Howard Tiller Help

boyzfan

New User
I picked up this old Howard tiller. It seems to be in good working order. However, I need to get a power take-off shaft. The implement side is good, but it attaches to the tiller with a 6-spline shaft and a castle nut. So a general PTO shaft will not work. The tractor side looks like someone tried a fix that did not work well. That is the part I really need. I am having trouble finding a square shaft to fit the other side. Any help would be appreciated.
 

I wonder if Howard is a relabeled version of a better known brand.

Just knowing that opens up your options a lot.

For instance, I have a Bush Hog hay tedder. There are no Bush Hog implement dealers around here. Turns out, I did a little snooping and found out it's actually a Sitrex. The local dealer that I buy New Holland parts from deals in Sitrex parts.

When I needed a new PTO end (torque limiting knuckle) they didn't have the Sitrex part, but they had the manuals and part documentation all in their system; so they were able to get me a knuckle that met Sitrex specs right off their shelf.

Because, in the end... all PTO parts come from one or two manufacturers (i.e. Weasler) regardless of the brand of equipment you buy. Once you get your part specified down to the Weasler part number... you can get it just about anywhere.
 

Howard is Howard Rotavator, not some knockoff brand. They're considered one of the toughest tillers out there, and are VERY expensive. Looks like Kongskilde owns them now.

There was a dealer in Woodstock IL called Guy Machinery, but Clyde sold out to Farm Power Implements. He still works there and is about the only person worth talking to to get help. Looking at their website, looks like they are no longer dealing in Howard. Still worth a call, be sure to ask for Clyde. Prepare yourself for sticker shock. I just paid $3k for a new complete shaft for my 13 foot FALC tiller.

https://www.farmpowerimplements.com/manufacturers/
 
thank you for the tip. I only paid $300 for the tiller. I will have to see if the shaft is going to be worth investing in. I will try to get in touch with Clyde.
 
(quoted from post at 13:24:23 10/26/22) thank you for the tip. I only paid $300 for the tiller. I will have to see if the shaft is going to be worth investing in. I will try to get in touch with Clyde.

While Howard Rotovator may be their own brand; my opinion is that it's still a longshot that they make their own PTO parts.

Paying 3K for a tractor to implement PTO should be the last thing you do and then only if the PTO is made from unobtainium from a planet outside "The Republic" and is the one and only part on Earth that fits the bill.

If there is a six spline shaft at one end and a six spline shaft at the other... and if it transmits a "normal" level of horsepower... like 50 to 150 hp... then there a very, very good chance that there is a universal PTO that should do the trick.
 

Thanks "lastcowboy32". The issue I have is the tiller side has a threaded end on the spline and is secured with a castle nut. It won't fit a standard connector.
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(quoted from post at 22:09:47 10/26/22)
Thanks "lastcowboy32". The issue I have is the tiller side has a threaded end on the spline and is secured with a castle nut. It won't fit a standard connector.
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Use your old yoke for the gearbox shaft. Change the shaft from the u-joint to the tractor, then you will have options as to the types of shafts available. You just need to have the yoke on the gearbox end of the new shaft compatible with the u-joint.
 
(quoted from post at 19:32:19 10/26/22)
(quoted from post at 22:09:47 10/26/22)
Thanks "lastcowboy32". The issue I have is the tiller side has a threaded end on the spline and is secured with a castle nut. It won't fit a standard connector.
mvphoto98836.jpg


mvphoto98837.jpg

Use your old yoke for the gearbox shaft. Change the shaft from the u-joint to the tractor, then you will have options as to the types of shafts available. You just need to have the yoke on the gearbox end of the new shaft compatible with the u-joint.

that is my plan. I just need to find a shaft with a compatible size yoke.
 
that is my plan. I just need to find a shaft with a compatible size yoke.[/quote]

You may be lucky and find it has a u joint standard to an "off the shelf shaft. Then again you may not find the yoke you need on an "off the shelf" shaft, you might need to change that yoke on an assembled shaft. You may need to measure the u joint up and search Weasler, Bondioli or other manufacturer catalogs to find the right yoke to match both the u joint and shaft. A dealer selling implements might help you.
 

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