Weindependently evaluateall of our recommendations . If you tap links we leave , we may receive compensation .
These six tillers stood out for their value and power .
Better Homes & Gardens
Credit:Better Homes & Gardens
A tiller can be a key shaft to aid prepare your soil for planting and take your yard to the next tier . Tillers turn and fall apart the top layer of soil , effectively loosen andadding air into the soil .
“ The tiller prepares the ground for planting seeds and electric light and turns over the earth to get it ready for planting , ” saysKris Kiser , president and CEO of Outdoor Power Equipment Institute ( OPEI ) . “ It also makes it easy forweed remotion . ”
When it comes to choosing the best tiller for your garden , like most outdoor top executive tools , you ’ll require to choose between an electric or gas model . After that , key specs like tilling breadth and depth will determine how well a tiller can tackle the jobs you take it to .
Credit: Lowe’s
Our Top Picks
Tilling Width and Depth
The ideal tilling profundity bet on your goal . Most tillers will have a maximum profundity of8 to 10 inchesand most are adjustable .
If you but want to prepare the soil for planting , you may want to till only a few inch cryptic . However , if you want toremove weed down to the root , you ’ll need to till deeper .
The best tilling width depends on the size of it of your garden or planting expanse . If you have a lot of undercoat to till , a wide tiller will help reduce down on the amount of clock time it will take to get the job done .
Being able to adjust the handle height and the tiller width settings was helpful and convenient.Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
However , if you havea small garden , a wide cultivator will be unnecessarily bulky and difficult to maneuver in a small space .
Power
If you ’re tilling a small garden near your home , an galvanic corded tillermay be the perfect paroxysm . However , if you ’re tilling a large field far from a power origin , a twilled cultivator is not going to be very helpful .
natural gas - powered tillersare more powerful and can puzzle out for time of day ( as long as you have gasoline on deal ) .
While many electrical tillers are powerful , they do typically need to be recharged after 45 proceedings to an hr , which could break up your work if you ’re undertake a vainglorious job .
When pick out a tiller , a good mode to gauge its power is by await at the locomotive displacement .
Engine displacementmeasures the maximum amount of air the engine can displace and is typically used to account how great or little an engine is ; generally , the high the displacement , the handsome the engine .
" Themore tineson your cultivator , themore poweryour tiller will have to excite the dirt , " Kiser says . " A cultivator with six tines per rim will demand more horsepower than one with four . ”
Tine Position
Tillers are either “ front tine ” or “ rear tine ” tiller . Most tillers advertised to dwelling gardener arefront tine tiller , which are smaller and lighter .
“ Most citizenry see [ front - tine tillers ] commodious to use and they are idealistic for small to intermediate - sized garden , and garden with tight corners , ” Kiser says .
On the other hand , a rear - tine tillerhas tines located behind the wheel . “ These tillers can dig deeply into the soil and make a big business feel easy , ” Kiser say .
However , they may be excessively herculean for the average home garden . But if you have an expansive garden , they may be worth the supernumerary cost .
What We Tested
To receive the best tillers , we screen models from reliable out-of-door brands in our own gardens , considering theirease of purpose , design , performance , and overallvalue .
To learn more about how we tested cultivator , check outour examination processbelow .
Best Overall
Earthquake Versa Front-Tine Tiller
This automobile tills deeply and is perfect for demanding labor like garden rehabilitation .
This tiller was difficult to maneuver for 90 - degree turns and was challenging to start .
TheEarthquake Versadid a great job of not only breaking up the soil but also remove weeds in our25 - twelvemonth - old overgrown garden .
Afterone elapse , all the greenery above ground was remove along with most of the roots , and after another passing play set at a deeper depth , the remaining roots were removed . The dirt was efficaciously better up and the machine was able to till down to an impressive6 to 8 in .
The Earthquake tiller ishighly customizable ; we get it on being able to adjust the hold height and the three different tiller width options . The deepness of the tines was also easily adjusted by removing a stick lock and lowering or raise the drag bar .
Once the cultivator was assembled , it was well-heeled to manoeuver and the machine did n’t jump too much , even with the throttle fully lock . However , when make 90 - degree turns , we often had to give up completely to make the turn .
The other struggle we had with this simple machine was turn it on . accommodate downthe throttle was difficultfor old users , and it tookmultiple pullson the cord for the engine to catch . We wish there were a primer included to make this operation sluttish .
Product Details : Power Source : accelerator pedal |Weight:75 pounds |Tine Position : Front |Maximum Tilling Width:21 in |Maximum till Depth:11 inches
Best Runner Up
Ryobi 40V HP Brushless 16 in. Front Tine Tiller
It ’s lighter than most gas - powered selection , and the battery live up to 90 minutes on a individual charge .
The handle prevention height is n’t adjustable , and adjusting the tiller width was n’t very visceral the first time we used it .
If you prefer abattery - operated tillerrather than a gas one , theRyobi 40V HP Brushless front tine tilleris our top pick . We test this tiller in an area that had different type of soil , includingrich , dark topsoilanddry , sandy filth .
Despite the variation in soil character , the cultivator had no problems loosening up the earth . If we tried to bear on the political machine too deep too rapidly , itautomatically shut offto help foreclose damage .
Although we wished the handlebar height was adjustable , we plant that it was comfortable to utilize and clean soft to maneuver . It featuresa three - hurrying control leverand anadjustable drag stake .
Thetilling widthcan be set from11 to 16 inches , although it was n’t the most intuitive to adjust during the first use . Thetires can be adjustedfor deep tilling or to make transporting it easy .
The battery - operated tiller canrun for up to 90 minutes(or 1,500 square invertebrate foot ) on one bombardment charge , and we like that there was a ramp up - in spot for a 2d battery on the machine .
We were impressed with the stochasticity stratum of this tiller , too — it wasfairly quiet , make about as much disturbance asan electric lawn mower .
Assembly hire 15 to 20 minutesand involved confiscate the tines , tires , and handle using the included pins and thunderbolt . Since itweighs 50 Irish punt , it ’s significantly weak than the gas pedal - poweredEarthquake Versa .
production Details : Power Source : Battery |Weight:50 pound |Tine Position : Front |Maximum Tilling Width:16 inches |Maximum Tilling Depth:8 inches
Best Budget
Sun Joe Electric Garden Tiller
This corded tiller had an telling carrying into action in a magnanimous garden area , and it was mere to use .
You may take to frequently move the reference electric cord while working .
TheSun Joe tillerwas extremelyeasy to set up and practice . To turn it on , we simply attach an reference corduroy , plugged it in , and then advertise the “ on ” button and induction .
Using the tiller was easy and nonrational . The tiller ’s little size of it made itsimple to manage , and it did n’t take up a lot of storage distance . Thehandles foldfor better storage .
During examination , this cultivator was used on two large gardens with ripe upshot . It bring out up the ground very well , approximately2 to 3 inches deep .
We were impressed by how powerful it was , despite being a lightweight electric model . The12 - amp motorquickly pulverized surface dirt and readied the undercoat for planting .
Credit: The Home Depot
Despite the casual incommodiousness of having tomove the propagation cordout of the room while function , we enjoyed using this twilled model . It was easy to get started , and it did n’t require the work of replete and maintaining the flatulency tank .
Product detail : Power informant : Corded electric automobile |Weight:27.8 Ezra Loomis Pound |Tine emplacement : Front |Maximum Tilling Width:16 inches |Maximum Tilling Depth:8 inch
Best Handheld
Fiskars Hand Tiller
It felt sturdy as we twisted and turned it , and we appreciate the cushion handles .
Prepare to sudate — this manual prick require some cubitus grease .
Manual tillers , like theFiskars 40 - Inch sword tiller , are modest and easy to stash away in a garage oroutdoor sheds . Their compact size makes them ideal forsmall gardensorraised garden beds .
Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
We tested this handheld cultivator on loamy filth that was compacted after winter Charles Percy Snow melted into the ground . No assembly was requiredfor this shaft — it was quick to use right on out of the box .
To use , only put your hand on thecushioned handleand use thefoot stepat the bottom of the tool to push it into the soil . Once it has penetrated the soil , utilize your arms to twist the cultivator until the soil becomes lax .
“ I found it easier to not go as deeply at first to break up the top layer of soil , and then go back over it while stepping down on the cock to get the tines in rich . “-Viveka Neveln , older garden editor in chief for BHG
It was easy to expend this tiller , but itrequires upper eubstance strengthto eddy and reverse . The more compact the dirt is , the more energy you ’ll have to exert to undo it .
As we pushed on the puppet , we were pleased with howsturdy and durableit experience — it did n’t experience fragile or like it would soften under too much pressing .
We were surprised at how unattackable the alloy steel material was since the tool onlyweighs 2.3 pounds .
Because it ’s manual , it makesno noise , unlike a gas- or battery - powered tiller .
Product Details : Power Source : Manual |Weight:2.3 British pound |Tine perspective : fix |Maximum Tilling Width : Not listed |Maximum Tilling deepness : Not list
Best for Beginners
Honda Front-Tine Tiller
It ’s strong enough to till in heavy Lucius Clay soil .
The cycle must be slay for operation .
ThisHonda tillerwas tested in soil that contained heavy clay as weprepared new flowerbeds . It was quick to forge out of the box with no assembly required ; just add oil and gas .
Thefour - stroke GX enginestarted easily and the controls were bare to use . The hybrid tine bothcultivate and tillthe soil ; we tilled the soil4 in downwith dandy results .
The tiller has a wakeless - duty crusade gear anda front engine safeguard , which protects the engine while you work .
Though theergonomic handlesare not adjustable , they were still comfortable for our testers to use even when working for an extended period .
This tiller hasdetachable wheelsfor easy Department of Transportation ; however , you must remove the wheels once it ’s time to use the cultivator .
We found it vexing to have to remove the wheels so as to use the cultivator , and wished the design was more commodious .
merchandise detail : Power beginning : throttle |Weight:29 pounds |Tine Position : Front tine |Maximum Tilling Width:9 inches |Maximum till Depth:8 inches
Best Rear Tine
Champion Power Equipment Counter Rotating Gas Rear Tine Tiller
It till 20 years of compacted earth into “ unbelievable ” non-white , loose soil .
Be prepared for a tedious assembly operation . The automobile also weighs 200 pounds .
If you have a substantial amount of land to till , a throttle - powered back - tine tiller , like theChampion Counter rotate tiller , will be your skillful option . This overweight - duty instrument weighs200 poundsand has amaximum tilling width of 22 inches — the widest on our list .
Thetilling depthis adjustable up to10 inches , and it was simple to do after read the instructions . The othercontrols were intuitiveand easy to use .
Our tester used this in an area in their grounds where the bound of the backyard met a tree line of reasoning that was full of mourning band and encroaching works . The estate had n’t been tilled in at least 20 year .
This cultivator easily pulled up plants and honeysuckle roots while till and left behindsoil that was dark , light , and healthy .
“ The machine has reversible tines , and it works unbelievably well . This stain was pulverized into the most lovely , at large , dour terra firma . ”-Kathy Barnes , senior home editor in chief , BHG
The15 - in tiresmoved over filth and mud with no problems . But because of the tires and amount of exponent behind the simple machine , it wasdifficult to maneuverat time .
The tiller would bean overkill for a small yard , but its knock-down design was welcome in the wilderness more or less beyond our examiner ’s one thousand . It’snoisierthan a barrage fire - powered tiller — it ’s comparable in volume to a gas lawn lawn mower .
Theassembly process was tediousand slightly confusing . The illustrations in the manual of arms required an R - pin for one step , but only B - pins were furnish with the machine .
We were ab initio concerned when the machine started leaking fluid during assembly . Once it was completely put together though , it stopped leak and functioned properly .
production contingent : Power reservoir : throttle |Weight:200 pounds |Tine Position : Rear |Maximum Tilling Width:22 inches |Maximum Tilling Depth:10 inch
The Bottom Line
TheEarthquake Versa Tillerwas our favorite cultivator , tear through an overgrown garden with ease . It was well-fixed to use and highly customizable , with the power to adjust the handles , tilling depth , and till width .
Our Testing Process
We tested a variety of tillers in the real world , choosing from reliable outside brands to select tiller to test , produce certain to admit machine with a potpourri of tiller breadth . We also wanted to let in all power types , include battery , gas , corded , and manual tillers .
Once we adjudicate which tillers to test , we convey them into our own garden and lawn . First , we recorded how well-fixed it was to assemble the cultivator , move around it on , operate , and head around the garden . We also noted whether it took up a large amount of store space in our sheds and garages .
While using the tiller , we experiment with adjusting the till deepness and speed , as well as observe the dissonance grade while using the tiller . We also noted how difficult it was to power the cultivator , and in the fount of battery - function tillers , how long the batteries lasted and how long they take to charge . For twilled models , we notice if an extension corduroy was need .
When using the tillers , we measured how easily the tiller break up grime and the deepness and overall tone of the tilth , keeping in judgement the soil condition and whether it was compact or full of Mary Jane .
After examination , we evaluate whether the monetary value was middling for the performance and features of each tiller .
Other Tillers We Tested
Walensee Upgrade Twist Tiller
The Walensee elevate twist tiller is a manual , handheld cock like theFiskars 40 - Inch steel cultivator . While the Fiskars cultivator come in one piece , we had to assemble the Walensee one . It came in three pieces and the fabrication took about five minutes . It was able-bodied to till 8 inches late in wad soil without progeny . It also make no noise and can be put in easily since it ’s so compact .
Mantis Tiller/Cultivator
TheMantis Tillerwas easy to use and set up , and powerful for a small cultivator . However , while the cultivator worked well in loose soil , whenever it hit squeeze stain and the Great Compromiser , it would bound around and had difficulty catch grip and stab into the soil . Since the goal of using the tiller was to break up these tough soils , we were disappoint in its performance .
Greenworks 40V 10-Inch Cordless Tiller
While examination , theGreenworks tillerefficiently churned through the weeds and ground in the garden . We see one rock music muddle , but it was easy to transfer the rock ‘n’ roll and continue on . We used the tiller in 30 - instant increments and the 40 - volt lithium battery never go . Because this is a lighter cultivator , matter only 21 Lebanese pound , it may not be suitable for large jobs or larger garden plots . However , our big effect was with the instructions . The instructional picture were so small it was hard to determine what the opus were , and the double tines were difficult to assemble .
Your Questions, Answered
What’s the difference between a tiller and a cultivator?
Whiletillers and cultivatorsare both used to prepare soil , there is a difference between the two .
“ grower are smaller than a cultivator and stay in the top in of the soil , without raise up flora roots , ” Kiser says . “ cultivator are used to help keep the ground liberal of weeds . Tillers are mostly used for heavy dig . They can prepare new garden bed or dig up old ones . ”
How deep should tillers go?
Tillers typically attain 8 to 10 inches down into the territory . The average gardener would not need to till any deeper than that ; calculate on the job , you may require to only till a few inch mysterious .
Is tilling bad for soil?
To till or not to till — tilling can be a factious concept among gardener . Some gardeners and Farmer think till the soil is authoritative to oxygenise the soil , break up compaction , and act upon in nutrients .
However , others practice no - till growing method acting because , as Kiser notice , “ sometimes the long - term effects of tilling may extend to weakened soil quality and resiliency . ”
When should you use a tiller?
Tillers are helpful for breaking up hard , compacted primer , remove overgrowth and weeds , and prepare the ground for planting seeds and bulbs . till aerates the soil and you may till incompost to add nutrients to the grunge .
It ’s serious totill a gardenat the final stage of the uprise season in the crepuscle , or in the spring after the last hoarfrost when the soil is warm . You do n’t want to till wet filth , as doing so will bruise the filth structure .
A expert way to test if the grease is teetotal enough is to grab a handful and thrust it into a ball . If you squeeze it and water comes out , it ’s too wet . If it tumble , it should be dry enough to till .
Who We Are
This article was write byBetter Homes & GardenswriterRachel Ahrnsen . She is a certify master nurseryman who covers gardening , outdoor tools , and lawn care . Rachel expend minute research tiller for this story and bank on at - home trials done by our examination team . Our testers tried cultivator from dependable outdoor trade name , including machines with a variety of cultivator widths and power types , include stamp battery , gas , corded , and manual tillers .
Rachel also spoke withKris Kiser , president and CEO of the non-profit-making Outdoor Power Equipment Institute . Kiser give her expert advice on the vantage of unlike types of tillers and how they work .
This clause was updated byBrandi Fuller , who has been a shopping editor for Better Homes & Gardens since September 2022 . She specializes in issue such as outdoor and gardening products , pest restraint , and wildlife .
Credit: Amazon
What is BHG Recommends?
Next to all of the products on this listing , you may have noticed ourBHG Recommends seal of favorable reception . Products that take in the seal have been put through tight testing to make trusted they ’re worth a spot in your nursing home . We purchase most of the product we examine ourselves , but now and again we are provided samples by companies if buying is n’t an choice . In these suit , we apply the same testing criteria we habituate to test the purchased products .
We had to occasionally move the cord out of the way, but we appreciated not having to deal with gas.Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
Credit: Amazon
Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
Credit: Lowe’s
The gas-powered tiller was easy to start and no assembly was required.Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
Credit: The Home Depot
Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
Credit:Better Homes & Gardens
Credit:Better Homes & Gardens
Credit:Better Homes & Gardens
