lets wrench on the troybilt rototiller

[@forthwithtx5852]

Seeing that Troybilt tiller brings back some memories. Around 1978-79, my dad bought one just like that for me. I was 15 or so. I don't remember ever asking for a rototiller.

[@ghibliinu6616]

And at that same time James Underwood Crockett doing "The Victory Garden" with WGBH in Boston, on Public TV. Those were the days. He used a Troy Bilt Horse in his raised beds as I recall.

[@markforeman3101]

A few weeks back someone gave me 2 that had been sitting in a shed since 83 I worked on one got it running good and sanded down and repaint you can find it under the coonass way

[@markforeman3101]

If you going to spin that much time repaint it like I did .I use Cherry gloss red spray paint.

[@sbains560]

My dad bought me a new pioneer farmsaw when I was 15 I’m,over that saw Sold it 30 years later Big mistake

[@raymondgarafano8604]

Maybe ur dad was into gardening, wanted to get u into gardening too?

[@richardstewart2189]

I really like the way bring your audience into the shop with you. Great host and hell of a problem solver. Thanks.

[@shadetreeterry8772]

I'm in awe at your ability to bring new life into old and forgotten items. I've enjoyed ALL of your videos and have a unquenchable thirst for more.

[@blimpman1]

I know this is an old video. I owned a Pony Model from 1984 till 2010 when I passed it on to my son in law who still uses it. First or second pull and it started every time. I remember that the wheels were driven when the L shaped handle was turned to the right and the tines turned when you pushed in the black knob . I don't think I saw your wheels drive. When working together it is a one handed job and very smooth on garden soil. Best tiller I ever used, hands down. Love your videos !!

[@mustie1]

l showed it drive the wheels on the bench, but did not use it on the ground as it was too fast for packed ground, l talked about it at 24.10

[@3347861]

It is refreshing to see someone who actually diagnoses problems. Before my career in the Army I was a line mechanic and was amazed by the lack of knowledge among "parts changers". Small engine repair is fairly new to me, and is a different ballgame from larger machines. I appreciate the knowledge that you share.

[@howtoanddiychannel2387]

John Baugh parts changing is a waste of money I hate hearing when people do that wasting money on new parts that worked perfectly fine!

[@nathanpatterson8450]

Nathan

[@danielfeustel339]

Nathan Patterson (

[@raybonz7939]

Those are great rototillers! I have used an old Horse mdel and it was a beast! Rear counter rotating tines are the only way to go!

[@ghibliinu6616]

Ray do you remember James Underwood Crockett and "The Victory Garden" show on WGBH in Boston? (circa late 1970's) He used a Horse in his raised beds as I recall. Every time I hear Troy Bilt I remember him.

[@jamiehanna45]

Troy bilt used to be great at least in Canada. They sold out to MTD, lost the cast cylinder sleeve and use Koehler engines. I have been lucky on fixing mine, but they are cheap now. Dad had this one you are working in and the one with Bicycle wheels. Old Troys are the best

[@stevejette2329]

Mustie has inspired me to go to my local small engine shop and ask for a junker motor that would be tossed and I could dis-assemble to learn. They gave me a HONDA HXA 17 ($700) that looks and works like new !! Customer had hit orange baling twine and twisted around rear axle. Bought a new mower rather than pay to repair. ONLY problem is that its not self-propelled now. So I get to repair that. THANK YOU MUSTIE !!

[@dannysteel8365]

I have one just like that, about 30 years old now, and still running great. Of course, I keep it well maintained. Good video. Thanks for sharing.

[@Grumpyneanderthal]

Your capacity for explaining how things work is well above average. In this short video you unraveled multiple mysteries for me. I just bought the same tiller, same vintage also. Mine runs fine but now I know why. Many thanks

[@duncang01]

I love those old, real Troy-Bilt Tillers. I have 4 of the Horse tillers and 1 Pony, just like the one in this video. I also have a 1952 David Bradley Walking Tractor with a lot of implements. I use all of them every year for my gardens.

[@johndombrowski3225]

It’s so nice to watch a professional do his job and explain it wonderfully!

[@ericallen7022]

I got a quick I bought that same exact one I get it running but after that it wasn't going I opened where belts there something missing from the rod that shifts forward and reverse couldn't send me a picture looking at that could you so I can make one.? Would highly appreciate it and great videos thanks

[@LuisDiaz-ms5rm]

You are one of the BEST for the stuff u do with theses engines hands down I love your videos!! Keep up the great work !!👍💪

[@kirbylane9451]

love that tiller. I never find em for $5.00, but I did buy a 20 year old BCS tiller sitting in an old warehouse off a guy who only used it a couple of times and parked it. No rust and only 8 hours on the Italian Acme 6 horse. still looked new.Got it for $200.00. after watching you clean carbs numerous times I was finally able to order a complete carb kit for $50.00 and replaced a few fuel lines. Runs like new. thanks to your vids.

[@tiporari]

I built a go kart around one of these engines. They are damn near indestructible, run awesome, and last a very long time even without maintenance. wish they made stuff like that today. I put an electronic points eliminator on it, and it started on the first pull every time, even with crappy gas. Nice score!

[@hughbo52]

Hey, been a while since i've watched one of your videos. They are still very interesting and so informative. Your camera work and explanations are great. Thanks for your time, work and posts.

[@twintwo1429]

Just working on my late dad's troybilt tiller today and got interrupted by my neighbors ricochet Bullet coming into the shop door way. Scared the crap out of me. Thanks for the video, will finish tiller Tomorrow.

[@steveb9151]

I inherited a tiller just like this. Thanks so much for the inside story of how she's put together. By the way, I have the exact same issue with the drive belt. Hopefully, I can effect a repair just like you did. Thanks again!

[@brucedickey5155]

My dad bought me a VW Beetle used for a graduation present. Spent the same money on my brother's first car, a std shift six banger Biscayne, but it was new. Dad said, I'll buy it but you must maintain it. Those words came back to haunt me six months later, when it dropped an exhaust valve. Dad found me a mechanic, who worked at a Farm Tractor shop, did their chain saw work. Nights and weekends he donned his VW hat and he did Beetles and Vans. I had enough money for parts only. So he let me work out the labor portion of the bill. I'm about 30 videos into Mustie 1, Darren is awesome isn't he folks? I told my wife it was like being 19 again and in the shop with Vernon. Thanks Mustie 1, you strike deep chords within many of us. Thanks for the videos. Which brings me to a question: who were your mentors Mustie 1?

[@johnkatkus7143]

Thanks for the demo. I have an older troy built Horse and plan on doing the work in the spring and tilling the garden. Looked up the price for a Horse equivalent and it was about $3,000. Prices have certainly change. Thanks again.

[@neardood1]

I remember fixing a mower with that same carbie. I couldn't figure out how it worked but now i know, cheers for explaining :).

[@headpainter1]

I had 2 of the troy bilt tillers. They were identical except for the rotation of the tines. Had to sell the forward rotating one. Took too much work trying to keep it from running away from me. The counter rotating one fights the wheels and digs in. Love that one. Great video! Wish I could find deals like that!

[@toddkratzer7953]

I never knew how to work on small engines. Watching videos on youtube like yours gave me the confidence to find out why my Honda Generator wouldn't run. I fixed it and it runs like new. Thank you for all your videos, I heard it's time consuming to edit video.

[@rodreel7136]

thanks for posting this. I have one just like it in about the same condition with the same issues. never really worked on one of these, so you helped me before I even got started, so thank you.. I see you have an old kee mower which I also have and need to repair. thanks for posting all your videos. you help more people than you even realize.

[@alanhart9992]

Nice job on the old Troy-Bilt Tiller. Plus great explanations and troubleshooting as you progressed.

[@xw6968]

I have never done anything with an engine before and maybe never do ( living in a flat 28 high in China ),but i'm learning a lot from your KZbin. Please keep explaining these things ( even if you think its simple). Thise small things and simple checks ( to you) are great to learn. At least i know now what the people at the garage are talking about.

[@ChickaWoofRanch]

Thank you for sharing your knowledge of small engines and power equipment!

[@bbrut3332]

Just picked up a slightly newer model with the plastic tank and a 3 hp engine. Had spark already. Added PBP blaster to the cylinder overnight. New plug and it fired up. Found a crack in the plastic fitting between carb and fuel line. Added some Sea Foam to the fuel and adjusted the carb and ran for 30 minutes. Changing oil and gear box now. Will replace the old drive belt and it should run and till like almost new. Thanks Mustie for the guide to these older units from Troy Built.

[@dogwalkfinds9899]

Your explanation of that carburetor is excellent. I have a generator with exactly the same engine and it needed the same carb and gas tank service you showed. Thanks!

[@glennharless1399]

Mustie 1 videos sure does bring back memories and lots of good ones !!!

[@ParrotHead1809]

Once a year I rent a small roto tiller for my garden. I’m going to start looking for a cheapie at a garage sale and use some of my new found knowledge to get it into working order!! Thanks again for the great vid!

[@mustie1]

Go for it!

[@punkbloater]

Man i love watching these investigating/fixing videos, great work on this "groundturner", it's gonna give you a little cash back to.

[@1999Shortstuff]

My dad bought that same Troy Bilt rototiller back in the very late 70s or early 80s. I remember it well because he told me it costs $750 brand new. So, $5 for the one you bought is a great deal. BTW, I now own that same tiller and it still works great.

[@len4338]

I really like old seeing these old machines given new life.

[@JOEZEP54]

Great buy! I bought the larger version of this tiller. Had the same problems. On the larger engine the points are located on the side and the carburetor has a separate fuel pump. This is my second season using the tiller without any issues other then a little tire leak. Plenty of thread, but dry rot, tires look to be original. When a chance I will use a tube. They are strong machines great finds when you can get them.

[@jbz2079]

I recently sorted out a 5HP Briggs that had been stored full of fuel, had crusty points too. Carb gaskets, new plug and points, oil change and air filter cleaned. It runs like brand new, not bad for 1978.

[@tomboese367]

that is a great help!!! I run a tiller of a similar vintage, I do love the older machines!!! Mine also has trouble with the proper tension on the belt. I'll be looking to tighten it the way you did on your tiller. Great video, thank you very much! So yes, I did subscribe!!

[@josephsteffen2378]

Rear tines and large wheels: the best rototiller configuration. Used all over the planet. Great explanation of the carburetor fuel pickup and delivery system. I never knew that was how, or that type... As well as the fuel pump configuration. Basic diaphragm and check valve. Now i know. ....what's for dinner?

[@lucky15driver]

I love watching your videos. Your like the Bob Ross of small engine repair. Big thumbs up.

[@Stealthcola]

I absolutely love these old Briggs Engines. If you ever find someone junking them always pick them up and save them!

[@keithlincicum3691]

I too enjoy your videos. Ten years ago, I answered an add for a Troy-Built tiller and found it a victim of someone who didn't know what they were doing. I found that it had been dropped at some point, and being all cast iron, it bent the axle enough that I had to cut one end off to get it out. The cast iron Tecumseh needed a new carb and started on the first pull until it got cold and I used the TB blade to move snow. I plan on rebuilding the OEM one day, but 'til then a Honda 160 bolted up like it was made for it and works well. Keith L. P.S. My tiller is considered the antique as that model was recently sold at ACE.

[@dannyhullihen966]

These are great little tillers. I have one just like it. Some 30 years later, and it's still running great!

[@stomper2582]

I used to repair old harleys, mostly pan heads. At that time they made a product that we called sloshing compound. When we cleaned a tank we would use that. Pour some in and make sure you coat the whole tank, then pour out the excess. It would form a new bladder inside the tank and not only cover the inside of the tank but would seal leaks. Don’t know if they still make it. Love your videos.

[@heavysnow8616]

I’m working on a Troy Bilt tiller now. She runs for a few minutes and stalls. Gas cap is good, carb cleaned. I’m going to remove the flywheel and check the points for wear, adjustment and corrosion. If they are bad I’ll convert it to electronic ignition. What a change working on a piece of equipment WITHOUT PLASTIC all over it. This darn thing is built like a tank! This thing will be passed down to generations, it’s a damn shame we can’t get equipment engineered and built like this today.

[@duenge]

I bought a small front tine tiller once, with a Honda...Brother borrowed it, haven't seen it since. Been about 10 years....Don't buy a front tine machine.....You have to pick up on it to engage the soil, versus just putting your weight down on a rear tine machine....Great job Mustie!

[@IBenZik]

If I had your brains I never would have gone to Pharmacy school. Love watching you work!

[@phbrinsden]

That choke slide reminds me of the original engine on an edger I had about 40 years ago. Even the engine sounded the same. I had just arrived from U.K. and had a lawn to deal with. Had no spare cash. A neighbor found an edger on the junk heap and brought it to me. Covered in grease and dirt. I took it all apart, made it go again and that thing served me for 20 years or more. The frame base was solid cast aluminum so it was solid as a rock. I eventually gave it to someone in going condition.

[@TheJeepinDad]

This is ASMR, very relaxing to listen to. But also truly fascinating to learn about these machines.

[@joealbert7773]

If you don't want it to run away on you, you need to take smaller bites at a time. With ground that isn't tilled you need to start one notch down on the depth lever and run over it a couple of times before you go down another notch.

[@mitchellmals]

Brilliant, I have an old billy goat leaf sucker it tuns well but a pig to start! Now I understand how the fuel system works now will get it striped and service. Kind regards Mal. 👍

[@elliottsmith3632]

Cool that you were able to bring it back. I bought a Troy-Bilt Pony tiller to turn my compost heap. I tried it out and it couldn't budge it. I think these tillers are for cultivating loose broken ground not for turning or prepping a garden. You need either the biggest one they offer or something else.

[@davidphillips2259]

You should be teaching young men in schools all this, showing them how things work . So interesting 🧐 They May need it one day

[@mdhboy]

@Mustie1, great video (as always) I wish you would take more time on older stuff like this & go more in-depth. I will admit that I am EXTREMELY NEW to even looking at a motor and never in my life would have known the way this tiller worked! Your knowledge is vast & appreciated. Thank you

[@justinmcclanahan4745]

Nice old Troy built tiller,when I lived in Arkansas we had a old front tire tiller I think it was a old true value hardware tiller with a good old 5hp Briggs & Stratton engine on it & you could take the tines off & put wheels on the front & a plow attachment on the back when you take off the original wheels in the back which was held on only by a pin & key

[@ItsAlwaysRusty]

Great restoration /reclamation.. That will last another 25 years now. Man that idled well after sitting so long..Take Care

[@bl9898]

Yeah my dad gave me his troybuilt before he died and then the carb got so loose that the tiller was sucking air. Then i think a tierod broke because of the air leak. Happened to a car my son used to drive. gotta watch what the shade tree mechanics do with those motors. But Im not callin you a shade tree mechanic Mustie1! Your videos have been very informative and I appreciate the money you have saved me. It looks like there is two pullies and I think the one towards the engine is for the wheels. On those Troybuilts the wheels are a huge part of the total success of the machine. Also I think you might have your tines set too low for your first pass.

[@Treeplanter73]

I gave up on my 25 year old 5hp Briggs, remotored it with a 120cc brand new Honda gx on my Tuffy rototiller. Best decision ever!

[@tdibell]

Dude I just love your stuff. I don’t have much of a shop (it’s just my parking spot), but I have just enough tools to do the job. I’ve watched most of your vids and damned if I haven’t gotten enough machines fixed to actually make a few bucks! Flea markets and garage sales are what I’ve been using as my sources and there ya go. Thanks for all the lessons. Carburetors have always been a mystery to me, but you’ve taken care of that!!

[@johnstrange6799]

If you ever do a greatest hits of amazing deals, then I say add the $5 Troybilt tiller to the list, along with the $10 lathe and $200 truck.

[@cpufreak101]

John Strange what about the $40 Honda generator?

[@montyparris1779]

Hodwooker hi can I get a pair of g1 400-8 used

[@mischef18]

Watched a few vids of yours so subbed. You have a real gift foe getting things working bro. All the very best from NZ

[@4beats56]

I had a 8 hp. Troybuilt for years Great machine. Don't try to go too deep on unbroken ground. Break it up.and then go deeper. Also if tines get pointy it's time replace them. Makes a big difference.

[@MrFritz6940]

Mustie1 I'm working on my grandpops tiller just like this one. Still has the receipt from 76' haha. I had it apart last year and cleaned the carb out and ran good. Went to run it last night and it struggles. Likes to stall when put in gear, and seams to not wanna run with much load on it when it gets hot. Figured I'd ask someone before ripping into it again. Gas is from last year, had maybe an ⅛ tank. Put fresh in, maybe not good enough. Thanks

[@madcyborg]

That gelatin looking stuff I have noticed by fixing a few machines in the free pile is when someone goes overboard on the Sta-bil fuel preservative. Good video, and even better deal.

[@jackallen6261]

Yes, when Sta-bil isn't so stable. I run everything out of fuel and drain the tanks,. Gave up on Sta-bil some time ago!

[@christinamoneyhan5688]

I certainly would like to find those kind of deals...people where I live think there JUNK is made of gold... and it is just that that junk! Arizona. Thank you for showing that carburetor operation.

[@paddybrennan3644]

Brilliant I got some old crusty machines This helps a lot thanks Just wish I had a shop like you

[@DannyBeans]

Thanks for covering the carburetor. I just bought pretty much exactly this tiller (only difference I can see is mine has an electric start), and replacing that diaphragm was all it took to get her up and running.

[@CranialAccess]

New sub. Great video! They were built about 15 minutes from me in Troy NY. Most of my neighbors worked in the factory. All of my stuff was Troy-Built.

[@805ROADKING]

Good deal Bud!! I bought one like that from an auction once, it was owned by a rental company!! They removed the reverse linkage, must have had too many people runnin' themselves over!!☺

[@mustie1]

l bet some older stuff is not very idiot proof

[@dalesworld1308]

I have that tiller, bought it missing the head. As an FYI I put the Predator 212cc on mine, you lose reverse but it's a light enough unit that you don't really need it.

[@sappy1642]

Very good Video that runs like it is brand new great job.

[@joshmorlock2915]

We have one of those. A Troybuilt Pony, in a condition where it will never run again. It came with like a plow attachment as well as a rototiller

[@joshmorlock2915]

We always had problems with the belt too.

[@warrenstevens7091]

Josh Morlock just get the 21.58 x1/2

[@n3bruce]

It might be worth repowering with a Predator Engine, if the rest isnt trashed too badly.

[@cravinbob]

That is exactly what I did with my dad's Pony Tiller. I sacrificed having a reverse but the Predator is inexpensive, easy to remove the governor and I have a dozen for various applications . They give me no trouble at all. I even built a "Doom Buggy" out of a China made 4 wheel fat tire kids machine. It hauls ass. No point is messing with a 40 year old Tecumseh!

[@josephsteffen2378]

Half a million views....you're a ROCKSTAR!

[@JDLarge]

Tillerific 🤪 I grabbed an old school tiller off the Facebook marketplace for free, I would say it’s from the 50s and I have yet to delve into it but I’m definitely looking forward to it now.

[@ebalmes]

You amaze me. Every video. I learn so much

[@karlaiken2845]

My dad had the same tiller. First time I used it I had the tines in the forward rotation same as you it launched out of my hands and that was the fastest I ever ran to catch that thing LOL! The same thing happened to my cousin when he borrowed it LOL. What you have to do on hard ground is run the tines in reverse to soften the the ground then you can run the tines in the forward rotation.

[@gregschenk7665]

The pony models were only designed to till forward rotation, the reverse was only there to back out of a stuck situation. The reverse tone speed was extremely slow. Use the anchor foot to prevent it digging in to much and launching.

[@IntegraDIY]

You can also fill the tank up with some 99cent vinegar, it'll eat the rust completely gone and leave the inside a dark gray steel color after washing. Only problem it takes about 2days but for the price and safety it's a good option.. Oh and soaking combustion parts like Pistons/valves/heads in sea foam works wonders on carbon built up, even the really tough stuff, does it work good for cleaning carb, and jets?

[@jamesshivers8213]

Another good video as always. I really like those tillers, and maybe any tiller lol troy bilt made a lot of tillers, plenty of them to work on.

[@dinotopher770]

I got rid of one just like it. It had a cool feature, reverse was achieved with a PTO coming off the back case and attached to the cam drive. I'm sure it was common but as a kid building mini bikes and go-carts I had never seen it before.

[@davidswezene1102]

Good morning sir. Not sure if anybody's mention this before but your profile from the side, reminds me of David Gilmour from Pink Floyd? Anyway, sure do enjoy your handyman works round mechanized items. Keep up the great work!

[@mrc6032]

I was thinking the same thing! Gilmour is to guitar as Mustie is to engines. 😉

[@colin8532]

Big time score on that tiller. That's a 400-500 dollar touch up here all day long! (Canadian dollars, so that's what? 200-300 US?) lol

[@tykellerman6384]

Great video … gotta love ole Briggs🤠👍

[@davidhall3107]

Great video for me cause I have one identical. Paid fifty dollars but I've used it for eight years. Also had the same problem with the belt slipping and thought it had stretched. I bought a new one the next size smaller but it didn't work. I'll look closer at the adjustments. Thanks!

[@richardm1631]

Another good old rototiller you fix great job.👍

[@andrewjones3706]

I had a horse model. So well built and heavy. The Forward tine drive standard was silly . You hit a big rock or root , hang on for a drag face first through the dirt! Let go and it will tear down your fence or worst. COUNTER rotating tines is the key to control and tilling.

[@stoveboltlvr3798]

I have the same engine on my tiller. My tank was rusted like that and I cleaned it by putting mineral spirits and a handful of nuts and bolts inside and shaking the hell out of it. Worked pretty well.

[@jackstjohn4175]

Nice job . would like to see part 2. On belt repair for tins and drive repair . Thanks Jack

[@dwmcever]

I have almost this exact tiller, except mines a couple of years older, no points. Sat for five years out side unused by my stupid renter, and but still was in a bit better shape than yours. Yours is the best video I've seen on fixing any small engine implement. Although I did most of mine before I saw your video, I now know enough to keep my Pony running for years to come. I paid $200 for mine in 1996. That was a bargain cause it ran for seven years.

[@wendalwilliams9445]

Troybilt Horse operator here, those things get quite onery when they have been sitting for a while however you can do a nice food plot with no struggling.

[@jonathanbenoit8828]

That tiller is a grown man,a massive beast 💪💪💪 love it ❤️❤️.

[@1Shignog]

I have watched a lot of your videos now and you must be either lucky or no one around there fixes there stuff lol. I can not find half the stuff you do, but then again everyone fixes there stuff. Keep up the videos.

[@binkswhitesocks6737]

that is why I love troybilt

[@darellsunderlin4670]

Just a couple of words of wisdom , ( 35+years working on small engine's , first always tighten those carb tube bolts before you put the tank on , think you know why I say that , & then wherever you get your Briggs parts ask them for a add on Magnatron electronic ignition kit . It takes the place of your points & condenser & make them start & run smooth as silk . :-)! Good job !

[@firefalcon9368]

one man's junk, another mans treasure... it's always fun to take something that others thing is trash, with a little effort and know how, make it run.

[@keithbrookshire]

I believe that's the exact same tiller I have. I just never knew it is a TroyBilt. Excelent information!

[@Roadhardd]

Vintage Mustie1. Makes me nostalgic for your garage at home.

[@larryreno8293]

If you engage the drive wheels it will keep it from running away when the tines hit the dirt.

[@alred6568]

Those Troy-Bilt tillers are diamonds.

[@enriquelopez9124]

Hey you did it again, you put the magic, toget those machines going.

[@MichaelCarpenter-r7m]

Many rear tine tillers have the tendency to "run away" or "buck" in tough soil conditions. Also, they tend to wander or drift when one half of the tiller bites and pulls the machine off line. Makes for a long day! I introduce my attachment to the Drag Bar of the rear tine tiller to help in both situations. I call it the "Back Saver Spike". Production is just getting started.

[@Blazer02LS]

As many rusty tanks as you deal with you might want to look into some kwikpoly. Basically a water thin 2 part epoxy style sealer. Stuff really works great. Doesn't peel like some of the single part sealers and it's chemical resistant to just about anything.