But they work pretty darn well for decades and decades. My only thought is to lubricate the spring-loaded pawl that holds the drive engaged as well as the linkages and shafts that allow the engine to move up and down. I've always found it more pleasant to till uphill with my Horse.

I've used mine alot, every year, over the 25 years I've owned mine. Whenever that problem crops up, it's always because something isn't lubricated. Especially the 4 round stocks that the motor lifts up and down on.

Another thing I found is that where the shifter lever ball bearing bears against the adjustable iron block, a groove wears in the underside of that block. You can either grind it out or replace it.

You know I till up a steep hill and I go all day with no problem at all. Are you running a fractional horse power belt designed for a lawn and garden application? They are specially designed not to have problems with heating up. And i would seconded all the other suggestions about lubing everything.

Mind was sticking in forward hard to pull out take 3 steps at times so got air wrench lube was handy oil put on roller and pins engines mounts on. First time engaged engine was easy out engage easy time hand get there out drive. I think every lube made work free up shifting on my 2 horses 2 speed 73 four speed 78.

The first thing I do when I get ready to use my rototiller is spray those engine support rods you were talking about and the little wheel on the end of the shift mechanism. I will try grinding the iron stop. The belt I have is supposed to be the correct one.
My machine is still going strong. Bought it in 1983. I did replace the engine though when the crankshaft broke. I also put carbide tipped tines on it when the originals wore away to little stubs. I did have to replace the tine shroud and shift lever under warranty. But the longevity and ruggedness of the Horse rototillers doesn't negate the design problem that has been here from day one.
And yes it is easier for the tiller tines to dig in when going uphill, but my soil is getting so loose that I have to push the tiller uphill because the wheels just spin in the loose dirt. I think I need tire chains, do they still sell them?

First question: does your horse have ag tires or turf tires? second question: do you have the extra weight mounted under the engine, if not maybe a welding shop could make a couple from some 1" plate.

I paid extra and got the ag tires. This machine is heavy enough when I have to push it up the hill because the tires are just spinning in the fluffy dirt. I have rototilled so many cubic yards of compost in that you sink in just walking on the dirt, like walking on a mattress. The reason I have to rototill every couple of weeks is the soil is so rich weeds and bermuda grass just explode out it when ever we get a rain, which luckily or unluckily is very rarely.

I had an older Troy tiller that used a matched set of drive belts. they had a sort of hard cloth backing, and the usual belting material as the vee part. I sold it 7 years ago, and asked the buyer last week if he wanted to sell it back. He sez it is still running great-no problems, and no it isn't for sale!
And, last spring, i installed a new single belt on another one, and it looked just like a lawn tractor belt. Are you sure you don't have the belt-s too tight?

Yes tire chains are still available, check ebay. Best advice is never use anything but a factory belt, there still available also. REJ2

CA. I've been thinking on your uphill problem. I don't know how steep a hill you're going up, but as angle uphill gets steeper it transfers more weight to the tines and less on the wheels. Maybe if you added 10 lbs or maybe more of weight to the front it would help your situation on the uphill pull. Then you probably would have to push down a little more on the handlebars going downhill or level.
Just a thought,
Mike

What bothers me about this whole post is that people are trying to till UPHILL! Like mowing one should mow and till along the side of the hill so this issues don't happen.

My troybuilt jr is extremely dangerous. I till on relatively level land. If the soil is not completely soft, it takes off tips up or over and I've nearly fallen in the blades from it pulling and ripping forward. I cant imagine ever putting this up for sale . Someone could be seriously injured. I have to hold on to it for dear life so it doesn't get away from me but when it hits hard soil, it just takes off. My neighbor has a horse and he walks along side of his with a finger guiding the steering. I hate this machine but will never be able to sell it because it's so unsafe. My partner watches while tilling to call 911 in case I fall in the blades when it runs and tips over.

i wouldn't use it either. i never used 1 but, is there something wrong with it that you can't control it's speed? might not be the right machine for you. could you do what you need with something like a "mantis" cultivator? if your friendly with your neighbor maybe a case of beer will get it done? i wouldn't have a problem selling it, sell it as a mechanics special "AS IS" buyer beware.

Karen , the 1st issue is it is Troy-bilt ! Buyer beware! Message to Mtd Cha Ching ! P.S. Sound advice from 300' there are numerous quality smaller units that would suffice , tillers at their best are an accident looking to happen !