[drglinski]

Originally Posted by Sugarmaker

I am debating the need for a spring assist with this future tiller set up on a 127. I see you have one, How do you like it for the tiller on the 147? Also did you have to do any work on your clutch to run the tiller?
Regards,
Chris

The tiller I use is my dad's that we/he's used on his 125 (which in your case is a 127 with different fenders) with an IH spring assist, so I've got some experience other than last year using it.
I ran it at the beginning of last year without a spring assist and it sure was an "armstrong" lift. The tiller is extremely heavy in comparison to any other attachment that I've put on a cub. It is doable to lift without a spring assist BUT since I have a manual lift lever I was concerned about the possibility of bending the lever. You could probably get away without one if you have a large garden/plot and don't plan on lifting it much. I've got a small garden and have to lift it often. Fast forward to June: I got an IH spring assist at Red Power Round Up and absolutely love it. It's great that it's 98% hidden and is extremely effective. When I hooked up the tiller in the fall to turn the garden back over it made a world of difference.

Clutch work? I'm assuming you meant the PTO clutch? Remove the mower belt and put on the tiller belt and it works just fine.

A hydrostat is good for tilling IMO but you have to keep a steady hand on the hydro lever because the tiller likes to push the tractor forward. Pay attention if you have any rocks cuz large ones like to get stuck and you have to shut off the PTO immediately or you can burn belts, etc. The biggest thing I didn't know is that the lift pin for the tiller that goes on the top of the 3 pt hitch is NOT the same one that is used for a sleeve hitch. IH made a specific lift pin for the tiller and mount. I hope you got that with the tiller box. Check out the manual, and let me know if you have any more questions.

For both a 147 and a 125 we could till effectively at 1/2 throttle.