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?
A rototiller or what many gardeners will just refer to as the tiller is a powered garden tool that is used to loosen the soil before planting. It is a more efficient replacement of the digging hoe or pickaxe that you can also use to keep the pathways and non-planted sections of the yard aerated during the growing season. Gardeners love tillers as they are very handy when it comes to starting new beds, chopping off weeds and also working in compost before planting. And the gas-powered types will also be very useful when your property requires you to plow before planting a garden. Some large and more powerful gas-powered rototillers will also come with attachments for edging, trimming and dethatching and snow removal to make them highly versatile tools. And while some cultivators will perform the roles of a rototiller, it is important not to confuse the two as they are distinct gardening tools.
Sometimes a simple and cheap rototiller is all you need to till your small garden. When this is the case for you, the Earthwise TC70025 will be a great pick. This corded electric tiller also works as a cultivator, and it will be very useful for the typical homeowner with a small kitchen garden. This tiller runs on a 2.5 amp motor that will deliver an ideal speed of up to 280 RPM, and with two tines that will deliver a cutting width of 6.4 inches. Also, these tough and highly durable steel tines will dig up to 6 inches deep which is quite good for such a small and affordable tiller. The trigger grip handle makes this power tool comfortable to operate and it is also adjustable to accommodate different user heights.
Features:
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
Conclusion This lightweight and easy to operate rototiller is a great choice for those homeowners that are just starting out their first garden as it is easy to figure out and almost effortless to use. Also, it is a highly affordable tiller that will dig out the soil deep enough, and also help with cultivation. And in most instances, it will be more than enough for small gardens.
This 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.
With a powerful 4-cycle 25cc engine, this is the perfect rototiller for clay soil and other hard surfaces. But the best thing about it is that the engine does not require messy gas and oil mix up and it will move the tines with speeds of up to 240 RPM to make tilling an even easier task. The tiller weighs just 24 pounds which is relatively lightweight for a gas-powered tiller. The unique, curvy tines on this tiller will dig up top 10 inches deeps and are designed to provide a width of 9 inches to allow the rototiller to dig into tight spaces. Also, it is possible to turn the tines if you want to dig just the 2 or 3 inches of topsoil. And there is also a finger controlled throttle that will provide infinite speed control and make the tiller easy to operate.
Conclusion The ease of operation and infinite speed control are the highlights of this rototiller. However, it also has a powerful motor that ensures that it can still dig through almost any kind of soil and do it fast and with relative ease. But, is that all that makes it a great power tool? Not really, as it is also has a very useful kickstand that will keep it steady when not in use and also to make fueling easy. And of course, it will fold to make both storage and transportation easy.
PROS:
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
Once 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
Pro Tip
Never till wet soil. You'll get stuck and may damage the blades.
We all hate having to spend a lot of time tilling the garden, don’t we? And so the fact that this 12-amp electric tiller produces massive amounts of power and is also quite fast makes it a great buy. It comes with 6 durable steel tines that are angled to enhance their performance, and also to make them more long-lasting. The handle also folds for quick and easy storage and also to make transportation effortless. And the wheels are also adjustable to three different positions to make the tiller even more convenient and easy to operate. This tiller will dig up to 16 inches wide and 8-inches deep to make it ideal for most home gardens.
Features:
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
Conclusion When you prefer to use the less noisy electric rototillers and would still want something powerful for tilling and cultivating your garden, this 12-amp tiller will be more than up to the task. And despite the massive power, it is still a relatively lightweight tiller that is easy to operate, and with a folding handle design for even more convenience. Also, starting is almost effortless as you only need to push a button.
Snow Joe TJ600E Tiller Joe Electric Tiller/Cultivator
When buying a rototiller for garden tilling, there are some vital factors such as weight and ease of use that you should never overlook. But with the Snow Joe TJ600E, both are well-catered for as it is not only a lightweight tiller but also comes with some 4 tough steel tines that make digging quick and easy. The 6.5-amp motor supplies the necessary power to the tines which are designed to provide a cut width of 14 inches that is up to 7 inches deep for every pass. Hence, tilling your small or medium size garden should be a fast and relatively easy process with this tiller. With the collapsible handle on this tiller, storing and transporting it is also quite easy. And it is also quite a safe unit to use thanks to the safety switch.
Features:
5-amp motor
4 tough steel tilling blades
14-inch wide by 7-inch deep cultivation
Collapsible handle
Safety switch included
2-year warranty
Conclusion There might not be wheels on this rototiller to help it move smoothly but it still moves relatively well and fast enough. If you also factor in other factors like the highly versatile and instant starting, you have a great tiller for flowerbeds and mid-sized gardens.
The 43cc 2-cycle engine on this Earthquake rototiller is quite powerful for such a relatively lightweight and compact gas-powered machine. And so you can be confident that no soil will be too hard for it, and also no weeds will be too tough to chop off in a single pass. The tiller provides a tilling depth of up to 8 inches and 10-inch maximum for the width. You also do not have to worry about cutting off your healthy plants instead of weeds as the overhand controls make this tiller super easy to control. Whether you want to till, weed, or aerate your yard, this tiller has all it takes to help you with any of these tasks. Depth control and transportation is also easy thanks to the adjustable on-board wheels.
Features:
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
Conclusion The fact that this rototiller is backed by a 5-year warranty is a good indication that is a highly-performing and long-lasting tiller. But, what makes it a great choice is the highly powerful engine on such as compact tiller and the versatility as you can use it for weeding, mixing and aeration.
PROS:
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
Black+Decker is a highly reputable brand when it comes to the manufacture of power tools, and their LGC120 cordless tiller does not disappoint. This 20-volt tiller also functions as a cultivator and it uses two counter-oscillating tines to dig up your small and medium size garden fast and with little effort. And that’s not all. The batteries have a long lifespan and will keep the charge for a long time. In fact, you can dig up to 325 square feet on a single charge.Amazing, isn’t it? Also, the handle is adjustable to suit different heights, and with a telescoping tube to make the tiller even more convenient to operate.
Features:
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
Conclusion If you prefer the convenience of a cordless rototiller, here is the perfect one for you. With this tiller, you will never have to deal with messy oil and fuel or deafening noises. It is also quite comfortable to operate thanks to the adjustable and telescoping handle. And to top it all up, it will provide longer run times than many others in the same class.
PROS:
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
CONS:
Not very useful for tilling large gardens
Manual
Black+Decker LGC120 20V Lithium-Ion Cordless Tiller User Manual
Despite Mantis 7920 being an ultra-lightweight tiller, it still packs a lot of power to make tilling a quick and easy task. And it is also a compact tiller to make it easy to store when not in use. This will dig up to 10 inches deep and 9-inches wide, and so it will also cover relatively large areas in a short time. Using and controlling it is also quite comfortable thanks to the soft, sure-grip that helps to minimize hand fatigue even when using the tiller for extended periods. This tiller works great for larger gardens but will also work well for raised beds, and this makes it a great choice when you want something versatile.
Features:
Soft, sure-grip handles
10-inch digging depth by 9-inch tilling width
Palm-controlled safety switch
Infinite speed control
5-year consumer warranty
Conclusion Everything about this rototiller from the amount of power that it delivers to the quality of the tines and the digging capacity is just perfect. But, what many users will love about it is that it is a highly versatile tiller that not only works well for raised beds and large gardens but also accommodates various attachments to make it a highly useful tool for outdoor chores.
PROS:
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
Once 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.
Pro Tip
Familiarize with the rototiller controls and features using manuals.
The 8-amp motor delivers enough power to dig through both soft and hard soils with relative ease. This Greenworks small rototiller uses 4 forward rotating tines that are about 8 inches long to dig into the soil fast and efficiently. And it is also an easy to start unit that will not require mixing of gas and oil as it is a corded electric tiller. With this tiller, you get to choose the width you want to dig between 8.25 and 10 inches and the depth is also adjustable up to 5 inches. Operating this tiller is also easy and comfortable thanks to the soft grip handle which also folds down to make storage and transportation simple and convenient.
Features:
8-amp motor
Four 8-inch forward rotating tines
Adjustable tilling width and depth
Folding handle design
Conclusion Being able to adjust both the depth and width of this tiller is one of the elements that set it apart from other similar ones out there as it makes it ideal for different soil types and conditions. But, the easy start design is also very convenient, and the forward rotating tines make tilling a relatively simple task.
If you want a small rototiller for lawn tilling or planting a small or medium size garden in your yard, the Troy-Bilt TB154E has what it takes. Of course, it is not the cheapest or most powerful in its class but it is still a well-balanced and high performing tiller that you will never regret owning. It runs on a 6.5-amp electric motor and since it is a corded unit you will never have to worry about running out of gas. This tiller will help you complete your tilling task efficiently thanks to the 4 forward rotating tines that come in an advanced 3-way design to help you dig, tear and turn soil when preparing to plant. And with the heavy duty gearbox to provide lasting durability and transport wheels for easy movement, this is a great all-round garden tiller.
Features:
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
Conclusion A lightweight and well-balanced tiller like this one is perfect for tilling and aerating flowerbeds and small gardens. It is also quite a powerful unit that runs on an electric motor and also durable and convenient thanks to the heavy-duty overall construction and the handy transport wheels respectively.
PROS:
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
CONS:
It does not move forward when tilling as fast as some users might wish
Manual
Troy-Bilt TB154E Electric Cultivator Tiller User Manual
VonHaus 12.5-inch 7-amp Front-Tine Electric Tiller
VonHause is probably not the first name that comes to mind when you think of brands that sell the best rototillers but this is only because they are not as famous as other top power tool bands. However, this 70-amp electric front-tine tiller proves that they make some of the best-quality tillers and cultivators in the market. This tiller uses 4 robust steel tines that are extra sharp and ready to use and they provide a cut depth of up to 8.6 inches and a12.5-inch width. Also, the rototiller uses double handles to provide stability and maneuverability and this ensures that you can access the area you want to dig without damaging surrounding crops. For safety, there is a cut-out switch that will stop the motor to prevent blade damages.
Features:
7-amp motor
4 robust steel tines
Double handled design
6-inch tilling depth 12.5-inch tilling width
Safety cut-out switch
Conclusion There are many things that make this a great rototiller for small garden tilling, and they include the four tough steel tines and the double handled design that makes this tiller easy to maneuver. And if you factor in other things like the relatively lightweight construction and safety cut out switch, you will have a very useful tool that will be great to have at home.
PROS:
Robust and highly durable steel tines
Includes a safety cut out switch to make it safer and to prevent blade damage
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
The kind of soil in your backyard will have a huge effect on the type of rototiller you choose. If you have pretty soft and loose soil, digging up and plowing is easy and almost any tiller can handle this task. But, if you have more compacted clay soil you will need a tiller with large and strong tines and also with a more powerful engine. Also, rocky soils will require a tiller with chisel tines to break it up.
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
Like any other power tool, a tiller will require you to control it to do everything from mowing to digging. And so before you settle for any brand or model you should always check and ensure that the controls are located in a convenient place. The easier the controls are to locate the less the likelihood of accidents. Also, a good rototiller is one that allows you to control several elements and not just the movement of the tiller or tines.
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
As you are picking a rototiller for home use, it is important to remember that the tines are the part that does the actual tilling. And so you need to make sure that you get the best ones. When it comes to tiller tines, there are three common options available which are bolo, slasher and the pick and chisel tines. Bolo tines are the best choice when you want something that will dig deep while slashers work when you have to chop a lot of weeds and roots. Pick and chisel tines are what you need to buy if you have rocky soil and also when you have unknown soil in the yard.
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
When you have a large vegetable garden, tilling it will also require you to have large and powerful equipment that can handle the task and do it fast. The tractor rototiller is the perfect tool for this. And as the name suggests it is the kind that is mounted on your small garden tractor and used to dig up the yard. This larger rototiller also comes with several attachments and blades to make it ideal for everything from digging up and edging to dealing with weeds.
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
Rototillers that come with a plow attachment are very useful and they make the tool even more versatile as you can use it for a variety of applications. Don’t we all just love multipurpose tools? These rototillers will not only help you in digging the garden but also when it comes to making furrows when planting. Hence they can also save you some cash as you will not need to buy a separate plowing tool.
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
Wouldn’t it be great if you never have to worry about running out of gas when tilling your garden? Definitely yes! When using an electric rototiller this is often the case. The electric rototiller is a term that describes the types that require some plugging in into a power outlet and also those that run on batteries. The constant supply is the biggest advantages of the corded electric rototillers while portability is what makes the battery-powered types great.
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
Unless you are buying the traditional hand rototiller than only consists of the digging tines or spikes and the handle only, your rototiller will include several parts. The parts can be as small as the spark plugs for those that use the gas models and batteries for the electric and battery-powered ones. Every part from the smallest to the largest ones like blades, engine, and gearbox has a vital role to play. And some will require replacement after a while due to wear and tear and when it comes to replacing them you should only use what the manufacturer recommends to keep the tiller in great working condition.
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.
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
Before you start tilling your yard it is important to make sure that it is ready for digging. First, check the weather and soil conditions and make sure they are ideal for tilling. Tilling wet soil is not a good idea as it will clump up as it dries and soil that is too dry is hard to till and requires a more powerful tiller. Once you ascertain that the soil is appropriate to work with and the weather is also good, you should now walk around the yard and collect sticks, rocks and any other debris that can get caught or thrown by the tines.
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
Most modern motorized tillers will come with depth adjustment which allows you to set how deep you want the tines to go into the soil. Setting the depth should always be the first step when tilling. If you are dealing with hard soil it is important to set the depth at the shallowest level so that you can break the ground.
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.
Rototillers will cover more ground with each pass of tilling as they are often wider than cultivators, and this means that they will dig up larger areas in relatively less time.
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.
It depends on the size of your garden and your budget. For larger gardens (more than 5,000 square feet) go for the more powerful a rear-tine rototiller and go for the front-tine tillers for small and medium-sized gardens (below 5,000 square feet).
How much money should I spend buying a rototiller?
This depends on the type of rototiller you want or what you aim to use it for. If you want something large and powerful for tilling large gardens, then you should be ready to spend at least a couple of thousand dollars but for simple handheld tillers for your small yard, you will only spend around $100.
How do I store my rototiller?
If you are storing it for long periods over the winter, you should start by cleaning it up thoroughly. Next, empty the fuel tank and then run the engine to burn off any excess fuel that might be floating around. You should then store it in the garage or shed in one piece or by folding down the handles if you have limited space. Also, it is a great idea to find a way of taking it off the floor.
When should I till my garden?
Autumn just as the gardening season is coming to an end or in spring just before the gardening season starts. What you choose depends on what you find most convenient, your soil type and climate trends in your region.
