When preparing a garden for cultivation, a tiller breaks up the hard ground so the roots of what you will be planting can penetrate the soil and absorb nutrients. Besides loosening up hard soil, tillers also improve the soil by mixing in nutrients. The first step to it is choosing the best tiller for breaking new ground.
Regular tillers might not do the job due to slower work or less durable construction. We’ve picked the most powerful models that can work with tough solid and are more effective in breaking grounds and preparing them for cultivation. You will find tillers perfect for small and big gardens or farms. We’ve also considered tillers’ dimensions so you could get the model perfect for your height. Read on to learn more about the most effective tillers and choose the one that will benefit you.
More features: 79 cc engine, removable side shields, adjustable tilling width
A cultivator weeds, mulches and aerates soil. Tazz 35310 is a tiller that doubles up as a cultivator. To switch from tiller to cultivator, you remove the side shields and outer tines. This is a process that will not require any tools. The tiller features powerful features like a high performance 79cc Viper engine, tilling depth of 11 inches, adjustable tilling width of 11, 16 and 21 inches, and components made of durable material. They include bronze gear transmission, a steel handlebar and tines made of forged steel.
This is a front tine tiller that is powered by gas. Gas-powered models are recommended for large gardens because they typically provide more power than electric tillers.
More features: 99 cc Viper engine, dual grip handle, two drive mods, air-less wheels
Earthquake Pioneer 31285 has a tilling path of 10 inches in depth and 16 inches in width. It comes with a powerful 99 cc Viper engine and two drive modes selected by sliding the shift handle on the locator plate. These modes are CRT to break hard ground, tear sod and mix soil, and SRT to turn tilled soil and level the seed bed. The 4-cycle machine also features a dual-direction rear tine and a dual grip handle bar that allows for instant reversal and one-handed operation.
As a rear tine tiller, this product would be the ideal choice for heavy-duty gardening. Rear tines are more reliable and effective than front tines for such tasks.
More features: 1.3 Hp engine, thick steel handles, 7 in tires
Maxim Mini Max MTC35H features 7-inch wheels and a tool-free adjustable drag stake. A drag stake is a vertical bar that slows down a tiller so that it stays in position and digs deeper. It also helps to control the tilling depth. This product has maximum tilling depth of 8 inches and adjustable tilling width of 7, 13 and 16 inches to accommodate gardens of different sizes. It comes with a 35.8cc 4-cycle engine with 1.3 horsepower, thick handles made of Q195 steel and 6 tines made of forged steel. The maximum tine speed of this gas-powered tiller is 250 RPM. The carrying handle also serves as an engine guard.
This is a sturdy and durable model that we recommend as the best heavy-duty gas tiller for breaking new ground.
More features: 212 cc engine, 13-in tires, hardened steel tines
CHAMPION POWER EQUIPMENT 19-Inch Dual Rotating Rear Tine Tiller is CARB compliant and EPA certified; these bodies have set standards that protect the environment by limiting the maximum level of emissions by machines. It has tilling depth of 8 inches and a high maximum tilling width of 19 inches. The tiller comes with a powerful 212cc engine, 13-inch self-propelled tires and four 13-inch heavy-duty tines made of hardened steel, and gear-driven transmission in a cast iron case. The tines support dual-rotation tilling that lets you conveniently switch between forward and reverse movement.
Because of its sheer power and performance, we recommend this tiller for commercial ventures and extensive gardening and landscaping tasks.
More features: 13.5 Amp motor, 3-position wheel adjustment, 6 tines, maintenance free
Sun Joe TJ604E is among the most affordable tillers for breaking new ground. It is made by a reputable Company that also manufactures other outdoor implements such as snow blowers, trimmers and lawn mowers that will keep your home tidy. This particular model is an electric tiller that is equipped with a 13.5 amp motor and high speed of 370 RPM. Its tilling path is 16 inches in width and 8 inches in depth. You can adjust the height of the rear wheels to 3 different positions and collapse the handle for compact transport and storage. The 6 tines are angled and made of steel to optimize performance and longevity.
This tiller would be an excellent choice for a small garden or for individuals on a budget. It is also a good option for a woman because it is light and easy to maneuver.
More features: 25 cc 4-cycle engine, kickstand included, finger controlled trottle
Women usually have less physical strength and smaller hands than men. So, operating a bulky and heavy tiller would make gardening more strenuous and probably cause back pain and sore arms. If you are a woman looking for the best gas tiller for breaking new ground, Mantis 7940 will serve you well since it has small dimensions and light weight of 24 pounds that would be comfortable to maneuver. The handles feature an ergonomic flared design for proper grip, and the tiller has 25cc 4-cycle engine and curvy tines that run at maximum speed of 240 RPM. The handlebars fold to save space in storage. The machine’s maximum tilling width and depth are 9 inches and 10 inches respectively.
With dimensions of 29.25 x 13.5 x 9.5 inches and 24-pound weight, Mantis 7940 provides a less tedious way to till your garden, making it the best gas tiller for a woman and other individuals who prefer compact machines.
More features: 4 steel tines, 5.5-in tire, 10.5 Amp motor, cord retention hook
Scotts has several gardening products. They include pest solutions, grass seeds, lawn fertilizers and power tools such as Scotts Corded Electric Tiller TC70105S. It features a 10.5 amp motor, 4 tines made of tempered steel alloy with speed of 350 RPM, and 5.5-inch tires. Other convenient features include rear wheels that flip up for transport, a cord retention hook, push button start, and light weight of 25 pounds. The tilling width is 7 to 11 inches and the tilling depth is up to 8 inches.
As an electric tiller for breaking new ground, this model would be suitable for weed control or conditioning soil on a small lawn or garden.
More features: 8.5 Amp motor, ergonomic grip, 4 tines
Another compact corded electric tiller you should invest in is Earthwise TC70001. It tills to a maximum of 11 inches wide and 8 inches deep, and its 4 tines operate at a speed of 320 RPM. The maneuverable machine features a long handle with a comfortable ergonomic grip, an 8.5 amp motor, and a single lever switch for fast ignition. The handle includes a cord retention hook for uninterrupted operation.
This is a compact and lightweight tiller for breaking new ground on small gardens. It is also convenient equipment for the elderly and individuals with physical issues because it is easy to move around when cultivating.
More features: 13.5 Amp motor, 6 stainless steel blades, safety lock
The best gas tillers for breaking new ground tend to be more powerful than electric versions, and they also have extensive reach because they are not limited by cables and power outlets. However, we have featured a number of electric tillers that are well equipped to handle small and mid-sized gardens. LawnMaster TE1318W1 is an example of such machines. It comes with a powerful 13.5 amp motor, 6 rust-resistant steel blades, speed of 390 RPM, and a decent tilling path of up to 18 inches wide and up to 9 inches deep.
This corded electric tiller is ideal for small projects and new gardeners because it is easy to rotate and control.
More features: 7 amp motor, 5-5/8 in wheels, 16 blades, overload protection
WEN TC0714 features 4 tines made of reinforced steel, and 16 blades. You can remove the outer blades to till narrowly. It also comes with two 5-5/8 inch wheels that are detachable for easy storage. The electric tiller for breaking new ground can till and weed at tilling width of 14.2 inches and tilling depth of 8.7 inches. It boasts of built-in overload protection that automatically stops the motor from running when the tiller comes in contact with concrete, hard rocks and immovable objects to prevent damage. The 7 amp motor operates at speed of 380 RPM.
This tiller is suitable for small and mid-sized planting and gardening. It can till and weed and you can remove some of the blades to fit a narrow tilling path.
We have reviewed the best gas tillers for breaking new ground that have high user ratings and multiple positive reviews. Now, let’s discuss the most important features you should consider before investing in a gas or electric tiller. This is because choosing the wrong tool for the task you want to perform can damage the machine or frustrate you because of the amount of time and effort it will take.
You break new ground with a tiller by loosening and turning the soil, and then leveling the surface to form a stable bed for your new plants. Avoid breaking new ground on saturated soil to avoid clogging up your tiller, damaging the engine or motor or excessive soil compaction. Most people recommend tilling in early winter or in fall because it allows for a break of several months before planting since most gardeners plant during summer and spring.
When breaking new ground, you should factor in the size of the garden and the hardness of the soil. Below we have explained the other features you should keep in mind.
Tillers are classified according to whether the tines are positioned at the front or rear of the machine.
Another way of classifying tillers is by their fuel type. The main ones are electric and gas tillers for breaking new ground, and each type has its strengths and drawbacks.
Gas tillers are the best for extensive gardening and for breaking new ground on large areas with poor soil conditions that require the power of a rear tine tiller.
This is because gas tillers feature very powerful engines and heavy-duty construction to reduce jolting and bouncing. They are also not limited by extension cords, and they till more evenly. Besides that, they tend to have the longest lifespan because of their durable build, and they can easily be repaired in case of any issues.
The disadvantage of gas tillers is their noisiness, high pricing point and high maintenance because they require frequent refilling, which might necessitate mixing oil and gas. They also produce toxic fumes Trusted Source Fossil fuel air pollution responsible for 1 in 5 deaths worldwide – C-CHANGE New research from Harvard University, in collaboration with the University of Birmingham, the University of Leicester and University College London, found that more than 8 million people died in 2018 from fossil fuel pollution, significantly higher than previous research suggested—meaning that air pollution from burning fossil fuels like coal and diesel was responsible for about 1 in 5 deaths worldwide. www.hsph.harvard.edu which makes them harmful to the environment. Another issue some users have with gas tillers is the starter cord which you pull, as this can be strenuous for some individuals. Lastly, it might be difficult to maneuver a gas tiller because they typically have heavy frames.
The other type is electric tillers which are equipped with motors that are powered by electricity. They are eco-friendly since they do not generate exhaust fumes as they do not require oil or gas. Electric tillers are quieter, more affordable, lightweight, and relatively compact to fit in small spaces. They are more reliable in uninterrupted operation because you don’t have to worry about depleting gas or oil mid-job. Also, they are easy to operate and start by simply pushing a button. That is why they are the preferred choice for an urban setting or a small garden.
The disadvantage of electric models is their reliance on electricity. They require to be plugged in a power outlet, and a long extension cord in a proper gauge. This limits their area of operation, adds extra cost in purchasing the extension cord, and you have to ensure the cord is out of the way when tilling. Since electric corded tillers are smaller in build and lighter, they are likely to bounce if you move them too fast. This means it might take you more effort for deep tilling.
Whether you are choosing an electric model or the best gas tiller for breaking new ground, you must keep their size in mind. The size will determine navigation, maneuverability, transport and storage of the tiller. Generally, powerful gas models are larger and heavier than their electric counterparts as you will notice among the products we have reviewed in this guide. However, we have included gas-powered tillers like Mantis 7940 which weighs 24 pounds only and has a manageable size of 29.25 x 13.5 x 9.5 inches.
When tilling a large area, you need a heavy machine that can effortlessly dig deep and it should also be powerful to finish the job quickly. Powerful machines also tend to be large to accommodate the large engine, motor and other components.
Before buying a tiller, you must consider the tiller path. Most tillers have adjustable tines that can till to a depth of up to 8 inches.
Front tine tillers have working width of 14 to 18 inches, and can be powered by a gas engine or an electric motor whereas rear tine tillers have tilling width of 16 to 18 inches.
However, you can extend this range with a model like Tazz 35310 which is our Editor’s Choice. It has adjustable tilling width of 11, 16 and 21 inches, and impressive tilling depth of up to 11 inches, making it the best gas tiller for breaking new ground.
Rear tine gas tillers such as Champion Power Equipment 19-Inch Dual Rotating Rear Tine Tiller make great commercial models because they have very powerful engines that can tackle large projects and poor soil conditions with large rocks and roots that are thicker than ½ inch in diameter.
However, rear tine tillers would be overwhelming and difficult to navigate on a small garden. For small and mid-sized gardens with small roots and rocks, a front tine tiller would be a better option.
The speed will vary from one tiller to another, depending on the engine or motor. The products we have reviewed range in speed from 240 to 390 revolutions per minute (RPM). Some tillers will allow you to adjust the speed of tines.
The engine of a tiller for breaking new ground may either be powered by electricity or gas. Electric tillers can be corded or powered by battery, and gas models may use oil, gas or a mixture of both as fuel. We have already detailed the pros and cons of using the two main types of power source to help you make an informed decision.
Gas-powered tillers usually last much longer because of their heavy-duty construction that is designed to make them capable of tackling massive or difficult projects. They are also easier to repair than electric tillers. You can extend the lifespan of any tiller by choosing the appropriate product for your intended tasks and by maintaining it accordingly. Majority of tillers come with a limited warranty of 2 years although Earthquake Pioneer 31285 has a 5-year limited warranty.
Tazz 35310 was an easy winner because it has top-notch features such as adjustable tilling width of up to 21 inches, 11-inch tilling depth, 4 adjustable height positions, and 2-in-1 functionality as a tiller and a cultivator. The front tine tiller comes with a quart of oil to get you started.
Our second choice is Earthquake Pioneer 31285 which is also our Upgrade Pick. It boasts of dual-direction rear tines with CRT and SRT drive modes that allow you to easily maneuver the tiller to perform a variety of tasks such as breaking hard ground, tearing sod, mixing and turning soil, and leveling the seed bed. It also comes with 5-year limited warranty.
Our choice for Best Value is a well-known brand in the industry. Sun Joe TJ604E is equipped with a powerful 13.5 amp motor, a collapsible handle, 6 steel tines, 3 height positions, and speed of 370 RPM. What also makes it the best tiller for breaking new ground is the low cost, eco-friendliness and light weight which promotes maneuverability.
