You guys having problems with the Gravley "tiller"- it's not a "tiller", it's a "cultivator" designed to stir the top 2" or so of soil. This is the rig that attaches to the rotary plow and has the horizontal "teeth" about 18" wide. Works really great for it's intended purpose.
On the rotary plow- the secret to turning is to push down on the handle bars and sort of swng the tractor around on the inside tire. If you get too far over just back it a bit and back in the furrow you go. It's sort of a dance, but once you get the hang of it it's easy.
One of the nice advantages to the rotary plow is that you can make raised beds in a heartbeat. Just adjust the plow to throw a bit higher and the dirt automatically forms the bed.
The Gravley tool bar cultivators work good in long row situations if you can keep it in steels. They're getting scarce these days. A little welding and creative thinking comes in handy.
The biggest difference between a CUT and a 2 wheeler is the physical effort aspect. If you want a can holder for your beer, air conditioning and a CD player then a 2 wheeler ain't for you. If you are half mountain lion and don't mind a little sweat they are an answer to your prayers. The Gravelys, Simplicitys, Bolens, Planet Jr's, David Bradleys and all the private labels rigs like the Sears, Monkey Wards, etc. are capable of getting some real work done for very little money. My first plowing was with a Wards branded Simplicity with a 3.5 Clinton (replacement) engine and a 6" single bottom plow in heavy sod. I was fresh out of the Marine Corps and tougn as nails. That thing kicked my butt for 4 hours, but I got it done. Shortly thereafter I bought a Frazer Rototiller- sort of the original rear tine tiller- and then a Gravely. Still have that Frazer, it must be pushing 65 years old and does a better job than any other rear tine tiller I've ever seen. I'm 47 and I can still whip up a lot of ground with these machines. Use one for a summer and you won't need to worry about a heart attack come snow shoveling time! Unfortunately these days too amny "men" refuse to grab onto something and MAKE it move. Won't work with an older 2 wheeler.
On the grain drill- Find a nice old drill not over 6-8 foot wide in good shape, they're out there at farm auctions. I'm partial to Ontario, but Oliver, McCormick (IH) and all the other big outfits made them. Rig either a forecart to attach the drill to or if your 2 wheeler is heavy enough go right to the rear and make a hitch. Drills don't pull real hard in decent ground. A 5 footer could be pulled by one horse, so a 2 wheeler sould easily handle it.
Given a little effort and ingenuity a 2 wheel tractor is a viable option for anyone working under say- 20 acres. Over that the sheer ground to be covered demands either a bigger rig or more help. I've got over 340 acres and still feel the need for a Gravely or 2.
This thread needs to be kept up. I lurked at TBN for 3 years before I noticed this. Good job guys!
