Using a Forward Tiller in Reverse?

[npalen]

Was thinking about tillers the other day and wondered if anyone has tried using a conventional tiller while backing with the tractor. I'm guessing that the rear shield may need to be raised and there would be tractor tracks remaining but a quick pass in the forward direction would take care of that. I'm trying to picture in my mind what else is different on reverse rotation tillers. Maybe I'm missing something stupidly obvious. Anyone tried it?

 

[powerpace]

Yep. When I was doing landscaping I did it regularly. To remove the sod layer and get the grass out.
If you go deep the soil will be building up in back of the tiller. Good for a short 3-4 ft distance.

 

[TomSeller]

Also tends to roll up the sod and weeds to the edge of the garden if you go backwards with some 3 pt rototillers. I have never done it, but have seen it done.

 

[npalen]

That's interesting! Wonder what the difference is that would cause an actual reverse tiller to not bunch up as you guys describe?

 

[powerpace]

That's interesting! Wonder what the difference is that would cause an actual reverse tiller to not bunch up as you guys describe?

Not really sure what you asked, but here goes.
In normal tiller usage the forward motion of the tractor is paced with the forward and downward cutting action of the blades. The dirt is chopped and thrown about in a more or less even pattern.

In a tiller that is reverse rotation the tractor is still moving forward while the tiller blades would be cutting from behind the shaft. The blades exit the soil in front of the shaft and throw the soil back over the shaft and leave more or less a even pattern.

If the tractor is moving backwards with the tiller rotation in forward motion the soil is being thrown in the direction of tractor travel, backward. Thus pushing the debris and soil in a pile.

 

[bigtiller]

That's interesting! Wonder what the difference is that would cause an actual reverse tiller to not bunch up as you guys describe?

The tines on both types of tillers are directional. They can be forced into the ground while driving in reverse but the tilling action isn't very economical.

Reverse tillers incorporate vegetation as well as forward tillers but they fail miserably when trying to incorporate thick, loose, dry and fluffy mulch such as fresh straw and leaves. I gets pushed forward until there is a pile of it under the lift arms and pto shaft. This problem can be defeated by making a 2 inch deep pass first, mixing in some soil with the mulch to give it some weight. But even doing that has it's problems because it still likes to push things forward. Reverse tillers are best for hard, compacted ground - as long as you have the horse power to run them.

 

[oldballs]

The owner's manual on my tiller says you can bend the lift arms by working (driving) backwards with their forward tine model....if I remember correctly. I think it said to raise it out of the ground even when turning. But I'm new at running a tiller........

 

[npalen]

Would it be correct to say that cutting in the reverse direction results in the teeth cutting "new" dirt on the upstroke rather than the downstroke and then the dirt has to pass back over the top of the tines? "Cutting in the reverse direction" in this case could be done by traveling forward with a reverse tiller or traveling rearward with a conventional tiller. I can sure see where cutting on the upstroke tends to push loose vegetation as mentioned above.

 

[powerpace]

Would it be correct to say that cutting in the reverse direction results in the teeth cutting "new" dirt on the upstroke rather than the downstroke and then the dirt has to pass back over the top of the tines? "Cutting in the reverse direction" in this case could be done by traveling forward with a reverse tiller or traveling rearward with a conventional tiller. I can sure see where cutting on the upstroke tends to push loose vegetation as mentioned above.

Yes.

Right, the tines are also reversed/rearward with conventional tiller means the tines are cutting on their backside.

The soils and trash is pushed in the direction of travel.

There are videos on reverse tillers in operation.

 

[npalen]

I'm still trying to figure out what is different between a reverse tiller with the tractor going forward and a conventional tiller with the tractor backing up. It seems that in both cases the blades are cutting with their sharpened edge and cutting on the up side of the rotation. I do realize that a conventional tiller is not designed to be used in back up mode.
I did notice on a LandPride reverse tiller that there is an adjustable (I believe) rubber shield in front of the rotor and I suppose that controls how much soil is thrown ahead of the rotor and how much goes over the top and out the back. Seems like another brand I looked at had a screening device to control what size rocks were buried and which were tilled under.
I don't mean to be argumentative, just trying to sort it out in mind and all input from you guys is appreciated.