Roto Tilling

[Texasmark]

Hi Folks,

New (urban) neighbors bought the JD 4052R (52 hp compact) last year and have done a great job of clearing their 50+ acres from 40+ years of totally neglected usage other than for free range type cattle grazing. Tractor worked flawlessly and the middle aged folks who never got in a seat adapted really well and are really enjoying their new experience.

They have started talking about a garden. Who knows what size so let's concentrate on the implement.

I have all the production equipment necessary for the job and will do the work for them (courtesy) to get the soil ready for the first year's planting.

What I want to know is what is your experience with the JD tractor mounted roto tillers. Soil seems to be more of a sandy loam light clay as compared to my rock hard Houston Black Clay so it ought to roto till really well once I break it up and that one implement should do all that's needed. If a drag spike harrow is necessary they can borrow mine and just pull it behind the tiller.

They already have a maintenance contract with JD and they seem to like the equipment and dealer field tech service so let's stick with that brand.

Thanks,

Mark

 

[jenkinsph]

I have a JD 673 tiller which would be a good fit for the 4052R that is what I would recommend. This is a 6' tiller with 6 tines per rotor and will work up to 7 inches deep. If operated correctly it will leave a smooth finish without much need for a harrow.

I use mine for small pastures more than gardens and works well for my uses.

 

[Egon]

For garden plots the roto tiller will work very well with the sise of tractor involved. Do some thinking on width as there may be maintenance between rows involved??

 

[Texasmark]

I have a JD 673 tiller which would be a good fit for the 4052R that is what I would recommend. This is a 6' tiller with 6 tines per rotor and will work up to 7 inches deep. If operated correctly it will leave a smooth finish without much need for a harrow.

I use mine for small pastures more than gardens and works well for my uses.

Is the 673 available at the JD dealer? If not, any idea as to current Frontier model that mimics it?

Thanks for the reply.

 

[Texasmark]

For garden plots the roto tiller will work very well with the sise of tractor involved. Do some thinking on width as there may be maintenance between rows involved??

Would you explain: "Do some thinking on width as there may be maintenance between rows involved??"

Thanks

 

[Egon]

When it's planted usually narrow fits better between rows.

 

[corl]

Choose a width tiller that covers both rear tire tracks. consider the "plant a row: skip a row" technique. Makes weeding simple.
Check out this website for great information The Bayou Gardener - Index

 

[Texasmark]

When it's planted usually narrow fits better between rows.

Ok thanks. I figured on a 6' rototiller with a Mantis or something of the sort for cultivation. Rows probably will be half that width or closer depending on crop.

 

[Texasmark]

Choose a width tiller that covers both rear tire tracks. consider the "plant a row: skip a row" technique. Makes weeding simple.
Check out this website for great information The Bayou Gardener - Index

Thanks,

I gave them the www of this post so that they can follow along with any usable tips.

 

[jenkinsph]

You should be able to get one from the dealer, that is where I bought mine. Whether they have one in stock is another matter.