Mike,

Thanks for the pictures. Now if I could just find a tiller...

 

If it is a large frame tiller, it must till backwards for you......I think your engine is mounted in the opposite direction, no?

 

Justin,

I'll answer for Mike. Yes, the QT does turn "backwards" compared to a large frame or a tube frame.

That brings up a question...has anybody ever run a tiller backwards? I ask because I can find a tube frame tiller pretty easy and adapt it to fit on my QT-16. Well, easier than finding a QT tiller anyway.

From the ground engaging standpoint, I don't think the dirt would care what direction it is being assaulted from. The only potential issue I can think of would be putting a load on the gearcase in the opposite direction. Would that cause issues due to the bevel of the gears?

I think we need some good engineering types to ponder this one.

Anybody?

Another thought just popped into my head...In order to turn a tube-frame tiller the correct direction, all I have to do is mount it in the FRONT of my tractor. Why not? I've seen snowblowers mounted on the rear with a 3-point setup.

I'm going to look into this...it may be do-able...

 

Justin,

I'll answer for Mike. Yes, the QT does turn "backwards" compared to a large frame or a tube frame.

That brings up a question...has anybody ever run a tiller backwards? I ask because I can find a tube frame tiller pretty easy and adapt it to fit on my QT-16. Well, easier than finding a QT tiller anyway.

From the ground engaging standpoint, I don't think the dirt would care what direction it is being assaulted from. The only potential issue I can think of would be putting a load on the gearcase in the opposite direction. Would that cause issues due to the bevel of the gears?

I think we need some good engineering types to ponder this one.

Anybody?

Another thought just popped into my head...In order to turn a tube-frame tiller the correct direction, all I have to do is mount it in the FRONT of my tractor. Why not? I've seen snowblowers mounted on the rear with a 3-point setup.

I'm going to look into this...it may be do-able...

Nope, that won't work. It will still turn backward. You'll have to think it thru a little, but I've been there, done that. The pto turns one way when you look at it from the back, opposite that from the front. So, when you turn your attachments around to use on the front, they are backwards, with a backwards running pto (from the front view), it's a double negative. Ends up spinning the same direction.

As for your other question, the dirt will pile up in front of you tiller if you run it backwards (as in using a tube frame on a QT/QS). It will be like digging a trench with the tiller. Eventually it will over-run the tines and deposit it behind the tiller as it should,but i don't think you will like the results. Plus, you will have to turn all the tines around, not a big deal.

What you need is a set of one-to-one gears that have bearings and a gear box. the input would hook up to your pto, and the output would hook up to your tiller. Just 2 gears on 2 shafts, that would get your direction right.

 

I have done this, as you all may have seen, I used a Bolens tiller adapted to my Ford LGT165 . I can run the tiller either way and at r different speeds. Anyway, if you reverse the tines it pulls so hard you will most like bury your tractor.
You really need 4 wheel drive to even ponder it.

 

They make hydrolic tillers that you can run backwards or forwards.

20 yrs ago I build a tiller from a couple old walk behind tillers with its own engine that I mounted on Montgomery Wards lawn tractor that turned backwards, it worked very good but did leave a 4 to 6" ridge/ditch when lifted but it made a great seed bed.

 

Wish you guys looking for a "Q" tiller were closer, I've got one that looks like new.

I'm on the other end of this stick, I'm pondering putting an engine on the tiller and making a tow behind out of it. It's too good a machine to just junk out for parts, the tines show zero wear.

On just running one backwards, I thought about that but wonder if doing so would not cause problems with the drive system as well. I don't think it would make any difference to the chain drive but the worm gear would be pushing the wrong direction for the design.

I also considered turning the tiller around and driving it with a chain setup but the necessary jackshafts and bearings would significantly add to the drag on the engine. Figure it's easier to go with a second engine and I have a few Wisconsin twins too choose from.

Mike

 

If your looking for a tiller in pa try Rays mower shop in Boyertown, he is the one who rebuilt my motor years ago, I remember seeing at least 4 of them there in a field of full of mowers.
http://maps.google.com/maps/place?hl=en&rlz=1C1CHMR_enUS306US307&nord=1&qscrl=1&ion=1&um=1&ie=UTF-8&q=bolens+mower+parts+pa&fb=1&gl=us&hq=bolens+mower+parts&hnear=Pennsylvania&cid=8991565436767404065

 

If it turns backwards just backup when you're tilling not a big deal with a hydro trans.A big truck mirror mounted on one side to watch the tiller would keep you from having to turn around to see where you're going.

 

That's an interesting thought. I wonder how it would work going backwards and pushing the tiller? I've got a tiller for a QT/QS series that is really nice but can't use it on my 1886.