There is nothing more satisfying than an immaculate freshly tilled garden. Tilling should not be a hassle with the right garden tiller. If your tiller is not cut for the job, you will have a sweaty, frustrating and time-consuming tilling experience which can make you hate gardening. The best garden tiller will not only meet your gardening needs but also make tilling a rewarding and simple task.
There are numerous brands and models of garden tillers in the market and finding the best that suits your needs can be daunting. We came up with this guide to help you make the right decision easily. We considered 34 excellent garden tillers and ended up with a refined list of 8 best products in the market. The Sun Joe TJ603E was our best pick. Its superior quality, lighter weight, excellent value and multiple convenient features could not be matched. The other 7 products also offered powerful performance with top-notch features.
You can trust our product list to have the best garden tillers in the market owing to the time and sources we used in conducting research. Some of the features on which we based our choices and rankings include; weight, tilling depth, power source, tilling width, warranty and others. These features determine the performance level and quality of a garden tiller. Therefore it is key to look out for them when buying a tiller. There are a comparison table, individual detailed product reviews, and a buying guide in the end with all the ideal information you ought to know before buying a garden tiller.
Other features: foldable handle, six durable steel angled tines, 3-position wheel adjustment
SunJoe is a renowned brand that recently worked its way up the list with their high-quality garden tillers. This particular one is an exceptional cultivator that will meet all of your gardening needs from prepping the soil in spring to thorough tilling of cover crops.
The powerful electric tiller comes in a lightweight and portable design that is easy to drive. It features 6 durable steel angled tines that are highly durable. Very few electric tillers have as many tines btw!
It is also effortless to drive because you can adjust its 3 wheels to any position.
This tiller sure is the best way to get dirty in a cleaner and greener way. Its powerful 12-amp motor quickly slices through the soil and pulverizes dirt to ensure maximum aeration. At 340RPM, the tiller ensures you get the perfect seedbed prepping.
You will be able to till an area of about 16 inches wide and 8 inches deep within seconds. The tiller will also help you control weed where needed in an effortless manner.
For convenience, an instant start is incorporated in the tiller. You will simply need to push a button to get started. Unlike most tiller, it has no gas, tune-ups or oil that would make it complicated to start.
What’s more, the tiller features foldable hands which make storage and transportation a breeze.
With a 2-year warranty, this is one of the best electric powered tillers you can get in the market. It is extremely easy to use, offers excellent value and has several convenient features.
Other features: over-moulded grips, fold-down handles, curvy tines, recoil start
If you are an urban farmer looking for professional-level functionality, this is your ultimate choice. The Mantis 7940 offers premium quality with superior features that will help you get the garden you have always dreamed of.
The tiller comes in an ultra-lightweight and compact design. This makes it easier to move, and it can get into those tight spaces in your yard like near fences and walls that larger tillers cannot penetrate.
For ease of operation, there is a finger controlled throttle that allows you to seamlessly control speed.
Do not be fooled by this tiller’s lightweight build. It features a powerful and innovative Honda 4-cycle engine with 25cc motor power. It is designed to generate more power with a lighter weight. At 240 RPM, it spins the tines 2 times faster than many other tillers.
The tines are uniquely shaped in curves and can till an area as wide as 9 inches and as deep as 10 inches. You can as well use the tines to do shallow cultivation by turning the tines around. This way you will be able to till the top 2 or 3 inches of the ground.
Furthermore, the tiller has a kickstand that allows you to steadily place it for fueling or whenever you are not using. Its handles are foldable for easy storage and transportation.
The grips on the handles are soft and flared for added comfort during operation.
Additionally, the Mantis tiller comes with various attachments that increase its versatility including; a lawn aerator, lawn dethatcher, plow and border edger. They are all easy to fix and turn the tiller into a multi-tasking machine.
Overall, if you want to upgrade to a premium quality garden tiller, this is your best shot. Its versatility and convenience are unparalleled.
Other features: tool-less removal of outer tines, lowest centre of gravity, recoil start, rubber grips, welded forged steel tines
This is a perfect choice for the average home gardener or a micro-farmer looking for something other than the common bulky rear-tine gas-powered tillers. This front-tine tiller is super lightweight, has great power and high efficiency.
The Earthquake versa comes in a robust and lightweight body with tines made of forged steel. Because of its lightness, you can easily maneuver it and turn on a dime effortlessly. It comes preassembled, but the handlebars, side shields, tine, and drag stake will require your own assembly.
Don’t be fooled by its petite size. It features a powerful Viper 4-cycle engine that is barely louder than a gas-powered lawnmower. Starting it is also pretty straightforward with the smooth pull recoil start it features.
It can efficiently work through various types of soil from dry weed-filled and hard ground to a smooth garden bed. This is because of its tilling and cultivating capabilities that can be found by the removal of the outer tines, which requires no tools.
Unlike many tillers, you will not experience any bouncing when tilling your yard. The versa tiller has the lowest centre of gravity among all the front-line tillers in the market for ground-hugging stability.
Furthermore, the Versa backs up this tiller’s quality with a 5-year warranty which, btw! Is one of the best warranties in the market. With that said, this is one of the best gas garden tillers with powerful performance and top-notch features.
Other features: block-style foam air filter, overhand control, rigid U-Turn™ handlebar design
Looking for a powerful gas-powered garden tiller? Look no further. This Earthquake tiller has been built to offer unparalleled multi-functionality and power with all the superior features you need to transform your garden.
The tiller comes in a lightweight and practical design that optimizes flexibility and user control. It features onboard wheels that are height adjustable for easier maneuverability, transportation and depth control.
It is considered a jack of all trades in the garden with the abilities to aerate the soil, mix in fertilizer, weed around plants and break up pre-tilled earth. All this is thanks to the tines that have varying widths; 10 inches for tilling and 6 inches for cultivating.
The Viper engine this tiller features is also accountable for its powerful performance. It is one of the largest and most powerful among its peers with a motor power of 33c. It allows you to till up to a depth of 8 inches.
The most exciting feature is the overhand control. It helps reduce bouncing and jumping, which is very common with many tillers, so you can only remove weeds and not your plants.
The tiller’s throttle arrangement also contributes to easy maneuverability around delicate plants.
A 5-year warranty from the manufacturer is the icing on the cake. This, together with the fantastic features and versatile performance offered, makes this one of the best mini garden tillers in the market.
Other features: four durable steel tines, soft ergonomic grip, cord retention hook, rear wheels
This is another exceptionally effective electric gardening tiller. It is a powerful combination of a cultivator and tiller that runs clean, is durable, affordable and functionally effective.
The tiller is remarkably lightweight with robust construction. Its four tines are made with sturdy steel for long-term service. On top of being ultra-lightweight, the tiller is easy to move or maneuver because of its wheels. They are adjustable, you can either raise or lower them for more tilling depth or when you are rolling them for storage.
With a powerful motor that generates up to 8.5 amps of power, you can easily work rough ground or garden beds that haven’t been tilled in a while. It is almost as powerful as some gas garden tillers.
You can till an area that is 11 inches wide and 8 inches deep in no time with such a powerful motor without straining or using much efforts.
Moreover, you can do both deep tilling and gentle garden work with this tiller thanks to its tiller and cultivator capabilities. It is also stable enough to work well on uneven terrain and hills.
Starting the machine is a no brainer. All you need is a simple push of a button.
For added comfort during operation, the tiller features a soft ergonomic grip on its handles. No more blisters and uncomfortable garden tilling sessions.
Just for more emphasis, the tiller is very affordable, in fact, it is the cheapest on this list. It offers excellent value.
All these fantastic features are backed up by a 2-year warranty making this one of the best tillers out there, especially for weed control.
Other features: 6 steel blades, 20-stage gearbox, adjustable transit wheel
The LawnMaster TE1016M is a corded electrically powered tiller with some interesting features. This is the 16” blade variant, but there is an 18” machine if you need to cover a larger area efficiently. There are six rust-resistant steel blades that cut down to a depth of 9” to improve the soil aeration and oxidation for your yard. This tiller can cut through tough terrain to break the soil apart, prevent weed growth and increase the permeability of the earth for improved watering. As the name suggests, the cutting width is 16” which will be a time efficient option for the gardens and yards of most homes.
Tilling is a great way to increase the air present in your soil which is needed to stimulate the aerobi bacteria. This is important because it helps the solid to break down organic matter efficiently leading to a release of heat. The best time to till earth is fall when you can add large volumes of organic matter such as vegetable plants that have died off to improve the soil. This process is made easier with the LawnMaster TE1016M thanks to a clever 2-stage gearbox with an anti-lock clutch. The transit wheel can be adjusted to three different positions and the 10-amp motor supplies plenty of power at 280 rpm.
The LawnMaster TE1016M is a greener option than a gas powered tiller, but the cord can be hard to maneuver around if you’re not careful. Some users have found that only one of the three positions seems to be effective and more choices would have been helpful. That being said, this small tiller outperforms many larger tillers and one happy user cleared 2,000 sq ft of clay soil in a single day with no problems. LawnMaster also has great customer service and you can expect a response within a single business day.
Other features: four 8-inch forward rotating tines, foldable handle, 6-inch wheels
Last on our list is this killer tiller from Greenworks. It is also an affordable and highly effective electric gardening tiller. Its powerful motor and its adjustable tilling width and depth make it stand out among its peers.
The tiller is lightweight, thus, easy to move and maneuver. You will have to assemble it yourself, and it will be a breeze as it doesn’t even require tools. Its all-terrain wheel also aids in easier movement during tilling and storage.
With a simple push of a button, you will be able to start the tiller. This saves you the agony of mixing gas or fumbling with recoil starts.
This tiller is small but mighty! It has a powerful motor that generates up to 8 amps of power which is enough to work any type of terrain or ground.
Additionally, it features 4 large (8-inch) tines that rotate in a forward motion. They offer exceptional performance when digging into the earth, prepping the gardens ultimately for your flowers, fruits or vegetables.
One praiseworthy feature of this tiller is its adjustable tilling width and depth. This makes it highly versatile and gives you the ability to plant at the right depth. You can adjust the width within the range of 8.5 inches and 10 inches and the depth up to 5 inches.
For convenient storage and transportation, the tiller has foldable handles.
With a 4-year warranty, this is the best garden tiller you can get for your raised beds because it is lightweight, compact and has adjustable tilling capabilities.
Other features: 3 preset speeds, standard size curvy front tines
This is a solid choice for anyone looking for power and convenience in a garden tiller. The electric tiller is designed to offer exceptional functionality and high-quality. If you have a small garden of tight spaces, you would like to till on your yard, this would come in handy.
The tiller is incredibly compact and lightweight, weighing a mere 21 pounds. In fact, it is the best lightweight garden tiller on this list.
Its compact design makes it an ideal choice for tilling those tight spots near your fence or walls in your yard. It is also easy to move and store thanks to its wheels and lightweight build.
With a 540v and 3-speed motor, you can work just about any ground surface from the hard ground with weeds and grave to a frequently ploughed seedbed. With its motor speed, you can plough a 9 inches wide and 10 inched deep area in seconds.
You can cultivate with this tiller when you turn the tines around. You will manage about 2 or 3 inches of the topsoil. The tines are unique with a curvy shape to offer you the most tilling experience.
Electric tillers are popularly known for easy starting, and this Mantis is not an exception. All you’ll ever need to do to get started is press a button. That simple!
Moreover, the machine operates quietly. Your neighbours won’t have to know you are planting your garden.
With the foldable hands, you will be able to store and transport the tiller easily.
All the features combined plus a 5-year warranty from the manufacturer make this one of the best small garden tillers worth investing in. if you are looking for a quiet and highly efficient electric garden tiller, this should be your prime pick.
Garden tillers are a worthy investment. Choosing the best tiller might be tricky, but it is essential that you get what will suit your needs and give you the best results in your garden. This section contains all the ideal information you ought to know before choosing a garden tiller. You will know what a garden tiller is in detail, and the things and features to consider when buying one.
A tiller, also commonly known as a rotavator for garden use is a tool used in mini-farms. To learn more about different types of tillers read our review on the best small garden tillers and the best hand tillers. They chew and break through the soil while cutting the roots and plants that might be on the way. Most of them feature 2 to 6 blades/tines that churn through hard ground material easily.
They are also good at working fertilizer and compost into the soil. Some come in handy for weed control. A tiller is important in the sense that you will get to do more work in a short period of time with less efforts. It will save you from the strains and aches on your back and arms that come after a hard hand-tilling task.
Now that you know you need a tiller ASAP, you need to ask yourself a few questions to make the right purchase. Here are some of the things you need to consider before buying a garden tiller:
The size of the area you intend to till will determine the kind of tiller you will buy. If you have a small garden, then you can go for the small electric garden tillers that are less expensive and well suited for tilling tight spaces.
If you have a larger garden area, then you can go for the large gas-powered garden tillers. They are more powerful and can cover a large area for a longer time.
If you have the loamy and fine type of soil with a lot of organic matter, you can go for the less powerful tiller that is much cheaper and easy to use. Especially if there are no weeds on your garden.
On the other hand, if your soil is the clay and heavily compacted type with gravels and rocks, then you will have to go for the large and more powerful tillers.
Tillers come with different types and number of tines. Most have 2 to 6 tines.
There are 3 types of tillers based on tines, rear, mid-tine and front-tine tillers.
Rear-tine tillers are more powerful than front-tine tillers as they cut more deeply into the soil. Therefore, they are a perfect choice for heavier soils and breaking new ground.
Front-tine tillers are an excellent option for already loosened soil. They work well on gardens that have been tilled severally or those that don’t require deep tillage.
Garden Tillers by Type
Here are some of the critical features you have to look out for when purchasing a garden tiller:
You have to decide between the electric and gas-powered tillers. Electric tillers are easy to start and require no maintenance at all. They are also easy to use and are less expensive. They are best suited for small or midi-farms.
Gas-powered tillers are exceptionally powerful but require maintenance and are a bit harder to maneuver. Also, all the power comes at a higher price. They are best suited for large areas and hard groundbreaking.
This is how wide a tiller can till an area at once. If you have a large piece of garden then you better settle for tillers with a higher tilling width like the Earthquake 20015 reviewed above. Better yet, you can go for a tiller with adjustable tilling width for versatility.
This is how deep the tiller can dig. It affects various gardening activities, like planting. If you want to dig deep, you better go for tillers with a higher tilling depth like the Earthquake 20015 Versa reviewed above. For great planting results, it is better to settle for a tiller with an adjustable tilling depth like the Greenworks 27072 reviewed above.
Wheels aid in the movement and maneuverability of the tiller. Tillers with wheel are much easier to use, transport and store. Be sure to pick wheels that can hold up well in different types of terrain.
There are tillers that have adjustable wheels that ensure you get the right tilling depth and easy control of the machine like Sun Joe TJ603E. The adjustable wheels increase the versatility of the tillers.
Go for tillers with ergonomic handlebars for added comfort and firm grip. Foldable handles are also better for easy storage and transportation.
This largely determines the usability of a garden tiller. Smaller and lightweight garden tillers are the best for tilling smaller gardens and tight spaces like near fences and walls. Larger tillers can only be efficiently used in large gardens.
Ensure you buy a lightweight garden tiller if you are not ready to break a sweat when grooming your garden. They are easier to maneuver and store. The Mantis 7250-00-03 is an incredibly lightweight garden tiller.
A warranty is very crucial as it protects your investment while giving you the peace of mind to enjoy gardening. Most manufacturers offer 3 to 5-year warranty. Ensure you get a tiller with a warranty because you are bound to encounter things that can damage it in the garden. You can always call the manufacturer for repairs within the warranty period.
Electric tillers start with a simple push of a button. This is a feature that sets them apart. It is one of the reasons they are easier to use compared to gas-powered tillers.
This is a feature that pertains to the wheels of a rear-tine tiller. It allows you to drive the tiller in reverse motion so you can maneuver it to till all the tight spots without much straining.
These are gadgets or parts that increase the versatility of tillers. They include snow blowers for maintenance during winter, dethatchers and edgers for lawn maintenance. Some rear-tine tillers come with a PTO shaft and a receptacle that is all-purpose and can power several implements just like a tractor.
Dirt could also be a problem. If there is dirt or debris in your pawl catcher assembly, then the pull-string will have no resistance and the engine will not start. It is therefore important to do regular maintenance and practice proper storage. However, if you try everything and the machine still doesn’t start, you can always reach out to the manufacturer for assistance.
Everything on Garden Tillers
Choosing the best garden tiller the first time around will save you money as well as make gardening much easier and more fulfilling. There are numerous brands and models to pick from that making a choice is a bit tricky. With the information on this guide, you will be well equipped to make an informed decision about the best tiller for you.
Of all the products we reviewed, the Sun Joe TJ603E emerged the best. Its power, versatility, excellent value and multiple superior features could not be outdone. The Mantis 7940 and the Earthquake 20015 Versa followed in the ranking with premium quality, great value and first-rate performance. Each of the products we reviewed is extremely useful and has its own place in the world.
There is no universal best tiller out there because they all vary in their strengths. This guide will get you in the right direction to make a choice you will never regret.
