pro-line with honda engine be my pick. I have 2 Horse tiller they old but work fine but when comes to buying new I go with one size smaller like old junior troy-bilt I have is better size after your first till you want need horse tiller. You could find old horse that needs engine or repair then go to harbour freight get honda nockoff engine around 150.00 put that old tiller and you have large one for many years.

Thanks - after reading some more online I think the proline is the way to go. I want to get the initial ground breaking done by the guy with kubota tractor who started my garden last year. It's old field full of hardhack roots and rocks (Maine=rocks). I am hoping after a few years of multiple mowings my 'field' will have more grass and less shrubbery.

FWIW, you're very wise to hire someone to till where you know there is an abundance of rocks and other "challenges." You mentioned a Kubota tractor, would they also have a rock rake or whatever they're being called this week? Removal of rocks will save you much grief if you're going to be using an expensive Troy-Bilt. also rocks in a garden are a PITA. Don't be surprised if you end up with enough rocks to build a wall or at least a BBQ. :-)

Ev

LOL - Maine is where the glaciers stopped and dropped their loads. So there are lots and lots and lots of rocks. And lovely picturesque stone walls that my dad called odes to 18th century child labor. The guy with the kubota did a great job getting through the roots, sod and rocks. I only removed rocks to any degree from about 1/4 of the garden last fall - and have quite a pile. I'm expecting to be doing rock removal for a few years before I get fairly clean soil.

I just repowered an old MTD 215-410-000 tiller. I bought it used at a flea market and bought a new engine. I saved a bunch of money and had some fun doing it.

Here is a link that might be useful: Tiller Engines