Roto Tiller

Mine is about 30 years old and still running. The rust goblins here are finally getting it, but it still takes a licking and keeps on ticking.

I do a lot of custom Rotovateing, i don't agree that it's a first or second gear slow going tool. It all depends on what kind of tillage you are after. Some customers want the soil ground fine, others want it left similar to what a chisel plow would leave, but with smaller clods of dirt. I always ask my customer what they are after, and then make the adjustments to my Rotavator to leave the soil as they want. I wouldn't buy a Howard Rotavator with out a multi-speed gear box, because if you do, all you'll have for the most part is a HD rototiller. As for chain or gear drive: i prefer the chain drive, as Howard puts a very HD chain in there's, and in over 15 years of heavy use, i've yet had to replace one. (I have two Howards) You have a choise, buy the best Rotavator now, OR pay later when you hit something, "AND" you will hit something!! Robert

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As to brands, it's hard to beat a Howard, IMHO. I've had mine for 13 years, and it's seen a lot of hard use. It's a chain drive. Keep the slip clutch adjusted properly, change the chain case oil regularly, and it'll outlast you.