[Mark Noble]

Hi all,

I'm hoping for some help with an issue my Howard 350 has.
I was using it last year and at the very end the rotors got jammed on something and stopped turning.
Now they will not turn at all.
It still starts and runs ok but the rotors are permanently jammed.
I did notice that a bolt was very loose behind the large flywheel so it may be that this was what caused the issue rather than the rotors getting jammed but I have now tightened this bolt and they are still stuck.
I've attached a photo of this bolt.
The lever that engages the rotors still moves and still goes into both positions but the only effect it has is that when engaged their is a slight rumbling noise.
My initial thought is that the chain has come off but before I start to dismantle I am hoping for some advice as I have never taken it apart before and am concerned that I will just end up with a garage floor full of bits.
Any advice will be much appreciated.

Kind regards,
Mark.

[John]

I'm mechanically challenged but, if it helps, we've got service and use manuals for the Howard 350 here: https://www.allotment-garden.org/rotavator-manuals-free/

[Mark Noble]

I'm mechanically challenged but, if it helps, we've got service and use manuals for the Howard 350 here: https://www.allotment-garden.org/rotavator-manuals-free/

Thanks for that. 

[jezza]

Hello it sounds like the chain has either jumped the cog or the cog has broken,I dont think that bolt would affect the rotors turning as the belt should be turning when the drive clutch is engaged  I once got a load of brick ties that had been buried wrapped round the rotors on a Howard 359 rotavator I had to take the rotors off to release them,you might have cost bent a blade and jammed it against the chain housing ,undo the nut on the end of the rotor shaft and slide it off if the rotor shaft turns then it's not a chain problem    jezza