The work tillers do dirty, so it’s no wonder they get strewn with rocks and debris. To maintain your tiller, it’s important to thoroughly hose off the tines and carefully inspect them to make sure all the debris is removed after each use.
You’ll know it’s time to sharpen the tines when they efficiently stop slicing through the dirt. Before you sharpen them, thoroughly clean the tines by scrubbing them with mild detergent. Grime and debris can scratch the tines if they aren’t properly cleaned before they’re sharpened. Once the tines are clean, use a mill file to sharpen each individually. If the tiller is small, you can turn it over and sharpen the tines attached to the machine. For bigger tillers, you’ll want to remove the tines and fasten them into a vice while you sharpen them.
Be sure to change the oil and air filter at least once a year, preferably at the beginning of the gardening season, so you know you are starting the season with clean fuel. Consult the owner’s manual for the appropriate grade and amount of oil. Also, use up all the gas in the tank at the end of each season or add a fuel stabilizer to whatever gas remains. Store the tiller indoors, in a garage or shed, to avoid the elements.