Hey, what's the best walk behind tiller?

[Dargo]

I have about 1600 feet of backfill I need to smooth out next to my new concrete driveway and possibly regular garden duty for the Mrs. I have a 84" tiller for my tractor, but I can't use it next to my driveway and I don't really want to make the rows 8' wide in the garden to allow me to till between the rows.

I don't want to buy junk, (those of you have read my posts for the last few years are likely saying "no kidding" ) but I don't intend to be a professional gardner. What is a good width? 24" Is it better to have rear turning tines? Is it better to have tines that will go either way? Are there any brands to avoid?

I've been pretty well versed on most equipment I've purchased in the past. On walk behind tillers I don't know squat. So, please, tell me what I need to know. Also, about how much money should I expect to spend? Thanks!!

 

[VABlue]

Find something that has hydraulic assist and pay for it. The standard walk-behinds will beat the crap out of you unless your soil is soft and perfect... That claw hammer would be easier on you!

 

[KentT]

IMO, look for a used Troybilt Horse or Pro Horse with at least an 8HP engine -- from the era before MTD, if possible. They'll give you the most machine for the money. New, your best choices are a BCS (read VERY expensive) or Mainline...

The old Troybilts have a gear-drive transmission that used to be guaranteed for life, and virtually indestructible. Note than NO rear-tine tiller will do a good job breaking sod, and you'll have to go over it multiple times. The key to a rear-tine is to take your time, not push down nor force it, and let the tiller do the work at its pace -- if you do, they'll do a good job and won't beat you to death. If you try to force it -- you'll end up wrestling the tiller. Once tilled, like in the garden, you can truly operate one with just one hand...

 

[Bill Barrett]

There is no good WALK behind tiller LOL

 

[hunterridgefarm]

IMO, look for a used Troybilt Horse or Pro Horse with at least an 8HP engine -- from the era before MTD, if possible. They'll give you the most machine for the money. New, your best choices are a BCS (read VERY expensive) or Mainline...

The old Troybilts have a gear-drive transmission that used to be guaranteed for life, and virtually indestructible. Note than NO rear-tine tiller will do a good job breaking sod, and you'll have to go over it multiple times. The key to a rear-tine is to take your time, not push down nor force it, and let the tiller do the work at its pace -- if you do, they'll do a good job and won't beat you to death. If you try to force it -- you'll end up wrestling the tiller. Once tilled, like in the garden, you can truly operate one with just one hand...

I agree with KentT.

I have the Troybuilt Horse I use for the garden. Does a great job but you do need to plow and disc before you use the tiller. It is not good to break new ground. I think mine cost around $1800.00 new. It is several years old and I have had no problems.

STAY AWAY FROM FRONT TINE TILLERS...there killers!

 

[Dargo]

I think mine cost around $1800.00 new. It is several years old and I have had no problems.

Uh, I just fell out of my chair. Since I had no idea what to look for, I have not priced a single tiller. Can you say sticker shock?! For some reason I was thinking that a really nice, high end, tiller would cost me about a grand. I suppose I'm way off.

Oh well, I don't want crappy junk. And, my ground is so hard that my prized claw hammer won't hardly dent it with our current draught. What width would be a good width? So far I have 1.) no front tines, 2.) prices are higher than I thought, and 3.) don’t try to hurry when I’m tilling.

Okay, so what’s next? Do I need to get Troybilt Horse or Pro Horse? Is 8 hp enough hp for hard clay soil? I’m taking notes and plan to begin my search this next week.

 

[jeffinsgf]

In your recap, you overlooked the best piece of advice, and I think missed an important detail.

The detail is that a Troybuilt you buy today is not the same as a Troybuilt before the MTD takeover. Look for used, if you decide to go that route.

The best advice if you want to buy new is to look at a BCS two-wheeled tractor.

Here's a link to a reputable dealer:

http://www.earthtoolsbcs.com/html/bcs_implement_prices.html

I almost bought one of these before I bought my tractor. I still see a need for it, but it will be a few years before its investment rises to the top of the pile.

 

[VABlue]

That 2-wheeled thing looks like fun! It also looks expensive...

Dargo, most tillers these days have tines you can remove on either side to fit between rows. Simple cotter keyed shafts. Get something at least 24" that has the removeable tines.

 

[KentT]

Uh, I just fell out of my chair. Since I had no idea what to look for, I have not priced a single tiller. Can you say sticker shock?! For some reason I was thinking that a really nice, high end, tiller would cost me about a grand. I suppose I'm way off.

Oh well, I don't want crappy junk. And, my ground is so hard that my prized claw hammer won't hardly dent it with our current draught. What width would be a good width? So far I have 1.) no front tines, 2.) prices are higher than I thought, and 3.) don’t try to hurry when I’m tilling.

Okay, so what’s next? Do I need to get Troybilt Horse or Pro Horse? Is 8 hp enough hp for hard clay soil? I’m taking notes and plan to begin my search this next week.

I went looking, and it looks like the Horse is still available, still with the limited lifetime warranty. I didn't realize it was still available -- I was used to seeing the Troybilt name on a lot of MTD junk, just like they've done to Bolens, etc.

$1899 new...

Horse Garden Tiller and other Rototillers from Troy-Bilt#

 

[milkman]

You asked for the BEST and you want EASY to use because you mentioned that your wife would be using it, then there is only three letters that fit both criteria... BCS, get the 7.. or 8.. series that has a differential, easy to turn and they also have differential lock for traction in loose soil. I've seen them at rental yards, but don't know if they have the 7.. or 8.. series for rent. Upscale in price but money well spent, at EARTH TOOL you can specify Honda engine, or even diesel. I had Troybilt Horse before I bought my BCS in 87, no comparison, not even in the same class.