Craftsman tiller tines wont engage or turn - Craftsman 8.50 Torque Rating Dual Rotating Tine Tiller

hAVE YOU TRIED ENGAGING THE DRIVE LEVER?

If you cant move the tines by hand then I wouldn't think you sheared the pins, more like a gear box problem.

model number would be VERY helpful here because craftsman made many different styles/models throughout the years

sheared key or shear bolts

Hi little,

The 7.0 hp version does the same thing.

I found that it was caused by the transmission not being fully engaged to a particular setting. when it tries to engage the tines in both forward and reverse, the engine stalls immediately.

After taking to neutral and back a few dozen times I got a 'feel' for it. Has happened in over a year.

Try it. It did take patience.

Best regards

Mike

check the sher bolt on the tine to drive shaft. ill need model and ser number off the unit before i can go further with helping you thy changed them around a lot

Tines only spin in the T position.with cutch engaged.If thats not it split the case and check to see the shift fork operating properly. Or that chains are not broke. NOTE This is a serious job!!!

Not sure about this tiller but some others just need oil in the crankcase - tillers tend to lose oil because of the harsh conditions they work under. If you hear squeaking down their it might be a good idea to check it out.

Try this website.  http://c.managemyhome.com/mmh/ You will need to register.... and go to home page... manuals.... put in Craftsman and serial number. Pdf should come up, you can download or print.
I worked for me on a mower manual that no one could track down
Hope it works for you

John Elsegood 

tilt the back of the tiller up and check for a rock or stick wedged in between the tines and the shield