Thanks, everyone, for the replies. Much to think about here. Printed it all out so I won't lose track of it.
In response to some of the comments/questions:
1)The limited control a gear tractor gives over tiller 'bite' is an issue for me. However, it appears that some have had good luck at speeds my tractor can manage. Encourages me to at least give it a try.
2)My first job for the tiller is to till up about 5 acres of haylot that had been plowed and disked last year but never planted (family problems). Never got it looking the way I wanted before being pulled away. Wasn't doing a good job of breaking up root clumps from the previous surface cover. Since then it's grown up to weeds(did it ever! /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif).
I was hoping a tiller might help me get it in better shape quicker this time around than bottom plow and disk. But the comments seem to indicate that it's going to take time to do it right regardless of the method. That being the case, I may just stick with what I have; the bottom plow, new disk and new landscape rake; this year and look into the tiller again later.
3)I'm planning to reseed the haylot to alfalfa and hay it a few years. Don't plan to till it every year.
4)The second job planned for the tiller would be re-grading and re-seeding about 1.25 acres of lawn at my Dad's place; don't want to take a bottom plow to that. I'd like to thank DiskDoc for the detailed notes on how to tackle lawn work with a tiller. It sounds like an approach that'll work in my conditions while limiting damage to the tiller. If I know this kind of care is needed, I'll be more likely to see it through rather than take expensive shortcuts.
5)The rocks here are mostly sandstone, but there's granite, slate and other stuff as well. I think they called it glacial moraine in my H.S. earth science class. They're all pretty durable and I doubt the tiller will break them up. I know the walkbehinds never did.
6)frankv, I think a landscape rake with gage wheels stands the best chance of getting the rocks and leaving the soil. Haven't really tried it myself yet, but it's what I've seen others use. I've got the wheels on my rake.
7)I know Woods equipment is hard to beat and I've been happy with eveything I've bought from them. Since the tiller's utility is somewhat of an open question at this time, I'll probably go with CCM or KK for the lower cost. A lower cost unit will be easier to sell if I decide I don't need it.
8)Creep speed not an option for the
L4300, Henro. Researched that when I bought it last year. Would be nice if it did. Oh well, bought the
L4300 to plow and disk with, so why not stick to the plan?
Thanks again, everyone, for taking time to respond.
Bob
