OT ? Rototiller Type

[55 Fargo]

Hi all, does anyone know what type/brand of rototiller this is, and how old it may be.

I am going to either rebuild the engine, or get another for it, the engine is a Briggs and Stratton 2 3/4 hp Model 8B, 1957, but this is not the OEM engine, as it does not mount as original did.

I plan to re-paint all nice and purdy too, this tiller will be used though........Thanx Fred

[Norm's Coupe]

Fred,

Can't help with type or brand of the Rototiller. However, the engine is probably the most expensive part on it, or at least half the cost or more. I would just buy a new one, then if you want, paint the old one and set it out in the yard (in a garden area) as yard art. Plus a new one would probably work much better than the old style did.

It's sort of like the park bench we've had out in the yard for about 15 years or so. The thing only cost about $20 new. Its looking pretty bad now and the wooden slats are getting rotten. Went to the lumber yard yesterday to buy some wood to make new slats for it. After pricing the wood, it would cost me about $20 or $25 to rebuild the thing. A new one today is only about $30 or $35. So.........decided to just buy a nice new glider to replace it with and junk the bench.

Sometimes, it's better to buy new.

[Norm's Coupe]

After thinking about it. If you used the old one as yard art, it would look better not repainted. Just set it out like it is.

[55 Fargo]

Under certain circumstances I would agree with you and buy a new one.

This tiller frame and it's drive assembly are heavy duty and in good condition.

A new Briggs and stratton engine are $200.00 for a 5 hp, a used one might be $50 to $100 bucks, a cheap new tiller, is about $500 to $600, here in Canada.

Guess which option I am going with, plus the old tillers are super simple, just start engine, pull drive cable handle and away you go, a lot of new ones have reverse and forwrd a real pain, I know cuz my old one was like that, I prefer the simple type.............Fred

[RobertKB]

Rebuilding engines on rototillers like yours with the Briggs and Stratton (love those engines) usually involves only replacing the rings and lapping the valves and acquiring a new head gasket. Total cost is minimal. I have had Briggs and Stratton engines on all my lawnmowers over the last 35 years and I am only just starting on my third one (they say you are getting old when you start talking about your lawnmowers and how long you have had them). People ask why don't you get a Honda mower as they last longer. I doubt if they do and they cost twice as much. Go for the rebuild!

[62rebelP23]

it looks like the old DirtBird my Granddad had when i was a kid. he wore out more sets of blades than anything else. looks tougher than a cast iron kettle, i'd keep it and keep it running. why buy a cheap Chinese knockoff that falls to pieces in a year?

[captden29]

Rock, I Have An Old Tiller But Not The Same As Yours. Mine Is Bigger. These Old Machines Will Plow Anything, But You Better Have Strong Arms And Shoulders. They Will Try To Take Off On You When You First Press Them Into The Dirt. If You Can Hold It Back And Get Dug In, It Will Till Great. I Got Mine For Free, Just Needed One New Tire For $40. Rebuild The Motor Or Get A New One. Your Choice. I Would Find A Little More Satisfaction If I Could Rebuild The Old One. Dennis

[greg g]

check out the Yesterdaystractors web site they have a lot of info on old lawn and garden equipment. I have a 1952 Planet JR model B that will get a refresh fairly soon. My grandfather bought i in 52 for 205 bucks, I still have the reciept. Probably make some kind of a cart, tote it around in the back of the Studebaker truck and cruise car show fields with it.

Looking at that one you can see why some body said you know if we did this this and maybe this, that thing would move snow in the winter and we could sell em year round.........

[62rebelP23]

dang it; those old gray cells are misfiring again. EARTH Bird is what the dang thing was called..... funny looking pelican kinda logo on it.

[Ed Griffin]

"You Better Have Strong Arms And Shoulders. They Will Try To Take Off On You When You First Press Them Into The Dirt."

So true only they wont try, they will take off with you lol. When my father-in-law gave me an older Toro rear tiller I learned this the hard way. Neighbor was watching my first maiden voyage across the lawn in quick step doubletime trying to stay up with it and just busted out laughing. First lesson of breaking new ground, adjust depth to shallow!!

[55 Fargo]

Hi all, last week I was informed that my tiller engine a 1955 B & S 2 /34 hp engine cylinder was scored, could not be repaired.

Same day, Princess Auto a large Canadian retailer of discount tools hardware etc, has 6.5 hp Honda Clone engines on sale:) for $122.22. I mention this to my folks, my Dad goes and buys me one, I bring it home, install, put on a new belt and pulley, add oil and gas, and vavoom the engine starts first pull, and is she ever quiet and smooth.

Very happy with this Chinese made Honda knock off engine, did a lot of tilling the last couple of days, the old tiller works great too, needed a little bit more lube in its drive mechanism, but she works just fine so new tiller, cost $122.22 plus $12.00 for a drive belt.............Fred ps I know the engine is cheap, but Honda parts can be used with it, even if I get 5 years it's worth it

[dirty dan]

Hi all, does anyone know what type/brand of rototiller this is, and how old it may be.

I am going to either rebuild the engine, or get another for it, the engine is a Briggs and Stratton 2 3/4 hp Model 8B, 1957, but this is not the OEM engine, as it does not mount as original did.

I plan to re-paint all nice and purdy too, this tiller will be used though........Thanx Fred

It looks like an old Wizard (Western Auto) tiller my grandfather owned.

I looked it up and this website says it was made by Quick Manufacturing. Look at this link;

http://www.donaldantiquerototillers.com/OtherPlayers.htm#QQQ

[55 Fargo]

It looks like an old Wizard (Western Auto) tiller my grandfather owned.

I looked it up and this website says it was made by Quick Manufacturing. Look at this link;

http://www.donaldantiquerototillers.com/OtherPlayers.htm#QQQ

Hi Dan, yes I have been to this website, I have posted a question on there as to how old this tiller might be, but so far no response.

When I went over to a small hicktown lawnmower repair shop not far from home to buy a new belt, the owner had another just like mine sitting with his other old yard machines out back, what are the chances of that. They no doubt made a lot of these machines that were sold in the USA and Canada.........Fred