Big Tillers: Tow-Behind Tillers and Tractor-Mounted PTO Tillers. Lawn tractor with tiller

Tackling big tillers, and top considerations when buying or renting.

When my wife and I purchased our rural land, we had several plans to develop and enhance the property. We discussed gardens, food plots for wildlife, and even the possibility of planting a vineyard.

Sitting around the dinner table, we drew maps with the locations for our projects on paper, and even laid out plot sizes. A 3-acre vineyard would allow us to plant a few hundred grape vines of different varieties, and we designated spots for a couple of 1-acre food plots for wildlife. We also wanted a garden — a big garden — for all sorts of vegetables that we never had room for in town.

After staring at the layout of our upcoming projects, a sudden wave of reality set in. We had designed more than 5 acres of land to get ready for planting, and in its current state, it was overgrown with weeds and thick prairie grass. Its soil hadn’t seen a plow in 15 years. I planned to spray a broad-spectrum herbicide in the spring to get rid of the unwanted weeds, and we owned an 8N Ford with a two-bottom plow that would break up soil. But to get ready for spring planting, it would take a lot more work and equipment.

I couldn’t wait to start working the land in the spring, and after spraying and plowing the plots, I started using a small disc that could be pulled behind my ATV to break up the plowing. Frustration quickly set in, as even working the small garden plot required hours of passing over the plowing with the disc that still left many clods that would impede planting.

I have a small walk-behind tiller that I used on my small garden in town, so I decided to start working the garden plot with the tiller. After spending another couple of hours with the small tiller, with less than desirable results, I knew I had to find an alternative. I stopped by our local farm implement dealer and asked about renting a PTO-mounted tiller. Because my 8N does not have a “live” PTO, he suggested I rent a small tractor with a PTO-mounted tiller that would do most of the work I had in mind.

I rented the tractor, tiller, and trailer for one day and was able to disc my garden and two food plots with ease. I also spread some fertilizer and lime to amend the soil, and incorporated the additives with the tiller. The rental wasn’t inexpensive — I paid 250 dollars for one day of use — but I didn’t see any other alternative if I wanted to get my various projects planted in time.

It has been 17 years since that first year of breaking up the soil on our land, and since that time I have purchased a tractor and PTO-mounted tiller and have found both to be invaluable to me when working our property. If you find yourself needing to till land in areas larger than a small garden, tow-behind tillers and tractor-mounted PTO-driven tillers may be a great option for you.

Tiller basics

Tillers have a variety of uses and come in many shapes and sizes. Regardless of the size of tiller, they all share a basic design that uses spinning tines or blades that are mounted on a central shaft that is driven by a transmission powered by either its own mounted engine or an outside power source such as a tractor’s PTO. Besides breaking up soil for planting, tilling soil increases soil aeration, and the turning blades are great for incorporating not only fertilizer but organic material like compost or manure into the soil.

Tow-behind tillers

Tow-behind tillers were designed for people who need a powerful tiller but perhaps don’t have a tractor with a PTO, or those who need to use the tiller in tight, tough-to-get-at places. Tow-behind tillers have the distinct advantage of being able to be pulled by a variety of equipment such as garden tractors, ATVs, UTVs, and even small utility tractors.

If you are not familiar with a pull- or tow-behind tiller, think of your walk-behind tiller but with a lot more power. You may find walk-behind tillers in power ranging from as little as 1/2 horsepower all the way up to 12 horsepower. Most pull-behind tillers are going to be in the 12 horsepower range, but they have the distinct advantage of not having to use their power to also propel the tiller. Tow-behind tillers can devote all of their torque to the task of turning the tines, which equates to more power to break up hard, compacted soil. Tow-behind tillers also have the advantage of covering a lot more area per tilling pass. They come in tilling widths in the neighborhood of 36 to 48 inches, and most attach via a standard hitch-pin setup.

Tow-behind tillers’ versatility really comes into play when you have hard-to-reach areas, such as food plots that are off the beaten path, and several models come with pneumatic tires that allow you to safely travel over uneven ground. Most have the ability to adjust the depth of till — though limited — by several inches.

Tow-behind considerations

If you are considering purchasing or renting a tow-behind tiller, you should carefully consider what your needs are.

How much horsepower do I need? Am I mainly using it to break up new soil, or will I be mostly doing maintenance on existing land?

What are you going to be attaching the tiller to? ATV, UTV, or your garden or other small tractor? What kind of hitch system do I have or will I need?

Can I get by with a 36-inch tilling width, or do I need a 48-inch?

If you are doing remote plots, what type of tires are on the unit? Getting a flat tire a mile off the road can be a real pain. Match the tires to your usage.

Should I rent or purchase the tiller? If you are going to be using the tiller on a consistent yearly basis, you may want to consider purchasing, as rental costs on tow-behinds can be expensive, and you could justify purchasing one if you rent too often.

PTO tractor-mounted tillers

If you currently own or are thinking about purchasing a compact or mid-size tractor, you may want to consider adding a three-point hitch mounted rotary tiller. The benefit of using your tractor’s PTO power and hydraulic three-point hitch to get your tilling work done is that it’s fast and efficient. About the only disadvantage of a tractor-mounted tiller is that they require a fairly wide-open area to operate in, so tight spaces can be a hindrance.

Tractor-mounted tillers are available in a variety of sizes to match tractor horsepower and category of hitch. From subcompact tractors with 16 horsepower to full-size 100 horsepower tractors, there is a tiller that is designed to fit your needs. Most tillers can be purchased in width sizes to match the tractor’s wheel width for one pass tilling. The depth of the till can usually be set by adjusting the shoes on the tiller and with additional control with the tractor’s hydraulic system.

PTO-driven tiller considerations

When looking for a tractor-mounted PTO-driven tiller, there are some basic considerations.

If you have a tractor already and are looking to add a tiller, make sure you match the horsepower rating of the tiller to your tractor’s capability. Putting too big of a tiller in horsepower rating on a smaller tractor can create serious problems for both the tractor and tiller. Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines on tiller and tractor pairing.

What type of work will you be using the tiller for, and how often? Tractor-mounted tillers come in many flavors and durability levels. You may pay more for a heavy-duty tiller but you may be able to get a lifetime out of a lighter-duty tiller based on use. Will you be breaking new soil every year and tilling heavy crop residue, or will your use be more moderate?

What type of drive system does the tiller have? Chain drives and gear and shaft drives are the standard options. While chain-driven systems function well, gear drives tend to be heavier built and stand up to more rugged use.

Does it have a slip clutch or use a shear pin? A slip clutch allows the tiller to disengage when it encounters a solid object such as a rock or large root. This saves excessive damage to the gear box of the tiller and mitigates the stress that can be placed on your tractor. Shear pins are a “bolt” that is designed to break if it encounters damaging torque. With a slip clutch, you can back up or lift the tiller with the hydraulics, and you are on your way. If you break a shear pin, you had better have a spare pin with you, or you’re done for the day.

As with a tow-behind tiller, determining if you should rent or purchase a PTO-driven tiller really depends on the amount of use. Renting a tiller can be expensive, plus you have to trailer your tractor to the rental shop, hook up the tiller, load up, and drive back to your location. It doesn’t take but one or two trips before your time and effort outweigh the cost of ownership. If it is truly a one-time project, then maybe renting is the way to go.

Tillers can be one of the most versatile tools that you will ever use on your farm or rural property. Regardless of the type of tiller you choose, your tiller will help you minimize the time and effort involved in soil preparation, readying seed beds, or providing non-chemical weed reduction.

Consider plowing with pigs — you don’t need a tractor to get the crops planted.

Tim Nephew is a freelance writer who lives in Minnesota, where he owns and maintains 80 acres for wildlife to enjoy. He contributes regularly to the pages of Grit, as well as our sister publications, including Mother Earth News.

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The Best Pull Behind Tiller for Lawn Tractor (Top 4 Picks)

We tested 4 of the most popular brands, and here’s our recommendation:

Guide Gear Plow Attachment For Lawn Tractors and ATVs

A Guide Gear Plow Attachment for Lawn Tracts and ATVs is an essential tool for homeowners who want to improve their yard and landscape.

It is the perfect attachment for tilling, raking, and seeding. Its steel blade whips the soil into perfect shapes for the garden, food plot, and landscape planting.

Best of all, it is durable and will last season after season.

The steel-framed Guide Gear plow attachment is made of spring steel. It has six curved tines that furrow soil evenly. This plow attachment is compatible with a variety of vehicles, including ATVs and UTVs. It features a 3-point lift system that makes it easy to install and disassemble. It can be attached to a lawn tractor or ATV.

The steel-frame construction of the Guide Gear Plow Attachment for Lawn ATV is durable and corrosion-resistant. It can easily be attached to any type of vehicle, including ATV and UTVs. This plow has large, 7″ wheels that are perfect for plowing and planting. The wheels are heavy so they can penetrate the soil. This plow is a great addition to any lawn tractor or ATV.

The Guide Gear Plow Attachment is a versatile tool. The steel frame allows it to be secured on a tractor or ATV with ease. The plow has six curved tines that make it ideal for tilling and raking applications. The Plow’s heavy steel design will not bend or rust and will last for seasons to come. It’s an excellent addition to any ATV or Lawn Tractor.

This Plow Attachment for Lawn Tractors and ATVs is a versatile piece of farm equipment that can be easily attached to a tractor. The steel frame is corrosion-resistant and designed to last for years. It can be easily attached to a tractor, ATV, or heavy-duty truck. In addition to a lawn tractor, it can also be attached to a UTV.

The Guide Gear Plow Attachment for Lawn and ATV is a great way to make the most of your lawn tractor. Its heavy-duty steel frame is corrosion-resistant, and the plow can be mounted to any tractor or ATV. It can be attached to a UTV or ATV with a 3-point lift system, making it flexible and durable.

This snow plow is a universal pin-style hitch attachment that connects to a lawn tractor or UTV. Its heavy-duty 1/2-inch square steel frame is corrosion-resistant and is compatible with all models of ATV and lawn tractors. Its large 7-inch wheels are lockable and provide maximum stability. The cement block tray adds weight to the unit, which helps it penetrate soil.

Brinly Sleeve Hitch Adjustable Tow-Behind Cultivator

The Brinly tow-behind Cultivator is an efficient way to aerate the soil and discourage weeds. It is operated from the seat of a garden tractor. It is easy to operate and requires no experience to use. It is a good choice for larger gardens, as it is suitable for most terrains. This tool is also easy to store, which is a plus when transporting it.

The Brinly Tow-Behind Cultivators are designed to work on all types of soil, including hard and soft soil. The tool has 7 curved shanks that promote healthy plant growth. They are constructed from rigid solid steel. This cultivator has depth control skids, which allow it to fit in different garden sizes. The adjustable working width helps to break up the soil between rows. The device is equipped with a sleeve hitch for a variety of attachments, including a blade.

The Brinly Tow-Behind Cultivators come with a variety of accessories, including an adjustable sleeve for blade attachment. The tow-behind Cultivator can be adjusted from 18 to 40 inches. It is ideal for large gardens, as it enables the user to easily aerate the soil. It prevents weeds from taking root and helps plants grow faster. It is also designed to fit a garden tractor’s front-end gear.

The Brinly tow-behind Cultivator is designed for gardens and lawns. It is the easiest and most effective way to aerate the soil. The adjustable sleeve helps you control the width from 18 inches to 40 inches. By simply pulling the handle, you can adjust the sleeve height. Using sleeve-hitch-attached tow-behind Cultivators, you can aerate your soil effortlessly and get the most out of your garden.

Aside from its adjustable sleeve, this tow-behind Cultivator can also be used for smaller gardens. It is a lightweight tool that can be attached to a garden tractor. Its sleeve hitch allows it to be adjusted between 18 inches and 40 inches. It also has a 1/4″ angle steel frame.

With a sleeve hitch, you can easily attach the machine to your garden tractor and start cultivating your garden in minutes. Then, the Brinly sleeve-hitch cultivator is ready to work on any terrain, and it can be adjusted from 18 to 40 inches. This adjustable tow-behind cultivator has a sleeve-hitch attachment and is also ideal for use in larger gardens.

The 1/4″ angle steel frame can be used to add extra weight to the machine. The adjustable sleeve hitch is also necessary for the attachment of a blade. The adjustable sleeve hitches provide a safe, secure way to attach the machine’s blade. When you install the sleeve-hitch, you’ll be able to cultivate your garden in no time.

Field Tuff FTF-811DHSH 39″ Sleeve Hitch Disc

The tow-behind disc harrow from Field Tuff is the perfect tool for transforming the uneven ground into uniform soil.

With eight angled 11-inch blades, it easily turns the rough ground into even, level soil. The adjustable ten- to fifteen-degree sleeve helps you turn your soil to the desired depth. The Field Tuff FTF-811DHSH has a 39-inch row width.

This field-tow harrow features eight 11-inch disc blades with an adjustable working width of 39 inches.

This harrow is designed to be attached to a tractor’s sleeve hitch for easy mounting and detaching. The adjustable sleeve allows for easy adjustment, allowing the user to adjust the width of the sleeve to the desired level.

The Field Tuff FTF-811DHSH 39″ Sleeve Hitch Disc is made of durable steel. It can easily attach to a sleeve hitch and adjust its working width from 10 to 15 degrees.

The sleeve is adjustable so that you can work on the width of the sleeve while pulling it. It can easily be detached from the tractor when you are finished with the project.

The 39″ Sleeve Hitch Disc is adjustable in working width and works with a 37-inch tractor. It features eight 11-inch disc blades for even breaking of uneven soil. Its sleeve hitch attachment allows it to be easily attached to the tractor’s sleeve hitch and can be used in a variety of tasks.

Adjustable blades

The blades and is adjustable up to 39 inches. Its working width can be adjusted between ten and fifteen degrees and is easily attached to a tractor sleeve hitch. It is easy to install and can be attached to a sleeve hitch on a tractor.

The sleeve hitch is a must for the Field Tuff.

The Field Tuff FTF-811DHSH features adjustable working widths to fit various garden sizes. The stainless steel blades can be adjusted to ten or fifteen degrees, according to the needs of the user.

The steel discs can be easily adjusted to the required force. The sturdy frame of the Field Tuff disc enables it to hook easily to any sleeve hitch.

Agri-Fab 40-Inch Tine Tow DeThatcher

The Agri-Fab 40-Inch Tine Tow Dethatcher is ideal for larger lawns and gardens. Its 20 heat-treated tines are approximately 3/16 inches in diameter. The dethatcher has a cantilever handle to raise and lower the rake. The 20 heat-treated tines are easily replaced for improved performance. Agri-Fab offers several models of this mower.

The Agri-Fab 40-Inch Tine Tow Dethatcher is a durable, easy-to-use tool. The machine is equipped with semi-pneumatic tires to glide easily over rough terrain. A cantilever handle makes for a comfortable ride. The unit is made of steel and comes with a five-year warranty. The Agri-Fab 45-0294 is a good choice for farmers with large fields.

The Agri-Fab 40-Inch Tine Tow Dethatcher has a working width of 40 inches and can attach to any tractor. With proper care, it will last for years and is backed by a three-year limited warranty. There is also an optional weight tray for more detaching pressure. You can use the Agri-Fab 45-0294 for a variety of tasks around your farm.

The Agri-Fab 40-Inch Tine Tow Dethatcher is a great choice for those looking to improve the health of their lawn. Its easy-to-use design and 40-inch working width will make it an easy task for any farmer. It is easy to assemble and uses no tools. over, it is space-saving and aesthetically pleasing, which is an added bonus.

Designed for larger yards, the Agri-Fab 45-0294 40-Inch Tine Tow DeThatcher features a 40-inch working-width and cantilevered handles. Its steel frame is durable, with its 20 tines measuring 3/16 inches. It is a great option for lawn maintenance and is perfect for those with large yard-sized yards.

The Agri-Fab 40-Inch Tine Tow Dethatcher has a 40-inch working width and has a universal link pin that enables you to adjust the height. It is designed to be space-saving and durable, and it comes with a three-year warranty. There are a lot of benefits to this product, and it will help you maintain your lawn in the future.

Conclusion

The Yard Commander 40-Inch Tow Dethatcher is built with rust-resistant steel that is durable and lightweight.

It is compatible with most ATVs and lawn tractors, and its weight is 31 pounds. This is a great option for people who don’t want to spend a lot of money on a dethatcher but are on a tight budget.

The Agri-Fab 40-Inch Tine Tow Dethatcher has nine heat-treated tines that are ideal for small to middle-sized lawns.

The Precision Dethatcher is ideal for small to medium-sized lawns and has a 100-pound collection capacity. Its 1080mm blades can dig up more than one-inch thick soil.

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Tractor Rotary Tillers | Tractor Rotavators

One of the most common uses of PTO power on a tractor is to power a rotary tiller or rotavator. Rotavators and tillers have been in use for many years, making quick work of breaking up soil for planting a vegetable garden. Farmers have always needed a way to till the soil for their garden that was better than a hand held tiller, and the first PTO powered tools to do the job were called rotovators. Large farming operations would not be possible without rotavators, some PTO tillers even run 8 hours a day tilling soil. Everything Attachments carries some of the best brands of rotovators and tillers in the world, and stands behind every tillage attachment that leaves our warehouse.

Sicma/Phoenix Rotary Tillers

Italy’s finest tillers have been a big hit here in America. Phoenix tillers have been a top trusted brand here for many years, and have given great service to countless farmers.

We have been selling tractor Rotary Tillers PTO Driven for more than 40 years. We have sold many brands over the years. With all of our experience, we have been selling only the Sigma Brand made in Italy for the last 15 years for two reasons. It is the best Tiller on the market and it also has the most options.

Like a PTO Slip Clutch comes standard that will keep you tilling instead of replacing shear bolts every time you hit a large rock or root under the ground. There is nothing worse than having to stop on a hot day get out the tools and hope you have the right shear bolt to replace it and till a little bit more, then have to do it all over again. With a slip clutch it will simply slip until the root or rock is clear then continue to work like nothing ever happened.

It comes standard with six blade per Rotor instead of four reducing your wear and leaving a better consistency of the soil. Bush Hog Brand also uses Sigma Tillers, but they are different from the Deluxe Tillers you see at everything attachments. They will have only four blades per rotor and do not come with the ability to remove the whole torque tube assembly so that you can easily change the tines. Sigma Tillers are sold under many different names, but why pay more for a name brand and get less for your money.

We stock all the popular warranty parts when you need them at the best prices. It is the little things like having a kick stand to hold you tiller up while you hook up your three point hitch and PTO. The adjustable clevis hitch for your tractor lift arms and the ability to offset your tiller to be able to cut your tire tracks out so you leave no hard spots in your ground. All Sigma tillers come with powder coat paint, adjust slides for best control and a Site glass to be able to check your oil level at the simple glance.

So simply put, This is your best user friendly tiller on the market.

A rear-blade rotary tiller is best for larger commercial gardens and experienced users. Tractor rotary tillers reputedly create more even results and are easier to control. These simply connect to the pto, and 3 point hitch of your tractor.

A modern tiller design is a rotary tiller, which uses two sets of circular tines turned by an engine to cut into the soil to a prescribed depth. These blades are mounted on the shaft of the tiller. Tractor Rotary Tillers are built to turn hardened soil and produce more productive crops. Get Free Shipping on our powerful selection of tractor rotary tillers!

Tractor Tillers Buyer’s Guide

If you’re going to be keeping up a garden or a food plot, a tiller is one of the first things that you will need! Tillers are an extremely versatile, handy piece of equipment that makes maintaining a garden much easier! If you’ve ever had a garden, you might have even had to rent a tiller before. The truth is, the benefits of owning a tiller far outweigh renting. In this buyer’s guide, we’ll show you the benefits of owning a tiller. We’ll also tell you everything you need to know about selecting the perfect tiller for you!

Owning a Tiller

First off, tillers are one of the most easy to use pieces of equipment you will ever use! They take the back breaking task of tilling land, and turn into a breeze! When you have a tiller, it will be easier than ever to quickly and easily till your garden or foodplot. If you’re used to regularly renting a tiller, it’s time to upgrade!

• Loosen the Soil
• Prepare the ground for planting
• Remove weeds between vegetable rows
• Plow garden waste back into soil to decompose over winter
• Landscape
• Mix in compost and fertilizer
• Turn soil

Choosing a Tiller

Because tillers are such an amazingly versatile tool, it would be a waste not to own one! When it comes to choosing a tiller that will work best for you and your needs, there a few things to keep in mind: food plot size, soil type and compatible equipment. Keep in mind that when purchasing a tiller, there are two basic types of tillers – walk behind tillers and tow behind tiller attachments. Walk Behind Tillers (mini-tillers) are smaller tillers, usually with a small tilling width, intended for smaller gardens. On the other hand, tractor attachment tillers (tow-behind tillers) mount on the back of your tractor and are usually powered by your tractor’s PTO.

Food Plot Size

When looking at tillers, the first thing to consider is food plot or garden size. If you’re going to be tilling a smaller garden (less than 1500 sq. ft.), then a walk-behind tiller (or mini-tiller) is probably best for you. On the other hand, if you’re going to be tending to a medium or large garden (above 1500 square feet), then you will probably need a lawn tractor tiller attachment. Tow behind lawn tractor tiller attachments range in widths, anywhere from 42” to 81”.

Soil Type:

Another thing that will have an impact on your tiller choice is soil type. Soil that is harder and more compacted requires a more heavy-duty tiller with higher horsepower than loose soil. If you use a mini-tiller on tough, rocky soil, it will end up skipping right over tough spots, as opposed to actually turning over the soil. If you’re creating a new garden or tilling for the first time, you will definitely want to go with something a little more heavy-duty, such as a tow behind tiller.

Compatible Equipment

Finally, the third and most important thing to consider when purchasing a tiller is which type of equipment you already have. If you’re looking into tow behind tillers, then you probably have everything you need to hook the tiller right up and get to work!

If you already own a sub-compact or compact utility tractor, then there are many tillers available for your equipment. Tow behind tillers hook right up to your tractor’s PTO, for a quick and easy installation. These types of tillers are compatible with any tractor with a three point hitch. Mutton Power Equipment has a wide variety of these three point hitch mounted tiller attachments available, including:

Even if you don’t have a tractor with a 3-point hitch, there are also many tillers vailable for your lawn and garden tractor. For example, the Agri-Fab Multi Fit Tow Behind Tiller comes equipped with a universal pin hitch so you can haul it behind any size lawn or garden tractor, Gator, or even an ATV!?

Whether you’ve got a small garden or a huge food plot, there is a tiller out there for you. To learn more about any of our tillers available, give our tractor tiller experts a call at (260) 432-9438.