The Garden Of Oz

Rototiller Care & Maintance

The old cliché that “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” is certainly true with tillers, or with any power equipment, for that matter.

Regardless of the kind of tiller you own, or even if you’re renting or borrowing a tiller, there are a few general rules to follow:

Before Tilling Read the Owner’s Manual

This is essential if you’re using a tiller for the first time, and it’s a good idea to review the manual at the beginning of each season. If you’re renting or borrowing a tiller, be sure that the rental store equipment expert or the tiller owner reviews important safety precautions with you. All power equipment has the capacity to hurt you or someone in the near vicinity if used improperly.

Check all Nuts, Bolts, and Connections

It’s just simply a good idea to check that everything is properly connected, and that there aren’t any loose parts that could come loose while you’re tilling. And, it’s a lot easier to tighten a nut and bolt while you’re still in the shed or garage than when you are in the midst of a tilling project. Don’t feel like a sissy – fighter pilots check their aircraft before every takeoff.

During Tilling

Tilling can be a loud and sometimes dusty job. So, you need to pay special attention to what’s going on around you. Be prepared to stop tilling in an instant if the conditions change from a safe and solitary experience to one that could endanger another person or a pet. And, always be on the lookout for anything in your path that could pose a danger to you or harm to your tiller. Be aware, also, of any awkward vibrations or any significant changes in the sound of your tiller.

After Tilling

The best thing that you can do for your tiller after each use is to clean it, as much as practical, and protect the metal parts with a light oil spray, such as WD-40®.

It’s also a good idea to check all of the nuts and bolts after tilling, as well.

Store the tiller where it will protected from the weather and where it won’t be a danger to anyone.

Routine Maintenance

Your level of routine maintenance will vary according to how often, and in what conditions, you use your tiller.

Again, read the owner’s manual. If you don’t have the owner’s manual, check the manufacturer’s web site, or visit a local power equipment dealer to get a manual or to get advice.

Most routine maintenance does not require special tools or special skills. But, if you’re not sure how to do the required maintenance, find someone who does. Routine maintenance is far cheaper than major repairs or replacement.

End of the Season Maintenance

At the end of the gardening season, or any time that you won’t be using your tiller for several weeks, it’s always a good idea to drain the gas tank, if at all possible. Run the tiller until all gas (or gas and oil mix) is used up. This will prevent “gumming” in the carburetor.

If draining the gas tank is impossible, consider adding Sta-Bil® fuel stabilizer, which is widely available at power equipment dealers, auto supply stores, and virtually anywhere that you’d expect to find engine-related additives (like oil).

Other annual maintenance procedures will be covered in your owner’s manual, or can be done by an authorized dealer.

With reasonable care, your tiller should last for years. Neglected or abused, it might not last until next season.

If you have any comments, I’d really like to hear from you.

OZ Gardener
The Garden Of Oz

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Reviews

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4.3 out of 5

January 7, 2011

By: Greg Stanley

Thanks for the info. I nedd acarberator for my Hoffco Lit'l Hoe . Tecuseh 632941 do you have any ideas.

June 5, 2009

By: Larry Rowe

I been haveing trouble when I start my MC43 tiller it it starts up gold very good and runs OK for 5 or 10 min and shuts off and I it will not start up any more that day the next day it will start OK and run for 5 to 10 mins and stop running. It is only 8 months old.
Can you help me with the trouble i am having with it.

Larry

May 4, 2009

By: No slack Jack

Thank you Nice and simple - this was exactly what I was looking for, a small but detailed description about general tiller care and upkeep. Thanks Much