Tiller/Mower combination

When I was young I remember Dad had a lawn mower that could be converted to a tiller. I have never seen anything like it elsewhere. Does anyone know who might have sold a machine like this?

It was clumsy for mowing, but we used it as our tiller for years.

Reo made one that could be a tiller, snow blower, lawn mwoer, etc.
Jim

Toro made a unit for several years called a "Power Handle." ....It was an engine on a base with a handle.

The Power Handle's base fit into a hitch on the desired attachment. ....A V-belt from the Power Handle connected to the attachment.

Toro offered many attachments for the Power Handle. The most common were: rotary mower, reel mower, snowblower, tiller, pump, and sprayer.

Your post was in 2008 and now it's 2014 but anyway, I'm looking for the same thing now. Troy-Bilt, on the phone said they are coming out with something the first of the year that has the motor with handles and you will be able to "snap on" attachments such as a mower, power sprayer, and tiller.

She said it would probably be a similar motor to that currently used on their top, most powerful walk behind mower which is currently around 1,300.00 plus tax and shipping. I forget the horsepower but I only remembered it must be a monster. It was also the only walk behind mower with a blade clutch. A feature I was also pursuing that is hard to find for a walk behind mower The price for a decent mower seemed to be higher and higher as I sought a certain set of features to the point I'm thinking maybe it would be better to wait until Troy-Built comes out with this mower/ tiller combination thing as I'll have to be tilling a small garden in spring. Not sure until I see it though. I've just about given up the thought of buying a sole walk behind mower and looking for other avenues like you.

Gravely, BCS, Simplicity, Bolens, David Bradley all make or made convertible tractors. Gravely was probably king back in the day and a good one is still a very viable contender. BCS makes modern gas and diesel models. They are lifetime investment type machines but you can do about anything you'd need on a small farm ( 5-7 acres) or large garden type set up. They are slower than "real" tractor but they tend to do a better job the first time as far as tilling than the standard garden tractor and for much less money than a heavy duty tiller like a "real" tractor would use. If you are willing to forgo the "lawn Cadillac" type machine with stereo, beer holder, power steering, etc and actually do a bit of manly work by walking along behind the machine with some of the implements you will find them to be a real workhorse. I'm still using Gravelys from the 40's, 50's and 60's, a Fraser Rototiller from the 40's and a Simplicity/Montgomery Wards walker from the same period. You can often find them for cheap and they make todays average tiller/mower/CUT look like a joke. But you have to be willing to learn how to use them and sweat a little until you figure them out.

If you go modern and get a BCS type then you have a lifetime tool that is only limited by you wallet and needs. Seriously- they make grain binders and round balers for these things! Check BCS on You Tube.

Thank You for all that information.

I'm a strong 5'4" woman so as long as these machines require more finesse than brute force, I can use the exercise. I will go online to see the machines you are talking about.

You wouldn't happen to know which of these has a post hole digger do you?

Are there still attachments and repair parts for the older workhorses you mentioned? How often did you have to fix your older standbys to keep them running?

K.

(reply to post at 02:34:27 11/28/14)

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If you do a search on Ebay for"Gravely L" you'll find all sorts of parts and implements. There are businesses that specialize in parts for them too. A good L model Gravely that is taken care rarely needs any work beyond an oil change. A wore out one will need a lot of care.

There was a post hole digger made for the Gravely and the rotary plow would serve as a digger with the extended shaft. I think BCS also has one. Be advised they aren't like a tractor mounted unit, they can be a bear to handle, really a 2 man job.

As far as use, you sort of dance with a Gravely. It's a matter of using momentum and balance to swing it with the heavier front mount stuff. The lighter stuff you have lots of leverage to move. The BCS is available with steering brakes.

You have been very helpful. Thank You. I will look at the machines you mentioned.

I will rethink the post hole digger as advised. LOL!

Had an older Gravely Commercial 12 here for a couple years, wife used the tiller, and shes a small woman, but she liked using it to kill the weeds between rows(she hates hoes). Never really used the mower but it seemed to work well enough. It was a little too big for her garden, and a little too small for me to mow 3 acres of grass. They can found in good working condition for under $1000 if you dont mind cleaning them up yourself. They can be very nice looking tractors.