Tillers? Forward or reverse rotation? Makers?

[hsvhobbit]

Just about to pull the trigger on a new Kubota 4630 and am starting to look at tillers. Kinda confused newbe here. The only tiller's I've used are the walk behind and on those, the reverse rotation makes a huge difference and is great to have.

Is the same true on a 3PH tiller? Is the reverse rotation as nice a feature as it is on the walk behind's? The reason I ask is that most of the manufacturers only have the forward rotation models. I've found a few that offer reverse as an option and one (Howse) that lets you change between the two modes.

Any help would be greatly appreciated and really help out.

Also, I'm looking at the 72" model's, is this too large for the Kubota to handle well? These seem to weigh in the 7-800lb range and I've been told by the dealer that they really do 'work' the tractor pretty hard.

Does anyone have a preferred brand or are they pretty much the same under the paint?

 

[hsvhobbit]

Just about to pull the trigger on a new Kubota 4630 and am starting to look at tillers. Kinda confused newbe here. The only tiller's I've used are the walk behind and on those, the reverse rotation makes a huge difference and is great to have.

Is the same true on a 3PH tiller? Is the reverse rotation as nice a feature as it is on the walk behind's? The reason I ask is that most of the manufacturers only have the forward rotation models. I've found a few that offer reverse as an option and one (Howse) that lets you change between the two modes.

Any help would be greatly appreciated and really help out.

Also, I'm looking at the 72" model's, is this too large for the Kubota to handle well? These seem to weigh in the 7-800lb range and I've been told by the dealer that they really do 'work' the tractor pretty hard.

Does anyone have a preferred brand or are they pretty much the same under the paint?

 

[bigtiller]

I ran a 50 inch forward tine tiller for 13 years behind JD garden tractors and thought it did an excellent job. but when it came to hard ground the 300 pound tiller would bounce up and down trying to get in the ground and when it finally got a good bite it would push the tractor forward until I hit the brakes. Now I have a JD 2305 with a 50 inch reverse tine tiller that weighs 400 pounds and all of the hard ground problems are over with. The differential box is rated for 18 - 25 PTO HP and I only have 19 so it is slow going but a lot safer around fences and buildings.

 

[bigtiller]

I ran a 50 inch forward tine tiller for 13 years behind JD garden tractors and thought it did an excellent job. but when it came to hard ground the 300 pound tiller would bounce up and down trying to get in the ground and when it finally got a good bite it would push the tractor forward until I hit the brakes. Now I have a JD 2305 with a 50 inch reverse tine tiller that weighs 400 pounds and all of the hard ground problems are over with. The differential box is rated for 18 - 25 PTO HP and I only have 19 so it is slow going but a lot safer around fences and buildings.

 

[hsvhobbit]

Ok, did some research and it looks like the Howse brand will let me switch between forward and reverse so I could (in theory) try out both modes. Hope it's a decent brand.

Thanks for the feedback.

 

[hsvhobbit]

Ok, did some research and it looks like the Howse brand will let me switch between forward and reverse so I could (in theory) try out both modes. Hope it's a decent brand.

Thanks for the feedback.

 

[KiotiJohn]

I have a Howse rotary cutter that has held up well to a lot of use. I think most of their stuff, while economy, is well built.

I've heard others say that the reverse tillers are preferable, but I don't know.
John

 

[KiotiJohn]

I have a Howse rotary cutter that has held up well to a lot of use. I think most of their stuff, while economy, is well built.

I've heard others say that the reverse tillers are preferable, but I don't know.
John

 

[jbrumberg]

hsvhobbit:
LandPride also makes both forward and reverse rotation tillers. I would suggest you look at LandPride's website www.landpride.com as it is quite informative. Having reviewed a great deal of tiller product information as well as havng reviewed many archival threads here on TBN. I am under the impression that reverse rotation tillers work extremely well in established prepared beds and will work as described by "bigtiller". My concern is that a reverse rotation tiller would probably have a greater tendency to jam on bigger rocks while a forward rotation tiller would tend to throw the rocks. Living in NE with a new rock crop each Spring paired with the fact that I have gotten lazy and do not use my single bottom plow to break up "virgin" sod (i.e. dig up rocks) and instead just till away has led me to the recent purchase of a CCM M-160 tiller (forward rotation) which really does the job as expected. I can not comment on your tractor's power or the power requirements of a 72" tiller. Good luck on your research! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif Jay

 

[jbrumberg]

hsvhobbit:
LandPride also makes both forward and reverse rotation tillers. I would suggest you look at LandPride's website www.landpride.com as it is quite informative. Having reviewed a great deal of tiller product information as well as havng reviewed many archival threads here on TBN. I am under the impression that reverse rotation tillers work extremely well in established prepared beds and will work as described by "bigtiller". My concern is that a reverse rotation tiller would probably have a greater tendency to jam on bigger rocks while a forward rotation tiller would tend to throw the rocks. Living in NE with a new rock crop each Spring paired with the fact that I have gotten lazy and do not use my single bottom plow to break up "virgin" sod (i.e. dig up rocks) and instead just till away has led me to the recent purchase of a CCM M-160 tiller (forward rotation) which really does the job as expected. I can not comment on your tractor's power or the power requirements of a 72" tiller. Good luck on your research! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif Jay

 

[jbrumberg]

hsvhobbit:
I want to apologize for my rudeness (not uncommon). Welcome to TBN. We all want to help you spend your money!! /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif Jay

 

[jbrumberg]

hsvhobbit:
I want to apologize for my rudeness (not uncommon). Welcome to TBN. We all want to help you spend your money!! /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif Jay

 

[Doc_Bob]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( hsvhobbit:
LandPride also makes both forward and reverse rotation tillers. I would suggest you look at LandPride's website www.landpride.com as it is quite informative. Having reviewed a great deal of tiller product information as well as havng reviewed many archival threads here on TBN. I am under the impression that reverse rotation tillers work extremely well in established prepared beds and will work as described by "bigtiller". My concern is that a reverse rotation tiller would probably have a greater tendency to jam on bigger rocks while a forward rotation tiller would tend to throw the rocks. Living in NE with a new rock crop each Spring paired with the fact that I have gotten lazy and do not use my single bottom plow to break up "virgin" sod (i.e. dig up rocks) and instead just till away has led me to the recent purchase of a CCM M-160 tiller (forward rotation) which really does the job as expected. I can not comment on your tractor's power or the power requirements of a 72" tiller. Good luck on your research! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif Jay )</font>

Do you use your bottom plow with your New Holland TC29DA or White 1650 ???? Do you have draft control?
Bob

 

[Doc_Bob]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( hsvhobbit:
LandPride also makes both forward and reverse rotation tillers. I would suggest you look at LandPride's website www.landpride.com as it is quite informative. Having reviewed a great deal of tiller product information as well as havng reviewed many archival threads here on TBN. I am under the impression that reverse rotation tillers work extremely well in established prepared beds and will work as described by "bigtiller". My concern is that a reverse rotation tiller would probably have a greater tendency to jam on bigger rocks while a forward rotation tiller would tend to throw the rocks. Living in NE with a new rock crop each Spring paired with the fact that I have gotten lazy and do not use my single bottom plow to break up "virgin" sod (i.e. dig up rocks) and instead just till away has led me to the recent purchase of a CCM M-160 tiller (forward rotation) which really does the job as expected. I can not comment on your tractor's power or the power requirements of a 72" tiller. Good luck on your research! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif Jay )</font>

Do you use your bottom plow with your New Holland TC29DA or White 1650 ???? Do you have draft control?
Bob

 

[hsvhobbit]

jbrumberg; Thanks for the welcome! I didn't notice any rudeness at all and am grateful you shared your experience. As a newbie I only recognize a few major names in tractors and implements and am discovering a whole new world /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif It's a confusing one but I've been lurking around this site for awhile and soaking up all the info I can, and there's an amazing amount to take in.

It's touching to see the willingness ( /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif ) of folks around here to help me spend money on cool 'toys'..and here I thought my wife was doing a great job at that.

I'll check out the landpride website and see what they have, thanks for the reference.

 

[hsvhobbit]

jbrumberg; Thanks for the welcome! I didn't notice any rudeness at all and am grateful you shared your experience. As a newbie I only recognize a few major names in tractors and implements and am discovering a whole new world /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif It's a confusing one but I've been lurking around this site for awhile and soaking up all the info I can, and there's an amazing amount to take in.

It's touching to see the willingness ( /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif ) of folks around here to help me spend money on cool 'toys'..and here I thought my wife was doing a great job at that.

I'll check out the landpride website and see what they have, thanks for the reference.

 

[hsvhobbit]

Just got done calling the local Landpride dealers... /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif ummm I could buy TWO of the Howse reverse tine tillers for what ONE of the Landpride's would set me back..Is there stuff REALLY that much better?

The Howse website lists their 70 inch tiller at around $1800 plus around 200 shipping...the local landpride 72" is selling for around $3500+tax

Guess I'm pretty naive but the specs on the two brands don't look all that far off..what am I missing here?

 

[hsvhobbit]

Just got done calling the local Landpride dealers... /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif ummm I could buy TWO of the Howse reverse tine tillers for what ONE of the Landpride's would set me back..Is there stuff REALLY that much better?

The Howse website lists their 70 inch tiller at around $1800 plus around 200 shipping...the local landpride 72" is selling for around $3500+tax

Guess I'm pretty naive but the specs on the two brands don't look all that far off..what am I missing here?

 

[Bob_Skurka]

I have a 50" LandPride tiller with Side-Shift capabilities, it is 2 years old, and I think it only cost me about $1100 when I bought it. I'd be surprised if $3500 is a competitive price for a tiller that is only 20" wider and does not have the Side-Shift feature.

As to quality, LandPride is generally considered one of the better brands, but maybe not the highest tier brands. Howse, as KiotiJohn said, is generally built tough but considered a value brand. My friend sells Howse equipment, I've borrowed many of his "demo" pieces and generally don't like the paint quality and weld quality, but the stuff seems to hold up. I think it is a decent value, but not what I would choose to buy as it often lacks little design features I've come to appreciate. That said, I've never tried a Howse tiller, there are many TBN members who have gotten years of service from their Howse tillers and think they are good.

As for REVERSE rotation, realize it takes more horsepower to run a reverse rotation tiller than a forward rotation tiller.

As to size, I can only relay my experience. I use 24 and 30 horsepower tractors. At my home I have black sticky clay and can easily bog down the 30 hp tractor while running the tiller, at my other property I have loam with sand and the 24hp tractor EASILY will tear right through established sod with the tiller. So please consider your soil conditions!!! With light soil you can easily use larger implements than you can with heavy soil. I've had similar experiences with box blades. At home I can stop my 24hp with a 48" box blade, but at my other property, the same tractor can handle a 60" box blade. At my home, the 30hp tractor just manages the 60" box blade.

 

[Bob_Skurka]

I have a 50" LandPride tiller with Side-Shift capabilities, it is 2 years old, and I think it only cost me about $1100 when I bought it. I'd be surprised if $3500 is a competitive price for a tiller that is only 20" wider and does not have the Side-Shift feature.

As to quality, LandPride is generally considered one of the better brands, but maybe not the highest tier brands. Howse, as KiotiJohn said, is generally built tough but considered a value brand. My friend sells Howse equipment, I've borrowed many of his "demo" pieces and generally don't like the paint quality and weld quality, but the stuff seems to hold up. I think it is a decent value, but not what I would choose to buy as it often lacks little design features I've come to appreciate. That said, I've never tried a Howse tiller, there are many TBN members who have gotten years of service from their Howse tillers and think they are good.

As for REVERSE rotation, realize it takes more horsepower to run a reverse rotation tiller than a forward rotation tiller.

As to size, I can only relay my experience. I use 24 and 30 horsepower tractors. At my home I have black sticky clay and can easily bog down the 30 hp tractor while running the tiller, at my other property I have loam with sand and the 24hp tractor EASILY will tear right through established sod with the tiller. So please consider your soil conditions!!! With light soil you can easily use larger implements than you can with heavy soil. I've had similar experiences with box blades. At home I can stop my 24hp with a 48" box blade, but at my other property, the same tractor can handle a 60" box blade. At my home, the 30hp tractor just manages the 60" box blade.