16
SECTION V
– SERVICE – MAINTENANCE – REPAIR
The Merry Rear Tine Tiller is designed to provide years of hard working, low maintenance
service. Belt tension should be checked periodically and after initial 20-30 minutes of
operation.
There are a couple of minor adjustments that need to be made periodically to this tiller for proper operation.
Although they are simple, they are critical. This unit is primarily powered by 2 drive belt and idler pulley systems.
This system has been commonly used on rental equipment for over 30 years. The key to this system is adjusting
the belts so that they are loose enough to allow the belts to release from the drive pulleys when the idler is relaxed
and that they are tight enough so that the belt will not slip when the idler is engaged. When the belts are adjusted
properly they should not be able to be removed from the pulley without some resistance. Another critical
component is the belt release weldments. The pins of the belt release are positioned so that when the idler is
released the pins will force the belt from the drive pulley, the belt must ride completely inside the end of the belt
release pin. If the end of the pin is riding on the belt, this will cause belt damage. It is also critical that all pulleys and
idlers be aligned properly, misalignment will cause belts to come off and wear excessively.
Belt length and the amount a belt will stretch are very
inconsistent. It is important that the belts be adjusted after
the first rental, or broken in at the store and adjusted
before renting, and be inspected periodically.
Belt Adjustment
1. To adjust the front belt, coming off the engine, loosen the engine from the engine mount weldment and slide it
forward or backwards. Before tightening make sure that both pulleys and the engine idler pulley are in perfect
alignment. The engine idler should be adjusted so that it provides tension from the bottom of the belt when in
the relaxed position. This allows for a proper belt tension that is not so tight that the belt remains engaged and
not so loose that the belt will throw off or slip.
Belt tension should be checked regularly.
Also make sure
that the clutch cable travels freely and the engine idler arm creates the proper tension when the clutch control
lever is engaged. This can be adjusted by moving the chain a ½ link at a time where it connects to the control
lever. If this belt is too loose it will slip and cause excessive wear. If too tight, it will not release and the wheels
will turn continuously if in gear.
2. To adjust the rear belt, increase or decrease the tension on the spring by moving the chain a ½ link at a time
where it connects to the control lever. This adjustment will cause the idler pulley to apply pressure to the
bottom of the belt.
Belt tension should be checked regularly.
It is important that the ½-
13 x 5 ½” bolt that
goes through the frame rails and the trans idler arm is snug but not too tight. It is also helpful to keep this entire
assembly well lubricated. Belt tension can also be adjusted by moving the idler pulley on the tine idler arm. If
this belt is adjusted too tightly the tines will continue to turn when the control lever is disengaged. If it is too
loose the tines will slip and cause excessive belt wear.
Caution: Never Adjust Belts With The Engine Running
