April 19, 2023

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.

tiller

THESE REPAIRS MAY HELP SOLVE YOUR TILLER PROBLEM

JC-TIL-Replace-the-tiller-drive-belt

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

Find the required part specific to your product.

RG-TIL-Replace-Tiller-Drive-Belt-Intro-Image
May 01, 2013

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.

Repair difficulty
Time required
 15 minutes or less
JC-TIL-Replace-the-tiller-transmission

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

Find the required part specific to your product.

JC-TIL-Adjust-or-replace-the-tiller-clutch-cable

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

Find the required part specific to your product.

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…

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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

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…

Repair difficulty
Time required
 15 minutes or less

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.

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