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Hello,

I am looking at buying my first tiller, and I figured I would start my search now so I will have something by early spring. Any suggestions/recommendations of brands, styles, or anything else to look for when shopping for my tiller? I am looking for something that will last, so I want to make sure I have a high quality piece of equipment, and I feel like this is a great place to find information. All responses are appreciated.

My recommendation would be to take a long hard look at the TroyBilt rear tine models. Been very impressed with how well they are built. I would stay away from anything built by MTD. Also, unless you really know the person selling a used tiller, don't go that route. Most people don't maintain tillers properly, and you could easily end up with someone else's problem.

I have a Cub Cadet Rear tine. Bought it at Tractor Supply year before last. Does an awesome job. Great price. I guess it depends on what you are wanting to do with one but I personally wanted one with times at would run in either direction. Running them in the counter rotation mode digs deep and pulverizes the ground. Then running them in forward direction does an excellent job of preparing ground to plant. It also does an awesome job cultivating. For the dollar the Cub Cadet is hard to beat.

Not sure if they recommend doing so but I did water the tires on mine to make it pull better when breaking ground deep. If I were looking to buy again I would buy the same tiller again. I have a pretty large garden and have had NO problems.

I had a front tine tiller as well as a smaller Craftsman rear time that the tines only ran in counter rotation. The Cub Cadet is much better than either of them.
Cub Cadet® 18 in. 187cc Rear-Tine Dual-Direction Tiller, CARB Compliant - Tractor Supply Co.

Also it is a good possibility TS will put them on sale at the beginning of the Summer for $100 less. They have been for the last couple of years I think.

Not specific on a brand but the rear tine is the way to go.

Rivets said:

My recommendation would be to take a long hard look at the TroyBilt rear tine models. Been very impressed with how well they are built. I would stay away from anything built by MTD. Also, unless you really know the person selling a used tiller, don't go that route. Most people don't maintain tillers properly, and you could easily end up with someone else's problem.

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Troy Built is built by MTD. MTD owns Troy Built and Bolens.

davbell22602 said:

Troy Built is built by MTD. MTD owns Troy Built and Bolens.

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Correct...and all the crap at Lowes. Now, a real, old Troy is good...but no parts availability.

We rent tillers, so you can half imagine the abuse they get...Hondas take the abuse and keep on kicking. Worth the money. Husqy tillers are junk, btw.

MRCo. said:

Correct...and all the crap at Lowes. Now, a real, old Troy is good...but no parts availability.

We rent tillers, so you can half imagine the abuse they get...Hondas take the abuse and keep on kicking. Worth the money. Husqy tillers are junk, btw.

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I have old Arien RT5020 that was upggraded to 5hp Briggs thats decent shape. I'll bringing that back to life in the spring hopefully.

You're smart for starting now. The more research you can do the better. The type of tiller you want depends on how you plan to use it. Will you be using it for weeding or will you be breaking ground with it? The size of your garden plays a factor too. I would suggest checking out this site, Tillers Direct. They have quite a bit of information that should be able to help you find what you need.

I really wanted one of these but did not have the $$$ to get one and did not know anywhere I could look at one to demonstrate it before I got it so did not pursue it. Would still love to have one to plow with.

Maxim Manufacturing - Equipment that Works and Lasts

Guy across the way has a Snapper rear tine. Looks new but I am sure it is several years old. That thing will plow and old rocked driveway if you want. The earthquake rear tine tillers are starting to show up here in town. They seem to plow very well.