I have had a lot of experience with roto tillers---back in the 60"s & early 70"s, I worked for Howard Rotavator as a factory rep. Have used them on the farm and still occasionally use one.
For most applications---the H, M & 460---560 (5 speed transmission) tractors had to fast of forward speeds to really do an adequate job. One thing for certain----you need a direct drive gear train that will provide a "braking force" against forward thrust from the tiller. The early TA"s would increase pulling power, but allow "free wheeling" against the forward thrust of the tiller (as if disengaging the clutch).Depending on how serious your tiller plans are--I would highly recommend finding a tractor with a little more HP, 8 speed transmission (with several low forward speeds), live PTO and live hydraulics. Its not that it can"t be done with the H---just that you would probably be better satisfied in the end. I have run an 80" cut Rotavator on one of my M"s---but never was real pleased. Also have run an 80" on my Kubota L2850 (28 hp), but with extremely low speeds and operating the Rotavator very shallow. One thing to keep in mind----don"t know about other brands, but most of the Howard machines have a multi speed gear box, where you can change the blade speed in the rear of the gearbox. The slower you turn the blades---the less power is required from the tractor. At the same time---in order to take a smaller bite with the tiller blade (and result in a finer textured seed bed), if the blades are turning slower---you need a slower forward speed on the tractor. Conversely----with more power, you can speed the blades up, move the tractor faster and do more work. A good rule of thumb is 1 HP for each 1" of cutting width of the tiller. For lesser HP ratios---you really need slower forward speeds. Good luck on your project----keep us posted. Delta Dirt Avon, Ms 38723
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