April 19, 2023

Tiller: Why do my tiller's tines turn but the wheels don't?

If the wheels on your tiller don't turn but the tines do, you may need to adjust the clutch cable or replace the transmission.

If the tines turn when tilling soil but the wheels don't move, you'll likely need to replace the transmission because the tiller clutch cable is properly tensioning the drive belt to spin the transmission pulley but the transmission isn't driving the wheels.

If the tines spin when they're above the soil but stop when you lower the tines into the soil, then you may need to adjust the clutch cable so it properly tensions the belt to engage the transmission pulley. Replace the clutch cable if it's damaged.

tiller

THESE REPAIRS MAY HELP SOLVE YOUR TILLER PROBLEM

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.

Symptoms common to all tillers

Choose a symptom to see related tiller repairs.

Main causes: broken shaft clevis pins, transmission failure
Main causes: dirty carburetor, engine needs tune up, stale gas
Main causes: leaky engine head gasket, damaged sump gasket, damaged oil drain plug seal, loose or cracked fuel line, leaky carburetor seal
Main causes: carburetor failure, bad gasoline, dirty spark plug, broken recoil starter
Main causes: damaged tines, broken clevis pins, worn drive belt, faulty transmission, clutch cable problems, improper depth-stake setting
Main causes: worn or broken drive belts, bad transmission, clutch cable problems
Main causes: clutch cable problems, faulty transmission

Repair guides common to all 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 starter assembly is broken, follow the steps in this repair guide to replace it.

Repair difficulty
Time required
 15 minutes or less

Articles and videos common to all tillers

Use the advice and tips in these articles and videos to get the most out of your tiller.

August 30, 2022

How to enjoy all the online benefits we offer on our Sears PartsDirect website

How to enjoy all the online benefits we offer on our Sears PartsDirect website

Learn about all the convenient features on our Sears PartsDirect website that make your parts purchases easier.

December 28, 2018

Find the right carburetor assembly for a Craftsman snowblower, tiller or log splitter

Find the right carburetor assembly for a Craftsman snowblower, tiller or log splitter

This chart will help you find the right carburetor for your Craftsman snowblower, tiller or log splitter.

November 01, 2015

Tiller common questions

Tiller common questions

These frequently asked questions might help you figure out what's wrong with your garden tiller.