Southland Outdoor Power Equipment SFTT142 Front Tine Tiller

Unit arrived well packed. The manual was not clear in its photographs of the parts but overall it was pretty straight forward how to figure out the installation. After about thirty minutes of putting everything together the unit is well made and for the price seems very robust. I had to try my new toy out so after putting in the oil that's supplied and fresh gas it started up on the first pull. I’m very happy with this tiller. It’s not loud when running and it turned up the fresh ground very easily. As it’s a front tine tiller it pulls well but you do need to keep your hands on to keep it under control. Runs well and simply a very solid running product.

The unit arrived with no defects or missing parts, and was easy to assemble . (Even without the instructions)The engine started with the third pull of the starter handle. AND THERE IS MORE THAN ENOUGH POWERI put it through about two hours of work, in some settled clay type soil (hard and dry) with a few rocks.....i'd say up to about 5 inches in diameter.I used it in a sandy area as well, and for tilling shredded paper and grass cuttings in a sweet potato patch. She made light work of all tasks to far.The machine kicked a bit when the tines struck the rocks, an indicator that i should stop and remove them.The tines look like great quality, and i hope they last a few years.Fuel efficiency is great on the machine, and it is quieter than i feared. I have neighbors.What would like to see changed?1. I thing the tines have too much play (the holes are probably too large for the bolts), even after the bolts are tightened. It means they can get worn much faster and break. I have removed them to do an inspection and found some marks which are too deep for less that ten hours of use.2. The clutch handle is too easily knocked into activation by a thigh or hip if in a tight spot, or even with just a small lapse in concentration. I would prefer small handles either side of the par which can only be activated by positively squeezing them with one's hands.3. I'd like the transport wheels further apart for doing more uneven land. She keeps falling over when i pull her around. I think this can be done by an owner.This Machine is great for me at 52.

I do wish this thing was bigger and had more power but I only buy what I can afford. For the price this thing is actually pretty awesome. It took several passes but it broke ground for my new garden spot fairly well. It should be perfect for my uses now my garden is established. I hope it lasts a long time.Some have complained about assembly bit for me it was a breeze.The only thing I was annoyed with is that there was damage to the box and a dent in on of the fenders. I actually had to bend it straight during assembly. I dont know if it was sent out like this or if it happened during shipping. Still giving 5 stars.

FIRE DANGER! A good amount of gas leaks/splashes out of the tank while operating the tiller. Double checked the cap, and it is as snug as it should be. I cannot tell exactly if the gas is coming from the cap, or if there is a crack or something in the tank. This happened the very first time I used it. Tiller works great and chops up even hard packed clay, but it's not worth a hill of beans if it catches fire and burns me, or starts a structure fire! The assembly instructions could have been written a bit better. I'm going to contact the seller and ask about the leak. Might have to return the whole unit if the gas leakage issue cannot be resolved.

This machine is very powerful and will dig down, but you got to ride the pony. Digs down, you pull up to get it moving, it lunges forward, you pull down to stop it and that is how it seems until you learn the secret. The secret is to go super slow kind of holding it in one place, then let it move about an inch. Just keep it digging away not biting big grabs (hold it back).Mine started on the first pull out of the box. Simple to use.My guess is the problems I had are just typical of a front tine- forward rotating tiller. In case anyone is wondering I used it in previously established vegetable garden beds that were tilled twice a year with a rented tiller. I wasn't expecting it to wear my self out quite that much in our sandy soil. In fairness, we had a few 3-4" rocks which just launches this thing. Spend double the money for rear tine if you just want to walk behind you machine.

Amazon is being good, so they should get five stars for taking it back, but I spent 2 hours putting it together. Bottom line, is main bracket has 4 heavy duty bolts. All 4 bolts work fine in three holes, all four bolts start to strip in 4th hole, our-of-round and crooked hole. Called Southland, they offered to send replacement chassis box, then explained I'd have to remove engine, transmission, V-belt assembly, and more, a 5-7 hour job. RETURN TO AMAZON as junk.

Arrived in great condition. The instructions were a little hard to follow, I did manage to get it put together by googling.This tiller is powerful! Broke thru sod & churned up some big rocks with no problems.Took a few minutes to get a good sense of how to control it. I am 4'11" and this weighs more than me, but I won!Started on the first pull and runs like a champ! Many more beds to make and this will get the job done.Very pleased with this powerful tiller.

Arrived today. Easy assembly but needed metric and standard wrenches. Added oil that is supplied.Added gas pumped primmer a few times and it started first pull. Awesome little tiller diggs great.