How to clean a tiller or cultivator

You will be dealing with sharp blades, so remember to always protect your hands when cleaning your tiller by wearing thick gloves.

Prior to cleaning your tiller ensure that the engine is switched off and there is no danger of it accidently being turned on by unplugging the cable of an electric tiller or removing the battery of a cordless electric tiller. Some tillers have the option to lock the blades as an extra precaution.

Consult with the manufacturer’s instructions on how to clean the tiller safely along for any supplemental cleaning instructions relevant to your model.

Dry soil can easily be removed using a stiff brush or by hand with gloves.

Damp clumpy soil which is clinging to the blades and drag bar on the tiller may require carefully rinsing with a garden hose, always use a controlled slow trickle of water to reduce the risk of the water going near the engine.

Roots, weeds or long grass which have been tangled in the tines and axle can be removed using a sharp knife, long nose pliers or needle nose pliers.

When using water to clean the tines always dry them afterwards with a cloth or towel to prevent rusting.

Use the opportunity to inspect the tiller blades for any signs of damage and blunt blades. Most steel blades are coated with a durable thick paint treatment to help prolong the lifetime of the metal, however this paint can be chipped against rocks and stones making it susceptible to rust. Check cables powering electric tillers for damage and look to repair or replace these before using the tiller again. Check that the tyres on the tiller are fully inflated with no signs of a puncture.

When storing the tiller for extended periods of time and are limited by the amount of storage space you have available it may be worth removing the blades for a thorough clean, coating them with oil such as WD40 then storing them separately. Gas powered tillers will need additional oiling for both parts and also replacing engine oil.