A rotary tiller enables you to break up clods of earth, decompacting the soil to a certain depth so you can make it more hospitable to your plants, mix in fertiliser and keep weeds at bay. The work is done by the rotary tiller’s blades, also called knives, tines or cutters. The blades of the rotary tiller are mounted on the cutter shaft and together form the rotor, which is the element that breaks up the soil by rotating and simultaneously propels the machine forward.
But what if your rotary tiller doesn't cut like it used to? The solution depends on the possible causes, which we will discuss below.
Improper assembly of the blades
In order for the rotary tiller to work properly, the blades must be mounted with the cutting edge oriented exactly as specified with respect to the direction of travel, and aligned with each other as per the diagram in the user and maintenance manual. They must also be properly secured to ensure safe and effective operation, so be careful every time you mount or remove them to extend or reduce the tiller’s working width.
Any checks or maintenance on the rotary tiller must be performed wearing utility gloves with the engine off and cold and the spark plug detached. In addition, never touch the rotor when the machine is running.
Damaged or worn tiller blades
Before starting work, it is advisable to check the ground for roots, stumps, stones or building rubble, divots and so on, which may damage the rotary tiller if the blades strike them. Remove as much as possible and, in the event of impact with the rotor, switch off the rotary tiller and check for damage. If there is damage, the blades must be replaced with original spare parts, because your safety is at risk if you try to repair them yourself by welding, straightening or reshaping them.
For the same reasons, sharpening the blades yourself is not advisable either: whether they are worn, chipped or broken, all the blades must be replaced as a set, because using old and new blades together may cause the machine to lose its efficiency and till the soil less effectively. If replacing the blades of your Efco rotary tiller is not an option, or you don't have time to do it, contact a technician at your local service centre.
Breakage of the tines may also be due to the soil composition and the presence of stones. Before or after every work session, it’s a good idea to check that the tines are intact and securely fixed to the cutter shaft.
Problems with the transmission
The rotary tiller may not work if the rotor stops turning due to a malfunction of the transmission, which is the mechanism that transfers the power generated by the engine to the rotor, thereby making it turn. A transmission component may have broken, which can be caused by premature wear due to engaging the gears without fully pulling the respective control levers. To keep it in great condition, check the engine oil level and lubrication of the transmission unit, topping up the oil according to the instructions in the rotary tiller user manual.
In your Efco rotary tiller is affected by transmission problems, contact your nearest service centre. We also recommend that you take your machine there for a general check-up every couple of years (or more often if you use it intensively).
While you are working, does your rotary tiller start vibrating excessively or become very noisy? This may be caused by damage inside the gearbox or engine: in this case, it is best to contact the service centre.
Improper operating technique
Your operating technique with the rotary tiller also affects the efficiency of the blades when breaking up soil. So walk – don't run – and to help the tines do their job, press on the handlebars and sweep the tiller slightly from left to right and back. The tilling depth of your rotary tiller depends not just on its power output, but also the amount of pressure you exert on the handlebar and the adjustment of the jackleg (or spur), which acts as a brake.
You can transport the rotary tiller from one place to another over the ground surface by starting it and making it advance slowly on the tip of the blades. To preserve the blades, avoid using this technique to move the tiller across asphalt or concrete surfaces; use the transport wheel instead, in the case of short journeys.
Rotary tillers resemble two wheel tractors (also called rotary cultivators), but differ in terms of their structure and use: discover the differences between rotary tiller and two wheel tractors.
