Power Tillers
Power tillers  are used for breaking up the soil. They improve conditions for new plantings, develop gardens, weed, and reseed lawn patches. A power tiller takes the toil out of large or difficult projects. Below you will see the three main types of power tillers available. Choosing between them generally depends on the size of the area you wish to till and the type of soil in your area.
Reviews of power tillers are hard to come by. You can check Amazon for user reviews; no single tiller stands out but you can at least gauge what other people are saying about various models.
Important Features- CRT or SRT -- These are two terms you will see on rear-tine tillers only.
- Counter Rotating Tines are best for heavier duty jobs and for breaking new ground.
- Standard Rotating Tines are good for aerating the soil and help propel the tiller forward.
- Engine Options -- Tillers come in four- and two-stroke models.
- Get a four-stroke engine if you can.
- Easier to start up than two-stroke models.
- Require less maintenance and are more convenient because they don't require any mixing of fuel and oil.
- Produce less exhaust.
- The more horsepower, the more powerful your tiller will be.
- Rear-tine tillers generally have more horsepower than any other kind.
- You'll appreciate that horsepower when you have hard soil to till.
- Easy carry handle and big wheels. Makes transporting and moving the tiller easier.
- Weight may be a concern, especially for women. Cultivators will naturally weigh less and be easier to move around, although even the lightest of models still weigh in at around 30-40 lbs.
- Tine shape. The tine shape affects how the tiller moves through the soil.
- Bolo tines are the standard tines that come with the machine.
- Broad, heavy-duty.
- Designed to dig and mulch with a minimum of clogging.
- Pick and chisel tines are slightly curved and of medium length.
- Used to break up hard, rocky ground.
- Can clog easily in vegetation.
- Slasher tines are short and sharp.
- Designed to cut into vegetation and soft ground.
- Need to be sharp to work well.
- Long drag stake. This helps keep the tiller from moving too fast.
- Gas vs. Electric
- Some smaller models are electric.
- Limited range based on length of extension cord.
- Electric doesn't have the same amount of power as a gas-powered motor.
- Most of the larger models are gas-powered.
- Gas-powered machines are more powerful.
- Keep in mind the maintenance of a gas-powered machine -- they need to have fluids changed and refueled, and need to be winterized in cold climates.
Major Manufacturers
Related Products
External Links- Lowe's -- a helpful, straightforward guide about how to decide what kind of tiller you need.
- GardenAdvice -- a longer guide with additional info about safe tiller use.
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