Fighthouse 1 #1 Posted June 10, 2016 Hi Everyone, I've been lurking on this forum for a couple of months, ever since I acquired some land and a 312-8. I've been keeping an eye on CL for a bit to see if a tiller would pop up, and the other day I was able to snag one for $100. I thought I was getting a deal, but brought it home to realize I was missing the parts to hook it up, and the tiller itself needs some work. As you can see, the tines are pretty worn, the main pulley had a ding, and the idler pulley has been banged up. It is also missing the rear dirt shield. It looks like I am also in need of a rockshaft and mid mount idler pulley. Unfortunately, these items seem to be hard to find, and pricey because of that! I've seen some DIY threads on how to make them, but admittedly I am not that handy (yet). Any suggestions of the easiest/cheapest way to get this guy working in the field? I'd hate to have it sit around for awhile collecting more rust. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JAinVA 4,629 #2 Posted June 10, 2016 (edited) Fighthouse, I hate to be negative but you may want to rethink getting this tiller up and running.The tines are shot and the pulleys need to be replaced.It is hard to tell by the photos but the attaching frame seems to be bent so that the tiller would track at an angle behind the tractor. Replacement tines would be expensive if you could find some.I have one that is not as bad but I have been thinking of cutting off the tines at the tube and welding on square plates to mount troybilt bolo tines.A complete set of those new tines would be about $150. Hope you can get the tiller fixed.I love mine so much that I bought a spare.JAinVA Edited June 10, 2016 by JAinVA Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
oldredrider 2,553 #3 Posted June 11, 2016 Yeah, that tiller is toast. Given the shape of the tines and pulleys, the internals are probably in the same condition. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
312Hydro 474 #4 Posted June 11, 2016 The first thing I would suggest is to strip everything off and get the gearbox opened up to check the internals. Possible tine solution 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SylvanLakeWH 27,502 #5 Posted June 11, 2016 If it spins freely and you can get a pulley replacement, why not try and resurrect it? 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
312Hydro 474 #6 Posted June 11, 2016 Lift cable rock shaft options something like this Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
312Hydro 474 #7 Posted June 11, 2016 Mid mount idler pulleys Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
312Hydro 474 #8 Posted June 11, 2016 (edited) You will also need the cable tube for the lift cable. Take a look under the seat pan and see if the tube and rockshaft are there. You may get lucky as my 312 h had the tube from the factory. There are lots of ways to get this tiller running for a low investment. Everything that you can make will save you money. I'm sure others will post their links to build parts that I missed. Someone should be able to post belt options for you too. I like my Toro tiller belt but it's almost as much as you have in your tiller. I remember someone found a less expensive belt that worked well for them. Here is a post that will give you some more ideas. Forgot to mention, Edited June 11, 2016 by 312Hydro Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
312Hydro 474 #9 Posted June 11, 2016 Another idler- Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
312Hydro 474 #10 Posted June 15, 2016 So,, have you made any progress? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
CasualObserver 3,410 #11 Posted June 15, 2016 I would start with contacting who you bought it from to see if they might have some (any) of the missing items? Regardless, that tiller is going to take a lot of DIY (which I saw you said you're not good at) and some cash outlay to get it functional again. It can be saved if you really want to, but would probably be a better gear box donor for another tiller, like an older two belt one that someone wants to convert. You can't save them all... some have to be parts for the ones that can. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Fighthouse 1 #12 Posted June 21, 2016 Unfortunately, the seller said they cannot find any of the missing parts. As for the tiller, even though I might not have the skills/tools that a lot of other owners possess, I do have time, and skilled neighbors I already tilled my garden this year through alternative means, but I would love to have this sucker up and running for another planting season. I'll see if I can follow some of the posted guides to get this guy up and running. The only thing I am really concerned about are the tines - everything else looks like it can be done/replaced with a little dough and a can-do attitude! On 6/10/2016 at 10:12 PM, SylvanLakeWH said: If it spins freely and you can get a pulley replacement, why not try and resurrect it? I completely agree - the good news is that it does spin! 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
