Troy-Bilt TB146 EC Cultivator will not till

1966vette · May 19, 2013

http://www.tillersdirect.com/Images/Troy-Bilt-TB146EC-Cultivator/i6118.html

I purchased a Troy-Bilt TB146 EC 4 cycle Cultivator last year & it worked fine. This year I added a little oil & it started right up. I used it to till my raised bed 24 X 8, garden. While tilling some dead tomato vines the tiller stopped because the vines were wrapped around the tines. I removed the dead vines & now the tiller start but the tines do not turn properly. The engine revs but the tines only make a ½ turn & stop. Does this unit have a clutch? Could the clutch be the problem? The tiller maybe under warranty but I want to get it to run today. Any help will be much appreciated!

Thanks!
Andy

dutch1 · May 19, 2013

Yes it does have a clutch, a centrifugal clutch assembly similar to a trimmer. Off hand, I'd say you have some damage in the transmission assembly preventing complete rotation of the tine assembly. Unfortunately, TB doesn't show a transmission breakdown. As a result, if there is transmission damage, it's likely a complete transmission replacement.

http://www.upstateoutdoorpowerequip...TB146EC_21AK146G766,_21AK146G766_(2012)/Engine_Assembly/76907454-A/769074540001

1966vette · May 19, 2013

Dutch,

Thanks for the info. The unit is under warranty & the store I purchased it from does not carry TB anymore. However, he told me to bring it to his shop to see if it can be fix ASAP. Maybe, I should just bring it to an authorized TB repair center & wait a few weeks. Heck, I need the tiller next Fri, Sat & sun then I can wait a few months.
Thanks!
Andy

dutch1 · May 20, 2013

Here's the rest of the assembly.

http://www.upstateoutdoorpowerequip...B146EC_21AK146G766,_21AK146G766_(2012)/General_Assembly/76907454-A/769074540002

Unfortunately those little tillers are not designed for breaking ground or incorporating garden debris--they are made for light tilling in already broken ground. Apparently you got old tomato vines wrapped so tightly around the transmission that you damaged the worm gear that drives the tiller shaft--with no breakdown of the transmission it's difficult to tell.

Good luck with the warranty.

Troy-Bilt TB146 EC Cultivator will not till

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