rototiller to aerator

[mfrost]

Has anyone changed a rototiller into a power aerator slicer? Power aerators run about 7-9K. Thought changing the tines out to straight ones would work. Any help would be appreciated.

 

[Luremaker]

Take a look at this link on Mother Earth News Site about making straight tines for your tiller for pasture renovation. I just bought the steel to make the blades. I'll most likely spend the weekend cutting and grinding since I do not have a steel cutting band saw.

ttp://www.motherearthnews.com/Homesteading-and-Self-Reliance/1980-09-01/Pasture-Renovation.aspx

 

[Kays Supply]

I sold the Grey market compact tractors and tillers for a while. While looking on Ebay I found a machine for doing just what you are describing. It was a Grey tiller factory converted to straight tines. The Grey Market tillers have bolt on tines made to move around to change your tilling pattern. When the tine wears out it wears the curve off and leaves a straight arm that looks like a small saber. I have a worn set that I have been wanting to put on and try.

 

[Bird]

When I had a tractor, I never had an aerator, nor a need for one for that matter. Now back in town, I rented a core aerator last year to use on my lawn. It worked well, but was harder work than I expected. So I recently bought a Mantis tiller. I still haven't used it as a tiller; bought it primarily for the dethatcher attachment, but also the aerator attachment, which is just what you're describing; straight tines. You can see those Mantis attachments here. So I don't know any reason you couldn't make some straight tines for a PTO powered tiller.

 

[mfrost]

Take a look at this link on Mother Earth News Site about making straight tines for your tiller for pasture renovation. I just bought the steel to make the blades. I'll most likely spend the weekend cutting and grinding since I do not have a steel cutting band saw.

ttp://www.motherearthnews.com/Homesteading-and-Self-Reliance/1980-09-01/Pasture-Renovation.aspx

That was a good article.. think it would work as they said. When you get your's together it would be great if we could see some action pictures.

 

[bobodu]

I can't help but wonder,if your soil is loose enough to be able to get the tines down from a relatively light weight tiller conversion....do you need aeration?

 

[bigdad]

Hey Bird.....

Those little Mantis tillers are pretty aggressive little buggers. I've had one for several years and just love it. Great for tight spots.

Question: Are you happy with the dethatcher attachment?

Big Dad

 

[Bird]

Are you happy with the dethatcher attachment?

Yep, I like it. Of course you're only doing a 15" wide swatch at a time and it doesn't tear up thick St. Augustine as badly as I've seen done with a big heavy power dethatcher but it does a good job at what I wanted it to do.