UPDATE – The reserve has been met!
It is not unusual for automobile manufacturers to have their fingers in several pies. Some will have a division devoted to producing trucks or other commercial vehicles, while others might make farming or agricultural machinery. One company that was often overlooked in that second category was Frazer. Its Rototiller was aimed at the homeowner’s market rather than commercial operators, and it proved a robust machine that acquitted itself well in most circumstances. This Rototiller underwent a cosmetic restoration and has remained a part of a Kaiser-Frazer Collection. With the owner deciding to sell their collection, this beauty is listed exclusively here at Barn Finds Auctions.
The genesis of this machine can be traced back to pre-war days, when a company called Rototiller Inc, located in Troy, New York, was producing commercial farm equipment. It wished to step away from that line into domestic machinery, forming an alliance with Graham-Paige to build the new model at the company’s Willow Run, Michigan, facility. Various corporate maneuvers saw Graham-Paige come under the Kaiser-Frazer umbrella. Frazer placed its brand on the machine but continued marketing and selling it as a Rototiller. Supply outstripped demand, and it is still possible to locate companies that retain an inventory of NOS parts.
This is the Rototiller’s business end, revealing some interesting design features. The Rototiller’s engine is a surprising beast for a vehicle of this type and age, and its prodigious torque allowed it to pick up and move some heavy objects. The tines are spring-loaded to minimize the chances of breakage, and more than one owner reported that their Rototiller easily lifted and threw a football-size rock out through the discharge door. Therefore, the fact that the handles swivel so the operator can be offset to prevent such objects from smacking them in the shins is a definite advantage. The owner says the Rototiller underwent a cosmetic refresh but hasn’t seen active service since. Its correct yellow paint is in good order, with the rear steel sporting a few of the dents and marks, confirming it has worked to earn a living. However, its overall condition and presentation mean it has no cosmetic needs.
Powering the Rototiller is a single-cylinder two-stroke motor pumping out 5hp. It runs on an oil-heavy fuel mixture, meaning it can produce a lot of smoke while operating. This is not a sign of severe wear but is a distinct advantage. It means the engine remains well lubricated, helping it stay healthy for years. As previously mentioned, the engine’s torque makes light work of heavy going, making the Rototiller the ideal tool for clay soils and rocky ground. The owner says the motor may not have been fired since the restoration, but that isn’t bad news. They are robust units, and a thorough inspection may reveal that some basic maintenance and fresh fuel will see this motor roar into life.
We feature an eclectic mix of machinery at Barn Finds, and this Rototiller fits within that category. It represented a fascinating era in American manufacturing when companies were unafraid to diversify to generate income. Machinery like this is now produced almost exclusively by specialist companies. This Rototiller could become an affordable part of its new owner’s collection, especially if they share the seller’s passion for Kaiser-Frazer products. If you fall into that category, it might be worth submitting a bid on this gem.
See the rest of the Kaiser-Frazer Collection here!
- Location: Stillwater, Oklahoma
- Engine: Single Cylinder Two-Stroke
*For parts and Automobilia, the Buyer’s Fee is 15% with no minimum
Bid On This Auction
- stan bid $590.00 2023-04-18 10:45:43
- Kpokor bid $390.00 2023-04-18 10:26:41
- stan bid $325.00 2023-04-13 04:00:50
Trophest bid $255.00 2023-04-10 16:59:30- stan bid $200.00 2023-04-10 15:57:00
- jmolsn bid $150.00 2023-04-10 14:17:51
*For parts and Automobilia, the Buyer’s Fee is 15% with no minimum
I just started my garden this year. Up here in Idaho we know all about rocks and clay. This could make a trusty companion for your garden. This also reminds me of the Troy Built we had when I was still living at home. That was probably the best tiller you could own and was built like this one only it had a 6hp Kohler. All cast iron and no plastic!
BF pls don’t !! BaT has gone deep on auctions for parts, signs, luggage and other “found in the corner of my basement” crap. Please keep it to vehicles.
BF, don’t change a thing. Keep it all coming. Let the whiners despair.
I think BF is doing fine. Branch out with anything automotive related. If you don’t like it click on something else. Fantastic collection. American Motors owned Wheel Horse in their good times. When a riding mower was a garden tractor
This thing is wicked cool. makes me think of my pap’s old David Bradley. I had no idea that Frazer made stuff like this. Thanks for introducing me to this world!
Looks like it’s powered by a Kitchen Aid mixer!
I could get behind a 2 stroke Kitchen Aid. Wonder if Frazer has a beater and dough hook PTO?
My dad bought one of these, used, in 1978. Rototilled 5 acres of what had been dryland pasture. I put in quite a few hours behind it myself. It was pretty much unstoppable, yet easy to use. Going straight, one hand steering was easy. The swivel handle was also a plus.
Lots of these out west when I was a kid. There was one that was a close competition to this one; I think it was simply a “Garden Tractor.” I remember it having an open sheave on the flywheel so you could wrap a rope around it to start it. A lot of people raised huge gardens back then. I often wonder, with the cost of produce these days, if we won’t be seeing more gardens…
They used Troybilt patents
The reserve is off!
these tillers are cool
have one locally with the steel wheels
but needs a lot of work
what would shipping be to Arkansas
how much does it weigh
Stan,
Guessing about 3-400 lbs. uShip often provides reasonable shipping options–or you’re so close in Arkansas, just come get it! We can load you.
Congratulations Stan! It’s a cool piece of history, besides being useful for what it is.