Farmall Cub

Went to look at an elderly couples lawn mower last week that had some mower deck problems. Told them I could fix it, but they decided they did not want to put any money into it. Wanted to know if I was interested in buying it,I politely declined on it.
As I was leaving she opened up her out building and said I want you to see this. In the back of the shed was an early 80s Troy Bilt horse tiller. It has the Tecumseh engine and the machine appears to be lightly used for its age. It has not been ran in quite a few years.
Due to my lack of knowledge on this type of equipment I am hoping that someone may be able to give me an idea of what to look for; parts prone to wear etc. I am going back sometime next week to perform a compression test and make them an offer.
Thanks for any suggestions on this Tiller, my other half says she really wants it
Bill

Bill,
Only problem I have had with mine is the seals on the shaft the tines are mounted on. Be sure to check the oil level there before you run it hard.

I have a Kohler on mine and like it a lot. Dad and I use it in our 1/4 acre garden and it is a tough one. I know the koher engine tiller brings more than the Tecumseh one does here in my area. I have had a few Tecumseh engines and did not like them. My opion though. My seals leak too. I have replaced them three times and know I am to the point where we just keep adding oil.

I bought a new Troy-Bilt Horse in 1990, and yep, seals leak, but these old original ones are about bullet proof.

My inlaws have had a Tecumseh powered one and it has been a good tiller. It has been worked on but not often. I prefer a Kolher engine but would not reject a Tecumesh. I have a 10 year old Tecumseh on a tiller and it runs fine. Uses a little oil but a quart a year won't bankrupt me. I like the horse tiller and have used my inlaws a few times. I like the two speed. The rear tine tillers are nice for tilling a garden in the spring but tend to run too deep for cultivating and will cut roots especially on tomato. I consider the Troy Horse to be one of the better tillers. I didn't buy one because of the price verses my billfold. Vern

100 dollars would be my offer on that one, I have three Troy Horse tillers, one free and 75 and 100 on the other two , two tecumseh and one old cast iron Kohler , my seals don'y leak and never have. Troy tillers are bullet proof I bet all it needs is a carb cleaning and belts or tires , the trans oil fill point is that big T bolt that holds the handle bars on, just remove T bolt and bars and the pour point is the actual T bolt hole. interesting thing is Troy Built or Gardenway inc will for free send you a owners manual and that big hood sticker all you do is e mail the company

Check the tines, if they are worn to a point, they will need to be replaced.
These are good tillers, they sell for $1800 these days.
As has been said, they are better for soil prep, than cultivating. You hve to make your rows wide enough to use a Cub, so why walk?

I have 1 with the tec motor and it never gets used because the Tec motor wont run long enough to be useful!--TECS. are junk and always have been!---the first thing you will have to do is find a 7 hp Kohler to put on it then you will have a REAL tiller!---MY .02!!LOL!!! thanks; sonny

http://gardentractortalk.com/

Go to manuals. Then type Troy-Bilt in the search function. Above link contains manuals on the Troy-Bilt Horse tiller. Also in the forum section, search for discussions on the tiller.

You may need to become a member of the site to download the manuals. Membership is free.

Tecumseh engines. Parts are still available.

I own two of them. They were both manufactured in Troy New York, Leaking seals is a easy fix I would say without seeing it $100.00 is a steal. The newer machines are made by MTD and not as rugged. All the parts from seals to replacement tines are still readily available. They are also easily repowered and Harbor Freight actually at one point had a Honda cllone that was a quick change over. Jump on it you will not be disappointed.

v w wrote:....... The rear tine tillers are nice for tilling a garden in the spring but tend to run too deep for cultivating and will cut roots especially on tomato. ......

On all of the rear tines I have used you could control the depth with the rear drag stick

Thank for all your input on this tiller,have learned alot about them these past few days.
I will be taking another look at it mid week and will post some pics if I bring it home.
Thanks Bill

John *.?-!.* cub owner wrote:

v w wrote:....... The rear tine tillers are nice for tilling a garden in the spring but tend to run too deep for cultivating and will cut roots especially on tomato. ......

On all of the rear tines I have used you could control the depth with the rear drag stick

I had a skid plate made for mine and in my soil it still runs more than 2 inches deep. I never tried one but ten years ago when I was looking for a tiller Honda made a tiller that might work here. Think of a front tine tiller with a third wheel in front. I thought it was badly overpriced and was looking for a rear tine anyway. I use a grass mulch so I don't do any cultivating anyway. Vern

Just give me a Merry Tiller! Been using one for over 50 years, my newest one is only 39 years old original Briggs engine. If you like the Troy-Bilt, go for it knowing you may have to replace the Tecumseh due to lack of solid state ign. Parts. BTDT, had to rebuild the exciter coil on the alternator.