5 Basic Rototiller Fixes that will Save you Time and Money

Rototillers are small garden tools used to cultivate the soil in the garden. They are a gas-powered machine that turns difficult soil manageable for planting. They loosen up the soil before planting. Having basic knowledge on how to troubleshoot and fix your rototiller engine will come in handy if ever the machine will break.

There are a few quick fixes you can do to get your broken rototiller up and running. Here are 5 basic fixes to get your rototiller back to tilling:

Problem #1: Rototiller will not start

This is a common problem with rototillers especially when they have not been used for months. The problem might be that the fuel has gone stale or the carburetor is clogged.

Quick Fix: Check the carburetor for blockages by spraying a little amount of carb cleaner to the intake. Then attempt to start the rototiller engine. If it runs for a while and then sputters, then the problem with it is the fuel. You can buy a carburetor cleaner and rebuild kit that are suited for your rototiller model. Rebuilding and cleaning it may take some of your time, but it will be fixed.

Problem #2: Rototiller starts but then sputters out

The sputtering might be because the fuel cap is clogged. This prevents the air in entering its gas tank.

Quick Fix: Loosen up the gas cap and then start the rototiller again. If it stays running, clean it or replace the gas cap. Sometimes the problem might also be because the carburetor is clogged.

Problem #3: Rototiller runs but does not move

If your rototiller is belt-driven, check if the belt for any wears and if tension is in the proper position. Make sure, also, that the idler pulley works. And that also puts enough pressure onto the belt.

Quick Fix: If the belt is really worn or already stretched beyond repair, it is likely to be slipping. The quick fix to this problem is to have the belt replaced and then tension should be adjusted.

Problem #4: The rototiller wheels turn yet the tines aren’t

Most of the rototiller tines aren’t keyed into the shaft. Instead, they are locked and secured to the shaft using a clevis pin. You can put this to the test this by shutting the engines off, taking the spark plug off and then attempting to turn the tines with your hands carefully. If you notice that the shaft turns but the tines don’t, the problem could be that the clevis pin is broken or missing.

Quick Fix: The clevis pin should be replaced. But don’t use a bolt.

Problem #5: The rototiller kinda works but it’s not tilling like before

This problem is most likely because of the the tines, the state of the soil, or sometimes it can be both. Sometimes, it’s the slipping of the drive belt that could be the cause.

Quick Fix: If there are dull, worn off, or bent tines, you can have them replaced quickly. If the problem is the soil because it’s too hard, you can adjust its depth. You can also make many shallow passes to keep your rototiller from overworking.

Home gardeners love their rototillers. They are a great gardening tool that turns cultivates soil quickly. Having rototillers will eliminate the use of spade for digging or hoeing. And they are used in keeping the pathways clean and clear in the growing season. This piece of a gardening tool is also efficient in controlling weeds.

Keep some spare parts in your garage as this will keep your rototiller in top shape. Spare parts like tines, spark plugs, and drive belts can be very useful. Don’t forget to keep tools, cleanup gears, and/or portable generator repair as well. If you follow the basic steps we’ve provided above, you will surely learn how to fix your rototillers. You won’t have the need to spend and waste time and money by having someone over to fix it.

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