Performance Comes in Small Packages
Written: Feb 25 '00
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Product Rating:
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Pros: rugged, warranty, good mechanical design overall
Cons: no reverse
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| bobso's Full Review: Troy-Bilt 3hp Tuffy Tiller |
I decided to purchase a tiller a couple of years ago after I discovered I had an interest in gardening and landscaping. Up until that point, the wife did all that type of work and I kept telling her that a tiller was not necessary and that everything could be done by hand. My attitude quickly changed after I had to deal with predominantly clay soils!
I had heard people talking about how good Troy-Bilt tillers were, but I did some investigating on my own before deciding to purchase the 3 HP Tuffy. It became clear immediately that I could get more machine in terms of horsepower and tilling depth for the same money as the Tuffy, but it also was clear that nothing I saw matched the mechanical quality or the warranty (lifetime)of the Troy-Bilt and that was enough justification for me to pay a premium for this tiller.
The Tecumseh engine has been a reliable performer to date and will start with minimal effort, even after sitting idle over the winter. All engine controls are mounted directly to the engine and not on the handle (choke control and throttle). Fluids are easily checked and topped off with no obstructions.
The drive mechanism for the wheels and the tines is a worm gear setup, unlike the chain drive setup of most tillers. This in my opinion is a far superior setup and is one of the main reasons Troy-Bilt can offer a lifetime warranty. The worm gear arrangement operates in a gear lube bath whose level is easily checked via a plug on top of the gear housing. The housing is vented through a small crack in the seating surface of the plug and because of this, it is prudent to check lube levels every time you operate it because there will be some minor leakage due to the jarring action of tiller operations. The engine is somewhat noisy, not unlike any other small displacement engine.
The steel tines are extremely tough and have been tested on numerous occasions by making contact with the many rocks located in the clay soil of Tennessee. The tines will turn this clay soil into powder if I go over an area enough times. The tines are engaged simultaneously with the drive axle when the drive bar on the handle is squeezed. One can operate the Tuffy with one hand IF the soil is already tilled and one is just doing cultivating work. On the other hand, I would recommend a firm two handed grip of the tiller because it will take off on you the second it grabs a root or a rock!
The drive axle is directly coupled to the worm setup and thus, will not free wheel. In order to move the tiller, one must either start the engine and squeeze the drive bar or disengage the rubber wheels from the drive axle by removing a round pin that goes through the wheel hub and axle. By doing this, you can move the tiller without starting it. This tiller does not have a reverse mode on it and will require man-handling to get it out of a tight spot if you can't go forward. The fact that these smaller tillers don't come with a transmission that would allow free wheeling and reverse is the only short coming I can think of.
The overall appearance of this machine is great. The paint seems to be extremely durable and the tine guarding is simple but functional.
The Tuffy tiller is ideal for anyone who needs more than a cultivator, but doesn't have the garden area to justify one of the larger machines. I firmly believe that the tiller will outlive me and would suggest to those that are thinking about a tiller to bite the bullet right from the beginning and pay the premium for a Troy-Bilt because it will be the last tiller you will ever buy (unless you need a bigger Troy-Bilt).
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
bobso
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Member: Bob
Location: TN
Reviews written: 4
Trusted by: 0 members
About Me:
Enjoys Tae Kwon Do, woodworking, and gardening
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