Time for Tillers

BCS, Cub Cadet, Earthquake, Honda, Husqvarna, Maxim

Spring is here, and it's time to start thinking about your garden. Save yourself from the back-breaking work of a shovel or hoe and consider a garden tiller. Gardeners love tillers because the machines make starting new beds, cultivating weeds, and working in compost much easier.

Tillers come with blades (or tines) in either the front or the back. While front-tine tillers are designed for light maintenance, rear-tine tillers have a gas-powered motor located above the front wheels, which propel the tiller through tough soils.

Transferring power from the engine to the wheels enables the rear-tine tillers to tackle larger jobs in landscaping and serious gardening. Perfect for any acreage and with all the muscle you need, rear-tine tillers only require you to guide the tiller as it does the work. Try a rear-tine tiller this spring.

BCS

BCS allows you to purchase a two-wheel tractor system and add attachments to it. The BCS 718 tractor has an adjustable handlebar system that provides added antivibration and improves shifting. The tractor also features reverse operation, a separate control to turn your implement on and off independently of the wheels, and a fast transport speed to get it to the garden quickly. The 18-inch rear-mount tiller attachment is rated for an 8-inch tilling depth. With the 18-inch tiller attached, the 718 features both low gear for seedbed preparation and second gear for cultivating. MSRP is $2,399.

Cub Cadet

The Cub Cadet RT 65 has a 190-cc Honda GC overhead valve engine. The transmission is self-propelled with forward and reverse operation. Tines are 12 inches in diameter and are dual directional, heat treated, and self-sharpening. The tiller width is 18 inches, and 16-inch pneumatic agricultural tread tires allow the tiller to maneuver in an array of conditions. An adjustable depth bar allows you to choose to prep soil (deep) or to weed it (shallow). The tiller also features an adjustable handle and a heavy-duty front weight to help dig into the soil. MSRP is $679.

Earthquake

The Earthquake 7065V holds a 196-cc Viper engine. The transmission is self-propelled with forward and reverse operation and is made of cast iron for ultimated durability (the added weight also provides better handling). Tines are 11 inches in diameter and are standard rotating. The tiller width is 16 inches with 13-inch tires. Tilling depth is 10 inches, and the Isovibe adjustable drag stake automatically maintains optimal digging level. The Isovibe also eliminates porpoising and dragging effects. The tiller features a three-position adjustable handlebar and ergonomically designed safety control lever. MSRP is $699.

Honda

The Honda FR600 has a 163-cc GX160 overhead valve engine. The chain-driven transmission has three forward gears and reverse. Tines are 12 inches in diameter; the tilling width is 20 inches. A two-direction depth bar provides better tilling performance in varying soil conditions. The full loop handlebar and three-position handlebar adjustment allow for comfortable operating height. Controls are easy to access on the handlebar. The tiller also features a full- tine enclosure, full-width drag flap, and a standard front counterweight. MSRP is $1,859.

Husqvarna

The Husqvarna 650RTT holds an 8.75 gross torque Briggs & Stratton Intek overhead valve engine. The chain-driven transmission is sealed for long life, with power forward and reverse operation. The tines are counter rotating for deep-depth soil preparation and are 12 inches in diameter. The tilling width is 17 inches, and 16-inch oversized agricultural tires provide a stable base. Drive controls are easily accessed on the adjustable split handle. A full-tine enclosure and full-width drag flap are standard. Counterweights provide balance and maximize ground engagement. MSRP is $649.95. 800/448-7543 www.livingthecountrylife.com/go/1107

Maxim

The Maxim RMHGU Series of tillers offer a selection of engine sizes, including a 6.5-hp. Honda model. Instead of being confined to a factory-set high or low speed, Maxim's hydrostatic drive allows the operator to adjust the tilling speed to suit soil conditions and depths. Forward and reverse operation is controlled by hand friction. The tines are counter rotating, deep digging, and 12.5 inches in diameter; the tilling width is 21 inches. The tiller also features 16-inch tractor wheels and a welded and braced steel frame, offering the utmost in durability. MSRP is $2,699.

Poulan Pro, Simplicity, Snapper, Troy-Bilt, White Outdoor, Yard Machines

Poulan Pro

The Poulan Pro PRRT850 holds a 206-cc 850 Series Briggs & Stratton overhead valve engine. The transmission is self-propelled with forward and reverse operation (when in reverse gear the tines will not turn). Tines are counter rotating, made of hardened steel, and are 12 inches in diameter; the tilling width is 17 inches. A spring-loaded, seven-position depth stake allows you to adjust your tilling depth. Controls are easy to access on the handlebars and center panel. Durable agricultural tires help to provide maneuverability, and a tine shield provides protection from dust and debris. A brush bar bumper is standard. MSRP is $599.

Simplicity

The Simplicity 7016RT has a Briggs & Stratton 875 Series engine. The transmission is housed in a cast iron case for long life and is self-propelled with forward and reverse operation. Tines are forward rotating, self-cleaning, and 12 inches in diameter. The tilling width is 16 inches with an adjustable tilling depth of up to 10 inches. An adjustable three-position handlebar adds comfort. Additional features include 13-inch pneumatic agricultural tires with free-wheel and locked-wheel positions. A brush bar and hiller/furrower are standard. MSRP is $940.

Snapper

The Snapper 7016RT has a Briggs & Stratton 850 Series engine. The transmission is housed in a cast iron case for long life and is self-propelled with forward and reverse operation. Tines are forward rotating, self-cleaning, and 12 inches in diameter. The tilling width is 16 inches, with an adjustable tilling depth of up to 10 inches. An adjustable three-position handlebar adds comfort. Additional features include 13-inch pneumatic agricultural tires, operator presence control, and a functional drag bar system. A brush bar and hiller/furrower are standard. MSRP is $940.

Troy-Bilt

The Troy-Bilt Super Bronco CRT has a 208-cc Troy-Bilt overhead valve engine. The self-propelled transmission has forward and power reverse operation, and is made of cast iron with a bronze gear drive. The tines are counter rotating for greater control and 10 inches in diameter. The tilling width is 16 inches, with an adjustable tilling depth of up to 6 inches. The handlebar features one-hand operation for added maneuverability in the garden. The tiller also offers 12-inch agricultural tread tires to work in a range of conditions. MSRP is $699.99.

White Outdoor

The White Outdoor RT412 holds a 205-cc Briggs & Stratton overhead valve engine with 8.0 foot-pounds of gross torque. The self-propelled transmission has forward and reverse operation. Tines are counter rotating, heat treated, self-sharpening, and 12 inches in diameter. The tiller offers an 18-inch tilling width, and an adjustable depth bar provides a range of tilling depths. Additional features include 14-inch pneumatic agricultural tread tires, which allow the tiller to maneuver in an array of conditions, and a 22-inch tine shield for protection. A heavy-duty front counterweight is standard. MSRP is $599.

Yard Machines

The Yard Machines 21AA412A000 model has a 205-cc Briggs & Stratton overhead engine with 8.0 foot-pounds of gross torque. The self-propelled transmission has forward and reverse operation. Tines are counter rotating, heat treated, self-sharpening, and 12 inches in diameter. The tiller offers an 18-inch tilling width, and an adjustable depth bar provides a range of tilling depths. A 22-inch steel serrated tine shield adds protection from dust and debris. An adjustable loop and bail handle provides comfort at a range of heights. Agricultural tread tires assist in adding maneuverability. MSRP is $599.