Experienced and amateur gardeners and farmers will find that a reverse tiller proves to be an excellent tool in their shed.
What is a tiller?
A tiller is defined as a tool designed to break up hard and compact soil, loosening, mixing, and aerating the dirt that will make it suitable for planting.
Should the soil be prepared for tilling?
To ensure more efficient tilling and optimal crop growth, the farmers must prepare the soil by removing existing sod, plants, weeds, rocks, large stones, dead tree roots, and other obstructions.
Different plants require certain soil conditions in order to thrive. You must also evaluate the soil to see if it's suitable for growing a specific crop. And if your soil doesn't meet those needs, the plants may die or not develop properly. You must test the type of soil and its pH level by yourself or have it tested by a professional.
Forward tine tiller versus reverse tine tiller
What do these tines mean for your tillage?
The tines are the prongs or "teeth" of a tiller and are the tiller's central component. Two types of tillers are classified by their tines: forward-tine and reverse-tine.
Forward-tine tiller: It is a type of tiller with forward-facing tines. The tines work in the direction of the tractor. You can expect this type of tiller to push your tractor forward as it rotates slowly. The tiller won't reach as far into the ground as the reverse-tine tiller but provides a sufficient tilth for most seed beds.
Reverse-tine tiller: It is a type of tiller with reverse-facing tines that work in the opposite direction. The reverse-tine tiller takes a lot more horsepower. However, it will reach further into the soil and provides a finer tilth than conventional tillers. This is achieved by throwing the soil rearward against "sifting" tines that allow large pieces of dirt, or rocks, to the bottom and leave the fine soils on top.
How does a reverse tiller benefit farming?
The difference comes down to the tilling job at hand and how you'll be using any tiller.
Choosing between a forward and reverse tiller depends on many factors, such as your soil profile, how you adjust the tiller's tailgate, and your tractor's power (to some degree).
If you ask how deep a reverse tiller goes, the tilling depth between four to six inches is ideal for most jobs. You won't encounter the usual snags, such as big rocks or tree roots, which can damage your tiller.
Another reverse tiller reduces or even eliminates the tendency to "stomp" over compacted ground and will crush it like a coffee grinder. Reverse tillers work by pulling the ground's surface over the rotor top, then putting the "clean soil" back into the bed by burying a layer of dirt. That way, reverse tillers create a more prepared seedbed with fewer passes. You don't have to make multiple passes in order to get your desired result.
Because of how reverse tillers work, they are preferred and recommended over forward tillers. Reverse tillers work better in hard and dry soil, as well as bigger plots of land, saving you time, effort, fuel, and ultimately, money down the line.
Massano reverse tillers
Italian company Massano offers a variety of farm and garden equipment, including tillers.
1) RSF 80" Tiller/Bed Shaper
- The soil carrying stones or vegetable debris strikes a vertical "comb" of spring steel tines where loose and clean soil passes through while rocks, dead tree roots, clods, etc., are screened out and fall to the bottom of the cut and then buried by clean soil.
- Reverse rotating tiller works soil and throws dirt up over the tiller's rotor to the rear.
- 80-inch width.
- They are designed for tractors with 80 to 150 horsepower.
2) RSF 84" Tiller/Bed Shaper
- The soil carrying stones or vegetable debris strikes a vertical "comb" of spring steel tines where loose and clean soil passes through while stones, dead tree roots, clods, etc., are screened out and fall to the bottom of the cut and then buried by clean soil.
- Reverse rotating tiller works soil and throws dirt up over the tiller's rotor to the rear.
- 80-inch width
- They are designed for tractors with 80 to 150 horsepower.
Massano's Rotostone system
Massano's agricultural breakthrough, the "Rotostone system," is a counter-rotating, stone-burying modular machine. It is a three-point mounted machine that, when attached to a tractor of appropriate horsepower, eliminates stones, root clumps, and other debris and residue on the surface.
The Rotostone allows the improved management of the soil and more efficient seeding or transplanting, reducing the required germination time. Thanks to its original working principle, it is suitable for every type of soil, enabling the operator to save time, effort, fuel, and money in the long run.
Solex Corporation offers various Massano reverse tillers and other products. We have been involved in importing and distributing different product lines from multiple US and European manufacturers throughout the Western US. For inquiries, contact our sales representatives at (707) 678-5533 or email to sales@solexcorp.com.