Garden Tillers

[OutInTheStiks]

This will be the first time since I moved from my parent's home that I will be attempting a vegetable garden. I have a tractor, turning plow, disc and cultivators. The tractor is too big for doing much in the garden after it is planted. Therfore, I am looking into buying a tiller.


The spot I have plowed is roughly 55 feet wide by 100 ft long.

I know I want a rear tine.

I am considering this one at Lowes.

http://www.lowes.com/pd_188242-270-...urrentURL=/pl__0__s?newSearch=true$Ntt=tiller

Anyone have any experience, feedback or recomendations?

 

[bigredfeather]

I have the Troy Bilt "Super Bronco" which is a 7 horse. Looks like the one you linked is a little smaller, but they look identical. I love mine. I had a front tyne one before, and the TB blows it away. The biggest problem I have with mine is when I'm trying to break open sod or really hard dirt. It wants to jump forward on this type ground. But, in combination with the tractor and implements you already have, you'll be in good shape. I plow my garden in the Fall. As soon as it is dry enough in the Spring, I run the 5 ft disk across it both ways, then use the TB for the final cultivation. They result is soil worked very fine and great for planting.

If you are able to afford a TB w/ a little more HP, it will likely be money well spent. Even when I drop the tilling depth at 6"-8", it still has plenty of power. You may not have that with a 5 HP motor.

Can't wait for it to dry up and start gardening.

Goodluck!

 

[mike67909]

becarefull of getting one with tires to small they tend to get stuck in loose soil easy and you end up pushing it along. I looked at the same one you did and opted not to get it because of the tire size.

I bought an airens rear tine i think i paid $650 (home depot). I would not recommend it i busted the transmission and it was 2 months before the repair shop got the parts to repair it, good thing the warranty covered it. I think you are on the right track with the troy built. I wish i spent the extra money on the more expensive troy built (don't remember which model).

good luck

 

[bigredfeather]

Quote:
That's a great point about the tires. I didn't even notice that when looking at the link. Here is a link to the one I have. It does have the bigger tires.

http://www.troybilt.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_10001_14102_91368_54971_-1_details

I think I paid $850 for mine 4 years ago. This time of year, you may be able to find a good one used on Craigslist for a good price.

 

[Acre of Blessings]

The tiller that we bought from lowes doesn't have tires and we love it. Hubby uses it all the time and when he has lots of work to do, I use it for him. And its not a small one either and I can handle it. Can't think og the name but it is the green one at lowes that runs $300 to $400. Either way you go make sure to get at the minimum a 2 year warranty. Garden work is tough, even on a tiller.

 

[Slywoody]

Troy built is the KING of garden tillers. I also have a Mantis that i use in my flower beds. Love them both.

 

[FortWorthChicks]

mine is a montgomery ward tiller built sometime in the late 60's or early 70's.

It was sitting outside his parents place out in the weather for more then 8 years rusting part of it's long life. Then when I said I need a garden the husband went out there collected the rust and after a few hours of cleaning parts and what ever it is that he does... it works like a charm!!

No idea on new ones but if you are mechanical at all invest in someones old one. You would be surprised.

 

[Junkmanme]

These days, Troy-Bilt is made by MTD.

I have an MTD rear-tine tiller which looks MUCH like this, except I did not see the "built-in" front weight on the Troy-Bilt that is on my MTD.

My MTD sold for $600 NEW 8 or 9 years ago.

It is WONDERFUL.

You wouldn't go wrong with either one.

-Junkmanme-

 

[OutInTheStiks]

Thanks to everyone for the feedback. After reading everyone's thoughts and doing a little more research on my own, I am leaning more towards the Super Bronco. It has the larger tires, a reverse gear and is two inches wider.

 

[Junkmanme]

It is MORE money...but it's more tiller.

By the way, My MTD tiller that I mentioned also has REVERSE GEAR.

GOOD LUCK with whatever you choose!

-Junkmanme-