First thread of my own, so bear with me.
I was hoping for some replies from tiller users with rocky soil. I've been the reading many tiller posts here on TBN, and whenever I read a testimonial from someone who recommends a less pricey 3ph tiller (King Kutter or one from the folks who advertise on this site) I try to note their location. It seems that most of the time, they are from Texas or Indiana or somewhere that from all accounts has a heck of a lot more forgiving soil than Maine. Please chime in if this perception is way off base.
My local tractor dealers sure support this theory, selling only Kuhn, LandPride, Woods, etc. There are no TSC's and King Kutter's dealer search leads me to NH (which is fine for tax purposes, but not for gas). Regional differences certainly do exist with implements either due to need or merely tradition. For example, you'ld be hard pressed to find a new rotary mower without a slip clutch up here, but I know it's only an "option" in other places of the country. Given Maine's yard-sale-based-economy, I assume that somebody would sell cheaper implements if they could.
My personal situation is rocky, but also with a lot of ledge. The tiller, most likely, will be used to "discover" the ledge as I prep for planting trees and wildflowers and remove large ruts in the field. Most likely a heavier, more solid tiller would be advantageous the first year and less so later. I have a 30hp 7800 and am looking at 50-58" models.
My two questions are: (1) Any experiences with some of the lesser priced tilers (be it gear or chain driven) in soil similar to Northern New England? and (2) Any locals know of dealers in Central Maine (Augusta to Bangor) that carry the lesser priced tillers? Truck shipping a tiller isn't really an attractive option right now with no access to a business depot and a long steep driveway with no sight of the road.
Thanks,
I was hoping for some replies from tiller users with rocky soil. I've been the reading many tiller posts here on TBN, and whenever I read a testimonial from someone who recommends a less pricey 3ph tiller (King Kutter or one from the folks who advertise on this site) I try to note their location. It seems that most of the time, they are from Texas or Indiana or somewhere that from all accounts has a heck of a lot more forgiving soil than Maine. Please chime in if this perception is way off base.
My local tractor dealers sure support this theory, selling only Kuhn, LandPride, Woods, etc. There are no TSC's and King Kutter's dealer search leads me to NH (which is fine for tax purposes, but not for gas). Regional differences certainly do exist with implements either due to need or merely tradition. For example, you'ld be hard pressed to find a new rotary mower without a slip clutch up here, but I know it's only an "option" in other places of the country. Given Maine's yard-sale-based-economy, I assume that somebody would sell cheaper implements if they could.
My personal situation is rocky, but also with a lot of ledge. The tiller, most likely, will be used to "discover" the ledge as I prep for planting trees and wildflowers and remove large ruts in the field. Most likely a heavier, more solid tiller would be advantageous the first year and less so later. I have a 30hp 7800 and am looking at 50-58" models.
My two questions are: (1) Any experiences with some of the lesser priced tilers (be it gear or chain driven) in soil similar to Northern New England? and (2) Any locals know of dealers in Central Maine (Augusta to Bangor) that carry the lesser priced tillers? Truck shipping a tiller isn't really an attractive option right now with no access to a business depot and a long steep driveway with no sight of the road.
Thanks,