Tiller What PTO speed when using tiller? How fast?

Von · May 1, 2004

Used my "new to me" tiller this morning, and I was using 2k RPM's on the motor. I think full PTO speed (540 RPM) would be way too much when tilling. Or is that what you want? I had no problem with it chewing up sod as well as turning over the garden. I didn't get any books with the tiller, so I have nothing to go by..... Other than the TBN brain trust!

Thanks, Von

Bird · May 1, 2004

Von, I always ran mine at the full 540 PTO speed. As for the ground speed of the tractor, I figured if the tiller was turning faster, you could also increase your ground speed, but I found a very slow speed (1 to 1.5 mph) was best for me. I know some have said "too much" tilling and making the soil too fluffy wasn't good, but for me personally, the fluffier the better. That just made it easier to plant and cover seeds. Of course, everytime I planted anything, I then immediately watered to settle the soil around the seeds, or plant roots if I was setting out plants.

jimg · May 1, 2004

The book I got w/ my tiller said to run at PTO speed so thats what I did. I didnt get good results running less than that -- most of the ground was hard and rocky. I suppose though if conditions allow you could run slower.

EastTexFrank · May 2, 2004

I can't argue with Bird. That's how I do it.

Alan L. · May 2, 2004

I think the gear boxes on implements are designed for the standard 540, so they should be run at that speed. I run every implement at full speed, although I sometimes slow down form post hole digging.

Egon · May 2, 2004

I'm with Bird. High RPM's and slow forward speed. The slow forward speed also lets you till deeper.

Or maybe the slow forward is a sign of encroaching age. I'm only a few (3) years behind.

Egon

JWE · May 2, 2004

I also till at 540 PPM (about 3050 engine RPM on my BX). I have tried various PTO speeds and I get the best results at 540 with a low ground speed.

John

Kelvin · May 4, 2004

( I can't argue with Bird. )

Has anyone ever argued with Bird? I suppose that somewhere on this site there is someone that has argued with him, but I don't recall witnessing it.

Kelvin

Egon · May 4, 2004

Kevin:

About three or so years ago someone made an attempt.

Egon

Junkman · May 4, 2004

( Has anyone ever argued with Bird? I suppose that somewhere on this site there is someone that has argued with him, but I don't recall witnessing it.

Kelvin )

A little birdie once told me that he is a wise old bird, but when I checked with the wise old owl, he told me something different. Don't know for certain how wise that old owl is! He said that bird is a wood pecker, a Federally protected bird!! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif From his picture, he looks more like a Eagle.... another Federally protected bird, so no matter what you do, just don't mess with Bird. He is well protected. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif