If you’re looking for a great tiller to help make the work in your garden easier, then this is the blog post for you. We’ve compiled a list of the best tillers on the market today and what makes them stand out from other models that might be available.
The types of tillers we’ll discuss are gas-powered, electric powered, and manual.
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Best Tiller for Breaking New Ground
Earthquake Victory 33970 tillers offer a ton of sod-busting force in a frame that’s easy to handle. You don’t even have to shift in order to back the machine up.
- COMPACT POWER- The 212CC Viper Engine delivers incredible sod-busting power in a compact frame which makes the Victory easy to handle without sacrificing performance. Counter rotating tines spin in the opposite direction of the self-propelled drive wheels providing the right combination of opposing forces to attack previously untilled ground with confidence.
- INSTANT REVERSE- Unlike almost every other standard rear-tine tiller, the Victory offers a solution for backing up that requires no shifting. At the end of a garden row or in tight spaces, simply pull the reverse lever and walk the unit backwards to change direction.
- HIGHLY MANEUVERABLE- With its compact frame and balanced weight distribution, the Victory allows for fluid navigation in tight growing spaces and stable pivoting capability at the end of garden rows.
- RIGHT SIZED ADJUSTABILITY- The Victory is right-sized allowing the flexibility to use one machine to both attack new ground and maintain existing plots. Looped handlebars offer 3 height adjustments to ensure an ergonomic experience of the user. Till up to 10” deep and 16” wide in one pass.
- 5-YEAR - A bronze gear drive transmission, heavy duty forged tines, and all steel construction are all hallmarks of a tiller built to last. Because it is built to last, the Earthquake Victory is backed by a 5-year and US based service and support.
Pros
- Bronze gear drive transmission
- Heavy-duty durable forged tines
- Adjustable for existing plots
- 212cc gas-powered Viper engine
- Pneumatic tires are attached to self-propelled wheels
Cons
- Rear tine tiller is fragile
- Valve stems might need to be replaced periodically
Best Tiller for Small Garden
Sun Joe TJ603E electric cultivators are easy to use and fit in small spaces. That makes them ideal for DIY-inclined independent gardeners.
- DURABLE: 6 Steel angled tines for maximum durability and performance
- EASY STORAGE: Handle folds for convenient storage and easy transport
- WHEEL-ADJUSTMENT: 3-position wheel adjustment
Pros
- Tri-position wheel adjustment switch
- Powerful 12A motor
- Series of 6 steel tines chew through dirt
- 8″ deep area of cultivation
- Runs on regular 110/120V power source
Cons
- Needs to be plugged into a socket
Best Tiller for Clay Soils or Hard Soils
The Earthquake Victory 33970 series of tillers is another great option for those who have hard soil to bust through. It’s tough bronze gear drive can get through the hardest material.
- COMPACT POWER- The 212CC Viper Engine delivers incredible sod-busting power in a compact frame which makes the Victory easy to handle without sacrificing performance. Counter rotating tines spin in the opposite direction of the self-propelled drive wheels providing the right combination of opposing forces to attack previously untilled ground with confidence.
- INSTANT REVERSE- Unlike almost every other standard rear-tine tiller, the Victory offers a solution for backing up that requires no shifting. At the end of a garden row or in tight spaces, simply pull the reverse lever and walk the unit backwards to change direction.
- HIGHLY MANEUVERABLE- With its compact frame and balanced weight distribution, the Victory allows for fluid navigation in tight growing spaces and stable pivoting capability at the end of garden rows.
- RIGHT SIZED ADJUSTABILITY- The Victory is right-sized allowing the flexibility to use one machine to both attack new ground and maintain existing plots. Looped handlebars offer 3 height adjustments to ensure an ergonomic experience of the user. Till up to 10” deep and 16” wide in one pass.
- 5-YEAR - A bronze gear drive transmission, heavy duty forged tines, and all steel construction are all hallmarks of a tiller built to last. Because it is built to last, the Earthquake Victory is backed by a 5-year and US based service and support.
Pros
- Strong build quality
- Enameled exterior
- Tough tires can get through clay without losing traction
- Doesn’t sacrifice performance for maneuverability
- Still easy to handle
Cons
- Too much clay can chew up tires
Best Tiller for Large Garden
Mantis 7940 4-Cycle cultivators may not look like much, but they’re not designed with aesthetics in mind. They’re designed to pack a ton of power into a 24 lbs. package that can cut through even the largest lots on residential market garden plots.
- Comes with a handy carrying handle
- Entire unit weighs Only 24-pounds
- Handle Bars fold down for easy storage
- 2-year limited Warranty
- Come with standard kickstand
Pros
- Very light on weight as far as tillers go
- Handle bars fold for easy carrying
- Comes equipped with a carrying handle
- Runs on straight gas, so you don’t have to mix fuels
- Powerful Honda motor onboard
Cons
- Somewhat narrow
- Needs periodic cleaning
Best Tiller to Remove Grass
Those who have tough sodded areas that need to be pulled up may also appreciate the Earthquake Victory 33970, which is uniquely equipped to deal with these obstructions. It can rip out the grass and leave the underlying soil fertile for its next planting.
- COMPACT POWER- The 212CC Viper Engine delivers incredible sod-busting power in a compact frame which makes the Victory easy to handle without sacrificing performance. Counter rotating tines spin in the opposite direction of the self-propelled drive wheels providing the right combination of opposing forces to attack previously untilled ground with confidence.
- INSTANT REVERSE- Unlike almost every other standard rear-tine tiller, the Victory offers a solution for backing up that requires no shifting. At the end of a garden row or in tight spaces, simply pull the reverse lever and walk the unit backwards to change direction.
- HIGHLY MANEUVERABLE- With its compact frame and balanced weight distribution, the Victory allows for fluid navigation in tight growing spaces and stable pivoting capability at the end of garden rows.
- RIGHT SIZED ADJUSTABILITY- The Victory is right-sized allowing the flexibility to use one machine to both attack new ground and maintain existing plots. Looped handlebars offer 3 height adjustments to ensure an ergonomic experience of the user. Till up to 10” deep and 16” wide in one pass.
- 5-YEAR - A bronze gear drive transmission, heavy duty forged tines, and all steel construction are all hallmarks of a tiller built to last. Because it is built to last, the Earthquake Victory is backed by a 5-year and US based service and support.
Pros
- Bites into even long grass
- Pulls up soil for replanting
- Self-propelled wheels take the hardest work out of the job
- Runs a fairly long time on a single tank
- Easy to push
Cons
- Grass can eventually get caught around axles
Best Tiller for Weeding
Sun Joe TJ599E Aardvark cultivators are great for those who need to pull up stubborn weeds all the time. They’re also an ideal solution for those who have a lot that’s never been weeded in the past.
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Pros
- 2½A electric motor
- Doesn’t put out any emissions
- Ergonomic handle design makes it easy to work with
- Telescoping shaft is easily adjustable
- Up to 6.3″ wide
Cons
- Must be plugged into outlet
- Cord is relatively short, so you’ll need an extension
Best Tiller for Rocky Soil
Those who have a large number of rocks that they can’t deal with any other way will want to look into the Earthquake Victory 33970. It’s tines are strong enough to throw them around with quite a bit of force.
- COMPACT POWER- The 212CC Viper Engine delivers incredible sod-busting power in a compact frame which makes the Victory easy to handle without sacrificing performance. Counter rotating tines spin in the opposite direction of the self-propelled drive wheels providing the right combination of opposing forces to attack previously untilled ground with confidence.
- INSTANT REVERSE- Unlike almost every other standard rear-tine tiller, the Victory offers a solution for backing up that requires no shifting. At the end of a garden row or in tight spaces, simply pull the reverse lever and walk the unit backwards to change direction.
- HIGHLY MANEUVERABLE- With its compact frame and balanced weight distribution, the Victory allows for fluid navigation in tight growing spaces and stable pivoting capability at the end of garden rows.
- RIGHT SIZED ADJUSTABILITY- The Victory is right-sized allowing the flexibility to use one machine to both attack new ground and maintain existing plots. Looped handlebars offer 3 height adjustments to ensure an ergonomic experience of the user. Till up to 10” deep and 16” wide in one pass.
- 5-YEAR - A bronze gear drive transmission, heavy duty forged tines, and all steel construction are all hallmarks of a tiller built to last. Because it is built to last, the Earthquake Victory is backed by a 5-year and US based service and support.
Pros
- Strong tines cut through rocky soil
- May chew up smaller stones
- Leaves soil relatively powdery
- Comparatively easy to use even in rough soil
- Rocky material won’t usually break tines
Cons
- May not be the most fuel-efficient option
- Rocks could puncture tires
Best Tiller for Raised Beds
Yard Butler twist tillers are very simple as far as the mechanical parts go, but they’re also extremely effective. These are simple to use, even if you have a relatively tall raised bed.
- LIFETIME GUARANTEE: Stop buying plastic or cheap metal products that don't hold up over the years. Yard Butler products are designed to last a lifetime and if you have a problem with our tools we make it right.
- LONG HANDLED GARDEN CLAW CULTIVATOR's step plate and wide 12 inch T handle uses the force of your body to easily rotate sharp angled claw tines into hard compacted soil.
- HANDHELD TWIST TILLER loosens, turns, tills, and aerates soil promoting the free flow of water, air, and fertilizer for a healthier and more beautiful yard and garden.
- HAND CULTIVATOR & CLAW WEEDER is ideal for mixing fertilizer or peat moss amendments and preparing raised bed for planting. Makes quick work of weeding.
- GARDEN HAND TILLER is heavy duty with powder coated durable steel construction to last multiple planting seasons. Measures 37 inches tall, 7 inches wide, and weighs 4.6 lbs.
Pros
- Shouldn’t corrode
- Sized for raised bedds and larger flower boxes
- Solid powder-coated steel shaft
- Aerates the ground and provides channels for water and air into your bed
- Perfect for those who need to mix fertilizer into soil
Cons
- Essentially hand powered
- Needs elbow grease to work
Should I Buy or Rent a Tiller?
Those who have larger gardens will probably want to rent some kind of garden tractor that features a tiller. A good rule of thumb is to rent this kind of gear if you have at least a full acre if not a little more.
Gardeners will smaller plots can usually get away with buying a small corded electric tiller at a much more reasonable price. This can be easily stashed away in the shed or garage when not in use like any other yard tool.
How Do I Choose a Tiller?
Take a look at how much land you have to till. If you’re going to be working on a large plot that features rocky soil, then you’ll probably want something with big thick tines.
Smaller plots, especially those with more arable soil, may be comfortably worked with hand tools.
What Is the Easiest Rototiller to Use?
Small corded electric ones might be the easiest to work, but they’re not the easiest to use over the long-term. If you’re looking for something that can take at least some of your effort out of the equation, then you’ll want to find something with fully self-propelled wheels.
These work the same way they would on a lawnmower.
Which Is Better Front or Rear Tiller?
Front tillers are almost always better for smaller gardens that don’t have difficult soil in them. They’re easy to work with and don’t take too much effort to move.
Rocky and clay-laden soils as well as large gardens are going to cause problems for them, however, so you’ll want to invest in a rear tiller in these circumstances. You’ll also want to go with a rear tiller if you’re planting crops that grow really deep roots.
