[mej]

Hello,

It is time to prep my garden for planting peas and heirlooms tomatoes. I picked up this black JD Scotts tiller on CL for $160. Looks to be in pretty good shape. Has some surface rust, but nothing that can't be cleaned up.






I have ordered the lift kit to attach it to my 2001 345. Take a look at this idler pulley. It is pretty close to being parallel with the the large pulley, but the belt is riding on the very edge of the idler pulley. I think, by looking at the parts diagram, that there is suppose to be a washer or spacer between the pulley and the mount to make it drop a little. I see a spacer on it on the bottom of the sheave, but was wondering if it needed to be on the top. Does any one have one they can look at?





Also, Once I install it and clip the front latches on to the shaft where the deck lift arms are, do I need to remove those arms that drop the deck? I hope not. It looks as though the arms when lowered will hit the tiller frame. Maybe not because of the oblong holes will let the rocker shaft turn without dropping those arms.

I must leave now and will be back later today.

Have a nice day!!!!

 

[Jimbochap]

I'm not sure if yours is missing a cover or not too, I think this member has one just about like what you have.

The member's name is Sternzy

http://www.mytractorforum.com/showthread.php?t=234413&page=9

Post #132

 

[mej]

Thanks Jimbo,

According to the parts list, I am not missing a cover there. The covers are on the sheaves in the back where the jackshaft runs the chain the to the tines. I do see on the parts list now that a washer/spacer goes on the opposite side of the sheave than it is on. It looks as though some on changed out the idler and placed the washer/spacer on the wrong side. I was going to change it today, but it started to rain before I could get to it.

For $160 for the tiller plus the $1400 I paid for the 345, I am pleased.

 

[wizzo]

Wow, that is a great price for a tiller!!!! I bet the lift parts set you back more than that... Anyway, great price. I have the X500 version of that tiller and it lists at $1600 or so new. From the picture I guess it is possible that the spacer isn't set up correctly. It's a bit harder to tell from my tiller (it has the extra shielding piece/guard that runs from the lower pulley to the front of the tiller) but it does look like the belt rides closer to the center of that pulley. As for the mower deck arms, they will drop down when the tiller is attached but should swing side to side a bit and go around the tiller frame. You'll want to make sure they do when you slide the tiller under your 345 for the first time. If you don't have it already, the tiller manual should be available on the John Deere website if you search for 30 tiller. Congrats and enjoy your tiller!!! It's so much fun (and easier) compared to a walk behind unit.

 

[mej]

Thanks Wizzo, I have already ordered the lift parts and had to order one of the latches for the front hook up. Total was $86. If you look at the pic closely you can see that it does have a bottom guard. It just does not go all the way to that pulley. I am hoping my parts get here soon. Growing season in South Florida is in the winter time. I am wanting to plant some peas and already have some heirloom tomato seed started.

I have already bookmarked the manual. Sure some useful info there.

 

[mej]

I took the idler pulley off today and turned it over so the shoulder side is up. The belt is now centered in the idler pulley, but now looks one sided on the large pulley. I have looked on the parts list and the operators manual, but still can't tell if the shouldered side of the pulley is to be up or down. Can some one take a look at theirs please?

I have it attached to the tractor now, but have not run it. I am waiting on the lift kit and one of the lock latches on the front frame mount to come by UPS. Watching for the big brown truck every day.