Tiller How big should I go? Topic is 3 pt Rototillers.........

[blackrams]

I have a Ford 1210 three cylinder diesel, hydrostatic 4wd drive, turf tires. If I remember correctly, it's 16 horse.

Have been looking for a rototiller for my hobby passion. Have found a bunch but, most are much bigger than I think my little tractor can handle. I'm thinking 36" to 42" width at maximum. Appreciate any thoughts or advice on this. The last thing I want to do is go too big and have a tiller that I can't use.

Thanks in advance.

Rams

 

[Z-Michigan]

It depends on your soil conditions and expectations. Tilling 2" deep in sandy loam that's already disturbed is easier than trying to go 6" deep in hard clay with sod.

Unless your soil is firmly in the easy category, I think 36-42" is the right place to look.

 

[2458n]

Think your looking at the right size. That small makes finding one a little harder, but demand will be less then for a 5 ft. + model. You do not have to do it all at once. Take a light cut to kill off weeds and go back with a deeper pass later. You will like it. Sure beats walking behind a tiller.

 

[blackrams]

It depends on your soil conditions and expectations. Tilling 2" deep in sandy loam that's already disturbed is easier than trying to go 6" deep in hard clay with sod.

Unless your soil is firmly in the easy category, I think 36-42" is the right place to look.

Appreciate the feedback.

The soil in central Kentucky is definitely not sandy loam, tends to be good black soil but, there is quite a bit of clay. Depends on where you're at. Had some "top soil" hauled in a couple years ago. Needed a void filled. Turned out to be almost all clay. Yes, it came from a local source and I almost sent it back but, needed to continue with the project. Have regretted that decision ever since. That soil will barely grow weeds. Will be getting some river black soil delivered to put on top of it and then want to till it in and add some sand to it.

That's one of the reasons I'm looking for a tiller. Again, thanks for the response.

Think your looking at the right size. That small makes finding one a little harder, but demand will be less then for a 5 ft. + model. You do not have to do it all at once. Take a light cut to kill off weeds and go back with a deeper pass later. You will like it. Sure beats walking behind a tiller.

Yeppers, finding one that isn't worn out has not been easy and a new one really isn't in my budget but, will keep looking. I whole heartedly agree with your statement about walking behind a tiller. Not my idea of a good time.

 

[RSKY]

I would get the smallest that will cover your tracks. You can always go slower or make two passes if you need to. As with using a bush hog I feel that wider and slower is better. Everybody I have ever talked to that bought a tiller narrower than their tractor has regretted that purchase.

RSKY

 

[fried1765]

I have a Ford 1210 three cylinder diesel, hydrostatic 4wd drive, turf tires. If I remember correctly, it's 16 horse.

Have been looking for a rototiller for my hobby passion. Have found a bunch but, most are much bigger than I think my little tractor can handle. I'm thinking 36" to 42" width at maximum. Appreciate any thoughts or advice on this. The last thing I want to do is go too big and have a tiller that I can't use.

Thanks in advance.

Rams

Be absolutely certain to get a tiller that will cover your tracks.
Probably the best buy out there for your use, is the 48" "Tillovator" from Agri Supply.
You can check it out on the Agri Supply website.
48" tillovator ......Agri Supply item # 30265 .....#1389.99 + shipping (you actually may have an Agri Supply store within driving distance).
The Agri Supply people are GREAT folks to deal with!

 

[Sawyer Rob]

You didn't say whether your tractor has 16 engine hp or 16 pto hp?? That makes a big difference...

Anyway, I run a 42" Howard with my 12.5 pto hp tractor and it runs it good. I wouldn't want to go wider than that though.

Howards are a heavier built tiller and have more tines per width than many of the cheapo tillers, so that takes a bit more hp too...

SR

 

[aczlan]

You didn't say whether your tractor has 16 engine hp or 16 pto hp?? That makes a big difference...

Anyway, I run a 42" Howard with my 12.5 pto hp tractor and it runs it good. I wouldn't want to go wider than that though.

Howards are a heavier built tiller and have more tines per width than many of the cheapo tillers, so that takes a bit more hp too...

SR

We run a 60" Kubota tiller behind our B7500 (16PTO HP, HST transmission) and it handles it well, you have to go SLOOOOW if you have it buried in the dirt.

Aaron Z

 

[bigtiller]

I see on tractor data that your tractor is 42" wide with 13.5 pto hp.
I would shop for a 42" tiller, I think it's the best fit for size and performance.

TractorData.com Ford 121 tractor information

 

[Fallon]

If you find a good deal on one that is to wide, you could just try it. If it's to much for your machine, remove a row of tines...

 

[Sawyer Rob]

We run a 60" Kubota tiller behind our B7500 (16PTO HP, HST transmission) and it handles it well, you have to go SLOOOOW if you have it buried in the dirt.

Aaron Z

I understand, but some of us don't want to ruin the "soil structure" of our land/gardens, so crawling along, just because it's our only option, is no option at all, for us.

From what I read on this site and the picts I see, most of the guys here don't understand soil structure, so they pound their ground to he!! with a tiller.

SR

 

[Creamer]

I understand, but some of us don't want to ruin the "soil structure" of our land/gardens, so crawling along, just because it's our only option, is no option at all, for us.

From what I read on this site and the picts I see, most of the guys here don't understand soil structure, so they pound their ground to he!! with a tiller.

SR

OK - I have to ask - how do you not ruin the soil structure with a roto-tiller?

 

[tcreeley]

Be absolutely certain to get a tiller that will cover your tracks.
Probably the best buy out there for your use, is the 48" "Tillovator" from Agri Supply.
You can check it out on the Agri Supply website.
48" tillovator ......Agri Supply item # 30265 .....#1389.99 + shipping (you actually may have an Agri Supply store within driving distance).
The Agri Supply people are GREAT folks to deal with!

I have a 5' tillovator from agrisupply for my 30hp. Great tiller. Tough, handles the rocky clay soil well in my area.

 

[Sawyer Rob]

OK - I have to ask - how do you not ruin the soil structure with a roto-tiller?

This depends on many things, like tine speed, ground speed, soil moisture, type of soil ect.. ect..

BUT, the quickest answer I can give is, do NOT go slow grinding your soil into nearly a powder...

In most cases, two faster pass', spaced a couple days apart is much better...

OVER TILLING kills soil!

SR

 

[Creamer]

This depends on many things, like tine speed, ground speed, soil moisture, type of soil ect.. ect..

BUT, the quickest answer I can give is, do NOT go slow grinding your soil into nearly a powder...

In most cases, two faster pass', spaced a couple days apart is much better...

OVER TILLING kills soil!

SR

I guess I am of the opinion that any tilling ruins the soil structure. Plowing at least leaves most of the soil structure in place but layers it differently. Roto-tilling just churns it.

 

[tcreeley]

I till in fall and spring. I use 10/10/10 and some old horse manure. The rocky clay dirt just gets better. My wife is always worried about ruining the soil. I see no evidence of it. Where the weeds grow- they are lush compared to the rest of the pasture from which I cut the garden out. It used to take 5 passes to get the soil right. Now it is 3 passes. I usually till at M 1 spd on my gear tractor.

 

[Sawyer Rob]

I guess I am of the opinion that any tilling ruins the soil structure. Plowing at least leaves most of the soil structure in place but layers it differently. Roto-tilling just churns it.

That's because you don't understand how to use a tiller PROPERLY...

Properly running a tiller can leave the ground just like it's been plowed and disced, all in one pass. AND you still have your soil structure...

IF you don't want to destroy your soil structure, quit listening to most of what is posted on this site about tillers... lol

Folks here are just worried about how their gardens look...

Here's a garden that's being tilled and still has the soil structure preserved,

I was traveling 2.75mph, the ground was slightly moist and once over was all it needed...

SR

 

[Creamer]

That's because you don't understand how to use a tiller PROPERLY...

Properly running a tiller can leave the ground just like it's been plowed and disced, all in one pass. AND you still have your soil structure...

IF you don't want to destroy your soil structure, quit listening to most of what is posted on this site about tillers... lol

Folks here are just worried about how their gardens look...

Here's a garden that's being tilled and still has the soil structure preserved,

I was traveling 2.75mph, the ground was slightly moist and once over was all it needed...

SR

You must have an interesting definition of soil structure. I'll bet the earthworms do not agree.

 

[TractorToolsDirect]

Here is a great price on a brand new, quality italian made Caroni tiller that is 43" wide, which would be perfect for your tractor: Year-end Auction! Caroni 43" Heavy Duty Rotary Tiller/Compact Tractors,15-3 HP | eBay You will never regret buying quality.

 

[Sawyer Rob]

You must have an interesting definition of soil structure. I'll bet the earthworms do not agree.

You are welcome to come and ask them... lol

IF you think they are all dead, then you really don't understand how a tiller can be used to good effect...

SR