Tiller What to look for in a tiller?

[John in the UP]

I'm going to look at a used Landpride RTR2570 tiller at a local dealer. Asking price is $2000. Not sure how old it is, or how much use it may have.

Can anyone tell me how to identify how old it may be?
Any suggestions on areas to look for that might indicate a sign of problems and therefore maybe passing on this unit?
Lastly, what would be a fair and realistic offer to make, assuming the tiller is in good shape?

Thanks,
-John

 

[beenthere]

Gear or chain drive is an option, with gear drive in the higher dollars.

I picked up a used 60" (for $500) that is chain drive, and had to fix an oil leak due to sloppy work done previously. Another thing to look at is the condition of the tines (teeth, knives, whatever). If they are worn, broken, or missing figure close to $10 a tooth. I only had to replace 6 teeth, and the rest are in very good shape. Indication that the tiller had minimal use IMO.

 

[gkh7890]

The RTR 25 series has 6 tines per flange but it is a reverse rotation tiller. Are you aware of that and is that what you want? It is a chain drive unit. Gear drive is better, longer lasting...IMHO. Does the PTO shaft have a slip clutch? Have you used a tiller like this before? If you haven't, it may be worth renting one or two to try them before you spend $2K if you have rentals around you???

I've used a friend's 42"-48" Frontier and it is chain driven. It did a nice job but based on my experience with it & for the pricing, I think I can do better.

My father-n-law & I are looking to split ownership on a tiller. I've pretty much settled on a King Kutter II, 72" gear unit. They're made at a plant in Gallipolis, Ohio so they're American like the Landprides. Will probably buy new if I can't find one on Craig's List and so far, TSC or Rural King stores in Indiana have had the better pricing than in Ohio. 6 tines per flange too. There are 2 versions (KKII & Professional) - Rural King has them $1600 & $1900 respectively.

Hope that didn't muddy the waters too much?

Best wishes on finding what you want:thumbsup:

 

[DDT]

I have had a RTA2570 since 04, I have replaced the tines 4 times so far. I have not had any problems with so far. I do a lot of tilling (custom work) and has served me very well. They are heavy tillers and do a very good job. I have a freind that got a 6' KK and I was looking at it a while back ( he has used my landpride) he told me stop looking at it you will be dissapointed. His opion the LP is much bettter tiller.

 

[sweettractors]

We have the 48 inch geardrive Hawkline at $1495, 5 ft at $1595 and the 6 ft at $1695. The Tarter 48 inch Geardrive at $1595, 5 ft at $1695 and the 6 ft at $1795. Of course all have 6 tines per rotor and slip clutch and spiral mount pattern for ther tines. We also sell First Choice and Phoenix chain and geardrive tillers and reverse rotation tillers. Ken Sweet

 

[The Tractor Guy 22]

In my opinion don't buy a reverse rotation tiller. As far as quality goes, a tiller isn't an implement you want to cheap out on. With a 3320 your best bet is a John Deere 665 tiller. It is commercial duty, standard rotation, 6 tines per flange, and heavy enough to not bounce on compacted soil.
I use mine for commercial use and have hit concrete chunks, rebar, roots, 4x4 posts, car parts, ect... and have never broken or bent a thing.

As far as looking for problems on a used unit, check for:
1. Sharp blades- still at there full length
2. Leaks from side case
3. Bent or dinged rear gate (from hitting hard objets)
4. Solid U-joints on driveshaft and tiller assembly
a. lift tiller off the ground and turn the driveshaft by hand. If there is excessive play before the tines start moving you will have problems down the road.
b. Shake the tines themselves to make sure the axle bearings are tight

 

[RickND]

For what its worth I had a 60in Howse tiller that could be configured for front or rear rotation. I ended up configuring it for rear till and liked the way it performed. I also liked the fact I could slide it to the right far enough to cover my tire track.

Good luck with your search.

Rick

 

[John in the UP]

Thanks to all for your responses.

gkh - yes I'm aware this is a reverse rotation tiller. Having spent a fair amount of time searching and researching posts here, I have weighed the pro's and con's of both reverse and forward rotation. I'm leaning toward the reverse rotation, but not "dead set" on one. Haven't seen the tiller yet, but slip clutch is supposed to be standard on it.

DDT - Thanks for sharing your experiences with the RTA2570.

Tractor Guy - 665 and 655 have both been included in my searches. Nothing close to me except new, and that's way out of my budget. Thanks for the great check list!:thumbsup:

If the RTR2570 is in good shape, I would like to consider making an offer on it. It's listed at $2000, but I think they'll deal, since it is used. What would be a fair and realistic offer?

I found a pic, which I'll try to post...

Thanks again to all.

-John

 

[TripleR]

I personally like the reverse rotation tiller as it seems to do a better job than the forward rotation. I don't have any rocks in our soil, so that may make a difference. For the average user, I also doubt there is any real advantage of gear over chain as chain is fairly common in the top brands. Chains are routinely used in heavy industrial applications. Just my:2cents:

 

[leonz]

I'm going to look at a used Landpride RTR2570 tiller at a local dealer. Asking price is $2000. Not sure how old it is, or how much use it may have.

Can anyone tell me how to identify how old it may be?
Any suggestions on areas to look for that might indicate a sign of problems and therefore maybe passing on this unit?
Lastly, what would be a fair and realistic offer to make, assuming the tiller is in good shape?

Thanks,
-John

About your questions:


A reverse time rotation tiller will create a deeper suck which is what you want.
The Tiller has L shaped tines I think; which are the very aggressive tines which will break up shallow hardpan.
You dont have to buy tiller tines from Land Pride you can purhcasde them from "clean cutter" flailmaster and others.


You have to remember that the lower you travel in forward speed the less vibration you will have from smacking hardpan, deeper suck to aerate and break up clay and add sand if desired, and the easier it will be to break sod as long as you are in a creeper gear.

As long as you continuosly till with it the finer the dirt clods will be and the deeper it will till and the greater the penetration of water will occur.


As long as you travel at right angles you will break up the dirt and clay and dislodge the rocks which is what you want to do so they are easier to pick out.

The only thing better would be a BCS or GRillo 2 wheel tractor with a Berta rotary plow that will till 14 inches deep. to breal through hard pan and build raised beds of any size with the blink of an eye.

The sprockets and roller chains are stock item for almost any farm store.
The roller bearings are metric like all bearings and available locally from a bearing supply house as well and you will be able to get all these parts from the same chain and bearing supply house.

You have be sure the limited slip friction disc clutch is clean and properly adjusted and if the manual is with the machine it will describe the procedure- and we have it here in several spots as well.


Your state should have 3 day return policy for purchases like most others and you will have the right to return it for a refund or exchange.

BUT for the money you would be better off buying a new reverse rotation tiller form Ken Sweet as He is a Tracotrbynet forum sponsor in good standing.