Section 2: Operating
RTR2570 Rotary Tillers 311-251M
8/30/22
21
5. Check tiller for stability by physically applying
pressure at the hitch plates to see if it will tip forward
or backward. If the tiller moves in either direction,
then block under the tiller as needed to prevent that
movement.
on page 26 for additional
information on long term storage of your tiller.
General Operating Notes
Make the following inspection before operating the tiller:
1. Check oil level in gearbox and chaincase. Refer to
on page 27.
2. Check that all plugs have been replaced properly in
the gearbox and chaincase.
3. Be sure all tiller tines, bolts, and nuts are tight.
4. Be certain all guards, shields, and dirt deflectors are
in place and secure.
5. Grease driveline shaft and all other grease fittings.
on page 27.
6. Clear area to be tilled of rocks, branches, and other
foreign objects.
7.
Tall grass and weeds should be mowed before tilling.
8. Do not engage power take-off at full throttle. Once
engaged, increase throttle to 540 power take-off
speed. Tiller tines will cut better at 540 power take-off
speed than at reduced throttle.
9. Tilling should not be done in wet conditions as soil
will stick to tines.
10. At first begin tilling at a slow forward speed and shift
up as ground conditions warrant.
11. Operated tiller with deck level to the ground.
12. Tiller should be operated with the tiller deck level to
the ground.
13. Tiller tines will cut better when operating the tractor at
full 540 rpm power take-off speed than at reduced
throttle.
14. After tilling the first 50 ft (15 m), stop and check to see
that the tiller is adjusted properly.
15. Do not make turns or attempt to back up while tiller is
in the ground. See important note below.
16. Do not engage power take-off with machine in the
fully raised or lowered position.
17. Periodically check for foreign objects wrapped
around the rotor shaft and remove them after
disengaging power take-off, turning off tractor
engine, and removing ignition key.
Turning or backing up with rotary tines
in the ground will damage the tiller.
General Operating Instructions
Please complete any of the above missed steps before
operating the equipment as outlined below.
Having properly prepared yourself and the tiller, it is now
time to do some tilling. Clear the tilling site of all large
limbs, rocks, trash, metal, or extraneous debris. Carefully
drive the your tractor with tiller to the site. Position the
tiller offset to the left just far enough to cover the left
tractor wheel tread for best results. Your tiller cannot be
offset if an optional Quick Hitch is used.
Line the tractor up just to the right of center on your tillage
plot. You will be working from the center out and turning
to the left to line up for your next pass. Lower the tiller half
way to the ground and reduce your tractor engine speed
to idle. Engage the power take-off and gradually increase
the engine speed until you reach full power take-off
speed of 540 rpm. Lower Rotary Tiller to the ground and
simultaneously commence forward travel of
approximately 2 mph (3.2 km/h). Do not make turns or
attempt to back up while tiller is in the ground. See
important note below.
Travel about 50 ft (15 m) and then stop to check your
results. When stopping, remember to lift the tiller out of
the ground, stop the tractor, reduce engine speed,
disengage the power take-off, set the park brake, shut off
the tractor, and remove the keys. If you are tilling too
shallow or too deep, adjust the skid shoes accordingly. If
the soil texture is too coarse, lower the leveling door, and
reduce your ground speed. If the soil texture is too fine,
you will need to raise your leveling door and increase
your ground speed. For any other problem conditions the
may arise, you will want to refer to the Troubleshooting
section of your Operator’s Manual.
When you are done tilling for the day, make sure you use
proper tractor shutdown procedures before getting off of
the tractor. If you are detaching your tiller, make sure you
park it on a dry and level surface leaving it clean and
ready for next use. When you put your tiller up for the
season, make sure you refer to the Storage Directions in
this Operator’s Manual on 26.
With a little practice and a few adjustments, you will soon
be achieving the results you want with your Land Pride
Rotary Tiller.
