Rototiller advice

[Peter Bateman]

I'm going to buy a new rototiller something like in this article - https://prohomeandgardenreviews.com/best-rototiller-for-rocky-soil/ and retire the ancient 5HP front tine unit.

I'm going for a rear tine, and am wondering if any creekers have experience with:

counter-rotating tines
troy-bilt
cub cadet
poulan

any suggestions for a specific model or engine size are welcome.

Thanks,
Peter

 

[larry4406]

Counter-rotating tines are a must. Otherwise the unit wants to run away from you.

I have an older Craftsman (rebadged MTD) unit that is 5HP. It works well.

On mine I can disengage the tines yet still power the wheels which is sometimes helpful to self propel the unit from the shed to the garden although its a slow pace.

 

[Farmall450]

The Rear Tine Cub Cadet I see everywhere has been the same basic design forever (order ~ 20 years) and seems quite decent. Troy bilt is made in the same plant, to a lower price point. Earthquake is the real budget offering.

 

[DFB]

The only reason a unit runs away is when your taking too big a bite in hard ground.

You need to use the adjuster and it take time to break new ground up and of course people are always in hurry and generally clueless but once it is all loose those walk behinds do work like a dream. Even one handed use just like in those old **** Raymond Troybuilt videos

I have had the same Troy Built for about 25 years. I started commercial with it, but graduated quickly to a 3 pt PTO driven BushHog in very short time though

We have killed off a Toro...total piece of junk and have also beat bad a small Troybuilt similar to mine down where I work. People are jackasses with equipment though, and my boss always cheap.

We have BCS now along two 3pt pto driven units...one a counter rotating tiller. That gets totally clogged in wet ground and you have to creep along at snail's pace

 

[cjarvis]

Counter-rotating tines are a must. Otherwise the unit wants to run away from you.

I have an older Craftsman (rebadged MTD) unit that is 5HP. It works well.

On mine I can disengage the tines yet still power the wheels which is sometimes helpful to self propel the unit from the shed to the garden although its a slow pace.

What he said. I have one just like it that’s on its second engine now. Great tiller.

 

[Huntsfromtree]

Find a older Troy bilt horse made before the MTD buyout. Preferably with a Kohler or USA made briggs.

 

[Packard V8]

Find a older Troy bilt horse made before the MTD buyout. Preferably with a Kohler or USA made briggs.

X2 the old Troybilt are the best ever; built like a tank. I've been using a 7hp Kohler for forty years and it's needed no maintenance beyond an oil change once a year.

jack vines

 

[theoldwizard1]

Counter-rotating tines are a must. Otherwise the unit wants to run away from you.

I have an older Craftsman (rebadged MTD) unit that is 5HP. It works well.

If you can find one of these, buy it ! It does NOT work well in a small (< 20x20) garden (too many turns), but it is great for long straight runs.

 

[Farmall450]

X2 the old Troybilt are the best ever; built like a tank. I've been using a 7hp Kohler for forty years and it's needed no maintenance beyond an oil change once a year.

jack vines

Same unit we've got.

 

[thool]

I have an old Troy Bilt Horse from I believe 1982, 6 hp Tecumseh engine. I got it for $350 and it is like new with the exception of the reverse rubber wheel is cracked and the tines are worn. The previous owner was the original buyer, kept it in a garage for 10 years after he passed away. If you can find one of these models, grab one! They are very sturdy and simple.

 

[Copymutt]

I invested big bucks on a Mainline back in the early 80’s. Eight horse walk behind tractor w/ multiple attachments. Engine was an Italian BCS. They’ve gone by the wayside now, but mine runs as good as the day I got it. I dug ditches by turning the handlebar around. This put the tiller on the front. That SOB will tear it up. Snowblower, tiller, water pump, gen., sikle bar mower, jockey seat on & on. I bought 2 more from a foreclosure auction and traded them for the dirt work for my garage. I finally graduated to a 3 pt. 40” tiller for my Deere. Now we’re talkin.