Tiller HP Rating - Tiller vs Tractor

[darkviper]

60", which is about the width of the 790's back tires

i would think that would be fine. I have a 54" behind a 20 HP kioti 15.5 PTO and it never complains. So you should be good. Bear in mind that this is a 4 tine per shank as opposed to some that is 6. I have a 47 Inch also that has 6 per shank. Does a better job but works the tractor a tad harder. Still pulls it with no problem.

 

[Michigan_Mike]

Thanks everyone.
The owner says it "hardly ever been used" and is asking for just under $1,000.
I'll let you know what happens.

 

[OkieG]

60", which is about the width of the 790's back tires

That's the issue with my little 19PTO hp tractor, too. 48" tiller won't cover the tracks, while a 60" will. Didn't want to deal with "off set". Got the 60" version...no regrets. My garden began as just clay.

Another option not yet mentioned is that you can make a couple passes beginning at less than full depth, if necessary. Two or more passes is not a big deal if you don't have a lot of land to till.

Removing tines sounds to me like, in the end, the dirt might benefit from another pass anyway. (have never tried removing tines.)

Even with the skids set for full depth, subsequent passes will till deeper as the skids settle down in the soft soil from the previous pass.

My amatuer opinion is you won't be disappointed with a 60" unit...and regardless of hp rating, I would certainly favor choosing an implement that will cover your tracks. I think, as general rule of thumb, an implement that covers tracks (and not too much more) should not be too much for the tractor pulling it.

OkieG

 

[fasb43]

You are right to question whether your tractor's horsepower will be sufficient for an implement. Having said that, I have a 28 HP JD, and I use it with a 60" King Kutter tiller. I have very heavy clay soil. The JD has absolutely no problem with the tiller. You should be fine.

 

[neverenough]

3 things to consider when looking at tillers.

1) HP rating of the gear box. As long as the gearbox is rated higher than the tractor, your ok.

2) Tilling width. The tiller either needs to be centered and till both tire tracks, or be off set and till one tire track.

3) The most important one, weight of the tiller. Make sure your tractor and 3 pt can safely lift the tiller. Adding weight to the front is only for better steering in rough terrain when the front might bounce and become "light", it's not to keep the front end down while you try and lift an impliment too heavy for your tractor/3ph.