2305 plow and tiller question

[jim2210]

With a tiller on my 2210 I think you are better off ripping the soil first, either with a subsoiler or scarifiers on a box blade. As mentioned previously, the tiller will work better (in my experience) with the busted up soil. It also helps show hidden surprises, i.e. rocks. If you're going to be tilling for other people in unknown soil, I would make this a must.

I linked some pictures of an area I tilled last summer, prior to having it leveled off by a bulldozer. You could tell the difference in the area I ripped up prior to tilling. If you look you could see some big rocks that would have reeked havoc on the tiller.

Pictures by jim2210 - Photobucket

 

[JDTRAC]

JDFORLIFE,

I purchased the following with my 2305:

1) 647 JD Tiller
2) 12" 1-Bottom Plow (The one JD sells for the X700 Series garden tractors)
3) LX4 Rotary Mower (Use for garden residue and 2 garden pasture)

My garden area is 50' by 100'. I initially used my plow to turn over the sod and get started. Now I primarily use the 647 tiller for all field prep work, both spring and fall. What works for me at end of season is to mow over the garden residue (sweet corn stocks, tomato plants, green bean plants, etc) with the LX4. Then, I drive thru slowly with the 647 tilling deep and then leave the field rough over the winter. Leave it rough over winter keeps soil from blowing and shifting. Some garden residue stubble mixed in is helpful in this process, as well as covering the field with leaves in the fall. Alternatively, I have used the plow to turn over the garden residue trash and to build up one end of the garden which drops slightly to build up the grade (like farmers do in building up a terrace). I had considered buying the Frontier Disc Harrow too, however, found that the 647 tiller takes care of my needs. I prefer the JD 647, but Frontier tiller is a great product.