Tiller for BX2660?

[Danner]

Wanting to put in a garden this spring, I am looking for advice on which rotary tiller to run off the PTO of my BX2660? My other implements are LandPride, by they don't seem to carry tillers.

Also, wonder if I should go forward or reverse rotation of the tiller?

I value quality/reliability over lowest price.

Thanks for your thoughts.

- Dan

 

[jeff9366]

Also, wonder if I should go forward or reverse rotation of the tiller?

That depends on your soil and how many stones and roots are in it.

Gear drive will likely have somewhat greater longevity than chain drive if you will put hundreds of hours on the tiller but prudence of operator is the most important factor. How large of a garden do you plan? How deep do you wish to till? Virgin ground or ground that has been broken before?

If your location were part of your T-B-N profile, we would know something of your soil and what roto-tillers are more available in your region.

 

[Danner]

Whelp, I did just realize that LandPride does indeed sell tillers, my search fu is weak, LoL.

Anyway the soil is black clay in north Texas, and I plan to till a fair bit of sand into it this first year. No rocks of roots to speak of in the area of the garden plot. This year I am thinking of a modest pot, perhaps 100 feet square.

 

[TripleR]

I use an RTR0550 on my 2660 and it works really well. They make an RTR1250, but I'm not sure if my tractor would do well with it, my dealer recommended the RTR0550.

 

[Danner]

I use an RTR0550 on my 2660 and it works really well. They make an RTR1250, but I'm not sure if my tractor would do well with it, my dealer recommended the RTR0550.

Thanks TripleR. My dealer is pushing me toward the RTR1250, but it's also the only unit that have in stock. So...

The 1250 is quite a bit heavier, maybe tougher and all that. But, I'm not going to use but 2-3 times per year, so light duty use for sure.

Do you think a 42" machine would be too narrow for the 2660? I think the tires are about 44" wide in back.

- Dan

 

[TripleR]

Thanks TripleR. My dealer is pushing me toward the RTR1250, but it's also the only unit that have in stock. So...

The 1250 is quite a bit heavier, maybe tougher and all that. But, I'm not going to use but 2-3 times per year, so light duty use for sure.

Do you think a 42" machine would be too narrow for the 2660? I think the tires are about 44" wide in back.

- Dan

Yeah, if I used mine on a more regular basis, I "might" look at the RTR1250, but the RTR0550 is designed for the subcompact and the geometry on the RTR1250 "might" be a bit off due to the sharp 3PH arc on the BX. I'm sure your dealer knows much more than I.

I was prepared to buy either one and either had to be ordered, so I went with my dealer's recommendation.

The manual recommends a 42", but mine easily handles the 50, but I see no problem with the 42" other than cosmetics, I hate to see tire tracks after I'm finished and I have spacers on both my BXs, so I guess its 48". LP and Woods both make good 42", I don't know about King Cutter etc. but they perform well, I just stick with LP or Woods.

 

[jeff9366]

This year I am thinking of a modest pot, perhaps 100 feet square.

No rocks of roots to speak of in the area of the garden plot.

Anyway the soil is black clay in north Texas, and I plan to till a fair bit of sand into it this first year.


A roto-tiller with reverse tine direction will allow you to till deeper. Good for soil without heavy rocks or large roots.

Be careful with roto-tilling to mix sand. You have the potential to change your tough soil into adobe brick.

I would get a soil test first and see what amendments are recommended, based on the test. You may need gypsum.

I would prioritize the addition of organic matter over sand. There is almost always something available cheap if you search.

With a new tiller you may be tempted to over-till. Do not do it. Beating the soil will make it tougher, not softer.

 

[Danner]

Thanks for the good information gentlemen, it's much appreciated. [beer clink]

 

[wawajake]

I have a BX2660 and my garden is just 24 x 24 , so I went with a 42 inch chain driven , and even though I have rear wheel hub extensions and my wheel width track is closer to 47 inches, I just adjust the tiller to be offset slightly and then till so that I am covering my tracks as I move over one width at a time. I remove one section of the garden fence and away I go, twice a year. I also use the tiller to make gentle swales in various areas of my property, by putting it down into the sod , then move over four feet and do another section and keep doing that until your length of swale is where you want it. Clean up the reverse thrown dirt with bucket , or spread where feasible.

 

[Danner]

Thanks agin guys. I'm going to tell the dealer to order me the RTR0542 Land Pride. I just rechecked the BX manual, and it's the only unit that actually meets the BX design limitations.