Agri-Fab (36") Multi-Fit Tow-Behind Forward Rotating Mid-Tine Tiller

This very versatile tiller is one of only a few on the market. What makes this tiller so unique is that it can be used behind any size lawn and garden tractor or ATV. The forward rotating tines do not put stress or wear and tear on the transmission allowing it to be pulled behind versus a PTO driven tiller. The 11 inch tines can be adjusted to depths of 5.5 inches deep. When tilling soil that has not been broken Agri-Fab recommends taking 1 or 2 inches at a time for best results.

I have had my tiller for several weeks and have held off sending a review so as to not let my first impressions color my opinion. As advertised it "stirs" just fine (At least at 2". See below ) but as for breaking up new ground it's like saying you can race your minivan. Sure you can, but you will not be happy with the results. Do NOT buy this tiller to breakup a new garden or seed bed of any size, unless you have a huge amount of patience or are tilling beach sand. It is vastly underpowered. It seems to be of solid construction and should be able to handle more horsepower. I have been doing two plots neither of which is more than 1500 square feet and have just this morning gotten both of them to the 2" mark going one inch at a time. I wish I had kept track of the full amount of time I have invested so far. Way over 5 hours (Measured on the hourmeter of my tractor) since that's when I changed the oil. Probably in the vicinity of 8 hours. I am tilling ground that was farmed for a century or more but has been in field grass for the past 30+ years.

Another problem is that the wheels are over a foot to the rear of the tines. In crossing even a very shallow depression the tines ride over the surface, but when the wheels drop in they are jammed into the ground below the depth setting, frequently stalling the engine.

The manual cautions that the engine is shipped without oil but doesn't say that the chain housing is as well. I caught it but other may not.

Lastly. The engine started puking oil after several hours. I cleaned it when I did the oil change and it is returning. I have not fully investigated the source. I am retired and on a fixed income. This tiller represented a considerable investment for me. Disappointed is putting it mildly.

I have had my tiller for several weeks and have held off sending a review so as to not let my first impressions color my opinion. As advertised it "stirs" just fine (At least at 2". See below ) but as for breaking up new ground it's like saying you can race your minivan. Sure you can, but you will not be happy with the results. Do NOT buy this tiller to breakup a new garden or seed bed of any size, unless you have a huge amount of patience or are tilling beach sand. It is... more

This is a follow up to my review of June 18th. This afternoon at about hour 12, the engine stalled. (Again) After two pulls on the starter rope it stopped solid. The crankshaft will rotate only about a quarter turn in either direction. I have just e-mailed Agri-Fab about the problem. I'll let you know if I get satisfaction or something else.

Hello.

The tiller did it's job, but had quite a lot of bounce due to dry ground. I did not know when I ordered it that a helpful accessory would have been weights so I didn't order them. I probably will order some for future.

A tine snapped off at the weld after a couple of hours. This diminished the effectiveness somewhat, but I was able to finish the job, which was to prepare four 100' long beds for blue berry plants. I called Agri Fab and they sent me a replacement at no charge. I am reasonably satisfied with the product and will continue to use it on my small farm.

Thanks.

Hello.

The tiller did it's job, but had quite a lot of bounce due to dry ground. I did not know when I ordered it that a helpful accessory would have been weights so I didn't order them. I probably will order some for future.

A tine snapped off at the weld after a couple of hours. This diminished the effectiveness somewhat, but I was able to finish the job, which was to prepare four 100' long beds for blue berry plants. I called Agri Fab and they sent me a replacement at no charge. ... more

I can't believe how big of rocks the tiller will flip out of the ground. The tiller works in any kind of soil. Very good product and easy to use. The only complaint I have is that the lift handle could be longer. It is a long reach to pull back to raise the tiller, other than that the tiller is a very good quality product.

I was finally able to use my new Agri-Fab tiller today. It attached to my riding mower easily. I only needed to put oil and gas in it and attach a few parts and if fired right up. I was a little unsure if my riding mower would be OK with the stresses put on it from the tiller trying to break into the ground, but it worked like a champ. I followed the directions and started the depth setting at 1 inch and increased the depth by 1 inch at a time until I got down to the 4 inches that I had wanted. The tiller worked GREAT with no damage to either the tiller or my riding mower. After years of using a walk behind tiller, I can't get over how easy this was and how great it worked. Well worth the money and I am so glad I purchased it.

Thank you Agri-Fab...

I was finally able to use my new Agri-Fab tiller today. It attached to my riding mower easily. I only needed to put oil and gas in it and attach a few parts and if fired right up. I was a little unsure if my riding mower would be OK with the stresses put on it from the tiller trying to break into the ground, but it worked like a champ. I followed the directions and started the depth setting at 1 inch and increased the depth by 1 inch at a time until I got down to the 4 inches that I had... more

Well, when I got your tiller, I could not use it to break up the sod where I wanted my garden, even when that area had been plowed a year ago. As an Engineer, I assessed the problem, and came up with a safe solution. I made an adapter that allowed me to use the tiller to break up the sod. As I previously mentioned, I would be happy to sell you the design for a small fee, or royalty.

Also, since there is no oil dip stick in order to check the oil level, it is hard to determine if the right amount of oil is in the crankcase. I am starting to have some blowby, which is showing up as soot on the e3xhaust muffler. As far as I can tell the crankcase is "not" over filled with oil.

Even though, I followed all of your safety precautions, I think that this machine is almost to dangerous for the average homeowner/gardener.

Well, when I got your tiller, I could not use it to break up the sod where I wanted my garden, even when that area had been plowed a year ago. As an Engineer, I assessed the problem, and came up with a safe solution. I made an adapter that allowed me to use the tiller to break up the sod. As I previously mentioned, I would be happy to sell you the design for a small fee, or royalty.

Also, since there is no oil dip stick in order to check the oil level, it is hard to determine if the right... more

I am 70 years old and have copd, bad knees and back problems, so it would be impossible to use a walk behind tiller. My wife enjoys her garden each year but had given up having one this year. I was able to till her garden space plus even more area. We both thank you for our tow behind tiller

I just wanted to let you know how this tiller has performed. I have a garden that I regularly till up each year, and this unit has never skipped a beat. Employ it within its capabilities. You can't go ripping through untilled ground without bogging down. That being said, it steadily goes through worked ground at slow speed. The results are very nicely, plant ready soil. This is excellent for tilling in your compost, manure, and fertilizers/lime. Not a single thing has broken or bent; this unit is built like a rock. The controls work well, I would suggest this unit for hobby farmers like myself. My garden plot is about 50'x75' and this is excellent for making short and easy work of getting it ready to plant, weed control, and breaking new ground. I am absolutely satisfied with my purchase.

I just wanted to let you know how this tiller has performed. I have a garden that I regularly till up each year, and this unit has never skipped a beat. Employ it within its capabilities. You can't go ripping through untilled ground without bogging down. That being said, it steadily goes through worked ground at slow speed. The results are very nicely, plant ready soil. This is excellent for tilling in your compost, manure, and fertilizers/lime. Not a single thing has broken or bent;... more

There should be a gorilla included in the price. You need one to raise the unit at the end of the garden. The lift handle should be at least two feet longer, to give an advantage for lifting the unit. It is impossible for an 83 year old man to raise the unit from the tractor seat. It is necessary to get off of the tractor and use both hands to raise the unit.

It's a good product. It is a little hard to raise in soft soil. I think it could use an apron behind the tines to recirculate the tilled earth. (it throws the dirt behind) It's better then the last pull behind I've owned. The depth setting instructions are a little vague.