Marveltone
Veteran Member
- Joined
- Jun 20, 2010
- Messages
- 1,411
- Location
- Somewhere north of Roseau, MN
- Tractor
- Fordson Major Diesel, McCormick Deering W4, Ford 1510, John Deere L111
Okay, here we go. It seems lots of folks on this site are pretty hung up on the gear vs. chain drive dilemma. I've come to the conclusion that it's pretty much a wash for at least the lower horse power tractors. I do have a few other observations and questions, though.
I've noticed that many U.S. based tillers (KK, Tarter, et al) use flat, "L" shaped tines, while many of the overseas based brands (Sicma, Caroni, Terra Force) use more "C" or "J" shaped tines on their units. Based on my experiance with walk behind tillers, it seems that the curved, "C" or "J" tines tend to slice and cut through sod and hard pan while the "L" shaped tend to beat their way through, resulting in more bouncing around and I'm guessing more HP. Perhaps this is why KK and Tarter are built so heavy? Sicma, Caroni, et al seem to get the job done with a lighter weight unit. Is this because of increased efficiency? I've heard they're suposed to be the cream of the crop.
There is a point to this. I'm currently shopping around for a tiller for my Ford 1510. I want a 60" so my tracks are covered.(OK, 54" or more...) The 1510 is rated at 19.5 PTO Hp... Call it 20. So I feel like I'm right on the edge of minimum ability to use a physically wide enough tiller. I'll be planting a large-ish garden and a couple acres of corn. My land does not have many rocks, so I"m hoping I can handle a 60". Is there a real world difference on how the different style tines use the available HP? The heavier units tend to be rated for higher minimum HP for the same width as a lighter weight unit. Is weight really a big factor?
I'm not hung up on brand or place of origin... As long as it's not China! I do, however, insist on a company that will support the product and customer after the sale. If I can't get it fixed when something breaks, I don't want it. And please don't bring up local dealer support if you have no idea where I live... There is no such thing.
Joe
I've noticed that many U.S. based tillers (KK, Tarter, et al) use flat, "L" shaped tines, while many of the overseas based brands (Sicma, Caroni, Terra Force) use more "C" or "J" shaped tines on their units. Based on my experiance with walk behind tillers, it seems that the curved, "C" or "J" tines tend to slice and cut through sod and hard pan while the "L" shaped tend to beat their way through, resulting in more bouncing around and I'm guessing more HP. Perhaps this is why KK and Tarter are built so heavy? Sicma, Caroni, et al seem to get the job done with a lighter weight unit. Is this because of increased efficiency? I've heard they're suposed to be the cream of the crop.
There is a point to this. I'm currently shopping around for a tiller for my Ford 1510. I want a 60" so my tracks are covered.(OK, 54" or more...) The 1510 is rated at 19.5 PTO Hp... Call it 20. So I feel like I'm right on the edge of minimum ability to use a physically wide enough tiller. I'll be planting a large-ish garden and a couple acres of corn. My land does not have many rocks, so I"m hoping I can handle a 60". Is there a real world difference on how the different style tines use the available HP? The heavier units tend to be rated for higher minimum HP for the same width as a lighter weight unit. Is weight really a big factor?
I'm not hung up on brand or place of origin... As long as it's not China! I do, however, insist on a company that will support the product and customer after the sale. If I can't get it fixed when something breaks, I don't want it. And please don't bring up local dealer support if you have no idea where I live... There is no such thing.
Joe
I guess I should clarify... I am looking for input, opinions and advice. When purchasing something this expensive, I only want to buy it once, so it needs to be the right one.
