Tiller

[LittleBittyBigJohn]

I just got a 1025R last week. My neighbor has a John Deere 550 tiller that he is willing to part with. We hooked it up to my little tractor and it does great. He bought it in the mid-late 1980's but he is one of the **** types that always keeps things in good order. He has a larger tiller he uses with his JD990 tractor now and no longer uses this one. I have a few questions, I assume these are good tillers or it wouldn't have lasted this long. What is the value? It is so old that there are not many of sale that I can find online to get an idea. My thought is that if I can get it for around half of a new King Kutter or Frontier 1149 then I would just assume buy it and save my money. If it's much more than that maybe 35 years or so newer would be better. But, like all things of old, it may be better quality and last longer than a new one. What is your take?

Also I realized I don't have great pictures, what do you want to see?

 

[Egon]

Looks very similar to others of the past. The body seems quite sturdy. The chain drive may need periodic attention. The two shaft bearings should be findable.

It kinda reminds me of an Italian tiller??

 

[oldballs]

What's he asking for it? I'd offer maybe $500. The chain and gear box are easy to service with new lubricants. It'll probably last you as long as your JD1025....assuming that you are just tilling a garden....not a field. Did the PTO shaft fit?

Cheers,
Mike

 

[LittleBittyBigJohn]

Yes PTO shaft fit. I get the feeling he is going to want more than $500. I think he is going to want $1,000-$1,500.

 

[Sawyer Rob]

Well, if it is one of the tillers Howard made for deere, it's about twice as good as a KK tiller to start with.

SR

 

[WADFL]

Used implement prices are all over the board. I'd be surprised if he can get $500 for it, how many buyers are there for a small PTO tiller that is 35 years old?
That said, it seems like a quality piece of equipment and given a new one (Tarter) is around $1500 for a 4', as long as you're less than 50% of the new price I'd go for it.

 

[TractorGuy]

Found one on line that looks cleaner but may be missing half the driveshaft. $1499 asking price.

https://www.tractorhouse.com/listings/farm-equipment/for-sale/196921685/john-deere-550

 

[LittleBittyBigJohn]

That one looks brand new. Here are the tines on this one.

 

[bigtiller]

Your 1025R can handle a JD 450 tiller just fine. It had a 45" working width and 4 tines per flange.

Unless you are in sandy soil, I think you'll find the JD 550 tiller will be a workout for your 17 hp tractor.

 

[TMGT]

Those are good tillers, made by Howards, I have a 660 I bought used and have pretty rocky soil so it takes a beating and has held up great.

Implement prices can vary quite a bit by region, but around here it would most likely sell quickly for 800-1000.

Tines look still have life left in them and a set of replacments aren't too expensive anyways.
Does it have a functional slip clutch on the pto shaft?

 

[LittleBittyBigJohn]

Slip clutch yes. I have not loosened it up to slip it.

 

[LittleBittyBigJohn]

Your 1025R can handle a JD 450 tiller just fine. It had a 45" working width and 4 tines per flange.

Unless you are in sandy soil, I think you'll find the JD 550 tiller will be a workout for your 17 hp tractor.

I've already tested it. My soil is mostly clay and hard as a brick right now. It did not have any problem at all.

 

[WADFL]

What are you going to do?
Did you ask him what he wants for it?
Keep us updated. Hoping this works out well for you.

 

[CH4Ohio]

I've already tested it. My soil is mostly clay and hard as a brick right now. It did not have any problem at all.

Well then find out what the price is and then decide if it's worth that to you. Sounds like you're not sure at all what the guy wants for it. You can't buy it or make a decision until you know the price.

I certainly wouldn't pay 50% of what a new gear driven tiller costs. But that's me. . .

I have a King Kutter 5' tiller, gear driven. Used to till several acres per year by me and a couple of my neighbors behind a 30 HP Kubota. It's a beast. Makes powder out of sod in two passes when the ground is right. I've used Befco, Kubota, and Woods. The KK beats them all. And there's no premium on the price based on NAME BRAND like JD, Kubota, etc.

Everyone has their own opinions, but if I was looking at a used machine, I'd be comparing it to what I could buy a newer similar size gear-driven KK unit for at TSC or Rural King or even used on CL.

And, just be sure you get a tiller that is wider than your rear tire track. Makes everything work out much smoother.

 

[CH4Ohio]

I've already tested it. My soil is mostly clay and hard as a brick right now. It did not have any problem at all.

A PTO-driven tiller is my favorite small implement to operate. Fun to watch that dirt turn into seedbed, ain't it?

 

[Sawyer Rob]

Anyone who believes a gear drive is stronger/better than a properly sized chain drive, doesn't know what they are talking about.

It's just a myth I see repeated on this site...

SR

 

[TMGT]

Well then find out what the price is and then decide if it's worth that to you. Sounds like you're not sure at all what the guy wants for it. You can't buy it or make a decision until you know the price.

I certainly wouldn't pay 50% of what a new gear driven tiller costs. But that's me. . .

I have a King Kutter 5' tiller, gear driven. Used to till several acres per year by me and a couple of my neighbors behind a 30 HP Kubota. It's a beast. Makes powder out of sod in two passes when the ground is right. I've used Befco, Kubota, and Woods. The KK beats them all. And there's no premium on the price based on NAME BRAND like JD, Kubota, etc.

Everyone has their own opinions, but if I was looking at a used machine, I'd be comparing it to what I could buy a newer similar size gear-driven KK unit for at TSC or Rural King or even used on CL.

And, just be sure you get a tiller that is wider than your rear tire track. Makes everything work out much smoother.

The KK is a good tiller, always planned on buying one until I ended up with the Howard/JD, there's a reason they hold their value and its not because of the green paint.

After comparing the KK to the Howard/JD I would say both are good units but the Howard seems to have a bit better build quality and components. I wouldn't hesitate to buy a KK, but if I had the 2 side by side I would pick the Howard, no matter what color it was.

 

[TractorGuy]

Personally I wouldn't pay over $700, $800 tops for that one.

 

[CH4Ohio]

The KK is a good tiller, always planned on buying one until I ended up with the Howard/JD, there's a reason they hold their value and its not because of the green paint.

After comparing the KK to the Howard/JD I would say both are good units but the Howard seems to have a bit better build quality and components. I wouldn't hesitate to buy a KK, but if I had the 2 side by side I would pick the Howard, no matter what color it was.

I've never used a Howard. Not even sure I've heard of them. So I'll take your word for it -- must be a good unit. Do they still make them?

I was just trying to offer a unit to compare to. My point is the KK is a quality tiller offered at a mid-range price not inflated by major brand name labels. If I was trying to appraise the value of a 35 year old unit of any brand, I'd use the price/value of a KK or similar to measure against, not the inflated price of a JD or Kubota name-brand unit.

 

[Kschwennsen]

Just scoop it up. He's a neighbor and if it breaks he may be more apt to help you fix it. I have some of brand red 6' tiller for my tractor and I love it. They are great for gardens but also evening out/blazing trails in the woods. I don't have a box blade but I really dont see the need when you have a tiller and rear plow.

My 2 cents