Tiller clutch "run in" RTA 1258

[forky]

I purchased the tiller new and it needs the clutc" run in " process before using.
The bolts are backed off and need to be adjusted to the proper length (1.14 inches)
Once the clutch plates are slipped. My question is .... how critical is the measurement
and , I assume one can do this right on the tiller without removal of the clutch assembly?
First time for me and want to avoid any screw ups on a pricey implement.
Thanks in advance to anyone familiar with the process.

 

[ilnasty]

I purchased the tiller new and it needs the clutc" run in " process before using.
The bolts are backed off and need to be adjusted to the proper length (1.14 inches)
Once the clutch plates are slipped. My question is .... how critical is the measurement
and , I assume one can do this right on the tiller without removal of the clutch assembly?
First time for me and want to avoid any screw ups on a pricey implement.
Thanks in advance to anyone familiar with the process.

I tightened mine it 1 1/8 inch which is within 5-6 hundredths of an inch which is close enough. Funny thing is I bought mine brand new too and backed the nuts off two turn and couldn’t get it to slip. Took the whole thing apart, cleaned it up, put it back together.....still no slipping. I said screw it I am tilling in land where I know there aren’t any big objects. I tilled for about an hour today with no issues so don’t sweat it if it doesn’t slip right away it may need to be put under a little work before it does.

 

[forky]

Good to hear and thanks for the advice. How did it till?

 

[B737]

I just purchased this same tiller, picking it up tomorrow

 

[forky]

Good for you B737....keep us posted on how it works out for you.

 

[B737]

I was hoping you would beat me to it. Please let us know how it goes, I will be working on the slip clutch too this week.

 

[Crash277]

RTA1250 here. Works amazing. I will be doing the spring maintenance on mine in the next week or so.

 

[ilnasty]

Good to hear and thanks for the advice. How did it till?

Great and made quick work of the garden area we already have...we will be expanding now! I did drop the feet on the sides to the lowest level to get maximum depth and my lx2610 had no issues with it

 

[forky]

Good information iLnasty. I was thinking about how deep to run my tiller to start to with. We have heavy soil here and it will be fun to see how this bad boy runs in it. The tines are meaty for sure compared to my walk behind troy bilt tiller. Nothing like a real piece of equipment to get er done. I made a new area with the box scraper today to expand our garden space also. Fun to get the tractor a little dusty today!

 

[KTuk4J]

Got lucky, just bought a very slightly used (20 hrs at most) 1285 for my 2650 for $1100, been wanting a tractor tiller for decades.

The only thing is I tipped it back with the gearbox on it's side on the trailer bringing it home and it leaked gear oil.

From what I can tell it takes a standard 80w90 gear oil?

 

[ilnasty]

Got lucky, just bought a very slightly used (20 hrs at most) 1285 for my 2650 for $1100, been wanting a tractor tiller for decades.

The only thing is I tipped it back with the gearbox on it's side on the trailer bringing it home and it leaked gear oil.

From what I can tell it takes a standard 80w90 gear oil?

 

[NHSleddog]

I purchased the tiller new and it needs the clutc" run in " process before using.
The bolts are backed off and need to be adjusted to the proper length (1.14 inches)
Once the clutch plates are slipped. My question is .... how critical is the measurement
and , I assume one can do this right on the tiller without removal of the clutch assembly?
First time for me and want to avoid any screw ups on a pricey implement.
Thanks in advance to anyone familiar with the process.

You can't really go by a specific measure as it will change as the clutch ages as well as the differences between attachments that that clutched shaft was intended to be used on.

What I do is back them off to just loose.
Spin up the PTO several times "slipping" the clutch. This will wear off any oil from the factory if new, or any rust/pitting if it has been sitting.
After that I turn them them snug to the spring and then 1 full turn.

This will almost always be a little on the light side (good to be too light that heavy) so bring a wrench with you the first time out. It is very easy to tighten them up out in the field.

Having that sweet clutched PTO shaft is USELESS as a clutch if it isn't adjusted right.

 

[KTuk4J]

Thank you
Yes 80w90
Looks like it spilled from the breather.

 

[B737]

tiller time!
will set it up next week when it rains...

 

[forky]

Thanks Dog for the information....all new to me and like anything...once you learn and know, you are good to go! I can't wait to get things done that need done.