Advice On Buying A Good Garden Tiller
#1
03-07-19, 04:48 PM
Advice On Buying A Good Garden Tiller
Probably, in the next few weeks, depending on the weather, we're planning on buying a new garden tiller for about 6 - 12 rows, 30 ft long.
Its VERY sandy soil. The ground isn't really hard. But, I'm saying that as questionable because I havent tried tilling any ground around here. We bought this place in the late summer of 2017. In '18, we were still busy with priorities rather than pleasure.
Since I mentioned that, we dont really need a garden, this is more for pleasure than a need.
Needs to be rear tine.
Advice on Brand, HP, durability & just your opinions etc. Oh, & engine brand. Is one really better than another on a tiller?
I don't have a preference but my initial plan is to invest between $500 - $800. I'll go more if needed, but I'd like to stay in that budget range if possible. I'd like at least an 8 hp. I don't think anything less than that would be advisable in my situation.
I live in north Louisiana.
Again, just for fun since we haven't done this since we were at home 40 - 45 years ago.
Corn, onions, melons, okra, bell peppers, squash, etc, etc. Probably no potatoes etc. A few of this & a few of that.
Its VERY sandy soil. The ground isn't really hard. But, I'm saying that as questionable because I havent tried tilling any ground around here. We bought this place in the late summer of 2017. In '18, we were still busy with priorities rather than pleasure.
Since I mentioned that, we dont really need a garden, this is more for pleasure than a need.
Needs to be rear tine.
Advice on Brand, HP, durability & just your opinions etc. Oh, & engine brand. Is one really better than another on a tiller?
I don't have a preference but my initial plan is to invest between $500 - $800. I'll go more if needed, but I'd like to stay in that budget range if possible. I'd like at least an 8 hp. I don't think anything less than that would be advisable in my situation.
I live in north Louisiana.
Again, just for fun since we haven't done this since we were at home 40 - 45 years ago.
Corn, onions, melons, okra, bell peppers, squash, etc, etc. Probably no potatoes etc. A few of this & a few of that.
#2
03-07-19, 07:52 PM
Forum Topic Moderator
How big of a garden do you plan to make? I have a lot of first hand experience gardening in the South and I know your question is about tillers, not gardening methods, but if you are open to it, I have a suggestion about a different gardening method that has changed gardening for me tremendously. I no longer use my nice big electric start tiller. I no longer have to fight the grass and weeds. I no longer have to keep fertilizing or watering. And I get a much larger yield from a small space. Basically I plant and harvest and very little else is done. If you want to know more, I'll get into it.
If you know how you want to garden and just want info on tillers, look into a rear tine tiller at the least. The best models are going to be pricey, but the BCS tillers are very tough and easier to use. The Troy Bilt horse model is what I have and it's probably as good as it gets too... very strong time tested design. You can buy them used in the $300 range, new over 2K. I would rather have a used horse than a new rear tine tiller in the 600-800 dollar range. If a new tiller is what you are set on, the DR or husquvarna are probably the better ones in your price range. The troy bilt pony is cheaper and smaller than the horse but still above your price point. Ideally I would want a honda GX series engine but a briggs would be fine. Any of them will give carb problems if they aren't stored and maintained properly. A real surprising workhorse is the mantis tiller. Light, small, and amazingly usable. Great for beds and little gardens. Stay away from front tine tillers. They will make tilling a burdensome, tiring chore.
If you know how you want to garden and just want info on tillers, look into a rear tine tiller at the least. The best models are going to be pricey, but the BCS tillers are very tough and easier to use. The Troy Bilt horse model is what I have and it's probably as good as it gets too... very strong time tested design. You can buy them used in the $300 range, new over 2K. I would rather have a used horse than a new rear tine tiller in the 600-800 dollar range. If a new tiller is what you are set on, the DR or husquvarna are probably the better ones in your price range. The troy bilt pony is cheaper and smaller than the horse but still above your price point. Ideally I would want a honda GX series engine but a briggs would be fine. Any of them will give carb problems if they aren't stored and maintained properly. A real surprising workhorse is the mantis tiller. Light, small, and amazingly usable. Great for beds and little gardens. Stay away from front tine tillers. They will make tilling a burdensome, tiring chore.
#4
03-08-19, 04:17 AM
Member
I owned a Troy Bilt Horse tiller from the 70's. I was a very well built machine and very powerful. It has the standard 6hp tecumseh engine on it. i kept sea foam in the gas and maintained the unit. It was always garage kept. It was a rope start unit that started every year. I live in southern new jersey and the dirt is somewhat sandy as well. I sold it about a year ago as we quit gardening due to our age. Another advantage of the Troy Bilt Horse tiller is that if the engine should ever go, you can easily replace it with a Harbor Freight 6.5hp Predator engine. It bolts right up. I also have a power equipment repair business. At least two of my customers made the engine change and are very please with the results.
#6
03-08-19, 07:01 AM
Member
Think this one through before buying.
I tiller is one tool that most often just used once a year for about an hour.
So it's far more to carb. issues and bad fuel.
Then your stuck finding a place to store it in the off season.
Before I'd buy one for that small an area I'd try to find someone local to do it for me or just rent one from HD.
If I was going to buy one I'd be looking on Craigslist under the Farm and Garden heading.
I tiller is one tool that most often just used once a year for about an hour.
So it's far more to carb. issues and bad fuel.
Then your stuck finding a place to store it in the off season.
Before I'd buy one for that small an area I'd try to find someone local to do it for me or just rent one from HD.
If I was going to buy one I'd be looking on Craigslist under the Farm and Garden heading.
