Tiller Tiller Question

[Jackfr]

Thanks for all the input.

We do have a set of 10' transport harrows that you can raise or lower hydraulically and are adjustable to make them more or less aggressive. We were hoping for an easier solution than plowing and harrowing as the woods root mat usually hangs up in the plows in large clumps then it's a real pain to clear and break it up. We've even tried removing the top 2 to 3" of root mat in the past with a dozer and stock piling it for a year or so until it rots down but we don't have that option this time (no place to store it). So that is why we're asking about different ideas and possibly using a tiller to help break up the woods root mat and hopefully not kick up to many rocks.

We've been looking for a used tiller locally and so far none. No one locally rents one that would be worth while (unless we wanted to do the 5 acres walking behind a 30" one)

Been looking at different Tillers new. Some folks say a heavier one is better others say lighter one. Some advise a multi speed one others say make sure you can reverse the the spin. Figured what ever we buy should have a slip clutch on it.

Has anyone have suggestions on a brand or size? We were thinking in the 7' to 8' range. We've been advised to make sure it matches the HP of the tractor we're planning on using (75HP) for warranty reasons. Our dealer has suggested a sundown VH-80 50-85 hp. The woodmaxx RT-80 is 30-55 HP. The Land pride 74" and 82" are 30-60 HP, the Befco 74" 30-60 HP, King Cutter 84" 50-65 HP

 

[majorwager]

Believe a heavier tiller is best advice if you elect that Route. Mine is heavy and it bounces, so difficult to imagine light being an improvment. The disc would cut the material in sections. Have you considered renting a wood chipper.? A lot of hand work but wood chips would compost or could be plowed into soil. Many home depot stores have rental tools including HD chipper. Could use pallet forks or even hay spear to free root material from soil, labor intensive but also inexpensive. Once material is piled, then rent the chipper, just thinking out loud.........

FRONTIER equipment, division of DEERE has larger tillers. Gearbox rating unknown, likely expensive, believe they go to 10 ft but then the HP requirements are substantial.

 

[fried1765]

Thanks for all the input.

We do have a set of 10' transport harrows that you can raise or lower hydraulically and are adjustable to make them more or less aggressive. We were hoping for an easier solution than plowing and harrowing as the woods root mat usually hangs up in the plows in large clumps then it's a real pain to clear and break it up. We've even tried removing the top 2 to 3" of root mat in the past with a dozer and stock piling it for a year or so until it rots down but we don't have that option this time (no place to store it). So that is why we're asking about different ideas and possibly using a tiller to help break up the woods root mat and hopefully not kick up to many rocks.

We've been looking for a used tiller locally and so far none. No one locally rents one that would be worth while (unless we wanted to do the 5 acres walking behind a 30" one)

Been looking at different Tillers new. Some folks say a heavier one is better others say lighter one. Some advise a multi speed one others say make sure you can reverse the the spin. Figured what ever we buy should have a slip clutch on it.

Has anyone have suggestions on a brand or size? We were thinking in the 7' to 8' range. We've been advised to make sure it matches the HP of the tractor we're planning on using (75HP) for warranty reasons. Our dealer has suggested a sundown VH-80 50-85 hp. The woodmaxx RT-80 is 30-55 HP. The Land pride 74" and 82" are 30-60 HP, the Befco 74" 30-60 HP, King Cutter 84" 50-65 HP

I have the King Kutter 60" tiller (on the Cape), and it is a very solidly built piece of equipment (690 lb. for the 60")
You could see it for comparison, except that it is in my locked barn, and I am in Florida until late April.
I am too old for winter in SE Ma. anymore!

If you do order a King Kutter, try Blain's Farm & Fleet in Janesville, WI.
They currently have the 84" KK tiller for $2349.99 with $145.47 shipping to ZIP 02362 (Plymouth) for a total delivered price of $2495.46.
Sometimes (Spring?) they have a sale also.
I very much doubt that you will beat their price ANYWHERE!
No sales tax either!

I bought my 60" KK tiller (on line) from Blain's, and they were great to deal with.
Have since bought (on line) an 84" KK rear blade, and a 60" KK box blade from Blain's.

 

[Phillip w]

I got a king kutted and unless you plow first, it will bounce and bang and what not. It ko my pto on my tractor. Rollers are nice, but I've found it is better if you plow first.

 

[Egon]

If you got roots and use a tiller most of your time will be spent cutting roots out of the tines.

If you have enough HP a heavy disk works well. Next would be the plow. As mentioned a chisel tooth or just plain ripper run over the area first would be of real benefit ripping up and breaking roots but easily cleaned by lifting and backing.

There is no easy way!

 

[fried1765]

It would seem like your best option for getting the roots might be a heavy duty spring type cultivator.

The two manufacturers of these are Dirt Dog, and Fred Cain.

The largest Dirt Dog model is only about 85" wide, but Fred Cain models go all the way up to 173" wide.
I own a similar cultivator, marketed by Darrel Harp Enterprises, in Alabama, but made in India.
I do NOT recommend a DHE (India) cultivator!

Everything Attachments sells the Fred Cain line,("free shipping" - to nearest freight terminal) and that might be your best option. They (Travis) can probably give you advice on what size you need.

You can pull roots easily with these cultivators, because they are quite robust pieces of equipment, and when you back up, the tool will self clean.

 

[Sonny580]

Disk and follow with landscape rake, (heavy duty one), make several passes!--- Lotta work but will do the job.
PS. --- I have a KK 72" tiller and will say this,---KEEP TILLERS AWAY FROM ROOTS ---- and rocks!!!! ---- It's very easy to damage your tractor pto system with the impact, even with a slip clutch!
If you go with tiller, it most likely will be junk IF it survives the job!---Factor that into the job cost!---May be worth checking into a custom operator with the equipment to contract the job. thanks; sonny

 

[fried1765]

Disk and follow with landscape rake, (heavy duty one), make several passes!--- Lotta work but will do the job.
PS. --- I have a KK 72" tiller and will say this,---KEEP TILLERS AWAY FROM ROOTS ---- and rocks!!!! ---- It's very easy to damage your tractor pto system with the impact, even with a slip clutch!
If you go with tiller, it most likely will be junk IF it survives the job!---Factor that into the job cost!---May be worth checking into a custom operator with the equipment to contract the job. thanks; sonny

From personal experience, it is VERY unlikely that there is a "custom operator" with any sort of suitable equipment, that the OP could hire, anywhere near Plymouth, Ma.

 

[powerscol]

As for renting have you checked with the big agg dealers. Sometimes they will demo things. I also would recommend plowing or ripping before tilling. I have a very heavy duty ansung YJR074. Its built heavy enough to handle the task. Several advertisers here sell them.

 

[fried1765]

As for renting have you checked with the big agg dealers. Sometimes they will demo things. I also would recommend plowing or ripping before tilling. I have a very heavy duty ansung YJR074. Its built heavy enough to handle the task. Several advertisers here sell them.

There are absolutely NO "big agg dealers" anywhere near Plymouth, Ma.
Cranberry growing is the only crop in the OP's area.