BEFCO E Series User manual

BEFCO®
Operator’s Manual
SERIES E
Engine Driven Tiller
E42-530
The operator’s manual is a technical service guide and must always accompany the machine.
Manual 960-158B
July 2012

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!

29
PARTS MANUAL
24
8 - WARRANTY
23
7 - PRE-DELIVERY CHECKLIST
22
6 - TROUBLESHOOTING
215.05 - Storage 215.04 - Suggested Spare Parts 215.03 - Rotor 205.02 - Chain Case 205.01 - Gearbox 20
5 - REPAIR PROCEDURES
174.03 - Blade Maintenance 174.02 - Service 164.01 - Maintenance Safety 16
4 - MAINTENANCE
153.10 - Transport 153.11 - Uneven Terrain 153.10 - Working Limitations 143.09 - Finer Pulverization 143.08 - Working Speed 143.07 - Working Depth 143.06 - Test Run 123.05 - Start Up 123.04 - Attaching to the Towing Vehicle 113.03 - Pre-Operational Check 113.02 - Setup and Lubrication 93.01 - Operational Safety 9
3 - OPERATION
72.03 - Messages and Signs 72.02 - Starting and Stopping 62.01 - Preparation 6
2 - SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
51.02 - Model and Serial Number ID 41.01 - General 4
1 - GENERAL INFORMATION
INDEX
INDEX 3BEFCO

1 - GENERAL INFORMATION
Thank you and congratulations for having chosen our implement. Your new 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
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).
Carefully read the Warranty section1, detailing coverage and limitations of this warranty.
Warranty is provided for customers who operate and maintain their equipment as
described in this manual. Warranty registration is accomplished by the dealer by
completing and forwarding the Warranty Registration form to the Company, along with
a copy of the dealer’s invoice. It is in your best interest to insure that this has been
done.
Warranty does not cover the following:
1. Cleaning, transporting, mailing and service call charges.
2. Normal wear items such as tines, bearings, etc.
3. Depreciation or damage caused by normal wear, accidents, improper maintenance,
improper protection or improper use.
4. The use of non-original spare parts and accessories.
5. Engine.
Your Authorized Company Dealer has genuine parts in stock. Only these approved
replacement parts should be used.
This limited warranty covers defective material and workmanship. The cost of normal
maintenance or repairs for accidents or improper use and related labor will be borne by
the owner.
ENGINE DRIVEN TILLER OPERATOR’SMANUAL
GENERAL INFORMATION 4BEFCO
1See Chapter 8 - Warranty.

NOTE: Engine warranty, service and parts must be obtained through an
authorized service center of the manufacturer of the engine.
1.02 - 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. Your local dealer
needs this information to give you prompt, efficient service when you order parts.
ENGINE DRIVEN TILLER OPERATOR’SMANUAL
GENERAL INFORMATION 5BEFCO
Model #:
Serial #:

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
towing vehicle, 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 towing vehicle 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 towing vehicle.
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.
10.Use only approved drawbar hitch points.
11.Handle gasoline with care, it is highly flammable. Use only approved gasoline
containers.
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS 6BEFCO
ENGINE DRIVEN TILLER OPERATOR’SMANUAL

12.Never remove fuel cap or add gasoline to a running engine or a hot engine. Never fill
the fuel tank indoors. If spilling occurs wipe up immediately.
13.To reduce fire hazard, keep engine free of grass, leaves or excessive grease.
14.Do not change the engine governor settings or over-speed the engine.
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 towing vehicle is in “Neutral” before starting engine.
3. Tiller operating power is supplied from tiller engine. Refer to your engine manual for
engagement and disengagement instructions. Know how to stop the towing vehicle
and tiller quickly in case of an emergency.
4. Open doors if engine is running in the garage; exhaust fumes are dangerous. Do not
run engine indoors.
5. After striking an obstacle, stop tiller engine, remove the wire from the spark plug,
shut the towing vehicle down and thoroughly inspect for damage before restarting.
6. Do not operate if tiller vibrates excessively. Excessive vibration is an indication of
damage.
7. Stop tiller engine, towing vehicle engine and set parking brake before leaving
operator’s position.
8. Stop tiller engine, towing vehicle engine, disconnect spark plug wire, set parking
brake and wait for all movement to stop before making any repairs or adjustments.
9. Never adjust tiller while the engine is running.
10.Stop tiller engine when transporting or not in use.
11.When leaving towing vehicle unattended, set parking brake, stop both engines and
remove key.
12.Never store the equipment with gasoline in the tank inside a building where fumes
may reach an open flame or spark. Allow engine to cool before storing in any
enclosure.
2.03 - Messages and Signs
1. Read and adhere to all safety and operating decals on this machine (see fig. 2).
2. Before dismounting towing vehicle: Allow moving parts to stop, stop both engines,
set brake and remove the key of unattended equipment.
3. Keep away from rotating blades.
4. Keep guards and shields in place and in good condition.
5. Do not use with bystanders in area.
6. Allow no riders on towing vehicle or tiller.
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS 7BEFCO
ENGINE DRIVEN TILLER OPERATOR’SMANUAL

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.
Fig. 2 - Safety decals - implement; replace immediately if damaged.
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS 8BEFCO
ENGINE DRIVEN TILLER OPERATOR’SMANUAL
right side
left side

3 - OPERATION
You have purchased an engine driven tiller designed primarily for tilling areas around
fruit trees and in vineyards or greenhouses using an ATV (all terrain vehicle) or a
garden tractor. It attaches to the towing vehicle drawbar using a universal attachment
point for all types of lawn and garden tractors. It is recommended for tractors of 11 HP
and up. The working width is 42”. The E42-530 comes complete with a Kohler 8 HP
engine, transport wheels, automatic engine disengage and adjustable skids for easy
depth control. On your tiller, the engine transmits its power to a gearbox. This gearbox
turns a hexagonal drive 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 towing vehicle 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. The majority of accidents involve operators being knocked off the towing vehicle 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.
6. Test the safety kill switch on the tiller to ensure that the tiller will cut off when key is
removed.
OPERATION 9BEFCO
ENGINE DRIVEN TILLER OPERATOR’SMANUAL

7. Before operating, attach the kill switch rope to the operator’s belt strap and to the
towing vehicle on the front of operator’s seat.
8. Always stop the towing vehicle, set brake, shut off both the tiller engine and the
towing vehicle engine, remove the ignition key and allow blades to come to a
complete stop before dismounting towing vehicle. Never leave equipment
unattended with the towing vehicle running.
9. Never place hands or feet under tiller’s deck with engine running or before you are
sure all motion has stopped. Stay clear of all moving parts.
10.Do not allow riders on the tiller or towing vehicle at any time. There is no safe place
for riders.
11.Do not operate unless all personnel, livestock and pets are 50 yards away to prevent
injury by thrown objects.
12.Before backing up, disengage the tiller and look behind carefully.
13.Install and secure all guards and shields before starting or operating.
14.Keep hands, feet, hair and clothing away from moving parts.
15.This rotary tiller is designed for use with all terrain vehicles (ATVs) or garden
tractors.
16.Never operate towing vehicle and tiller under trees with low hanging limbs.
Operators can be knocked off the towing vehicle and then run over by the rotor.
17.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.
18.Frequently check blades. They should be sharp, free of nicks and cracks and
securely fastened.
19.Stop tiller immediately upon striking an obstruction. Turn tiller engine off, turn towing
vehicle engine off, remove key, disconnect spark plug wire, set towing vehicle brake
and wait for all movement to stop. Inspect and repair any damage before resuming
operation.
20.Stay alert for holes, rocks and roots in the terrain and other hidden hazards. Keep
away from drop-offs.
21.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.
22.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.
23.When making tight turns, do not allow pull hitch to ride up on towing vehicle tires.
24.Inspect the entire machine periodically2. Look for loose fasteners, worn or broken
parts, and leaky or loose fittings.
25.Pass diagonally through sharp dips and avoid sharp drops to prevent “hanging up”
towing vehicle and implement.
26.Avoid sudden starts and stops while traveling up or downhill.
OPERATION 10 BEFCO
ENGINE DRIVEN TILLER OPERATOR’SMANUAL
2See Chapter 4 - Maintenance.

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
Notice to the dealer: Pre-delivery setup and service including lubrication is the
responsibility of the dealer. It is up to him to assure that the machine is in perfect
condition and ready to be used. It is his responsibility to ensure that the customer is
aware of all safety aspects and operational procedures for the tiller. He must also fill out
the Pre-Delivery Checklist3prior to delivering the tiller.
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 do the following:
Remove unit from crate, tongue and support arm are in the bottom of the crate.
Throttle and kill switch are hooked up and taped to the engine.
The tongue must be bolted to the front of the unit. Throttle control box and kill switch
support arm should be bolted loosely to find the proper position for the unit being
used.
The throttle and kill switch mount to the top of the support arm.
See engine operator’s manual for engine service.
3.03 - 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 1/2and 2/3full.
3. No wrappings or foreign objects are on the machine.
4. The blades are properly installed and the blade bolts and nuts properly torqued4.
5. All hardware is tight.
6. All safety shields and guards are in place and tightly attached.
7. No people or animals are in the work area.
8. Local utility companies have been contacted to make certain there are no bundled
gas lines, electrical cables, etc., in the work area.
OPERATION 11 BEFCO
ENGINE DRIVEN TILLER OPERATOR’SMANUAL
4See Table 1, page 0.
3See Chapter 7 - Pre-Delivery Checklist.

WARNING: Shut off tiller engine and remove spark plug wire from spark plug
before making adjustments, servicing or cleaning the machine. Failure to do so
could result in accidental starting of engine causing possible injury or death.
3.04 - Attaching to the Towing Vehicle
The E42-530 is designed to be towed behind a lawn tractor or an ATV.
To attach the tiller to the towing vehicle do the following:
1. Back the towing vehicle up to the tiller.
2. Turn off engine and set parking break of towing vehicle.
3. Attach a hitch pin to towing vehicle drawbar, slide in place on the tiller and secure
with a lynch pin.
CAUTION: Towing vehicle front end stability is necessary for safe operation when
pulling equipment.
CAUTION: Always ensure that the towing vehicle’s tire pressure is correct
according to the vehicle’s operator’s manual.
DANGER: Failure to ensure a secure hitching of the implement to the towing
vehicle can cause serious injury or death.
3.05 - Start Up
Before starting to work, never forget that the operator is responsible for the following:
1. Safe and correct driving of the towing vehicle and tiller.
2. To learn precise safe operating procedures for both the towing vehicle and the tiller.
3. To ensure all maintenance and lubrication has been performed on the tiller.
4. To have read and understood all safety aspects for the tiller and the engine in the
respective operator’s manuals.
5. To have read and understood all safety decals on the tiller.
6. Checking the condition of the blades. Worn or damaged blades should be changed
before starting.
7. Checking to ensure that the cutting edge is the leading edge of the blade.
8. Checking that there is no wire, weed, grass or other material wrapped around the
rotor.
OPERATION 12 BEFCO
ENGINE DRIVEN TILLER OPERATOR’SMANUAL

9. Checking the towing vehicle tires for the proper pressure in accordance with the
vehicle operator’s manual.
10.Making sure the proper attire is worn. Avoiding loose fitting clothing which can
become entangled. Wearing sturdy, tough-soled work shoes and protective
equipment for eyes, hands, ears and head. Never operate tiller in bare feet, sandals
or sneakers.
11.Checking area for stones, branches and other debris that might be thrown.
12.Ensuring proper lighting is available, sunlight or good artificial lighting.
13.Ensuring the kill switch safety is properly attached.
To raise the tiller to the transport position use the handle provided located on the
right side of the tiller. Remove handle from locking tab and handle will move up and
forward of the tiller. Then push down to lock wheels for transport.
To place the tiller in the working position reverse the above process and lock handle
in the storage position.
To start tiller engine do the following:
1. Install the kill switch plug.
2. Open the fuel valve.
3. Raise the tiller to the transport position.
4. Push throttle in the “CHOKE” position. If the engine is warm, place the throttle in
“SLOW” position.
5. Place one foot on the tiller deck and one foot firmly anchored on ground. Make sure
foot on ground does not get underneath tiller. Pull starter cord briskly returning
slowly until engine starts.
6. When engine cranks, slow to idle and allow the engine to warm up for several
minutes. Tines must stop rotation.
7. Lower the machine to working position and mount towing unit.
NOTE: If engine is hard to crank consult the engine manufacturer’s operator’s manual.
DANGER: Keep hands and feet away from underneath the tiller. When starting the
engine place one foot on the tiller deck and one foot firmly anchored to the
ground safely away from underneath the tiller deck.
To start working ensure that:
1. The kill switch tether cord is connected from the switch through the operator’s belt
loop to towing vehicle forward of operator’s seat.
2. Parking brake is released.
3. The lowest gear is selected in order to begin working at a slow speed. Adjust speed
gradually in relation to the condition of the ground.
OPERATION 13 BEFCO
ENGINE DRIVEN TILLER OPERATOR’SMANUAL

DANGER: Ensure that the safety kill switch is working properly. Test to make
sure that the tiller will cut off when the switch is removed. Never operate the tiller
without the safety kill switch properly attached. Failure to do so could cause
serious injury or death.
To shut down tiller engine do the following:
1. Idle the engine down.
2. Set parking brake.
3. Pull out kill switch plug.
4. Stop the engine of the towing vehicle.
5. Close fuel valve.
6. Allow the tiller blades to come to a complete stop before dismounting.
3.06 - Test Run
After running the tiller 120 to 150 feet, ensure that the machine is properly adjusted and
functioning properly. After the first five minutes of operation, stop and feel the gearbox.
It should be warm to the touch, but not hot.
3.07 - Working Depth
Tilling depth is determined largely by the condition of the ground. When working on hard
or on previously unworked ground, set maximum depth at 2” to 3”. Greater depth may
require a second pass.
NOTE: Excessive vibration or jumping of the machine is an indication that the
machine is working too deep for conditions, such as in hard, parched or
compacted soil and should be adjusted accordingly.
3.08 - Working Speed
Ground speed is determined by the soil condition and tilling depth. Simple
experimentation will soon determine the best speed for the desired results, usually 1 to
2 mph.
3.09 - Finer Pulverization
A slow ground speed will result in a finer soil, as a faster ground speed will render the
opposite. The rear shield, besides being a safety device, will help in producing a finer
worked soil. Test results show that a raised shield will leave a coarser finished surface.
OPERATION 14 BEFCO
ENGINE DRIVEN TILLER OPERATOR’SMANUAL

3.10 - Working Limitations
If the tiller does not penetrate the ground easily, conditions may be too dry, tough or
compacted. This condition is evidenced by vibration and jumping of the machine. Also
check that the blades are properly installed with the proper scroll (see fig. 3).
The combination of excessively hard ground and rocky conditions will greatly reduce the
life of the blades. Under these extreme conditions it may be wise not to use the tiller as
the primary tillage tool and therefore it is advised to run over the ground with a disc or
plow prior to tilling.
3.11 - Uneven Terrain
DANGER: Be careful of rollover when operating towing vehicle and tiller over
uneven ground.
The following precautions should always be observed when working on uneven terrain:
1. In extremely uneven terrain rear wheel weights, front tractor weights, and/or tire
ballast should be used to improve stability.
2. Observe the type of terrain and develop a safe working pattern.
3. Whenever traction or stability is doubtful, first test drive over the terrain without
attaching the tiller.
4. Operate the implement up and down steep slopes, not across slopes, to prevent the
towing vehicle from tipping. Avoid sudden stops and starts, and slow down before
changing directions on a slope.
5. Pass diagonally through sharp dips and avoid sharp drops to prevent hanging up the
towing vehicle and implement.
6. Slow down on sharp turns and slopes to prevent tipping or loss of control.
7. Watch for holes, roots or other hidden objects. Do not use near the edge of a gully,
ditch or stream bank.
3.10 - Transport
Before transporting:
1. Always select a safe ground speed that is appropriate for the terrain.
2. Beware of traffic on public roads. Install a SMV (Slow Moving Vehicle) sign when
traveling on roads or streets. Comply with all federal, state and local laws.
3. Reduce ground speed when turning and take care that the implement does not strike
obstacles such as trees, fences or buildings.
OPERATION 15 BEFCO
ENGINE DRIVEN TILLER OPERATOR’SMANUAL

4 - MAINTENANCE
DANGER: Stop tiller engine, stop towing vehicle engine, lock parking brake,
remove key and disconnect spark plug wire, before performing any service or
maintenance.
Install blocks or stands under the machine to prevent it from falling. Always use
personal protection devices, such as glasses or gloves when performing
maintenance.
Keep fingers out of slots to prevent injury.
4.01 - Maintenance Safety
1. Good maintenance is your responsibility.
2. Keep service area clean and dry. Be sure electrical outlets and tools are properly
grounded. Use adequate light for the job at hand.
3. Make sure there is plenty of ventilation. Never operate the engine of the tiller or the
towing vehicle in a closed building. The exhaust fumes may cause asphyxiation.
4. Make no repair or adjustments with the engine running. Before working on the
machine, shut off both engines, set the brakes, remove the ignition key and
disconnect spark plug wire.
5. Be certain all moving parts on attachment have come to a complete stop before
attempting to perform maintenance.
6. Never work under equipment unless it is blocked securely.
7. Always use personal protection devices such as eye, hand and hearing protectors,
when performing any service or maintenance.
8. Frequently check blades. They should be sharp, free of nicks and cracks and
securely fastened.
9. Periodically tighten all bolts, nuts and screws and check that all cotter pins are
properly installed to ensure unit is in a safe condition.
10.When completing a maintenance or service function, make sure all safety shields
and devices are installed before placing unit in service.
11.Do not attempt to mount a tire unless you have the proper equipment and
experience to do the job.
12.Inflating or servicing tires can be dangerous. Whenever possible, trained personnel
should be called to service and/or mount tires.
13.If fuel needs to be added, allow engine to cool before filling. Use only approved
funnel and container to handle gasoline. Do not fuel tank indoors. Wipe up spilled
gasoline.
MAINTENANCE 16 BEFCO
ENGINE DRIVEN TILLER OPERATOR’SMANUAL

14.After servicing, be sure all tools, parts and service equipment are removed.
15.Never replace hex bolts with less than grade five bolts unless otherwise specified,
i.e. shear bolts5.
16.Where replacement parts are necessary for periodic maintenance and servicing,
genuine replacement parts must be used to restore your equipment to original
specifications. The Company will not claim responsibility for use of unapproved parts
and/or accessories and any other damages as a result of their use.
17.Unauthorized modifications to the machine may impair the function and/or safety of
the machine and reduce its life. If equipment has been altered in any way from
original design, the manufacturer does not accept any liability for injury or warranty.
4.02 - Service
The accompanying illustrations show lubrication points. The chart gives the frequency of
lubrication in hours, based on normal operating conditions. Severe or unusual
conditions may require more frequent lubrication.
Use a good quality SAE multipurpose type grease for all locations shown. Be sure to
clean fittings thoroughly before using grease gun.
Use 90 wt. or 140 wt. gear oil in gearbox.
Refer to engine manufacturer operator’s manual for service requirements on engine.
1. Hourly: Remove any wrapping (stalks, weeds, trash, etc.) from tiller, especially from
around bearing supports on the rotor ends.
2. Daily: Ensure blades are not broken and bolts are tight. Grease the rotor support.
Check the gearbox for oil level.
3. Weekly: Check the blades for excessive wear or damage. Ensure the rotor turns
freely. Inspect the chain in the chain case and make sure it is well lubricated.
4. After the first 200 hours: Remove the chain case cover (being sure not to damage
the gasket), clean the chain sprockets with kerosene, replace the sprockets and
reassemble using fresh GP grease (approximately 2.2 lb.).
4.03 - Blade Maintenance
WARNING: Avoid possible injury, wear proper eye and hand protection when
servicing tiller blades.
It is important to change blades after they have worn down 1” to 1¼” from their
original length. When replacing blades, it is best to replace them one at a time to
maintain the original scroll pattern. If, however, it becomes necessary to remove them
all, it is essential to maintain the scroll pattern of the blades (see fig. 3). To do this,
MAINTENANCE 17 BEFCO
ENGINE DRIVEN TILLER OPERATOR’SMANUAL
5Refer to Table 1 - Torque Specifications, for head identification marking, page 0.

remove one blade and immediately replace it with a new one. Be sure the bolt head
(see #3, fig. 4) is touching the blade (#4), while the washer (#5) and nut (#6) contact
the flange. Sometimes a lock nut is used instead of a lock washer and nut. Proceed until
all blades needed to be changed are changed.
After installing the new blades, tighten the nuts to their proper torque specifications.
To determine if a blade is right or left, do the following:
1. Hold the blade in the palm of the hand with the bend pointing upward and away from
you.
2. If the cutting edge points towards the right then the blade is right-handed.
3. The cutting edge pointing to the left indicates a left-handed blade.
MAINTENANCE 18 BEFCO
ENGINE DRIVEN TILLER OPERATOR’SMANUAL
Fig. 3
Fig. 4
12
3
4
5
6
1. rotor shaft
2. flange
3. bolt
4. blade
5. washer
6. nut

TABLE 1 - TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS
When using lock washers with nuts, increase torque values by 5%. 35574823219429749781326
121-1/2”
260735351830248211311534
4M36 31614286194926438691179
61-1/2”
16592250118016007381000
2M30 27123677167322687461011
121-3/8”
1499203310471420668906
3.5M30 2382323014691992655888
61-3/8”
117615948251119530719
2M27 2012272812411682553750
121-1/4”
110314967741050484656
3M27 1817246311201519500677
71-1/4”
8081095567769360488
2M24 144519588911208397539
121-1/8”
7501017526714327444
3M24 128817467941077354480
71-1/8”
644873452613281381
1.5M22 9951348704955273371
121”
595807418567254344
2.5M22 9091232644873250339
81”
476646335454212288
1.5M20 668906473642184249
147/8”
437592306415189256
2.5M20 606822430582167226
97/8”
343465241327150203
1.5M18 420569297403192261
163/4”
327443229311145196
2M18 376509266361172233
103/4”
310421218295133181
2.5M18 240325170230110149
185/8”
236320161218104141
1.5M16 21228715020397132
115/8”
22330215220697131
2M16 17123212116479106
189/16”
1542091051426994
1.5M14 1542081091477095
129/16”
144195981336284
2M14 120163851155575
201/2”
9813366904459
1.25M12 106144751024866
131/2”
9412864874156
1.5M12 7810655753648
207/16”
9112362844054
1.75M12 709549673243
147/16”
587839532635
1M10 496735472331
243/8”
557538512433
1.25M10 445931422027
163/8”
527135482331
1.5M10 273719261317
245/16”
283819261317
1M8 253317241115
185/16”
273618251216
1.25M8 1419101368
281/4”
111571046
1M6 121681157
201/4”
794634
0.8M5
ft-lbN.mft-lbN.mft-lbN.m
Thread
inch
tpi
Bolt
size
inch
ft-lbN.mft-lbN.mft-lbN.m
Thread
mm
Bolt
size
mm
Grade 8Grade 5Grade 2
Inch (SAE)
treaded
bolts head
marking
Class 10.9
Class 8.8Class 5.8
Metric (ISO)
treaded
bolts head
marking
TABLE 2 - SERIES E ROTARY TILLER - TECHNICAL FEATURES
7.2”9-22Kohler 8 HP20533547”42”E42-530
Working
depth
Chain
sprockets
Engine# of blades# of flangesWeight lbs.Overall width
Working
width
Model
Series E Engine Driven Rotary Tillers - Chain: ASA 60
MAINTENANCE 19 BEFCO
ENGINE DRIVEN TILLER OPERATOR’SMANUAL

5 - REPAIR PROCEDURES
CAUTION: All repair procedures must be done by authorized dealerships. It is not
recommended that untrained individuals perform any repair work. The following
operations are detailed for qualified personnel only.
5.01 - Gearbox
Whenever the bearings are removed from the gearbox, all oil seals should be replaced
to assure no leaks when the box is reassembled.
To avoid damage to components, bearings should always be removed with bearing
pullers and pressed in when being replaced.
When reassembling the gearbox, ensure that there is precise mesh between ring and
pinion gears.
5.02 - Chain Case
To remove the chain do the following:
1. Unbolt chain case cover.
2. Remove the chain case cover taking care not to damage the gasket.
3. Release the automatic chain tensioner spring.
4. Remove the two snap rings holding the chain sprockets.
5. Slip off both chain sprockets at the same time.
To replace the chain follow the procedure in reverse order, ensuring the gasket is not
damaged. If damaged it must be changed.
To shorten the chain one link (1.25”) do the following:
1. Remove two links.
2. Replace the two links with one offset connector (false link).
3. Reconnect with the other links.
To shorten the chain two links (2.5”) do the following:
1. Remove two links.
2. Reconnect with the other links.
REPAIR PROCEDURES 20 BEFCO
ENGINE DRIVEN TILLER OPERATOR’SMANUAL