Tiller tiller seized

   / tiller seized #1  

case685

Silver Member
Joined
Feb 4, 2006
Messages
173
Location
Southwest Ont. Canada
Hi I have aquired a 60'' tiller that has sat around for some time with the reservoir empty. As a result it is now seized. I was thinking I would fill it with deisel fuel and let that soak in for a while to see if that will free it. Has anybody tried this or have any other ideas. Although the tiller is by no means new it has seen very little use. It is the type with the drive in the center of the machine so I believe it is gear driven as opposed to chain. Thanks. Gerry
 
   / tiller seized #2  
I'm not sure how a geared tiller works, but your approach sounds good.

I would NOT hook it to a tractor to try to free it, but I would try to rig the PTO firmly (might have to attach it to a tractor to hold it stable), then use a small pry bar to try to rock it back and forth to break it loose. Might have to remove the PTO shields to be able to get a good grip on the PTO shaft with something.

If you get it freed up where you can turn it by hand with the PTO shaft, I'd drain the diesel and add 10wt oil. Then run it on the PTO (not digging, just free running) for a short time. Then drain and fill with proper gear oil.

Be sure to reinstall the shields.

That's what I'd do anyway. Hope it helps.
ron
 
   / tiller seized #3  
I'm not sure how a geared tiller works, but your approach sounds good.

I would NOT hook it to a tractor to try to free it, but I would try to rig the PTO firmly (might have to attach it to a tractor to hold it stable), then use a small pry bar to try to rock it back and forth to break it loose. Might have to remove the PTO shields to be able to get a good grip on the PTO shaft with something.

If you get it freed up where you can turn it by hand with the PTO shaft, I'd drain the diesel and add 10wt oil. Then run it on the PTO (not digging, just free running) for a short time. Then drain and fill with proper gear oil.

Be sure to reinstall the shields.

That's what I'd do anyway. Hope it helps.
ron
 
   / tiller seized #4  
case685 said:
Hi I have aquired a 60'' tiller that has sat around for some time with the reservoir empty. As a result it is now seized. I was thinking I would fill it with deisel fuel and let that soak in for a while to see if that will free it. Has anybody tried this or have any other ideas. Although the tiller is by no means new it has seen very little use. It is the type with the drive in the center of the machine so I believe it is gear driven as opposed to chain. Thanks. Gerry

Soaking with diesel is one approach.

Tillers are pretty simple things. For example, it's easy to get to the drive mechanism (chain) on my used Yanmar RS-1200 (4-ft wide) so you can clear up any jams.

DSCF0210Medium.jpg
 
   / tiller seized #5  
IMO I'd take it apart and see what is "froze", bearings, gears or some other part of the drive train. By soaking it may free up but when you place the tiller in service the corrosion damage may end up causing more problems than if inspected first and directly addressing the problem from the beginning.


It's one of those "you can pay me now or pay me later" things.
 
   / tiller seized #6  
Mickey_Fx said:
IMO I'd take it apart and see what is "froze", bearings, gears or some other part of the drive train. By soaking it may free up but when you place the tiller in service the corrosion damage may end up causing more problems than if inspected first and directly addressing the problem from the beginning.


It's one of those "you can pay me now or pay me later" things.


I second that idea. Any gearbox can be dismantled somehow. I'd take it apart and see what has it bound up. You MIGHT get it free and by doing so, do greater damage. I'd rather know before powering it up what is the cause.
 
   / tiller seized #7  
Yep, the "spray and pray" approach may work,but is likely to result in more damage. Take it apart, clean it up, may have to use some 320 grit on some rust or replace a $20 bearing. Better to know it's ok that to pray for good results.

jb
 
   / tiller seized
  • Thread Starter
#8  
Hi Guys I guess my thinking was if it frees up with a deisel fuel soak it couldn't be too badly seized. In other words if it frees up easily there likely wont have been too much rust on the bearing surfaces. How much rust would be okay before real damage to the bearings would occur. I think I'll try the soak and if that doesn't work without trying to force it I'll open it up for a closer look. Thanks for all the responses. Gerry
 
   / tiller seized #9  
Which reservoir are you talking about, the one on the top or the one on the side.

You need to remove the cover on the side and see what you have....gear drive or chain drive???

You may have a busted chain, broke gear tooth, froze bearing...the thing is you need see what is froze up before attempting any running of it or you may cause breakage somewhere else.
 
   / tiller seized
  • Thread Starter
#10  
Hi My tiller does not have a reservior on the side which is why I'm assuming it is gear driven. But either way your right I need to have a look inside before I try to force it free. Thanks. Gerry
 
 
 
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