This is a Roto-Ette Model 2 made by Rototiller, Inc. This model was basically a Model T with improvements, the biggest being the "Lightning Change Front", where many of the attachments were quickly mounted.  Also, the horsepower was increased to a whopping 2hp.  The Model 2 started production in 1952 and I believe this particular tiller was built in May of 1953.  Currently is does not have the original model 8 B&S engine that was used by the factory.  

A friend gave me this machine along with a Model T. Both needed repairs to the tiller worm drive.  The 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 one usable.  This tiller is especially handy for small flower beds and light tilling, but does not compare to the job the B1-6 can do.  Note the different tines on this particular tiller.  I recently found a pamphlet that identifies them as Hoe Tines made by the Windolph Tractor Co. (no longer in business) in Portland, Oregon.  Designed for working in tall grass or sod, also for thinning berry patches, cutting runners and maintaining rows.

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 3 Roto-Ette.

After looking at many serial numbers  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 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 digit of the 2 or 3 digit number is the year of manufacture and I assume the other number is the month.  One of my Home Gardeners had a 3 digit number, 6312 108, which would make the manufacture date October 1948, which fits the time frame they were made.  On machines with original Briggs motors, I checked the manufacture date of the motor and found it to be the same month or earlier.  I really believe they used this method on the B series tillers as well.  For photo examples go to my photo album for Model 2&3.

Pictured here are a Model 2 on the right and a Model 3 on the left.  Both of these machines are equipped with the correct Briggs & Stratton engines. There are more photos of these machines in my photo album.

The Model 2, s/n46 23014, came from the grandson of the original owner.  His father had taken it apart and repainted the tiller.  I believe this tiller was built in April of 1946.  It has a model 8 B&S engine, which is the correct engine for the Model 2.  A little cleaning, a carburetor rebuild,  and a new spark plug wire returned this tiller to good running condition.

The Model 3, s/n47 4044, was given to me in the present condtion by a gentleman who loves to restore almost anything.  It did not have an engine on it when I got the machine.  A few months earlier I had purchased another Model 3 with the Briggs Model 9 engine in "well used" condition.  I cleaned up the engine, rebuilt the carburetor, and installed the engine on this Model 3.  I believe this machine was built in April of 1957.  I have documented that 1957 was the first year Rototiller had the adjustable rear flap, which is the purpose of the piece you see sticking up between the handlebars.  This tiller also has lockout pins on the wheels.  More photos can be seen in my photo album.

An option on the Model 3 was a tine clutch.  Model 3s with this feature will have a rod sticking through the tiller hood (see one in my photo album).  Turning this rod would either engage or disengage the tiller.  I have also read of some Model 3 tillers having reverse, but have not seen this feature on any tillers.