Ever noticed just how a garden breathes some new life all around the home? And this is regardless of whether you plant some vegetables to supplement your diet or even just some flowers for beauty. But, as you might already know, growing a garden takes a lot of effort, dedication, and patience. If you are planning to start a garden in your yard, one of the first and probably the most important thing that you will need to do is to dig up the ground. With the best rototiller, digging your garden is not only way much easier but also super fast. The more information you have about this essential gardening equipment the easier it becomes to choose the right one. In this piece, we highlight all the vital points you need to know about rototiller, and also review 10 of the best ones out there. Let’s get started with our top 10 best rototiller reviews. What is a Rototiller?
Earthwise TC70025 Corded Electric Tiller
Earthwise TC70025 7.5-Inch 2.5-Amp Corded Electric Tiller/Cultivator
- Powerful 2.5 amp motor
- Dual tines with a 6.4-inch cutting width
- Trigger grip handle
- 6-inch tilling depth
- 280 RPM idle speed
- Lightweight for easy portability
- Highly affordable
- Easy to operate
- Convenient and easy to store
- Comfortable ergonomic handle
- Tough and highly durable steel tines
- Not powerful enough for deep digging
Earthwise TC70025 User Manual
View this manualThis product has been engineered and manufactured to our high standard for dependability, ease of operation, and operator safety. Properly cared for, it will give you years of rugged, trouble-free performance.
Mantis 7940 4-Cycle Tiller Cultivator
Mantis 4-Cycle Tiller Cultivator 7940 Powered by Honda – Lightweight, Powerful and...
- 25cc 4-cycle Honda engine
- Sure-grip handles
- Up to 240 RPM tine speeds
- 9-inch tilling width with a 10-inch depth
- Finger controlled throttle
- Unique, curvy steel tines
- Powerful gas engine
- Infinite speed control
- Easy to operate
- Folding design for easy storage and transport
- Handy kickstand makes placement easy when not in use
- Does not have transport wheels
Mantis 7940 User Manual
View this manualOnce you know how to use your tiller correctly, we guarantee you’ll love it. So first, please read this manual. It shows, step by step, how to use your tiller safely.
Mantis 4-Cycle Tiller/Cultivator Powered by Honda
Yotube Video Review: Mantis 4-Cycle Tiller/Cultivator Powered by Honda
Never till wet soil. You'll get stuck and may damage the blades.
Sun Joe TJ603E 12-Amp Electric Tiller
Sun Joe TJ603E 16-Inch 12-Amp Electric Tiller and Cultivator
- 12-amp motor
- 6 steel angled tines
- Folding handle design
- 3-position wheel adjustment
- Up to 16-inch wide and 8-inch deep cultivation
- Instant start
- Quite a powerful tiller
- Lightweight but sturdy enough
- Durable and high performing tines
- Convenient to store and easy to transport
- Adjustable wheel position
- Not a variable speed tiller
- Power cord can be tedious to handle when tilling
Please make sure to read and understand this manual before use.
TJ603E - Sun Joe Tiller Joe
Yotube Video Review: TJ603E - Sun Joe Tiller Joe
Snow Joe TJ600E Tiller Joe Electric Tiller/Cultivator
Sun Joe TJ600E Tiller Joe Garden 14-Inch 6.5 amp Electric Tiller/Cultivator
- 5-amp motor
- 4 tough steel tilling blades
- 14-inch wide by 7-inch deep cultivation
- Collapsible handle
- Safety switch included
- 2-year warranty
- Easy to store
- Highly versatile tiller
- Durable steel tines
- Instant starting with the push of a button
- Smart and safe design
- Well-balanced and relatively lightweight
- Does not have wheels to ease movement
TJ600E - Sun Joe
Yotube Video Review: TJ600E - Sun Joe
Earthquake MC43 Mini Cultivator Tiller
Earthquake MC43 Mini Cultivator Tiller with 43cc 2-Cycle Viper Engine, 5 Year...
- Onboard and adjustable wheels
- 43cc 2-cycle engine
- Overhand controls
- Highly versatile construction
- 8-inch tilling depth and 10-inch maximum width
- 5-year warranty
- Relatively small and lightweight for a gas-powered tiller
- Large and high-performing engine
- Useful for everything including weeding, mixing and aerating
- Adjustable onboard wheel for easy depth control and transportation
- Convenient overhand control
- Gasoline and oil mix can be tedious and messy
Manual for MC43 2-Cycle Cultivator
View this manualPlease make sure to read and understand this manual before use.
Removing weeds with a MC43 Mini Cultivator
Yotube Video Review: Removing weeds with a MC43 Mini Cultivator
Black+Decker LGC120 20V Lithium-Ion Cordless Tiller
BLACK+DECKER LGC120 20-Volt Lithium-Ion Cordless Garden Cultivator/Tiller
- 20V max lithium-ion battery
- Dual counter-oscillating tines
- Battery and charger included
- Up to 325 square feet cultivation per charge
- Adjustable handle with telescoping tube
- 2-year limited warranty
- Counter-oscillating tines prevent weeds from tangling
- Longer battery lifespan and charge retention
- Relatively affordable
- Soft and comfortable handle with telescoping tube
- Lightweight and upright design for minimal arm fatigue
- Not very useful for tilling large gardens
Black+Decker LGC120 20V Lithium-Ion Cordless Tiller User Manual
View this manualPlease make sure to read and understand this manual before use.
20V MAX* LITHIUM garden cultivator
Yotube Video Review: 20V MAX* LITHIUM garden cultivator
Mantis 7920 Ultra-Lightweight 2-Cycle Tiller Cultivator
Mantis 2-Cycle Tiller Cultivator 7920 – Ultra-Lightweight – Compact, Powerful - Sure-Grip...
- Soft, sure-grip handles
- 10-inch digging depth by 9-inch tilling width
- Palm-controlled safety switch
- Infinite speed control
- 5-year consumer warranty
- Ultra-lightweight tiller
- Compact but powerful enough
- Folds for easy storage
- Durable construction to ensure it lasts for many years
- Fatigue-free operation
- Great for precision weeding around delicate plants
- A little pricey for its size
Mantis 7920 User Manual
View this manualOnce you know how to use your tiller correctly, we guarantee you’ll love it. So first, please read this manual. It shows, step by step, how to use your tiller safely.
Familiarize with the rototiller controls and features using manuals.
Greenworks 27072 10-Inch 8-Amp Corded Tiller
Greenworks 10-Inch 8 Amp Corded Tiller 27072
- 8-amp motor
- Four 8-inch forward rotating tines
- Adjustable tilling width and depth
- Folding handle design
- Quick and easy assembly with no tools required
- Easy to start without pulling cords
- Adjustable tilling width and depth
- Simple and convenient storage and transportation
- High performing forward rotating tines
- Does not till very deep
Greenworks 27072 User Manual
View this manualRead all safety rules and instructions carefully before operating this tool.
Greenworks 27072 8 Amp, 10-inch Electric Cultivator
Yotube Video Review: Greenworks 27072 8 Amp, 10-inch Electric Cultivator
Troy-Bilt TB154E 6-Amp Electric Garden Cultivator
Troy-Bilt TB154E 6 Amp Electric Garden Cultivator
- 5-amp electric motor
- 6-9-inch adjustable tilling width and 5-inch depth
- 4 forward-rotating tines
- Advanced 3-way tines
- Heavy-duty gearbox
- 2-year warranty
- Well-balanced ergonomic design
- Relatively Lightweight and compact
- Versatile tine design
- Easy movement thanks to transportation wheels
- User-friendly and easy to assemble
- Allows for tilling width adjustment
- It does not move forward when tilling as fast as some users might wish
Troy-Bilt TB154E Electric Cultivator Tiller User Manual
View this manualPlease make sure to read and understand this manual before use.
Troy-Bilt Electric Cultivator Tiller Review - TB154E
Yotube Video Review: Troy-Bilt Electric Cultivator Tiller Review - TB154E
Give the rototiller proper and adequate care and maintenance. Including oiling and sharping the blades.
VonHaus 12.5-inch 7-amp Front-Tine Electric Tiller
VonHaus 12.5-Inch 7 Amp Front Tine Garden Electric Tiller Lawn Cultivator
- 7-amp motor
- 4 robust steel tines
- Double handled design
- 6-inch tilling depth 12.5-inch tilling width
- Safety cut-out switch
- Robust and highly durable steel tines
- Includes a safety cut out switch to make it safer and to prevent blade damage
- Highly stable and easy to maneuver
- Comes with extra-sharp and ready-to-use blades
- Comfortable and relatively easy to use
- Wheels look like they are made from cheap plastic
Product Name | Image | Power | Overall Rating | Details |
---|---|---|---|---|
Earthwise TC70025 Corded Electric Tiller | 2.5-Amp | 9,5 | Check price | |
Mantis 7940 4-Cycle Tiller Cultivator | 10-Amp | 10 | Check price | |
Snow Joe Sun Joe TJ603E Electric Tiller | 12-Amp | 9.5 | Check price | |
Snow Joe TJ600E Tiller Joe Electric Tiller/Cultivator | 6.5-Amp | 8 | Check price | |
Earthquake MC43 Mini Cultivator Tiller | 6-Amp | 9 | Check price | |
Black+Decker LGC120 20V Lithium-Ion Cordless Tiller | 20 V | 8.5 | Check price | |
Mantis 7920 Ultra-Lightweight 2-Cycle Tiller Cultivator | 10-Amp | 8 | Check price | |
Greenworks 27072 10-Inch Corded Tiller | 8-Amp | 9.5 | Check price | |
Troy-Bilt TB154E Electric Garden Cultivator | 6-Amp | 8 | Check price | |
VonHaus 12.5-inch Front-Tine Electric Tiller | 7-amp | 9 | Check price |
How to Choose a Rototiller-Buying Guide
Figuring out the right type of rototiller to buy is always an important step. But even if you know the type that you want, you will still be overwhelmed by the many options from different manufacturers. And so to choose between these many models it will be important to consider the following things.
- Soil Type
- Adjustable Tiller Depth
Sounds obvious that you need a tiller that can dig deep, doesn’t it? But, the truth of the matter is that what you actually need is a tiller with adjustable depth. And this means that it can dig both deep when you want to clear and open new ground or turn the soil and shallow when you are aerating or weeding.
- Tiller Controls
- Power Source
The power source determines the amount of power that the tiller will generate and hence the tasks that it can accomplish. Overall, there are two options when it comes to the power source which are electric and gas. Electric tillers are often lightweight and portable but not very powerful and so they are the best for small and medium size gardens. Gas-powered ones, on the other hand, are large and powerful machines that will be very useful when tilling large gardens.
- Tines
- Cost
The simple truth is that a rototiller might be vital for growing a garden but most of us are not willing to spend a fortune on one. And so cost is a factor that you should not overlook when choosing a rototiller for your garden. The size and amount of power that the tiller can generate are the two things that determine its price. Cultivators are the cheapest option as they can cost as little as $100 while the small electric front-line tiller will cost at least $300, and you can expect to pay up to $3,000 or even more for the large and more powerful gas-powered rear-tine and vertical-tine tillers.
Types of Rototillers
When it comes to choosing a good rototiller for garden planting, one of the first decisions that you will need to make is the types to buy as there are different options available. Although the classifications can be according to different factors such as the source of power, size, and style the following are some of the general types of rototillers.
- Tractor Rototiller
- Handheld Rototiller
Handheld tillers are small and compact tillers for those with relatively small gardens and they are available in simple manual designs and in both electric and gas-powered models. They are the kind that you need to control and direct with your hands and they will come with some comfortable handle for this. Most also allow for height adjustment to make them comfortable to use by almost anyone.
- Rototiller with Plow
- Pull Behind Rototiller
The pull or tow behind rototiller is the type that you connect to your garden tractor or some types of riding lawn mowers. Like the tractor rototiller, it is very useful for those that have large gardens as it tills up large sections with every pass, and the fact that it is towed by a riding mower or tractor also means that you get to cover large sections fast. Also, most will come with various attachments to make them ideal for different applications.
- Electric Rototiller
- Gas Rototiller
When you need something powerful to till large areas, the gas rototiller is what you need as it packs a punch. It comes fitted with a gas engine whose horsepower depends on the size of the rototiller, and it is way much more powerful than the electric types. Their massive power and rugged build mean that these tillers can handle rocks, weeds ad supper compacted soils with ease. But, they also have some shortcomings such as the fact that they use up a lot of gas, they are noisy and most are bulky and hard to carry around.
Rototiller Parts
Rototiller Attachments
One thing for sure is that there are many tools that you need to cultivate and plant your garden. But, let’s be honest, you are probably not willing to buy them all and do not also have the resources. And so getting a tiller that can do various things is always a good thing. Rototiller attachments are what makes these machines versatile, and so it is always a great idea to go for one that comes with several attachments or is compatible with many attachments. Besides the typical digging tines, some of the attachments to watch out for include the spreader that helps to spread seeds and soil amendments, and the cultivation packer that ensures excellent germination by increasing soil to seed contact. Drag stakes are also handy when you want to dig deeper. Attachments for edging and trimming can also be very useful.
Brands
Troy Bilt, Craftsman, Mantis, Stihl, Husqvarna, Ryobi, John Deere.
How to Use a Rototiller
Imagine for a moment how annoying and frustrating it can be to have your new rototiller out in the garden ready to start tilling but you do not know where to start. Worse still you are able to start it up and do some digging but end up with unsatisfactory results. But, you do not have to go through all that because using a rototiller is as simple as following the four simple steps below.
- STEP #1: Evaluate and Prepare the Yard
- STEP #2: Prepare the Tiller
Next is to inspect the tiller and make sure that everything is in good shape and ready for use. Start by checking the condition of the tines and make sure they are sharp enough and are also not damaged. If you use a gas-powered tiller, check to ensure that the tank has enough fuel. For the electric tillers, ensure that batteries are fully charged or that the tiller is plugged in.
- STEP #3: Set the Depth
- STEP #4: Till the Soil
Now to the most important step, and this is doing the actual tilling. Here you should start by positioning the rototiller at one corner of the garden and then start it. Most will pull themselves along but you will still need to have a strong grip to control their direction. Also, you might need to hold back the tiller to ensure the tines do not move too fast without doing enough digging. Make a full pass across the length of the yard and then turn the rototiller and come back tilling on a parallel line that overlaps the areas you have just tiled slightly. Continue making the parallel passes until you till the entire garden. You should now set the tines at the deepest level and then make some perpendicular passes to the initial ones that you made.
Rototiller vs. Cultivator
Many people will use the terms cultivator and rototiller interchangeably. While the two tools serve an almost similar function, they are different power tools and so it is important to know how to differentiate them. Rototiller: Tillers are typically for breaking up hard grounds when starting a new garden, and they are in most cases more powerful than the cultivators. The tines or blades on the rototiller are stronger and larger than what you get on cultivators and they will, in turn, dig deeper. Cultivator: Cultivators are the tool that you will use throughout the season after breaking up the ground with a rototiller as you prepare it for planting. They are ideal for breaking up the soil and weeding between the garden rows. The tines on cultivators are smaller and sharper than what you get on the rototiller and the metal is also in most instances thinner.
Safety Tips
- Always wear proper safety gear before you start tilling and this includes work boots with sturdy and textured outsoles.
- Before beginning the tilling project, you should inspect and clear the yard of any debris and obstacles.
- In the event you have to walk away from the tiller even for a few minutes, you should never leave it running unattended.
- Work within the tillers speed and capability and ensure you do not overload the engine or move it forward too quickly.
- Never run the tiller in an enclosed area or indoor to avoid the dangers that come with the carbon monoxide emission.
Size and Noise
The size of a rototiller determines the ease of maneuvering it and also how convenient it is to store. Well, we all would love a small rototiller as it is lightweight, easy to maneuver and easy to store as it takes little space in the garage or workshop. But, it is important to remember that a small and lightweight tiller is often an indication that it is less powerful and with smaller tines, and so it will not be ideal for heavy duty digging or for working on larger gardens. And so it is vital to always strike a good balance between the tiller size and its power or performance. Wouldn’t it be great to have a tiller that is super silent when in operation? Definitely! But here is the truth; it is hard (if not impossible) to find any motorized machine that does not make any noise at all. Hence, the right idea is to go for one with the lowest noise rating. The most silent tillers are the electric types while the gas-powered ones make a lot more noise.
Care and Maintenance
- Care and maintenance are vital if you want your rototiller to serve you well and for long enough. Like any other power tool, it will experience a lot of wear. And so it is important to clean it up well after every use.
- Use something that is slightly abrasive to take the dirt of the tines and wash them off with a hose.
- Also, clean the other parts of the tiller that are exposed to the elements with a damp cloth while ensuring that you do not get any water to the engine and electrical components.
- As you are cleaning your tiller, check for loose or broken parts and replace or fix them.
- Replace the oil and filter as per the manufacturer’s instruction, and if you are going to store the tiller for extended periods, make sure that you drain all the fuel from the tank.
Warranty
You should never settle for a tiller that does not come with assurances that it will last for at least a certain period. What this means is that you should always go for one that comes with a warranty. While the length of the warranty will depend on the type of rototiller and the brand, a good tiller is one that comes with at least a 2-year limited warranty.
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