Buying a Used Tiler

[treeguy]

Hello, I'm looking to buy a used tiller for my 43hp John Deere. The wheel base is around 6' but I was thinking I might not have enough HP for a 6' tiller and would get a 5' if it had enough offset.

I'd mostly be using the tiller for our pumpkin patch, but if I bought one this year I could use it for screening until our miscanthus grows in enough.

If I know nothing about tractor implements, is there any specific tillers I should look for or brands to stay away from?

Thanks!

 

[bigboreblr]

Unlss your soil has a bunch of roots or rocks you should do ok. Definitely ok with hydrostatic and looser soils.

Some tillers can go forward and reverse roatation. Thats a plus. Forward is coarse but puts soil on top to the bottom. Reverse loosens better, but doesnt move the soil height as well.

I dont hear great things about county line, but if youre not using it alot or hard on it, youll be ok

 

[Stubborn1VT]

I have run a 6' tiller with a 32 HP geared tractor. No problem tilling 6" down. I have heavyish clay, but no rocks.
My neighbor uses a 6' County Line tiller on 3 acres for sweet corn. He runs it with a 23 HP hydro John Deere. It occasionally stalls the tractor if he gets in a wet area.
If I had my choice of brands, I would go with Land Pride or Kuhn.

 

[Foggy47]

Tillers can lead a tough life if you have roots and rocks. Your 43 hp with a six footer should be no problem. The most bang for the buck is a King Kutter tiller.....IMO. There are more expensive brands out there.....but the KK is well built especially for low acreage users. I have a 5 footer that I have used with 3 different 30HP tractors to break my land. I've used and abused this tiller over 15 years. It's starting to look a little battle scarred but it works as good as new. Never have broke a tine or a chain or gear box despite going over and thru stumps, roots, wire, fence posts and rocks. Have had to cut lots of hog fence and roots out of the tines on many occasions. A sawzall, crowbar, and bolt cuter are your friends. Clutch has smoked on several occasions....but never have damaged it. This same thing has been echo'd by many users. For low use tilling......why pay more? Keep it greased and oil filled in the gear box and chain case.

I bought my first one new for $500 in the off-season. Then I bought two more for similar off-season prices for my SiL"S and theirs looks and work like new too. Ask TSC store manager if he has any discount coupons available for a tiller....they generally have 10% or more available.

I imagine they are over $1200 these days. FB Marketplace should find you a used one.

 

[swat1018]

5 hp / foot is a general rule of thumb. Get enough to cover your wheel tracks.

 

[RGrizzzz]

I imagine they are over $1200 these days. FB Marketplace should find you a used one.

Try $2150/4', $2429/5' and $2610/6'. I'd love to find one for $500!