6 foot tiller advice?

[gstrom99]

I'm looking for advice. The SIL seems to want me to get a rototiller for my Allis D-17. for food plot work. Other than needing a 6 footer - to cover the rear tire width, I know little about them. New/used, brand, what to look (out) for?

 

[MAX-24-Dean]

Number one thing to look for in my opinion if you look at a used tiller is make sure it has a functional slip clutch.
New, they should have a slip clutch from the factory.

 

[part-time-Farmer-NC]

If you get new/used make sure you can find blades for them. Agrisupply has a pretty good selection of blades for many models. Keep the oil level checked, learn what is level by adjusting the top link. When tilling I usually make the first pass in low/1 second pass low/4. Ideally if its still grassy when i start to till it the first time I wait a week before tilling the second time. Then its ready for planting.

If you go too fast when tilling the first pass the slip clutch may overheat. Ask me hoe I know... No bigging just slowed it down and kept tilling then the smoke cleared... Mine is a 5' Caroni I believe. No labels and easily 15-20 years old. I bought it 12 years ago used then for $300. Best $300 i ever spent. Only put one set of blades on mine. I use it enough that I usually keep it on my tractor the most.

 

[gstrom99]

I couldn't find "a deal", or one that was close enough. I picked this King Kutter gear drive 5 footer up at Fleet Farm yesterday. The Deere will be running it. $2,499. Used ones online were $2k and/or they were 600 miles away. Came with a PTO shaft manual, but not one for the unit. I forgot to ask when I picked it up, so I printed one at home. Getting ahead of myself maybe, but the SIL said he was tired of renting - we needed one...

 

[EddieWalker]

Before going to raised beds for our gardens, I really wanted a tiller. They sure seem like the best tool possible for working the dirt before planting.
Please post pictures of it when you start using it. Video would be great too!!!

 

[Rockbadchild]

Nice tiller, I notice you wanted a 6' and got a 5', if it doesn't cover your rear wheels make sure it cover at least one of them and always do the laps on the opposite side so you have full tilling coverage... in order words, have the tiller to the left covering the left wheel and you next pass always do it to the right, or vise versa.

 

[ruffdog]

That is the tiller I have owned for many years. I took the skid shoes off as I didn't see a reason to have them. I fabbed up stands that bolt where the shoes bolted to so it sits nice in the shed.

 

[gstrom99]

Nice tiller, I notice you wanted a 6' and got a 5', if it doesn't cover your rear wheels make sure it cover at least one of them and always do the laps on the opposite side so you have full tilling coverage... in order words, have the tiller to the left covering the left wheel and you next pass always do it to the right, or vise versa.

Thanks. I got a quote from the local tractor implement place for a reverse tilling, chain drive Land Pride 66" unit - $3,900! I changed my mind on which tractor to use. My JD 855 is much newer, diesel, and probably better suited, and the 5 footer will cover the tracks. The D-17 has a Cat 2 hitch and I couldn't find a Cat 2 tiller or resolve that issued cheaply. I have a 9 foot chisel plow that I want to try with the D-17, for fun if nothing else. I'll get the SIL to take videos.

I did consider the Countyline brand from TSC, but they were not in stock and I saw too many "warning" videos about water in the new unit gear boxes.

 

[oosik]

Before operating - check that the gear box has proper oil level and grease any/all zerks. Some companies send their units "dry".

 

[gstrom99]

Will do. The zerks need the paint cleared off 'em of course. There is also a painted over plate on the side gearcase indicating that part was made by "OmniGear". Interesting.