Will a Bush Hog RTS50-04 work with my MF GC1715?

[Dirty Dog]

Got a new MF GC1715 compact tractor and would like to purchase a tiller. There is a local guy selling a Bush Hog RTS50-04 Rotary Tiller with eight tines. I looked up the specs on the machine and it recommended a PTO of between 18-50 hp. My tractor’s PTO is rated for 18.8 hp. My questions: Is this too much machine for my tractor and if so what is a recommended alternative? Thanks!

 

[Tinhack]

If you're including the decimals to make the grade, I would say no. More important is the weight. Would your tractor lift it off the ground? As long as you didn't try to bury the tines in one pass, you may be able to drag it through a garden. Personally, I'd look for something smaller.

 

[MoMower]

How wide is it?

 

[ammoaddict]

I would say it's a perfect fit. It's 50" wide. An 18-50 hp gearbox is just minimum and maximum hp rating. The ground you're tilling is where the problems come it. Very hard and rocky ground is what puts the load on your tractor. Just tilling the same garden spot each year won't be a problem. It should have a shear pin or slip clutch in case you get a rock or something hung up in it to prevent any damage.

 

[MoMower]

I would say it's a perfect fit. It's 50" wide. An 18-50 hp gearbox is just minimum and maximum hp rating. The ground you're tilling is where the problems come it. Very hard and rocky ground is what puts the load on your tractor. Just tilling the same garden spot each year won't be a problem. It should have a shear pin or slip clutch in case you get a rock or something hung up in it to prevent any damage.

At 50”, I can’t see it being a problem. I run a 48” KK, regular, not the light BX model, without issue.

 

[ammoaddict]

At 50”, I can’t see it being a problem. I run a 48” KK, regular, not the light BX model, without issue.

Yeah, I think you'll be perfectly fine with it. If you bought your tractor new from a reputable dealer, I would ask them as well.

 

[r porter]

i pull 60 inch tiller with a mf rated at 17 pto hp and 21 engine hp.

 

[cglaser104]

I agree... 48"-50" covers your tracks and you should be able to power it. I run a KK offset 48" on the little brother (gc1710) without issues.

 

[JWR]

I run a 40" tiller with a Kubota BX2200 and never a problem. Sure candidate tiller is 10" wider but as others said, if you are tilling previously tilled ground you won't have a problem. On the other hand, if you are buying new why not just go for a slightly smaller tiller ? I doubt if you are trying to till a lot of acreage. You may want to consider an offset mount such that you can "cover your tracks." Watch for PTO shaft length compatibility (or cutting to the right length) and overall compatibility with your Cat 0 3pt hitch as well.