Table of Contents:
Introduction
It goes without saying that your lawn requires water and air to thrive. As a gardener, you need to keep your garden well aerated before the start of the growing season to achieve to attain optimal growth. This is where garden tillers come in. Garden tillers can either be electric, gas-powered, or battery-powered models that ensure your grass gets air, water, and nutrients it needs to remain green throughout the growing season. There are many brands out there that market their products as the best garden tillers. However, before you invest your money on any machine, you need to determine the power your lawn requires as well as choose the best tiller for your specific needs. If you are looking for a garden tiller that you can use for aerating your lawn then you are in the right place. In this article, we are going to look at the top garden tiller reviews and the buyer’s guide.
Features to look for while choosing the best garden tillers
Garden tillers come in a wide array of features. While selecting the best garden cultivator, you need to know which features you should pay attention to. Here are factors to consider while looking for the best tillers for you.
Adjustable cutting depth
Garden tillers are available in both adjustable and fixed cutting depths. You should choose an adjustable model. This is because an adjustable model allows gardeners to choose the cutting depth that suits the terrain.
Power source
While looking for the best garden tillers, you need to consider the power source. Tillers can either be manual, gas, or electric-powered models. If you have a small garden and soft soil then you will need an electric powered garden tiller. The good thing about using an electric tiller is that they are lightweight and user friendly. Gas-powered tillers are powerful compared to electric garden tillers but are harder to handle and make more noise. This means that you can use them for a mid-sized garden. Manual tillers, on the other hand, are suitable for small lawns and gardens where electric tillers cannot be used.
Counter-rotating tines
Another feature to look at is whether the garden tiller has counter-rotating tines. Some garden tillers have counter-rotating tines that help the machine to dig deeper, which offers a powerful cutting action.
Dual rotating tines
Machines that come with dual rotating tines are a suitable choice for larger lawns and gardens. The dual tines offer machine additional cutting power which helps you get via your tilling faster. Not all machines come with this feature, which is why you need to look at the product description before you buy it.
1. Earthwise TC70020 Electric Tiller Cultivator
Earthwise TC70020 Electric Tiller Cultivator is the best cultivator for small and medium-sized gardens. It acts as an effective weed control and is suitable for cultivating any yard or flower garden. You can use it to effectively cut through the soil up to 6 inches deep and 7.5 inches wide. It is lightweight due to its smaller size and requires no maintenance. The 4 steel angle tines are durable and therefore you will use it for a longer period.
Features
- No maintenance required because it is electric
- Comes with a 2-year warranty
- Durable 4 steel angle tines
- Width of 7.5 inches and a cutting depth of 6 inches
- Compact and lightweight design which makes it easy to carry around
2. Sun Joe TJ604E Garden Tiller/ Cultivator
Sun Joe TJ604E is the best premium electric garden tiller which is 16 inches and powered by 13.5 AMP motor. It is capable of cutting through the soil of up to 8 inches deep. This electric tiller is durable and comes with 6 steel tines. It is one of the best garden tillers with an adjustable wheel which allows you to adjust it to 3 positions. Also, the handles can fold easily which allows it to be stored quickly without taking too much space.
Features
- 16-inch 13.5 AMP electric garden tiller
- 8-inch depth
- Collapsible handles
- Lightweight thus making it easy to transport
- Durable 6 steel tines
3. Yard Butler Terra Tiller
Yard Butler Terra Tiller is one of the best budget garden tillers. This garden tiller is designed with a double function head in which one side has 3 sturdy prongs for breaking, loosening, and cultivating and the other side is a sharp edge for chopping and cutting roots. Besides, the sharp edge makes it suitable for cutting shrubs and bushes hidden in small corners of your vegetable garden, and flower garden. Yard Butler Terra Tiller has an ergonomic design and is great for weeding. The 15-inch heavy-duty steel is durable and will last for a long time.
Features
- Powered by 13.5 AMP
- Sharp edge for cultivating, breaking and loosening deep soil
- 3 Sturdy prolongs for breaking, loosening and cultivating
- All steel 15 inch which is durable
- Durable heavy-duty steel
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CeimOPTLhp0
4. BLACK + DECKER 20V MAX Tiller (LGC 120AM)
BLACK + DECKER 20V MAX Tiller comes with counter oscillating tines which makes it suitable for removing weeds. It is powered by a 20-volt Max Lithium battery and can also be charged with a resembling 20-volt electric power. The adjustable handle offers maximum comfort while using it. Black & Decker Max tiller is the best garden tiller for cultivating and weeding flower beds. The double tines penetrate the soil thus loosening and mixing the soil well. You can use this garden tiller to cultivate a small size garden.
Features
- 20-Volt Max Lithium battery
- Lightweight and easy to transport
- It is ideal for small-sized garden
- Suitable for small size garden of up to 325 square feet
- The adjustable handle offers maximum comfort
5. Greenworks 10-inch 8AMP Corded Tiller 27072
Are you looking for the best-corded garden tiller? Then Greenworks 10-inch 8 AMP Tiller 27072 is the ideal garden tiller for you. It features an adjustable width which allows you to control the amount of cut you want the garden tiller to penetrate either deep or shallow. With the (4) 8 inch rotating tine you can cut through hidden and narrow areas easily. Also, the handle folds easily which allows you to store it quickly without occupying a bigger space. Tilling your new garden can be tough especiallly if you do not use the ebst machine to break hard soil in your garden. If you want to get the best results during the growing season, you need to get a top notch tiller such as the Greenworks 10-inch 8 AMP Corded Tiller.
Features
- Powered by 8 AMP
- Portable and easy to clean
- It has adjustable width and height
- Handles folds easily
- Comes with a 2-year warranty
6. Honda Schiller Grounds Care, 7940 4-cycle Gas-powered Cultivator
Honda is well known as the largest manufacturer of good quality, durable, affordable, and unique products. Schiller Grounds Care 7940 4-cycle gas-powered cultivator is the best garden cultivator that satisfies your needs. With the finger controlled throttled, it has the highest speed that quickly loosens the soil. Gas and oil do not mix making the tiller eco-friendly. The compact size enables it to maneuver in tight and narrow spaces. This garden tiller also has a kickstand which is used when in standby mode especially when you are taking a small break from cultivating. Honda Schiller Grounds Care Gas Powered Cultivator has a high speed and therefore completes tasks faster and on time.
Features
- 4-cycle 25cc engine
- Tine speed is 240rpm
- Finger controlled throttle
- Hand kickstand
- Weighs 24 pounds
- Curvy Tines
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sh24YmFW1Oo
7. Earthwise TC70001 11-inch 8.5 AMP Corded Electric Tiller/Cultivator
Earthwise is a well-known brand with many years of experience in the business of manufacturing high quality, durable garden tillers, and cultivators. Their product Earthwise TC70001 is powered by 8.5 AMP motor which offers durability, superior power, and run time. The power cord retention hook makes it easy to trace the cord. Also, the rear wheel is ideal for smooth tilling. With the 4 durable steel tine it can be able to cut through tough soil of up to 8- inch deep and 11- inch wide. Earthwise TC70001 Electric Tiller is suitable for small and medium-sized gardens and serves also as weed control.
Features
- Easy to assemble
- Lightweight and easy to move from one place to another
- Compact size making it perfect for small spaces like rocky garden
- Has 4 durable steel tines
- The ergonomic grip for easy starting and switching off.
8. Mantis 7250-00-03 Electric Tiller
Mantis 7250-00-03 Electric Tiller is another best garden tiller ideal for large gardens and open fields. Its compact size ensures maximum deep cut through the tough soil or ground. This electric tiller is quiet and easy to transport due to its small size of 21 pounds. The handle can fold easily thus will not occupy a big space during storage. Mantis 7250-00-03 Electric Tiller is capable of tilling up to 10 inches deep.
Features
- 115V double insulated ¾ hp, 540 watts circuit breaker
- 3-speed 540 watts motor
- Weighs 21 pounds
- Functional and easy to move the electric tiller
Types of Garden Tillers
Depending on the size of the position of the tine, garden, and use, there are different types of garden tillers which include. There are 3 different types of garden tillers you can find on the market today. The first is the front tine tillers which are suitable for small gardens. This mid duty machine has an ergonomic design which makes it easy to maneuver in tight and compact areas. As the name suggests, it has two lines strategically placed in front of the tillage wheels and the engine is located on top. Most front tine tillers use gas and are suitable for loosening firm soil as well as breaking the ground.
The second type of garden tillers is the rear-tine tillers. This is the best product for tilling gardens with hard tough soil as it can break the ground easily. They have forward or standard rotating tines that rotate in the same direction. Also, rear-tine tillers have a large wheel situated in the back of the machine. The third and final type of garden tiller is the vertical tine tillers. This has been designed such that it cut forward when cultivating through the soil. The forward tilling makes the machine faster and easier and is suitable for breaking virgin gardens and plowing and mixing soil.
How to Use
Before you use a garden tiller you need to prepare the land for cultivation and planting. This includes removing existing weeds and obstructions such as large stones. The first step in using a garden tiller is to set the depth adjuster. You can track your depth by moving the depth adjustor down or up. If it is your first pass with a tiller then ensure that you move the depth adjuster up. Second, turn on the machine if it is motorized. Third, open the throttle so that you can allow fuel into the engine. Fourth, engage the choke to offer a richer fuel supply to the engine, which makes it easier to start. Fifth, pull the cord to start the engine. Once the engine starts ensure that you disengage the choke.
Frequently Asked Questions [FAQ]
How do I choose a garden tiller?
When buying your ideal garden tiller, you need to look at different factors such as your budget/ amount you are willing to spend, the size of your lawn, the type of soil, and the manufacturer’s warranty. This will help you choose a garden tiller which suits your needs.
What is the difference between a tiller and a cultivator?
A tiller is used for breaking tough and hard soil while a cultivator is used for mixing soil in an already existing garden.
Are garden tillers hard to use?
No, they are not hard to use. However, it depends on the type of tiller you are using whether electric or gas tiller. Electric gas tillers are lightweight and easier to use compared to gas tillers which can be difficult to handle.
What types of wheels are good for garden tillers?
The wheels are an important feature when it comes to buying a garden tiller. The wheels of a garden tiller should be made of robust construction and plastic design, including a tread which helps the machine to move rocky gardens without being stuck.
Final Words
In conclusion, if your garden requires to be aerated then you need to use a garden tiller. A garden tiller ensures that your garden has the drainage and aeration it needs so that it thrives in the planting season. Garden tillers can be quite expensive, which is why you must choose one that falls within your budget and suits your needs. If you are not sure about which garden tiller to buy then you can rely on the above list of top garden tillers to choose your ideal tiller. There is nothing as satisfying as using the best garden tiller to till your garden. This is because it simplifies the process and time used to till your garden.
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