ABI Attachments ARTRTL66 User manual

Operator’s Manual
COMMAND TILLER
Reverse Rotation & Side-Shift Rotary Tiller
ARTRTL66
The operator’s manual is a technical service guide and must always accompany the machine.
Manual 980-102B
June 2015

SAFETY
Take note! This safety alert symbol found throughout this manual is used to call your
attention to instructions involving your personal safety and the safety of others. Failure to
follow these instructions can result in injury or death.
Signal Words
Note the use of the signal words DANGER, WARNING and CAUTION with the safety messages. The
appropriate signal words for each have been selected using the following guidelines:
DANGER: Indicates an imminently hazardous situation that, if not avoided, will result in death or
serious injury.
WARNING: Indicates a potentially hazardous situation that, if not avoided, could result in death or
serious injury, and includes hazards that are exposed when guards are removed. It may also be used
to alert against unsafe practices.
CAUTION: Indicates a potentially hazardous situation that, if not avoided, may result in minor or
moderate injury.
This symbol means:
ATTENTION!
BECOME ALERT!
YOUR SAFETY IS INVOLVED!

35
PARTS MANUAL
34
W
ARRANTY
33
6 - TROUBLESHOOTING
325.05 - Storage
325.04 - Suggested Spare Parts
315.03 - Rotor
315.02 - Chain Case
315.01 - Gearbox
31
5 - REPAIR PROCEDURES
294.05 - Safety Slip Clutch
274.04 - Driveline
264.03 - Blade Maintenance
264.02 - Lubrication
254.01 - Maintenance Safety
25
4 - MAINTENANCE
233.16 - Transport
233.15 - Uneven Terrain
233.14 - Working Limitations
223.13 - Headland Procedure
223.12 - Finer Pulverization
223.11 - Working Speed
223.10 - Working Depth
223.09 - Test Run
203.08 - Start Up
183.07 - Attaching to the Tractor
183.06 - Pre-Operational Check
173.05 - Rear Shield Adjustments
173.04 - Depth Control
153.03 - Side-Shift
123.02 - Setup and Lubrication
103.01 - Operational Safety
10
3 - OPERATION
72.03 - Messages and Signs
72.02 - Starting and Stopping
62.01 - Preparation
6
2 - SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
51.03 - Model and Serial Number ID
41.02 - Warranty Information
41.01 - General
4
1 - GENERAL INFORMATION
INDEX
INDEX 3 ABI ATTACHMENTS

1 - GENERAL INFORMATION
Thank you and congratulations for having chosen our implement. Your new side-shift
rotary tiller is a technologically advanced machine constructed of high quality, sturdy
components that will fulfill your working expectations.
Read this manual carefully. It will instruct you on how to operate and service your
machine safely and correctly. Failure to do so could result in personal injury and/or
equipment damage.
1.01 - General
The implement described in this manual is to be used with tractors with PTO at 540 rpm
and clockwise rotation.
CAUTION: Always ensure that the coupling of the implement with the tractor is
done at the same PTO speed and direction of rotation. Do not operate this
implement at a PTO speed or direction of rotation other than that shown on the
implement. Serious damage can occur to the machine and/or the operator.
CAUTION: Unless otherwise specified, all hardware is metric. Use only metric
tools on metric hardware. Other tools that do not fit properly can slip and cause
injury.
CAUTION: Right hand and left hand sides of the implement are determined by
facing in the direction the implement will travel when going forward (see fig. 2).
1.02 - Warranty Information
Carefully read the Warranty section, detailing coverage and limitations of this warranty.
Warranty is provided for customers who operate and maintain their equipment as
described in this manual.
Warranty does not cover the following:
1. Cleaning, transporting, mailing and service call charges.
2. Normal wear items such as blades, bearings, drivelines, shear bolts, slip clutches,
etc.
3. Depreciation or damage caused by normal wear, accidents, improper maintenance,
improper protection or improper use.
COMMAND TILLER OPERATOR’SMANUAL
GENERAL INFORMATION 4 ABI ATTACHMENTS

4. The use of non-original spare parts and accessories.
1.03 - Model and Serial Number ID
Attached to the frame is an ID plate showing the model and the serial number. Record
your implement model and serial number in the space provided below. ABI needs this
information to give you prompt, efficient service when you order parts.
COMMAND TILLER OPERATOR’SMANUAL
GENERAL INFORMATION 5 ABI ATTACHMENTS
Model:
Serial:
Version:

2 - SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
Safety is the primary concern in the design and manufacture of our products.
Unfortunately our efforts to provide safe equipment can be wiped out by a single
careless act of an operator.
In addition to the design and configuration of equipment, hazard control and accident
prevention are dependent upon the awareness, concern, prudence and proper training
of personnel involved in the operation, transport, maintenance and storage of
equipment.
It is the operator’s responsibility to read and understand all safety and operating
instructions in the manual and to follow these.
Allow only properly trained personnel to operate the rotary tiller. Working with unfamiliar
equipment can lead to careless injuries. Read this manual, and the manual for your
tractor, before assembly or operation, to acquaint yourself with the machines. It is the
tiller owner’s responsibility, if this machine is used by any person other than yourself, is
loaned or rented, to make certain that the operator, prior to operating, reads and
understands the operator’s manuals and is instructed in safe and proper use.
2.01 - Preparation
1. Before operating equipment read and understand the operator’s manual and the
safety signs (see fig. 2).
2. Thoroughly inspect the implement before initial operation to assure that all
packaging materials, i.e., wires, bands, and tape have been removed.
3. Personal protection equipment including hard hat, safety glasses, safety shoes, and
gloves are recommended during assembly, installation, operation, adjustment,
maintaining and/or repairing the implement.
4. Operate the tiller only with a tractor equipped with an approved
Roll-Over-Protective-System (ROPS). Always wear your seat belt. Serious injury or
even death could result from falling off the tractor.
5. Clear area of stones, branches or other debris that might be thrown, causing injury
or damage.
6. Operate only in daylight or good artificial light.
7. Ensure tiller is properly mounted, adjusted and in good operating condition.
8. Ensure that all safety shielding and safety signs are properly installed and in good
condition.
9. Consult local utility companies to make certain there are no buried gas lines,
electrical cables, etc., in the work area before beginning operation.
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS 6 ABI ATTACHMENTS
COMMAND TILLER OPERATOR’SMANUAL

2.02 - Starting and Stopping
1. Be sure that no one is near the machine prior to engaging or while the machine is
working.
2. Be sure the tractor is in “Neutral” before starting engine.
3. Tiller operating power is supplied from tractor PTO. Refer to your tractor manual for
PTO engagement and disengagement instructions. Always operate PTO at 540 rpm.
Know how to stop the tractor and tiller quickly in case of an emergency.
4. When engaging PTO, the engine rpm should always be low. Once engaged and
ready to start using, raise PTO speed to 540 rpm and maintain throughout operation.
5. Check the tractor master shield over the PTO stub shaft. Make sure it is in good
condition and fastened securely to the tractor. Purchase a new shield if old shield is
damaged or missing.
6. After striking an obstacle, disengage the PTO, shut the tractor down and thoroughly
inspect for damage before restarting.
7. Never engage the PTO until the tiller is in the down position and resting on the
ground. Never raise the tiller until the rotor has come to a complete stop.
2.03 - Messages and Signs
1. Read and adhere to all safety and operating decals on this machine (see fig. 2).
2. Before dismounting tractor: Allow moving parts to stop, stop engine, set brake and
remove the key of unattended equipment.
3. Keep away from rotating blades and driveline.
4. Keep guards and shields in place and in good condition.
5. Do not use with bystanders in area.
6. Allow no riders on tractor or tiller.
7. Allow moving parts to stop before repair.
8. Securely support tiller before working underneath.
Additional warning and operating decals are available at no extra charge. Please specify
model and serial number when ordering.
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS 7 ABI ATTACHMENTS
COMMAND TILLER OPERATOR’SMANUAL

Fig. 2 - Safety decals - implement; replace immediately if damaged.
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS 8 ABI ATTACHMENTS
COMMAND TILLER OPERATOR’SMANUAL
right side
left side

Safety decals - driveline; replace immediately if damaged.
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS 9 ABI ATTACHMENTS
COMMAND TILLER OPERATOR’SMANUAL
placed on outer shield
placed on outer tube

3 - OPERATION
You have purchased a rotary tiller designed for landscaping, gardening and tilling with
small and medium sized tractors around fruit trees and in vineyards or greenhouses.
Because of its side-shift capability, your tiller can be positioned to till next to trees and
shrubs and along sidewalks. It can also be shifted completely to the right in order to
cover the tractor tire tracks. This is particularly important when dealing with narrower
tillers or with tractors equipped with especially wide tires. The three point hitch can also
remain positioned in the center to work like a normal center mount tiller. On your tiller,
the tractor PTO transmits its power through a driveline to a speed reduction gearbox.
This gearbox turns a hexagonal drive shaft to which a chain sprocket is attached. A
chain transfers power from the drive chain sprocket to a driven chain sprocket
connected to a tilling bladed rotor. The rotor speed is set at the optimum speed to
ensure ideal tillage conditions.
3.01 - Operational Safety
CAUTION: Our rotary tillers are designed considering safety as the most
important target and are the safest available in today’s market. Unfortunately,
human carelessness can override the safety features built into our machines.
Injury prevention and work safety, aside from the features on our tillers, are very
much due to the responsible use of the equipment. It must always be operated
prudently following with great care, the safety instructions laid out in this manual.
1. The use of this equipment is subject to certain hazards which cannot be prevented
by mechanical means or product design. All operators of this equipment must read
and understand this entire manual, paying particular attention to safety and
operating instructions, prior to using.
2. Do not operate the tractor and tiller when you are tired, sick or when using
medication.
3. Before beginning operation, contact local utility companies to make certain there are
no bundled gas lines, electrical cables, etc., in the work area.
4. Keep all helpers and bystanders at least 50 yards from a tiller. Only properly trained
people should operate this machine.
5. When this machine is operated in populated areas where thrown objects could injure
persons or property, standard equipment safety shielding (which is designed to
reduce the possibility of thrown objects) must be installed.
6. The majority of accidents involve entanglements on the driveline, injury of
bystanders by objects thrown by the rotating blades, and operators being knocked
OPERATION 10 ABI ATTACHMENTS
COMMAND TILLER OPERATOR’SMANUAL

off the tractor by low hanging limbs and then being run over by the tiller. Accidents
are most likely to occur with machines that are loaned or rented to someone who
has not read the operator’s manual and is not familiar with a tiller.
7. Always stop the tractor, set brake, shut off the tractor engine, remove the ignition
key, lower implement to the ground and allow rotor to come to a complete stop
before dismounting tractor. Never leave equipment unattended with the tractor
running.
8. Never place hands or feet under tiller’s deck with tractor engine running or before
you are sure all motion has stopped. Stay clear of all moving parts.
9. Do not allow riders on the tiller or tractor at any time. There is no safe place for
riders.
10.Do not operate unless all personnel, livestock and pets are 50 yards away to prevent
injury by thrown objects.
11.Before backing up, disengage the tiller and look behind carefully.
12.Install and secure all guards and shields before starting or operating.
13.Keep hands, feet, hair and clothing away from moving parts.
14.This tiller is designed for use only on tractors with 540 rpm power take off and in the
correct power range1.
15.Never operate tractor and tiller under trees with low hanging limbs. Operators can be
knocked off the tractor and then run over by the rotor.
16.The rotating parts of this machine have been designed and tested for rugged use.
However, they could fail upon impact with heavy, solid objects such as steel guard
rails and concrete abutments. Such impact could cause the broken objects to be
thrown outward at very high velocities. To reduce the possibility of property damage,
serious injury, or even death, never allow the rotor to contact such obstacles.
17.Frequently check blades. They should be sharp, free of nicks and cracks and
securely fastened.
18.Stop tiller immediately upon striking an obstruction. Turn engine off, remove key,
inspect and repair any damage before resuming operation.
19.Stay alert for holes, rocks and roots in the terrain and other hidden hazards. Keep
away from drop-offs.
20.Use extreme care and maintain minimum ground speed when transporting on
hillside, over rough ground and when operating close to ditches or fences. Be careful
when turning sharp corners.
21.Reduce speed on slopes and sharp turns to minimize tipping or loss of control. Be
careful when changing directions on slopes. Do not start or stop suddenly on slopes.
Avoid operation on steep slopes.
22.When using a unit, a minimum 20% of tractor and equipment weight must be on
tractor front wheels. Without this weight, tractor could tip over, causing personal
injury or death. The weight may be attained with a front end loader, front wheel
weights, ballast in tires or front tractor weights. When attaining a minimum 20% of
tractor and equipment weight on the front wheels, you must not exceed the ROPS
weight certification. Weigh the tractor and equipment. Do not guess or estimate!
OPERATION 11 ABI ATTACHMENTS
COMMAND TILLER OPERATOR’SMANUAL
1See Table 3, page 30.

23.Inspect the entire machine periodically2. Look for loose fasteners, worn or broken
parts, and leaky or loose fittings.
24.Use only the driveline supplied with the equipment. Do not use it if it is missing any
shield or safety protection.
25.Pass diagonally through sharp dips and avoid sharp drops to prevent “hanging up”
tractor and implement.
26.Avoid sudden starts and stops while traveling up or downhill.
27.Always use down slopes; never across the face. Avoid operation on steep slopes.
Slow down on sharp turns and slopes to prevent tipping and/or loss of control.
3.02 - Setup and Lubrication
CAUTION: Stand clear of bands when cutting as they could be under sufficient
tension to cause them to fly loose. Take care in removing bands and wire, they
often have extremely sharp edges and cut very easily.
To assemble and setup the tiller for initial operation proceed as follows:
1. Lower the stand to support the tiller (see fig. 4). Secure it in place with the locking
pin.
2. Disassemble top and sides of the crate. Cut wires holding driveline. Leave machine
banded to pallet as long as possible to avoid tipping over during assembly.
3. Loosen bolts holding upper hitch in place in the shipping position.
4. Bolt the hitch together (see fig. 3), and bolt it to the tiller.
OPERATION 12 ABI ATTACHMENTS
COMMAND TILLER OPERATOR’SMANUAL
2See Chapter 4 - Maintenance.
1
2
3
4
5
1. 3 point connecting bolt
2. top hitch support arm bolt
3. top hitch arm bolt
4. grease fitting
5. right rotor support
Fig. 3

5. Ensure the breather plug (see #2, fig. 4) is screwed into the chain case (see #3, fig.
4). Check the gearbox oil level (see #1, fig. 5). It should be between ½ and 2/3full.
Use SAE 90 wt. gear oil.
6. Check all hardware for proper torque3.
7. After shifting the sliding frame into its desired position, block it with both the front and
rear locking clamps U bolts (see #2, fig. 5)4. Grease driveline cross and bearing
assemblies. Grease sliding sections of shaft.
8. The hexagonal drive shaft is protected by a telescopic sliding shield (see #5, fig. 5).
To attach this shield do the following: bolt the upright tab to the chain case side plate
OPERATION 13 ABI ATTACHMENTS
COMMAND TILLER OPERATOR’SMANUAL
4See Section 3.03 - Side-Shift.
3See Table 2, page 30 for proper torque specification.
Fig. 4
1
2
3
1. tiller stand
2. breather plug
3. chain case
4
4. rear shield
5. stand support
6. locking pin
6
5
1
2
3
4
5
Fig. 5
1. gearbox
2. locking clamps
3. sliding frame
4. side plate shield bolt
5. telescopic shield

(see #4, fig. 5); open the telescopic shield and bolt the outer cover to the retaining
plate on the sliding frame (see #1, fig. 6); ensure the telescopic shielding when open
does not touch the hexagonal shaft and is parallel as possible; slide the frame back
two or three times from completely open to completely closed to be sure it opens
and closes without difficulty. Note: Lightly greasing the hexagonal drive shaft helps
to side-shift the tiller.
9. Grease right rotor support bearing (see #4 & 5, fig. 3).
OPERATION 14 ABI ATTACHMENTS
COMMAND TILLER OPERATOR’SMANUAL
Fig. 6
1. shield bolts
2. sliding frame support
3. U bolt
4. telescopic shield
5. right shield
6. gearbox holding bolt
1
1
23
6
4
5
Fig. 7
1. rear shield
2. adjustment chain
3. 'U' bolt
4. chain hitch
5. sliding frame
6. gearbox
1
2
3
4
5
6

10.Hook up the rear shield (see #1, fig. 7) adjustment chain as follows: slip one end of
the chain (see #2, fig. 7) through the ‘U’ bolt (see #3, fig. 7) and then bolt it to the
rear shield in the predisposed holes. Bolt the other end of the chain to the chain
hitch located on the tiller frame (see #4, fig. 7). Ensure it is tightened properly. The
chain hitch also works as a stop for the sliding frame to limit its travel.
3.03 - Side-Shift
TABLE 1
The drawing below represents the tiller’s right side-shift capabilities.
The upper black line of the drawing shows the three point hitch of the tiller working in its
center position. The lower white line shows the three point hitch of the tiller shifted
completely to the right.
The side-shift capability gives the tiller numerous advantages over center mounted
tillers. It can till next to shrubs, sidewalks or buildings. Smaller sizes can cover wider
tractor tire tracks.
To side-shift the tiller from the center mount position, do the following:
1. Loosen the 8 nuts (#1, fig. 8) holding the locking clamps to the front and rear of the
gearbox housing. Do not remove the nuts.
2. Push the sliding frame (#2, fig. 8) towards the left to its new desired position. This
can be done without levers or turnbuckles. Do not shift it right of center.
3. Re-tighten the 8 nuts.
OPERATION 15 ABI ATTACHMENTS
COMMAND TILLER OPERATOR’SMANUAL
1
1
3
2
Fig. 8
1. nuts holding the locking clamps
2. sliding frame
3. main tiller frame

OPERATION 16 ABI ATTACHMENTS
COMMAND TILLER OPERATOR’SMANUAL
Fig. 9
The three point linkage
can be shifted from the
center mount position (a)
to the left (b) into the
desired position (c).
(a)
(b)
(c)

3.04 - Depth Control
The tilling depth is controlled by raising or lowering the side skids. The tilling depth is at
its maximum when the skids are touching the side plates. Lowering the skids, raises the
tiller from the ground and lowers its working depth.
To raise or lower the side skids proceed as follows:
1. Loosen the nut (see #1, fig. 10) on the adjustment arm (see #2, fig. 10).
2. Place the skid (see #3, fig. 10) in the desired position.
3. Re-tighten the nut (#1) on the adjustment arm (#2).
4. Repeat this operation on the other skid, ensuring both skids are level.
3.05 - Rear Shield Adjustments
The rear shield, for safety reasons, must always remain in contact with the ground. This
also ensures better pulverization of the soil and helps level it out.
OPERATION 17 ABI ATTACHMENTS
COMMAND TILLER OPERATOR’SMANUAL
Fig. 10
1
2
3
4
1. locking nut
2. adjustment arm
3. side skid
4. chain case
1. rear shield
2. chain
3. chain hitch
4. 'U' bolt
4
1
3
2
Fig. 11

Raise rear shield (see #1, fig. 11) to the desired position. Hook the chain (see #2, fig.
11) to the chain hitch (see #3, fig. 11).
3.06 - Pre-Operational Check
Check each of the following carefully prior to engaging the equipment:
1. The rotor bearing has been greased and the drive chain is lubricated.
2. The oil in gearbox is between ½ and 2/3full.
3. The driveline cross and bearings have been greased.
4. No wrappings or foreign objects are on the machine or driveline.
5. The blades are properly installed and the blade bolts and nuts properly torqued5.
6. All hardware is tight.
7. The tractor to ensure correct direction of rotation of PTO and rpm speed.
8. All safety shields and guards are in place and tightly attached.
9. No people or animals are in the work area.
10.Local utility companies have been contacted to make certain there are no bundled
gas lines, electrical cables, etc., in the work area.
11.When working, make sure the tractor hitch is in the “float” position, in order to allow
the tiller to rest on the skids and therefore to follow the contour of the ground.
CAUTION: Engage the tractor PTO only when the tiller blades are 1.5” to 2” from
the ground.
WARNING: Stay clear of rotating driveline. Entanglement in rotating driveline can
cause serious injury or death. Disengage PTO, engage parking brake or place
transmission in “Park”, shut off the tractor and remove the key before working
around hitch, attaching or detaching driveline, making adjustments, servicing or
cleaning the machine.
3.07 - Attaching to the Tractor
Unit may be used on tractors ranging from 25 to 50 HP equipped with a standard rear
PTO and category 1 three point hitch6.
CAUTION: Check the tractor PTO rpm to ensure it is set at 540 and turns
clockwise. Always ensure that the tractor tire pressure is correct according to the
tractor operator’s manual.
OPERATION 18 ABI ATTACHMENTS
COMMAND TILLER OPERATOR’SMANUAL
6See Table 3, page 30.
5See Table 2, page 30.

WARNING: Disengage PTO, wait for all movement from the implement and tractor
to stop, engage parking brake or place transmission in “Park”, shut off the tractor
and remove the key before attaching the implement to the tractor.
To attach the tiller to the tractor do the following:
1. Back the tractor up to the machine in order to slip the tractor hitch arms over the
hitch pins attached to the sliding frame. Turn off the tractor engine.
2. The tiller hitch pin (#3, fig. 12) may be positioned in either the top or bottom hole,
depending on driveline length and tractor size.
3. Lock the tractor arms to the tiller hitch arms with the lynch pins. Stabilizers must be
used to limit side swing to 2” to 3”.
4. Attach the top link. Adjust it so the tiller is as near parallel to the ground as possible.
A 1 to 2 degree rearward tilt is acceptable (see fig. 13).
5. Install the shielded driveline to the tractor by first lining up the splines and
depressing the snap pin. Push the yoke onto the PTO shaft as far as it will go.
Release the pin and pull back slowly until the pin clicks in place.
6. Repeat this operation on the implement end if the tiller is supplied with a shear
bolt.
7. If the implement is supplied with a slip clutch, first remove the sheet metal
protection on the gearbox, remove the locking bolt on the slip clutch yoke and push
the yoke on to the gearbox shaft. Line the locking bolt hole up with the groove on the
shaft. Reinstall the locking bolt and tighten down lock nut. Reinstall PTO protective
cover.
8. Attach the safety chains of the PTO shaft to the tiller and the tractor to keep the
shielding from rotating. Allow enough slack for the sliding plastic shielding to slide in
and out.
OPERATION 19 ABI ATTACHMENTS
COMMAND TILLER OPERATOR’SMANUAL
1
3
1. sliding frame
2. telescopic shield
Fig. 12
3. hitch pin
2

IMPORTANT: See Section 4.04 - Driveline, to ensure the driveline is the proper
length.
DANGER: Tractor-implement combinations can create unstable unions with a
chance of roll-over. If necessary, front weights need to be added to the tractor in
order to maintain balance. Always ensure that the tractor tire pressure is correct
according to the tractor operator’s manual.
3.08 - Start Up
DANGER: Never allow anyone around the tiller when it is in operation. Engage the
tractor PTO only when the tiller blades are 1.5” to 2” from the ground.
DANGER: Operate the implement only at the speed and direction of rotation
indicated on the machine. Serious damage can result if this is not followed.
OPERATION 20 ABI ATTACHMENTS
COMMAND TILLER OPERATOR’SMANUAL
Fig. 13 - Correct work position of the tiller. A 1 to 2 degree rearward tilt is
acceptable.