Tiller Should I buy a tiller?

Gary_in_Indiana · May 26, 2003

I'm not sure I need the tiller in the long term as I have no immediate plans for planting anything. I think it would sure make life easier in the short run, however. I'm thinking I could use it for breaking up some sod and the dirt underneath for contouring it with my box blade. I know I could try it with just the box blade but I'm thinking that as dense as the growth is in the sod I'd be better served by breaking it up first. Does that make any sense? /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif

I need a rotary mower, anyhow and can get a better price if I buy two implements together. I can buy a 5' King Kutter rotary mower and a 5' King Kutter tiller together for $1395. I think the price on the pair is certainly fair. Since I need a rotary mower anyhow and, if I buy it separately, I'll spend $550 for it alone so my marginal expense for the tiller is only $850 (Don't you just love rationalization?). /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

So, guys, what do you think? Will the tiller do what I hope it'll do for me now? With eleven acres is it worth owning beyond this short term need?

BigDave · May 26, 2003

Is there a rental yard that has a tiller near you? A weekend & a $100 for a rental leaves you with $750 in your pocket.

MLB · May 26, 2003

( I'm not sure I need the tiller in the long term as I have no immediate plans for planting anything. I think it would sure make life easier in the short run, however. I'm thinking I could use it for breaking up some sod and the dirt underneath for contouring it with my box blade. I know I could try it with just the box blade but I'm thinking that as dense as the growth is in the sod I'd be better served by breaking it up first. Does that make any sense? /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif

)

NO! Tilling up existing turf is the WORST way to deal with it.
Your box blade will SCRAPE it right off, use the scarifier teeth if it's really nasty. Not even close to a challenge to a tractor and box! Tilling just chops up the turf and leaves THOUSANDS of "turf turds" PARTIALLY buried for you to rake out before seeding. NIGHTMARE! Even if you get the tiller, scrape the turf off first, then till. You'll be happy you did. Lot of turf area in that acreage? How about a core aerater? Single best thing you can do for any turf area!

Rick Jay · May 26, 2003

( Is there a rental yard that has a tiller near you? )

Yikes! I like Gary's rationalization much better. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif I guess I'm just not a "rental sort of guy".

Back to Gary's question....it sounds like you've got some decent prices for the implements, so I agree with your rationalization. I always lean toward purchasing a tool rather than renting, and it's almost always paid off over time.

If you've got the funds, have the space to store it, and think you'll find other uses for it, then I vote for "BUY".

~Rick

Anonymous Poster · May 26, 2003

MLB
Will a box blade remove the turf better than using a FEL with a tooth bar? I have an area of turf to remove prior to putting in a barn foundation. There is about 16" of loam under the sod. I want to scrape of the sod and then scrape of the loam. I was planning on using the FEL but I do have a box blade. Any thoughts or suggestions? Thanks

grandad · May 26, 2003

Probably depends somewhat on your equipment and your skill. I've tried it both ways and they both get the job done. The box blade cuts sod more irregularly but digs in better than the FEL when the ground is really dry and hard. The heavier the box blade, the better. The FEL/toothbar works great if the soil has some moisture. When "playing in the dirt", I usually have both the FEL and box blade on and use them both.

Anonymous Poster · May 26, 2003

( MLB
Will a box blade remove the turf better than using a FEL with a tooth bar? I have an area of turf to remove prior to putting in a barn foundation. )

I have used my FEL quite successfully to remove turf on several small projects. The ground in our area is still plenty moist and it peels right up for me. I have not needed a tooth bar and do not own a box blade.

MLB · May 27, 2003

Scale

A FEL is fine for small areas. But it isn't going to do anything about leveling the bare spot. Pretty hard to make it perfectly smooth too. That's what a box blade is FOR. Does it better and much faster too. (MO)
I am a lawn installer and its no comparison (to me). But then time is money to me. If time wasn't a factor I'm sure you could do fine with a FEL>

Gary_in_Indiana · May 27, 2003

Well, I opted for the rotary mower by itself this trip. /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif It was the image of "turf turds" that got me, I think. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif The irony in that is that that's exactly what I'd have -- literally!

This property was used as a stable operation years ago and the manure was just pushed out the door and left there. I need to remove years of manure build up out at least 75' out on three sides of the building. Needless to say, the growth has been hearty. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

I was able to make a deal with the equipment dealer to give me 10% off any other implement I bought in the coming year but paid the full $550 for the mower since that was the only thing I bought. I didn't even get the gear lube or a spare shear bolt thrown in. /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif

Like Rick, I'm not a rental kind of guy, but MLB pretty much convinced me that I don't have the first need for a tiller, much less any future needs. Or course, he couldn't leave it at that. /forums/images/graemlins/mad.gif Now I'm going to have to find out what a core aerator is and does. /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif

All kidding aside, thanks to everyone for their input. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

snowman · May 27, 2003

I got a tiller last year primarily for my wife's gardens each year. I spent about $1,000 on a 4' First Choice. I figured that, even if I use it only once a year, since I need to do it each year, it'll eventually pay for itself.

I also use it to loosen up dirt. I've been building some ponds and have been trasporting the dirt a fairly large distance away, so I like to make sure that the bucket is fill when I'm moving it. While the FEL does dig it up okay, loosening it up with the tiller first works much much better.

I've also used the tiller to help level places out (don't have or need a box blade). I've spread out dirt as flat as I could with the FEL, then ran over it with the tiller (set with very little depth) to break up any chunks and make it much smoother.

You had a pretty good "two fer" price; even if you didn't need the tiller, could've purchased it as part of the package and then maybe resold it for $700 or $800!