Good to have you on the forum. I know that the Troy Bilts to which you are referring are the old "built like a tank" ones, but the newer one I have still isn't too shabby. (now owned by MTD I hear). I used a MTD counter rotating rear tine tiller for about 20-25 years or so until it wasn't worth rebuilding. Bought a Troy Bilt 7-8 years ago, the big plus is this one has reverse,,,,I would have pitched the old one sooner had I known how much easier it would make my job.
It has some kind of Chinese OHV engine, but surprisingly no troubles with it at all.