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How to Start A Tiller With A Choke?

Published on
6 min read
How to Start A Tiller With A Choke? image

Best Tillers with Chokes to Buy in October 2025

1 BILT HARD 46cc 4-Cycle 1.9HP Gas Powered Tiller Cultivator - 16" Heavy-Duty Steel Tines Rototiller, Adjustable Wheels & Cushioned Handle Grips for Plowing, Tilling, Weeding in Garden, Farm

BILT HARD 46cc 4-Cycle 1.9HP Gas Powered Tiller Cultivator - 16" Heavy-Duty Steel Tines Rototiller, Adjustable Wheels & Cushioned Handle Grips for Plowing, Tilling, Weeding in Garden, Farm

  • POWERFUL 46CC ENGINE: ACHIEVES 1,400W AT 9,200 RPM FOR TOUGH SOIL.

  • EFFICIENT TILLING: 6 BLADES CREATE A 16 WIDTH AND 8 DEPTH IN ONE PASS.

  • ONE-HAND CONTROL: ERGONOMIC DESIGN OFFERS EASY OPERATION AND MANEUVERABILITY.

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BILT HARD 46cc 4-Cycle 1.9HP Gas Powered Tiller Cultivator - 16" Heavy-Duty Steel Tines Rototiller, Adjustable Wheels & Cushioned Handle Grips for Plowing, Tilling, Weeding in Garden, Farm
2 ZLIANGQ Throttle Choke Cable Fits for Troy-Bilt Horse Tiller GW-9015 9015 GW-9240 9240 6HP Tecumseh Engines

ZLIANGQ Throttle Choke Cable Fits for Troy-Bilt Horse Tiller GW-9015 9015 GW-9240 9240 6HP Tecumseh Engines

  • PREMIUM QUALITY THROTTLE LEVER AND CABLE FOR RELIABILITY.
  • PERFECT FIT FOR TROY-BILT HORSE TILLERS WITH 6 HP ENGINES.
  • EASY OEM REPLACEMENT: SEAMLESS INSTALLATION WITH 1-PACK INCLUDED.
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ZLIANGQ Throttle Choke Cable Fits for Troy-Bilt Horse Tiller GW-9015 9015 GW-9240 9240 6HP Tecumseh Engines
3 GW-9015 Throttle Choke Cable for T-Bilt Models:Horse Tiller 6HP Tecumseh Engines (Total Length: 53-5/8" Cable Length:57.5") (1pc)

GW-9015 Throttle Choke Cable for T-Bilt Models:Horse Tiller 6HP Tecumseh Engines (Total Length: 53-5/8" Cable Length:57.5") (1pc)

  • PERFECT FIT FOR T-BILT 6HP TECUMSEH ENGINE MODELS!
  • COMPLETE SET INCLUDES THROTTLE CHOKE CABLE FOR EASY REPLACEMENT.
  • DURABLE 54 CONDUIT ENSURES SMOOTH OPERATION AND LONG-LASTING USE.
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GW-9015 Throttle Choke Cable for T-Bilt Models:Horse Tiller 6HP Tecumseh Engines (Total Length: 53-5/8" Cable Length:57.5") (1pc)
4 TERLIGSK GW-9015 Throttle Choke Cable for Troy-Bilt Horse Tiller 6HP Tecumseh | Replaces GW-9015/GW-9240 with Universal Fit Upgrade

TERLIGSK GW-9015 Throttle Choke Cable for Troy-Bilt Horse Tiller 6HP Tecumseh | Replaces GW-9015/GW-9240 with Universal Fit Upgrade

  • COMPATIBLE WITH TROY-BILT HORSE TILLERS & SPECIFIC TECUMSEH ENGINES.
  • COMPLETE KIT INCLUDES THROTTLE LEVER AND CHOKE CABLE ASSEMBLY.
  • HIGH-QUALITY MATERIALS ENSURE DURABILITY AND SMOOTH INSTALLATION.
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TERLIGSK GW-9015 Throttle Choke Cable for Troy-Bilt Horse Tiller 6HP Tecumseh | Replaces GW-9015/GW-9240 with Universal Fit Upgrade
5 Gpartsden GW-9015 Throttle Choke Cable for Troy Bilt GW 9015 9015 Horse Tiller Replacement Part

Gpartsden GW-9015 Throttle Choke Cable for Troy Bilt GW 9015 9015 Horse Tiller Replacement Part

  • FITS TROY-BILT HORSE TILLER WITH 6 HP TECUMSEH ENGINES.
  • HIGH-QUALITY AFTERMARKET PART, BRAND NEW AND UNUSED.
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Gpartsden GW-9015 Throttle Choke Cable for Troy Bilt GW 9015 9015 Horse Tiller Replacement Part
6 MZK 12-Inch 10.5 Amp Corded Electric Tiller/Cultivator for Gardening, 8-inch tillling Depth with Adjustable Wheels, Electric Garden Rototiller for Lawn/Yard/Garden Soil Digging,TC12A03

MZK 12-Inch 10.5 Amp Corded Electric Tiller/Cultivator for Gardening, 8-inch tillling Depth with Adjustable Wheels, Electric Garden Rototiller for Lawn/Yard/Garden Soil Digging,TC12A03

  • POWERFUL 10-AMP MOTOR ENSURES FAST, EFFICIENT SOIL TILLING.

  • EASY TO USE: PLUG IN AND START, NO GAS OR OIL REQUIRED.

  • VERSATILE FOR ANY GARDEN TASK WITH ADJUSTABLE WHEELS AND HEIGHT.

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MZK 12-Inch 10.5 Amp Corded Electric Tiller/Cultivator for Gardening, 8-inch tillling Depth with Adjustable Wheels, Electric Garden Rototiller for Lawn/Yard/Garden Soil Digging,TC12A03
7 Jvfnxpm GW-9015 Throttle Choke Cable for Troy Bilt Horse tillers with 6 hp Tecumseh Engines Replace 9015 9240 GW-9240

Jvfnxpm GW-9015 Throttle Choke Cable for Troy Bilt Horse tillers with 6 hp Tecumseh Engines Replace 9015 9240 GW-9240

  • DIRECT REPLACEMENT FOR GW-9015, 9015, GW-9240, 9240 MODELS.
  • DESIGNED FOR TROY BILT HORSE TILLERS WITH 6 HP TECUMSEH ENGINES.
  • INCLUDES ONE DURABLE THROTTLE CABLE FOR SEAMLESS OPERATION.
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Jvfnxpm GW-9015 Throttle Choke Cable for Troy Bilt Horse tillers with 6 hp Tecumseh Engines Replace 9015 9240 GW-9240
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To start a tiller with a choke, you need to follow a few steps. The choke is a device that controls the air-to-fuel mixture in the engine, making it easier to start when the engine is cold.

  1. Before starting the tiller, ensure that it is on a level surface away from any obstacles.
  2. Locate the choke lever or knob on the tiller's engine. It is usually located near the air filter or carburetor.
  3. Set the throttle to the "Start" or "Slow" position. This helps ensure the engine starts smoothly.
  4. If the choke lever has multiple positions, check if it has an "Off," "Half," and "On" position. If it only has two positions, it may be marked as "Open" and "Closed."
  5. If the engine is cold, move the choke lever to the "Closed" or "On" position. This restricts airflow into the engine, creating a richer fuel mixture for easier starting.
  6. If the engine is warm or has been recently used, move the choke lever to the "Half" or "Open" position. This allows more airflow into the engine for a leaner fuel mixture.
  7. Once the choke is set, find the fuel shut-off valve and turn it to the "On" position. This ensures that fuel flows to the carburetor.
  8. Next, locate the primer bulb near the carburetor. Press it several times to help prime the fuel system and ensure a quicker start.
  9. Position yourself behind the tiller and firmly grip the handlebars. Place one hand on the throttle control lever. If there is a safety feature like a dead-man switch, make sure it is engaged.
  10. Pull the starter rope firmly and quickly. Repeat this step until the engine starts. If it doesn't start after a few tries, double-check the choke and primer bulb and try again.
  11. Once the engine starts, allow it to warm up for a few minutes with the choke in the "Half" or "Open" position. This gradually helps the engine adjust to the normal air-to-fuel ratio.
  12. After warm-up, slowly move the choke lever to the "Open" or "Off" position. This allows maximum airflow and the correct fuel mixture for continuous operation.

Remember to consult the specific manual or instructions that come with your tiller, as the starting procedure may vary depending on the make and model.

What are the signs that the choke on a tiller is not working properly?

Here are some common signs that the choke on a tiller is not working properly:

  1. Difficulty starting: If the choke is not working correctly, you may have difficulty starting the tiller. The engine may fail to start or take longer than usual to start.
  2. Engine runs rough: A faulty choke can cause the engine to run rough, sputter, or stall while in use. The engine may not be getting the right fuel-to-air ratio, leading to poor performance.
  3. Surging or inconsistent engine speed: A malfunctioning choke may cause the engine speed to fluctuate or surge unexpectedly. This can make it challenging to maintain a consistent and smooth running speed.
  4. Rich or lean running condition: The choke helps adjust the air-to-fuel mixture for cold starts. If the choke is not working correctly, the engine may run too rich (too much fuel) or too lean (not enough fuel). This can result in problems like black smoke, fouled spark plugs, or increased fuel consumption.
  5. Stalling when throttle is applied: When tilting a tiller, you usually need to gradually increase the throttle to increase speed. If the choke is faulty, it may cause the engine to stall or cut out when the throttle is applied rapidly.

If you notice any of these signs, it's recommended to check and potentially repair or replace the choke mechanism of your tiller to ensure proper functioning.

How to properly open the choke after starting a tiller?

To properly open the choke after starting a tiller, follow these steps:

  1. Start the tiller engine by following the manufacturer's instructions.
  2. Locate the choke lever or knob near the engine. It is often marked with "CHOKE" or a silhouette.
  3. Assess the engine's temperature. Generally, tillers require the choke to be partially or fully closed when starting a cold engine.
  4. Once the engine is running smoothly and has warmed up, typically within 1 to 2 minutes, you can begin to open the choke.
  5. Gradually push or turn the choke lever or knob towards the "OFF" or "OPEN" position. If it is a lever, move it slowly to reduce the amount of choke being applied.
  6. Observe the engine's response as you open the choke. If the engine starts to stall, hesitates, or runs roughly, close the choke a little more to provide additional fuel mixture.
  7. Repeat step 6 until the engine runs smoothly with the choke in the fully off position.
  8. Ensure the tiller is in neutral and adjust the choke if necessary to achieve optimal engine performance.

Note: The specific instructions may vary depending on the make and model of your tiller, so always consult the user manual for detailed instructions.

What is the relationship between the choke and air-fuel mixture in a tiller?

In a tiller, the choke is used to control the air-fuel mixture ratio entering the engine for starting or warming up purposes. When the choke is engaged or closed, it restricts the airflow into the engine, which creates a richer fuel mixture (higher fuel to air ratio). This is necessary when starting a cold engine or when running it in colder conditions.

When the engine is cold, it requires a richer fuel mixture to start and run smoothly. The choke helps by reducing the airflow into the engine, allowing more fuel to be drawn into the combustion chamber. The increased fuel concentration compensates for the reduced combustion efficiency caused by low temperatures.

Once the engine warms up, the choke should be gradually opened, allowing more air into the engine. This enables the air-fuel mixture ratio to lean out, as the engine's operating temperature increases. The proper mixture ratio is crucial for the engine's performance, fuel efficiency, and emissions control.

In summary, the choke in a tiller is responsible for controlling the air-fuel mixture ratio during cold starts or when the engine is running in colder conditions. It adjusts the mixture to provide the optimal fuel concentration required for efficient and smooth engine operation.