Mystery Tiller

[bosaw]

Hi all, I was given a tiller from my dad and I cannot find a source to get replacement parts anywhere. I searched all the models listed under MTD in partstree.com and nothing matched. My dad said he bought it in 1980 at a tractor supply company (TSC) store.












It is a Tillstar with a 5hp Briggs. It has 13" dia. tines with a 26" width. The engine runs great but I am worried if the chain or chain drive get worn or fails, I won't be able to find parts. Any help will be appreciated. Thanks

[gumbo2176]

I would think that a chain would be relatively easy to find. If you were to take the chain off and head to an outdoor equipment supplier with the chain, they should be able to match it to something they have in stock, cut it to length and add the master link. Are the drive gears the same inner diameter on the tine shaft and the engine output shaft? How many teeth on each?

Look at it this way, you got it for free. If you get a couple seasons use out of it before it breaks and can't find parts, look in the paper for a used one. I picked up a Sears 5 hp. model for $150 from a local guy that got too old to plant a garden and have had it for 3 yrs. now with very little maintenance.

[DoubleDogFarm]

I Googled and found half a dozen at different auction houses. They are out there, but I don't now the Mfg.

Like Gumbo mentioned. Bushing, bearings, roller chain, sprockets and oil seals are all at the bearing house. Most chain drive front tine tillers have two chains in the gear box. Sometimes the sprockets are welded to the shafts.

The tines on your tiller look a lot like what Merry Tiller uses.


Eric

[manofthetrees]

lucky duck. nice old tiller from a time when things were built to last and easy to fix. ive got a mower from the late 70's w a b/s moter very similar looking, still starts w/ 2 pulls . it looks like the mfg isnt around anymore ,but like the others said you wont need standard replacement parts if something breaks

[bosaw]

So, I should just feel lucky that I have access to a machine shop? I love the end mill, lathe and Tig welder. I think I will just keep it lubed up and hope it lasts.

[DoubleDogFarm]

bosaw,

Did you look at this MTD. It seems to have the same model number as yours.

http://www.partstree.com/parts/?lc=mtd& ... 3985000003


Eric

[bosaw]

Yes I was so upset that it looks nothing like my tiller. I was so teased that it listed it as a Husky which is TSC brand.

[DoubleDogFarm]

bosaw,

What I think I know. Your tiller was built by MTD, but not sold by MTD. They built this tiller to be sold through Tractor Supply Co. One site said to buy parts only from TSC. Good luck!


Eric

[bosaw]

I guess I will try MTD directly, I'll let you all know what I find

[bosaw]

Well MTD website only goes back to 1988 or newer. I really wonder if there is an archive out there that has 1980's models. I did find a popular mechanics magazine from 1980 that had a tiller looking similar, it was a Gilson tiller. I cannot find any more info on Glison tillers, only Montgomery Ward is coming up a lot.

[tafurt]

Have you learned anymore about your Till Star? I also have one and am struggling to get a replacement part. I have the parts list but haven't been able to find any of the parts by their numbers. Need a new tine oil seal.

[tafurt]

Have you found any other sources for parts or information? I also have a Till Star, made by Atlas Tool and Manufacturing Co. Need to replace an oil seal on the tine output shaft but haven't found such a part. Have the Till Star parts list for my model (44-0336) but no luck locating any spare parts online.

[rainbowgardener]

If you notice, bosaw's posts are from 2011 and he has not visited the Forum since then.....

[imafan26]

Try entering the model number of the engine here. There are several numbers on the machine. You need to find the one stamped on the engine.

http://www.briggsandstratton.com/us/en/ ... -documents

[Armstrong74]

I have the same tiller and the ID tag says Atlas Tool and Mfg. Co. I tried looking up Atlas tiller and got A lot of info. Hope this helps