Best Tillers and Cultivators

Review & Comparison, Last Update February 18, 2024
Many of us have summer houses and vegetable gardens. Naturally, every season we need to cultivate the ground for seeding and planting. Tilling with a shovel is laborious and takes a lot of time. Here comes the tiller! We reviewed 5 best models to help you make the right choice. ...Read more ...Read less
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BEST 2024
PROS
CONS
OUR VERDICT
Type
Power source
Idle speed
Tilling Width
Tilling Depth
Number of tines
Weight
Extras
Warranty
 
PROS

Although you'll need to put some parts together upon arrival, the assembly process won't take you long, even if you're an inexperienced user. The powerful electric motor here boasts a relatively low noise level.

CONS

Tines may become clogged up with roots.

OUR VERDICT

The Sun Joe tiller can handle any soil irrespective of its structure and density. The powerful 13.5-amp motor, large wheels, and 6 steel tines (16 "tilting width) make this model an excellent solution for medium and large garden plots.

detailed parameters
Type

Tiller/Cultivator

Power source

13.5-Amp electric motor (~1-feet power cord, extension cords required)

Idle speed

Up to 370 RPM

Tilling Width

16"

Tilling Depth

8"

Number of tines

6 tines

Weight

27.1 lbs

Extras

3-position adjustable wheels, Foldable handle, Start/stop button, Safety switch

Warranty

2 years

PROS

The soft-grip handles along with a telescoping tube reduce vibrations, so even with prolonged use, your arms won't get tired. Plus, it comes with an auxiliary handle.

CONS

The tilling depth is far from impressive.

OUR VERDICT

This tiller will be great for elderly people since it's incredibly lightweight and easy to use. Also, it's an optimal choice for cultivating areas with many obstacles since it's small enough to maneuver around plants or fences.

detailed parameters
Type
Manual Cultivator
Power source
20V battery-powered engine
Idle speed

Not listed

Tilling Width
7"
Tilling Depth
4"
Number of tines

2 tines (8 blades)

Weight
8.1 lbs
Extras

Lightweight upright design, Soft grip handle and telescoping tube, Start/stop button, Safety switch

Warranty

2 years

PROS

The motor is able to rotate tines at a whopping speed up to 340 RPM and boasts innovative AirBoost ™ technology that efficiently cools down the motor.

CONS

It's quite noisy. 

OUR VERDICT

If you need to cultivate fairly large spaces with tough terrain, the Sun Joe TJ603E is a perfect pick. It tills a wide path and boasts exceptional power to let you complete the toughest garden tasks faster and with less effort.

detailed parameters
Type

Tiller/Cultivator

Power source

12-Amp electric motor (~1-feet power cord, extension cords required)

Idle speed

Up to 340 RPM

Tilling Width

16"

Tilling Depth

8"

Number of tines

6 tines

Weight

27.1 lbs

Extras

AirBoost™ technology, Ergonomic handles (collapsible), Safety switch, Instant start, 3-position manual wheel adjustment

Warranty

2 years

PROS

The tines are made of high-quality Manganese steel, so the risk of their deformation is minimal. Thanks to adjustable wheels (2 positions), you can adjust the digging depth.

CONS

The handlebar isn't cushioned.

OUR VERDICT

The TACKLIFE Electric Tiller is a heavy-duty machine that can reach an incredible speed of 380 RPM and cultivate even the most heavily-packed soil. It's suitable for commercial purposes as well.

detailed parameters
Type

Tiller/Cultivator

Power source

13.5-Amp electric motor (~1-feet power cord, extension cords required)

Idle speed

Up to 380 RPM

Tilling Width

18" (adjustable to 12.5")

Tilling Depth

8"

Number of tines

6 tines (convertible to 4 tines)

Weight

22 lbs

Extras

2-position adjustable wheels, Foldable handlebar, Start/stop button, Safety switch

Warranty

2 years

PROS

This tiller is fitted with a 2-cycle engine (33cc) which is famous for its amazing durability and low maintenance. The block-style foam air filter prevents the ingress of dirt and dust inside the machine.

CONS

The assembly process may take you a while.

OUR VERDICT

If you need to cultivate areas with no access to electricity, we recommend making a choice in favor of this gasoline model. It's powered by gasoline and requires no extension cords or constant recharge of batteries.

detailed parameters
Type

Tiller/Cultivator

Power source

2-cycle 33cc engine

Idle speed

Not listed

Tilling Width

10" (adjustable to 6")

Tilling Depth

8"

Number of tines

4 tines (convertible to 2 tines)

Weight

29 lbs

Extras

Rigid U-Turn™ handlebar, Block-style foam air filter

Warranty

3 years

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Sun Joe Sun Joe

The Leader

Snow Joe is a famous brand that specializes solely in creating innovative outdoor tools to keep your property looking beautiful all year long. Its products are eco-friendly, durable, and, more importantly, powerful enough to tackle any challenges your garden throws at them. And what we have here is the crème de la crème of the Snow Joe tiller lineup. The TJ604E rototiller is equipped with the most powerful 13.5-amp motor among other Snow Joe machines, which digs up like a storm, ensuring 370 RPM speed and providing maximum aeration for soil. Thanks to such impressive power and rotation speed, this tiller can grind up even hard clay soil, pulverize dirt, chew through the grass, and rip thousands of rocks out from the ground. Needless to say, it's also effective for slicing through extremely dry or wet soil. With that, it can cultivate up to 16 inches wide and up to 8 inches deep per one go.

To tame the toughest tasks with more comfort and less strain, the machine lets you adjust the rear wheels up to three different positions (High, Low, None) and maneuver it wherever needed. That is to say, the depth of digging will depend on the wheel position. The High mode means the rear wheels are fully extended and the tiller is lifted high off the ground, so the depth of digging is a bit limited and awkward. This position is best for storing or wheeling the tiller around. The Low mode means rear wheels are halfway tucked in the soil and the tiller can reach the deeper ground easily with some tilting. With that, you'll still be able to tilt the tiller toward yourself to move it to another location. The None or Neutral position means the wheels are completely tucked in. This setting allows for the maximum depth of digging. That said, when you want to move the tiller to another place, you will need to carry it so as not to drag its tines on the ground.

Review of Sun Joe Sun Joe 16-Inch 13.5 AMP Electric Garden Tiller/Cultivator

Quick to Assemble and Hassle-Free to Maintain

Although this "tank" of tillers may seem quite tricky to assemble, actually all of its parts are fairly easy to put together. The package includes easy-to-follow instructions, with a step-by-step guide and pictures provided. The unit comes partially pre-assembled, all you need to do is connect its upper handle to the middle handle using the set of knobs and bolts that is also included in the package. Once you're done, you should connect the tiller/cultivator to a 120 V outlet via some heavy-duty outdoor extension cord.

To turn the tool on, you need to push and hold the safety lock with your thumb and then squeeze the trigger with your fingers. As soon as the tiller is running, you can release the safety lock and enjoy the fun part of cultivating. After use, you should simply clean the machine with a dry cloth or a brush (for areas that are hard to reach). Thus, the Sun Joe TJ604E will serve you faithfully for long years to come. The manufacturer is really confident in the product and backs it with customer promise. In case you face any kind of issues with the machine during the period of two years from the date of purchase, you can return the product and Sun Joe will send you a new one with no questions asked. So, you have nothing to lose. 

Sun Joe Sun Joe 16-Inch 13.5 AMP Electric Garden Tiller/Cultivator in the use

Additional Info

User Manual     Manufacturer

Last updated price $104.54
Stock In stock
ASIN B01DTIC79Q

 

Black & Decker 20-Volt Lithium Ion Cordless Garden

Super Mini, Super Maneuverable

If you need an ultra maneuverable tiller/cultivator for getting into all the nooks and crannies, you'll be hard-pressed to find a better model than the Black & Decker LGC120. It's an incredibly small machine that is easy to maneuver around existing plants or fences. At the same time, it's efficient enough to break up clay soil and loosen up hard-packed dirt. The powerful transmission with two tines does a great job of cultivating garden beds and allowing nutrients to reach plant roots. It's also fabulous for preparing dry spots in your lawn for seeding.

The two long tines are small enough to maneuver in-between plants, whilst counter-oscillating tines prevent weeds from tangling. Unlike many other models, the blades here don't spin in circles but twist back and forth. They are able to work up 4 inches deep into soil at a time, while the tilling width makes 7 inches, meaning this model is best for those smaller jobs like planting annuals.

The machine is equipped with a 20-volt MAX lithium-ion battery that lasts a very good amount of time. It holds the charge 5x longer than 18-volt NiCad batteries and allows users to handle 325 sq. feet after one charge (the Energy Star rated charger will make it full in about 8 hours). The great news is that you can also swap the battery among other Black & Decker tools if you have them at your disposal. The only requirement is that they should be compatible with 20-volt MAX lithium-ion batteries.

Review of Black & Decker 20-Volt Lithium Ion Cordless Garden Cultivator/Tiller

So Light

Naturally, the Black & Decker LGC120 isn't only one of the most compact tillers on the market but also one of the lightest. At just 8.1 lbs, it's comfortable for long-term operation. Moreover, the telescoping shaft easily adjusts to the perfect length, allowing users to operate the tiller without bending over, which is especially useful for individuals whose back has seen better days. The tiller also has an auxiliary handlebar with comfortable grips that are covered with a soft rubber material. The tool works with minimum vibration and doesn't over-tax muscles and joints.

In all, this mini tiller and cultivator can surely save you hours on backbreaking work of pulling out weeds and grass by hand. It's great for elderly people who need to prepare thick clay soil for planting without breaking a sweat. Owing to light weight, compact size, and ergonomic design, it's surely one of the most maneuverable and comfortable gardening tools out there.

Black & Decker 20-Volt Lithium Ion Cordless Garden Cultivator/Tiller in the use

Additional Info

User Manual     Manufacturer

Last updated price $109.00
Stock In stock
ASIN B004JMZH2G

VIDEO
20 volt Cordless Black & Decker Cultivator LGC120
 

Sun Joe TJ603E

Extra Powerful

With nearly a 5-star rating and numerous positive reviews, the Sun Joe TJ603E is one of the best-selling gardening tools on Amazon. What makes it so popular is surely the fact that it's much more powerful than most other tillers and cultivators available for sale. Fitted with a 12-amp motor, it can quickly pulverize soil and effortlessly slice through it, no matter how rough it is. That is to say, the extra-powerful motor along with 6 heavy-duty tines allows you to work in the ground full of rocks, weeds, and other harsh elements.

Starting the Tiller Joe is also an easy job. It needs no gas, oil, or tune-ups and can be activated at the push of a button. For the same reason, it's also fairly easy to maintain. Unlike gas-powered cultivators, you won't have to monitor the gas and oil levels, as well as do a fair amount of clean-up after tilling.

Yet, the tradeoff and the downside for that is the corded operation - this powerful machine requires a 12/3 extension cord because of its high current rating (12 amps). That means you'll need to be careful when using this device so as not to get the cord tangled or run over it. That said, it's just a minor drawback considering all the benefits this electric tiller offers.

Review of Sun Joe TJ603E 16-Inch 12-Amp Electric Tiller and Cultivator

For Larger Spaces

What also makes this tiller a standout is that it comes equipped with 6 durable steel angled tines capable of cultivating areas up to 16 inches wide and 8 inches deep. Compared to most other similar tools, it tills a wider path, so the gardening jobs will be done faster and with less effort. This makes the Sun Joe TJ603E an excellent choice for cultivating fairly large vegetable gardens.

Understanding that large spaces may have different landscapes, the manufacturer has equipped this cultivator with wheels at the rear. They can be adjusted in three different positions depending on the terrain you're working on. Besides keeping the unit stable on any surface, the wheels also make transportation of the device to your garage or storage shed easier. In addition, the Sun Joe electric tiller has a handle that can be folded down for more compact storage.

All things considered, this Sun Joe tiller/cultivator is one of the most heavy-duty electric models you can find on the market. While most other tillers would get stuck or become unstable when operated on hard and uneven surfaces, it'll work like a charm. It cuts a nice wide swath and tills deep.

Sun Joe TJ603E 16-Inch 12-Amp Electric Tiller and Cultivator in the use

Additional Info

User Manual     Manufacturer

Last updated price $119.99
Stock In stock
ASIN B00V6IEVXM

 

TACKLIFE Electric Tiller

For Heavy-duty Use

If you need a real tank to cultivate previously-unworked soil, you should seriously consider the TACKLIFE Electric Tiller. It's the newest release from the brand that seems to cause ripples across the market soon. Even extremely hard-packed soil won't be a challenge for this mighty machine since it's equipped with a super-powerful 13.5-Amp motor. The motor is made of robust copper and boasts low loss and high conversion. That's why it is capable of generating a whopping speed up to 380 RPM.

With this great performance, you won't even need to press heavily on the cultivator - it'll do the work on its own with minimum effort required on your side. It'll easily chew through almost anything you put it into without a need to run over the same area for a few times. Even when tilling in heavy weeds and shallow tree roots, it won't get jammed - just may slow down a bit.

Another thing you may like is the fact that the working depth of this unit reaches up to 8", which is ideal for soil loosening and bed preparation in both yard and vegetable plots. Its equipped with innovative manganese steel tines of high hardness to ensure maximum durability and stability.

Despite such an impressive performance, the machine is not very noisy and heavy. It weighs just 22 lbs and has an anti-vibration system to make operation more enjoyable and fatigue-free.

Review of TACKLIFE Electric Tiller 13.5 Amp Tiller Cultivator

Space-Saving Design

The TACKLIFE machine is quite adaptable - it can be adjusted in width thanks to the ability to remove/add tines. To be more precise, it can be quickly switched from 6 tines to 4 tines or vice versa, with no extra tools required. The working width can go from 12.5 inches to 18 inches to meet different work needs. The same goes for depth. The wheels of this machine can also be adjusted to let you go up to 8" deep.

When you're done, you can fold the tiller with no extra tools required. With the 25.2" x 21.7" x 17.7" folded dimensions and 22-lb weight, this heavy-duty machine is surprisingly space-saving and easy to carry from point A to point B.

All this makes the TACKLIFE Electric Tiller a perfect choice for large gardens and big jobs. It's surely one of the most powerful gardening tools that can be used for commercial purposes as well.

TACKLIFE Electric Tiller 13.5 Amp Tiller Cultivator in the use

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price $0.00
Stock May be out of stock
ASIN B084Z42SSD

 

TAZZ 35351 33CC

Small but Mighty

The TAZZ 35351 33CC Viper Mini Cultivator is an excellent tiller for small spaces. Being extremely agile and maneuverable, it has an innovative transmission design that enables it to deliver excellent performance. That is to say, with a 29-lb weight, it's able to reach very high speeds and deliver lots of power to break up both new soil and heavily-packed soil. This performance is largely achieved owing to the 33cc engine that is easy to start, quiet in operation, and powerful enough to turn over the soil in your garden or flower bed. Actually, this mini machine chews through almost anything you put it into; though, you may face some issues when tilling in heavy weeds and shallow tree roots that might jam you up. That said, it's quite easy to remove the weeds that have got wrapped in the tines around the shaft.

As mentioned, the tiller is quite agile and can go into hard-to-reach places owing to its compact 10-inch width that can be further downgraded up to 6 inches. That's why this mini machine can easily get into tricky spaces and tight corners around your garden that larger models would struggle with. Also, this tiller does a surprisingly good job of digging into the soil. Despite the seemingly small size, the tines can till down up to 8 inches. This way, it can rip out as many roots and rocks as bulkier models, leaving you with perfect planting soils.

If you want, you can easily reverse the blades from “tilling mode” to “cultivating mode” when you need to cultivate the top 2-3 inches of soil. With the ability to do double-duty, the Mantis Tiller is a great tool you can use all season long.

Review of TAZZ 35351 33CC Viper Mini Cultivator, Green

Not Limited to Electicity Supply

As you may expect from a compact machine like this, it's a bit easier to use compared to larger models. It's not only fairly simple to put together but also very straightforward to start and use. This is largely achieved owing to the type of engine it uses.

Unlike electric models, this machine is made with a gas engine. This, however, is not a problem since it is very easy to fill it and get ready to work. Besides that, you will not be tied to power outlets or limited by short battery time. The advantage of gas-powered tools is that they can be used quite far away from an electric outlet, providing you with the freedom of movement and can handle pretty large-sized garden plots, effortlessly blending dense soil and amendments.

So, if you need a decent tiller that will be useful in the garden, flower beds and other landscaping areas where there is no access to electricity supply, the Viper mini cultivator may be exactly what you need.

TAZZ 35351 33CC Viper Mini Cultivator, Green in the use

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price $235.93
Stock In stock
ASIN B07Y45YL24

 

What Is a Tiller & Cultivator?

Each owner of a vegetable garden knows about the troubles of tillage at first hand. You need to make airing, loosening, and removing the weeds throughout spring and summer. However, such a powerful tool like a tiller/cultivator can make these gardening jobs much easier and quicker. It's capable of breaking up hard, compact soil and then mixing it up so as to get the soil ready for planting. In other words, this versatile tool first loosens hard soil and then churns it into a much finer mixture to let you put the final touch on your garden plot before sowing your seeds.

Basically, garden tillers and cultivators come fitted with gas engines, yet you can also find corded-electric and cordless models. For this review, we have combined the best of all worlds so that you can find the right option for your needs.

As a garden owner, you may also be interested in riding lawn mowers and pole chainsaws. Lawn mowers can help you effortlessly trim the grass and bushes, while the pole chainsaws allow for easy access to tall trees from the ground.

Best Tillers and Cultivators

What Features to Compare

Type

When you choose a tiller, you should determine the tasks and place of use. These points determine the type of a tiller you need. If you are going to scratch the soil in a flowerbed near your house, you should get a manual corded or cordless model. The size of such a tool allows you to store it in a warehouse or garage. Mini-tillers with a gasoline engine or electric models yielding the power up to 15 Amp will be appropriate for medium-size vegetable or garden plots. Of course, you can choose a more powerful tiller, but it is unfit for small land plots. Such a model is better for large areas with a big amount of weeds where you will see its potential at its best. When you choose the type of engine, you should take into account that electric models are low-noise and environmentally friendly. Still, they need to be connected to the power supply. Gasoline models, in turn, are highly powerful and mobile, but the noise/vibration level is a lot higher than that of electric tillers.

Performance

Another important aspect that should be considered is the overall performance of the chosen tiller. This mainly relates to the number of tines provided, their speed (RPM) as well as the depth and the width of the cultivated plot. The higher the speed of the blades is, the quicker the tillage can be done, though quite often high speeds result in soil breakage, while creating vibration and straining hands. Therefore, it's best not to seek the speed but go for a cultivator featuring average tech specifications. For example, the tiller that yields 180-220 RPM would become an ideal solution for bedding-up and tending the flowerbeds. Models with the speed of 220 RPM and higher would better pull out the weeds and do interrow tillage. Pay attention to how wide and how tall the tine of the tiller is. The size of the tines is important since it directly tells you how much soil you’d be able to cultivate in one pass. The cultivators with more tines can till more ground. An option to vary the number of tines is what you can benefit from, tilling a wider plot of the ground in considerably less time. However, if you don’t need a super-powerful garden tool, there’s a vast choice of models with fewer tines and lighter weight. They won’t cultivate the ground in a twinkle, but surely make the job easier and less tiresome. They’re also highly compatible with a number of other additional equipment that adds up to their versatility.

Usability

Since cultivators are operated with hands, their usability is essential. Rubberized or softened handles provide comfort and reduce vibration during long-term use. The trigger lock will keep the trigger pushed and relieve you from the need to hold it with a finger. A collapsible or demountable handlebar will provide comfortable storage and carry handles will facilitate transportation. The adjustable wheels will let you manage the tilling depth and make the pushing easier. The weight of a tiller is a double standard: lightweight models are more maneuverable and easy-to-use yet bigger cultivators are more effective for continuous tilling. Which one to choose will come down to the tasks you'd like the tool to perform. 

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