Republic of the Philippines

BENGUET STATE UNIVERSITY

La Trinidad Campus
Km 6 La Trinidad, Benguet

COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING
Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering

ABE165-power tillers and Agricultural Equipment

Operation
Laboratory Exercise No. 3

Name: Date Due: M a r c h 3, 2023 (5:00PM)

Date Submitted:

Lab Schedule: Friday 9-12:00nn

AGRICULTURAL POWER TILLER

I. INTRODUCTION
A Power Tiller is a two-wheeled agricultural implement with rotary tillers that provides
smooth resistance to all farm activities. In fact, it has numerous applications and benefits. Power
tillers aid in soil preparation, sowing seeds, planting seeds, adding and spraying fertilizers,
herbicides, and water. It also aids in water pumping, harvesting, threshing, and transporting crops.
When the land side is small, a power tiller is ideal. Power Tillers are extremely useful in hilly
regions such as the Cordilleras, where only terrace farming is possible. Thus, it is a wise choice in
uphill terrain as well.
II. OBJECTIVES
1. To draw and label the parts of a four-wheel agricultural power tiller;
2. To define the parts of a four-wheel agricultural power tiller; and
3. To identify the step-by-step procedure of operating a power tiller and the power
tiller safety precautions/ operations;
4. To enumerate and describe the troubles, causes, and remedies/solutions of a power tiller;
and
5. To understand the proper care and maintenance of an agricultural power tiller.

III. MATERIALS
Internet resources, devices (i.e. cellphone, laptop, etc.), appropriate references (book, journal, e-
book, e-journal etc.) and drawing paraphernalia.

IV. PROCEDURE
a. Draw an agricultural power tiller and label its parts;
b. Enumerate and define the different parts (complete) of the agricultural power tiller;
c. Identify the different types of power tillers, and classify the uses of the power tillers;
 d. Discuss the step-by-step procedure of operating a power tiller;
e. Enumerate the safety precautions/operations of an agricultural power tiller (provide
pictures with labels) and discuss the importance of knowing the safety operation of a
agricultural power tiller;
f. Enumerate and describe the possible troubles, causes, and remedy/solution of a power
tiller;
Enumerate and discuss the proper care and maintenance of an agricultural power tiller.

V. DISCUSSION

Different parts and functions of a power tiller:

 Part Function
Tool box Organize, carry, and protect the operator’s tools
Spark off switch Ignites compressed aerosol gasoline using an electric spark
Start rope To start the engine, a user pulls the starter cord to unwind it from the
pulley and impart rotation to the flywheel and crankshaft
Engine cover Protects the engine from dirt and debris
Anti-collision Creates helical-blade rotation to stir stones on ground to two sides, and
removing stone from rotary tillage range
Engine protect frame Protects the engine from possible accidental collisions
Power output shaft transmits power from the machine’s engine to PTO-driven machines or
implements
Primary filter It prevents dirt from entering the engine cylinders, causing mechanical
wear and oil contamination
Throttle switch informs the engine control unit about the throttle valve position so that
the mixture and ignition can be adjusted to suit the respective load.
Hand clutch Connects or disconnects the engine from the transmission gears and drive
wheels
Handlebar adjust bolt Allows adjustment of handlebar to the desired height of the operator
Fuel tank holds the flammable fluid
Main filter Prevents engine to absorb dirt and grime
Dust shield Prevents dust near the machine to move upwards
Engine converts the heat energy of fuel into mechanical work by burning the fuel
inside the engine itself
Transmission Gear transmits power from the engine to the rear wheels
Brake stops or slows down the motion of a power tiller

Different types of power tillers:

 Mini Tillers – best suited for gardeners with limited strength. These lightweight
implements are good for vegetable and fruit farms, where the cultivation areas are
small, the soil is relatively loose and does not require powerful tilling, and the crops
are planted in narrow rows that need to be manoeuvred through without destroying
them.
 Mid Sized Front line tillers – used for home gardens & moderate tilling work with
great ease. These power tillers are suitable for farms where the soil is harder and
rockier. These tillers are propelled forward by the spinning tines.
 Large Sized Rear time Tillers – useful where one has large areas to fill. These power
tillers are suitable for more extensive farm lands where there is sufficient space to
manoeuvre the tiller as required. These tillers are propelled forward by the wheels and
the spinning tines are positioned between the wheels.

Step-by-step procedure of operating a power tiller:

BEFORE STARTING
1. Before starting check the fuel level, the lubrication oil level, water level and tyres
inflation pressure. Check all the joints (especially the nuts on the drivewheels and the
rotary).
2. Check the oil level in main drive gearbox and rotary cultivator transmission box.
3. Check the tightness of the bolts at all connecting parts.
4. Shift the clutch-brake handle to disengage position the speed-changing lever to neutral
lever and the throttle.
5. Put the bumper downward for supporting power tiller.
6. Start the engine according to the operation manual for the engine.
STARTING OF THE POWER TILLER
1. Put the bumper upward.
2. Engine the speed-changing lever
3. Check the engagement of the left or right steering gear to intermediate reduction gear.
4. Shift the clutch-brake handle to engage position smoothly, then the power tiller is
started.
REVERSING OF THE POWER TILLER
1. Shift the speed-changing lever to reverse 1st (or 2nd). The power tiller can be reversed,
if shifting the clutch-brake handle to engage position smoothly.
2. A sudden raising of the handlebar may occur when reversing of power tiller is made.
Therefore, it is very important to shift the clutch-brake handle very gently and carefully.
For the safety, it is advisable to operate the engine under reduced throttle setting.

STEERING
1. Steering on flat road is effected by operating the left or right steering hand grip under
the handlebars. If the rear wheel for riding is mounted, in addition to the operation of the
hand grips, the pedals of the wheel should be applied leftward or rightward whichever is
required.
Operate the power tiller at a very low speed.
2. When operating the power tiller down a steep slope, it is preferable to carry out the
steering by pushing or pulling handlebars leftwards and rightwards.
BRAKING
1. The braking can be effected by shifting the clutch-brake handle to "brake" position
STOPPING
1. Shift the clutch-brake handle to "disengage" position.
2. Shift the speed-changing lever of the power tillers and the cultivator to "neutral"
position.
3. Throttle down the engine gradually until the engine comes to stop.
4. Shift the clutch-brake handle back to "engage" position.

Safety Operation:
 Clear the area to be tilled of rocks, sticks, and other debris before getting started.
 Operators should generally wear long pants, safety glasses, and ear protection when
operating the machine.
 Operators should wait until the tiller has cooled down before refueling to prevent
burns, fumes, and potential explosions.
 Watch especially for ejected material and ensure that no person or animal is
endangered when operating.
 Adjust the handles to a position for comfort and good balance.
 Set the tiller depth according to soil conditions. See operator’s manual.
 Ensure the clutch is disengaged and the transmission is in neutral before starting.
 Keep clear of rotating machine parts whilst the engine is operating.
 Maintain a straight wrist position Avoid using your wrist in a bent, extended or
twisted position for extended periods.
 Hold the handlebars firmly as they may lift during clutch engagement.
 Be alert for rocks and other obstruction when operating the rotary hoe.
 Use extreme caution when reversing or pulling the machine towards the operator.
 Shut down immediately if the unit starts to shake or vibrate. Do not operate the tiller
until the problem is corrected.
 Always stop the engine and disconnect spark plug wire before cleaning the tines or
undertaking maintenance.
 Exercise extreme care when refuelling to avoid spilling fuel onto hot motor or
exhaust.

Possible troubles, causes, and remedy/solution of a power tiller:

Trouble/Cause Remedy/Solution
Wheels turning but tines not Replace Tiller Transmission
turning
Tines turning but wheels not Replace Tiller Transmission
turning
Engine not starting at all Replace The Carburetor
Engine starting but then stopping Replace The Carburetor
after just a few seconds
Low ambient temperature. Heat the lubricating oil before use or add hot
water to the hopper, preheat the intake air or
take off the transmission belt connecting the
engine to its coupled equipment.
Fitting clearance incorrect, Adjust the fitting clearance. Replace the
bearing shells or bushings are bushing.
seized.
Decompression device failure. Adjust the decompression stroke or repair the
device.
The fuel system develops • Release the air
troubles. • Check and clean them through or replace
•Air has entered the fuel line. them.
• Fuel line or fine fuel filter • Check and adjust according to the
chocked. recommended procedure.
• Fuel injection pump fails to • Check the atomization and injection pressure
deliver fuel or injection timing is
incorrect.
• Fuel injector fails to work
properly.
Compression pressure in the • Replace the cylinder head gasket.
cylinder is insufficient. • Replace the Piston rings.
• Cylinder head gasket is • Adjust the relative positions of rings. •Remove
damaged. the carbon deposits if found any.
• Piston ring gaps line up or • Replace the cylinder liner if necessary.
excessive wearing of cylinder and • Check and adjust the valve clearance.
piston rings. • Check the adjustment of the valves with their
Too much carbon deposits. seats.
• Valve leakage. • Lap or ream their contacting surfaces if
necessary.
Air filter choked up. Clean or replace the cartridge.
Engine speed is too low. Re-set the adjusting screw of the governor
spring.
Fuel System Failure •Release the air.
•Air has entered the fuel pipe. •Adjust it.
 •Injection timing incorrect.
Insufficient injection pressure and Check, adjust, clean or replace the nozzle of the
poor atomisation. fuel injector.
Insufficient Compression. •Cleanly remove the carbon deposits or replace
•Insufficient compressing pressure the copper washer.
in the cylinder. • Adjust the clearance according to the
•The fuel injector's hole in the recommended procedure.
cylinder head is air leaking. • Clean or replace them.
•Valve clearance are excessively
little
•The piston rings are burnt,
deposited with the carbon or
seised.
Engine is too hot in operation. •Remove the scale in the hopper, cylinder block
and head.
•Remove carbon deposits from the piston and
piston rings check and adjust all the relevant
fitting, clearances and the lubricating system.

Proper care and maintenance of an agricultural power tiller:

 empty the fuel and thoroughly clean the device before storing it for long periods of
time
 remove debris and farm waste at the end of each run
 Clean and lubricate the tines often to prevent them from jarring up or becoming
rusted.
 During winter, put a fuel stabilizer into the tank to prevent any problems while it’s not
in use and stop it from going stale.
 Replace tires as needed or fill the air up if they have gotten low.
 Keep the air filter clean and change it out when needed.
 Always use a clean fuel filter and be sure to change regularly to ensure it’s doing its
job.
VI. CONCLUSION
Power tillers are extremely important to farmers especially those that farm in the hilly or
mountainous areas. These agricultural machines are especially designed to be used for small spaces
so upland farmers can also use agricultural machines and not only those in the lowlands. This
machine requires maintenance in order to have a long useful life; just like any other tool or
machine. It also requires the operator to wear protective equipment and practice safety operations
in order to prevent any accidents from happening.
Despite being a great help to farmers, not only farmers have this power tiller machine.
Probably because they can’t afford it, can’t transport or carry it to their farms (most farmers are old
in the Cordilleras), or they don’t have spaces in their homes to store it. These are not the only
reasons why there are not many power tillers being used, but we hope that these be addressed in
order for farmers to have more efficient farming practices.

VII. REFERENCE(S)
A. (2020a, September 23). Power Tiller Uses - Types and Benefits of Power Tiller. Blog -

TractorJunction. https://www.tractorjunction.com/blog/the-benefits-of-power-tiller-

cultivator-on-agriculture/
K. (2023, January 14). Power Tiller: How it Works, Types, Benefits & Brands in India. KhetiGaadi

Blog - Indian Agriculture & Agricultural Machinery. https://khetigaadi.com/blog/power-

tiller/

T. (2020b, August 10). Tiller Maintenance And Troubleshooting. TopTillers.com.

https://toptillers.com/tiller-maintenance-and-troubleshooting/

What is a Power Tiller? (2023, February 18). Home Questions Answered.

https://www.homequestionsanswered.com/what-is-a-power-tiller.htm