Tiller Rototilling question/ New tiller

ejb · Apr 20, 2002

I finally bought myself a tiller for my JD5410...its a Kuhn EL50-155, a 5 foot model with an offset so that I can cover one of my rear tires. Probably slightly undersized for my machine (its rated to only 50HP and I have 65HP) but since I don't plan on using it for huge areas, or for anyone elses property, I though I could get by with it (dealer agreed).

I picked it up very slighly used from the local Kubota dealer, and don't think I got a "steal", but at $1800 inc tax (from a $3000+ new list price) it seemed like a fair price.

I could of gotren a lesser quality tillers new for the same money but opted for this one. It really seemed super heavy duty.

Anyway...a tilling question. I assume that in general you are supposed to till while you are driving forward, but is there any harm in tilling forward...backing up (while continuing to till)over the area you just tilled and tilling over it again? (In other words is tilling in reverse going to cause problems.)

I tried it on a small path and the tiller *really* sunk in to full dept on the reverse pass, and not as much on the forward pass, but am wondering if this is not a good idea?

Any other generic tilling recommendations? Didn't get a manual with this one so I am one my own.

Still to wet to get started for real so just trying out the techniques...

kevincook · Apr 20, 2002

The only problem that I would see is that the rear guard flap may dig into the soil and you may bend it. I always plan on going over the area several times and on the second or third pass the tiller will be at full depth. While going forward the rear guard flap really helps to level the soil. If you are going in reverse this wouldn't happen....I just thought of one other thing.....if you go in reverse your tractor tires will compact the soil that you just tilled.

Good Luck.

JJT · Apr 20, 2002

I wouldn't recommend tilling in reverse. Mine kicks the rocks out the rear, if you were going in reverse you'd be hitting the same stones, over and over.

gordon · Apr 20, 2002

If the tiller is a chain drive it's not good to till in reverse. Reason being when going in reverse it puts the chain tight on the tensioner and will cause premature wear on it. It also can bind up if you hit a rock and could actually cause damage to the tensioner, seal, bearing or sprockets. My tiller is chain drive and I don't till in reverse for these reasons.

Some tillers can run in reverse. I"m not sure if your model can or can't. My tiller is a Landpride 2570.

Gordon

ejb · Apr 21, 2002

That makes sense, in fact afer a few more tests it does appear that going backwards does tend to pile the dirt at the far end...oh well. Live and learn.

Thanks guys for the help once again/w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif

SteveV · Apr 21, 2002

The idea that something is backwards of what was intended is correct, however the load on the chain is just that a load, and until the revese is fast enough to overrun the rotor speed, nothing changed at the chain. What has changed is the side the rotor is loaded by earth engagement, normally loaded at the front, kicks tiller up when hitting solids, and the reverse engages at the rear and pulls the rotor deeper into the ground. SteveV