Step up your farming game with the power and dual rotation of the DR Power Pro XLDRT Rotary Tiller
Preparing the soil and growing your own vegetables is one of the most rewarding parts of owning more property than a city. While some soils are less challenging, many are, especially when you're first preparing it. The DR Power Rear Tine Rotary Tiller Pro XLDRT has just one question for you: Are you ready for serious farming?
advantage
- Strong farming performance
- Forward and reverse tooth rotation
- strong tires
- Side panels and rear debris guards keep mud from splashing on you
- Forward, neutral and reverse transport modes
- heavy enough to prevent bouncing
- Adjustable handle height
shortcoming
- Getting Oil Is Difficult
- no electric start option
DR Power Rear Tine Rotary Tiller Performance
engine
The Pro XLDRT starts with a DR Power 209cc overhead valve engine capable of 9.5 foot-pounds of torque. The good news for our friends in California is that it is a CARB certified engine.
One downside we found was refueling. The engine was filled with 20 ounces of 30W-HD oil. The most accessible channel of the two still has a lot of clogging. Grab a long, narrow funnel instead of trying to pour directly from the oil container.
farming
We have a backyard vegetable garden in Georgia that we planted on time but didn't maintain it well due to our family's busy schedule. We put the DR Power Rotary Tiller to the first test by clearing the rows between planting vegetables.
The engine drives a set of 11-inch teeth that are 18 inches wide and up to 11 inches deep. It's easier and more effective than using a weeder attachment or other small tillers.
The advantage of this model over some other models is that the tines have double rotation capability. Let them run forward as you work in loose soil or in a mature garden. Turn them over when you need to break up tough soil or till a field for the first time. To do this, use the gear lever to the left of the center of the handlebar.
To test the reverse functionality, we decided to expand the boundaries of the garden. Thanks to the mix of Georgia clay and topsoil, the rototiller's ability to dig in this tough mix is impressive.
As strong as the tiller is, it has limitations. The tines handle the occasional small rock. However, you should avoid rocky soils and sections with larger rock masses.
DR Power Rear Tine Rotary Tiller Design Notes
Drive System
The DR's engine also powers the drive system. Using the speed selector on the right, it is easy to match the drive speed to the work of the tines.
The same selector that switches the tooth rotation also controls the forward and reverse of the drive. The important thing to remember is that no matter which way the tines rotate, the drive is forward. With the tines closed, there is a separate transport for forward, neutral and reverse.
Note that there is a difference between when the tines are in forward and reverse. Forward rotation helps propel the machine forward and moves faster than the same setup with reverse rotation. If you need some extra resistance to help slow down, you can drop a tow post for that.
The pneumatic wheel is a beefy 13" x 5" with a strong tread that grips the soil well and moves the machine forward.
Shard Shield
The DR Power is designed to do a good job of keeping you from getting dirty. Side panels and a spring-loaded rear debris guard keep it under control.
supplementary notes
- Kick Start (Pull Start)
- 96 oz fuel capacity
- Adjustable handle height
- front brush guard
- 205 lbs
The DR Power Pro XLDRT has a list price of $999.99 and comes with a 2-year residential/90-day commercial warranty. Keep your eyes open though—as of this writing, DR's website is selling it for $799.99. Shipping is free if you order online.
the bottom line
The Pro XLDRT Rear Fork Rotary Tiller is the most powerful walk-behind tiller in the DR Power line, and the ability to rotate the tines in both directions makes a huge difference. If you really want to work a larger acreage for planting, skip the underpowered budget options and attachment systems and use the Pro XLDRT instead.
DR Power Rear Tine Rotary Tiller Specifications
- Model: DR Power Pro XLDRT
- Engine: 209cc OHV
- Torque: 9.5 ft-lbs
- Tillage Width: 18"
- Tillage Depth: Up to 11 inches
- Tine Size: 11"
- Wheels: 13 x 5 inches
- Price: $999.99
- Warranty: 2 years residential, 90 days commercial
Discover more outdoor power equipment on DR's website.