Allotment Gardening Advice Help Chat

Chatting => Equipment Shed => Topic started by: apywell on February 04, 2007, 22:25

Title: Merry Tiller Cadet questions
Post by: apywell on February 04, 2007, 22:25
Hi all

I have just got myself a Merry Tiller Cadet rotavator (see pic).  Does anyone know where I could get a user guide or similar to help me with servicing?  I have done some searching on the internet, but there is not much about.  I have never owned anything like this before, so help and advice would be useful.    

Has anyone else got this particular make?  

What fuel will it use?

(http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t202/apywell/1003.jpg)
Title: Merry Tiller Cadet questions
Post by: muntjac on February 04, 2007, 22:54
the free manual pdf john has kindly  supplied wil do for this machine , you can find it here

https://www.allotment-garden.org/rotavator-manuals-free/

Link updated 09/02/21
Title: Merry Tiller Cadet questions
Post by: muntjac on February 04, 2007, 22:56
is it the 4 stroke model or the 2 stroke ? if it is 4 stroke you need lead replacment fuel. 2 stroke is lead replacment fuel  with 2 stroke oil mixed in
Title: Merry Tiller Cadet questions
Post by: apywell on February 04, 2007, 23:07
Quote from: "muntjac"
the free manual pdf john has kindly  supplied wil do for this machine , you can find it here

http://www.allotment-garden.org/articles/Merry_Tiller_Rotovator.php


Just what I needed... cheers muntjac  :wink:
Title: Merry Tiller Cadet questions
Post by: apywell on February 04, 2007, 23:09
Quote from: "muntjac"
is it the 4 stroke model or the 2 stroke ? if it is 4 stroke you need lead replacment fuel. 2 stroke is lead replacment fuel  with 2 stroke oil mixed in


Not sure if it's 4 or 2 stroke as I haven't picked it up yet.  Either way its lead replacement fuel then... Where would I get that from :?:
Title: Merry Tiller Cadet questions
Post by: muntjac on February 04, 2007, 23:19
the petrol station? :lol:
Title: Merry Tiller Cadet questions
Post by: Gwiz on February 05, 2007, 05:58
its a four stroke briggs and stratton.
very clean looking for its age.
briggs engines will all run on unleaded, as they all have hardened valve seats. if it hasn`t been run on it before, you may need to decoke it first, its not a hard job.
as for servicing, this is the only site you need for info, lots of folk who own or service these on here!
 :wink:
Title: Merry Tiller Cadet questions
Post by: klawler on February 05, 2007, 16:30
Hi Muntjac will my Wolesey super major with a 5hp engine Briggs and Stratton run on unleaded petrol

Kevin
Title: Merry Tiller Cadet questions
Post by: Bigbadfrankie on February 05, 2007, 16:51
I have one the same but called a wizard, and its green instead of red. But its a super little machine. its lite and easy to put in the car ect. I made a second set of narrow diggers as the originals are one piece and always at 24". I always put unleaded in it and it goes fine. Check that the chain case has oil before starting on the allotment. Good Luck
Title: Merry Tiller Cadet questions
Post by: Gwiz on February 05, 2007, 17:22
Quote from: "klawler"
Hi Muntjac will my Wolesey super major with a 5hp engine Briggs and Stratton run on unleaded petrol

Kevin


yes
Title: Merry Tiller Cadet questions
Post by: klawler on February 05, 2007, 18:20
THanks very much guys

Kevin
Title: Merry Tiller Cadet questions
Post by: apywell on February 05, 2007, 18:58
Quote from: "muntjac"
the petrol station? :lol:


OK....  now you made me look stupid...   :wink:
Title: Merry Tiller Cadet questions
Post by: apywell on February 05, 2007, 19:02
Quote from: "gwiz"
its a four stroke briggs and stratton.
very clean looking for its age.
briggs engines will all run on unleaded, as they all have hardened valve seats. if it hasn`t been run on it before, you may need to decoke it first, its not a hard job.
as for servicing, this is the only site you need for info, lots of folk who own or service these on here!
 :wink:


Cheers gwiz.  This is comforting reading.  I'm picking it up week on Tuesday.  I will sure be asking the owner of fuel type, but was just wondering beforehand.  Never used one before and can't wait to have a go on the Lottie   :D
Title: Merry Tiller Cadet questions
Post by: apywell on February 05, 2007, 19:08
Quote from: "Bigbadfrankie"
I have one the same but called a wizard, and its green instead of red. But its a super little machine. its lite and easy to put in the car ect. I made a second set of narrow diggers as the originals are one piece and always at 24". I always put unleaded in it and it goes fine. Check that the chain case has oil before starting on the allotment. Good Luck


Cheers for this advice.  Is there an easy way to check the case has oil.  I take it that there is a chain within.  Should it just be a well oiled chain or like an oil sump and have an oil level?
Title: Merry Tiller Cadet questions
Post by: shaun on February 05, 2007, 20:00
theres no dip stick as such on the chain case but it takes a pint of oil to fill it.
Title: Merry Tiller Cadet questions
Post by: Bigbadfrankie on February 05, 2007, 20:16
the little plastic  filler plug is visible on your picture. As Shaun say's about a pint. Its not an engine so slight over filling wont do any harm I use engine oil because it contains rust inhibitors and detergents basically good stuff.
Title: Merry Tiller Cadet questions
Post by: muntjac on February 05, 2007, 20:27
sorted  :wink:
oh for those on my site .pockets has joined us and is a great chap for spares etc . viliers stuff as well :wink:
Title: Merry Tiller Cadet questions
Post by: apywell on February 05, 2007, 22:16
Quote from: "Bigbadfrankie"
the little plastic  filler plug is visible on your picture. As Shaun say's about a pint. Its not an engine so slight over filling wont do any harm I use engine oil because it contains rust inhibitors and detergents basically good stuff.


Some good advice here guys.. thanks.  No doubt I'll be quizzing you all again when I have the machine in hand.   :D
Title: Merry Tiller Cadet questions
Post by: apywell on February 15, 2007, 21:31
Ok.. I am the proud owner of this machine now.  It starts on first or second pull from cold.  I think it runs really well apart from slow speed when it does cough a little.  I took the rubber plug out and there is no sign of oil for the drive chain so before I take it down the Lottie this weekend I'll make sure it is topped up with engine oil.  The oil for the engine is full to brim.  I have been told that it runs on unleaded.  Better get me a petrol container too.   :tongue2:
Title: Merry Tiller Cadet questions
Post by: Bigbadfrankie on February 16, 2007, 08:10
Good luck. I think its going to be to wet to do much down here.
Title: Merry Tiller Cadet questions
Post by: muntjac on February 16, 2007, 09:10
Quote from: "apywell"
Ok.. I am the proud owner of this machine now.  It starts on first or second pull from cold.  I think it runs really well apart from slow speed when it does cough a little.  I took the rubber plug out and there is no sign of oil for the drive chain so before I take it down the Lottie this weekend I'll make sure it is topped up with engine oil.  The oil for the engine is full to brim.  I have been told that it runs on unleaded.  Better get me a petrol container too.   :tongue2:
and a map to show the way to a petrol pump matey  :lol:  :wink:
Title: Merry Tiller Cadet questions
Post by: apywell on February 16, 2007, 19:47
Quote from: "muntjac"
Quote from: "apywell"
Ok.. I am the proud owner of this machine now.  It starts on first or second pull from cold.  I think it runs really well apart from slow speed when it does cough a little.  I took the rubber plug out and there is no sign of oil for the drive chain so before I take it down the Lottie this weekend I'll make sure it is topped up with engine oil.  The oil for the engine is full to brim.  I have been told that it runs on unleaded.  Better get me a petrol container too.   :tongue2:
and a map to show the way to a petrol pump matey  :lol:  :wink:


Hey Muntjac, I also need a container to put it in   8)
Title: Merry Tiller Cadet questions
Post by: Bigbadfrankie on February 18, 2007, 21:33
hi apywell how did it go ??
Title: Merry Tiller Cadet questions
Post by: klawler on March 12, 2007, 07:21
GWIZ do you know where I can get my rotavator serviced it wont start or run had it going for a while on Sat but then spent 2 hours pulling on the rope and fiddling

do you service them I am only a few miles from you in Molesey

Kevin
Title: Merry Tiller Cadet questions
Post by: John on March 12, 2007, 09:43
Just a point - the only petrol station I have seen replacement leaded petrol in is Sainsburys - it the 4 star.

I don't know if it is every Sainsburys.
Title: Merry Tiller Cadet questions
Post by: klawler on March 14, 2007, 11:01
Many thanks Graham for your prompt reply and help yesterday

Kevin
Title: Merry Tiller Cadet questions
Post by: Gwiz on March 14, 2007, 12:33
engines off, pulling it apart after work today. :wink:
Title: Merry Tiller Cadet questions
Post by: muntjac on March 14, 2007, 13:42
Quote from: "shaun"
theres no dip stick as such on the chain case but it takes a pint of oil to fill it.


 but there is a dipstick  driving it eh shaun :wink:
Title: Merry Tiller Cadet questions
Post by: becky on March 14, 2007, 20:03
:D Snap! I have one of them too! Anybody have any ideas where I can get new blades, apparantly mine are really blunt, well that is what my uncle says, I would have said, "well used". Or if you want, worn out! It is 17 years old this year though, so I dont think it has done too badly. Anyway, help would be rather fab. Cheers.
Title: Merry Tiller Cadet questions
Post by: muntjac on March 14, 2007, 20:05
carefull grinding of the blades wil sharpen them :wink:
Title: Merry Tiller Cadet questions
Post by: Bigbadfrankie on March 14, 2007, 22:16
why do you need the blades sharp ?? my local garden center has a box full of mountfield blades and is itching to sell them.
Title: Merry Tiller Cadet questions
Post by: becky on March 14, 2007, 22:28
Well, I dont know why they need to be sharp? Just that a few folks have said to me that they need sorting. It works well enough for me with some control, I think I have answered my own question there haven't I. Maybe I will carry on with it till they fall off! Prob' could sharpen the blades myself, if I had the patience. Thanks guys.
Title: Merry Tiller Cadet questions
Post by: Bigbadfrankie on March 14, 2007, 22:40
the  ground does not mind how sharp your blades are, your engine if 3 hp or more wil cope just point it at the garden and go for it  :x
Title: Merry Tiller Cadet questions
Post by: Gwiz on March 15, 2007, 05:24
Quote from: "Bigbadfrankie"
why do you need the blades sharp ?? my local garden center has a box full of mountfield blades and is itching to sell them.



the reason you are being told you need the blades sharp is because your local garden centre has a box full of them.
if they're worn down, thats something else entirely.
the blades on a rotovator are self sharpening be default, as they are worn away by the soil :wink:
Title: Merry Tiller Cadet questions
Post by: klawler on March 21, 2007, 14:14
Many Thanks to Graham for repairing my  Rotavator so well and so quickly

Kevin
Title: Merry Tiller Cadet questions
Post by: Gwiz on March 21, 2007, 18:10
twas a pleasure, to be sure.
if i see a good honda motor i will let you know. :wink:
Title: Merry Tiller Cadet questions
Post by: shaun on March 21, 2007, 19:13
graham,i need a pic realy to explain but i will have a go
its a b&s 5hp with the tank on the bottom of the carb
get you the number if it helps
what i'm after is the spring that is on the bottom bit where the throttle cable joins the plastic thingy that slides
are you with me  :?
Title: Merry Tiller Cadet questions
Post by: Gwiz on March 22, 2007, 05:00
know what you mean, but i will still need the mod.type.code numbers to get the right one. :D
Title: Merry Tiller Cadet questions
Post by: black diamond on March 24, 2007, 20:37
Have you looked here

http://www.merrytiller.co.uk/merry-tiller-history.htm
Title: Merry Tiller Cadet questions
Post by: muntjac on March 24, 2007, 20:45
the site is also featured on my site below black diamond , take a look you may have some stuff to tell us  :wink:
Title: Merry Tiller Cadet questions
Post by: black diamond on March 24, 2007, 21:03
This morning i was looking through an old Amateur Gardener magazine March 26th 1966 and found this Sorry Muntjac i don't know any more note the price

(http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s141/jaffacat_2007/TILLER.jpg)
Title: Merry Tiller Cadet questions
Post by: shaun on March 24, 2007, 21:14
graham is this the number you need for that spring
also its a 4hp not a 5hp i was getting muddled with the honda

(http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o152/shaungill/P3240003.jpg)
Title: Merry Tiller Cadet questions
Post by: Gwiz on March 25, 2007, 06:12
yup thats the beastie.
you want me to get you one?
Title: Merry Tiller Cadet questions
Post by: shaun on March 25, 2007, 07:56
yes graham i have PM you
i'm not 100% where it connects have a look at these pics is this the same?I know its not the same engine as mine but its the closest i can find :?
http://www.small-engines.com/5briggs.html
good link karl
Title: Re: Merry Tiller Cadet questions
Post by: Jack Strapp on February 09, 2021, 15:36
Would somebody  be kind enough to repost the manual for  the Merry Tiller Cadet rotavator..
Thanks
Title: Re: Merry Tiller Cadet questions
Post by: Yorkie on February 09, 2021, 18:28
Welcome to the forum  :)

Just to highlight that this thread is over 13 years old, and many of the previous contributors are no longer members or no longer post regularly, so whilst it's possible that newer members may have a manual, don't necessarily get your hopes up too much  :)
Title: Re: Merry Tiller Cadet questions
Post by: jezza on February 09, 2021, 21:04
Hello goto the top of the beginning of the post in 20p7 John has a link to a manual,  jezza
Title: Re: Merry Tiller Cadet questions
Post by: John on February 09, 2021, 23:52
Hello goto the top of the beginning of the post in 20p7 John has a link to a manual,  jezza
The link was outdated so I edited the post to give the correct link to the manuals
Title: Re: Merry Tiller Cadet questions
Post by: Jack Strapp on February 10, 2021, 02:48
Thank you John, Jezza & Yorkie for your replies.
Title: Re: Merry Tiller Cadet questions
Post by: Welsh Merf on February 13, 2021, 12:39
is it the 4 stroke model or the 2 stroke ? if it is 4 stroke you need lead replacment fuel. 2 stroke is lead replacment fuel  with 2 stroke oil mixed in

It is a Briggs and Stratton engine - an American engine. They normally only do petrol engines at that size, and it is most likely a 4-stroke, so its unleaded fuel straight from the pumps at the garage.

Briggs and Stratton did make a 2-stroke model once, but it never proved successful, so they stopped making it.

I guess it's all down to what age the machine is, and that will depend on whether it needs lead replacement fuel or not. I would hazard a guess that it won't need lead replacement petrol, because I borrowed an old Briggs and Stratton rotovator once - and it was very old, and that was 4-stroke with petrol straight from the pump - I did check with a local garden machinery dealer first, which is what I suggest you do before firing it up.
Title: Re: Merry Tiller Cadet questions
Post by: jezza on February 13, 2021, 19:45
Hello it will run on unleaded petrol,the machinery dealer in my village use to laugh when the leaded   unleaded change over came in, folk use to ask how much a conversion from one to the other would cost he said what's a gallon of petrol cost   jezza