You can turn over the soil in a 60 sq foot area in a short time with only a shovel. A digging fork would make it even easier. I picked up a clearance priced auger that attaches to a portable drill at the end of the season. I used it to drill a few holes in my clay soil. It easily worked up the soil and could probably be used to till up small areas although it is sold for digging holes to plant bulbs. It might work if you really want some kind of power hand tool but it will probably take as long as using the shovel or digging fork. If you already have a battery powered drill to attach it to, it might be worth considering. LOL, Google shows that what I bought is being promoted as suitable for tilling small places.....and I thought my idea was unique (or crazy). Here is a link that might be useful: Garden auger

A 247.xxx was made by MTD. Maybe try that approach.

Just updating from my question above from a while back. Had a coworker take it apart and investigate and it looks like the needle bearings had gotten stripped out along the shaft and a couple gears were torn up inside. Whenever it was put in till mode it was grinding up the gears. The gearbox was filled with sludge also and was leaking near the wheel axle. Parts 37-40 I think would need to be replaced on the transmission, but it did not look like it was in stock. Looks like the best bet is to salvage the motor and chunk it as stated above.

PPS - Gilson was bought out by Lawn Boy, who was subsequently bought by Toro. If there is an OLD Toro or Lawnboy repair shop in your area, they might have Gilson parts catalogs. Also, check Jack's Small Engines, and eBay for parts.