Farm King 45 Series Product manual

OperatOr and parts Manual
092010 FK366
Rotary Tiller
45 Series - 60"& 72"

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Table of Contents - 45 Series Rotary Tiller
Table of Contents
Introduction .................................................................................................................................5
Safety ............................................................................................................................................6
• Safety ................................................................................................................................6
• General Safety ..................................................................................................................7
• Start-up Safety .................................................................................................................7
• Operation Safety ..............................................................................................................7
• Transport Safety ...............................................................................................................7
• Service and Maintenance Safety ....................................................................................8
• Storage Safety ..................................................................................................................8
• Safety Signs .....................................................................................................................8
• Safety Sign Installation ...................................................................................................8
Assembly ....................................................................................................................................10
• Assembly Instructions ...................................................................................................10
Start-up ......................................................................................................................................10
• Machine Break-in ...........................................................................................................10
• Pre-operation Checklist .................................................................................................. 11
Operation ...................................................................................................................................12
• Machine Components ....................................................................................................12
• Equipment Matching .....................................................................................................13
• Driveline Dimension ......................................................................................................14
• Attaching/Unhooking .....................................................................................................16
• Field Operation ...............................................................................................................17
• Transporting ...................................................................................................................19
• Theory of Operation ......................................................................................................20
• Storage ...........................................................................................................................21
Maintenance ..............................................................................................................................22
• Service ............................................................................................................................22
• Fluids and Lubricants ....................................................................................................22
• Greasing .........................................................................................................................22
• Servicing Intervals .........................................................................................................23
• A-frame Adjustment ......................................................................................................24
• Time Replacement .........................................................................................................25
• Slip Clutch .......................................................................................................................25
• Clutch Maintenance .......................................................................................................26

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Table of Contents - 45 Series Rotary Tiller
• Troubleshooting .............................................................................................................27
Bolt Torque .................................................................................................................................28
• Checking Bolt Torque .....................................................................................................28
Parts Drawings ...........................................................................................................................29
• Tiller Drawings ...............................................................................................................29
• Tiller Parts List ................................................................................................................31
• PTO Assembly Drawing .................................................................................................34
• PTO Assembly Parts List ................................................................................................35
• Gearbox Drawing and Parts List ...................................................................................36
Shipping Kit and Bundle Numbers ..........................................................................................37
Warranty .....................................................................................................................................38
Manufacturer’s statement: for technical reasons Buhler Industries Inc. reserves the right to modify
machinery design and specifications provided herein without any preliminary notice.
Information provided herein is of descriptive nature. Performance quality may depend on soil fertility,
applied agricultural techniques, weather conditions and other factors.

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Introduction
Farm King has a collection of rotary tiller models to suit your garden and landscaping needs. The
45 Series Tiller attaches to the 3-point hitch as well as Cat. 1 Quick Hitch and is designed to fit a
variety of tractors, from 25 hp to 45 hp. Tilling widths range from 55" to 69" in the 45 Series.
The tilling shaft is equipped with six to eight flanges, depending on the model. Flanges on all
series are available with four tines. This provides an optimum balance between performance and
durability, even in heavy soils and when breaking untilled soil.
Standard on all Farm King Rotary Tillers, the skid shoes are adjustable so it is easy to set the
perfect tilling depth. The automatic chain tightener is standard on all models. This ensures the
chain remains tight even under the toughest tilling conditions. Housed within a sealed oil bath,
the chain tightener is designed to be reliable and maintenance-free. Getting close to the fences,
hedges or covering a tire track is easy with the side shift feature. The entire unit can be pushed to
one side, while the PTO shaft remains in line with the tractor to minimize stress on the universal
joint.
Keep this manual handy for frequent reference. All new operators or owners must review the
manual before using the equipment and at least annually thereafter. Contact your Farm King
Dealer if you need assistance, information, or additional copies of the manual. Visit our website at
www.buhlerindustries.com for a complete list of dealers in your area.
The directions left, right, front and rear, as mentioned throughout this manual, are as seen facing
in the direction of travel of the implement.
Introduction - 45 Series Rotary Tiller

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Safety - 45 Series Rotary Tiller
Safety
Safety Instructions
Remember, YOU are the key to safety. Good safety practices not only protect you, but also the
people around you. Make these practices a working part of your safety program. Be certain that
everyone operating this equipment is familiar with the recommended operating and maintenance
procedures and follows all the safety precautions. Most accidents can be prevented. Do not risk
injury or death by ignoring good safety practices.
The alert symbol is used throughout this manual. It indicates attention is required and identifies
hazards. Follow the recommended precautions.
The safety alert symbol means…
ATTENTION! BECOME ALERT! YOUR SAFETY IS INVOLVED!
CAUTION
The caution symbol indicates a potentially hazardous situation
that, if not avoided, may result in minor or moderate injury. It
may also be used to alert against unsafe practices.
WARNING
The Warning Symbol 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.
DANGER
The Danger Symbol indicates an imminently hazardous situation
that, if not avoided will result in death or serious injury. This
signal word is to be limited to the most extreme situations,
typically for machine components that, for functional purposes,
cannot be guarded.

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Safety - 45 Series Rotary Tiller
General Safety Instructions
• Have a first-aid kit available for use and know how to use it.
• Have a fire extinguisher available, stored in a highly visible location, and know how to use it.
• Wear appropriate protective gear. This list may include but is not limited to:
- hard hat
- protective shoes with slip resistant soles
- protective glasses or goggles
- heavy gloves
- wet weather gear
- hearing protection
- respirator or filter mask
• Read and understand the Operator’s Manual and all safety signs before operating, servicing,
adjusting, repairing, or unplugging the equipment.
• Do not attempt any unauthorized modifications to your Farm King product as this could
affect function or safety, and could affect the life of the equipment.
• Never start or operate the mower except from the operator’s station on the power unit.
• Inspect and clean the working area before operating.
• Keep hands, feet, clothing, and hair away from moving parts.
• Ensure bystanders are clear of the area before operating.
Start-up Safety
• Do not let inexperienced operators or children run this equipment.
• Place all tractor and machine controls in neutral before starting.
• Operate only with ROPS and seatbelt equipped tractors.
• Do not operate inside a building unless there is adequate ventilation.
• Ensure all shields are in place and in good condition before operating.
• Stay clear of PTO shaft and machine when engaging PTO.
Operation Safety
• Do not permit riders.
• Do not wear loose fitting clothing during operation.
• Never operate over 540 PTO rpm speed.
• Never operate the equipment in the raised position.
Transport Safety
• Review Transport Safety instructions in tractor manual before moving.
• Check with local authorities regarding transport on public roads. Obey all applicable laws
and regulations.
• Make sure the SMV (Slow Moving Vehicle) emblem and all the lights and reflectors that are
required by the local highway and transport authorities are in place, are clean, and can be
seen clearly by all overtaking and oncoming traffic.
• Never have the equipment in operation during transport.
• Always travel at a safe speed.

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Service and Maintenance Safety
• Stop engine, set brake, remove ignition key, and wait for all moving parts to stop before
servicing, adjusting, repairing, or unplugging.
• Support the equipment with blocks or safety stands before working beneath it.
• Follow good shop practices including:
- keep service area clean and dry
- be sure electrical outlets and tools are properly grounded
- use adequate light for the job.
• Use only tools, jacks, and hoists of sufficient capacity for the job.
• Replace and secure all shields removed during servicing before operating.
• Use heavy leather gloves to handle sharp objects.
Storage Safety
• Store the unit in an area away from human activity.
• Do not permit children to play on or around the stored machine.
• Support the frame on stands and blocks to provide a secure base.
Safety Signs
• The following illustration shows the approximate location and detail of safety signs.
• Keep all safety signs clean and legible and replace any that are damaged or missing.
• When original parts are replaced, any safety signs affixed to those parts should be replaced
as well. Replacement safety signs are available from your local dealer.
Installation
• To install safety signs, ensure the installation area is clean and dry. Decide on the exact
position before you remove the backing paper. Remove the smallest portion of the split
backing paper and align over the specified area. Carefully press in place.
• Slowly peel back the remaining paper and smooth the remaining portion in place. Small air
pockets can be pierced with a pin and smoothed out.
Safety - 45 Series Rotary Tiller

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Safety - 45 Series Rotary Tiller
• Replace safety signs immediately should they become damaged, torn or illegible.
Obtain replacements from your authorized dealer using the part numbers shown.
A
B
C

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Assembly / Start-up - 45 Series Rotary Tiller
Assembly Instructions
The machine is shipped with the PTO shaft not installed.
To install the PTO driveline on the machine, follow this procedure.
1. Clear the area of bystanders, especially small children.
2. Clean the splines on the yoke and the input shaft.
3. Align the splines on the yoke and the shaft.
4. Attach the driveline to the tiller by removing the tapered pin and sliding the yoke onto the
gearbox shaft. Line up the pin with the groove in the gearbox shaft and fasten with the tapered
pin. The plastic gearbox PTO guard has a removable door on top to access the pin. The A-frame
brace can be removed to improve accessibility. Replace the brace after tightening the nut on
the tapered pin.
5. Be sure the yoke is locked in position. Pull on the yoke to be sure the pin clicks into position.
6. Be sure that the PTO shaft is the appropriate length for the tractor/Tiller combination. Refer to
Driveline Dimension Section for details.
Start-up
Machine Break-in
Although there are no operational restrictions on the Tiller when used for the first time, it is
recommended that the following mechanical items be checked:
• After operating for 1/2 hour or after completing 1/2 acre:
- Check all nuts, bolts and other fasteners. Tighten to their specified torque level.
- Check that the blades are in good condition and bolted securely to the rotor.
- Check the oil level in the gearbox. Add as required.
- Check that the PTO driveline shield turns freely.
- Lubricate all grease points.
• After operating for 5 hours and 10 hours:
- Repeat the items above.
- Then go to the regular service schedule as defined in Section 5.

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Pre-operation Checklist
Efficient and safe operation of the Rotary Tiller requires that each operator reads and understands
the operating procedures and all related safety precautions outlined in this section. A pre-operation
checklist is provided for the operator. It is important for both personal safety and maintaining the
good mechanical condition of the Tiller that this checklist is followed.
• Before operating the machine and each time thereafter, the following areas should be checked
off:
□Lubricate the machine per the schedule outlined in the Service and Maintenance Section.
□Use only a tractor of adequate power and weight to pull the machine.
□Check that the machine is properly attached to the tractor. Be sure retainers are used on the
mounting pins.
□Check the oil level in the gearbox. Add as required.
□Check that the PTO driveline shield turns freely and that the driveline can telescope easily.
Clean and lubricate if required.
□Check the blades. Be sure they are not damaged or broken and are bolted securely to the
rotor. Repair or replace as required.
□Remove any entangled material on rotating parts.
□Install and secure all guards, doors and covers before starting.
□The four socket set screws on the inside of the PTO clutch assembly must be turned out as far
as they go to engage the clutch.
Start-up - 45 Series Rotary Tiller

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Operation Instructions
The Farm King 45 Series Rotary Tiller is a machine that combines the primary and secondary
tillage operation into one machine. It breaks up the soil and prepares the seed bed in one pass.
Rotational power to the rotor is provided by the tractor PTO. Be familiar with the machine before
starting.
NOTE: It is the responsibility of the owner or operator to read this manual and to train all other
operators before they start working with the machine. Follow all safety instructions exactly. Safety
is everyone's business. By following recommended procedures, a safe working environment is
provided for the operator, bystanders and the area around the work site. Untrained operators are
not qualified to operate the machine.
Many features incorporated into this machine are the result of suggestions made by customers
like you. Read this manual carefully to learn how to operate the machine safely and how to set it
to provide maximum field efficiency. By following the operating instructions in conjunction with a
good maintenance program, your Tiller will provide many years of trouble free service.
Machine Components
The Farm King 45 Series Rotary Tiller consists of a rotating drum that is equipped with bent blades
for breaking up and leveling soil. The blades are turned through the soil while the machine moves
over the working area. A Drag Shield is used to maintain a level seedbed. Rotational power to the
drum is provided by the PTO on the tractor. The power is transmitted through the gearbox in the
center of the machine to the chain drive down the side. The A-frame can be moved to offset the
machine.
A - Point A-frame
B - PTO Driveline
C - Gear Box
D - Chain Drive
E - Rotor
F - Blades
G - Skid Plates
Operation - 45 Series Rotary Tiller

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Operation - 45 Series Rotary Tiller
Equipment Matching
To insure the safe and reliable operation of the Tiller, it is necessary to use a tractor with the correct
specifications. Use the following list as a guide in selecting a tractor to use on the machine.
1. Horsepower: Use Table 1 as a guide in selecting the tractor horsepower appropriate for your
width of machine. Use only small Agricultural tractors on this machine.
Table 1 - Horsepower vs. Width
Model Width Horsepower
4560 60 inches (1.5m) 45 max.
4572 72 inches (1.8m) 45 max.
ALERT Do not exceed the recommended horsepower levels. The use of
horsepower will void the warranty.
2. 3- Point Hitch: The Tiller is equipped with a Category 1, 3-point hitch. Be sure the tractor
3-point hitch is in the Category 1 configuration. Install the lift arm blocks or shorten the stop
chains to place the arms into the non-sway configuration. Refer to the tractor manual for
details.
3. Load Sensing Hydraulics: Many newer tractors are equipped with “Load Sensing” hydraulics.
It is the responsibility of the operator to set the tractor hydraulic system to provide “float” on
the 3-point hitch. Refer to Tractor Manual for details. The float feature will allow the machine to
follow the ground contours during operation.
4. PTO Shaft: The tractor must have a 1-3/8" 6 spline 540 rpm PTO shaft to fit the driveline shaft
supplied with the machine. Do not use shaft adapters or operate at any other speed. It is
not recommended that a tractor with variable speed PTO’s be used on the Tiller. Operating at
speeds faster than 540 rpm will overload the drivetrain and lead to early failures.
Attach the safety chains supplied with the PTO shaft, allowing sufficient slack for the driveline
during turns and operation. Check booklet attached to the PTO for instructions.

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Driveline Dimension
A PTO driveline is supplied with the machine. To accommodate the variety of 3-point hitch
geometry available today, the driveline can be too long for some machines and must be cut.
It is very important that the driveline be free to telescope but not bottom out when going through
its working range. If the driveline bottoms out, the bearings on both the machine and tractor PTO
shaft will be overloaded and fail in a short time.
If cutting the drive is necessary, follow this procedure:
1. Clear the area of bystanders, especially small children.
2. Attach the Tiller to the tractor but do not attach the driveline.
3. Raise the implement until the input gearbox shaft is at the closest point to the tractor output
shaft.
4. In this position, measure the dimension between the locking groove on the tractor output shaft
and the groove on the Tiller input shaft.
5. Measure the pin to pin dimension on the compressed driveline.
6. If the driveline pin to pin dimension (B) exceeds the groove to groove dimension, the driveline
should be cut.
Operation - 45 Series Rotary Tiller

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Operation - 45 Series Rotary Tiller
7. Pull the driveline apart and cut 1/2 of the dimension determined in step 5 from each end. Add
another 1/2" (12mm) to each cut off segment.
8. Be sure to use a hacksaw to cut 1/2 from each end of the separated shaft. Cut both the plastic
tube and the metal cores.
9. Use a file to remove the burrs from the edges that were cut.
10. Assemble the two ends of the shaft.
11. Make sure that the shaft can telescope freely. If it does not, separate the two parts and inspect
for burrs or cuttings on the shaft ends. Be sure it telescopes freely before installing.
12. Make sure the plastic covering shield is free to rotate on the shaft before installing on the
machine.

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Attaching/Unhooking
The Tiller should always be located on a level, dry area that is free of debris and other foreign
objects. When attaching the machine to a tractor, follow this procedure:
1. Clear the area of bystanders, especially small children.
2. Be sure the tractor 3-point hitch is in the Category 1 configuration and the lift arms are in the
non sway configuration (See tractor manual).
3. Make sure there is enough room and clearance to safely back up to the Tiller.
4. Attach the PTO driveline to the Tiller if it was removed for storage (See Assembly).
5. While backing up, align the lift arm balls with the mounting pins on the Tiller.
ALERT It may be necessary to add weight to the 3-point hitch to lower
the lift arms.
6. Stop tractor, set park brake, remove ignition key and wait for all moving parts to stop before
dismounting.
7. If your tractor is not equipped with a Quick Hitch:
- Align the left lower link arm with the mounting pin.
- Slide the ball over the pin and install the Linch Pin.
- Use the screw jack on the right lift arm to align the ball with the pin.
- Slide the ball over the mounting pin and install the Linch Pin.
- Level the frame using the screw jack.
- Remove retainer and pin from the mast.
- Align top link using the turnbuckle.
- Insert pin and install Linch Pin
- Level frame using the turnbuckle.
8. Attach the PTO driveline:
- Check that the driveline telescopes easily and that the shield rotates freely.
CAUTION Be sure that the driveline does not bottom out when going
through its working angles.
- Attach the driveline to the tractor by retracting the locking pin, slide the yoke over the shaft
and push on the yoke until the lock pin clicks into position. Pull on the yoke to be sure it is
locked in position.
- Attach the anchor chain on the driveline shield to the frame.
Operation - 45 Series Rotary Tiller

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9. Use the 3-point hitch to raise the machine.
10. Remove the blocks from under the Depth Gauge Shoes.
11. Reverse the above procedure when unhooking from the tractor.
Field Operation
Farm King 45 Series Rotary Tillers are designed with the inherent flexibility of operating well in
almost any kind of soil and terrain conditions. However, the operator has the responsibility of
being familiar with all operating and safety procedures and following them.
Each operator should review this section of the manual at the start of the season and as often as
required to be familiar with the machine. When using, follow this procedure:
1. Review and follow the pre-operation checklist. Review Safety Instructions.
2. Attach the tractor to the machine.
3. Before going to the field review Transporting Section, pull into the field and position the
machine in a level area.
4. Lower into working position.
5. Set the machine.
- Level the frame: Use the screw jack on the right lift arm to level the frame from side to side.
- Depth: Use the Depth Gauge Shoes on each side to set the operating depth. Position the
Depth Gauge Shoes in the top hole for shallow tilling and in the bottom hole for deep
tilling.
ALERT
In soft soil conditions, the skid plates become less effective and
sink into the ground. Use the turnbuckle on the top link to set the
frame angle so the bottom of the Depth Gauge Shoes are level
when operating.
- Offset: The Category Pin Brackets can be moved 3" to 4" along the Deck Assembly to either
side of center if required. Center the machine for normal operation. Offset if the tire tracks
are wider than the machine or when tilling around trees, bushes or other areas.
- Drag Shield: Adjust the chain in the Adjustment Bracket to set the height of the Drag
Shield. Set the Drag Shield to just contact the tilled soil when operating.
Operation - 45 Series Rotary Tiller

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6. Align the unit with the working area.
7. Starting Machine:
- Run the engine at low idle
- Slowly engage the PTO control to start the machine.
- Slowly bring the engine to the rated PTO speed. Never exceed rated speed.
- Lower the machine to the ground and proceed down the field.
8. Stopping Machine:
- Slowly decrease engine speed to low idle.
- Raise machine out of the ground.
- Disengage PTO clutch slowly.
CAUTION
Place all controls in neutral, lower machine, stop engine, set park
brake, remove ignition key and wait for all moving parts to stop
before dismounting.
9. Ground Speed: Travel speed can vary between 2 and 5 mph (3 and 8 km/h) depending on the
soil and terrain conditions. It is the responsibility of the operator to note the condition of the
job being done and set the speed to obtain a quality tilling job and maintain control of the
machine. The speed can be increased to optimize tilling. Decrease speed if you want the soil
worked to a finer texture.
10. Operating Hints:
- Determine the moisture content of the soil before starting. Soil that is too wet will “ball-up”
in the rotor blades making tilling impossible. Sandy soils normally can be worked better
than heavy clay or loam soils. It is the responsibility of the operator to determine the soil
type and moisture content before starting. It may be necessary to wait for the soil to dry
out before starting to work.
- Set the length of the Top Link to obtain the quality of the job desired without needlessly
using power and fuel in churning the soil. Use the condition of the seedbed as your guide.
- When tilling hard or compacted soils, it is recommended that two passes be used when
working. Use the Depth Gauge Shoes on each side of the frame to adjust the tilling
depth of the machine. The second pass should be made at an angle to the first to give a
consistent job and minimize compaction.
- Always remove heavy crop cover, all grass and weeds, before starting to prevent rotor
plugging.
- The rotation of the Tines propel the machine in the forward direction. Always use the
tractor transmission to control the speed of forward travel.
- Always disengage the PTO control and raise the machine out of the ground before
depressing the master clutch on the tractor.
- Use low gear on the tractor to start the job. Increase the speed of forward travel only as the
quality of the job and power available will allow.
- If the slip clutch slips, reduce the ground speed or raise the machine slightly out of the
ground.
Operation - 45 Series Rotary Tiller

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Transporting
When transporting the machine, review and follow these instructions:
1. Be sure all bystanders are clear of the machine.
2. Be sure that the machine is securely attached to the tractor and all retainer pins are installed.
3. Clean the SMV emblem, lights and reflectors and be sure they are working.
4. Be sure you are in compliance with all applicable lighting and marking regulations when
transporting. Check with your local authorities.
5. Be sure your machine can clearly be seen by overtaking and oncoming traffic.
6. Keep to the right and yield the right of way to allow faster traffic to pass. Drive on the road
shoulder if permitted by law.
7. Do not allow riders.
8. Always use hazard flashers on the tractor when transporting unless prohibited by law.
9. Use pilot vehicles front and rear when transporting during times of limited visibility.
10. Never transport the machine faster than 20 mph (32 km/h). The ratio of the tractor weight
to the Tiller weight plays an important role in defining acceptable travel speed. Table 2
summarizes the recommended travel speed to weight ratio.
Table 2 - Speed vs. Weight Ratio
Road Speed Weight of fully equipped or loaded implement(s)
relative to weight of towing machine
Up to 20 mph (32 km/h) 1 to 1, or less
Up to 10 mph (16 km/h) 2 to 1, or less
Do not tow More than 2 to 1
Operation - 45 Series Rotary Tiller

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Operation - 45 Series Rotary Tiller
Theory of Operation