Why are "C" tiller tines different from "L" shaped tines?

[sixdogs]

There is a difference but I have no idea. Are they easier on the machine or leave a better seedbed or less aggressive? It must be something.
Any ideas appreciated. Thanks in advance.

 

[kebo]

From what I've seen, the gray market import tillers have the C shape tines, and the American made tillers have the L shaped tines. Of course, that may not hold true for all tillers. The import tillers are made for the rice paddies, while most of dirt here in the states is harder to till up.

 

[jlgurr]

Never thought much of it until you asked so I looked and found this...

- Agristore USA | Top-quality agricultural, lawn & garden and industrial replacement parts at prices you can afford | Indianapolis, IN

 

[Sportsman762]

Another consideration is how much hp do you have per ft? A L tine requires more HP when compared to a C tine because the entire blade enters the ground at the same moment. A L tine gives you a better seed bed because the bottom of the tilled area is flat where as with a C tine the bottom of the tilled area is grooved. Both provide a good fluffy seedbed. To get a finer seedbed get a tiller with more tines. I know that most Howard Rotavators have two drum options, one is a fine drum with more tines and the other is a more course drum with less tines. The more tines teh more hp required per foot of tiller.

 

[sixdogs]

Good advice here. Thank you.

Mine are "L" tines and I need to replace many of them. I don't usually till hard packed ground but first chisel plow and then skim till the softer ground. Since I'm not replacing all of them I'm going to stay with the "L" tines. After reading the info above, however I'm going to switch to "C" tines when I wear these out.

On the horsepower issue, I have enough HP and experience has shown me to not overpower a tiller but in fact run with a little less HP than the maximum. I've seen too much power wear out a tiller faster and a little underpowered make them last longer. Just my observation.

Thank you all. I didn't realize there was this much of a difference in performance. Guess I just never thought about it.

 

[clemsonfor]

The C tines are usually used over seas in rice fields where they till muck for rice field prep. They work in hard red clay as well but most american tillers ahve the L tines

 

[sixdogs]

After a couple years of using them, I know enough about "C" times so can update. The ones you want to use are "C" tines and generally not "L" tines for most applications.

"C" tines take less horsepower than "L" tines, hardpan way less in clay and last much longer than "L" tines. In addition, I raised my tiller a bit to reduce tilling depth and the "C" tines last even longer. Because I chisel plow ground before I till it, I don't even notice the difference. Before, I could almost wear out a set of "L" tines in a year. This year, my "C" tines were used as much but show very little wear. It's C for me. FYI

 

[HayDR]

C tines work best in clay soil. C tines will work better on ground that has ground cover they do not wind up surface crop as easy and L tines. L tines work best in sandy soils and if you are mixing something into the soil. Most tillers sold in the USA come with C tines except Howard & King Kutter & their copies.

 

[Sawyer Rob]

NO question about it, C tines last longer than L tines...

SR

 

[Jack Yuan]

There is a difference but I have no idea. Are they easier on the machine or leave a better seedbed or less aggressive? It must be something.
Any ideas appreciated. Thanks in advance.

According to its processing method, L shape is not as strong as C IF you use same material. So for me, L shape tines is an impression of powerful manufacturer, because we will use better material to produce L shape tines which customers cannot see any difference only according to its outlook.