Buying Advice Tiller options GC2400

Kal130 · Jan 7, 2011

Looking for advice on purchasing a 48" tiller for a GC2400. A little history, originally began looking at compact tractors of approximately 30pto hp. After looking at all major brands I felt the best overall tractor was the MF 1643. Unfortunately the frame size of that particular model dwarfs others in comparative PTO HP. Given how well I like the MF, I am leaning toward purchasing the GC2400 with a loader. I think overall it will be more useful around the yard for now and later down the road I might be able to justify a larger model.

What I am trying to decide now is what type of tiller to stick on the back. Has anyone out there tried a reverse rotation tiller on one of these tractors?

sweettractors · Jan 7, 2011

We have the 48 inch Hawklin by Behlen Roto tillers with gear drive and 6 tines per rotor, weight 600 lbs and slip clutch for $1495. We also have the Phoenix/Sicma 58 inch (small as I can) get for $2750. I also have the First Choice/Sicma 50 inch reverse rotation for $2650. Hawkline by Behlen shown in the pictures. Ken Sweet

Kal130 · Jan 7, 2011

Reverse rotation?

sweettractors · Jan 7, 2011

The Hawkline is standard and the Phoenix and First Choice are Reverse rotation. Ken Sweet

Don87 · Jan 7, 2011

Kal130 said:
Looking for advice on purchasing a 48" tiller for a GC2400. A little history, originally began looking at compact tractors of approximately 30pto hp. After looking at all major brands I felt the best overall tractor was the MF 1643. Unfortunately the frame size of that particular model dwarfs others in comparative PTO HP. Given how well I like the MF, I am leaning toward purchasing the GC2400 with a loader. I think overall it will be more useful around the yard for now and later down the road I might be able to justify a larger model.

What I am trying to decide now is what type of tiller to stick on the back. Has anyone out there tried a reverse rotation tiller on one of these tractors?

I had a reverse rotation tiller on my old Cub Cadet for 14 years.
It did a fantastic job of tilling, as long as no rocks got into the belt.

I recently purchased a Bush Hog tiller for my GC2400, only used it once, but it works great. It's made in Italy( I think by the 'Sicma' company ' that Ken mentioned).
It is forward rotation, but seemed to work great..............I honestly couldn't tell it was even hooked to the tractor and in the ground(other than a drop in RPM's).

Kal130 · Jan 7, 2011

So are you saying reverse rotation does not tolerate rocks well? If that is the case I will stay away. I have a field stone rich environment.

Don87 · Jan 8, 2011

Kal130 said:
So are you saying reverse rotation does not tolerate rocks well? If that is the case I will stay away. I have a field stone rich environment.

Reverse rotation will throw rocks towards the tractor.

On one of these 2400's, it shouldn't hurt anything.

But on my old Cub, that was all belt drive, a certain size rock(usually flat, about 1/2 thick, and about the size of a 50 cent piece), would get caught between the tensioner pulley and the belt. Cutting the belt in half.

And at 125 bucks a pop...............tilling got quite expensive at times.

But as far as 'tolerating rocks'.........a reverse tine tiller will actually dig them out of the ground.

Kal130 · Jan 8, 2011

Did you compare all available models before you purchased the GC2400?

Don87 · Jan 8, 2011

Kal130 said:
Did you compare all available models before you purchased the GC2400?

Yes, I looked at the JD 2305, but the aluminum transaxle thru red flags up right away.

I looked at Kubota, but didn't like the brake pedal on the right side, placed above the hydro pedals.

I looked at Cub Cadet/Yanmar, although I couldn't see anything really wrong(other than the higher hood), I decided against it because it was so new to the market.

But if you meant 'did I look at other tillers'..........Yes I did.

Most 4 ft tillers for these subcompacts are 'offset' to one side. I dealt with that on my old Cub Cadet all those years, and I absolutely hated the offset design.

The Bush Hog RTC48 can either be centered, or offset..........I have mine centered and love the fact that it covers both rear tire tracks when tilling.

Kal130 · Jan 9, 2011

Don87 said:
Yes, I looked at the JD 2305, but the aluminum transaxle thru red flags up right away.

I looked at Kubota, but didn't like the brake pedal on the right side, placed above the hydro pedals.

I looked at Cub Cadet/Yanmar, although I couldn't see anything really wrong(other than the higher hood), I decided against it because it was so new to the market.

But if you meant 'did I look at other tillers'..........Yes I did.

Most 4 ft tillers for these subcompacts are 'offset' to one side. I dealt with that on my old Cub Cadet all those years, and I absolutely hated the offset design.

The Bush Hog RTC48 can either be centered, or offset..........I have mine centered and love the fact that it covers both rear tire tracks when tilling.

Yes, I was talking about tractors. I see you were where I am. The only one that I think might compare to the MF would be the Kubota. But like you, I think their control pedal/brake configuration would be too cumbersome to enjoy.

Good heads up on the tiller offset. I had no idea to watch out for that. I have seen posts somewhere mentioning use of a 56" tiller on a GC. Think it would handle it? I'm beginning to think I could use a 60" on it given I am currently running a 42" I think behind a 12hp Case 222 (hydraulic drive tiller).