Sprucing up the tiller

[bk-scouter 93]

After getting home from work and realizing how warm it was (near 40 degrees), I decided to get out the tiller I picked up a couple weeks ago and check out what it will need to get ready for a few jobs around the house this spring.

It has a couple oil-damp areas on the tiller shafts next to the transmission, as with a few light spots around the center where the castings meet. I would like to take apart the case and replace the shaft seals and the center gasket. I already have the shield and tines off, but I haven't gotten any further tonight on it. I've never had one pulled apart before, so will it be fairly easy to open this up to service with regular hand tools? I remember seeing a post sometime ago that somebody needed a press to get something off. Will that hold true for me as well? Your advice is appreciated as always. Thanks!!

-BK

As she sits for now...

[bk-scouter 93]

Bump. B)

[Operator 7]

Preventive maintainence

My garden is still hiding under 12" of snow and frost

Randy

[6wheeler 669]

If it were me, and the seals are not leaking alot, they will more than likely weep again. I would change oil in it and go. But that is just me. Randy, I only have 16 inches on mine but its gonna be 40 degrees today.. MELT,MELT. B)

[mavfreak 11]

I agree if the leak isn.t to bad I would let seals go. My troy built Horse had a sight weep and I replaced the tiller seal which the new one leaked the same only to find out that the shaft was worn from all the grit it lives in.

I have 12" of snow here with a chance of a trace of snow tonight. I'm not getting the warm weather till weekend B)

[bk-scouter 93]

Thanks guys. But I was wondering if anyone out there has had one opened up? Will it just unbolt and disassemble easily to get at the seals? I'm assuming there are a set inside the case? I'd like to check the chain and see if it's in good shape too. I've got the time, still some snow sitting on the grass here...

-BK

[defed 0]

seals can most likely be replaced from the outside. i've never had one open to know how easy it is to split the case.

[rickv1957 74]

The tiller case will seperate with no problems,Rick

[6wheeler 669]

Rick is right, it will come apart. The only thing I have ever had to fight with was the drive pulley. The seals actually are more or less dirt seals. More so designed to keep dirt out, than grease in. But, like you say. If you got time, and wanna see what makes her tick. Have at it. Cause like I always say, There ain't no substitute for experience. Have Fun

[bk-scouter 93]

Well, for the most part, it went much easier than I thought. I was successful in getting it apart, just took my time and didn't apply any excessive force than needed. After some head scratching, I found two rolled pins to gently tap on, the halfs came apart. Then s-l-o-w-l-y slid the cover off the tine shaft. I was impressed on how beefy and heavy-duty these internal parts look. Pretty cool. I'm learning alot on this, just as long I don't make things worse

-BK

[6wheeler 669]

Looks good so far. If you can't get a gasket, the RIGHT STUFF silcone is the best I've ever used. It is made by Permatex, item#25224. Be careful not to lose any shims and remember where they were. Have fun

[tgranthamfd 29]

Looks like a brand new chain in there. On another post they said to check out the links carefully, all of his had cracks in them. Looks like a normal 50 link roller chain.

[bitten 134]

Look forward to seeing how the new seals hold up. Mine leak and after hearing some on here might not mess with them. They dont leak bad, but could do without oil in the ground of my garden.

[bk-scouter 93]

Progress update:

Couple nights ago I was able to get the seals out of the cover. I don't see how they can be removed with the shafts still in place without butchering up parts to do so. So out they came. I did have a casualty though. The pulley shaft needle bearing broke while I pulled out the seal. I guess I was too agressive Added it to my list of other ordered parts from Toro...

They should be in today or so. I'm thinking I'll be puting on a couple coats of paint on this after reassembly of the case. It should look good until the dirt gets caked on again.

-BK

[Tim 97]

I bought my tiller used about 15 years ago, it was well used, When i rebuilt it I replaced all of the seals and bearings. all of them are standard parts from a seal and bearing store. In central Mass. there was a couple of places that I could have gone. i went to Eastern bearing. the price there versus a Tore dealer is 1/3 to 1/2 the price. the ones i Bought were exactly the same brand and number. i spoke to the dealer near me and was honest with him. he explained is simply

toro has to buy, inventory, repackage, and distribute them- this costs money

the dealer must inventory and sell them

this all costs money!!

good luck

[bk-scouter 93]

Thanks Tim, and to all of the rest of you who have chimed in...

My tiller is still coming along, just not as quickly as I would like to. I get to it when the family time permits.

Anyways, while I've been cleaning and painting, I've noticed that even though the tines are in good shape, they seem to be on the dull side. The cutting edges are fairly rounded. I'm sure it would be operating more efficiently if it has sharpened tines. Has any of you guys sharpened them yourself, and how difficult would it be to a beginner guy like my me? I have this fear of taking off too much. If not, I think there is a gentlemen down the road from me that does tool and blade sharpening at this house. Any comments are appreciated !!

PS, pics to follow soon...

-BK

[wh1257 226]

nice tiller