Is getting a tiller worth it?

[ctfjr]

I can't speak to the size of a tiller to get but here is my experience. About 5 years ago I wanted to replace about 3/4 acre lawn in our old house. The quotes I got were 'knock your socks off' high. I bought a Simca 5' reverse rotation tiller. The ground hadn't been touched in 20 years so before tilling I used a box blade with rippers deep to loosen up the ground first. That allowed me to remove the big New England potatoes before using the tiller.
The tiller was awesome. I did a cross-hatch pattern of tilling and the soil was fluffy soft when finished. I then tilled in 2000lbs of limestone and 250lbs of fertilizer.
The lawn came up better than I ever could have imagined. The tiller was indispensable. I sold it a few months later. I had no more use for it.
From my way of thinking if you need it, get it. Sometimes there are no practical substitutes.

 

[Grimor]

Can you rent a rototiller to see if it is what will work for you before buying one?
Around here the local hardware store has equipment and attachments for rent. I don't know what they charge, but it may be worth looking into.
Just a thought.

I've sent some emails to local places that rent equipment but haven't heard back yet. Prob have to give them a call. Unless there's anyone local to northern Indiana on the forum that wants to rent one for the weekend in early spring. Just ordered a quick hitch so when I do get one I'll be able to get the PTO shaft the right length.

 

[Grimor]

I used to have a walk behind tiller. If you want to check that every joint in your body moves, it’s for you. I gave it to my son when he bought us first house. They still use it. I bought a 4’ disc from EA a few years back to get my hops started then back issues happened and it went from the delivery truck to a corner in the barn. I may turn some beds this spring and start to put in some veggies. I do have a couple area where I want to put down native wildflower seeds so I’ll disk that too. Now that the snow is gone I may get the brush hog hooked up and get a jump on it.

Yeah, other than the 2 8x8 raised beds, I'm done tilling with little tillers. I have a ryobi expand-it tiller and little electric one for those, but ditched the bigger gas walk behind this last year. I'd almost rather ride the bull, at least that's over in 10 seconds lol

 

[Grimor]

On a completely unrelated note, does anyone in Northern IN/Southern Michigan have a 4ft tiller they would want to rent out late April? Striking out on finding one local to rent and not in a position to buy one this year.

 

[GreensvilleJay]

Have you asked where you bought your tractor ? Many dealers do rent equipment......

 

[skeets]

Well I had one ,back when we use to put in a big garden, ( 50x150) I used it on my old yellow tractor. My wife said she was done , no more garden, because her and I were the only ones working it, and her kids profited from it and put no time in to it. SO I sold it, one of the worst sales of my life! I only have a small garden now, and the troy built works, but kick my arse more and more every year. So yes it is worth it for a big garden, or food plot. And in todays climate, it might not be the worst investment you make.

 

[Grimor]

Have you asked where you bought your tractor ? Many dealers do rent equipment......

Mine is second hand from "some guy" lol but I hadn't thought about asking the local dealers. I'll give that a shot.

 

[GreensvilleJay]

also, while there, ask the dealer ,which neighbour of yours has one