Tiller: Why won't my tillers wheels or tines turn?
A broken drive belt, bad transmission or problem with the clutch cable can prevent a tiller's wheels and tines from turning.
Check the drive belt and replace it if it's worn or broken.
If the belt is okay, check the clutch cable to see if it tensions the belt to spin the transmission pulley when you pull the bail arm up against the handle. Adjust the clutch cable if needed or replace the clutch cable if it's broken.
If the transmission pulley spins but the tines and wheels won't move, then you'll likely need to replace the transmission.
THESE REPAIRS MAY HELP SOLVE YOUR TILLER PROBLEM
Replace the tiller drive belt
The drive belt connects the engine pulley to the transmission to drive the wheels and tines on the tiller. A worn belt slips, resulting in poor tilling. Replace the belt if it is worn or broken.
Tiller drive belt
How to replace a tiller drive belt
If your tiller won’t move forward or the tines won’t turn, the drive belt might be broken or worn. This DIY repair guide shows how to replace a tiller drive belt in 6 easy steps.
Replace the tiller transmission
The transmission controls the motion of the wheels and/or tines on a tiller. An internal gear failure in the transmission can prevent the tines from turning or the wheels from moving. Replace the transmission if it won't drive the tiller components properly.
Tiller transmission
Adjust or replace the tiller clutch cable
The clutch cable engages and disengages the drive system on the tiller. Test the drive system and adjust the clutch cable if necessary. If the cable is damaged or broken, replace it.
Adjust or replace the tiller clutch cable
Most common symptoms to help you fix your tillers
Choose a symptom to see related tiller repairs.
Main causes: clutch cable problems, faulty transmission…
Main causes: damaged tines, broken clevis pins, worn drive belt, faulty transmission, clutch cable problems, improper de…
Main causes: worn or broken drive belts, bad transmission, clutch cable problems…
Main causes: leaky engine head gasket, damaged sump gasket, damaged oil drain plug seal, loose or cracked fuel line, lea…
Main causes: broken shaft clevis pins, transmission failure…
Main causes: dirty carburetor, engine needs tune up, stale gas…
Main causes: carburetor failure, bad gasoline, dirty spark plug, broken recoil starter…
Most common repair guides to help fix your tillers
These step-by-step repair guides will help you safely fix what’s broken on your tiller.
How to replace a tiller recoil starter
The recoil starter spins the engine when you pull the starter rope, and the rope retracts when released. If the recoil s…
Effective articles & videos to help repair your tillers
Use the advice and tips in these articles and videos to get the most out of your tiller.
Learn about all the convenient features on our Sears PartsDirect website that make your parts purchases easier.…
Get answers to frequently asked questions about Sears and Sears PartsDirect.…
Rear tine tiller or front tine tiller, what to know to help in choosing the correct one for your needs.…