Tiller recommendations for MT342HC

Bigfootconcepts · Oct 3, 2024

My MT342HC has a rear tire width of 66" outside to outside. This model also has a PTO horsepower rating of 33.6HP. The Operator's Manual also recommends a maximum width for a rotary tiller as being 65". In looking at various tillers they have min/max PTO horsepower requirements. For example the LS MRT3566A tiller has a width of 66" but requires PTO HP of 35 - 50 HP. So it has the width I'm looking for but my tractor is underpowered.

My question is what is more important? The tiller width or the Tiller PTO HP range. Could my tractor handle the LS MRT3566A Tiller?

m5guy · Oct 3, 2024

I run a bush hog 72" tiller with 32 PTO hp. I loaned it to a friend who only had 20 PTO hp. Runs it fine. You can't rototill fast anyway. If your tractor is a hydro you can go as slow as required.

alexpops · Oct 3, 2024

Speed/type of ground/depth you'll be tilling are the determining factors IMO. Lots of rocks & big roots/hard pan/big bite ... more hp. easier ground/multiple passes go for width. Just make sure you protect the PTO with a slip clutch or proper shear pins

Bobrown14 · Oct 3, 2024

I have a 60" Titan on my MT352. Works as designed with a slip clutch. The reason I went with the 60" is due to I want a walking path between my finished rows in the gardens. The width is the same as yours is = 66" so it works great for me. If I want to till the entire garden I just overlap a little on the next pass. We had hard pan before we got the tiller and also have a lot of rocks that we had to pick out. Works great plenty of power - take your time go slow. You need to adjust the clutch pack every time you run it.

Bigfootconcepts · Oct 7, 2024

Does the weight of the tiller matter? Most of the 72" tillers I have looked at weight 550 to 650 lbs. However there are some at a hefty 900+ lbs. My tractor's 3 point hitch can certain lift that heavier weights. I would think the heavy units won't bounce as much. Any thoughts?

ning · Oct 7, 2024

I have a massively oversized tiller (bought cheap at auction).
Till at a snail's pace if necessary, it'll be fine.
Make certain you perform clutch maintenance!