Gear v Chain

randy41 · May 30, 2008

I'm going to buy a new 48" tiller. I looked at the KK and the offset is on the wrong side for me. It also seems excessively heavy. Theres a chain drive Bush Hog one at the NH dealer in Salem for $1300. then theres a Taylor Way in Wytheville for $1500 but i think this one is all gear driven.
opinions?
i grow veggies on 2 acres and my field is set (and my mind is too)for a 48" width. i have a 1710 tractor. my old tiller has too many problems that will take too long to fix. had it for 20 years. I am 58 and don't expect to be growing this much when I'm 68.

Egon · May 30, 2008

My tiller is chain drive. The chain does wear out and has been replaced three times. It has also been broken a few times. It's always real greasy fun changing the chain. The hands don't clean up for weeks!

As to what is better That is another question that will raise debates. Gear drive may win out?

accordionman · May 30, 2008

HELLO TO ALL,
KK does make a chain drive in the smallest tiller.
the larger ones are gear drive. i got some information
on the KK because if was thinking about buying one. i
also want to look at the LAND PRIDE. they make a fine
machine.
accordionman
wlbrown

Wombat125 · May 30, 2008

Egon said:
It's always real greasy fun changing the chain. The hands don't clean up for weeks!

Nitrile gloves are your friend...

Rara Avis · May 31, 2008

randy41 said:
I'm going to buy a new 48" tiller. I looked at the KK and the offset is on the wrong side for me. It also seems excessively heavy. Theres a chain drive Bush Hog one at the NH dealer in Salem for $1300. then theres a Taylor Way in Wytheville for $1500 but i think this one is all gear driven.
opinions?
i grow veggies on 2 acres and my field is set (and my mind is too)for a 48" width. i have a 1710 tractor. my old tiller has too many problems that will take too long to fix. had it for 20 years. I am 58 and don't expect to be growing this much when I'm 68.

The other point is that a chain drive tiller requires less hp than a gear driven tiller...compare KK gear driven vs LandPride chain drive on HP requirements...

SPYDERLK · May 31, 2008

PaulChristenson said:
The other point is that a chain drive tiller requires less hp than a gear driven tiller...compare KK gear driven vs LandPride chain drive on HP requirements...

Chains only a little more efficient. Id expect them to be within 5% of one another if they are using the same ratio and operating [power sufficiency] comfort margin.
larry

sixdogs · Jun 1, 2008

Wombat125 said:
Nitrile gloves are your friend...

Absolutely! I "discovered" rubber gloves and nitrile gloves and they are a must for anthing greasy. Wombat125 gives good--no make that great advice for messy work.
I buy mine at Sam's Club.

NewToy · Jun 1, 2008

I have a 48" KK gear drive and it's been a good one. Why is the offset a problem? I paid $1K for mine a few years ago. They will take a beating, slip clutch is nice too, no shear pins for those inevitable hidden obstructions.

John