Troy-Bilt Horse, A True Work Horse

This is the Troy-bilt a Horse, A true work horse this was the mainstay of the American garden for over 50 years. The Horse features an 8hp Kohler Magnum engine, bronze gears and several options for different tilling speeds. There were several optional attachments to increase the versatility of your tiller.

[@landontesar3070]

My folks is about a 1976 model, hasn't run in probably 40 years. Someone drained the gas before storage. I just checked spark, fogged the cylinder, and added some gasoline, and closed the choke. It started on the third pull. Won't idle, but that's just some carb work. I am stoked to put it in service.

[@TIJoe-te9qu]

I have a pair from the 70s with Tecumseh 6 hp. Built like little tractors. Bought cheap due to tinkering needed. This company represents how American companies used to be.

[@sololawnprofessional]

I agree, The old Troy-bilt tillers were definitely not built to be just thrown away after a couple seasons, but to last a lifetime.

[@warrenstevens7091]

I just sold mine for 700.00 1974 6 hp tecumseh like new 20 hours on it. Original points start 2 pull. Rebuilt new tires and tubes reseal gas tank new carb.new throttle cable sorry to see it go.just didn't have use for it.

[@sololawnprofessional]

I imagine that it was tough to let go. It sounds like you had a real museum quality tiller

[@warrenstevens7091]

@@sololawnprofessional yes I'm thinking I should have kept it. Father I law ordered it from troy factory and had it shipped. It sat rusted in back yard under tarp for 10 years or more . We put some transmission fluid downtrend throat. Added fresh gas and a few pulls. Good . I cleaned up new transmission gear oil. So heavy I had to take off motor and have a guy help move it. Points still great . Bought a couple new carbs for it. He had the furrow attachment and manual as well . My sister in law found in basement. So the guy that got it sure ended up with an awesome deal. I should have sold for 1500.$ as nothing was wrong with it you can't get new ones like that quality anymore .

[@bluejene2146]

​@Warren Stevens that was worth more than 700 nice ones go for $1500

[@dominicdevone2684]

Thats awesome. You're very fortunate. Mine was second hand with a Briggs and Stratton engine, never did get it running..

[@sololawnprofessional]

I bought this one second hand as well. It could have probably gone through many people's hands before I got to it, because it's well used and it shows but surprisingly the engine in great shape. Overall condition is not perfect but does run well and does a great job at its intended purpose.

[@sahmadi1000]

I have that same exact Tiller in 7 HP IC. I bought it in mid 80's. It's a great tiller for open area gardens with plenty of room to maneuver. It's hard to maneuver in smaller fenced gardens. I wish the tines would turn faster when I weed between the rows. I am looking for the smallest rear tine tiller that god made for weeding between the rows.

[@sololawnprofessional]

It's definitely a little awkward to use in a small fenced garden. Typically i use it for combining shredded leaves into the garden and then I use the mantis tiller cultivator with his high tine speed to really pulverize the mixture to create a really nice planting area. The mantis is great but definitely wouldn't be a good choice for your application as it takes a good amount of time to do a small garden.

[@fredhinck9685]

Should start tilling a couple paths in the middle, then you wouldn't have the awkward swing to get the last bit. I would take my old 1946 Graham Paige over the Horse any day. Instant handlebar adjustment up and down as well as right to left. No walking in tilled ground. It also had spring tines that turned at 200 rpm for a ready to plant garden patch. The tines also stopped when you used reverse. Did many gardens through the 90's.

[@TheQuail64]

Thank you very much ! I just bought one that is in great shape but all the decals are missing so I didnt have a clue how to run it.

[@sololawnprofessional]

Thank you, Don't forget to check the oil in the tiller section. There's a square nut on top of the tiller section that has a dipstick for the oil level and filling.

[@charger7022]

I wish the tines turned the opposite way of the wheels. Mine digs in and takes off sometimes. I have a smaller mtd and the tines go opposite the wheels it would work great if it had bigger tires and weight like the horse does.

[@sololawnprofessional]

Have you tried to put the drive belt in the low speed range It may help a little bit in rougher conditions

[@johnathannaugher249]

I have one its relatively new to me do these tillers have gear oil or oil for the tines if so how do hou add or change it

[@sololawnprofessional]

Tiller has a dipstick for the tiller section. It's sticking out of the guard at the very front of the tiller section. Transmission and the tiller section both use gear oil. Check the manual for the proper type. I don't know off hand. This is the full manual. www.brentchalmers.com/Manuals/1996GardenWayPTOHorseTillerManualWM.pdf

[@thomasbooth9079]

Older ones won’t have the dipstick, there’s a fill level hole on the left side I believe and I think you remove the handles and add from the top if I remember correctly.

[@sololawnprofessional]

Thanks for the comment. I was just referring to the PTO section itself has a dipstick.

[@thomasbooth9079]

@@sololawnprofessional older models oil the time section from the transmission as well.

[@tatkinsful]

Whatever you do DO NOT buy a NEW one !!!! Cheap crap ! I had one for 25 years ans was a monster ! Wish I had just repaired it again.....smh. This Horse is more like a broken down mule

[@sololawnprofessional]

Hi Tony, thanks for the comment. I think people would like to know what your experiences has been with the new horse whether it's been the quality control issues or they just a removed, some key features that made the old horse great.

[@landontesar3070]

there's a video about 5 best tillers for 2024, i would 5 worst.