Tiller Tiller Choices?

[DaveM]

Hi All,

I now have some prices on tillers. Based on advice from some of you (thanks again!) I think my best option is to get a tiller that's wide enough to cover my tracks AND can be offset for work close to fences, trees etc. Here's what I've got so far: Bush Hog #RTS62 w/ slip clutch, $1800, Land Pride #RTA1558 w/ slip clutch (plate steel hitch option ?), $1800, Woods GTO60 slip clutch is std., $2000, Kuhn #EL32/150 (58") slip clutch is std., $1,855 I sure would appreciate hearing opinions, good and/or bad on these specific tillers. The Kuhn is the heaviest at 528 lbs. and surprisingly not the most expensive, so it's the one I'm kinda leaning to... but I'd like to hear some first hand opinions before signing any papers /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif.

Thanks A Lot- Dave

 

[Wheeldog]

Hi Dave,

I'd like to let you know how my LandPride RTA1550 is working but I haven't used it for anything except ballast yet/w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif. I will say that the construction of it appears to be very good. Mine has the heavy (plate) hitch and the slip clutch. I plan to turn part of the backyard into a garden and do the tilling this weekend, so I'll give you a report after I've had a chance to use it, if you're still interested.

From what I've heard and what I found when I was looking at tillers, I'm pretty sure you can't go wrong with any of the units you've listed - all those brands seem to have excellent reputations. I think this is especially true if it will not see really heavy use and if you maintain it well.

- Rob

 

[jyoutz]

Dave, I have a Woods GT52 (non-offsettable model). It is a very good performer and seems to be real durable to me. I wouldn't hesitate to buy another Woods tiller. I also have some Landpride implements, and I have to say that based on what I have seen of their quality, I wouldn't have any reservations about buying anything with the Landpride name on it. But if I were currently shopping for a tiller in the 60" range, I would also look at a King Kutter tiller. The construction seems beefier than the other brands, the drive is gear instead of chain, and their price seems to be about 1/2 of what the big name brands cost. King kutter is also a US-made product.

 

[DaveM]

Rob and Jim- Thank you very much for your input! And Rob, yes I'd be very interested in a report of how your tiller works in a non-ballast capacity /w3tcompact/icons/wink.gif. The dealer I spoke to yesterday about the LP didn't know anything about the heavy plate hitch option. Do you remember how much extra $ that was? It's a bit frustrating dealing with this place. I've now talked to both of their salesmen and neither of them know much about small implements! They know and deal mostly in large Ag stuff and I end up telling them more about these items than the reverse.

Jim- Yep, I think the King Kutter is the best value out there right now. Unfortunately, I've got myself convinced I want a tiller that can be offset, which the KK doesn't do. We have about 1000' of split rail fence that we'd like to put planting beds next to and a few trees that we may do something with.

Which kinda leads me to another question. Would there be any problem removing the tines from a rotor or two if I only want till a 36"-48" width?

Thanks Again- Dave

 

[foz]

i have the Woods gto60 for about 2.5 years now & am very please with its ability, use it commercial & bo problems sos far

 

[IndianaPaul]

Dave:

I am using the BushHog RTS72 Tiller w/Slip Clutch (weighs in around 530 lbs & about $1900) on my NH TC45D. First season with both. Have put about 4-5 hours on the tiller so far, largely on "virgin" soil. Tiller has done a fine job with what I've asked of it, however, before I tackle the next 3.5 acres of food plots, I am either gonna borrow a small moldboard plow or have a local farmer to turn it the first time. Tiller works well, but has a bit of trouble getting to the full 7" inch depth (light/medium clay content) even after several passes.

Paul

 

[blair]

Dave, I have the Kuhn EL32-130 (50 inch) on my Kubota B2410. Actual width overall is 54 inches (equal to the span of the R4 tires). I am very happy with the quality and performance and was pleasantly suprised by how quiet it is. I bought it in January for $1295.00 from Barlow Equipment in Somerset KY. Other dealers had quoted prices up to $1800.

 

[DaveM]

Thanks guys! I'm going to the NAB show in Las Vegas for a few days so this will be my last visit here for a few days. I'll check back when I return!

Dave