May 01, 2013

How to replace the tines on a rear-tine tiller

Damaged, dull or bent tiller tines don’t dig into the soil well and won’t cultivate uniformly. This step-by-step tiller repair guide gives instructions on how to replace the tines on a rear-tine tiller, using the manufacturer-approved tiller part.

Use this repair guide to replace the tines on Craftsman, Husqvarna, Cub Cadet, Poulan, Snapper and MTD rear-tine tillers.

Quick links

Instructions

Tools required

Pliers

General-purpose grease

Work gloves

Repair difficulty

Time required

30 minutes or less

Instructions

01.
Disconnect the spark plug wire
Pull the spark plug wire straight up and off the plug.
02.
Remove tine shield end cover
Remove the wing nuts that secure the side shield to the end cover and remove the side shield.
Remove the wing nut at the top of the tine shield end cover.
Pull the tine shield end cover off.
PHOTO: Remove the side shield wing nuts.
PHOTO: Remove the side shield.
PHOTO: Remove the wing nut at the top of the tine shield end cover.
PHOTO: Pull the tine shield end cover off.
03.
Remove the tines
Remove the cotter pin from the clevis pin and slide the clevis pin out.
Pull the tines straight off the end of the tine shaft.
Tip: Repeat the tine removal procedure on the opposite side of the tiller if replacing both sets of tines.
PHOTO: Remove the cotter pin from the clevis pin.
PHOTO: Slide the clevis pin out.
PHOTO: Slide the tines off the end of the tine shaft.
04.
Clean and lubricate the tine shaft
Use sandpaper to remove rust and deposits from the tine shaft and then wipe the shaft with a cloth to remove sandpaper residue.
Apply a thin coat of general-purpose grease to the tine shaft.
05.
Install the new tines
Slide the new tines onto the tine shaft.
Line up the mounting holes in the tines with the holes in the tine shaft.
Reinstall the clevis pin and secure it with the cotter pin.
06.
Reinstall the tine shield end cover
Position the tine shield end cover on the tine shield and secure it with the top wing nut.
Position the side shield on the end cover and secure the side shield using the wing nuts.
07.
Reconnect the spark plug
Reconnect the spark plug wire to the spark plug.

Warning: Undertaking repairs to appliances can be hazardous. Use the proper tools and safety equipment noted in the guide and follow all instructions. Do not proceed until you are confident that you understand all of the steps and are capable of completing the repair. Some repairs should only be performed by a qualified technician.