This is a Roto-Ette model 2 made by Rototiller Inc. This particular model started production in 1952 and I believe this particular tiller was built in May of 1953. I will explain later as to how I came to that conclusion. Currently it does not have the original model 8 B&S engine that was used by the factory. I have purchased a model 8 engine to rebuild and install on this tiller.

A friend gave me this machine along with a Model T. Both needed repairs to the tiller worm drive and the Model T was pretty much worn out and parts were no longer available. A friend machined two new bushings and I salvaged the best gear from the two tillers to make this one useable. This Rototiller is handy for doing small flowerbeds and light tilling, but it doesn't compare to the job the B1-6 does.

Notice the resemblance to the present day Troy-Bilt tillers. Troy-Bilt's history can be traced back to Rototiller, Inc. Mr. C.W. Kelsey, founder of Rototiller, Inc., registered the name ROTOTILLER as a trademark in 1932. He licensed GRAHAM-PAIGE to build the large B1-6 machine in 1944, while he built the smaller Home Gardener and the less expensive model T, 2, and model 3 Roto-Ette. The model T sold for a dollar a pound, $194.50 when it was introduced in late 1949 or early 1950.

Notice the tines on this particular tiller. I have not seen these on any other Roto-Ette and think they may have been an after-market product.

After looking at many serial numbers of Roto-Ettes and several of the Home Gardeners, I believe one can determine the month and year of manufacture. The two-wheeled Roto-Ette always has 2 or could have 3 digits with a space or two before the serial number. The Home Gardener has a space or two after the serial number. The last number always matches the last digit of the year in which these machines were made, so I assume the other number is the month. One of my Home Gardeners that I sold, had a 3 digit number, 6312 108, which would make the manufacture date October 1948, which fits the time frame in which they were made.