tillers 4 tine or six??

littlejohn2009 · Mar 31, 2010

Hi guys and gals, I just joined and from what I've seen so far...this is going to be a good informative place. Some very interesting threads for sure.

I joined because i have a question. I am about to purchase a rotary tiller from Farm King - Rotary Tiller for my Kabota 4700.

The model 6572, comes with either 4 or 6 tines. I do have heavy clay soils which would put the 4 tine at an advantage (so I think)..BUT I just can't find any info as to what would be the best .

I can get a 6 tine for $3750 (last years model) or a 4 tine (this years Mod) for $4100.

So what would you folks suggest???

I am located in BC Canada btw...

Reg · Mar 31, 2010

littlejohn2009 said:
Hi guys and gals, I just joined and from what I've seen so far...this is going to be a good informative place. Some very interesting threads for sure.

I joined because i have a question. I am about to purchase a rotary tiller from Farm King - Rotary Tiller for my Kabota 4700.

The model 6572, comes with either 4 or 6 tines. I do have heavy clay soils which would put the 4 tine at an advantage (so I think)..BUT I just can't find any info as to what would be the best .

I can get a 6 tine for $3750 (last years model) or a 4 tine (this years Mod) for $4100.

So what would you folks suggest???

I am located in BC Canada btw...

I paid about $1200 for a 6ft King Kutter tiller a couple of years ago.
All gear drive, I haven't broken anything on it yet.
6 tines per - and I am fairly sure there are 9 sets.
They are off phased to each other - others would say "spiral", but that word means something else (-:

I can't see the farm-king as a value proposition.

MtnViewRanch · Mar 31, 2010

I have been told that a 6 tine tiller takes less horse power to run. Reason being that each tine is actually taking a smaller bite. I would do some more research before I bought the Farm King.

RickB · Mar 31, 2010

Reg said:
I paid about $1200 for a 6ft King Kutter tiller a couple of years ago.
All gear drive, I haven't broken anything on it yet.
6 tines per - and I am fairly sure there are 9 sets.
They are off phased to each other - others would say "spiral", but that word means something else (-:

I can't see the farm-king as a value proposition.

Having a discussion about the number of tines per rotor flange without considering rotor diameter or speed is of almost no value whatsoever.

Egon · Mar 31, 2010

The six tine is cheaper.:thumbsup:

keyser soze · Mar 31, 2010

RickB said:
Having a discussion about the number of tines per rotor flange without considering rotor diameter or speed is of almost no value whatsoever.

Not exactly true... but I see where you're coming from. The fact is that a six tine tiller will absolutely take less horsepower to run, and you will notice that it runs smoother, b/c as someone above said, they take smaller bites. Smaller bites not only are easier on the tiller and tractor, but result in a smaller particle seed bed in less passes than one with four tines.

To the OP - You should seriously consider the King Kutter tiller b/c you can buy one at a much lower price and get one of, if not the best tillers around for considerably less. (as long as you're in the US... I didn't notice where the OP said they were from)

RickB · Mar 31, 2010

keyser soze said:
The fact is that a six tine tiller will absolutely take less horsepower to run, and you will notice that it runs smoother, b/c as someone above said, they take smaller bites.

What you are stating as fact is only so if the variables I list are equal among machines. Given differing rotor diameters and/or speed, your 'facts' vaporize. Think about it.

MtnViewRanch · Mar 31, 2010

RickB said:
What you are stating as fact is only so if the variables I list are equal among machines. Given differing rotor diameters and/or speed, your 'facts' vaporize. Think about it.

You know I could say the same thing about width. I don't know if any actual sizes have been mentioned. So of course sizes are going to change the equation. I think that we are considering the same size tiller with the 4 or 6 tines being the only or main difference in the equation.

bjr · Mar 31, 2010

I don't remember brands but the ones Agri-Supply have the least exspensive replacement tines that I've seen advertised. Also, CCM (a vendor on this site)seems to have get good recommendations and supply tines for their machines at a resonalbe cost. I value tillers that a person can get tines for at a decent price. bjr

littlejohn2009 · Mar 31, 2010

Thanks guys..it been helpful. The manufacture offers 4 tines for the harder clay soils. I suspect that the more tines increase the area of soil contact, which in harder soils would ride more, instead of digging.

The trade off is a more chunkier particle, needing more passes. However if you can't penetrate whats the point?

Based on the experiences here, I surmise that 6 tines is more common, but maybe they have soft soils.

I am also interested to hear that Farm King maybe overpriced.....I will check the one mentioned as well.

I did mention I was from Canada. BC actually, the sunny Okanagan :thumbsup: