Howard rototiller HR4 ??

   / Howard rototiller HR4 ?? #1  

coobie

Super Member
Joined
Sep 19, 2004
Messages
6,427
Location
S.Michigan
Tractor
Kubota RTV 1100c, JD 740,Kioti DK 40 with KL401 loader .
I have the chance to buy a very nice condition Howard HR4 rototiller(48 inch) for $800.Don,t know very much about the howards.Is this a fair price?Thanks for any info.coobie
 
   / Howard rototiller HR4 ?? #2  
Howard is suposed to be one of the best according to this thread:

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/attachments/114534-howard-3pt-tiller.html


A new king Kutter will be over $1200, a Bush Hog runs $1400. My suggestion would be to buy it.


P.S. Here on TBN, in the Attachments Forum, search forums.......type Howard Rotavator.......you'll get tons of reading. All saying Howard is top of the line.
 
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   / Howard rototiller HR4 ?? #3  
I have a Howard HR4 65" IIRC been a good tiller imo. Very good quality tines that have worked rocky ground, found steel cables and heavy metal with no damage or appreciable wear. I would buy it for $800 if it is in good shape.
 
   / Howard rototiller HR4 ??
  • Thread Starter
#4  
I guess I would like to know if my JD X740 would have enough PTO horse power to handle this tiller?The tag on the tiller states 540RPM.coobie
 
   / Howard rototiller HR4 ?? #5  
coobie,
The x740 should handle the 48" tiller just fine, might need some front suitcase weights though. Just for comparison the Deere 647 tiller is the same width and is on the attachment list. Just check to make sure it will work with your limited cat 1 hitch. No more use than the small tiller will get I recommend the used one over a new more expensive model.
 
   / Howard rototiller HR4 ??
  • Thread Starter
#6  
coobie,
The x740 should handle the 48" tiller just fine, might need some front suitcase weights though. Just for comparison the Deere 647 tiller is the same width and is on the attachment list. Just check to make sure it will work with your limited cat 1 hitch. No more use than the small tiller will get I recommend the used one over a new more expensive model.
Thanks for the info steve.coobie
 
   / Howard rototiller HR4 ?? #7  
Coobie - The Howard Rotavator HR4 is the same as the John Deere model 450 tiller except for the PTO. The John Deere version has a shaft that engages into the tractor and the Howard has s 540 RPM 1-3/8" x 6 spline yoke to attach to the tractor PTO shaft. $800 sounds like a good price for a machine in good condition. I can email a parts list and owners manual for the tiller. Steve
 
   / Howard rototiller HR4 ?? #8  
I had a bigger Howard than yours but still a chain drive unit and it was the best by far. I rototilled stumps and rocks and you name it and it barely stretched the chain enough to need adjustment. In fact, I once moved my 400 ft driveway by tilling up the gravel and rock sub base and moving it with the loader. Tilled the new spot and put the dirt in the old drive. I needed a little more gravel but a few months later no one could tell what had happened. When I sold that tiller it was so banged up from rocks I had to repaint it. Still, I sold it for top dollar. Howard is widely regarded as one of the best of a short list.
 
   / Howard rototiller HR4 ??
  • Thread Starter
#9  
Coobie - The Howard Rotavator HR4 is the same as the John Deere model 450 tiller except for the PTO. The John Deere version has a shaft that engages into the tractor and the Howard has s 540 RPM 1-3/8" x 6 spline yoke to attach to the tractor PTO shaft. $800 sounds like a good price for a machine in good condition. I can email a parts list and owners manual for the tiller. Steve
Thanks steve,but the deal fell threw on the howard tiller.coobie
 
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