3130HST Tiller purchase

DaNag · Feb 22, 2005

Been reading here about tillers for a while now, and am ready to buy. Being new at this stuff, I was hoping to get some positive reinforcement from you folks before spending the bucks... /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

I'm liking what I've read about the CCM tillers, and have traded emails and spoken with Mark. There are a few reasons I'm leaning towards his tillers.

I like the simplicity of the gear drive. Also, assuming the gear drive efficiency claims are accurate and the unit I'm considering is a good match (72" MR-190), I like the fact that it will cover my tracks without going to an offset.

Whether this unit will be a good match is my only real concern at this point, I'm comfortable with the quality and price of the CCM tillers. However, with 24HP at the PTO of a 3130HST, I'm just below the lower end of the MR-190's listed range at the CCM web site (25-70). Given that I've got great soil at the property where the tractor will be used, I'm hoping this isn't too much tiller. Won't bother me in the least if I just need to go a little slower or shallower if it means I can cover the tracks of my R4's. Mark didn't seem to think this would be a problem.

So...should I drop back to the 66" model (MR-175, 22-60 PTO HP), or can I squeak by with the 72"?

rswyan · Feb 22, 2005

I would think you would be fine - given that you have great soil and you can easily control the speed (HST) and the depth - but then I don't have any actual experience myself - just seems logical to me.

I have a B2910 HST which is 22 PTO HP - I'm planning on going with the next smaller size (66") myself, given that the 2910 is a significantly smaller tractor than your L.

MadDog · Feb 22, 2005

DaNag: As I read the 3130 specs your treadwidth is 59" so won't the 66" tiller cover your tracks, too? Your PTO hp covers that comfortably and you won't have to be concerned about running with marginally adequate power.

The 6" difference in working width isn't going to make much difference in the # of passes that are required to till any particular area (one additional pass for every 55' of width, approximately) and you will probably more than make up for that in the depth/speed that you're able to work with tiller better matched to your PTO power.

That said, I also found Mark very pleasant and candid to work with, and if he is confident that you'll be OK with the wider tiller, I'd be pretty comfortable with his judgment on that.

willywildes · Feb 22, 2005

I have the E72 Gearmore 72", 54 tines, gear drive, tiller. the approx.H.P from gearmore is 35 to 50 Pto hp. it works fine if the soil is perfect if you run into wetter soil it will pull way down on the R.P.Ms . this is in my gardens well worked clay and compost. it works fine for me with my 3130Gst and it covers my tracks but i would not have liked it if i went bigger. this said your soil could be different than mine. I would rather be in the middle of the h.p. rating than on the bottom with ground engaging implements

DaNag · Feb 22, 2005

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( DaNag: As I read the 3130 specs your treadwidth is 59" so won't the 66" tiller cover your tracks, too?)</font>

Quite honestly...I'm not sure. /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif

I'm in CA right now, the tractor is up in WA, so I can't measure. However, I thought I read somewhere that the 59" width was for R1's, and that R4's were significantly wider.

I know the 72" tiller will provide enough overlap, based on using my 72" box blade. However, if I knew the 66" tiller would cover things with the R4's on there, that might be a wiser choice.

Tractor is at a buddy's house...guess I should have him get out the tape measure.

willywildes · Feb 22, 2005

You made me go measure mine. I Have the E 72 54 tines and the width of the tires R4s was 69" I Changed to a 72" at the last minute to cover my tracks. I stand corrected. /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif

W.W

GeneD14 · Feb 23, 2005

I have a 4330 with R1 tires and I can barely cover my tracks with a 58" CCM tiller. I would think that either the 66" or 72" would work. In softer soils the 72" should be fine.

DaNag · Feb 23, 2005

Had my buddy measure the width last night - he said it was just under 70".

Ordered up the 72" tiller this morning, after discussing with Mark some more. He was pretty confident it would work fine - I'm sure it will be, but I'll report back in a few weeks.