Kunz Till-Ease 543 User manual

OWNER’S MANUAL
With Assembly Instructions
For Model: 543
KUNZ ENGINEERING, INC. / MENDOTA, IL 61342 / PH (815) 539-6954
1/18
43” FIELD CULTIVATOR / CHISEL PLOW

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1
SAFETY INTRODUCTION
Your safety, and the safety of others, is very important. To help you make informed
decisions about safety, we have provided operating procedures and other information in
this manual. This information alerts you to potential hazards that could hurt you or others.
This safety alert symbol is used to indicate safety instructions. Follow these
instructions to avoid personal injury and/or property damage. Read and follow all
instructions in this manual and the included engine manual.
You will find important safety information in the following form:
Safety Messages – preceded by a safety alert symbol and one of three signal
words: DANGER, WARNING, or CAUTION.
These signal words mean:
DANGER: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 which, for functional purposes, cannot be guarded.
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. It may also be used to alert against unsafe practices.
This entire manual is filled with important safety information. Please read it
carefully.

2
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
WARNING: Do not allow anyone to operate this equipment who has not fully read and
comprehended the safety manual and who has not been properly trained in the safe
operation of the equipment.
WARNING: Operator should be familiar with all functions of the unit.
WARNING: Keep bystander clear while operating equipment.
CAUTION: Only operate the tillage tool’s electric lift while seated on tow vehicle.
WARNING: Do not store extra coulters or sweeps in an upside down position in the shank
receivers.
WARNING: Do not allow riders.
CAUTION:Lower implement, stop engine, set brake and remove key before servicing,
adjusting, repairing or unplugging.
CAUTION:Safely support and secure implement before making repairs.
CAUTION:Do not stand or climb on equipment.
WARNING: Follow all safety precautions outlined by the manufacturer of the tow vehicle
being used to pull this product.
This entire manual is filled with important safety information. Please read it
carefully.
FOR QUESTIONS, COMMENTS OR
TROUBLESHOOTING
PLEASE CONTACT
KUNZ ENGINEERING INC. AT
(815) 539-6954

3
ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS
Read the complete assembly instructions before starting the assembly.
You should have:
- one tillage tool assembly
- one lift control wiring assembly
- five 9” cultivator sweeps with five bevel washer spacers
A. ASSEMBLY OF TONGUE
CAUTION: Steps 1 and 2 should be performed with caution. Care should be taken to
prevent back injuries or other lifting related injuries.
1. The crated tillage tool should have arrived in a vertical position. Lay the crate down with the
tires positioned towards the ground. Remove the crate and position the tillage tool on it’s side.
Remove the center coulter assembly by removing the wire lock pin. At this time the tongue
can be rotated in a counter-clockwise direction towards the front of the tillage tool assembly.
Reinstall the center coulter assembly and fasten securely with the wire lock pin that was
previously removed. (See Figure 1.)
Figure 1. – Tillage Tool Parts
Weight Rack
Coulter Shank
Tongue
Coulter
Sweep
Shank
Top Link

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2. Position the tillage tool assembly upright on the tires.
3. Measure the hitch height on your tow vehicle. For hitch heights of 11” or less use the lower
tongue mounting holes. For hitch heights of greater than 11” use the upper tongue mounting
holes. (See Figure 2.) The factory tongue setting is in the lower position. To reposition the
tongue remove the provided 5/8” x 2” bolts, lock washers and nuts, align proper holes and
reinstall and secure the bolts, lock washers and nuts.
4. Remove the provided 3/4” x 3 bolt , lock washer, and nut from the loose end of the top link.
Align the top link with the free arm on the tongue. Install and securely fasten the bolt, lock
washer and nut that was previously removed.
Figure 2. – Tongue Assembly and Adjustment
B. INSTALLATION OF THE LIFT CONTROL WIRING ASSEMBLY
1. Using the provided “U” bolts, securely fasten the lift control panel to the tow vehicle. On most
ATVs, the “U” bolts will allow easy installation on the rack.
2. There are two separate electrical cables extending from the lift control panel. There should be
a cable that contains battery clips and another cable that has a connector attached to the end.
Attach the connector side to the actuator connector. Attach the battery clips to the appropriate
terminals on a battery (red attaches to the positive terminal and black to the negative terminal).
Note: Extra electrical cable length can be purchased (Extension Cable Part #235067) if
needed. In some applications it may be necessary to have extra length to reach the
battery or reposition the lift control panel.
3. Securely fasten the electrical cable that extends back to the actuator. Using the provided
plastic ties, fasten the cable to the tongue and tow vehicle. Position the disconnect plug such
that it can be easily disconnected when the tillage tool is removed from the rear of the tow
vehicle.
Tongue position
for hitch heights
of 11” or less
Tongue position
for hitch heights
of greater than
11”
Top Link
Handle
Locking
Tab
Top Link

5
OPERATIONS AND ADJUSTMENTS
This safety alert symbol is used to indicate safety instructions. Follow
these instructions to avoid personal injury and/or property damage.
Read and follow all instructions in this manual.
WARNING: Do not allow anyone to operate this equipment who has not fully read and
comprehended the safety manual and who has not been properly trained in the safe
operation of the equipment.
WARNING: Operator should be familiar with all functions of the unit.
WARNING: Keep bystander clear while operating equipment.
CAUTION: Only operate the tillage tool’s electric lift while seated on tow vehicle.
WARNING: Do not store extra coulters or sweeps in an upside down position in the shank
receivers.
WARNING: Do not allow riders.
CAUTION:Lower implement, stop engine, set brake and remove key before servicing,
adjusting, repairing or unplugging.
CAUTION:Safely support and secure implement before making repairs.
CAUTION:Do not stand or climb on equipment.
A. LEVELING THE TOOL
This tool is equipped with a leveling device to adjust for different hitch heights as well as to make
the tool level. When adjusted properly, the tool will stay relatively level throughout the height
adjustment range.
Note: When leveled, the tool will operate more efficiently in the ground. An unleveled tool can
result in improper coulter or sweep function.
1. Remove the hitch pin from the tongue and attach the tongue to the hitch on the tow vehicle.
2. This leveling can be done by adjusting the top link. Unlock the locking tab on the top link.
Turning the handle on the top link counter-clockwise will raise the rear end of the tool and
clock-wise will lower the rear end of the tool. After adjustments are made, lock the top link in
place. (See Figure 2.)
Note: Depending on ground conditions, slight adjustments may need to be made after the tool
is placed in the ground at the desired depth.

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B. COULTER FUNCTION
This model is equipped with five separate coulters. The coulters serve as cutting blades and are
meant for light debris cutting, ground scoring for better ground shatter and aiding in reducing clod
size. If the debris is not cut the shanks tend to collect debris and act as a rake. This in turn will
prevent normal operation. In many cases 150-300lbs of added weight is very effective in helping
the coulters to penetrate. If the coulters do not penetrate, then the coulters will not function as
effectively. It may take slight leveling adjustments with the top link to provide good coulter
penetration as well as sweep depth.
C. SELECTING THE PROPER SWEEP – Refer to Figure 3.
This tool is equipped with two types of sweeps, reversible chisel point sweeps and 9” field
cultivator sweeps. Selecting the proper sweep is critical in helping the tool to perform correctly.
The reversible chisel point sweeps are a good choice in hard ground conditions. These sweeps
have the ability to easily penetrate and shatter hard ground conditions.
The 9” field cultivator sweeps are typically used for secondary tillage and are a good selection to
use after initially breaking hard ground with the chisel point sweeps. The field cultivator sweeps
also work well in shearing off weeds. In softer ground conditions, these sweeps can be used for
primary tillage. A bevel washer spacer is also provided with these sweeps. This spacer will tip
the sweep and provide a steeper more aggressive angle of attack. These washers should only be
mounted on the top holes of the sweeps and placed between the shank and the sweep.
Note: An optional turning shovel kit can be purchased (Part # 003801). These sweeps are a
good choice when working in sod conditions. In hard ground conditions it may be
necessary to install the provided bevel washer spacers. These spacers will place the
shovels at a steeper more aggressive angle of attack. These washers should only be
mounted on the top holes of the shovels and placed between the shank and the shovel.
Figure 3. – Sweep Selection
Reversible Point Chisel Sweep
9” Field Cultivator Sweep
Turning Shovel
Bevel Washer Spacers – Mount on
upper hole and only use on cultivator
sweeps or turning shovels.

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D. ADJUSTING THE SHANKS AND COULTER SHANKS – Refer to Figure 4.
The shanks and coulter shanks have been designed for quick adjustments. Both removal or
maximum depth adjust changes can be made very quickly. The shanks can be set at a maximum
depth of 2”, 4” or 6” with the tool fully lowered. The coulter shanks can be set at a maximum
depth of 2”, 3” or 4” with the tool fully lowered.In many cases the tool will function better if the
sweeps are set several inches deeper than the coulters.
Note: It is important to re-install the coulter shanks on the proper side of the shank receiver.
The coulters should line up with the rear shanks. Improper installation can result in tire
coulter interference.
Figure 4. – Shank Adjustment
E. SUGGESTIONS FOR PROPER OPERATION
Proper tool adjustment can increase functionality and efficiency.
Hard Ground
In hard ground conditions, the reversible point chisel sweeps should be installed. The reversible
point chisel sweeps have the ability to penetrate hard ground fairly effortlessly without added
weight. Additional weight is recommended to help the coulters penetrate. This tillage tool has
been equipped with weight racks. These weight racks will easily allow for several hundred pounds
to be added to the tool. Depending on what depth the coulters are set at, it is very important to
achieve coulter penetration. If the coulters do not penetrate this will be limiting the sweep depth.
In these cases it is recommended to raise the coulters to the highest setting or remove them.
Removing the coulters or limiting the coulter depth may create a problem in heavy debris
conditions. In these conditions it may work best to remove the middle shanks to allow for debris
clearing.
2”
3”
4”
Maximum Coulter Depths
Maximum Sweep Depths
4”
2” in Upper
Receiver Hole,
6” in Lower
Receiver Hole
Shank Receiver

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Heavy Debris Covered Ground
It is recommended these conditions be mowed first if possible to help chop up the debris. In
heavy debris covered conditions, additional weight is recommended to help the coulters penetrate
and cut debris. This tillage tool has been equipped with weight racks. These weight racks will
easily allow for several hundred pounds to be added to the tool. In certain cases if the debris is
too heavy, the coulters may not work even with added weight. In these cases it may be necessary
to remove the two middle shanks on the rear of the tool. This will allow the debris to clear the tool
with limited collection. Removal or fully raising the middle two coulters will also be necessary to
help place more weight on the remaining coulters. (See Figure 5.)
Figure 5. – Suggested Heavy Debris Configuration
Sod Covered Ground
It is recommended that these conditions be mowed and sprayed with a grass killer. A grass killer
will not only kill the green growth but will help to break up the root structure as well. Sod is also
easier to work with in the spring or shortly after a rain. In some soft ground or limited sod
conditions, it may be possible to use the 9” field cultivator sweeps or reversible point chisel
sweeps. In most cases the optional turning shovel kit will work best (Part # 003801). The turning
shovels have the ability to strip the sod off and roll it to the side to prevent collecting on the
shanks. In hard ground conditions it may be necessary to install the provided bevel washer
spacers shown in Figure 3. These spacers will place the shovels at a steeper more aggressive
angle of attack. In all cases additional weight is very helpful to maintain coulter penetration. The
coulters will cut the sod which helps prevent collection on the shanks and reduces the pulling load
requirements. In heavy sod conditions it may work best to only use two turning shovels. If only
two turning shovels are used place the shovels on the shanks closest to the center of the tool.
(See Figure 6.)
Remove Middle Two
Shanks.
Remove Middle Two
Coulter Shanks.

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Rock Covered Ground
In most cases reversible point chisel sweeps will have the best chance of working in heavily rock
covered ground on the initial pass. These sweeps will provide the least resistance. It may be
necessary to raise or remove the coulters. If the coulters are being forced out of the ground due
to rocks, it may be difficult to get adequate sweep penetration. Raising or removing the coulters
can also help prevent damage to the coulter blades when striking large rocks.
Figure 6. – Turning Shovel Configuration
Soft Ground Conditions or Previously Tilled Ground
Soft ground conditions can be performed with any of the sweeps. The 9” field cultivator sweeps
tend to work the best in these cases. These sweeps will help to fully shear the ground off and
create a true seedbed. The optional drag harrow kit (Part # 003800) can be added as well for
these conditions. The drag harrow will help to level the ground and reduce clod size. If there is
limited debris, the coulters can be removed. With the coulters removed the two center sweeps
can be moved forward. (See Figure 7.)
Turning
Shovels
Shank Configuration – Use 2
or 3 turning shovels
depending on conditions
Shank Configuration
– Use 2 or 3 coulters
depending on
conditions

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Figure 7. – Field Cultivator Configurations
Field Cultivator Set-Up with Optional Drag Harrow
Optional Field Cultivator Sweep Configuration

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MODEL 543 PARTS LIST
Item Part # Description Quantity
1202147 Hex Head Cap Screw (5/8-11 x 6.50) 2
2204012 Plow Bolt (3/8"-16 x 2-1/4", 3/8 Sq.) 10
3204013 Plow Bolt (7/16"-14 x 2-1/2", 7/16 Sq.) Optional
4214025 Bevel Washer Spacer 5
5214030 Cup Washer 2
6216012 Tension Lock Pin (5/8" Dia. x 3-1/2" Long) 1
7216013 Wire Lock Pin (3/8" Dia. x 2-1/4" Long) 10
8226012 Offset Wheel Assy., Pneumatic Turf Tread 4 Ply (15/600 x 6) 2
243015 Precision Sealed Wheel Bearings (2" O.D. x 1" I.D.) 4
9235061 Six Contact Socket Connector 1
10 235063 Battery Wiring Harness 1
11 235065 Wiring Harness 1
12 235066 Battery Clip Harness 1
13 235067 Extension Cable Optional
14 235070 Actuator Wiring Harness Assy. 1
15 237001 Forged Top Link 1
16 237002 Electric Linear Actuator (8" Stroke) 1
17 259003 9" Field Cultivator Sweep 5
18 259004 Reversible Chisel Point Sweep 5
19 259005 Turning Shovel Optional
20 259006 Coulter Blade, 13.5" 5
21 264006 Fuse Holder 1
22 264008 Rocker Switch 1
23 275018 Till-Ease Name Decal 2
23 275019 Kunz Decal 1
23 275020 Lift Control Decal 1
24 277030 Fixed Diameter Cable Clamp 2
25 500007 Shank 5
26 500008 Coulter Shank 5
27 500009 Axle Clamp 2
28 500010 Control Panel 1
29 800000 Tongue 1
30 800001 Lift Assembly 1
31 800008 Weight Rack 2
32 800010 Tool Frame 1
33 800018 Tongue Clevis 1

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MODEL 543 PARTS
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