ROTAVATOR 300
R 300
Operating Instructions
Rotavator 300
12
CONTENTS
Safety precautions........................................ 12-16
Description .........................................................17
New machine......................................................17
Attaching Rotavator to the tractor.......................18
Depth control ......................................................18
Rotors.................................................................18
Lubrication + maintenance .................................19
Operating instructions ........................................19
Operational advice .............................................20
Introduction
Howard would like to thank you for purchasing this Rotavator and offer their support and assistance
throughout its productive life.
This Rotavator has been designed and manufactured as a tractor driven, ground cultivator - no other
use is intended.
Please read and understand this manual before operating the Rotavator.
Warranty
The warranty applicable to your machine is detailed on separate documentation which should accompany
this manual. If this is missing, please contact your dealer.
Serial Number
The Serial Number and Model are stamped on the Identification Plate attached to your Rotavator.
For future reference record this information below. Always quote them when ordering spare parts.
MODEL ________________
SERIAL No. ________________________
Date Purchased: ________________
Rotavator 300
13
ENGLISH
1
4
5
7
632
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
!
!
PLEASE READ. IT MAY SAVE A LIFE.
SAFETY IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY.
The safety of operators and any other connected personnel
is a major component of; machine design, manufacture,
retailing, commissioning, operation and maintenance.
Howard have designed and manufactured this Rotavator
with as many safety features as possible. The retailer’s
responsibility is to ensure you have selected the correct
Rotavator for your tractor/application and to commission
this machine.
Your responsibilities as owner or operator are to ensure
the safety of any personnel in connection with; the operation,
transport, maintenance or storage of this Rotavator. Be
aware of your responsibilities and carry them out. The owner
or an appropriately designated officer, if the owner is a
company or corporation, is responsible for all safety issues
related to this Rotavator.
The most important safety device attached to this Rotavator
is a Safety Conscious Operator whose training and
experience must include:
• Correct and complete installation and commissioning of
the machine to ensure safe and reliable operation in the
intended application.
• Training in safety issues, operation and maintenance of
this machine in its application prior to beginning work.
This training is to be reviewed or repeated annually.
• Being aware of their environment to the extent that
unforeseen safety issues that may arise are dealt with to
ensure the safety of all personnel (including operators,
maintenance personnel and bystanders).
This is the SAFETY ALERT symbol and means:
ATTENTION ! SAFETY ISSUE !
Failure to comply with the given instruction could result in
severe injury or death.
If you have questions not answered in this manual please
contact your dealer or distributor.
IF YOU REQUIRE MORE COPIES OF THIS MANUAL PLEASE CONTACT YOUR DEALER.
ALTERNATIVELY YOU ARE WELCOME TO COPY
AND DISTRIBUTE THIS MANUAL TO THE
OPERATORS AND MAINTENANCE PERSONNEL.
SAFETY DECAL CARE
• Keep safety decals clean and legible at all times. Replace
any missing safety decals or any that have become
illegible. Safety decals can be purchased from you dealer
or distributor.
• If any part is replaced that supports a safety decal ensure
that a decal is affixed to the replacement part.
ATTACHING SAFETY DECALS
1.Clean and dry the area where the decal is to be affixed.
Warm soapy water is the best as some cleaning agents
leave an oily film which may prevent the decal adhering.
2.Remove/fold back a small portion of the backing and affix
the exposed portion of the decal in the desired position.
3. Peel back the remaining backing paper from under the
decal and smooth down the decal with a rag, working
any bubbles towards the edge of the decal.
4. Any bubbles that remain trapped can be pierced with a
pin and smoothed down.
WARNING!: READ
CAREFULLY THE
INSTRUCTIONS.
BEFORE HANDLING OR
REPAIRING THE MACHINE
REMOVE THE TRACTOR
IGNITION KEY
1
THE DRIVE IS BY A PTO
FROM A 540 TPM
TRACTOR PTO
5
LIFTING POINT
4
DO NOT STAY ON THE ROTAVATOR
WHEN TRANSPORTING NEITHER
WORKING
3
STAY AT LEAST AT A DISTANCE OF 4
METERS WHEN THE ROT AVATOR IS
RUNNING.
2
DANGER! OBJECTS
PROJECTION.
6
MAINTAIN HANDS AND
FEET AWAY WHEN
ROTAVATOR IS
WORKING
7
Rotavator 300
14
A T ALL TIMES
• Use the Rotavator only for the purpose for which it has
been designed, and in accordance with the instructions
in this operators manual.
• Ensure that only responsible, properly instructed people
operate this machinery. Inexperienced operators will
require training, followed initially by careful supervision.
• Children are not permitted to operate this machinery.
• Keep children well clear and appropriately supervised
when connecting/disconnecting the tractor, operating or
maintaining this machinery.
• Do not wear clothes that are loose fitting or with drawstring
ties which can catch in moving parts.
• Wear appropriate protective clothing and equipment.
Boots are a minimum, however if your tractor is not fitted
with a controlled environment cab you may also need
protection from prolonged exposure either to noise, dust
or sunlight.
• Interpret ‘Left’ and ‘Right’ as if seated in the operators
seat and facing forward.
BEFORE OPERATION
• Read and understand this manual.
• The tractor to be connected to the Rotavator:
- Must be the tractor that the Rotavator has been
commissioned to operate with. Check that it has been
correctly maintained and has not been re-configured
(for example front weights removed etc) which may
reduce stability and control.
- Consult the Tractor Manufacturers Manual for
instructions on mounting implements and safe working
methods.
- Is recommended to be fitted with a Roll Over Protection
System (ROPS).
- Must be one the operator is familiar with.
• Prior to starting the tractor ensure the PTO is disengaged
and the tractor is in neutral.
• Do not allow anyone to stand between the tractor and
Rotavator while backing the tractor up to attach it.
- Quick hitch systems are recommended for both Safety
and convenience.
- Before attempting to connect the universal drive shaft
to the tractor, lower the Rotavator to the ground, stop
the tractor, apply the park brake and remove the key.
• Visually inspect the Rotavator and check:
- Hitch pins and drive shaft are secure.
- No components are excessively worn, cracked or
otherwise defective and all bolts are tight.
- Guards, covers, warning labels and safety devices are
all correctly fitted and operative.
- Maintenance as per schedule has been carried out.
- No tools or other unsecured items have been left on
the Rotavator.
• Practice operation of the tractor and Rotavator
combination.
- T ake sufficient time to become completely familiar with
all controls, particularly those required to bring both
tractor and Rotavator to an emergency stop if so
required.
- Progress slowly initially and check stability, steering and
braking are satisfactory.
• Ensure the work area is clear, especially of children or
animals.
• Inspect the work area for hidden obstructions which may
constitute a hazard.
DURING OPERATION
• Ensure the work area is clear, especially of children or
animals.
• Do not attempt to start the tractor or engage the PTO
until correctly seated in the driver’s seat.
• Never leave the tractor running unattended.
• Do not allow passengers on the Rotavator. [Or on the
tractor unless approved seating is available.]
• Never attempt to make adjustments or perform
maintenance functions while the Rotavator is operating.
• Observe all safe driving procedures:
- Reduce speed when working on sloping ground or
during sharp turns.
- Do not attempt to work on steeply sloping ground where
there is a risk of the tractor overturning.
- Do not attempt to work near the edge of drop-offs or
banks.
- Avoid sudden starts and stops.
• After striking an obstacle, stop the tractor and implement
and inspect it for damage. Repair as necessary before
continuing.
• Disengage the PTO when transporting the implement or
when not in use.
• When halting operation, even temporarily, lower the
Rotavator to the ground, stop the tractor, apply the park
brake and remove the key.
• Allow the Rotavator sufficient time to cool down before
performing any maintenance, or changing gears in the
Selectaspeed gearbox. [Oil and other transmission
components may be hot enough to inflict burns.]
• Note:
- By virtue of its mode of operation it is not possible to
totally enclose a Rotavator with guards.
- Contact with the blades while operating can result in
severe injury or death.
- Do not allow anybody (operators, maintenance
personnel, bystanders or especially children) anywhere
near the blades whilst the implement is operating. Note
that children will often be attracted to placing objects
into the blades if you leave it running - this machine is
not a toy.
- Be aware that Rotavator blades will not only cut, but
drag limbs etc. into further danger.
- Ensure that all shielding is in place before operating. If
guards are removed for maintenance work, ensure they
are replaced correctly upon completion. Repair or
replace any damaged guards.
- NEVER place hands or feet under the Rotavator, nor
endeavour to make any repairs or adjustments while
the blades are rotating; they are capable of inflicting
serious injury.
- NEVER touch the blades or attempt to free any jammed
obstacle while the tractor engine is running. The clutch
may be slipping and removal of any obstruction may
allow the blades to rotate, the result possibly being
serious injury.
Rotavator 300
15
ENGLISH
FOLLOWING OPERATION
• Visually inspect the Rotavator and check:
- All bolts are tight.
- That no components are excessively worn, cracked,
damaged or otherwise defective.
• Note and organise any maintenance required.
• Allow the Rotavator sufficient time to cool down before
performing any maintenance. The gearboxes, lubricant
and other transmission components may be hot enough
to inflict burns.
• Refer to TRANSPORT SAFETY and STORAGE SAFETY
for issues related to travel to/from operation and
disconnection of the Rotavator from the tractor.
STORAGE SAFETY
• When unhitching the Rotavator and before leaving the
tractor to disconnect the universal drive shaft and remove
hitch pins:
- Check that the PTO drive has been disengaged.
- Stop the tractor, apply the park brake and remove the
key.
• Store the Rotavator away from human activity and in
particular do not permit children to play around, or on,
stored equipment.
• Store the Rotavator in a dry level area and ensure
parkstands and wheels/roller are securely positioned to
prevent it tipping, falling over or rolling onto any personnel
(particularly children).
MAINTENANCE SAFETY
• Maintain the Rotavator as detailed in the given schedule
and check for any damage after use. Poor maintenance
is an invitation to trouble.
• Ensure that all shielding is correctly in place when
maintenance is completed. Repair or replace any
damaged guards. Warning or instruction decals are to
be kept in a readable condition; unreadable decals must
be replaced.
• NEVER place hands or feet under the Rotavator nor
endeavour to make any repairs or adjustments, while the
blades are rotating; they are capable of inflicting serious
injury.
• If working on the implement whilst it is raised on the
tractor’s three-point linkage, ensure:
- That the tractor is turned off and the ignition key is re-
moved to prevent accidental starting.
- The park brake is engaged and the wheels chocked to
prevent the tractor moving.
- The PTO drive is disengaged.
- The Rotavator is properly supported by blocks or
stands. DO NOT rely on the tractor’s hydraulic system
to support the implement.
• Modifications or fitment of non genuine replacement parts.
- If the equipment is modified in any way from the origi-
nal design, the manufacturer will not accept any liability
for any injury or warranty as a result of their use or
attempted fitment.
• Fasteners.
- Fit only the correct replacement fasteners and tighten
fasteners to the torque specified in the manual.
Incorrect (too weak) fasteners may break when torqued
to the required setting or, if too strong, may induce
failures in other components.
• Follow safe workshop practices during any maintenance:
- Keep working area clean, dry and in particular free of
oil spills.
- Ensure the workshop is adequately ventilated. Do not
run the tractor engine inside a closed building. The
exhaust fumes can reduce mental alertness initially and
will progressively cause death by asphyxiation.
- Use tools, lifting or jacking equipment suitably capable
of the intended task.
- Ensure electrical equipment is safe to use before
operating.
- A fire extinguisher and first aid kit should be readily
accessible during maintenance.
- Tools, parts and other service equipment must be removed to appropriate storage locations prior to any test
running.
- Do not wear baggy, ill-fitting or frayed clothing when
working around transmission components.
- Wear suitable gloves when handling or working with
sharpened cutting elements.
- Ensure bystanders, especially small children, are kept
clear during maintenance or while making any
adjustments.
• Hydraulic fluid can be dangerous.
- When disconnecting any hydraulic fluid line, shut off
the hydraulic supply and relieve the hydraulic pressure.
- Never use hands to locate hydraulic fluid leaks.
Escaping hydraulic fluid is capable of cutting and
penetrating skin. Use a small piece of cardboard or
wood.
- Minor cuts are susceptible to infection from hydraulic
fluid. Gangrene can result. If injured by escaping
hydraulic fluid or you suspect you have been infected,
seek medical treatment immediately.
TRANSPORT SAFETY
• When transporting the implement on a tractor on public
roads ensure that you comply with the relevant
regulations.
- Class of roads permitted for travel may be restricted.
- Transport may restricted to daylight or, off peak traffic
hours.
- Signs indicating width may be required.
- Lights indicating vehicle width if transported within the
hours of darkness may be required.
If in doubt, contact your government department responsible
for road transport.
• Secure the Rotavator for transport.
- Disengage the PTO when transporting.
- Ensure all hitch pins are correctly fitted with retaining
pins.
- Mechanically secure hydraulic cylinders to prevent
cylinders creeping.
• Observe the tractor manufacturers regulations and
recommendations - specifically those relating to:
- Maximum transport loads.
- Maximum speed.
• Passengers
Rotavator 300
16
- Do not allow passengers to ride on the tractor unless a
specific seat is provided.
- Do not allow anyone to ride on the implement when it
is being transported.
• Consider other road users.
- Plan your route to avoid heavy traffic and peak traffic
periods.
- Be a safe and courteous driver. Give way to oncoming
traffic in all situations, including narrow bridges,
intersections etc.
• Adopt safe driving practices:
- Lock tractor brake pedals together. Never use
independent breaking at transport speeds.
- Drive at a safe speed to ensure control and ability to
stop in an emergency. Ensure the additional weight of
the Rotavator on the linkage does not compromise
steering and braking - for example front weights or
repairs to the brakes may be required if the tractor is
not safe to drive.
- Reduce speed during turns. Tractors have not been
designed for fast cornering.
- Use engine braking when going down hills - do not
coast.
- Do not drink alcohol and drive.
• Watch for obstructions, particularly if over-width.
• Observe any load ratings applicable on bridges.
IDENTIFICATION OF HAZARDS
• Owners and operators must be prepared to assess their;
equipment, operators, maintenance procedures and
applications to identify safety hazards.
• Appropriate methods to reduce the hazards identified
must then be applied.
!
Fit all safety guards before operating. Operation is not permitted without safety guards
fitted. These are not fitted at the factory due to freight limitations.
SAFETY GUARDS
MACHINE SUITABILITY TO APPLICATION
Rotavators have been designed and manufactured as a
tractor driven, ground cultivator - no other use is intended.
However over the years some models have been adapted
for new uses, such as road-base preparation and semiindustrial mixing operations.
• Before beginning work it is necessary to assess the effect
of the machine on the safety of both the operator and
any potential bystanders. It is reccomended that you
contact the manufacturer or distributor for assistance in
this area.
AUTHORISED OPERATORS & TRAINING
If you are an employer, do not assume an operator is trained
for use of this equipment, (you would not let an unlicensed
driver borrow your car !).
• Ask to see licences if applicable, and record numbers
and validity dates.
• Request details of previous experience, in writing and
check them out if appropriate and ensure such records
are retained.
• Devise a suitable training course for operators if
appropriate, and ensure records of their completion are
retained.
MAINTENANCE RECORDS
Recommended maintenance is detailed in the Lubrication
& Maintenance section. Failure to follow these may
jeopardise safety as well as economic operation.
Records of periodic maintenance are important as they
detail when and who carried out the last maintenance and
inspection. Appropriate checklists should include
maintenance as detailed and in particular the following
safety aspects:
- SAFETY DECALS AFFIXED & LEGIBLE.
- GUARDING - All fitted and secure.
- CRITICAL FASTENERS SECURE
A: 74 966839001
B: 74 966839002
2x 74 966838500 R (R300B)
2x 74 966838900 R (R300S)
74 966838701R
74 966838800R
working width A - 120 mm. B - 200 mm.
90 3 0
100 4 0
115 5 0
125 6 0
140 5 1
150 4 2
180 3 4
Rotavator 300
17
ENGLISH
!
Minimum overlap in straight position
NEVER
- Touch any moving parts of the Rotavator or parts
which may be hot from opertaion.
Check oil levels whilst the Rotavator is running.
- Carry out adjustments or repairs to a mounted
Rotavator unless the tractor engine is stopped and
the Rotavator firmly supported or lowered to the
ground.
- Leave the tractor seat unless the Rotavator is
lowered, the pto drive disengaged, the gear shift in
neutral, the brake applied, the engine stopped and
the ignition key removed
BE A SAFE OPERATOR BY THINKING –
BEFORE ACTING
PTO DRIVE SHAFT GUARDS
HOWARD PRODUCTS are supplied with non-rotating PTO
Drive Shaft which must be correctly fifted and well
maintained.
Before and after each use PTO driven implements should
be examined to ensure the Drive Shaft rotates freely in the
guards, the guards are undamaged, securely fifted, correctly
seated on the shaft grooves and the restraining chains
attached to the tractor and implement.
Should the guards be broken, damaged or badly fitted the
implement must no be used damaged parts habe been
replaced and/or bad fitting corrected.
Always ensure the guard tubes do not separate at tthe PTO
Drive Shaft’s longest working or transport lengh, or at it’s
shortest.
Avoid damage to guards when the PTO Drive Shaft is being
connected or disconnected from the tractor by resting it on
a suport.
Never allow PTO Drive Shaft Guards to fall into the
implement or drop to the ground: damage will almost
certainly occur.
Always ensure the sliding surfaces of the guard tubes are
clean and the guard bearings lubricated.
When replacing worn or damaged sections of the Guard,
use special tools available from the makers.
Always follow the fitting, lubrication and maintenance
instructions supplied by the makers of the PTO Drive Shaft
Guard.
UNLESS CORRECTLY GUARDED
PTO DRIVE SHAFTS CAN KILL
Rotavator 300
18
Model Working Transport Speed Weight Number Tractor engine
width cm width cm rotor rpm kg of blades HP
R300B-090 90 107 158 21 15-25
R300B-100 100 115 166 24 15-30
R300B-115 115 130 174 27 20-30
R300B-125 125 140 232 182 30 25-30
R300B-140 140 155 190 33 25-35
R300B-150 150 168 198 36 30-35
R300B-180 180 195 206 39 35-40
ROTAVATOR 300 B. Chain side drive
ROTAVATOR 300 S. Gear side drive
Model Working Transport Speed Weight Number Tractor engine
width cm width cm rotor rpm kg of blades HP
R300S-090 90 107 193 21 15-30
R300S-100 100 115 198 24 15-30
R300S-115 115 130 203 27 20-35
R300S-125 125 140 232 208 30 25-35
R300S-140 140 155 213 33 30-40
R300S-150 150 168 218 36 35-40
R300S-180 180 195 223 39 35-45
F
B
E
G
D
H
C
A
Fig. 2 Fig. 3
A
A
DESCRIPTION
Fig. 1 indicates assemblies refered to in the
text of this manual which are named bellow:
A: PTO drive shaft E: Frame
B: Gerabox F: Top mast
C: Side drive G: Trailing board
D: Rotor H: Depth control skids
R300 are designed for 15 to 45 HP tractors with cat I and II
linkage. The drive is by a PTO shaft from a 540 tpm . The
gearbox is single. The jackshaft transmit the power from
the gearbox via the side chain or via the side gear train. An
overload clutch provides protection for the transmission.
The normal tillage depth of 5 to 18 cm is regulated by the
depth control skids. Rotavator are suitable for primary and
secondary tillage, weed control and incorporating of material into most soil types..
NEW MACHINE
PTO shaft
For transport purposes, the PTO shaft is dismantled and
must be refitted.
Lubrication and general
With the machine standing level ensure the following
preparatory work has been done:
1.The gearcase filled to the level plug (A) (fig. 2) Capacity:
1 l. Use SAE 90 oil.
2.The gearbox filled up to the level mark in the inside rod
(A) (fig. 3). Capacity 1 l.
3.All oil and grease points as indicated on p. 19 (Lubrication)
4.All nuts and bolts tightened. (Re-tighten after first hour’s
work)
SERIOUS DAMAGE CAN RESULT
FROM FAILURE TO CARRY OUT
THE ABOVE PROCEDURES
!
Rotavator 300
19
ENGLISH
Fig. 8
X
Fig. 9
ROTOR AND BLADES
R300 Rotavators are fitted with original HOWARD BLADES
model 665149/150. See fig. 8 where the left blade is marked
with X. Use always only ORIGINAL HOWARD BLADES
and HOWARD.blade bolts.
!
Fig. 4
Fig. 5
Fig. 6
Fig. 7
ATTACHING THE ROTAVATOR TO THE
TRACTOR
All models have dual mounting position, i.e. central or offset to the right. Offset mounting is achieved by repositioning
the lower link mounting brackets. (fig.4)
The PTO drive shaft must be set to a safe working length to
ensure the male shaft does not “bottom“ or separate from
the female tube under all conditions of use and transport.
To determine the correct mounting position: with the
Rotavator on a firm level surface the Depth Control
equipment should be adjusted until the gearbox input shaft
is horizontal (fig.5). Position the tractor at a distance from
the Rotavator to give 150 mm (6“) minimum engagement
of the male half of the PTO drive shaft in the female tube
when connected to the tractor. This establishes the safe
working length of PTO drive shaft for connection to the tractor.
Position the tractor lower link ball joints in line with the
mounting pins. Connect the tractor lower links. Fit the tractor upper link and secure. Attach the PTO dirve shaft to the
pressure plate by the studs and tighten the nuts. Attach the
PTO drive shaft guard chains to the tractor and Rotavator .
Attach stabilizer bar or check chains to limit sway to 50 mm
(2”). Adjust tractor linkage to level Rotavator laterally and
longitudinally (fig. 5 and 6). Before engaging the tractor
PTO, lift the Rotavator on the hydraulic lift linkage until the
PTO dirve shaft attains an angle of 40 º and set the limit
stop on the hydraulic lift control quadrant. (fig. 5)
ATTENTION! : THE PT O DRIVE SHAFT
ANGLE MUST NEVER EXCEED 40º.
Finally check that during transport and use the PTO drive
shaft does not “bottom“ or separte and that the maximum
angle of 40 º is not exceeded. Should it not be possible to
obtain the aforementioned setting with your tractor, SEEK
ADVICE, it may be necessary to reduce the length of the
PTO drive shaft by cutting.
Depth control
Fig. 7 illustrates how to adjust the depth control skids.
The blades must form a «scroll» patern (fig. 9). This ensure
that they enter the soil at regular intervals to even out the
load on the transmission.
When replacing worn blades, remove one blade and fit the
new one in its place before proceeding to the next. This will
ensure that the blade «scroll» patern is mantained.
Rotavator 300
20
!
A TTENTION! IN ORDER TO OBT AIN A
CORRECT MAINTENANCE AND
FUNCTION OF YOUR MACHINE IS
IMPERATIVE TO FOLLOW THE
ENCLOSED INSTRUCTIONS:
• (D) DAILY:
1.Lubricate with grease gun PTO spiders.
2.Lubricate with grease gun right hand stub axle bearing
• (S) WEEKLY:
1.Top up with oil SAE 90 The gearbox.
2.Top up with oil SAE 90 The side drive gearcase.
3.Tighten fasteners.
•
(A) EVERY 500 WORKING HOURS:
1.Drain flush and fill with oil SAE 90 the gearbox.
Drain flush and fill with oil SAE 90 the side drive gearcase.
LUBRICATION + MAINTENANCE
S
A
D
S
A
S
D
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
Operational information
By simple adjustments, R300 Rotavators, will produce a
range of tilths in most soil types to prepare the desired
seedbed suitable to seed-drill requirements. As a general
principle fine tilths are produced by a combination of slow
tractor speeds and a lowered trailing board (fig.10).
Conversely coarse tilths are produced by fast tractor speeds
and a raised trailing board (fig.11).
Intermediate grades of tilth from coarse to fine can be
obtained by:
• Adjusting the pressure on the trailing board which by
impact shatters the blade cut «clods».
• Raised the trailing board also deposit weeds and trash
on the surface to wither .
• With the trailing board completely pressured trush is
buried and have a levelling effect on the soil.
• Increasing or decreasing the tractor speed it will also afect
to the tilth.
• High working speeds may also be used for shalow work
on previously borken ground.
Working instructions
Set the depth control skids to the required tillage depth (page
18). Select a trial trailing board and to give the type of thilth
required. Engage the tractor Pto and Drive forward
progressively lowering the Rotavator into the ground.
Proceed for a short distance and check whether the
resultant tilth is satisfactory and the tillage depth is uniform
across the rotor width. If not make the apropiate
adjustments to procedure the required tilth.
Fig. 11
Fig. 10
Rotavator 300
21
ENGLISH
!
Operational advice
Insufficient Depth Obtained
(a) adjust depth control equipement
(b) insufficient power : use lower tractor gear, reduce rotor speed
(c) chaincase on hard soil. Further passes required
(d) blades “trowelling” (rolling over ground), increase rotor speed or use lower tractor
gear
(e) blades incorrectly mounted
Tilth too fine
(a) raise trailing boards
(b) use a faster tractor gear
Tilth too coarse
(a) lower trailing boards
(b) use lower tractor gear
(d) wait until soil is drier if sticks
Blades “Ballinq up” with soil
(a) ground too sticky for working
(b) raise trailing boards
(d) decrease tractor speed
Excessive Blade Wear
(a) replace loose or bent blades
Rotavator “Bumping” on Ground
(a) obstacles entangled in blades
(b) blades incorrectly mounted with no scroll effect or blades fitted with blunt edge leading
or broken blades
Obvious Points
(a) ROTAVATOR not level - cutting too deep on right side. Shorten right hand tractor lift
rod or adjust depth control wheel
(b) Not overlapping - drive closer to last run
(c) Working on hillsides. Work up the slope if possible. If lateral work cannot be avoided,
work from the top to the bottom in order to limit any terracing effect.
Rotavating
1. When operating the Rotavator the most suitable practice is to work in “lands”
2. The ROTAVATED ground should always be to the right of the driver.
3. ROTAVATING the field headlands should not be carried out until the “lands” have
been completed.
4. Always raise the Rotavator before turning.
THE ROTAVATOR SHOULD NEVER BE
LOWERED WHILST THE TRACTOR IS TURNING.
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