Forward or Reverse Tine Rotary Tillers

Rotary tillers are used to break up the soil in preparation for planting. There are two main differences when it comes to rotary tillers, forward rotating tines and reverse facing tines.

Forward Vs. Reverse Tine

With Forward-facing tines, you can expect the momentum of the tines to slowly push your tractor forward as it rotates. This results in a shallower till, with a fine texture. A reverse tine tiller, on the other hand, will be able to break up the ground more efficiently since you are able to control the speed at which it is moving forward, this will result in a finer till. That being said, it will take more horsepower to pull.

Forward rotation tillers are low-duty tillers best suited for small jobs like garden spaces and soil that is already well aerated. They require more passes to get the desired results. Whereas, reverse rotation tillers are heavy-duty tillers perfect for large-scale jobs. They are more effective in preparing seedbeds for planting, burying large clods of dirt as you go so you don’t have to take multiple passes to get the desired results. Reverse tine tillers are recommended when working with hard, dry soil, as well as, larger plots of land, saving you both time and gas in the long run since you will only need to make one pass.

Slip Clutch Vs. Sheer Pin

When it comes to reverse tine tillers, they are equipped with torque protection so that you don’t damage your attachment or tractor if you his something it isn’t able to till through, like a rock. You have the option between a slip clutch and a shear pin, each having its perks. A Slip clutch limits torque being transferred from the tractor to the attachment by allowing each side to spin at different speeds until it can break free from the obstruction. A Shear pin on the other will shear or break under too much pressure, allowing the PTO shaft to spin freely without damaging your attachment or tractor. Simply clear the obstruction, realign the holes that once housed the pin, replace the pin, and carry on. Having these fail-safe disconnects protect your equipment from greater damage and expensive repair costs.

We carry Land Pride, Woods, and Bushhog, give us a call or visit https://applefarmservice.com/inventory to see what we have in stock.

Watch as Kent and Eric discuss this topic in greater detail.