Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)I've always liked Troy-Bilt's heavier tillers, and used an 8-HP model for many years until I finally traded it off to a landscaper for some hardscaping. My remarks ONLY apply to Troy-Bilt's heavy models - 8 HP and up. I would pass their smaller tillers by.
Troy-Bilt's design is rough and ready, but the machine is heavy (a positive in a tiller), it's well-balanced, the gearing in the transmission will take constant use, and the controls work flawlessly. If you aren't breaking new ground, you really can operate it one-handed as advertised - it really is that smooth. Two things to watch out for, though: hit a big rock and this tiller can take quite a jump (picture several hundred pounds in the air with tines rotating), and you need to be very careful in reverse, as the machine is (properly) balanced for forward motion, not reverse.
I have also want to note for clarification purposes that while the description of this tiller indicates that the transmission is cast iron, that refers to the casing - the gears are actually bronze, which is considerably better! Finally, correcting another reviewer, the maximum tilling depth is 8". It cannot till a foot deep. Considering that a lot of tractor-mounted, Ag tillers only till 8" or so, I'd say that's more than adequate!
So why 4 stars instead of 5? Two reasons - Briggs and Stratton engines, and cost. Troy-Bilt used to offer engine alternatives, including the Kohler Magnum. I've regretted most purchases I've made with Briggs engines, the latest being a top-of-the-line Ariens commercial snowblower that was recalled, for all things, for engine fires! The cost of the Troy-Bilts has now risen to the point where I think you're paying too much for an antiquated design, in spite of its virtues. At this price point, I'd start seriously considering a BCS tiller for a little more. But if the price of the Troy-Bilt has already maxed you out and you can live with Briggs, you are getting a good tiller - you'll have to come to terms with the value for the money for yourself.
Troy-Bilt is now owned by MTD, a company that is known for its value-priced merchandise in the big box home centers and in discount stores, not for top quality equipment (nothing wrong with that in itself, of course). As a result, however, I'm not expecting any investment into Troy-Bilt improvements either.
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Troy-Bilt Horse 20-Inch 305cc Briggs & Stratton 1450 Series Gas Powered Forward Rotating Tiller
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