I've had some interest in putting in a small garden on my property since last year when I got my 147 with the rear mounted tiller box. I knew my dad had a tiller that he'd used for years behind his 125 and probably would let me borrow it. I'd also have a bonus of keeping up the garden (something to do) during the summer, and the wife and I could reap the benefits of (hopefully) what we grow.
Fast forward to this past weekend. Dad said sure, come borrow the tiller, no problem. It's been buried in his barn for years. Long story short; they grew a garden for years, wanted a pole barn, placed said barn on top of garden, and have not grown one since. Barn has been in place for about 12-14 years; so I estimate the last time this tiller has been mounted was about 15-16 years ago. It took 3 of us to un bury it and carry it, since they are ungodly heavy and everything moves.
The good: Dad keeps his stuff in relatively good shape. Being a mechanic, it usually works really good too. She's been kept inside her whole life. Turns out it's a number 2. I remember how it tills so I know it works great. Still has all the belts needed for operation.
Belt guard is still in place. Go figure.
The Bad: it still had dirt on its underside from the last time it was used. That was easy to remove; scraper and a hose cleaned it right out. Who knows how old the belts are; I do NOT want to have to replace the primary drive belt (at 80 something dollars last I knew.) I did not have the top lift link for the 3 pt hitch but one is coming in the mail.
The ugly: The soil at my folk's place is mostly large field stones. I remember them getting stuck in the tines often, and completely stopping the pto at times. Dad told me that he had to use loc tite on the threads that hold the gearbox on (the tractor) because it bounced it around so much it loosened it up. The tines are actually loose where they connect to the drive line. I'm sure this can be tightened up with the 3 bolts that are there. Thankfully my soil is not as rocky!
Did I mention I do not have a spring assist on a manual lift? It's going to be fuuuuuuuuuunnnnnnnn.
I'm looking forward to some seat time.
Thanks