Home Forums Miscellaneous Topics Rural Living Rototiller repower

I had to take a couple loads to the local dump today, and as is often the case, I came back with something I didn't have before..
Saw an old rototiller sitting there, appeared to be in decent shape. Tines are good, spin the pulley and everything turns nice and smooth, but the engine is obviously done. Look like an old 3.5hp Briggs,I believe. I looked online for a replacement but seems smaller gas engines are something of a rarity, at least here in Canada. By far the cheapest option is a 6.5hp engine, which I can get for less than $150. I'm just not sure if it'll tear things up, giving it that big a boost in power. Obviously will be heavier but thats not such a big deal, it would help it dig. You think it'll hold up with the bigger engine on it, or don't bother?

I replaced a 3.5 with a 5 Hp several years ago on one of my front tine tillers.. works great and doesn't bog down as much now.

I know that you probably don't want chinese stuff, but Harbor Freight has a gas engine usually for around $100, that works pretty good. Forget the HP but I put one on my old Sears rear tine, and it has worked great. Used the pulley off the old one and the bolt holes matched and everything. Cost more for a gas tank for the Briggs that was on there, and that might not have been all of the problems. miles

+1

Used one of those on troybuilt last spring. Bolts up the same as a Briggs.

Runs good for $100.

Only problem I had was I got it out this month to service and the fuel line was dry rotted. Cheap hoses, but cheap and easy fix with good quality fuel hose.

Great find! Sound advice above...a six and a half would work great on it!