450 Series Tillers !! Rear Tine Tiller Repair Manual Cub Cadet White Outdoor Yard Machines
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Page Count: 70
- chapter 1: Introduction
- Chapter 2: Clutch and controls
- Chapter 3: Engine
- Chapter 4: Transmission Removal
- Chapter 5: Chain case
- About this chapter
- Chain Case Operation: Drive paths
- Wheels Reverse
- Neutral
- Wheels Forward
- Counter Rotation Tilling
- Standard Rotation Tilling
- Chain Case Separation
- Wheel Axle and wheel speed reduction shaft
- Tine Shaft
- Main Shaft Assembly
- Counter shaft
- Detent shaft
- Input shaft
- Shift arm
- Inspection
- Final Assembly Notes
- Chapter 6: tines
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Professional Shop Manual
450 Series Tiller
MTD Products Inc - Product Training and Education Department
FORM NUMBER - 769-06021
11/2010
NOTE: These materials are for use by trained technicians who are experienced in the service and repair of outdoor power
equipment of the kind described in this publication, and are not intended for use by untrained or inexperienced individuals.
These materials are intended to provide supplemental information to assist the trained technician. Untrained or inexperi-
enced individuals should seek the assistance of an experienced and trained professional. Read, understand, and follow all
instructions and use common sense when working on power equipment. This includes the contents of the product’s Oper-
ators Manual, supplied with the equipment. No liability can be accepted for any inaccuracies or omission in this publication,
although care has been taken to make it as complete and accurate as possible at the time of publication. However, due to
the variety of outdoor power equipment and continuing product changes that occur over time, updates will be made to these
instructions from time to time. Therefore, it may be necessary to obtain the latest materials before servicing or repairing a
product. The company reserves the right to make changes at any time to this publication without prior notice and without
incurring an obligation to make such changes to previously published versions. Instructions, photographs and illustrations
used in this publication are for reference use only and may not depict actual model and component parts.
© Copyright 2010 MTD Products Inc. All Rights Reserved
For Parts Call 606-678-9623 or 606-561-4983
www.mymowerparts.com
For Parts Call 606-678-9623 or 606-561-4983
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I
Chapter 1: Introduction 1
About the text format . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Fasteners. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Assembly instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Understanding model and serial numbers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Maintenance chart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Chapter 2: Clutch and controls 7
Clutch Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Belt Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Pulley alignment and travel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Idler Pulley Bracket Removal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Replacing and Adjusting the Clutch Cable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Clutch Cable Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Shift lever and rod . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Chapter 3: Engine 17
Engine removal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Engine installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Chapter 4: Transmission Removal 19
Transmission Removal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Chapter 5: Chain case 25
About this chapter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Chain Case Operation: Drive paths. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Wheels Reverse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Neutral. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Wheels Forward . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Counter Rotation Tilling. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Standard Rotation Tilling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Chain Case Separation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Wheel Axle and wheel speed reduction shaft . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Tine Shaft . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Main Shaft Assembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Counter shaft . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Detent shaft . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Input shaft . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
Shift arm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
Inspection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
Final Assembly Notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
Chapter 6: tines 63
Tines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
Accessing the tines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
Table of Contents
For Parts Call 606-678-9623 or 606-561-4983
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II
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Introduction
1
Professional Service Manual Intent: This manual is intended to provide service dealers with repair and overhaul
procedures for the 450 series tiller..
Disclaimer: The information contained in this manual is correct at the time of writing. Both the product and the infor-
mation about the product are subject to change without notice.
About the text format
Certain flags and key words are used to indicate the nature of the text that accompanies them. They are as follows:
CAUTION: Indicates a potentially hazardous situation that, if not avoided, may result
in minor or moderate injury. It may also be used to alert against unsafe practices.
WARNING: Indicates a potentially hazardous situation that, if not avoided, could
result in death of serious injury.
DANGER: Indicates an imminently hazardous situation that, if not avoided, will result
in death or serious injury. This signal word is to be limited to the most extreme situa-
tions.
NOTE: “NOTE” is used to point-out helpful information that may not fit as a step in a procedure.
1. Numbered steps indicate specific things that should be done, and the order in which they should be done.
1a. Sub steps will be lettered and nested within steps. Two or more sub steps may be combined to describe
the actions required to complete a step.
•Bullet points: Indicate sub-steps or points of interest, without implying order or relative importance.
Disclaimer: This manual is intended for use by trained, professional technicians.
• Common sense in operation and safety is assumed.
• In no event shall MTD be liable for poor text interpretation, or poor execution of the procedures described
in the text.
• If the person using this manual is uncomfortable with any procedures they encounter, they should seek
the help of a qualified technician.
CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION
! WARNING! WARNING
! DANGER! DANGER
! CAUTION! CAUTION
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450 Series Tillers
2
Safety
This Service Manual is meant to be used along with the Operator’s Manual. Read the Operator’s Manual and
familiarize yourself with the safety and operational instructions for the equipment being worked on. Keep a copy of
the Operator’s Manual for quick reference. Operator’s manuals may be viewed for free at the brand support website.
It will be necessary to have the complete model and serial number for the equipment.
• Be prepared in case of emergency:
Keep a fire extinguisher nearby
Keep a first aid kit nearby
Keep emergency contact numbers handy
• Replace any missing or damaged safety labels on shop equipment.
• Replace any missing or damaged safety labels on equipment being serviced.
• Grooming and attire:
Do not wear loose fitting clothing that may become entangled in equipment.
Long hair should be secured to prevent entanglement in equipment.
Jewelry is best removed.
• Protective gear: includes, but is not limited to
Clear eye protection while working around any machinery
Protective gloves where necessary
Armored footwear when working around any machinery
Hearing protection in noisy environments
Chemically resistant gloves when working with chemicals or solvents
Respirator when working with chemical or solvents
Appropriate tinted eye protection when cutting or welding
! WARNING! WARNING
! CAUTION! CAUTION • Remember that some hazards have a cumulative effect. A single exposure may
cause little or no harm, but continual or repeated exposure may cause very seri-
ous harm.
• Clean spills and fix obviously dangerous conditions as soon as they are noticed.
• Lift and support heavy objects safely and securely.
• Be aware of your surroundings and potential hazards that are inherent to all
power equipment. All the labels in the world cannot protect a technician from an
instant of carelessness.
Exhaust fumes from running engines contain carbon monoxide (CO). Carbon monox-
ide is a colorless odorless gas that is fatal if inhaled in sufficient quantity. Only run engines
in well ventilated areas. If running engines indoors, use an exhaust evacuation system
with adequate make-up air ventilated into the shop.
! DANGER! DANGER
! CAUTION! CAUTION
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Introduction
3
Fasteners
• The fasteners used on the equipment described in this manual and the engine that powers it, are a combi-
nation of metric and fractional inch. For this reason, wrench sizes are frequently identified in the text, and
measurements are given in U.S. and metric scales.
• If a fastener has a locking feature that has worn, replace the fastener or apply a small amount of releas-
able thread locking compound such as Loctite® 242 (blue).
• Some fasteners like cotter pins are single-use items that are not to be reused. Other fasteners such as
lock washers, retaining rings, and internal cotter pins (hairpin clips) may be reused if they do not show
signs of wear or damage. This manual leaves that decision to the judgement of the technician.
Assembly instructions
•Torque specifications may be noted in the part of the text that covers assembly. They may be summa-
rized in tables along with special instructions regarding locking or lubrication. Whichever method is more
appropriate will be used. In many cases, both will be used so that the manual is handy as a quick-refer-
ence guide as well as a step-by-step procedure guide that does not require the user to hunt for informa-
tion.
•Lubricant quantity and specification may be noted in the part of the text that covers maintenance, and
again in the section that covers assembly. They may also be summarized in tables along with special
instructions. Whichever method is more appropriate will be used. In many cases, the information will be
found in several places in the manual so that the manual is handy as a quick-reference guide as well as a
step-by-step procedure guide that does not require the user to hunt for information.
• The level of assembly instructions provided will be determined by the complexity of reassembly, and by
the potential for damage or unsafe conditions to arise from mistakes made in assembly.
• Some instructions may refer to other parts of the manual for subsidiary procedures. This avoids repeating
the same procedure two or three times in the manual.
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450 Series Tillers
4
Understanding model and serial numbers
The model number of a the 450 series tiller described in this manual is 21AA453B000.
The break down of what the model number means is as follows:
• 21 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -indicates that this is a tiller
• - - -A- - - - - - - - - - - - - - indicates the sales revision
• - - - - A - - - - - - - - - - -indicates the tire size
• - - - - - - 4 - - - - - - - - - -indicates the tiller series
• - - - - - - - 5 - - - - - - - - -indicates the transmission
• - - - - - - - - - 3B - - - - - -indicates the engine
• - - - - - - - - - - - - 000 - -indicates the customer
The serial number is 1J059P10005. The serial number reads as follows:
• 1 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -engineering level
• - J - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -month of production (J = October)
• - - 05 - - - - - - - - - - - - -day of the month
• - - - - 9 - - - - - - - - - - - -last digit of the year
• - - - - - P. - - - - - - - - - - -plant it was built in
• - - - - - - -1 - - - - - - - - - -assembly line number
• - - - - - - - - 0005- - - - - -number of unit built
Additional technical and service information may also be available to our company authorized service center per-
sonnel through our company corporate offices, regional parts distributors and regional service center field support
personnel. Please contact the designated support office in your area or our corporate offices directly should further
service information be needed.
MTD Products LLC
P.O. Box 368022
Cleveland, OH 44136
Telephone: (800) 800-7310
www.mtdproducts.com
Figure 1.1
The 450 series tiller
The 450 series tiller is a chain case tiller line that was
first introduced for the 1999 model year. This is a rear tine,
dual direction tiller. This tiller has a chain case transmission
that features:
• Ability to till in standard and reverse directions.
• Forward wheel drive
• Reverse wheel drive
• Neutral to disengage the wheels.
•16” ag tires
For Parts Call 606-678-9623 or 606-561-4983
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Introduction
5
Maintenance chart
Maintenance item Each use Each 25 hrs. use Each 50 hrs. use
Check engine oil *
Check air filter *
Check for loose/broke tines *
Check & gap spark plug Replace if worn *
Check cooling fins After prolonged storage
Check/clean spark arrestor *
Change oil *
Note on oil: Change oil after first 5 hrs of use and before prolonged storage
Change air filter *
Note on air filter Air filter and pre-filter life vary dramatically with operating conditions
Drain or preserve fuel Before prolonged storage
Fog or lube cylinder Before prolonged storage
Rotate engine to TDC Before prolonged storage
Remove wheels/lube wheel shaft Once a year
Remove tines/lube tine shaft Once a year
Engine RPM 3500 + 100
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450 Series Tillers
6
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Clutch and Controls
7
Clutch Operation
1. Pulling the clutch control bale toward the handlebar
pulls the clutch cable.
2. The clutch cable draws an idler pulley against the
bottom of a belt that runs from the engine crankshaft
pulley to the input pulley of the chain case.
3. The idler pulley tightens the belt, transferring drive
power to the chain case. See Figure 2.1.
4. There is an interlock pin connected to the idler pulley
bracket. See Figure 2.2.
• When the clutch is engaged, the pin prevents the
operator from shifting the tiller between Tines For-
ward and Tines Reverse operation.
• Shifting the tiller between different drive modes
while the clutch is engaged puts unusual loads on
internal chain case parts. The lock-out pin helps
prevent the customer from damaging the chain-
case.
Figure 2.1
Crankshaft
pulley
Input pulley
Idler pulley
Figure 2.2
Interlock pin
CHAPTER 2: CLUTCH AND CONTROLS
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450 Series Tillers
8
Belt Replacement
IMPORTANT: If the belt has failed prematurely, identify and correct the cause of the failure before installing the
replacement belt. Conditions that might cause early belt failure include:
1. Use of the wrong size or type of belt.
2. Installation: Mis-routed belt, missing belt guards or keepers, Mis-adjusted tension
3. Damage: Misalignment of pulleys, binding or seized idler pulley
4. Damage: Foreign objects or nesting materials inside the belt guard
5. Misuse: Continued operation after the tines are jammed with foreign material (logs, large rocks, cable).
6. Misuse: Improper use of the clutch: tilling with the clutch only partially engaged.
7. Defective belt.
If the belt has failed prematurely, look for clues on the belt itself, related parts, the condition of the tiller, and state-
ments made by the operator of the tiller.
IMPORTANT: This tiller has been engineered to use a belt with a Kevlar cover for longer life and better perfor-
mance. The proper part number belt for this tiller is Part No. 754-0434.
1. Disconnect the spark plug wire from the spark plug,
and ground it to the engine block or tiller frame.
NOTE: On some older model tillers, the belt cover
may be captured by the left wheel. Follow
steps #2a and #2b if this is the case.
2. Remove the belt cover: See Figure 2.3.
2a. Remove the clevis pin or nut and bolt securing
the left wheel assembly to the wheel shaft
using a pair of 7/16” wrenches.
2b. Slide the left wheel assembly away from the
belt cover.
NOTE: It is not necessary to remove the wheel.
NOTE: Propping-up the chain case on a solid object
will make it easier to slide the wheel out.
2c. Remove both torx-head screws securing the
top of the belt cover to the tiller casing using a
T- 27 to rx dr iv er.
2d. Remove the nut and flat washer holding belt
cover using a 7/16” wrench.
2e. Remove the hex screw securing the belt cover
to the engine mounting bracket using a 3/8”
wrench.
2f. Remove the belt cover from the tiller.
3. Remove both of the screws and lock washers hold-
ing the belt keeper bracket to the engine using a 1/
2" wrench. See Figure 2.4.
Figure 2.3
Belt Cover
Figure 2.4
Belt keeper
bracket
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Clutch and Controls
9
4. Loosen the idler pulley using a pair of 9/16”
wrenches. See Figure 2.5.
5. Slip the belt from between the idler pulley and the
keeper.
6. Remove the V-belt from around the large input pulley,
and lift it off the tiller.
7. Install a new belt by following the previous steps in
reverse order.
NOTE: Make certain the V-belt is installed properly
between the pulleys and the belt keepers.
8. Adjust the clutch cable by following the procedures
described in the Cable section of this chapter.
9. Test run the tiller in a safe area before returning it to
service, checking the operation of the clutch.
Figure 2.5
Idler pulley
Belt cover bracket
Belt keeper
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450 Series Tillers
10
Pulley alignment and travel
1. If there is question about pulley alignment, a
straight-edge may be used to check them.
2. Input pulley removal: See Figure 2.6.
2a. Put the chain case in Neutral and rotate the
input pulley to make a visual check for run-out.
2b. A single bolt holds the input pulley to the input
shaft of the chain case. If there is run-out,
remove the pulley and inspect it to determine
if the pulley sheave is bent, the input shaft is
bent, or if the splined joint between the two
has been damaged.
3. Idler pulley:
3a. When the clutch is released, the idler pulley
bracket should rest against the bracket that
supports the belt cover.
3b. The idler pulley belt keeper is located by the
same bolt that holds the pulley. A bend on the
bottom edge hooks around the idler pulley
bracket to keep the belt keeper properly ori-
ented. See Figure 2.7.
3c. The arm that supports the idler pulley mounts
on a shoulder nut behind the input pulley.
Confirm that the arm moves freely on the pivot
point. Confirm that the arm is not bent, mis-
aligning the pulley.
4. Crankshaft pulley: See Figure 2.8.
4a. The two-piece crankshaft pulley is held
against a shoulder on the engine crankshaft
by a single bolt.
4b. One half of the pulley has a short shoulder,
the other has a long shoulder. The long shoul-
der should be furthest from the engine. If they
are reversed, the belt will chafe at an angle
between the pulleys.
4c. The pulley half that is closer to the engine has
a key formed into it.
4d. The two pulley halves have a serrated joint to
transfer drive torque from the inner half to the
outer half.
Figure 2.6
Input shaft
Input pulley
Figure 2.7
Belt keeper
I
n
t
er
l
oc
k
p
i
n
Idler pulley
bracket
Figure 2.8
Sheaves separated
Both sheaves on
the crankshaft
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Clutch and Controls
11
Idler Pulley Bracket Removal
1. Remove the belt as described in the Belt Removal
section of this chapter.
2. Remove the input pulley from the chain case input
shaft using a 7/16” wrench. Selecting one of the
gears that engages wheels and tines will help keep
the pulley from rotating. See Figure 2.9.
3. Remove the idler pulley and belt keeper using a pair
of 9/16” wrenches.
4. Remove the hairpin clip that connects the clutch/shift
interlock rod to the idler pulley arm, and remove the
interlock rod.
5. The spring on the end of the clutch cable can be
unhooked from the arm. See Figure 2.10.
6. Remove the shoulder nut that holds the arm to the
chain case using a 3/4” wrench. See Figure 2.11.
7. Reverse the removal process to install the idler pulley
arm.
• Tighten the shoulder nut to a torque of 41 ft-lbs.
(56 N-m).
• Tighten the input pulley bolt to a torque of 72 in-
lbs. (8 N-m)
• Run and test the tiller in a safe area, checking the
operation of the clutch.
Figure 2.9
Idler pulley
bracket
Figure 2.10
Disconnect the
interlock rod
Unhook the clutch
cable spring
Figure 2.11
Idler pulley bracket
Shoulder
nut
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450 Series Tillers
12
Replacing and Adjusting the Clutch Cable
1. Loosen the jam nut that locks the ferrule at the top
end of the clutch control cable to the threaded eye.
The ferrule can be held with a 1/4” wrench and the
nut can be turned with a 3/8” wrench.
2. Disconnect the cable eye from the clutch control
bale using a #2 Phillips head screwdriver and a 7/
16” wrench. See Figure 2.12.
3. Thread the eye out of the ferrule.
4. Release the barbed end of the clutch cable housing
from the bracket that it fits into on the handlebar.
See Figure 2.13.
5. Pull the cable through the bracket.
6. Remove the belt as described in the Belt Removal
section of this chapter.
7. Remove the input pulley from the chain case input
shaft using a 7/16” wrench. Selecting one of the
gears that engages wheels and tines will help keep
the pulley from rotating. See Figure 2.14.
Figure 2.12
Ferrule
Jam nut
Figure 2.13
Figure 2.14
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Clutch and Controls
13
8. Loosen the jam nuts that hold the bottom end of the
cable to the cable bracket on the chain case. This
can be done using a pair of 1/2” wrenches.
See Figure 2.15.
9. Thread the bottom nut all the way off of the cable
housing.
10. Unhook the spring from the idler pulley arm, and
draw the cable through the slot in the cable bracket to
remove it.
11. Assembly notes:
11a. Install the cable by reversing the removal pro-
cess.
11b. The lock washer fits between the bottom nut on
the clutch control cable and the cable bracket.
11c. Visually check the operation of the cable and
idler pulley before installing the belt cover:
• The arm should relax far enough to allow about 1/
2” slack in the cable when the clutch control bale is
released.
• The idler pulley should draw up enough to tension
the belt when the clutch control bale is pulled up
against the handlebar.
• The spring at the bottom end of the cable should
be slightly extended, with visible gaps between the
coils.
• It should not require uncomfortable force to hold
the clutch control bale in the engaged position.
• Route the clutch control cable through the center
notch in the shift cover so that it does not chafe
against the input pulley
12. After final assembly, run the tiller and test its opera-
tion in a safe area. Run-test and adjust the clutch
control cable as described in the Clutch Cable
Adjustment section of this chapter.
Figure 2.15
Jam nuts
Figure 2.16
Clutch cable routing
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450 Series Tillers
14
Clutch Cable Adjustment
1. Position the tiller so that the counterweight on the front is against a solid object that will not move under the
drive force of the tiller.
2. Neutral check:
2a. Start the engine and advance the throttle to full speed. The transmission should be in Neutral.
2b. From the right side of the tiller, look inside the belt cover. The belt should not be rotating.
3. Drive check:
3a. Move the shift lever to the Forward position.
3b. Carefully engage the clutch by lifting the
clutch control bail against the handlebar.
3c. The clutch should engage with enough force
to slip the wheels on the ground without belt
slippage.
3d. Turn the engine off after the tests have been
made.
4. Adjustments:
4a. If the belt rotates with the clutch disengaged,
loosen the jam nut on the ferrule, and rotate
the ferrule to lengthen the cable.
4b. If the belt does not drive with sufficient force
with the clutch engaged, loosen the jam nut on
the ferrule, and rotate the ferrule to shorten the cable.
4c. Repeat the Neutral Check and the Drive Check after making any adjustments.
4d. Once the adjustments are completed and checked, tighten the jam nut against the ferrule to lock the
adjustment.
! WARNING! WARNING Confirm that operating the tiller will not create any unsafe conditions before starting the
engine. Unsafe conditions include asphyxiation, fire hazard, collision hazard.
! WARNING! WARNING Do not put your fingers inside the belt cover.
Figure 2.17
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![](asset-13.png)
Clutch and Controls
15
Shift lever and rod
1. All 450-series tillers use a simple control lever to
move the shift control rod. The selector is locked into
position by the internal detentes in the chain case.
See Figure 2.18.
• The same bolt that holds the shift control lever to
the upper handlebar also holds a nut retainer
strap.
• The nut retained by the strap is for the handlebar
height adjuster.
• The upper handlebar and the shift control lever
pivot on the same bolt: adjusting the handlebar
height does not effect the shift control lever.
2. A service kit (753-06491) for 2010 tillers converts this
lever to lock positively in the Tines Reverse tilling
position. Production continues with the simple control
lever. See Figure 2.19.
• The kit lever includes an angled plate that locks
into a notch in a bracket.
• A pair of hex-head cap screws hold the plate to the
lever. This provides adjustment to coordinate the
lever lock position with the internal detentes in the
chain case.
• A compression spring on the pivot bolt allows lat-
eral movement of the lever to engage or disen-
gage the lock notch.
3. The control rod connects the shift control lever on the
handlebar to the shift crank/pointer on the chain
case.
• The rod is fastened at both ends by a pair of hair-
pin clips and flat washers.
• Orientation of the rod is not critical, but it is gener-
ally positioned to the inside of the shift control
lever, so that it rides directly over the handlebar.
4. On 450 Series tiller produced before the 2010 pro-
duction season, the shift crank/pointer has a straight
bore, and is held to the shift fork by a roll pin. To
remove it: See Figure 2.20.
4a. Disconnect the shift rod
4b. Drive-out the roll-pin using a pin punch.
Figure 2.18
shift lever
Upper handlebar
Nut retainer
Figure 2.19
Service Kit #753-06491
Figure 2.20
Early shift
crank/pointer
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![](asset-14.png)
450 Series Tillers
16
5. Current production 450-Series tillers include a plas-
tic cap on top of the shift crank/pointer to help
exclude rainwater from the chain case.
See Figure 2.21.
6. To remove the pointer:
6a. Disconnect the shift rod
6b. Drive-out the roll-pin using a pin punch.
7. The new shift arm/pointer has an extended shoulder
that acts as an umbrella over the opening between
the shift fork and the shift fork bore. This also helps
to exclude rain water from the chain case.
See Figure 2.2.
8. To remove the shift cover:
8a. Remove the shift arm/pointer
8b. Remove the two screws that hold the cover to
the shift cover bracket using a T-27 Torx
driver.
8c. Remove the hex head caps screw that holds
the shift cover to the belt cover using a 7/16”
wrench.
8d. Lift the shift cover off of the tiller.
9. Install the shift cover and the shift arm by following the previous steps in reverse order.
10. Test run the tiler in a safe area before returning it to service.
Figure 2.21
2010 and later
shift crank/
pointer
Plastic cap
Early shift crank/
2010 and later
shift crank/
pointer
Shift cover
Figure 2.22
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![](asset-15.png)
Engine
17
There are a veriaty of engines available for the 450 series tiller. Regardless of the brand of engine that is used,
the removal/replacement procedures will be the same.
Engine removal
To remove/replace the engine:
1. Disconnect and ground the spark plug wire.
See Figure 3.1.
2. Remove the belt by following the procedures
described in Chapter 2: Clutch and Controls.
3. Remove the four engine mounting bolts with a 1/2”.
wrench. See Figure 3.2.
4. Lift the engine off of the tiller and place in a safe loca-
tion.
Figure 3.1
Figure 3.2
CHAPTER 3: ENGINE
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450 Series Tillers
18
Engine installation
1. Carefully place the engine on the tiller and line the bolt holes on the engine and frame
NOTE: A 3/8” drift can be used to line the holes in the base of the engine to the frame.
NOTE: The mounting holes on a new short block will not be threaded. The engine mounting screws are self-
tapping.
2. Start the four engine mounting screws to assure that all four holes are aligned.
3. Tighten the screws to a torque of 120 - 160 in lbs (13 - 18 Nm) using a 1/2” wrench.
4. Install the belt by following the steps described in Chapter 2: Clutch and Controls.
5. Assure oil level is at the correct level.
6. Start and test run the tiller in a safe area before the tiller is returned to service.
NOTE: The engine RPM should be set to 3500 +/- 100 rpms for proper operation.
NOTE: Refer to the appropriate engine manual for more detailed service information.
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![](asset-17.png)
Transmission Removal
19
1. Support the front counterweight with a 4X4 or a suit-
able jack stand. See Figure 4.1.
NOTE: The purpose of the counter weight is to provide
stability to the tiller during operation.
NOTE: The counter weight tips the scale at 35lbs + / -
2lbs.
2. Remove the two nuts, bolts, and washers that hold
the front counterweight to the gear case assembly
using a pair of 3/4" wrenches. See Figure 4.2.
3. Carefully remove the counterweight from the chain-
case.
4. Remove the belt by following the procedures
described in Chapter 2: Belts.
Figure 4.1
Figure 4.2
3/4” socket
3/4” Wrench
CHAPTER 4: TRANSMISSION REMOVAL
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![](asset-18.png)
450 Series Tillers
20
5. Remove the engine by following the procedures
described in Chapter 3: Engine.
6. Remove the spiral pin securing the indicator bracket
to the shift lever using a 3/16” pin punch and ham-
mer. See Figure 4.3.
NOTE: The spiral pin can be re-used providing that it
hasn’t been damaged while being tapped out.
7. Lift the shift rod off of the chain case.
8. Lift the shift indicator from the chain case.
See Figure 4.3.
9. Set the shift arm and rod to the side.
10. Remove both torx screws securing the shift cover to
the gear case assembly using a T27 torx.
See Figure 4.5.
Figure 4.3
Figure 4.4
Figure 4.5
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![](asset-19.png)
Transmission Removal
21
11. Remove the clutch control cable from the eyebolt by
loosening the top nut to release the tension on lower
nut using a 1/2” wrench. See Figure 4.6.
NOTE: The lower jam nut needs to be completely
threaded off in order to slip the cable off of the
bracket.
12. Remove the T-knob, flat washer, and hex screw from
the depth stake. See Figure 4.7.
13. Remove the bow tie clip and clevis pin securing the
depth stake to the tine shield bracket.
14. Remove the depth stake.
15. Remove the plastic wing nuts securing the side tine
shield covers and adjustable tine shields.
16. Remove the side tine shield covers and adjustable
tine shields.
Figure 4.6
Figure 4.7
Clevis Pin and
Bow-tie Clip
T-Knob
Figure 4.8
Wing Nuts
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450 Series Tillers
22
17. Remove both hex cap screws and flange lock nuts
from each side of the handle bracket by using a1/2"
and 9/16” wrench. See Figure 4.9.
NOTE: The 1/2” wrench is used on the top of the
tine cover and the 9/16” wrench is used on
the bottom of the tine cover.
18. Remove the handle assembly from the unit.
19. Remove the three hex cap screws and nuts that hold
the tine shield spacer bracket to the tine shield from
each side of the tine shield. See Figure 4.10.
20. Remove the center hex cap screw and nut from the
middle that added support to the tine shield spacer
bracket
21. Lift the tine Shield off of the tiller
22. Remove the clevis pins and bow tie clips securing
the right and left tine assemblies.
23. Remove both tine assemblies from the tine shaft
assembly.
NOTE: Make certain the tine shaft is lubricated prior
to re-assembly.
.
Figure 4.9
1/2” wrench
Figure 4.10
Remove
Center Support
Screw
Figure 4.11
Bow tie clip
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![](asset-1b.png)
Transmission Removal
23
24. Remove the nut and bolts securing the wheel assem-
blies to the wheel shaft with a pair of 7/16” wrenches.
See Figure 4.12.
NOTE: Lubricate the wheel shaft during re-assembly.
25. Remove both wheel assemblies.
26. Assemble the tiller in the reverse order above.
Figure 4.12
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450 Series Tillers
24
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![](asset-1d.png)
Chain Case
25
About this chapter
This chapter covers operation and internal servicing of the chain case. Before opening the chain case, review the
troubleshooting section of this chapter to identify the most likely problem. Do not disassemble the chain case to look
for an internal problem without first eliminating all of the external possibilities.
The troubleshooting section of this chapter can also be used to help identify problems in the chain case. Use this
insight to guide you in repairing the chain case.
It is not necessary to completely disassemble the entire chain case for every repair. After the initial examination
when the chain case is separated, disassembly should be targeted to reach the identified or suspected internal prob-
lem.
This chapter is divided into three sections:
1. Chain case operation: A description of the drive paths within the chain case.
2. Chain case repair: Specific disassembly and reassembly instructions.
3. Troubleshooting chart: A guide to identifying drive problems with the tiller.
Chain Case Operation: Drive paths
Understanding the drive paths can help a technician diagnose internal problems with the chain case. The first
section of this chapter will describe the drive paths associated with each operating mode of the tiller.
Chain case component groups: See Figure 5.1.
1. Shift fork: Slides on the detent shaft, moving the
input spur gear to engage the tine and wheel drive
gears.
2. Input shaft: Hexagonal shaft drives input spur gear.
The input spur gear slides on the hex shaft to engage
different gears on the Main shaft and Counter Shaft
3. Main shaft: Supports the wheel drive and the tine
drive gears.
4. Counter shaft: Carries gears to drive the tines for-
ward and the wheels in reverse.
5. Tine shaft: Driven by a sprocket on the main shaft
6. Wheel speed reduction shaft: Carries a sprocket
driven by a gear on the main shaft
7. Wheel axle: Driven by a sprocket on the wheel
speed reduction gear.
Figure 5.1
5
6
1
2
3
4
7
CHAPTER 5: CHAIN CASE
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![](asset-1e.png)
450 Series Tillers
26
Wheels Reverse
1. The shift arm pushes the shift fork all the way down.
2. The shift fork pushes the input spur gear all the way
down the input shaft.
3. There are two sets of teeth on the input spur gear: a
large set above the collar that engages the shift fork,
and a smaller set below the collar.
4. The bottom set of teeth on the input spur gear (turn-
ing Clock Wise) engages the bottom gear on the
counter shaft. See Figure 5.2.
NOTE: The gears on the counter shaft rotate in the
opposite direction of the input spur gear
(Counter Clock Wise).
5. The bottom gear on the counter shaft drives the bot-
tom gear on the main shaft in the same direction as
the input shaft.
6. The wheel drive transfer gear transmits power from
the bottom gear on the main shaft to the wheel drive
reduction gear.
7. The wheel drive reduction gear turns a sprocket to
drive the wheel axle via chain.
8. When the wheel axle turns the opposite direction of
the input shaft, the tiller will move in reverse. The
tines should not rotate. See Figure 5.3.
Neutral
1. If the operator of the tiller moves the control lever one
notch back from Wheels reverse, the tiller is in neu-
tral. See Figure 5.4.
2. The shift fork positions the input spur gear so that the
bottom set of teeth are above the bottom gear on the
counter shaft.
NOTE: Counter shaft removed in photo.
• The top set of teeth are below the paired wheel
gear (lower) and tine gear (upper) on the main
shaft.
• Nothing is engaged. The only parts inside the
chain case that turn are the input shaft and the
input spur gear.
Input shaft
Shift arm
Shift fork
Input spur gear
Counter shaft
Figure 5.2
Figure 5.3
Wheel axle (CCW)
Reduction gear (CCW)
Wheel drive
transfer gear
(CW)
Counter
shaft gear
(CCW)
Input shaft an
d
input spur gea
r
(CW)
Figure 5.4
Input shaft
Input spur gear
Bottom counter shaft
gear
Main
shaft
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![](asset-1f.png)
Chain Case
27
Wheels Forward
1. If the operator moves the control lever one notch up
from the Neutral position, the shift fork will move to
the next detent up from Neutral.
2. The shift fork will raise the input spur gear to a point
where the upper set of teeth engage only the lower
half of the paired wheel drive and tine drive gears on
the main shaft. See Figure 5.5.
3. The input spur gear will drive the wheel drive gear on
the main shaft in the opposite direction that the input
shaft is turning. The main shaft gear will turn Counter
Clock Wise.
4. The wheel drive transfer gear transmits power from
the lower half of the paired gears on the main shaft to
the wheel drive reduction gear. The wheel reduction
drive gear will turn Clock Wise. See Figure 5.6.
5. The wheel drive reduction gear turns a sprocket to
drive the wheel axle via chain.
6. When the wheel axle turns the same direction as the
input shaft, the tiller will move forward. The tines
should not rotate.
Figure 5.5
Wheel drive gear
on main shaft
Input spur gear
Figure 5.6
Wheel axle
Wheel drive gear
on main shaft
(CCW)
(CW)
Input shaft (CW)
Wheel drive
reduction gear
and sprocket (CW)
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450 Series Tillers
28
Counter Rotation Tilling
NOTE: Counter rotation tilling means the tines turn
the opposite direction of the wheels
1. If the operator moves the control lever one notch back
from the wheels forward position, the shift fork will
raise the input spur gear to the next detent.
2. In this position, the upper set of teeth on the input
spur gear will engage the paired wheel and tine drive
gears on the main shaft, turning them in the opposite
direction of the input spur gear. The paired gears will
turn Counter Clock Wise. See Figure 5.7.
3. The upper paired gear on the main shaft turns a
sprocket to drive the tines Counter Clock Wise via
chain. See Figure 5.8.
4. The lower paired gear on the main shaft turns the
wheel drive transfer gear Counter Clock Wise.
5. The wheel drive transfer gear drives the wheel drive
reduction gear Clock Wise.
6. The sprocket attached to the wheel drive reduction
gear drives the wheel axle Clock Wise.
Figure 5.7
Wheel drive
gear
Tine drive gear
and sprocket
Input spur gear Wheel drive
transfer gear
Figure 5.8
Tine shaft (CCW)
Paired gears on main
shaft (tine drive and
wheel drive) CCW
Wheel axle
(CW)
Wheel drive reduction
gear and sprocket (CW
)
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Chain Case
29
Standard Rotation Tilling
NOTE: Standard rotation tilling means the tines turn the
same direction as the wheels
1. If the operator moves the control lever one notch
back from the Counter Rotating Tines position, the
shift fork will raise the input spur gear to the top
detent.
2. In this position, the upper set of teeth on the input
spur gear engage the top gear on the counter shaft.
This drives the counter shaft Counter Clock Wise.
3. The lower set of teeth on the input spur gear turn the
lower of the paired gears will turn Counter Clock
Wise. See Figure 5.9.
4. The top gear on the counter shaft turns the top gear
on the main shaft to drive a sprocket to drive the tines
Clock Wise via chain.
5. The lower paired gear on the main shaft turns the
wheel drive transfer gear Counter Clock Wise.
6. The wheel drive transfer gear drives the wheel drive
reduction gear Clock Wise.
7. The sprocket attached to the wheel drive reduction
gear drives the wheel axle Clock Wise.
See Figure 5.10.
NOTE: Gear reduction ratios:
• The belt drive reduction ratio to the chain case is 3.62:1
• The gear reduction to the wheels is 13.2:1
• The gear reduction to the tines is 2:1
• The tines rotate 6.6 revolutions for each wheel revolution.
• Gear reduction ratio X belt reduction ratio X engine RPM = shaft speed
• Engine speed is 3,500 to 3,700 RPM.
Figure 5.9
Input spur gear
Lower paired gear
Wheel drive
transfer gear
Figure 5.10
Tine shaft
(CW)
Wheel axle
(CW)
Wheel drive reduction
gear and sprocket (CW)
Top gear, (CCW)
counter shaft
Input shaft (CW)
Top gear
Main shaft
(CW)
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450 Series Tillers
30
Chain Case Separation
1. Place the chain case on blocks or a fixture so that it
is stable and does not rest on the tine shaft or axle
shaft. The input pulley should face up.
See Figure 5.11.
2. Remove the cap screw, lock washer, and flat
washer securing the pulley to the input shaft using a
7/16” socket.
3. Slide the pulley off of the splined shaft.
NOTE: If the pulley does not slip off easily, apply
any additional force as close to the center of
the pulley as possible.
4. Before further disassembly, mark, photograph or
make notes of the fastener and bracket locations on
the chain case.
5. Clean the tine shaft and wheel axle: See Figure 5.12.
• Any dirt or corrosion will cause the shafts to bind
in their bearings as they are removed.
• There may be as little as 0.001” (0.0254 mm)
clearance between the tine shaft and the bearing
that carries it.
• There may be as little as 0.003” (0.0762 mm)
clearance between the wheel axle and the bear-
ing that carries it.
• For comparison: a human hair is usually about
0.002” (0.0508 mm). If the shafts are not shiny-
bright, they are not clean enough.
• Binding between the shafts and the bearings will
make case disassembly very difficult and time-
consuming.
6. Remove both self tapping washer head screws secur-
ing the shift cover bracket to the gear case using a 3/
8” wrench.
7. Remove the shift cover bracket. See Figure 5.13.
8. Remove both self tapping washer head screws that
hold the gear positioning bracket to the gear case
assembly using a 3/8” wrench.
NOTE: The gear positioning bracket supports the
main shaft, counter shaft, idler bracket and
the input shaft bearing. It also provides an
anchor point for the clutch cable
9. Remove the hex nuts and Belleville washers from the
counter shaft and the wheel speed reducing gear
shaft using an 11/16” wrench.
Figure 5.11
Input pulley
Figure 5.12
Figure 5.13
Shift cover bracket
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Chain Case
31
10. Remove the shoulder nut that holds the idler bracket
to the main shaft using a 7/8” wrench.
11. Remove the idler bracket assembly. See Figure 5.14.
12. Remove the gear positioning bracket from the gear
case. See Figure 5.15.
NOTE: The gear positioning bracket is installed using RTV
sealant. It may be necessary to use a heavy
scraper to remove it.
NOTE: The bearing that supports the input shaft may come
off with the gear positioning bracket, or it may stay
on the input shaft. Either way is fine.
13. Remove the hex nut and lock washer from the
mounting stud on the belt cover bracket using a 1/2”
wrench, and remove the bracket. See Figure 5.16.
14. Remove the hex bolts, flange nuts, and large self-tap-
ping screws that hold the flat surface of the chain
case together using a 1/2” wrench.
15. Remove the remaining self tapping screws from the
perimeter of the chain case using a 3/8” wrench.
16.
Figure 5.14
Self tapping
screws
Gear positioning
bracket
shaft
Counter
Shoulder nut on main shaft
assembly
Idler bracket
Wheel speed reducing
gear shaft
Figure 5.15
Figure 5.16
Belt cover bracket
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450 Series Tillers
32
17. Insert a putty knife or scraper between the two case
halves and work around the perimeter of the gear
case until all sealant has been broken free.
See Figure 5.17.
NOTE: If there is dirt or corrosion on the shafts it
may be necessary to clean the shaft using
emery cloth.
18. Lubricate the wheel and tine shafts with motor oil so
they slide more easily through the bearings.
19. OPTIONAL: Drag on the shafts may be reduced by
removing the shaft seals.
• Cut the seal housing to relieve tension. It does
not need to be cut all the way through.
See Figure 5.18.
• Do NOT nick the shaft while cutting the seal
housing.
• Once loosened by cutting, slide the seal off the
shaft and discard it.
20. Carefully pry up and separate the left gear case from
the right gear case. See Figure 5.19.
• Wooden wedges or blocks may be used to hold
the housing steady as it is lifted.
• The housing must be lifted straight up, or it will
bind.
• A soft-faced mallet or dead-blow hammer may
be used to drive the shafts down if they start to
lift.
Figure 5.17
Scraper
Figure 5.18
Relief cut in
seal shell
Figure 5.19
Wood block
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Chain Case
33
21. Check inside the removed housing for washers and
spacers that may be stuck in the grease. Identify the
correct placement and orientation of these parts
before proceeding.
22. Take an initial look in the case for any obvious prob-
lems: (it may be necessary to remove grease for bet-
ter visibility)
• Contaminated grease
• Rust from heavy water contamination
• Broken chains
• Broken gears
• Worn shafts or broken welds between the shaft
and the sprocket connection.
23. Once an initial identification of the problem is made, figure-out the most direct way to replace the damaged
parts.
•The wheel axle and wheel axle speed reduction assembly can be removed with no further disassembly.
•The tine shaft, chain, and sprocket can be removed with no further disassembly.
•The main shaft assembly can be removed after the tine shaft, chain, and sprocket are removed.
•The counter shaft can be removed without further disassembly.
•The detent shaft, shift fork, and input pinion can be removed without further disassembly.
•The input shaft and bearing can be removed with no further disassembly, but the counter shaft must be
loosened before it can be reinstalled.
•The shift arm can only be removed if the detent shaft, the input shaft and the tine shaft are removed. Also
the gears on the main shaft need to be lifted.
24. If there is an isolated problem in the chain case that
has not left debris in the grease, repairs can be made
without removing all the grease from the chain case.
NOTE: Grease can be reused if it isn’t contaminated.
NOTE: The chain case requires 40 oz. (1183 ml) of
Benalene grease pt. # 737-0300A
25. If the grease is to be re-used, remove it from the
chain case and store it in a clean container until the
chain case is resembled. See Figure 5.21.
NOTE: If the grease is contaminated, dispose of it in a
legal and responsible manner.
NOTE: Refer to the Final Assembly Notes section of this
chapter when putting the chain case back together
after repairs are complete.
Figure 5.20
Figure 5.21
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450 Series Tillers
34
Wheel Axle and wheel speed reduction shaft
1. The wheel axle is easy to lift out of the chain case:
2. There is a washer between the sprocket and the
upper half of the chain case housing. It may be on the
axle shaft, or it may have come off with the upper
housing. Confirm its location and remove it.
See Figure 5.22.
3. There is also a washer between the sprocket on the
wheel speed reduction gear and the upper half of the
chain case. Confirm its location and remove it.
4. Lift the wheel axle, drive chain, and speed reduction
sprocket out as one assembly. See Figure 5.23.
NOTE: The axle and sprocket must be lifted evenly,
or they will bind.
5. Once the wheel axle and sprocket are lifted out of the
case, remove the spacer and washer that fit below
the axle. See Figure 5.24.
Figure 5.22
Axle and
sprocket
Reduction
gear and
sprocket
Figure 5.23
Lift the axle, the chain, and the
reduction gear sprocket together
Figure 5.24
Spacer and washer
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Chain Case
35
6. Notice the orientation of the spacer and the axle:
See Figure 5.25.
• One side of the axle has a weld bead where the
shaft is attached to the sprocket, the other side
is flat.
• The convex side of the spacer goes toward the
sprocket, so that the bead fits into the recess in
the spacer.
• One washer fits between the spacer and the
lower half of the chain case housing.
• The other washer fits on top of the axle shaft
sprocket.
• If the axle or spacer are installed reversed, it will
bind (not rotate).
• If the whole assembly is reversed, the chain will
be out of alignment.
7. Inspect the bearing in the housing. If the bearing is
visibly worn on the thrust surface or the bore, it can
be driven out and replaced. See Figure 5.26.
NOTE: Starting with the 2010 model year, a reinforcement
plate was added to the chain case housing where
the tine shaft bearings seat.
• Use an appropriate-size driver to drive or press
the bearing out of the hexagonal hole that it fits
into.
• Support the housing properly so it does not dis-
tort
• If unusual wear is isolated to one of the two
bearings, replace just the damaged bearing.
• In most cases, the bearings will be replaced as
a pair.
Figure 5.25
Washer Spacer Weld bead
Figure 5.26
Bearing driver
Reinforcement plate
For Parts Call 606-678-9623 or 606-561-4983
www.mymowerparts.com
![](asset-28.png)
450 Series Tillers
36
8. Press or drive the replacement bearing into the hous-
ing using an appropriate size arbor or driving tool that
will not damage the thrust surface of the bearing.
See Figure 5.27.
• Press the bearing completely home. The flange
of the bearing should rest against the inside of
the housing.
• If the bearings are not fully seated, thrust clear-
ance between the axle and its bearings may be
less than zero, causing the case to bind and
accelerating bearing wear.
9. The wheel axle speed reduction gear shaft can be
removed to get the reduction gear out of the bottom
of the chain case.
10. Double-nut the reduction gear shaft so that it can be
held from rotating, then remove the nut and Belleville
washer from the bottom of the shaft using an 11/16”
wrench. See Figure 5.28.
11. There is a washer beneath the wheel axle speed
reduction gear. The I.D. of the washer is smaller than
the shoulder on the shaft. The washer fits between
the bottom lip of the shaft and the lower chain case
housing. See Figure 5.29.
12. When putting the chain case back together, leave the
reduction gear shaft loose until the wheel axle, chain,
reduction gear, and sprocket are installed.
13. Reverse the removal process to reinstall the wheel
axle and the wheel speed reduction shaft assembly.
Figure 5.27
Hydraulic ram
Arbor (socket)
Bearing
Case
Figure 5.28
Wheel axle speed reduction shaft
Figure 5.29
Reduction gear
Washer
For Parts Call 606-678-9623 or 606-561-4983
www.mymowerparts.com
![](asset-29.png)
Chain Case
37
Tine Shaft
1. There is a washer between the sprocket and the
upper half of the chain case housing. It may be on
the tine shaft, or it may have come off with the upper
housing. Confirm its location and remove it.
See Figure 5.30.
2. There is a washer between the top gear on the main
shaft and the upper half of the chain case housing. It
may be on the main shaft, or it may have come off
with the upper housing. Confirm its location and
remove it.
3. Remove the top gear from the main shaft.
See Figure 5.31.
NOTE: The recessed side of the gear fits over the sprocket.
The gear registers against notches in the sprocket
teeth.
4. Lift the tine shaft assembly, chain and sprocket out of
the housing together. See Figure 5.32.
Figure 5.30
Tine shaft
Main shaft
Washers
Figure 5.31
Top gear: main shaft
Sprocket: main shaft
Figure 5.32
Tine shaft
Chain
Sprocket
For Parts Call 606-678-9623 or 606-561-4983
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![](asset-2a.png)
450 Series Tillers
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5. Notice the orientation of the spacer and the tine shaft:
See Figure 5.33.
• One side of the tine shaft has a weld bead where
the shaft is attached to the sprocket, the other
side is flat.
• The convex side of the spacer goes toward the
sprocket, so that the bead fits into the recess in
the spacer. See Figure 5.33.
• One washer fits between the spacer and the
lower half of the chain case housing.
• The other washer fits on top of the axle shaft
sprocket.
• If the axle or spacer are installed reversed, it will
bind.
• If the whole assembly is reversed, the chain will
be misaligned.
6. Inspect the bearing in the housing. If the bearing is
visibly worn on the thrust surface or the bore, it can
be driven out and replaced. See Figure 5.34.
• Use an appropriate-size driver to drive or press
the bearing out of the hexagonal hole that it fits
into.
• If unusual wear is isolated to one of the two bear-
ings, replace just the damaged bearing.
• In most cases, the bearings will be replaced as a
pair.
7. Press or drive the replacement bearing into the hous-
ing using an appropriate size arbor or driving tool that
will not damage the thrust surface of the bearing.
See Figure 5.35.
• Press the bearing all the way home. There
should be no visible gap between the flange on
the bearing and the inside of the housing.
• If the bearings are not fully seated, thrust clear-
ance between the tine shaft and its bearings may
be less than zero, causing the case to bind and
accelerating bearing wear.
Figure 5.33
Tine shaft
Washer
Sprocket
Spacer
Washer
Bearing
Figure 5.34
Seal driver
Figure 5.35
Hydraulic ram
Arbor (socket)
Bearing
Case
For Parts Call 606-678-9623 or 606-561-4983
www.mymowerparts.com
![](asset-2b.png)
Chain Case
39
NOTE: When putting the chain case back together, leave
the main shaft loose until the tine shaft, chain, and
sprocket are installed. It is best to leave the shaft
loose until the case halves are back together to
ensure proper shaft alignment.
8. Reverse the removal process to install the tine shaft.
Figure 5.36
Weld bead
Washer
Spacer (recess fits
over weld bead)
For Parts Call 606-678-9623 or 606-561-4983
www.mymowerparts.com
![](asset-2c.png)
450 Series Tillers
40
Main Shaft Assembly
1. Remove the tine shaft and the top gear (tine drive
gear) from the main shaft, as described in the Tine
Shaft Assembly section of this chapter.
See Figure 5.37.
2. There is a washer between the top gear on the
counter shaft and the upper half of the chain case
housing. It may be on the counter shaft, or it may
have come off with the upper housing. Confirm its
location and remove it.
3. Lift the top gear (tines forward drive gear) off of the
counter shaft.
NOTE: The edges of the teeth on tines forward drive
gear differ from one side to the other:
• One edge is straight cut, the other is beveled.
• The beveled edges make it easier for the input
pinion gear to slide into engagement with the
tines forward drive gear.
• The tines forward drive gear is installed with the
beveled edge facing down.
4. Lift the tine drive gear off of the main shaft.
See Figure 5.39.
NOTE: There is a paired gear set on the main shaft:
• Tine drive gear on top
• Wheel drive gear below
NOTE: Tine gear orientation: the tine gear has a flat
side and a recessed side:
• The recessed side faces up when it is correctly
installed.
• Notches in the teeth of the tine drive sprocket
register against the step in the tine drive gear.
• The flat side rests on a washer that separates
the tine drive gear from the wheel drive gear.
Figure 5.37
Tine shaft, chain
and sprocket
removal
Figure 5.38
C
ounter sha
f
t
Washer
Gear
Main shaft
Figure 5.39
Main shaft
Tine drive gear
For Parts Call 606-678-9623 or 606-561-4983
www.mymowerparts.com
![](asset-2d.png)
Chain Case
41
5. Lift the washer off of the main shaft. See Figure 5.40.
6. Lift the wheel gear off of the main shaft.
7. Below the main shaft wheel gear is a wheel drive
transfer gear. Lift it off of the main shaft.
See Figure 5.42.
NOTE: The wheel drive transfer gear is symmetric: It can be
installed with either side up.
• The steps on the bottom fit into the gear that
drives the wheels in reverse.
8. Lift the bottom (reverse wheel drive) gear off of the
main shaft. See Figure 5.43.
Figure 5.40
Main shaft
Washer
Wheel
drive gear
Tine drive gear
Wheel drive gear
Figure 5.41
Figure 5.42
Wheel drive
transfer gear
Figure 5.43
For Parts Call 606-678-9623 or 606-561-4983
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450 Series Tillers
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9. If the main shaft needs to be removed, double-nut the
shaft so that it can be held with a wrench, then
remove the nut and Belleville washer from the bottom
of the main shaft using an 11/16” wrench.
See Figure 5.44.
10. Lift the main shaft and washer out of the chain case
housing.
NOTE: The washer I.D. fits over the threads of the
main shaft, but it is smaller than the shoulder
that acts as a bearing surface. The washer is
trapped into place under the main shaft.
Assembly Tip: When putting the chain case back
together, leave the main shaft loose until the
tine shaft, chain, and sprocket are installed.
It is best to leave the shaft loose until the case
halves are back together to ensure proper
shaft alignment.
11. Reverse the removal process to install the main shaft and the gears and sprockets that it supports.
Figure 5.44
Main shaft
Washer
For Parts Call 606-678-9623 or 606-561-4983
www.mymowerparts.com
![](asset-2f.png)
Chain Case
43
Counter shaft
1. There is a washer between the top gear and the
upper half of the chain case housing. It may be on
the axle shaft, or it may have come off with the upper
housing. Confirm its location and remove it.
2. Lift the top gear (tines forward drive gear) off of the
counter shaft.
• The edges of the teeth on tines forward drive
gear differ from one side to the other:
• One edge is straight cut, the other is beveled.
• The beveled edges make it easier for the input
pinion gear to slide into engagement with the
tines forward drive gear.
• The tines forward drive gear is installed with the
beveled edge facing down.
3. Double nut the top of the counter shaft.
See Figure 5.46.
4. Remove the nut, lock washer, and Belleville washer
from the bottom of the counter shaft using an 11/16”
wrench. See Figure 5.47.
5. Lift the counter shaft out of the chain case housing.
Figure 5.45
Figure 5.46
C
ounter s
h
a
f
t
Figure 5.47
Main shaft
(nut + Belleville washer)
Counter shaft
(nut + lock washer
+ Belleville washer
)
For Parts Call 606-678-9623 or 606-561-4983
www.mymowerparts.com
![](asset-30.png)
450 Series Tillers
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6. With the counter shaft removed, the bottom gear
(wheels reverse drive) and the washer that fits
beneath it can be maneuvered out of the housing.
See Figure 5.48.
Assembly Tip: Note the orientation of the counter
shaft in the chain case housing:
• There are two snap rings on the shaft, each one
positions a gear.
• The top gear is thicker, so the longer section of
shaft partitioned by a snap ring goes up.
• The bottom gear is thinner, so the shorter section
of shaft partitioned by a snap ring goes down.
• The washer is captive under the shaft once it is
installed.
• The bottom gear can be removed if the snap
rings are removed, the input spur gear is
removed, and the gears and sprockets are
removed from the main shaft.
Assembly Tip: Note the position and orientation of
the bottom counter shaft gear:
See Figure 5.49.
• One side of the gear is flat.
• The flat side faces down, against the washer,
when it is installed.
• The other side of the gear has a shoulder on the
body of the gear, and the teeth are pointed so
that they slide easily into engagement with the
lower set of teeth on the input pinion gear.
• The shoulder and the pointed side of the teeth
must face up, toward the snap ring on the shaft,
when the gear is installed in the chain case hous-
ing.
7. Reverse the removal process to install the counter
shaft assembly.
Assembly Tip: Assembly tip: It is best to leave the
shaft loose until the case halves are back
together to ensure proper shaft alignment.
Figure 5.48
reverse gear
Wheels
Figure 5.49
The flat side of the
wheels reverse
gear on the
counter shaft faces
the washer (down)
The shoulder and
pointed edge of the
teeth face up
For Parts Call 606-678-9623 or 606-561-4983
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![](asset-31.png)
Chain Case
45
Detent shaft
1. The detent shaft assembly can be lifted out of the
chain case housing in tandem with the input pinion.
See Figure 5.50.
2. As the detent shaft, shift fork, spacer (below shift
fork) and input pinion slide up the shift arm, it can be
disengaged from the shift fork.
3. Detent shaft disassembly: the shift fork can be
pushed off of the shaft.
4. A spring-loaded ball in the shift fork stops the fork’s
travel at each of the grooves in the detent shaft.
See Figure 5.51.
5. Capture the ball and spring as the end of the shaft
passes the bore that they fit into.
6. Orientation for reassembly: See Figure 5.52.
• The long shoulder on the shift fork should be
near the end of the detent shaft that has the
longer span from the end of the shaft to the
nearest detent groove.
• The spacer fits against the flat side of the shift
fork.
7. Reverse the removal process to install the detent
shaft.
7a. Fit the shift fork into the input pinion.
• The wider set of teeth on the input pinion should
be near the long shoulder on the shift fork.
• The narrow set of teeth on the input pinion
should be near the spacer on the detent shaft.
7b. Slide the input pinion down the hexagonal input
shaft with the shift fork in place.
7c. Engage the shift arm pin into the slot in the shift
fork as the assembly goes down.
Figure 5.50
Input spur gear
Shift arm
Detent shaft
Shift fork
spacer
Figure 5.51
Detent ball
Detent spring
Shift fork
Figure 5.52
Long shoulders
For Parts Call 606-678-9623 or 606-561-4983
www.mymowerparts.com
![](asset-32.png)
450 Series Tillers
46
Input shaft
1. Remove the input spur gear and detent shaft assem-
bly as described in the Detent Shaft section of this
chapter. See Figure 5.53.
2. The input shaft can be easily driven out of the chain
case housing, along with the sealed bearing that sup-
ports it.
• The input shaft and bearing will be difficult to
drive back-in from outside the housing.
• The input shaft and bearing can not be driven
directly back in from inside the housing because
the bottom gear on the counter shaft over-hangs
the extruded hole that supports the bearing in the
chain case.
3. Lift the top gear and washer off of the counter shaft.
4. Double nut the top of the counter shaft.
See Figure 5.54.
5. Remove the nut, lock washer, and Belleville washer
from the bottom of the counter shaft.
6. Remove the counter shaft from the chain case.
See Figure 5.55.
NOTE: The bottom gear, and the washer beneath it,
can be left in the chain case. Pushing them
over about 1/4” (0.635 cm) will leave enough
clearance to remove and install the input shaft
and the bearing that carries it.
Figure 5.53
Input shaft bearing
Bottom gear on
counter shaft
(over-hangs bearing)
Shift arm
Figure 5.54
Shift arm
Input shaft
and bearing
Counter shaft
Figure 5.55
Shift arm
Input shaft
and bearing
Bottom gear
from input shaft
For Parts Call 606-678-9623 or 606-561-4983
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![](asset-33.png)
Chain Case
47
7. Drive the input shaft bearing out of the flanged hole in
the chain case housing. See Figure 5.56.
8. The input shaft can be driven out of the bearing that
supports it. See Figure 5.57.
• Support the bearing, preferably by the inner
race.
• Drive the shaft out of the bearing using a drift
that will not deform the end of the shaft.
9. A new bearing can be driven onto the shaft.
See Figure 5.58.
• Support the bearing so that the driving force is
born by the inner race.
• Drive the shaft into the bearing using a drift that
will not deform the end of the shaft.
Figure 5.56
Counter shaft: removed
Detent shaft: removed
Shift fork: removed
Figure 5.57
Drift
Bearing
Input shaft
Figure 5.58
Brass drift
Input shaft
Bearing
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450 Series Tillers
48
10. The Input shaft is carried by two bearings.
See Figure 5.59.
• If one bearing is bad, both should be replaced.
• The second bearing fits into the gear positioning
bracket.
• It can be easily driven out of the bracket for
replacement.
• The input shaft fits more tightly into the lower
bearing than into the bearing in the gear position-
ing bracket.
• The bearing on the splined end of the shaft tends
to slip off of the shaft when the gear positioning
bracket is removed.
• The bearing on the plain end of the shaft tends to
stay with the shaft when the shaft is removed.
11. To install the input shaft and bearing, insert them from
the inside of the chain case.
12. Drive the bearing into place: See Figure 5.60.
• Apply force only to the outer race of the bearing.
• When the outer race is flush with the inner sur-
face of the chain case housing, the bearing is
“home”.
13. Reverse the remainder of the removal process to
complete the installation of the input shaft.
Figure 5.59
Input shaft
Bottom bearing
(plain end)
Gear positioning
bracket
Splined end
of input shaft
Figure 5.60
Brass drift
Input shaft and bearing:
drive bearing flush with
housing.
For Parts Call 606-678-9623 or 606-561-4983
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Chain Case
49
Shift arm
1. Lift the top gear and washer off of the main shaft.
See Figure 5.61.
2. Double nut the main shaft, and loosen but do not
remove the nut on the bottom of the shaft using an
11/16” wrench. See Figure 5.62.
3. Remove the two nuts from the top of the shaft so that
the sprocket will fit over the end of it.
4. Set aside the main shaft sprocket that drives the
tines: See Figure 5.63.
4a. Lift the tine shaft, chain, and sprocket just far
enough for the sprocket to clear the main shaft.
4b. Move the sprocket out of the way.
4c. Lower the tine shaft. The sprocket and chain
may be left connected to the tine shaft.
Figure 5.61
Main shaft
Figure 5.62
Main shaft, top
gear removed,
double-nutted
Figure 5.63
Tine shaft
Tine sprocket
Main shaft
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450 Series Tillers
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5. Lift the top gear and washer off of the counter shaft.
See Figure 5.64.
6. Lift the paired wheel and tine gears, along with the
washer that fits between them off of the main shaft.
See Figure 5.65.
7. Lift the wheel drive transfer gear off of the main shaft.
See Figure 5.66.
Figure 5.64
Counter shaft
Figure 5.65
Tine gear
Wheel gear
Figure 5.66
Wheel drive transfer gear
For Parts Call 606-678-9623 or 606-561-4983
www.mymowerparts.com
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Chain Case
51
8. Lift the input spur gear, along with the shift fork,
spacer and detent shaft out of the chain case hous-
ing. See Figure 5.67.
9. Double nut the counter shaft and remove the nut,
lock washer and Belleville washer from the bottom of
the shaft using an 11/16” wrench. See Figure 5.68.
10. Lift the counter shaft out of the housing, leaving the
b o t t o m g e a r a n d t h e w a s h e r b e n e a t h i t i n p l a c e .
See Figure 5.69.
Figure 5.67
Detent shaft
Input spur
gear
Shift fork
Figure 5.68
Counter shaft
Figure 5.69
For Parts Call 606-678-9623 or 606-561-4983
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450 Series Tillers
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11. Remove the input shaft, as described in the Input
Shaft section of this chapter. See Figure 5.70.
12. Remove the snap ring from the shift arm.
13. Push the shift arm into the interior of the chain case
for final removal. See Figure 5.71.
NOTE: Inset shows snap ring location.
14. Reinstall the shift arm and drive components by
reversing the procedures used to remove them.
Figure 5.70
Figure 5.71
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Chain Case
53
Inspection
The inspection of chain case parts is just a visual check, with some fit checking by feel. Precision measurement
is not required.
When damage is identified, the repair is not complete until the root cause of the damage is found and fixed, so
that the damage will not happen again.
When damage to a contact surface is found, replace the mating part that the surface comes in contact with. If a
gear tooth is damaged, replace the gear that it rides against. If a shaft is damaged, replace the gear or bearing that
rides on the damaged portion of the shaft.
1. Gear teeth: Replace any gear with teeth that show a significant amount of damage to the teeth.
• Chipped or broken teeth
• Fretting
•Wear
2. Gear drive features: Replace any gear with drive features that show a significant amount of damage.
• Rounded corners that should be straight
• Visible wear or looseness of fit
• Any damage that would cause a bind so that the gear does not engage or disengage easily.
• Cracks in the body of the gear
3. Gear bearing surfaces: Replace any gear with bearing damage.
• Scoring or galling on the thrust surface of the gear that can not be cleaned-up with a light dressing.
• Plain bearings within the gear that show scoring or wear.
• Needle bearings that show any visible damage or do not turn smoothly.
• Bearing damage indicated by the condition of the shaft that the gear rotates on.
4. Shafts: Replace any shaft that has significant damage.
• Bending that shows-up when the shaft is rolled on a flat surface.
• Any scoring that is deep enough to catch a fingernail
• Any wear that will interfere with bearing or seal fit
• Any wear that will interfere with the movement of a sliding part, such as the input spur gear.
• Any wear that will effect the mesh of gear supported by the shaft with the gears that they drive or are
driven by.
• Any stripped threads that will prevent fasteners from being properly installed.
5. Chains and sprockets: Replace any:
• Chain that is rusty.
• Chain or sprocket that is broken.
• Chain that is too loose.
• Chain that is too stiff to work smoothly.
• Sprocket that has teeth that are worn down far enough to make the teeth pointy.
For Parts Call 606-678-9623 or 606-561-4983
www.mymowerparts.com
450 Series Tillers
54
6. Shift mechanism: Replace shift mechanism components if:
• Replace the shift arm if the pin that engages the shift fork is worn.
• Replace the shift arm if the shaft is worn to the point that the pin can come out of the shift fork. Take a
close look at the chain case housing if this is the case.
• Replace the shift fork if it shows significant wear on any of the working surfaces or does not travel cor-
rectly on the detent shaft.
• A good case can be made for replacing the snap ring on the shift arm each time it is removed. If it has
loosened-up at all, replace it.
7. Housing: Replace the chain case housing if:
• Any of the features that locate shafts or bearings are damaged to the point that they cannot be trusted.
• The housing is damaged by corrosion, abrasion, or impact in such a way that the housing cannot be
trusted.
For Parts Call 606-678-9623 or 606-561-4983
www.mymowerparts.com
![](asset-3b.png)
Chain Case
55
Final Assembly Notes
1. Clean the sealant residue and any grease from the
mating surfaces of the chain case halves.
See Figure 5.72.
2. Fill the case with 40 oz. (1.2 liters) of Benalene
grease (part number 737-0300A).
• Lubricate the bearing surfaces of any removed
parts with grease.
• 20 oz. (600ml.) of grease goes into the area
around the main shaft, counter shaft, and input
shaft assemblies.
• 10 oz. (300ml.) of grease goes into the area
around the wheel shaft.
• 10 oz. (300ml.) of grease goes into the area
around the tine shaft.
3. Leave the nuts that secure the main shaft, counter
shaft and wheel speed reduction shaft loose until the
upper half of the chain case is installed.
4. Confirm that all gears, spacers and washers are correctly positioned in the case. Refer to the section of this
chapter that covers any parts in question. Any gears that slip into engagement with other gears should have
beveled tooth facing the gear that they engage with.
5. Lubricate the wheel axle and the tine shafts.
6. Apply a bead of sealant to the mating surface of the lower housing. The sealant must run inside of the fastener
holes in the mating surfaces.
7. Carefully lower the upper case half onto the lower case half.
• After the upper half of the chain case is in place, double nut the shafts so that they can be held against the
tightening force.
• Tighten the lower fastening nuts to a torque of 30 ft-lb. (40 Nm).
• Remove the double nuts for final chain case assembly.
8. Apply sealant around all of the holes in the gear posi-
tioning bracket. See Figure 5.73.
9. Install, but do not fully tighten the fasteners that hold
the gear positioning bracket and idler bracket assem-
bly to the chain case.
10. Install, but do not tighten the following items:
• The nut and Belleville washer on the wheel
speed reduction shaft
• The belt cover bracket
• The perimeter screws that hold the two case
halves together.
• The nut/bolt combinations that hold the case
halves together and secure the tine shield to the
chain case
11. Tighten enough of the fasteners to draw the chain
case halves firmly together.
Figure 5.72
Figure 5.73
Note sealant under gear
positioning bracket
For Parts Call 606-678-9623 or 606-561-4983
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450 Series Tillers
56
12. Temporarily install the input pulley onto the input shaft, installing the bolt that holds it just far enough that the
pulley will not fall off.
13. Use an allen wrench to move the shift arm through each of the tiller mode positions, while turning the input pul-
ley. Confirm correct operation in all of the modes:
NOTE: It is usually necessary for the gears to be turning for them to align properly to shift
•Wheels Reverse: Turning the shift arm counter-clockwise as far as it will go will engage wheels reverse.
In wheels reverse, the wheel axle will turn in the opposite direction of the input shaft. The tine shaft may
rotate from drag between the gears, but should not turn with any significant force.
•Neutral: Turning the shift arm one notch clockwise should disconnect the input shaft from the wheel axle
and the tine shaft. Turning the input shaft should not drive either of the output shafts with any significant
force.
•Wheels Forward: Turning the shift arm one notch clockwise from Neutral should allow the input shaft to
turn the wheel axle in the same direction that the input shaft is turned.The tine shaft may rotate from drag
between the gears, but should not turn with any significant force.
•Tines Reverse: Turning the shift arm two notches clockwise from neutral should connect the input shaft to
the tine shaft and the wheel axle in such a way that the wheel axle turns the same way the input shaft is
turned, and the tine shaft turns in the opposite direction. The wheel axle and tine shaft should turn with full
force. The wheel axle will turn once for every 13 revolutions for the input shaft. The tine shaft will turn once
for every two revolutions for the input shaft.
•Tines Forward: Turning the shift arm to the most clockwise notch in its travel should connect the input
shaft to the tine shaft and the wheel shaft in such a way that the wheel shaft, tine shaft and the input shaft
all turn in the same direction. The wheel axle will turn once for every 13 revolutions for the input shaft. The
tine shaft will turn once for every two revolutions for the input shaft.
• If any of the chain case drive modes do not work correctly, remove the top half of the housing and identify
the problem.
14. Once correct operation of the chain case is confirmed, set the shift arm to the Neutral position.
15. Tighten all the fasteners that hold the two halves of the chain case together:
• Tighten the nuts on each of the shafts to a torque of 30 ft.-lbs. (40 Nm).
• Tighten the perimeter screws to a torque of 80-110 in-lbs. (9-12 Nm).
• Tighten the nut/bolt combinations to a torque of 180-200 in-lbs. (22-2 Nm).
• Tighten the input pulley bolt to a torque of 80-110 in-lbs. (9-12 Nm).
16. Make a final test of the chain case, testing all the modes of operation as was done before tightening the fas-
teners holding the chain case halves together.
17. If the shaft seals were removed, drive new seals onto the wheel axle and tine shaft. Drive the seals into place
using a driver that meets the seals as close to the outside wall of the seal shells as possible.
18. Assemble the remainder of the tiller.
19. Test all aspects of the tiller’s operation before returning it to service.
For Parts Call 606-678-9623 or 606-561-4983
www.mymowerparts.com
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Chain Case
57
Troubleshooting Chart
Symptom Cause Cure
No drive to tines or
wheels in any mode 1. No drive to input shaft
2. Shift fork stuck in Neu-
tral
3. Input spur gear or
input shaft damaged
1. Check belt, belt tensioning,
and pulleys. External repair.
2. Repair shift fork/shift arm.
Could be internal or external
(pointer).
3. Repair input spur gear or
input shaft.
Wheels drive, but tines
do not turn Forward Till
mode
1. Damaged gear drive to
tines
2. Gears reversed on
counter shaft
3. Shift fork stuck in
wheel drive mode
1. Repair damage to input spur
gear, top gear on counter
shaft, and/or top gear on
main shaft.
2. Flip the counter shaft and the
gears that are on it. The thick
gear goes on top.
3. Repair shift fork/shift arm.
Could be internal or external
(pointer).
Wheels drive, but tines
do not turn Reverse Till
mode
1. Damaged gear drive to
tines
2. Shift fork stuck in
wheel drive mode
1. Repair damaged input spur
gear and/or paired tine gear
on main shaft.
2. Repair shift fork/shift arm.
Could be internal or external
(pointer).
Wheels drive, but tines
do not turn at all 1. Damaged chain or
sprocket drive to tines
2. Shift fork stuck in
wheel drive mode
1. Repair broken chain, tine
shaft sprocket, and/or main
shaft sprocket.
2. Repair shift fork/shift arm.
Could be internal or external
(pointer).
Tines drive, but wheels
do not turn in Forward
Till mode
Damage to gear drive to
wheels Repair input spur gear and/or
paired wheel drive gear on main
shaft.
Look for damage on small set of
teeth on spur gear, and/or lower of
two paired gears on main shaft.
For Parts Call 606-678-9623 or 606-561-4983
www.mymowerparts.com
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450 Series Tillers
58
Tines drive, but wheels
do not turn in Reverse till
mode
Damage to gear drive to
wheels Repair input spur gear and/or
paired wheel drive gear on main
shaft.
Look for damage on large set of
teeth on spur gear and/or lower of
two paired gears on main shaft.
Forward (wheel drive
only) does not work 1. Damage to gear drive
to wheels
2. Shift fork stuck in Neu-
tral
1. Repair input spur gear and/or
paired wheel drive gear on
main shaft.
• Look for damage on large
set of teeth on spur gear
and/or lower of two paired
gears on main shaft.
2. Repair shift fork/shift arm.
Could be internal or external
(pointer).
Reverse (wheel drive
only) does not work 1. Damage to gear drive
to wheels
2. Shift fork stuck in Neu-
tral
1. Repair input spur gear and/or
bottom gears on main shaft
and counter shaft.
2. Repair shift fork/shift arm.
Could be internal or external
(pointer).
Tines or wheels drive in
Neutral Shift fork stuck in a drive
position. Repair shift fork/shift arm. Could be
internal or external (pointer).
Wheels do not drive in
any operating mode 1. Damage to chain drive
to wheels
2. Damage to gear drive
to wheels
3. Shift fork stuck in Neu-
tral
1. Repair chain, wheel axle
sprocket, and/or wheel speed
reduction shaft sprocket.
2. Repair gear on wheel speed
reduction shaft and/or wheel
drive transfer gear.
3. Repair shift fork/shift arm.
Could be internal or external
(pointer).
Troubleshooting Chart
Symptom Cause Cure
For Parts Call 606-678-9623 or 606-561-4983
www.mymowerparts.com
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Chain Case
59
Gears difficult to engage 1. Operating technique
2. Wheels reverse only
difficult to engage-bot-
tom gear on counter
shaft installed back-
ward
3. Tines Reverse tilling
mode only difficult to
engage- top gear on
counter shaft installed
backward.
1. Coach operator on feather-
ing the engagement bail.
2. Flip-over the top gear on the
counter shaft so the beveled
side of the teeth face down.
3. Flip-over the bottom gear on
the counter shaft so the bev-
eled side of the teeth face up.
Tines forward tilling
mode drive the wheels
only, Tines reverse locks
the chain case, all other
positions drive wheels
reverse. Weak detent.
The input spur gear has
been installed upside-down. Install the input spur gear so that
the small set of teeth are down,
and the wide set of teeth are up
Chain case binds in any
drive mode that powers
the tines.
1 - 3.Tine shaft is binding in
the case
4. Rusted chain
1. Install the tine shaft so that
the weld bead on the shaft
nests into the concave side of
the spacer. The spacer
should be in the lower half of
the chain case on assembly.
2. Make sure the tine shaft
bearings are fully seated. In
some cases the shaft may be
driven with a heavy hammer
and a soft drift to seat the
bearings without disassem-
bly. Use hammer prudently.
3. If the whole tine shaft assem-
bly is installed backward, the
shaft will bind, accompanied
by chain clatter.
4. Replace rusted chain. If
water has gotten in the case
to rust the chain, there will
usually be other damage.
Troubleshooting Chart
Symptom Cause Cure
For Parts Call 606-678-9623 or 606-561-4983
www.mymowerparts.com
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450 Series Tillers
60
Chain case binds in any
drive mode that powers
the wheels.
1 - 3.The wheel axle is
binding in the case.
4. Rusted chain
1. Install the wheel axle so that
the weld bead on the shaft
nests into the concave side of
the spacer. The spacer
should be in the lower half of
the chain case on assembly.
2. Make sure the wheel axle
bearings are fully seated. In
some cases the shaft may be
driven with a heavy hammer
and a soft drift to seat the
bearings without disassem-
bly. Use hammer prudently.
3. If the whole wheel axle
assembly is installed back-
ward, the shaft will bind,
accompanied by chain clatter.
4. Replace rusted chain. If
water has gotten in the case
to rust the chain, there will
usually be other damage.
Chain case leaks 1. Phase separation of
grease
2. Leaky shaft seal
3. Breach of chain case
housing
1. After sitting for a season, the
grease in the case may sepa-
rate. In most cases, running
the tiller will re-mix the
grease, and the leak will stop.
2. Replace the seal if it is dam-
aged. Unless physical dam-
age to the seal is visible, this
will usually be a case of
phase separation. Check the
condition of the shaft.
3. Housings are unlikely to leak
unless they have been dam-
aged. Clean the case and
confirm the exact location of
the leak before disassem-
bling and re-sealing the case.
Troubleshooting Chart
Symptom Cause Cure
For Parts Call 606-678-9623 or 606-561-4983
www.mymowerparts.com
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Chain Case
61
Tiller jumps out of gear 1. Tines Reverse only,
2010 models, fix as fail
2. Bent shift rod
3. Worn detent
1. Install Service Kit # 753-
06491
2. Confirm that the external link-
age is moving the shift
pointer to the correct position,
engaging the detentes
3. Repair detent shaft / shift fork
Troubleshooting Chart
Symptom Cause Cure
For Parts Call 606-678-9623 or 606-561-4983
www.mymowerparts.com
450 Series Tillers
62
For Parts Call 606-678-9623 or 606-561-4983
www.mymowerparts.com
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Tines
63
Tines
450 series tillers feature the ability to operate the tines
in either forward or counter rotating directions.
See Figure 6.1.
As the tines dig into the ground, the grinding action
between the tines and the soil will eventually wear the
tines to the point were they will need to be replaced.
There are 16 tines, a set of 8 on each side. The tines can
be purchase separately or as a complete kit part .# 742-
0305A-0637
The tines have two cutting sides to accommodate the
forward and reverse tine rotation feature.
Accessing the tines
1. Remove the three plastic wing nuts that hold the side
shields and cover plates on each side of the tine
cover. See Figure 6.2.
NOTE: The side plates are designed to be set according to
the depth the tiller is digging. The side plates are
raised for deeper tilling and lowered when
decreasing the depth the tiller is digging.
2. Remove the cover plate by pushing it inward to clear
the studs from the tine cover.
Figure 6.1
Tine assembly
Figure 6.2
Wing nuts
CHAPTER 6: TINES
For Parts Call 606-678-9623 or 606-561-4983
www.mymowerparts.com
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450 Series Tillers
64
3. Lift the trail shield to easily access the clevis pin and
bow-tie clip
4. Remove the clevis pin and bow tie clip that secures
the tine assemblies to the tine shaft on the transmis-
sion. See Figure 6.3.
5. Slide the assemblies off of the tine shaft.
NOTE: If the hub assemblies are frozen on to the
tine shaft, a hub puller can be used to
remove them.
NOTE: After the tine assemblies have been
removed, apply a film of grease onto the tine
shaft.
6. Remove the old tines from the tine holder with a 3/4”
and 9/16” wrench. See Figure 6.4.
7. Inspect the tines and hardware, replace if excessive
wear is obvious.
Figure 6.3
Clevis Pin
Bow Tie Clip
Figure 6.4
Figure 6.5
Lock Washers
Pivot Shoulder Screw
Stop Shoulder Screw
Articulating slot
Cutting surfaces
For Parts Call 606-678-9623 or 606-561-4983
www.mymowerparts.com
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Tines
65
8. Assemble the tines by following the previous steps in
reverse order.
NOTE: When attaching the tines to the tine holder; the
tines are installed in an alternating manner point-
ing the curved part of the tine in then out.
NOTE: The tines are all installed on same side of the tine
holder.
NOTE: The right and left tine holder have the same part
number 784-0160-0637.
Figure 6.6
Tine Holder
pt.# 784-0160-0637
For Parts Call 606-678-9623 or 606-561-4983
www.mymowerparts.com
450 Series Tillers
66
For Parts Call 606-678-9623 or 606-561-4983
www.mymowerparts.com