Phoenix Tiller stopped working.

[nkcfd148]

Hello everyone,

A novice when it comes to tractors and implements. Have a Phoenix (Sicma) T4-40 tiller currently attached to my B1750. After doing some garden work. Started to till and smooth sons motocross track. Only 1-2 inches deep. Then all of a sudden there was a slight grinding noise so I shut it down. After further investigation, noticed the PTO would spin but the tiller would only engage for a couple seconds. Checked gear fluid levels and adjusted slip clutch. No changes. What would be the next plan of attack? Can’t find any videos specific to my problem. Pretty sure the chain is still ok based on how outs acting. Have a video but can’t get it to load. Thanks in advance for any info.

 

[NCL4701]

Check the chain. Make sure it’s properly tensioned. If you’re not sure what “properly tensioned” is, review the manual for the tiller. It should have a procedure for setting tension.

Check the sprockets. Make sure they all have all their teeth.

Edit: And when you say the PTO spins, assume that means it’s spinning on the tiller end, not just the tractor end.

 

[#40Fan]

Upload the video to YouTube and post the link here.

 

[nkcfd148]

Check the chain. Make sure it’s properly tensioned. If you’re not sure what “properly tensioned” is, review the manual for the tiller. It should have a procedure for setting tension.

Check the sprockets. Make sure they all have all their teeth.

Edit: And when you say the PTO spins, assume that means it’s spinning on the tiller end, not just the tractor end.

Sprocket was next on my list. Was just getting other opinions before tearing into it.
The tractor PTO/Eurocardan is what spins. Tiller stops after a bit.

 

[nkcfd148]

Upload the video to YouTube and post the link here.

Upload the video to YouTube and post the link here.

August 6, 2026

Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

youtube.com

 

[bird dogger]

Could it be as simple as a shear bolt connecting the slip clutch to the tiller gear box shaft has sheared off?

I had to track down a malfunction on my old Howard tiller. Oddly enough, it turned out that poor welds connecting the chain drive gear to the main tiller shaft had let loose. Everything was spinning as it should except for that shaft. Odd things do happen.

 

[nkcfd148]

Could it be as simple as a shear bolt connecting the slip clutch to the tiller gear box shaft has sheared off?

I had to track down a malfunction on my old Howard tiller. Oddly enough, it turned out that poor welds connecting the chain drive gear to the main tiller shaft had let loose. Everything was spinning as it should except for that shaft. Odd things do happen.

I will double check again. Everything looked intact when I inspected and adjusted the slip clutch. One of the first things I checked.

 

[nkcfd148]

Check the chain. Make sure it’s properly tensioned. If you’re not sure what “properly tensioned” is, review the manual for the tiller. It should have a procedure for setting tension.

Check the sprockets. Make sure they all have all their teeth.

Edit: And when you say the PTO spins, assume that means it’s spinning on the tiller end, not just the tractor end.

Don’t have a manual, but looked up and saved one online. Didn’t give specifics on what the tension should be. I’ll keep looking though. Thanks.

 

[#40Fan]

August 6, 2026

Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

youtube.com

Looks like the gear box is shot to me.

 

[bird dogger]

I will double check again. Everything looked intact when I inspected and adjusted the slip clutch. One of the first things I checked.

When you take off the end housing cover (whether its oil bath or grease inside) you'll be able to see what's turning and what's not when the pto is engaged and the main shaft is stationary.