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.

Instructions

1. Disconnect the spark plug wire

Pull the spark plug wire straight up and off the plug.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. Reconnect the spark plug

Reconnect the spark plug wire to the spark plug.