Front Cultivator ??

[Donny M]

I'm putting together a set of front cultivators, complied form 2 sets.
The manual shows a length of 23 1/4" CL to CL for the pressure springs, this works well on the right side but on the left side of the tractor the length wants to be 22" or so to keep the top of the tool bar from hitting the torque tube. This also lowers the tool bar and shovels. I'm wondering if this is normal or if I've don't something wrong

[rondellh]

Donny, First I would adust the "yoke" or pressure screw n the universal frame linkage so that the tool bars are parallel to the ground. Then adjust the pressure rods so that they are the same distance from ground to tool bar on both sides. Just make the rods as close to the 23 1/4" as possible.
The tool bars should clear if not adjust the pressure rods accordingly.

Rondell

[Jim Becker]

I just went out and took a look. The only mounting frames I have on a tractor right now have a planter attached so I can't make a full comparison. On that one, the left pressure rod is set right at 23 1/4 and the mounting frame clears OK. Eyeballing the situation, it doesn't look like the tool bar would hit the tractor at that position either. Of course, setting the hydraulic stops could have some effect and I am not sure (without starting the tractor . . .) that the Touch Control arm is fully forward. It may be that you just need to set the stop on the Touch Control lever to keep from hitting the bottom of the tractor.

Since you are asembling this from a couple units, the opportunities for mix and match of parts is pretty big. A picture of where you stand now or more detail on what combination of tool bars and working tools you are using might help sort it out. One thought that comes to mind is the different lengths of standards on various tools. Spring trips, for example, come with either 11 1/4 inch or 12 3/4 inch standards. The short one is typically used on the front tool bar extensions and has to be used on the left or the standard itself will hit the bottom of the tractor. Other tools have similar differences.

I checked a couple other pressure rods on the cultivator pile and found them both set somewhat shorter than the one on the tractor. You can read into that accordingly.

[Donny M]

Ok, I lowered the touch control then set the left side to 23 1/4". Now the left side is higher than the right. Here's some pictures.

Left side:




And the right:

[Don McCombs]

Donny,

Does this picture help any?

http://www.tm-tractor.com/gim/front_bars1_001.htm

[Donny M]

Don,

Believe me I've seen those pictures numerous times
With all the sorted parts I have it's like putting together a jig saw puzzle. Only much more fun

I think I'm pretty close now, but some fine tuning may be in order.

[Jim Becker]

After looking at your pictures, it looks to me like Rondell was on the right track with his first suggestion. You need to unscrew the yoke (lengthen the upper parallel link) until the tool bars are parallel to the ground. Then you can start tweaking some of the other adjustments.

[Donny M]

Jim,

I was thinking the same thing before I looked at the pictures on TM's web site. Looked to me in the pctures that the yoke was shanked out as is mine. Makes perfect sense now.
Thanks everyone

[Harold R]

Getting serious about gardening this spring? You semi-retired guys make me jealous.

[Donny M]

Jim, Rondell,

I adjusted the length so that the tool bars are parallel with the ground. It's much better, thanks. Here's some pictures, what do you think

Left Side:



Tool Bar Mounting bolt: Pretty Close



Front Of Tractor:

[Bigdog]

It would appear that you have a frisbee game going on in the background.

[rondellh]

Lookin real good Donny

Now you are going t6o have to paint em up nice n pretty like the plow.

[Donny M]

Rondell,

That's exactly the plan. I want to make sure that all the pieces I needed where there and fit properly. I'll blast them and paint them in the next couple of days.

Bigdog,

That's not a Frisbee A Frisbee only lasts about a day before it's in tiny pieces What you see is a cover for an irrigation valve. Those covers last a good long time

[Jim Becker]

Looks like you had to crank that adjustment out a long way. It is looking a whole lot better.

Some of the pivot points on the mounting frames have 2 bolts going through the cast part. Sometimes slack can be taken out of the pivot by tightening the bolts. I suggest you check them. If there is too much wear, you won't be able to squeeze it all out. Then tweak any other adjustments so the points all reach the ground at the same time and you will be in pretty good shape.

[meandmydeere]

Spring can't come early enough here but wherever you are, you have us beat. You cultvate before you plow. Or is it that when you see how bad the crop is, you can just drop the plow?
Mark