#tillers
9 messages in this thread
We'd like to know how many people out there use a tiller. Is it front or
rear tine or hand held? How long have you had it? What do you like or
dislike about it? thanks.
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Read action !m
I don't already own a tiller, but am planning to buy a used one next week.
It will be a 5 hp Front tine type. Can't wait to start tilling! But right
now you could make pots out of the dirt in my back yard. Very clayey soil.
That's why I wanted a tiller. I plan to till in some Peat Moss, Sand,
Coarse Vermiculite, and maybe a little composted Cow Manure.
JamesToo bad you don't live closer – I have a front tine tiller I'd give
you!! Those things will absolutely beat you to death! I bought mine
because I too am cursed with either gumbo or concrete soil (depending on
season!). I wound up renting a rear-tine unit just to get the job done!
Then I learned, for another $10 a day, I could rent a small Kubota tractor
with a tiller and a bucket! Anyway, the front-tine unit has gathered a lot
of dust, since then. Good luck, whatever you decide! Neil
James,
Listen to Neil. Stay away from front-tine tillers. If breaking
up clay for the first time, rent the LARGEST rear-tine tiller you can
handle. Once you have broken up the ground and added your organic
materials, a smaller rear-tine tiller will do.
One other thing I would like to stress: When tilling clay, avoid
all temptation to till while the ground is wet! You will only make
things worse when tilling wet clay, sort of like turning coal into
diamonds!. I made the mistake on my red Georgia clay. It almost
made a good basketball court!
About the time you think the clay is too dry to till, THAT'S
the time to start! Good luck!
….Alex in Kennesaw, Ga.
Thanks for the advice…I may have to go the route of the front tine
tiller. Living in podunk Oklahoma, you can't just run down to the local
tool rental and rent a tiller. Hmmmm…maybe I could talk someone into
loaning one to me….Or better yet, they could just do all the WORK for me
and then I could just enjoy it. <G>
I have a Mantis tiller that I've owned for six years. For my 1,000 square
foot vegatable garden, it's handy.
Before he moved, I used to have a guy with a 8-horse Troy Built tiller come
by each spring and till-in my cover crop. (He did it for $25.00, which was
less that I could have rented a big tiller.) Then the Mantus was *ideal*
for the rest of the year.
For the last two years, I used my Mantis for this first tilling, and it
just took too long. So, I'm going to find another alternative this year.
BTW, the folks at Mantus are the nicest, most helpful people that I've ever
worked with on product questions and problems. And, the Mantus tines *are*
really guaranteed for life. My clay soil wears down the tips, and I'm on
my third set with no charge and no questions asked.
Bill
Bill, that's reassuring. I bought a Mantis last year, and this area is
famous, or notorious, for its clay — until about 1930, brick was the main
export of this county.
Have you used the lawn aerator tines, by any chance?
Hi Paul.
Yes, I've used the aerator tines. They aren't great for my clay soil, but
I think they do a better job than the aerator's at the tool rental stores.
Both kinda bounce around. While I don't till wet soil, I think the aerator
tines work best when the soil is damp.
I also have the de-thatcher and the edger. The de-thatcher works great.
The edger cuts a nice "trench", but it doesn't cut fescue grass neatly like
a regular edger does.
I'm in Atlanta. Where's your "brick country"?
Bill
Thanks! I'm in Athens, Ohio, with a lawn that seems to have received no
care, other than too-frequent, too-close mowing, for 30 years, and a
hillside garden that supports an excellent population of rabbits, deer, and
woodchucks. The deer even go in and out through the garden gate.