tiller or harrow

[jenkinsph]

If it were me, I would be inclined to use an implement that would not be torn up easily to dig thru the rocks and loosen them up. While it make take serveral passes an S tine field cultivator comes to mind. Comb thru the rocks and then windrow them to pick up with a loader. Might take alot of passes but will take less time than rebuilding a tiller or replacing disc blades. My real preference would be a slow moving chisel plow to break it up deep but I don't think you have enough tractor to do it.



Steve

 

[AKfish]

If it were me, I would be inclined to use an implement that would not be torn up easily to dig thru the rocks and loosen them up. While it make take serveral passes an S tine field cultivator comes to mind. Comb thru the rocks and then windrow them to pick up with a loader. Might take alot of passes but will take less time than rebuilding a tiller or replacing disc blades. My real preference would be a slow moving chisel plow to break it up deep but I don't think you have enough tractor to do it.

Steve

He might manage a 4'-5' model. Ever see one that small..? Not me. Rear wheel duals and black smoke!!

AKfish

 

[jenkinsph]

The Frontier PC 1072 S tine cultivator is what I am refering to in above post, had to look it up. It is offered in a 72" width and is listed at 25-45 hp cat 1
hitch.


AKfish, yeah I remember our first tractor was a Case SC about 30 hp and trying to pull a 6' offset disc, couldn't pull it fast enough to roll the soil over.. Our next tractor of consequence was a 4020 man what a difference that made.



Steve

 

[yankeerider]

Here in New England you can run into a wide variety of soil types. On my 5 acres I have everything from heavy clay and hardpan to loam and sand- but then, we're on a ridge where I have about a 40' change in elevation from one portion to the next.

I went through the same thinking as you, and ended up with a KKII tiller. I used to use a small tiller behind a JD 112 garden tractor, and before that, my dad had a rear mount on an old Wards Chor-Trac 2 wheel walk behind tractor. If you plow and harrow, you're gonna be making multiple passes anyway, so what's the big deal about having to make multiple passes with a tiller? Make your first passes shallow- that'll tell you what you got, and if there's big rocks, the tiller'll bounce off them easier. Just be ready to raise her out of the ground if it starts to buck and bang.

 

[190carr]

thanks for all the great info i still have not bought anything and am still shopping,but leaning towards the tiller.I have seen some sort of rodent tracks in the field,so i wonder if it is gophers,i know moles are usually under ground and the tracks i see are open.anyway i have alot of work ahead of me before i plant anything,and i am trying to do this once and not waste time and money,this is a great forum thank you to all!!!

 

[nunyabinis]

Tiller. Hands down. Start shallow and set it progressively deeper on each pass.


My KKII tiller will bust up just about anything and after the final pass the ground will be so smooth It'll bring a tear of joy to your eye.