Post by malewithatail on Sept 21, 2023 9:29:57 GMT 10
Some months ago we were given a Sthil MM55, multi power head unit, set up as a tiller for the garden. After replacing the fuel primer, it started first go. Pulled it out to use it in earnest yesterday and the starting cord jammed, and the spring sprung whilst trying to fix it. Got it all back together and thought others may like to hear how it performs.
Firstly, it isn't designed to break new ground, its just not powerful or heavy enough. For breaking ground I have the 6 foot Howard that goes on the tractor, so that's no issue.
That said, for previously rotary hoed ground, or ground that's been turned over by the pigs, it works very well.
The head turns towards you, and to use it properly, you walk backwards. The depth adjustment is quite crude, but adequate for the purpose as its only a rough guide anyway.
I found the bolts that secure the power head came loose, and resulted in it tilting. This is not a design fault as its designed to be able to tilt, but operator slackness in not checking the bolts were tight.
I tilled a patch about 10 foot square in about 20 minutes, using 3/4 tank petrol (2 stroke), so its not particularly economical, but 2 strokes generally aren't anyway.
Could a slightly built person use it ? Yes, but you need to hold on to the handles tightly, otherwise it moves all over the place, like it has a mind of its own. Its quite light and easy to carry one handed, so quite maneuverable.
When finished, a quick rake over to level the ground, add some furtaliser and the garden is ready to plant.
Worth it ? Oh Yes !! Hand held hoes and mattocks are much harder work than this is, and it takes longer with them as well.
Mine is fitted with the wheel kit, and optional balance weights. There is quite a bit of kit available for it, rotary brooms, edgers, airaters etc, and at around $500 its pricey, but WTSHTF, you gonna be glad you bought one.
Unfortunately, being a 2 stroke means it cant be easily run from a gasifier, but a Jerry can of petrol would last for several years with intermittent use. Don't forget to stockpile 2 stroke oil as well.
As a backup unit, or for doing small garden areas, its very useful. And WTSHTF, food production will be no 1 priority, so then it will come into its own. It has an electronic ignition, so isn't EMP proof, but a spare module is cheap and easy to change out. Just store it properly.
“There are some things money can’t buy. For everything else, there’s a plastic Card.”
