Tiller Rotary tillers

[Mike_Kanzer]

I was looking on line at rotary tillers - was looking to get a 48-50" tiller with offset capability to run with my L3830 Kubota (PTO=30.5hp) and I was surprised to see that they have both recommended minimum and maximum hp ratings. I assume the upper end number is related to the gearbox? Would using too much hp tear up the gear box if you were tilling in hard soil? I am looking at a landpride RTR1550 reverse tine rotation with 50" width. Anybody have any experience with this? Is the reverse tine worth the extra $? Thanks- any input would be greatly appreciated. - Mike

 

[LBrown59]

I was looking on line at rotary tillers - was looking to get a 48-50" tiller with offset capability to run with my L3830 Kubota (PTO=30.5hp) and I was surprised to see that they have both recommended minimum and maximum hp ratings. I assume the upper end number is related to the gearbox? Would using too much hp tear up the gear box if you were tilling in hard soil? I am looking at a landpride RTR1550 reverse tine rotation with 50" width. Anybody have any experience with this? Is the reverse tine worth the extra $? Thanks- any input would be greatly appreciated. - Mike

I like the forward rotating tines and prefer a tiller wide enough to cover both tracks.
I'm not a fan of off set backward tillers.

 

[Iplayfarmer]

I was looking on line at rotary tillers - was looking to get a 48-50" tiller with offset capability to run with my L3830 Kubota (PTO=30.5hp) and I was surprised to see that they have both recommended minimum and maximum hp ratings. I assume the upper end number is related to the gearbox? Would using too much hp tear up the gear box if you were tilling in hard soil? I am looking at a landpride RTR1550 reverse tine rotation with 50" width. Anybody have any experience with this? Is the reverse tine worth the extra $? Thanks- any input would be greatly appreciated. - Mike

Using too much horsepower would tear up something. I just replaced the PTO on a tractor I bought because a previous user had used too strong of a shear bolt.

I suppose it's like anything else. If you are careful and use it right everything will go well.

The other thought here is if you have the horsepower, why not use it?

 

[Mike_Kanzer]

I was lookig at smaller tillers mainly for the cost factor. I have a relatively small garden and don't need a large machine.

 

[hotchkiss]

I too prefer tillers that rotate forward, and cover the width of your rear tires. Too much horse power will tear up anything.

I don't think it is worth the extra money to get one that is offset or rotates backwards.

 

[Gator6x4]

Two good tillers for the L3830 are:

Landpride RTA 1558 - This unit is rated for 35 PTO horse power and is 58" wide (tilling width) overall width is something like 64 ".

First Choice RT04-60 - This unit is also rated at 35 PTO horse power and is 60" wide (tilling width) As with the Landpride overall width again will add four or five inches to the tilling width.

From a cost stand point the First Choice will probably be cheaper than the Landpride.
The Land Pride or First Choice will do an outstanding job at preparing a garden plot.

 

[jbrumberg]

Mike:

There has been some serious discussion about the pro's and con's regarding forward vs reverse rotation tillers here at TBN. Check out the archives. IMHO I would suggest that if you have rocky soil you would be better served by a forward rotation tiller and a tiller that covers your tracks (They are also cheaper.). Jay

 

[randy41]

if you have a small garden a tractor pulled tiller is overkill. a walk behind tiller would be more versatile.

 

[Mike_Kanzer]

Randy-
You are absolutley right but I don't want to end up with another gas engine to maintain.
I already have 6 now (ZTR mower, walk behind trimmer, snowblower, weed wacker, walk behind mowers, etc) - It may be overkill now but I also plan on expanding the garden after I retire so a big tiller might make that a lot easier to do. Thanks for the input - Mike

 

[LBrown59]

if you have a small garden a tractor pulled tiller is overkill. a walk behind tiller would be more versatile.

After one of these things got done with me I'd be stagering not walking.