When looking into buying a tiller for your yard and garden, you have to make sure you buy the very best one. By taking the time and effort to thoroughly research tillers that are currently available on the market, you want to be sure you buy one that will meet your needs and goals for both your yard and garden.
During your research, there are a number of features about the tiller that you will have to look into and study in-depth to make sure you will get everything you need.
The 9 Best Tillers
- Earthwise TC70001 Corded Electric Tiller/Cultivator
- Sun Joe TJ603E Electric Tiller and Cultivator
- Earthquake 12802 MC440 Mini Cultivator
- Greenworks Corded Tiller
- Mantis 7940 4-Cycle Cultivator
- Troy-Bilt TB154E Garden Cultivator
- Tazz 35310 2-in-1 Front Tine Tiller
- BLACK+DECKER Tiller
- TACKLIFE Classic Tiller (Our Top Pick)
Our Top Pick for the Best Tiller
Our top pick for the best tiller is the TACKLIFE Classic Tiller.
Besides handling ground that has not been previously worked, the TACKLIFE Classic Tiller can also easily handle rocky ground without damaging the tines or causing any damage to the tiller. It can also be easily used in smaller flower beds or in a raised garden.
Check the price on AmazonChoosing the Right Tillers
Buying the right tiller depends upon knowing which features are most important in a potential tiller. Here are some of the factors to consider when purchasing tillers.
Size
The first thing that you must be aware of is which size you going to need. To determine this, you will have to measure out the area that you plan on using the tiller on.
Smaller areas may only need a mini tiller while a larger area would benefit from a 5 or 6 horsepower one (or even higher for areas that are more than 5,000-square-feet). For major projects or industrial projects, there are tillers that offer even greater horsepower that should be considered.
Type of Soil
You should also be aware of what kind of soil you will be working on. If there are a lot of rocks or if the soil is very hard, the tiller should be bigger and heavier. It is important to make sure that the one you are interested in can handle rocks or hard soil in order to avoid wasting your time and money.
If your soil is very soft and there will likely be no issues with rocks, a smaller or lightweight tiller could potentially do the job without any concerns or issues about durability. Once you have this information gathered, you should consider the tines or blades.
Tines
There are 3 different types of tines to choose from and they each serve different purposes to those looking to purchase a tiller. If you need one that will work properly for deep tilling, the one with bolo tines would be the best choice.
Slasher tines are the appropriate choice if you are going to chop a lot of roots or weeds. The final tine choice is the pick and chisel tines. These are the ideal tines for dealing with rocky soil and will often handle unknown soil types very well.
Beyond the type of tines, there are also different ways in which the tines move and each offers you a unique benefit. If the tines move in a counter-rotating manner, that means they move in the opposite direction of the wheels. These are an excellent choice for breaking in new ground or dealing with either hard-packed ground or clay.
Tines that are forward rotating will move in the same direction as the wheels. These tillers are the most common choice and are perfect if you do not have any specific concerns.
It is also important to know whether or not you want your tiller to compact the soil after you have tilled it. If you do not want the soil to be compacted, a rear-tined tiller would be the best option. This would till the soil and then continue on while a front-tined tiller would compact the soil after tilling it.
Engine
The tines are only one small part of the package with regard to what makes a good tiller. The engine is another part that is important when investigating potential tillers. There are 2 types of engines. They are a gas-powered engine and an electric engine. Which tiller you choose will depend entirely upon your personal choices and where you will use it.
If a cord will be impractical, a gas-powered tiller would be the better choice. It is also important to look at where the engine is located. If the motor is located over the tines, you will get the best results for digging.
Looking into all of these areas will help you determine which tiller is the best for your individual situation and what you are expecting out of the tiller that you will be buying. You need to have an idea about the location as well as the type of area in which you will be using the tiller.
Knowing this information will help you make the best decision about which tiller to buy.
9 Best Tillers – Reviews
1. Earthwise TC70001 Corded Electric Tiller/Cultivator
The Earthwise TC70001 Corded Electric Tiller/Cultivator is a compact design that offers the user many features within a well-designed model. The tiller has several features that make it desirable for many people. It has a cord retention hook on an electric cultivator for easily securing extension cord during use.
Pros
- Can be easily moved by anyone due to the flip-down wheels
- Design of the grip was designed to make this tiller easy to handle by any user
- No need to mix fuel and oil
Cons
- You may have to go over the area multiple times before you get the result that you want if the area has hard soil
- Tiller will buck on some occasions which can make it hard to handle for some people
- Tines will occasionally get tangled and the only real way to handle this is to turn off the tiller and clear out the tines
2. Sun Joe TJ603E Electric Tiller and Cultivator
Another tiller that is a good choice is the Sun Joe TJ603E Electric Tiller and Cultivator. There are several reasons that this particular tiller is a good choice. It can cultivate an area of 16-inches wide and up to 8-inches deep in seconds.
Pros
- Collapsible handle makes it easy to store
- Can easily handle rocks without damage to the tines if your ground has a lot of rocks
- No need to mix oil and gas
Cons
- Be prepared for a workout if you have hard or clay ground
- Lightweight meaning it is prone to bouncing
- Only has one speed so there are no options for slowing the blades down
3. Earthquake 12802 MC440 Mini Cultivator
For a smaller tiller, the Earthquake 12802 MC440 Mini Cultivator delivers the power to get tough jobs done. It offers you a lot of positive features that make it a good choice for many different situations. It is built to last and has a superior air filter design that keeps engine-damaging dirt out of the engine.
Pros
- Fairly stable when it hits rocks or other obstructions despite its small size
- Easy to start and use
- Compact size and comfortable handles help you to maneuver it in any situation, whether it is a flower bed or a larger garden
Cons
- Tiller will have to be stopped to clear out both rocks and roots that get caught in the tines
- You going to have to backtrack and go over the area again if the ground has not been tilled before
- Not a good idea to store it with gasoline inside and there is a decent chance that the tiller will not start
4. Greenworks Corded Tiller
A lot of people search for a corded tiller that works well. The Greenworks Corded Tiller delivers on the expectations. It has an adjustable tilling depth of up to 5-inches offering the versatility to dig for the right planting depth.
Pros
- Can chop up roots which makes it easy to pull out of your garden area
- Very easy to start due to the electric switch
- Lightweight making it ideal for those who have problems using heavier tillers
Cons
- Hitting stones (especially larger stones) can damage or bend the tines
- Has only one speed which can be a drawback if you need a slower speed
- Has problems working with sod which can impact the overall effectiveness
5. Mantis 7940 4-Cycle Cultivator
One of the most famous tillers is the Mantis 7940 4-Cycle Cultivator. It has developed a reputation for being one of the top tillers on the market. It is ultra-lightweight but can take on heavyweight projects such as digging and planting holes with ease.
Pros
- Easy to start up and can be done by nearly anyone without difficulty
- Weight of this tiller is one of the lowest currently available on the market which makes it ideal for those who struggle with heavier ones
- Can be used to do precision weeding while also doing its job as a tiller
Cons
- Not a good tiller to use on new ground due to the fact that it often jumps around and will not till as expected
- May have to make multiple passes to get the final result that you are looking for if your ground is hard
- Some materials (such as roots or long grass) can get tangled in the tines and the tiller would have to be shut off while you get these materials out of the tines (on some occasions)
6. Troy-Bilt TB154E Garden Cultivator
Finding a tiller that can cultivate tough terrain without being extremely bulky or heavy can be difficult. Luckily the electric Troy-Bilt TB154E Garden Cultivator provides you with plenty of power as well as being lightweight and well-balanced. It works very well at tilling small vegetable gardens and flower beds.
Pros
- Can easily handle well-compacted soil without any difficulty
- Easy to handle even if you have physical limitations such as back problems or similar issues
- Weeds are handled with ease and do not pose any issue to the tiller
Cons
- Too lightweight for heavy-duty tasks
- Hard to maneuver in very rocky soil
- Can overheat if used for long periods
7. Tazz 35310 2-in-1 Front Tine Tiller
If you are looking for a tiller that is a bit more hardy and durable, the Tazz 35310 2-in-1 Front Tine Tiller is an excellent choice for you.
Pros
- Provides plenty of torque to cultivate the most compact soil in your garden without any problems or issues
- Sturdy tires provide a better grip in clay soil so this tiller will have no difficulties with tilling
- Set up is very straightforward and not complicated for anyone
Cons
- Not the greatest to use if you intend to break up very rocky ground as it has some difficulties with this chore
- May be required to do a second pass in more heavily vegetated areas
8. BLACK+DECKER Tiller
For those who want a tiller that is easy to handle and ideal for quick jobs, the BLACK+DECKER Tiller is the perfect tool. It is ideal for cultivating garden beds, weeding, and much more.
Pros
- Works very well in small gardens and flower beds
- Handles like a weed eater and is very well balanced with a decent weight distribution
- Can be used to mix in compost to your soil
Cons
- Single charge will only last about 45 minutes to an hour at the very most
- Does not do well when working with dry or hard soil
- Doesn’t go very deep into the ground
9. TACKLIFE Classic Tiller
Designed with endurance in mind, the TACKLIFE Classic Tiller is one of the best. The foldable design allows you to fold it easily without tools, providing space-saving and convenient storage and ensuring cleanliness.
Pros
- Handles can be adjusted to work in raised beds or on the ground which makes the work much easier to handle
- Larger rocks are pulled to the surface without difficulty and without damaging the tines
- Can easily dethatch your yard or prepare a new garden area for planting with no problem
Cons
- Have to use a heavy-gauge extension cord which may not be ideal for use in a larger garden or yard
- Tall weeds or grass can become wrapped around the tines and will have to be removed
- Not ideal for major projects or anything that would be considered an industrial project
Our Top Pick for the Best Tiller
Our top pick for the best tiller is the TACKLIFE Classic Tiller.
Besides handling ground that has not been previously worked, the TACKLIFE Classic Tiller can also easily handle rocky ground without damaging the tines or causing any damage to the tiller. It can also be easily used in smaller flower beds or in a raised garden.
Check the price on Amazon
