Farmers, landscapers and gardening enthusiasts all know that a power tiller is an essential piece of equipment for maintaining green spaces. Without a power tiller, clearing brush and weeds will take up an enormous amount of your time. To ensure the longevity, performance and quality of your tiller, you need to maintain it regularly. We talk about it in this post!
Tiller engine maintenance
To keep your equipment running smoothly, you’ll need to maintain your power tiller spare parts regularly, and even replace them when they fail. To do this, you’ll need to carefully dismantle your machine and clean it thoroughly. To avoid getting lost, you’ll need to know all the parts that make up your tiller, from timing belts to air filters and lawnmower blades.
The air filter
The air filter plays a fundamental role in starting the engine. That’s why its maintenance requires special attention. You should clean your tiller’s air filter thoroughly after every 50 hours of use. Otherwise, it should be serviced at least every 3 months.
Spark plugs
You’ll need a special brush to clean your tiller’s spark plugs. The aim of this operation is to remove deflagration deposits. Next, wipe the spark plug’s flush and base with a cloth before replacing it. Remember to screw it in tightly to avoid damaging it, and make sure that none of the particles fall into the engine. Ideally, you should clean your tiller’s spark plugs every 100 hours of operation, or every 6 months.
Engine oil
The engine oil level is usually checked when the engine is cooling down on level ground. First unscrew the oil filler cap, then wipe it clean with a cloth. Replace the cap in the cab and read the dipstick at the same time. The dipstick should be within the striped area, so you’ll know whether you need to add oil or not. Make sure there’s enough oil, and avoid overflowing the dipstick.
Maintenance of casings and chassis
Before cleaning, disconnect the power cord and unscrew the spark plugs from your power tool. Then tip the machine backwards to gain access to the inside of the housing. Remember to wear gloves with cuffs, as you’re bound to come into contact with sharp parts. Use a plastic or wooden tool to clean the inside of the crankcase. This will prevent scratches. The trick is to remove any clods of earth trapped on the casing. Only then can you clean the surface with a jet of water. Finally, apply a water-repellent lubricant to the chassis and to the inside and outside of the housing just after drying, to reduce the risk of corrosion, i.e. rust formation.
