When to change your tiller tines?...

[The Tractor Guy 22]

Bought a John Deere 655 in 2009 and the tines are worn completely out. $500 for tines and new hardware!

 

[beenthere]

Must have tilled a few acres on those tines. How many do you estimate?

I looked for a Deere tiller, but settled for a lesser brand but paid $500. Needed to replace three broken tines, otherwise the tines were in pretty good shape. This pic is from my first look at it. I've cleaned it up since.

 

[The Tractor Guy 22]

A rough guess, I would say 150-180 Acres. I've tilled in all types of soil and I'd have to say that sandy soil is the worst. The sand acts as sandpaper, grinding away at the blades.

 

[sandman2234]

If the tines are that expensive (relative not to acres tilled, but to handfull of greenbacks) would it be cost effective during the off season to weld a pass of stellite hardsurfacing rod on them, or would that be too labor intensive?
David from Jax

 

[SSdoxie]

Next time check out CCM in Johnson City, TN. Their tines for most models run $6-$8. Might be lighter grade of steel but still can replace 2 sets for cost of this one set @ $500.

 

[mojoinco]

When your tines are pointy, it's time to think about replacing them. Once they have a point on them, they are getting shorter, making them less efficient (larger spacing between the tines and less dirt being tilled).

Having a bead of hard face run is probably a good idea, though they will be a bit blunt compared to not being faced (less efficient, but last a lot longer).

 

[jake98]

Wow, that's a lot of wear.. bet it feels different with the new tines on. How much per pound did those tines end up costing you?

 

[gwdixon]

Hate to mention it at this point but it may be worth you while to take the tines off and hard face them. With the amount of wear you are getting it might be worth it.

Mine were taken off and hardfaced when new on a 6' KK 20 years ago. The tines still have not worn down to base metal even in very rocky soil.

Tungsten rod is quite expensive so that may be a factor.

 

[Kays Supply]

Clean Cutter lists them for $11.95 each hard faced. They do it on the flat so that it tends to sharpen itself as it wears. My Iseki came with blades like that. They are like the day I got it.

 

[Farmwithjunk]

I've put (WAG) around 200 acres total on a 9-1/2 y. o. KKII 6'er. Around 150hrs, the old tines started to break from time to time. They'd worn away enough to weaken them. I replaced the entire set at that time. My expected use has dropped considerably. I'd venture the 2nd set will see me through to the end.