We all know how difficult it can be to break up hard ground if you are planning to start a garden. There is going to be a lot of hard work involved in digging into the dirt to loosen the soil so that it can be cultivated and sown.
Nevertheless, there is an easier way to accomplish this task: rear tine tillers. You can get rid of exhausting, long work hours with a rear tine tiller. You can easily break through hard ground, cultivate the soil, and sow it.
When to Use a Garden Tiller
You should carefully plan how you till your garden. It’s best to till the garden when temperatures are around 60F (15.5C).
Depending on the location, you’ll likely till the soil between March and June, but in most places, you can do so anytime between March and June. For best results, wait until the soil is dry before starting to till.
When wet soil is tilled, it becomes compacted and drier. Choosing the right tiller for your soil is key to reducing the time it takes to till. In the following article, I have outlined some of the best rear tine tillers currently available on the market.
EARTHQUAKE Victory 33970
EARTHQUAKE’s Victory 33970 is a stronger and better version of their previous model, 29702. It has a heftier feel with 10-inch tillage arms to help you till up your garden or flowerbeds.
You’ll find that it has all the same rugged construction as the 29702 but this new model tills much deeper because of its heavier duty build. Plus, it’s balanced perfectly to make it easy to maneuver in row spaces!
The best feature is an instantly reversible mechanism that enables you to change directions without having to shift gears as many other tillers on the market do. Our compact-sized model is smaller than others – so it’s easy to store in a tool shed or garage. The great part about this model is still provided full-sized power.
This model is ready for any job – whether you’re tilling through tough conditions in your garden or just a regular-sized plot. Tilling can be pretty rough and the Earthquake 33970 gives you the power to get things done with less strain on your body by helping you advance quicker.
In 2022, its upgraded version offers a better ratio of power to price at a lower cost.
Earthquake Pioneer Rear Tine Tiller
moved from place to place or loaded onto a trailer easily with this.
This is a great combination of power and maneuverability in my experience. The Pioneer comes with an engine that is 99cc, which is smaller than many of its comparable competitors. The tiller frame, on the other hand, is designed to maximize efficiency. This means that the engine provides the perfect amount of power and is also light in weight. In addition, the transmission housing is in the middle of the frame so it’s light and maneuverable.
In addition, Earthquake designed the Pioneer to have an instant reverse lever. You can easily back out of corners or small spaces with this. Reverse is just under the hand grips, so it’s easy to reach at all times.
When necessary, you can operate the Pioneer from either of the two hand grips. Especially useful in tight spaces and when you don’t want to step on your fluffy, planting-ready soil.
Tires with large, airless chambers keep you from dealing with a flat tire when working on a job. So don’t worry about losing traction – the wide width and deep lug pattern help you move confidently forward.
Earthquake backs the Pioneer with a 5-year limited warranty, which is the industry’s best. They also offer customer service from a Northern Wisconsin location.
It has a small drawback that you can only move forward or reverse. But, it’s not something that affects the tiller’s performance.
YARDMAX YT4565
The TY4565 is the product of years of Yardmax engineering. This is a rear tilling model that offers dual rotation and seven depth settings to help you customize the soil depth.
A dual-rotation tool with 13-inch self-sharpening tines and a 208cc engine, the YT4565 can break up soil that is tough to break up effectively. With an 18-inch width, you can cover more ground with less effort. The depth adjustment allows you to till as deep as 6.5 inches in the ground.
A new front counterweight and simplified handling allow it to be operated with one hand. In addition, there are side safety shields, which are easy to adjust.
It is more difficult to fill the engine oil than other models. Filling the oil is very difficult since the dipstick is very hard to reach, and you’ll need a certain size funnel.
Except for this one flaw, this is an excellent tiller for tough soil. There is a reverse feature on this product, and the warranty covers it against any breakage for two years.
With an 18-inch tilling width, the Yardmax tiller had the largest tilling width out of the tillers we tested.
Husqvarna Counter Rotation CRT900
Husky CRT 900 is the pinnacle of counter-rotation tillers, the definition of the best money can buy. It demands a lot of money, but boy, do you get what you pay for.
Because Husqvarna was one of the first brands to introduce counter-rotating tillers to the market, they have perfected the process and this unit performs flawlessly on all terrains.
Briggs Straton engines are guaranteed to start on one pull. Once it starts, no surface or soil can stop these sturdy tillers with their reverse or forward shaping capabilities.
Husqvarna has done a good job with the construction so the tills don’t jump around like other models do, making it easier to handle too.
Troy Bilt Big Red
Despite being the most expensive on our list, the Big Red is also the most powerful. At 306cc, Briggs & Stratton’s engine is a powerhouse, no doubt about it.
This model features forward rotating Bolo tines with a depth of 7 inches. Apart from its power, the Big Red garden tiller has several unique safety features. Tilling is made safer with full-sided tine shields and a front bumper protects the engine.
With its powerful engine and reliable performance, the Big Red Garden Tiller is a great choice for medium-sized plots.If you own a previously tilled bed, Big Red is a great choice. By using this powerful machine, you can till the soil quickly and efficiently.
Tilling established beds is great, but it may not be the best choice if you plan on breaking new ground. A rotating tine tiller is better equipped to stomp out weeds in lawns and overgrown areas.
When you have previously tilled land and want a powerful, versatile machine, the Big Red Garden Tiller is a great choice.
It has seven adjustable speeds and large agricultural size wheels, so it is fast and easy to use. Furthermore, it has the widest and deepest tilling capabilities and is recommended for areas larger than 2,500 square feet.
Poulan Pro Counter Rotating Rear-Tine Tiller
The Poulan Pro counter rotating rear tine tiller will leave you wondering why you haven’t used it before. It has a 208cc engine that provides enough power for a more extended tilling process.
It has 13-inch counter-rotating tines that make tilling small and medium-sized jobs simple. You can easily break up heavy, uncultivated soil with ease. Chain-driven transmission gives you a smooth and quiet forward and reverse operation.
It has an adjustable handle and is comfortable to hold. You can raise or lower the split loop handle as needed. The tiller can also be operated with one hand, either on the right or left.
Despite its 17-inch working width, the tiller is able to handle even the most challenging terrain. Even after several hours of operation, the powerful OHV engine remains fuel-efficient and runs cooler. The adjustable depth stake allows you to adjust the tilling depth and change the tilling speed at the touch of a lever.
It’s an excellent budget option for a powered rear tine tiller, and it comes with a 2-year limited warranty.
Tiller Buying guide
There are a few things to consider when choosing a rear tine tiller. Below are some of the most crucial aspects to consider.
Tiller rotation
A tiller can rotate in both directions based on its price, size, and power. A standard rotating tiller, for example, has tines that rotate in only one direction, forward. It comes in different engine power ratings between 100 cc and 300 ccs.
With counter-rotating tine, the tiller turns the opposite way. It can help break up clay soil and hard surfaces.
A dual rotating tine tiller rotates both forward and backward. With this device, you can both move forward and backward. You can also turn the device in either a clockwise or anticlockwise direction.
Engine
In the case of a rear tine tiller with a gasoline engine, you have the option of a 2-cycle engine or a 4-cycle engine.
Despite their small size and compactness, 2-cycle engines require a mixture of oil and gas to operate. With the 4-cycle engine, you don’t have to mix gas and oil, and it’s more powerful. 2-cycle engines are light and less powerful than 4-cycle engines.
You should pay attention to the engine’s horsepower or displacement rating when looking for its power rating. High numbers indicate greater power.
Getting the engine started is another important aspect. It can be either manually recoiled or electrically started. Even though manual recoil engines require effort to start, they usually cost less than electric starters.
Some engines may also be OHV-rated. OCV refers to overhead valves which are more fuel-efficient, lighter in design, and emit less pollution. You can reduce emissions while saving on gas with higher fuel efficiency.
Tiller tires
A heavier tiller tire gives you better traction and makes it easier to keep the machine balanced. Using a set of well-made heavy-duty tires will allow you to move through the terrain without needing to push it harder.
Tire sizes vary according to engine power. It is easier to maneuver over uneven or rough ground with larger tires.
It is easy to use pneumatic tires, and you do not need to worry about filling them up with air. In addition to being cheaper, air-filled tires tend to provide smoother movement.
Tilling capacity
Tilling capacity is determined by the depth and width of the blade. An 8-inch tilling blade, for example, can dig 8 inches into the soil each time.
With an easy flick of a lever, you can adjust the tilling depth. It can be adjusted for the plants you plan to grow later.
Tilling width indicates how wide you can till at once. In addition to allowing you to get the job done faster, it also means a bigger and heavier machine.
Based on your needs, you can buy different tilling width capacities. In most residential situations, you can safely select a tiller with a width of 16 to 20 inches.
Transmission gears
Transmission gears transfer power from the engine to the tiller blades and tires. Dual rotating tines usually have a reverse gear and speed lever. The lever enables back and forth motion when tilling.
Some tiller models come with variable speed options that let you adjust the speed according to the terrain.
Handle
Adjustable ergonomic tiller handles make it easier to perform your tasks without getting tired. Adjustable or fixed tiller handles are available. Having an adjustable handle gives you greater flexibility since you can modify the length to suit your needs.
It is also important to look at the drag bar of the tiller. The tilling depth is uniform, the speed is consistent, and it improves stability when operating. To prevent a tiller from tipping over, some come with counterweights.
Weight
Tillers typically weigh between 150 and 200 pounds. This is dependent on how powerful the engine is and how the machine functions. Weight shouldn’t be a problem since most tillers are motorized, which means you don’t have to push them manually.
As a result, the tiller is more stable, and you don’t have to worry about balancing while you operate it. This is great for moving rocky and hard ground surfaces.
Conclusion
Tilling your garden may be necessary before seeding or preparing a new raised bed. Using a tiller can make gardening tasks easier.
Choosing the right tiller, however, is not an easy task. The market offers a wide range of features to choose from. It can be beneficial to invest in a good tiller to get a tool that is hassle-free to use for several years to come.