Which Tiller?

[RobertN]

I am looking at getting a tiller. Parameters are work around home, maybe in the 2000sqft range, and light use at customers for our Mom & Pop landscape business.

So far, we have looked at the Troybilt "Horse". Am also looking at the BCS 722ES, with similar 8hp and tiller size. I found out today about a Honda FRC800 of similar size and capability.

Are there any other heavy residential or light commercial tillers I should look at?

 

[Ledgemere Farm]

Everyone I know who owns a Troy-Bilt loves it.

 

[BeeFarmer]

I've had two troybilt tillers. They are ok.. mine were the big ones... I sold them both for a 3pt one on my tractor and a very small one for just keeping the flower area clean and around the garden. If I were to get another one in the size range of a troybilt I would get one where the tiller turn oposite of the wheel direction. The troybilt didn't do that.

 

[milkman]

Don't know what features the BCS has that you were looking, but I have a BCS 735, it has a differential that makes the machine really easy to manuver at the end when you turn, it also has a lever that locks the differential to make both wheels pull. The tine speed on the BCS is faster than the troybilt.
Before I got the BCS, I had a Troybilt Horse for two summers, and the BCS is more stable on rough ground, has 5 forward speeds and two reverse speeds. In neuteral, the tines spin free, just try to unwind trash from the tines of a Troybilt. After using the BCS, the Troybilt was slow and cumbersome. I do know they are tough machines, but just not as user friendly.

 

[milkman]

Before I had the Troybilt, I found what I thought was a bargain on a counter rotating tiller you mention. It really works good on the first pass in untilled soil. That's all that I found it good at. In loose soil, the wheels wouldn't pull the tiller forward, they'd just spin in the loose dirt, and the only way to get it to move was to hold up on the handles, which pulled the tines out of the ground. I sold it for what I paid for it and was relieved to be rid of it.

 

[BeeFarmer]

I would agree with your statement. However, there are a few units out there that allow you to operate the tiller tine in both directions. This makes it acceptable for breaking up ground and standard tilling. Maybe, I should of suggested that type of unit and not been so specific to the conter rotating event. The two Horse units I had were nice, electric start with all the attachments.

 

[milkman]

I've seen those and they work fine for smaller gardens, the ones I've seen are made pretty light, even the Toro that operates both ways doesn't look too substantial for large garden and work for others. There may be some that are made like the Troybilt or BCS, but I haven't seen any of those.
Playin in the dirt is the fun part, whatever you get, have fun.

 

[fishman]

Have you checked the ones at Sears? I saw an ad for them for an upcoming sale this thurs through sat.

 

[bontai_Joe]

I've had my Troy-Bilt horse for over 20 years. The first 5 years I was doing as many as 5 gardens a day in the spring to earn some extra money. It has been a great machine and I would highly recommend one. Mine was manual start with a cast iron 7 HP Kohler engine. Get the wrap around bumper to protect it from bumping into fences and gate posts. Mine is in semi-retirement now, but still starts on the second pull. I can't speak about the BCS or others as I have no experience with them, but it would take one almighty heck of a machine to convince me not to get another Troy-Bilt, even though they are now an MTD product.

 

[Von]

Robert, I have an old front tine MERRY TILLER that also converts to a sickle mower for sale! I am listing it on ebay tonight (9pm your time) It will shake the crap right out of you! and dig to china while doing so! I just got a tiller for my tractor, so its got to go. I don't use the sickle mower as I have a rotory mower, but it works fine. I'll post a photo for you!

 

[Rodney]

I've had my 7hp (Briggs) troybilt for 15 yrs, still starts like it is new.

 

[fishman]

Anybody used the Troybilt Tuffy? They sell for $499 and look like a nice little unit. I've got about 1200 square feet of garden in two raised beds and think this might be just the ticket.

Von, I really like the looks of your Merry tiller and I've heard nothing but good things about them. Too bad you are in NY and I'm in TX. /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif

 

[Von]

Fishman, I would be more than happy to strap it to a pallet and ship it to you! Shipping should be about $75.00! Go to ebay item # 3801449344 to see more photos. You might like it!

 

[fishman]

Von, I sent you a private message.

 

[higgy]

there are several very nice hydralic drive units being made now. They are a dream to use.

I have used the burro model, loved it. with the hydrostatic drive you can go any speed that you need to.

Dane

 

[Saxman]

I have had 2 troy bilt Horse models. An 86 with a 7 HP Kohler and I purchased a new 8HP Horse in 92. They are GREAT machines, makes me sick to see the MTD versions that are for sale in the "box" stores. I compared to BCS tillers but the troy is more heavy duty. I didn't need multi-function machine so I got a Troy. I plan on this 8HP Horse lasting me the rest of my life, when the Kohler wears out I will put a 10HP Honda on it.

 

[milkman]

Heavy Duty only lasted six years??

 

[Saxman]

The 86 model was a used 81 model Horse that I purchased new. It was in great shape when I traded it for the new one. I am sure it is still running out there somewhere.

 

[Williy]

I have the large built troy seen some of the other units
but prefer the very well built troy.

willy

 

[CliffordK]

Ariens?

Wow, are they still making them? Perhaps they'd be worth checking out.