Does anyone know where I can get a large(16" tine diameter) tiller in good condition for $500-$750? The Troy builts is what I prefer, but The size I want starts at$1000. I live in coastal Oregon(Portland, Salem area)Also what zone am I in?

try e-bay or putting an ad in your local newspaper.

Check this out. There are several links to sites with hardiness zone maps. Check them all and as many others as you can find, and learn as much as you can about your area as you can.

http://forums.rodale.com/og/thread.jsp?forum=3&thread=11764

Good luck finding the tiller of your dreams!

BG ;\

Consider going no-till and spending $125 or less for a broadfork!

Non-motorized, easy to use (but still gives you some exercise, in case you actually like wrestling with a bucking 'tiller!) and hang it on the wall when done.

I started using one two years ago and I am sold. Fewer weeds (the tiller keeps bringing fresh seeds to the top) and root structures on my tomatoes that would blow you away. My soil does not require tilling, it just needs a gentle lift/loosen which is what a broadfork does.

Not to say that tilling is bad! I'm just saying there are options that might interest you.

If you do a seach on these forums using the term "broadfork", you might find some of our threads from last summer where we discussed broadforks in more depth. Also, Lee Valley Tools and Johnny's Seeds website have info on their particular variety of broadfork (Lee Valley calls it a U-bar digger).

i 2nd the forgo the rottotiller idea. i have one, a honda i think. it sits it in my garage taking up space. (the garage is not small, but nature will always fill any available space.... garages are no exception!) i have to fill it w/ gas & worry about that gas going bad before i use it again. i have to maintain it, which is more $$ for a seldom used item.
given it to do over i don't know htat i would have gotten the tiller. if i wanted one i'd probly rent. i won't say that i wouldn't use one. it was a life saver in breaking up the ground in this huge yard! it would have been a long term backbreaker w/o the tiller. but once that was done...... in the garage it sits untill i break open a new section. i won't ever till again once the bed is prepped.
and there is the actuall use of it. if the dirt is packed enough to need a tiller..... let's just say you do not want to be a small person to handle it. i'm pretty good sized & very muscular. that thing drug me thru this yard like a 5 yr old w/ an untrained puppy on a leash!
the neighbors did have a good time tho. :-D

For $500 you can get a new 17" Craftsman from Sears. It uses the same motor as a Troybuilt(Briggs&Statton).The big difference is a better transmission on the Troy. I bought my Craftsman 16 years ago and it's still going strong. If you break in the motor correctly, change the air cleaner, the oil, empty the fuel (or use a fuel stabilizer)before storing and keep it out of the weather, it will last. Maintenance does not have to cost so much if you do it yourself. Others are correct about only using a fork, but they also have established beds. Sometimes this can take years. I am constantly breaking new ground and a using a shovel and a fork are not practical.