L3901 - tiller options - the sequel

[icehorse]

Sorry, I'm not sure the best way to restart a thread after a pause, so in this case a started a new thread.

Anyway, I've done some more experiments and I think in the end a pto-tiller will be the way to go. I started a separate thread about doing a slight offset so that I can work under fence lines 9 inches or so.

I just found a tiller made by "Betstco" out of Oregon, and I'm in Washington state. Anyway, they have a 6 foot tiller with a built in offset. Seems like a great idea. Here's the link:

71" Heavy Duty Tiller, FH-IGN180 | Betstco Sales, Parts, and Service:

The IGN180 Series Heavy Duty Rotary Tiller is designed for tilling and breaking up to 500 acres per year. Rotary tillers prepare soil in flower beds, gardens, landscape beds and turf grass seed and sod beds. More specifically, tillers break up heavily compacted, unworked soils to allow for...

betstco.com

Anyone ever heard of these guys? I guess they also go by "Farmer Helper". It is chinese built. but seems to get decent reviews. FWIW I've had an Indian built round baler for 4 years and it has been totally bombproof, built like a tank. (Farm-maxx)

 

[GrumpyFarmer]

I have heard of bestco but no experience with them.

I would also add that I believe landpride also offers tillers with some minor amount of offset. Look for the models that mention ‘sideshift’ gearbox.

 

[bird dogger]

I have a Betstco flail mower with the heavy duty hammers. Has been working fine, so far, after a few years now.

 

[GreensvilleJay]

Looks pretty heavy duty and already is offset. Considering you're just 'scuffing' the soil and not 'tilling full depth', I'd expect you'll be able to pass it down 1-2 generations.
I've got 15+ years on my 5' Italian tiller and its in great shape,even after chewing up 1 acre of 40 year old notilled land for a veggie patch.
grease/oil every so often and it'll be fine.