engine life.

MUFFLER

Do not operate tiller without muffler. Do not tamper with exhaust system. Damaged mufflers or spark arresters could create a fire hazard.

• Inspect periodically and replace if necessary. If your engine is equipped with a spark arrester screen assembly, remove every 50 hours for cleaning and inspection. Replace if damaged.

ENGINE MAINTENANCE

To avoid injury. Always stop engine and disconnect spark plug wire before cleaning, lubricating, or before performing any repairs or maintenance.

• Always use STA-BIL® 360 Performance in every tank to prevent ethanol related fuel problems. STA-BIL® is the only approved fuel stabilizer for use in Agri-Fab equipment.
• Check oil level before each use and every 8 hours.
• Maintain oil at level shown in figure 11 below.
• Service air cleaner every 25 hours under normal conditions. Clean every few hours under extremely dusty conditions. Poor engine performance and flooding usually indicates that the air cleaner should be serviced. Refer to separate engine manual to service the air cleaner.
• Spark plug replacement is recommended every 100 hours or yearly. Check the engine manual for correct plug type and gap specifications.

SERVICE AIR FILTER

Fuel and its vapors are extremely flammable and explosive. Fire or explosion can cause severe burns or death. Never service the air filter near an open flame.

• Never start and run the engine with the air cleaner assembly or the air filter removed.
• Remove the cover B as shown in figure 12.
• To prevent debris from falling into the carburetor, carefully remove the pre-cleaner D and filter C from the air filter base F. See figure 12.
• Gently tap the filter C on a hard surface to loosen debris. If the filter is excessively dirty, replace with a new filter. See figure 12.
• Remove the pre-cleaner D from the filter C. See figure 12.
• Wash the pre-cleaner D in liquid detergent and water.
  Allow the pre-cleaner to throughly air dry. Do not oil the pre-cleaner.
• Assemble the dry pre-cleaner D to the filter C.
• Install the filter C and pre-cleaner D to air filter base F and onto stud G. Make sure filter is properly assembled to air filter base and secure with fastener E. See figure 12.
• Install the cover B and secure with fastener A. Make sure fastener is tight. See figure 12.

SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS

To avoid injury shut off (disengage) the Tine Clutch Lever, TO REPLACE V-BELT the Tiller Engine and the Tractor Engine before making any repairs.
Replace V-belt if it has been damaged considerably from slipping under heavy loads or if it show cracks or frayed edges. Refer to figures 13 and 14.IMPORTANT: Do not move or remove the belt guide.
If the position of the belt guide is accidentally altered, return it to the correct setting (6-1/2″ above the tine shield support plate).

• Remove the screw from the top of the belt guard.
• Remove the hex nut from the rear of the guard.
• Remove the belt guard to allow access to drive belt.
• Disengage tine clutch lever and remove belt.
• Reverse above procedures for installation of new belt.

To avoid injury shut off (disengage) the Tine Clutch Lever, the Tiller Engine, and the Tractor Engine before making any repairs.
TINE CARE

• For best results — Tine blades should be kept reasonably sharp. The tine blade can be sharpened on a grinding wheel. Do not attempt to sharpen tines while they are mounted to tiller.

SPARE TINE DRIVE BOLTS

• The tiller drive components are protected from damage by (shearable) grade 5 hex bolts in the tine assemblies. The hex bolts drive the tines and hold them in the proper location. Should the tine assemblies strike or pick up a large hidden object or become jammed, the hex bolts will break and the drive components will not be damaged.
• Two extra tine hex bolts and nuts are included with the tiller. They are located in the tiller stake support bracket on the rear of the tiller.
• The tine hex bolts are designed to be loose fit. Do not attempt to use a bolt or pin that is larger or harder than the original grade 5 hex bolts.

STORAGE

Never store the tiller with gasoline in the tank inside a building where fumes may reach an open flame or spark. Allow the engine to cool before storing in any enclosure.
Never cover tiller while engine and exhaust areas are still warm.
Prepare your tiller for storage at the end of the season or if the unit will not be used for 30 days or more.
ENGINE

• Follow the instructions in the SERVICE & STORAGE section of the Engine Manual.

TILLER

• Clean entire tiller (See CLEANING in the MAINTENANCE section of the manual).
• Inspect belts and replace if necessary (See belt replacement instructions in the SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS section of this manual.
• Lubricate as instructed in the MAINTENANCE section of this manual.
• Check that all nuts, bolts, and screws are securely fastened. Inspect moving parts for damage, breakage, and wear. Replace if necessary.
• Touch up all rusted or chipped paint surfaces; sand lightly before painting.
• Store tiller indoors and cover it to protect from dust and dirt.
• Cover tiller with a suitable protective cover that does not retain moisture. Do not use plastic. Plastic allows condensation to form and will cause your unit to rust.

TROUBLESHOOTING

Follow the instructions in the “Service & Storage” section of the Engine Manual when performing any work on the Engine.
PROBLEM
Probable Cause Possible Remedy
WILL NOT START OR HARD TO START

No gasoline in fuel tank		Fill tank with gasoline
Choke not set properly		Place choke control in choke position
Throttle control not set properly		Place throttle control in fast position
Choked improperly, flooded engine		Move choke control to run position, place throttle control in fast position
Dirty air cleaner		Remove to inspect, replace if dirty
Loose spark plug wire		Make sure spark plug wire is seated properly on spark plug
Spark plug dirty or improper gap		Replace spark plug and adjust gap
Water in gasoline or old fuel		Drain fuel tank and carburetor, use fresh fuel and replace spark plug
Clogged fuel tan		Remove and clean

ENGINE MISSES OR LACKS POWER

Engine overloaded		Set depth stake and wheels for shallower tilling
Partially plugged air cleaner		Remove and clean or replace
Dirty air screen		Clean air screen
Spark plug dirty, improper gap or wrong type		Replace spark plug and adjust gap
Oil in gasoline		Drain and refill tank and carburetor
Clogged fuel tank		Remove and clean
Poor compression		Major engine overhaul

ENGINE OVERHEATS

Low oil level or dirty oil		Add or change oil
Dirty air screen		Clean air screen
Dirty engine		Clean cylinder fins air screen and muffler area
Partially plugged muffler		Remove and clean muffler

EXCESSIVE BOUNCE AND DIFFICULT HANDLING

Wheels and depth stake incorrectly adjusted		Adjust wheels and depth stake
Ground too dry and hard		Moisten ground or wait for more favorable soil conditions

SOIL BALLS UP OR CLUMPS

Ground too wet Wait for more favorable soil conditions
ENGINE RUNS WELL BUT TILLER WON’T MOVE

Tine control not engaged		Engage tine control
V-belt off of pulleys		Check v-belt

ENGINE RUNS WELL BUT LABORS WHEN TILLING

Tilling too deep		Adjust depth stake
Throttle control not properly adjusted		Check throttle control setting

REPAIR PARTS FOR MODEL 45-03088 Universal Tow Behind Tiller

REPAIR PARTS FOR MODEL 45-03088 Universal Tow Behind Tiller

REPAIR PARTS FOR MODEL 45-03088 Universal Tow Behind Tiller

REPAIR PARTS FOR MODEL 45-03088 Universal Tow Behind Tiller

WARNING Moving belt can crush and cut. Do not operate with belt guard removed. Always disengage clutch lever before starting.

WARNING Read and understand the owner’s manual before operating this tiller. Failure to follow operating instructions could result in death or serious injury

STARTING AND STOPPING
STARTING

• Raise tiller to transport position
• Start tiller engine
• Move throttle to full speed
• Push back on the tine clutch lever to start tines rotation
• Lower tiller using lift handle
• Select lowest tractor ground speed
• Set tractor throttle at or just above idle

STOPPING

• Raise tiller to transport position
• Pull forward on the tine clutch lever
• Move throttle control to “STOP” position
• Never use choke to stop engine

agri-fab.com
800-448-9282
Reorder No. 45522
TINE CLUTCH LEVER
Engaged
To engage – Push back.
To disengage – Pull forward.
Disengaged

DANGER Rotating tines can crush and cut. Do not operate with cover removed. Always disengage clutch lever before starting.

WARNING Rotating tines can throw debris resulting in injury. Always wear eye protection while using tiller. Keep bystanders at a safe operating distance.

OPERATING WIDTH 36”
SpeedEpart the fastest way to purchase parts www.speedepart.com

REPAIR PARTS
Agri-Fab, Inc.
809 South Hamilton
Sullivan, IL. 61951
217-728-8388
www.agri-fab.com
© 2001 Agri-Fab, Inc.
Want more information or assembly tips?
Video Instruction Guide youtube.com/c/agrifab