TILLERS' VARIETY FORCES CARE IN MAKING PURCHASE

                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: THURSDAY, January 14, 1993                   TAG: 9301140040
SECTION: CURRENT                    PAGE: NRV-4   EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY 
SOURCE: Joe Hunnings
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Medium
TILLERS' VARIETY FORCES CARE IN MAKING PURCHASE
The power rotary tiller probably is the power tool most commonly purchased by gardeners.
Whether or not a gardener needs a rotary tiller depends on the size of the garden, the gardener's capabilities and the intended uses of the tiller. Most home gardeners will find it more economical to rent a tiller or hire someone for those occasional tilling needs.
However, for those who choose to buy one, selection of the tiller should be based carefully on the nature of the work to be done, the quality of the machine and its ease of repair, as well as personal preference.
The tiller's engine powers rotating blades, or tines, which can make garden soil loose and fluffy, ready for planting. It also can chop up plant debris and mix it into the soil.
Incorporating organic matter and manures into the garden is easily accomplished with a tiller, reducing the tendency to procrastinate this most necessary chore.
The ability of the tiller to do these jobs effectively is a function of its weight, strength, design, type of tines - and the type of soil.
A heavy, powerful tiller is most effective on stony, clay soils; while in a small garden or one with light soil, a smaller tiller is more appropriate. Very lightweight tillers, known as "soil blenders," are designed mainly for raised-bed gardening; however, they are not widely available and frequently must be mail-ordered.
Both front- and rear-tine rotary tillers are available.
Rear-tine tillers generally are better able to self-propel on all but the rockiest soils. Rear-tine tillers often have attachments available for such uses as hilling potatoes, making raised beds - even plowing snow! The price of a rear-tine rototiller is considerably higher in most cases than that of the front-tined type; consideration should be given to the payback time necessary for such a large investment.
If gardening simply is a hobby and the garden is small, a front-tined tiller may be more suitable. Front-tined tillers usually are lighter in weight but may require more strength to guide them through the soil. Operating this type of tiller is comparable to handling a large floor polisher: Leverage is required for control, but new gardeners sometimes are scared away from these tillers because of the initial experience of having a tiller run away with them.
The front-tined tiller may not make as straight a pass as the heavier rear-tined type, but it is much easier to turn. Because of this increased maneuverability, the front-tined tiller is easier to use in small gardens and in corner areas.
As garden tools go, a tiller is a major investment.
Features to look for include heavy cast iron, steel plate and tubing, heavy bearings, strong welds used in construction and easily operable controls.
Ask to look at the operator's manual and try to determine how simply a tuneup can be performed. You may save yourself a great deal of trouble and money if you can replace plugs and points yourself, particularly if you have no pickup truck on which to load the tiller.
Also consider the locations of service centers and parts dealers.
Careful attention to your needs, abilities and price range is important.
Talk to people who have the types of tillers you are interested in. If possible, borrow or rent various types of machines and send for information before you buy.

Joe Hunnings is the Virginia Cooperative Extension Service agent for agriculture in Christiansburg. If you have questions, call the Montgomery County extension office at 382-5790.

by Bhavesh Jinadra by CNB