How to pick a tiller

[Ffphil]

Hey all, I have a YT359 60hp tractor and am looking to buy my first tiller. Don't let the size of the tractor fool you, I am a greenhorn. I have found a used RSB 1500 and RSB 1503 both for about $800. I only need it for the wifes garden and don't have any plans beyond that yet. I am searching the past post but would appreciate any direct input. Also I heard from a local dealer you need to size the drive line from the tractor to the tiller? Any thoughts here or how to knowledge? Thanks Phil

 

[jeff9366]

I heard from a local dealer you need to size the drive line from the tractor to the tiller? Any thoughts here or how to knowledge? Thanks Phil

The length of the telescoping PTO shaft sometimes needs to be shortened to fit your model tractor on all PTO-powered implements.

When you go into a swale the shaft will telescope shorter. Shaft needs to shorten without bottoming out.

When you crest a ridge, shaft will telescope longer. Must be long enough so two sections do not separate. If shafts separate, inboard end can kill you as it swings @ 540 rpm.


Multitude of videos on you-tube showing how to evaluate and cut PTO shafts.

 

[CADplans]

The length of the telescoping PTO shaft sometimes needs to be shortened to fit your model tractor on all PTO-powered implements.

With a used tiller,, the PO could possibly have SHORTENED the PTO shaft,,
so you may need to purchase a new one to get enough length,,,

That could easily add $300 to your $800 purchase price.

I know my 60HP tractor has L O N G three point hitch arms,, and I always need a long PTO shaft,,,

 

[Ffphil]

What size tiller do you run? I am assuming having extra HP is less of a problem than having too much?

 

[Ffphil]

Thanks I will look those up.

 

[Ffphil]

Can someone explain forward and reverse tilling and what that means to me?

 

[jeff9366]

Can someone explain forward and reverse tilling and what that means to me?

Forward rotating tillers are 90% of tiller market. Forward rotating tiller tines push tractor forward so they require only a small amount of tractor power.

Reverse rotation tillers are a small portion of the tiller market. Primarily used for "breaking" new ground, eliminating need for a turning plow. Reverse rotation tines pull against tractor forward progress, therefore dig in more. Heavier built. Weight helps penetration. Needs 35% to 50% more PTO horsepower for same tiller width, relative to forward rotation tillers.


Some Kubota/Land Pride tillers can be changed from forward to reverse tine rotation.

 

[Ffphil]

Thanks Jeff. Guess I need to update my profile. I graduated from the old 22hp Hinnamoto to Yanmar YT359C 65hp.

 

[rangerfredbob]

65hp should open up many options, my brother has some 55hp tractors and a 7' or 8' Northwest tiller (that thing is a beast, pretty sure it's near 2000lb) and it works on soil after the top has been cut, I think that's what he's doing... tiller is a little overkill but he got a killer deal on it...

The PTO length is important, the shaft on my finish mower was too short when I got it and it decoupled, conveniently it just stalled my little tractor and didn't even hurt the shaft... fixed the issue by installing a one way clutch which adds like 5" to the PTO length...

 

[Ffphil]

Does anyone have experience with Maschio tillers? I am looking at A180 or H185. It seems the 65hp of my tractor is a bit much for most tillers. The dealers around here will sell woods, landpride, frontier for about $2800 but they seem to be on the edge of just big enough. Im afraid the tractor will damage the running gear. Any thoughts?