Setting the Tiller

IAfarmer · #1 03-26-2010, 09:48 PM

Hey Guys! Been gone a while as I gave up forums for Lent. Long story.

Anyway, I have a tiller problem. This is new to me from last fall when it came with the 1450 I bought. I snapped the main drive belt, and replaced it last fall. Now, I tried tilling, and the darn thing won't till even in tilled ground. It stops and squeals, so I lift, and put it back down. Needless to say, it isn't working well.

I have two question:

1. What am I not setting correctly? I have the main belt so tight it keeps spinning on the rear pulley when the tiller stops, which causes it to squeal and smoke (the ground being tilled was dug up last fall, so it isn't like I am tilling sod). The belt on the tiller itself stops, and I have it awfully tight as well.

2. What is the size of the belt on the tiller, in case I need to find a replacment when IH is closed. I think the part number is IH-487044-R1.

Thanks!

redwaycc · #2 03-26-2010, 10:58 PM

the tiller belt should have apprx 1/4" deflection in it and the tines should be rotating at apprx 1800 rpm at full throttle.
it sounds like something is going on with the chain drive. possibly a stretched chain that jumps/jams on a tooth when a load is put on the tines.
have you checked the back lash in the tines/pulley dive by rotating it by hand?
in any case, it sounds like the chain case needs to be opened and checked.

IH-487044-R1 is the correct belt #.

lent isnt over yet....

eastonct124 · #3 03-26-2010, 11:01 PM

I don't know your tiller, as I have a 1A. But that long belt shouldn't spin on the pulley for anything. Did you use a IH belt? I know you need a IH belt, and not a replacement. I don't know if your machine uses the deep V pulleys that the NF ones use, but that sounds like your problem. And the short belt on mine will squeal if the tiller stops. I was thinking internal problem also, but you mentioned that all you did was replace the drive belt.
I'm sure someone with your machine will add to or correct this by morning.

IAfarmer · #4 03-27-2010, 09:24 AM

THanks. I too have a 1A. After more reading last night, I wonder if my mule drive is weak and allowing the belt to spin due to poor spring tension.

The belt is a replacement Cub Cadet belt, though I wonder if it is the correct belt for a 1450 and a 1A. It sits very deeply into the rear pully.,

The belt number is Cub Cadet Part number 61959C1.

Matt G. · #5 03-27-2010, 10:09 AM

If the belt is slipping on the rear pulley, it's not tight. On the mule drive, do you have two adjustable tensioners, or one tensioner and a spring? If you have the latter, you must change out the spring for another tensioner. That belt has to be TIGHT. The idea is to run the smaller (cheaper) belt from the gearbox to the tiller a bit looser than the main belt so that it slips instead of the long one if you hit a hard spot.

You have the correct belt (IH61959C1), but I'm wondering if perhaps your gearbox has a 5/8" pulley from an 82 series tractor on it. Is the pulley entirely cast iron, or is it a cast iron hub with a steel pulley welded to it? The former is the correct one for your application.

IAfarmer · #6 03-27-2010, 09:53 PM

I think you nailed it Matt. Since I grew up making equipment work when needed, I took the time to wedge a piece of wood behind the lever on the mule drive in an effort to pull out the lever and tighten the belt, While it still stopped and slipped, it was 100% better than the previous day. So, I need to find the right pulley and all will be well.

Thanks!