Using a garden tiller makes it much easier to prepare your garden for the plantation period. Tillers take much lesser time to upturn the soil compared to the traditional tools. But you need to make some effort to keep your tiller running smooth – you need to keep it clean and well maintained. Try following the steps below for a long and fulfilling life of your garden tiller.
Contents
1. Keep Your Tiller Clean
Cleaning your tiller on a regular basis will definitely improve its durability. After every session of tilling your ground, lay it on its back and clean the dirt off.
Wait till the exhaust pipe cools down and then disconnect the spark plug. Wear gloves for protection and clean the working tools and on the inside of the cover.
Scrape off the caked mud with a screwdriver or a brush. Flush in water but don’t use high pressure hose. Having this regime of cleaning every time you use the tiller will ensure comfort for the next use.
2. Change Engine Oil Once A Year
If you are using a gas tiller, then you should change its engine oil at least once a year. Also, engine oil level should be inspected before every use.
To do so, lay it horizontally and unscrew the oil cap in the front. This is the level gauge, clean it and put it in its place without screwing. Read the oil level on the gauge and make sure that it is between low and high level.
3. Keep Track Of The Air Filter’s Condition
Air filter plays an essential role while starting the tiller. A dirty air filter can cause the loss of power.
The tiller will also do a shoddy work of ploughing. Check the condition of the air filter after every use and keep it clean. Swap the air filter if it’s beyond cleaning.
4. Check On Cables
The tiller comes with its own set of cables and has one or more cables depending on the model that you purchased. They are for the controls like clutch, reverse, gas adjustments and lever actions.
So, wear and tear of the cables means you lose your controls. There is adjusting bolts present on each cable use it. Follow the manual and adjust accordingly.
5. Store It Properly In The Winters
The way you store your tiller for winter plays a crucial part of how well it will work in the next spring. Store it in a dry area. Drain the fuel tank completely. Let it run its course to make sure that all the fuel gets used.
Next spring, before its first use, clean the machine completely. Check the tines, bolts, chains and belts, and if anything seems to be worn out, just replace them. Also inspect the transmission closing flange.
Don’t forget to grease the power shaft, tine shaft and other joints. This ensures the smooth sailing or rather tilling of your power tiller.
6. Check The Tines & Tires
Check the tines regularly for sharpness as it can get worn out after long periods of tilling. The blade becomes dull and doesn’t give the same result as before. Replace the tines for better performance.
Also keep a tab on the tires to make certain they have correct tire pressure. Lastly, tighten all the nuts and bolts.
Conclusion
Always remember to store your tiller in dry and shady areas like sheds or garages. As constant moisture can lead it to rust and direct sunlight can break down the rubber parts like tires and fuel lines.
Maintain your tiller and it will stay with you for a long time in the best working condition.
Image Credits: Bradley West, CC BY 2.0