Mario Bautista
If you’re passionate about gardening or landscaping, a tiller can be a key tool to help prepare your soil for planting and take your yard to the next level. Tillers turn and break the top layer of soil, effectively loosening and adding air into the soil.
“The tiller prepares the ground for planting seeds and bulbs and turns over the earth to get it ready for planting,” says Kris Kiser, president and CEO of Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI). “It also makes it easy for weed removal.”
When it comes to choosing the best tiller for your garden, like most outdoor power tools, you’ll need to choose between an electric or gas model. After that, key specs like tilling width and depth will determine how well a tiller can tackle the jobs you need it to.
What We Tested
To find the best tillers, we tested models from reliable outdoor brands in our own gardens, considering their ease of use, design, performance, and overall value. To learn more about how we tested tillers, check out our testing process below.
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The Earthquake Versa did a great job of not only breaking up the soil but also removing weeds in our 25-year-old overgrown garden. After one pass, all the greenery above ground was removed along with most of the roots, and after another pass set at a deeper depth, the remaining roots were removed. The soil was effectively broken up and the machine was able to till down to an impressive 6 to 8 inches.
The Earthquake tiller is highly customizable; we loved being able to adjust the handle height and the three different tiller width settings. The depth of the tines was also easily adjusted by removing a pin lock and lowering or raising the drag bar.
Once the tiller was assembled, it was easy to maneuver and the machine didn’t jump too much, even with the throttle fully engaged. However, when making 90-degree turns, we often had to stop completely to make the turn. The other struggle we had with this machine was turning it on. Holding down the throttle was difficult for older users, and it took multiple pulls on the cord for the engine to catch; we wish there were a primer included to make this process easier.
Product Details: Power Source: Gas | Weight: 75 pounds | Tine Position: Front | Maximum Tilling Width: 21 inches | Maximum Tilling Depth: 11 inches
Key Terms to Know
- Tines: The blades that move the soil. Most tillers have four to eight tines.
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The Sun Joe tiller was extremely easy to set up and use. To turn it on, we simply attached an extension cord, plugged it in, and then pushed the “on” button and trigger. Using the tiller was easy and intuitive. The tiller’s smaller size made it simple to manage, and it didn’t take up a lot of storage space. The handles even fold for better storage.
During testing, this tiller was used on two large gardens with good results. It broke up the soil very well, approximately 2 to 3 inches deep. We were impressed by how powerful it was, despite being a lightweight electric model. The 12-amp motor quickly pulverized surface soil and readied the ground for planting.
Despite the occasional inconvenience of having to move the extension cord out of the way while working, we liked this corded model, as we felt it was very easy to get started, and it didn’t require the work of filling and maintaining the gas tank.
Product Details: Power Source: Corded electric | Weight: 27.8 pounds | Tine Position: Front | Maximum Tilling Width: 16 inches | Maximum Tilling Depth: 8 inches
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While testing, the Greenworks tiller efficiently churned through the weeds and soil in the garden. Testers experienced one rock jam, but it was easy to remove the rock and continue on. This tiller has 2,000 strikes per minute and quickly shreds the soil.
Using the tiller was straightforward. We simply plugged it and let it charge; it took less than two hours to get to a full charge. We used the tiller in 30-minute increments and the 40-volt lithium battery never died—the manufacturer advertises the battery can last for up to 45 minutes.
The tiller is lightweight and the 6-inch wheels make it a cinch to maneuver. Because this is a lighter tiller, weighing only 21 pounds, it may not be suitable for heavy jobs or larger garden plots. However, our testers’ biggest issue with this tiller was the instructions. The instructional pictures were so small it was hard to determine what the pieces were. And while most of the setup was intuitive, the double tines were difficult to assemble.
Product Details: Power Source: Battery | Weight: 21 pounds | Tine Position: Front | Maximum Tilling Width: 10 inches | Maximum Tilling Depth: 5 inches
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If you’re low on storage space, this Black+Decker tiller is incredibly compact. It works a bit differently than other tillers and has no wheels—it’s entirely handheld, similar to a weed whacker. We discovered that this design meant we had to use more effort while using it and if we wanted to adjust the tilling depth, we had to use force to manually push the tiller into the ground. This was slightly inconvenient and we didn’t like that operating this tiller required more physical strength than other models.
However, this tiller takes up almost no space in a storage shed or garage and is otherwise easy to use. The battery lasted over an hour, which is all you need for the smaller projects this tiller is designed for. The counter-oscillating tines are designed to prevent weeds from getting tangled, ensuring you don’t have to stop work to detangle them. Overall, this tiller is the perfect tool for light tilling jobs, but may not be a good fit if you have a lot of land to till or don’t have a lot of physical strength.
Product Details: Power Source: Battery | Weight: 12.1 pounds | Tine Position: Not applicable | Maximum Tilling Width: 7.8 inches | Maximum Tilling Depth: Not listed
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This Honda tiller was tested in soil that contained heavy clay as we prepared new flowerbeds. It was ready to work out of the box with no assembly required; just add oil and gas. The 4-stroke GX engine started easily and the controls were simple to use. The patented hybrid tines both cultivate and till the soil; we tilled the soil 4 inches down with great results.
The tiller has a heavy-duty drive gear and a front engine guard, which protects the engine while you work. Though the ergonomic handles are not adjustable, they were still comfortable for our testers to use even when working for an extended period.
This tiller has detachable wheels for easy transportation, however you must remove the wheels once it’s time to use the tiller. We found it annoying to have to remove the wheels in order to use the tiller, and wished the design was more convenient.
Product Details: Power Source: Gas | Weight: 29 pounds | Tine Position: Front tines | Maximum Tilling Width: 9 inches | Maximum Tilling Depth: 8 inches
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This heavy-duty tiller is great for large projects, compacted soil, and any land that will require a lot of tilling.
The Troy Bilt Mustang Rear Tine Tiller is the perfect machine for those who have a lot of land to till and will use a tiller frequently. This tough tiller has a counter-rotating mode for hard soil and a forward-rotating mode for softer soil. It also has a handy power reverse to unlock any rock jams or to get out of tight spaces.
Unlike the other tillers on this list, the Mustang is a rear-tine tiller and the tines are located toward the back of the machine. Rear-tine tillers are more powerful and can dig deeply into the soil, but they also come with a higher price tag.
Since the machine is much larger than other options, and weighs much more, it moves slowly and takes up a lot of storage space. However, its large size means it unleashes a lot of power and works quickly to till soil. You can till a large space without much effort, as the tilling width goes up to 18 inches. We were impressed by the quality of the tillage and noted that it worked much better than the small tiller they had previously.
Product Details: Power Source: Gas | Weight: 269 pounds | Tine Position: Rear | Maximum Tilling Width: 18 inches | Maximum Tilling Depth: 7 inches
The Bottom Line
The Earthquake Versa Tiller was our favorite tiller, tearing through an overgrown garden with ease. It was easy to use and highly customizable, with the ability to adjust the handles, tilling depth, and tilling width.
Our Testing Process
We tested a variety of tillers in the real world, choosing from reliable outdoor brands to select tillers to test, making sure to include machines with a variety of tiller widths. We also wanted to include all power types, including battery, gas, corded, and manual tillers.
Once we decided which tillers to test, we brought them into our own gardens and lawns. First, we recorded how easy it was to assemble the tiller, turn it on, operate, and maneuver around the garden. We also noted whether it took up a large amount of storage space in our sheds and garages.
While using the tillers, we experimented with adjusting the tilling depth and speed, as well as noted the noise level while using the tiller. We also noted how difficult it was to power the tiller, and in the case of battery-operated tillers, how long the batteries lasted and how long they took to charge. For corded models, we noted if an extension cord was required.
When using the tillers, we measured how easily the tiller broke up soil and the depth and overall quality of the tillage, keeping in mind the soil condition and whether it was compacted or full of weeds.
After testing, we evaluated whether the price was fair for the performance and features of each tiller.
Better Homes & Gardens / Robert Dencklau
What To Know About Tillers Before Shopping
Tilling Width and Depth
The ideal tilling depth depends on your goals. Most tillers will have a maximum depth of 8 to 10 inches, and most are adjustable. If you simply want to prepare the ground for planting, you may want to till only a few inches deep. However, if you want to remove weeds down to the root, you’ll need to till deeper.
The best tilling width depends on the size of your garden or planting area. If you have a lot of ground to till, a wide tiller will help cut down on the amount of time it will take to get the job done. However, if you have a small garden, a wide tiller will be unnecessarily bulky and difficult to maneuver in a small space.
Power
If you’re tilling a small garden near your home, an electric corded tiller may be the perfect fit. However, if you’re tilling a large field far from a power source, a corded tiller is not going to be very helpful. Gas-powered tillers are more powerful and can work for hours (as long as you have gasoline on hand). While many electric tillers are powerful, they do typically need to be recharged after 45 minutes to an hour, which could disrupt your work if you’re tackling a big job.
When selecting a tiller, a good way to gauge its power is by looking at the engine displacement. Engine displacement measures the maximum amount of air the engine can displace. Engine displacement is typically used to describe how big or small an engine is; generally, the higher the displacement, the bigger the engine.
Kiser adds that “the more tines on your tiller, the more power your tiller will have to stir the dirt. A tiller with six tines per flange will require more horsepower than one with four.”
Tine Position
Tillers are either “front tine” or “rear tine” tillers. Most tillers advertised to home gardeners are front tine tillers, which are smaller and lighter. “Most people find [front-tine tillers] convenient to use and they are ideal for small to medium-sized gardens, and gardens with tight corners,” Kiser says.
On the other hand, a rear-tine tiller has tines located behind the wheel. “These tillers can dig deeply into the soil and make a big job feel easy,” Kiser says. However, they may be overly powerful for the average home garden. But if you have an expansive garden, they may be worth the extra cost.
Other Tillers We Tested
Mantis Tiller/Cultivator
The Mantis Tiller was easy to use and set up, and powerful for a small tiller. However, while the tiller worked well in loose soils, whenever it hit compacted soil and clay, it would bounce around and had trouble getting traction and digging into the soil. Since the goal of using the tiller was to break up these tough soils, we were disappointed in its performance.
Better Homes & Gardens / Robert Dencklau
Your Questions, Answered
What’s the difference between a tiller and a cultivator?
While tillers and cultivators are both used to prepare soil, there is a difference between the two. “Cultivators are smaller than a tiller and stay in the top inch of the soil, without disturbing plant roots,” Kiser says. “Cultivators are used to help keep the ground free of weeds. Tillers are generally used for heavy digging. They can prepare new garden beds or dig up old ones.”
How deep should tillers go?
Tillers typically reach 8 to 10 inches down into the soil. The average gardener would not need to till any deeper than that; depending on the job, you may want to only till a few inches deep.
Is tilling bad for soil?
To till or not to till—tilling can be a divisive concept among gardeners. Some gardeners and farmers think tilling the soil is important to aerate the soil, break up compaction, and work in nutrients. However, others practice no-till growing methods because, as Kiser notes, “sometimes the long-term effects of tilling may lead to weakened soil quality and resilience.”
When should you use a tiller?
Tillers are helpful for breaking up hard, compacted ground, removing overgrowth and weeds, and preparing the ground for planting seeds and bulbs. Tilling aerates the soil and you can till in compost to add nutrients to the soil.
It’s best to till a garden at the end of the growing season in the fall, or in the spring after the last frost when the soil is warm. You don’t want to till wet soil, as doing so will hurt the soil structure. A good way to test if the soil is dry enough is to grab a handful and squeeze it into a ball. If you squeeze it and water comes out, it’s too wet. If it crumbles, it should be dry enough to till.
Who We Are
This article was written by Better Homes & Gardens contributor Rachel Ahrnsen. She is a Master Gardener who spent hours researching tillers. She also consulted Kris Kiser, president and CEO, OPEI.
What is BHG Recommends?
Next to all of the products on this list, you may have noticed our BHG Recommends seal of approval. Products that earn the seal have been put through rigorous testing to make sure they’re worth a spot in your home. We buy most of the products we test ourselves, but occasionally we are provided samples by companies if buying isn’t an option. In these cases, we use the same testing criteria we use to test the purchased products.
