Rototiller Purchase Advice-Which 1 & Why?

[Blue2500CC]

I am thinking about buying a rear tine tiller so I don't need to keep borrowing 1. Seem to be needing 1 more often, and we are planning on putting a small(ish) garden in next year. I would like a dual rotating tine model since they prepare the soil a little better in terms of "readiness".

 

I am leaning heavily towards the Husqvarna model at Lowes with the B&S motor, but won't rule out the Honda if it is THAT much better for only $50. Tq rating on the B&S is higher, but is this model Honda that much better of a motor? Or are you paying for the name at this level?

 

B&S Motor- http://www.lowes.com/pd_193570-63311-DRT900+CARB_4294747221__?productId=3332732&Ns=p_product_qty_sales_dollar|1&pl=1&currentURL=%3FNs%3Dp_product_qty_sales_dollar%7C1&facetInfo=

 

Honda Motor- http://www.lowes.com/pd_372859-63311-DRT900H_4294747221__?productId=3506602&Ns=p_product_qty_sales_dollar|1&pl=1&currentURL=%3FNs%3Dp_product_qty_sales_dollar%7C1&facetInfo=

 

But will also consider the Cub Cadet model at Home Depot with an "Other" engine make??? http://www.homedepot.com/Outdoors-Outdoor-Power-Equipment-Tillers-Cultivators/h_d1/N-5yc1vZbxce/R-202644407/h_d2/ProductDisplay?catalogId=10053&langId=-1&storeId=10051#.UEVZg2t5mSM

 

I considered a lower end rear tine model, possibly even a Powermate model, until I learned most do not have an option to move the tiller (under it's own power) without the tines moving. Would make loading on the trailer an accident waiting to happen!!!! Then the dual rotating models aren't much more than a "good" entry level model.

 

While I would love to buy a Horse tiller, These 3 models are about the limit of what I am willing to spend.

 

Thank you!

Chris

 

Mods- If this should be in the Home/Garage forum- please move.

 

Also- Not sure how to make the web page link in "B&S Motor" or "Honda Motor", etc, when posting from my Ipad?????

[RyanbabZ71]

One tip if you havent thought about is to buy an aerator kit for it. I will post a link when I get to my pc. I think they are only good for the front tine version but it helps keep my yard is excellent shape along with the garden

 

I cant stand the honda engine on my power washer. All of my other power equipment is briggs and stratton and never had an issue. That damn honda has been a PITA since day 1.

 

 

http://lawn-aerator-attachment.com/index.html

 

Ryan

[RyanbabZ71]

Mods- If this should be in the Home/Garage forum- please move

 

Moved to the little known lawn and landscaping forum

[Blue2500CC]

Ryan,

 

TY!

 

That aerator kit is pretty sweet, but I already have a 48" tow behind plug aerator. At least you get more use out of your tiller that way. Easier to store also!

 

(Knock on wood) I haven't had any issues with my Honda powered power washer, but then again I haven't even used it yet this year!!!

 

Chris

[SarahsGMC]

I'm gonna go out on a limb here and be the one that says use your truck to tear up the dirt

 

Sent from my truck using TAPATALK

[TimmyG]

I like the honda motors, for me it would be worth the $50.

 

Sent from my ADR6400L using Tapatalk 2

[Blue2500CC]

I'm gonna go out on a limb here and be the one that says use your truck to tear up the dirt

Sent from my truck using TAPATALK

 

 

I tried that once! It was when the cops showed up I realized I was 4 yards over from mine! Was having way too much fun! Lol

 

TY Tim. Chances are I can't go wrong either way. Still hoping to find a used dual rotating model, but no luck yet! At least close by anyway.

 

Chris

[&CDFiXER%]

Had a Poulan Pro with B&S motor and rear tines. Was I think a 8+ HP model, in other words a big tiller. Used for two seasons on an acre and half garden and general landscaping stuff. Worked great. Loved it. I have had good luck with Poulan Pro stuff (oddly enough not their chainsaws go figure). Why only two seasons? Bought a tractor and a 60" reverse turning tiller. Sold the Poulan and it is still going strong for a neighbor who only knows to gas and check the oil 3 years later. Also bought a smaller front tined tiller to get down the rows, again a Poulan Pro. This was a few years ago and maybe the Poulan Pro stuff is going to crap, their mowers I see in the stores are looking cheaper...

[Blue2500CC]

CD,

 

TY!

 

I have done a little more research, and from what I found the Cub at HD is an "other" engine make ( probably China! ), but the TSC model is a Larger Honda motor, with a 3 yr warranty compared to the Husqvarna Honda model at the same price with a 2 yr warranty/smaller Honda motor.

 

Not what I wanted to hear about the chainsaw as I was considering a new 20" Poulan Pro as well. Biggest reason is my 12 yr old 16" Craftsmen doesn't have a chain brake. Oh, & the other reason is I just want a BIGGER SAW!!!!! LOL

 

Now to try to decide!

Chris

[&CDFiXER%]

To be fair the two Poulan chainsawss I had access most recently to were not mine and are probably some sort of lighter home owner grade maybe of perhaps so I should probably keep my trap shut about them. Both had to be some sort of homeowner grade because one had a bunch of plastic on the handle area that I broke just gripping it! The other one was not as 'plasticy' in the grip area but BOTH of them had some sort of 'new' chain brake mechanism that I kept tripping. I do not have big hands so who the **&* are they designing the grip diameter for?!?!? Back in the 80's I used a Poulan that was part beaver and part Timex. It just ran and ran!

 

I don't know much about the general quality of the Honda engine but I mow for my parents when they are vacationing and they don't change oil every season like I do and their Honda equipped push mower oil looks CLEAN every time I check it. I mean right outta the jug type of clean. It has been in the mower at least two seasons. It also has a handy auto-choke mechanism that you just flip and engine vacuum or a spring ( I did not look that close) pulls off the choke/primer automagically, just flip the lever and pull the cord. Starts in 1 or at most the second pull. I just can't get over the oil though. In a four stroke small engine w/o an oil filter. Wow.

[Blue2500CC]

CD,

 

What color were the Poulans? Green, or Yellow? Any & all feed back on equipment used is always helpfull, good or bad. This is the 20" saw I am looking at, http://www.poulanpro.com/products/chain-saws/pp5020av/. I have read a lot of great reviews on this model, but any product can have flaws.

 

As for the tiller, I am now leaning towards a used crt (counter rotating tines) model if I can find the right 1 for the right price. Not exactly what I want, but for the amount I will use it it makes more sense. Got my eye on 1, just need to call on it.

 

Sounds like your parents have a pretty good mower! Hang on to that 1!!!!

 

TY for all the replies!

Chris

[&CDFiXER%]

Hmm, yellow and white comes to mind but they did not look like what you linked to. That saw looks like a decent one. My brother does a sh**load of tree cutting and has also taken over a lot of the cutting of wood for parents house. Ill see what he reccomends. Its gotta be good if he uses it because he has little patience for crap, has the $$$ to buy quality, reads reviews, talks to people who have what he is looking at/for, and finally runs the heck outta whatever he buys!

 

I like the idea of counter rotating tines, in theory at least. I am wondering how they do when turning? The 60" tiller I have is reverse turning and the way it is designed, it is like potting soil out the back. Be da** sure to keep the clutch maintenance up! About every other year I find a chunk of metal or concrete that we or the homeowners (I tear up some dirt on the side) never knew about or mysteriously has never come up before!

[Blue2500CC]

UPDATE!

 

Thank you for all the advice & help!

 

Knowing the amount of use the tiller will see I was having a hard time buying new, and found a used Yardman DRT (dual rotating tines) for under 2 bills!

 

Should do just fine for what I need. And I figure if something happens to it, I am not out that much money!

 

I have used a frt tiller before, and it leave a pretty good bed ready for planting. Though both times I had borrowed the Horse tiller it was for lawn installs, not a garden!

 

TY again!

Chris

[hzhardy]

if it turns out it does not have enough power, you can always do an engine swap with this honda...

[hzhardy]

It has roller rockers, custom ground cam, billet rod and fly wheel, forged crank and pistion with a race ported milled head, three angle over sized valve job. 13:1 compression and runns on alcahol. about 18 hp in a 5 hp sized package lol. oh yeah the govenor is removed