Weekend Projects

[butzkeg]

I just had another post about why my projects ceased, but prior to that I sure got a lot done.

Friday night I got my yard mowed, 4 gardens tilled (20'x30', 15'x20', 30'x45', and 50'x90' in size - about 6700 sq.ft. total). The tiller does an incredible job. Depnding on the soil, it took 1 or 2 passes to make 8"-9" inches of light, fluffy soil.

Saturday, I had (2) 40' long, 4' deep trenches to dig and backfill. The trenches run across a new subdivision road my grandparents are building. It took about 1 hours or so to dig the trench, put the pipe in and began backfilling. Unfortunately, we weren't filling with the same soil we dug out (solid clay, was tough digging at times). We were filling with very sandy gravel, which I had to get by the bucket load about 1/2 mile round trip away. This was a slow process, but it was working. I was very impressed with the capabilites of the tractor. Clearing the dug out clay was a breeze with the FEL/HST combo. I'd scoop the dirt, dump it on the other side of the ditch, and my randpa would scrape it away with his old, trusty JD 1520 and backblade. Only got 1 ditch 95% done before the FEL died. Grandpa finished the last bit with his backblade.

I really got to push the 4300, and walked away very impressed. Hopefully I can get the bugs worked out prior to the warranty expiring (Nov. 2003) Fortunately my dealer is very helpful and courteous.

 

[Angler]

I am supposed to be taking delivery of my tractor and tiller this weekend. I am wondering how you used your tiller. Did you just set it for maximum depth and drop it down all the way? Or did you set it part way down the first time?

 

[butzkeg]

Angler, I guess it depends on the soil. In areas I have already tilled before or were soft/somewhat damp spots I just used it at maximum depth. If it was new ground it took 2 passes, but didn't strain the tractor anymore on the 1st pass than the second. The soil in my area is moderately heavy clay.

At full depth, the tractor actually worked harder on a second pass, probably because it went deeper.

If you are planning on 2 passes, it may be good to go about half-way down, and go back to pick up any rocks before the second pass at full depth. Especially if the ground hasn't been turned in a while.

Keep in mind, you will be traveling at a very slow pace. Just see how your tractor responds and use your best judgement. Good luck.

 

[butzkeg]

Angler, here's a picture of my garden after I tilled it. The tiller makes about 8" of light, fluffy soil after a pass or 2. They really do an incredible job. When you walk thru a freshly tilled area, you usually sink past your ankles into the soil.

I always had my grandpa turn our garden with a moldboard plow, then disk it before planting. While this worked, the ground was never that easy to work with because it was still clumpy. It hasn't been like that this year with the tiller.