First American-Made Rototiller

  Troy-Bilt produces a variety of yard and garden tools that has aided generations of enthusiasts in creating their perfect outdoor haven.  It started more than 60 years ago when it introduced the first American-made rear-tine rototiller and changed the face of home gardening in the United States.

  In 1937, C.W. Kelsey unveiled the Model A-1.  Kelsey's inspiration was an imported, commercial German machine known as the Earth Grinder.  He was determined to design a rototiller that was suited for the rocky American soil while satisfying the needs of home owners. 

















  Kelsey retired after 26 years in the business.  Picking up where he left off was George Done, who previously worked as Kelsey's chief engineer.  In 1962, Done designed a 4 1/2-horsepower, rear-end tiller known as the Trojan Horse, that was heavier and more powerful than previous models and a single-purpose machine.  With the demand for orders increasing, a new 6-horsepower model with an electric starter was added to the Trojan Horse line in 1965.
 
 
 
 
 
 
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After nearly two decades of development, the Model A-1 was manufactured in Troy, New York, and was a 400-pound, 4 1/4-horsepower machine with cleated steel wheels.  It featured Kelsey's exclusive rear-mounted tines and power-driven wheels, which would define the Troy-Bilt tiller for years to come.