Tiller C knife or L knife on Tiller?

Dustin · Mar 4, 2006

I need to replace just about all the knives on my Befco tiller, and I was presented with the option of C knives or L knives. I currently have L knives. What is the difference between the C and L knives (besides the obvious shape difference?). Is there any benefit to running one or the other?
I'd appreciate any thoughts or advice. Thanks!

ZJ_HR · Mar 6, 2006

C tines will last longer. My experience is that C tines need more power to run, don't know why.

HayDR · Mar 6, 2006

Practically every major MFG but Howard uses "C" Blades OEM installed on their tillers and offers "L" blades as an option.

oliver28472 · Mar 6, 2006

I just re-bladed my tiller with L's. My brother was going to be in the neighborhood so he picked up a set for me at tillerblades.com in Rocky Mount NC. He said it's a Befco place. They were $3.00 each. I used it Friday and it works as good as ever.

bjr · Mar 7, 2006

Are the L tines that you are referring to, the ones that are inserted in the female tube and held in place with one bolt? I changed my tiller over to what I thought was C tines but made a whole new shaft assembly that has two bolt style flanges. I thought all the new tillers use this 2 bolt flange style were the C style. I'm just asking if this is true. The old single bolt L blades bent pretty easily and came off also. bjr

ZJ_HR · Mar 8, 2006

Hello Mark,
Can you, as MFG, explain me a difference in work, benefits of each type, and why and when to use L or C tines, please?

My Howard HR20-230WU (bought used) has L tines installed, and you're right, C is an option. THX.

nomad · Mar 13, 2006

ZJ, you need to ask this question (why C blades require more power than L blades) to a "real" manufacturer who can answer such questions. You are wrong. C tines/blades do not need more power than L tines. I was about to answer your question in detail, but, this is not necessary as I found a scientific article based on tests/experiments in 2004 (can be considered new). Read the abstract and conclusion of the article:
http://www.ieindia.org/publish/ag/0604/june04ag5.pdf