Tiller Rotary Tillers - buying suggestions?

jong · Jan 30, 2006

Looking to purchase a new Rotary Tiller for a Kubota L3430HSTC with overall width (min. tread) of 59.8". My question is what size tiller do you suggest, and what features should I be looking for amongst the various tillers? I plan on tilling a lot of scraped black dirt, and a lot of pasture grass. Last but not least, any suggestions, comments or advice from those whom might own a Kubota tiller, First Choice, CCM or Woods is appreciated. Does anyone know whom makes Kubota's branded tiller?

Thanks,
Jon

LarryD · Jan 30, 2006

I have about 30 or 40 hours on my First Choice RT-04(?) 60" tiller and have not had any issues. I've even jambed a good size rock in it and after getting it out, there was no visible damage to the tines. Got a few dings in the tailgate though. /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif

It runs very nice behind a TC33D w/ 27 pto hp. Probably could have gone a little bigger but this one covers my tracks.

jong · Jan 30, 2006

Thanks Larry! I have seen where these sell for a little under $2,000, would you say that is a fair statement?

Farmwithjunk · Jan 30, 2006

I've always been a fanatic about buying good, quality equipment that would last. When I started looking at tillers a few years ago, I couldn't decide what expensive model to buy. They all looked about the same. And they didn't look any better than the King Kutter tiller. I decided to go that route. Never been sorry once. I've used it a lot. It's hit all sorts of buried obsticals. Never a sign of weakness.

For the money, I'd suggest a King Kutter. I'm not a strong advocate of their other products, although, for light duty needs they're a good buy. I do however, consider their tillers to be as good as anyones. (Especially for the price)

Oh, and I have used a Woods tiller. I didn't see any advantages over my King Kutter. (Except the paint had more shine. . . .)

MadDog · Jan 30, 2006

I would get a tiller 6", + or -, wider than the outer track of the rear wheels. Much wider than that may not be worth it because you might have marginal pto power to till effectively to desired depth and having to do multiple passes is self defeating if you could have done one pass by cutting a narrower swath.

Can't compare, but I am happy with my CCM and Mark has always been a straight guy to deal with. ...far as I'm concerned, when you're thinking about who to buy from, that's usually a pretty good start.

I'm not, of course, suggesting that other vendors who post here aren't also nice to deal with; but I have personal experience with Mark, know he is, and I've never seen anything posted here from anyone that suggests otherwise.

LarryD · Jan 30, 2006

I think I paid $1300 for mine about 2 years ago. Of course I got the optional 33D attachment so that could be reflected in the price. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

NewToy · Jan 30, 2006

How about those reverse spinning tillers? Are they that much more efficient? I'll have to break down and get one for myself this year. I was down at TSC and they have a 6' they just got on, it's the KK2 all gear drive. Too big for me, I'd like a 4-5' or so.

John

Buster57 · Jan 31, 2006

I have a heavy duty First Choice 1066. It is a 66" width.
I love it and my neighbors love the fact that I have it! I have not had a chance to find out who sells the First Choice equipment lately but I am sure Sweet or several others will be more then happy to help you out with a pretty good deal.
For an alternative, CCM seems really good as well. I personally would not go with Kubota brand rototillers because I am sure you would be paying for the name.