How Do You Size and Buy the Right Rotary Tiller Attachment for a Tractor?
So you’re looking for a rotary tiller that works well with your tractor and is well suited to your soil conditions. Finding the right tiller for you takes more than just driving down to the dealer. There are a number of factors to consider when purchasing a tiller.
Forward or Reverse Rotation?
In dry, hard soil or virgin ground, a reverse-rotation rotary tiller will perform admirably; the rotor of a reverse-rotation tiller rotates in the opposite direction as the tractor; if your soil is rocky or has a high clay content, your options are limited to a forward-rotating model.
Gear vs. Chain?
The only limiting factor may be the size of your compact tractor. Both chain-drive and gear-drive tillers have rotor speeds of around 200 revolutions per minute (rpm), which is more than enough for tilling at 2 mph. Both end-mounted drive systems are easy to maintain and very durable components.
Four or Six Tine?
The more tines per flange on a rotary tiller, the more horsepower is required to turn the soil; a typical six-tine-per-flange tiller can require up to 23% more horsepower to turn the soil. More tines per flange also means more weight.
Other Considerations When Buying
Some tiller manufacturers offer models that offset to the right as you sit in the tractor seat, allowing you to get closer to buildings or fence lines while keeping your tractor at a safe distance. Your soil conditions will determine whether you can even consider a reverse-rotation model. With proper care, your rotary tiller will last for years to come.
Tackle Dirt Work with Worksaver Power Landscape Rakes
Power rakes are ideal for landscape contractors, with models available for compact/mini skid steers or three-point PTO-driven tractors, as well as features such as flip-up end plates, carbide or Sabre teeth, and a material control bar.
How wide should my tractor tiller be?
Get a 4 ft tiller for these tractors, Kubota BX, Deere 1-series, Massey GC17xx, etc. It will handle the toughest tilling conditions, allow you to get through small gates (54u2032u2032 or so), and fully cover the tire tracks.
How big of a tiller do I need?
A 5- to 6-horsepower tiller ($500 to $800) will suffice for medium-sized gardens, while large gardens of more than 5,000 square feet will require a tiller with at least a 6-horsepower engine ($800 to $2,000).
How much horsepower does a 6 tiller need?
In good soil, 5 PTO horsepower per foot of tiller is required, and in rough/hard soil, 6-7 horse is required. However, you can’t compare compact tractor horsepower to farm tractor horsepower unless the horse has been tested and proven at rated PTO speeds.
Which is better forward or reverse tiller?
Forward rotating tines, such as those on the RT3062, rotate forward on the shaft in the same direction as the tractor, so a tiller with reverse rotating tines will require a little more horsepower to get the job done, but the reverse action will make tilling into harder surfaces easier.
How deep will a rotary tiller dig?
Tillers have larger, heavy-duty tines that can be used for initial ground-breaking and can dig to depths of up to 8 inches.
Can you plant immediately after tilling?
Planting immediately after tilling is not recommended; instead, wait until the soil stops forming large clumps and is slightly dry before doing so. If the soil contains a significant amount of weeds, wait a while before sowing seeds or planting so that you can be sure the weeds are dead before sowing seeds or planting.
Is it worth buying a tiller?
In most cases, buying a new tiller is far more cost effective than renting, especially if you plan to use it for your garden on two days per year.
Does a tiller get rid of weeds?
A weed tiller is far more effective than hand tools at removing weeds because it saves time and is much more powerful; it automates the weed removal process and relieves you of a lot of back-breaking labor.
How much PTO HP do I need?
Remember to match the tractor to the job at hand: a good rule of thumb for a five-foot cutter (shredder) is 20 PTO horsepower (not engine horsepower), while a six-foot cutter requires around 30 PTO horsepower.
How do you measure tiller tines?
If you don’t know the make or model of your machine, you can find the right tiller tine by measuring the space between the mounting holes, center line to center line, and then typing the measurement into our search feature to find a list of tiller tines that fit your application.