Tiller Tillers; Why buy anything but County Line?

[Cub72]

That's an excellent question. What is the advantages one over the other?

I would imagine the reverse tine rotation would use more power to operate since its going against the direction you're traveling, using more fuel. But If you're making more passes on the forward rotation tiller that will use fuel too...

I could see where a forward rotation would be better with rocks, because it would climb right over it.

Here's something I was told by a landscaper, "Reverse rotation tillers are excellent for prepping a new lawn, because they burry all the stones." Don't ask me how or why. Next time I run into him I'll ask.

Gary, you said having a tiller that you could change the rotation around like the Tarter or Howse is too much work, I highly doubt you'll be doing it more than twice. I bet one will be better than the other. I just don't know which one that is. That's why I'm leaning towards one that you can go either way.

 

[NoTrespassing]

Find a Woods dealer. Go eyeball the tillers in all three ranges.
Then eyeball the wretched crap sold at TSC.

I've been very happy with my 6 ft. Tarter County Line tiller from TSC. I've had it several years and I till 3 gardens per year plus a pretty big deer plot all in heavy clay. It was about half the price of a Woods. I run it behind an L3710 HST. It sits outside all year and most of the paint is still on it.

Kevin

 

[Cub72]

Last time I looked at TSC tillers the line they had there with the Country Line brand were made by Tarter

Rotary Tiller - Tarter Farm & Ranch

If you go by the pictures on their websites you're absolutely right. The picture of the yellow Tarter is the same exact picture TSC is using.

 

[Cub72]

I've been very happy with my 6 ft. Tarter County Line tiller from TSC. I've had it several years and I till 3 gardens per year plus a pretty big deer plot all in heavy clay. It was about half the price of a Woods. I run it behind an L3710 HST. It sits outside all year and most of the paint is still on it.

Kevin

Kevin,
Do you run you're Tarter in forward or reverse rotation?

 

[NoTrespassing]

Forward

 

[Spindifferent]

OTHER than rocks or stumps etc, is there other reasons for using a forward rotation tiller other than reverse.

I'm blessed with soil that has no rocks, but I'm cursed with soil that has lots of clay.

I find that the reverse rotation tiller does an excellent job of incorporating organic matter into the soil, and it tends to really dig itself down deep as it spins against the direction of travel. Different soil conditions call for different equipment, so a forward rotation unit is likely best for your soil.

Have fun with your new tiller!

Spindifferent

 

[Gator6x4]

Something else to look at when comparing tillers, chain or gear drive. Chain drive tillers are usually cheaper than gear drive tillers.

 

[Cub72]

What would be the problem with chain driven tillers? As long as the manufacturer sized the chain properly, I would think it should last a long time. Are there known problems out there?

 

[sweettractors]

What would be the problem with chain driven tillers? As long as the manufacturer sized the chain properly, I would think it should last a long time. Are there known problems out there?

When the chain finally wears out and breaks, it usually takes out the end cover plate, spring loaded paul tensioner and cover gasket out as well. Can you say Repair $$$$$. For lighter work they are fine. In fact, if you want a chain tiller, we do sell the Phoenix/sicma line that offers chain and gear drive. Ken Sweet

 

[Cub72]

If it "wears out" and breaks, I say shame on you for not servicing your equipment. If a good, properly tensioned chain breaks because of not being sized properly, I say shame on the manufacturer for selling us junk! (Maybe I should also mention I'm a Millwright by trade)