Tillers and Cultivators are awesome tools for any gardener to have in their shed. This is especially true if you have a larger garden, or you are starting from scratch and have compacted dirt, sod, or other plants in the way of your future garden plot. While tillers and cultivators may look very similar, they actually do quite different jobs. There are some models on the market today that can handle the job of both a tiller and a cultivator.
Tillers are generally larger and more powerful, and usually run on gas or a mixture of gas and oil. Tillers dig deep into the earth to break up hard soil and cut away existing plants and roots, such as grass or weeds. Tillers come in either front tine or rear time configurations. Front tine tillers have more maneuverability, while rear tine tend to be the most powerful option.
Cultivators are usually electric and are not quite as powerful as tillers. They are designed more for mixing amendments into already loose soil than they are for breaking up hard soil. Cultivators can also be used for easy weeding in between garden rows.
This article contains the Top 10 Best Tillers and Cultivators for your garden in 2017. I have included models of all sizes, including tillers, cultivators and combination models. Prices vary based on the power level of the engine and the size of the machine. If you do not see a tiller or cultivator below that suits your needs, click here to browse all available options.
1. Best Small Tiller Cultivator: GardenTrax 4 Cycle Mini Cultivator
This mini cultivator from GardenTrax is perfect for small to medium sized gardens. Features include “Top Handle” control for maximum maneuverability, rugged forged steel tines, tool-free tine and wheel adjustments, fast turning tines at 25 RPMS, and 38cc 4 cycle engine which does not require mixing oil with gas. This tiller packs a lot of power into a small package.
Price: $239.99 with free shipping
Buy the GardenTrax 4 Cycle Mini Cultivator here.
Watch a review video here.
Pros:
- Heavy duty forged steel tines
- No mixing oil with gas
- Easy control handle bar
Cons:
- Requires gas
- Not as powerful as larger tillers
- Heavier than other cultivators
Find more GardenTrax 4 Cycle Mini Cultivator information and reviews here.
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2. Best Adjustable Width Tiller: Husqvarna FT900-CA Adjustable Width Front Tine Tiller
Husqvarna is a major brand in garden tools, and this tiller lives up to their reputation. It is made for heavy duty jobs with a 208cc Briggs & Stratton Engine and front tines. The tilling width is adjustable between 12 inch, 24 inch and 26 inch. It also comes with a drag bat and counterweight to offset the heavy front end. The handles are also adjustable for different heights. This tiller is also CARB (California Air Resource Board) Compliant.
Price: $462.65 with free shipping
Buy the Husqvarna FT900-CA Adjustable Width Front Tine Tiller here.
Watch a demo video here.
Pros:
- Adjustable handles
- Adjustable tines
- Very powerful
Cons:
- Very heavy
- Not as powerful as rear tine
- Requires mixing gas and oil
Find more Husqvarna FT900-CA Adjustable Width Front Tine Tiller information and reviews here.
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3. Best Rear Tine Tiller: Southland SRTT196E Rear Tine Tiller
Rear tillers are the most powerful options out there and this tiller from Southland Outdoor Power Equipment is a seriously powerful machine. The tiller has an 11 inch time diameter and 10 inch tilling depth, and you can drive in both forward and reverse which is great for extra hard soil. The times are self sharpening with a counter rotating design, so there is no need to remove them for sharpening. The wheels have extra large, heavy duty pneumatic tires so you can easily maneuver this tiller over any terrain.
Price: $582.13 with free shipping
Buy the Southland SRTT196E Rear Tine Tiller here.
Watch a features video here
Pros:
- Very powerful with 10 inch tilling depth
- Pneumatic tires for easy transport
- Drives in both forward and reverse
Cons:
- Very expensive
- Very heavy
- Not as easy to use as small models
Find more Southland SRTT196E Rear Tine Tiller information and reviews here.
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4. Best Electric Tiller: GreenWorks 27072 8 Amp 10-Inch Corded Tiller
If you would rather have an electric tiller, this model by GreenWorks is affordable and effective. The 8 amp motor has an easy push-button electric starter and the tiller features four 8″ tines with an adjustable tilling width of 8.25″ to 10″. You can till up to 5″ with this tiller and it has an easy to fold handle for transportation and storage.
Price: $108.77 with free shipping
Buy the GreenWorks 27072 8 Amp 10-Inch Corded Tiller here.
Watch a manufacturer’s video here.
Pros:
- Easy to start with a push of a button
- Adjustable width from 8.25″ to 10″
- Adjustable tilling depth up to 5″
- Very inexpensive
Cons:
- Not as powerful as gas motors
- Electric cord can get in the way
- Does not till as deep as larger models
Find more GreenWorks 27072 8 Amp 10-Inch Corded Tiller information and reviews here.
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5. Best Battery Powered Cultivator: BLACK+DECKER LGC120 20V Lithium Ion Cordless Garden Cultivator/Tiller
Sometimes when you are working in the garden, a smaller cultivator is ended to get in between rows or in hard to reach places. This extra lightweight model from Black and Decker is perfect for weeding in between vegetable rows, mixing amendments into the soil, and other small gardening jobs that would usually require you to be on hands and knees with a hand tool. The dual tines and powerful transmission break up soil and grind up weeds easily. This cultivator is powered by a 20-volt MAX lithium-ion battery, with a long lifespan and charge retention. It can cultivate up to 325 square feet per charge. This cultivator also comes with a two year warranty.
Price: $76.43 with free shipping
Buy the BLACK+DECKER LGC120 20V Lithium Ion Cordless Garden Cultivator/Tiller here.
Pros:
- Small and light weight
- No electric cord to trip over
- 2 year warranty
Cons:
- Not very powerful
- Not good for large areas
- Some reviewers had the battery run out sooner than stated
Find more BLACK+DECKER LGC120 20V Lithium Ion Cordless Garden Cultivator/Tiller information and reviews here.
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6. Best Electric Tiller/Cultivator: VonHaus 12.5 Inch 7 Amp Electric Garden Tiller & Cultivator
This tiller & cultivator from VonHaus is a nice combination model that has the power of a tiller with a much lower price. The tiller has a 850W motor and four steel tines with extra sharp blades. It can till 8.6″ deep and 12.5″ wide. The handles are designed for stability and easy maneuverability, and there is a safety cut out protection switch included in the handles. At only 20 lbs, this cultivator & tiller is small yet mighty!
Price: $99.99 with free shipping
Buy the VonHaus 12.5 Inch 7 Amp Electric Garden Tiller & Cultivator here.
Watch a manufacturer’s video here
Pros:
- High quality and inexpensive
- Durable construction with extra sharp tines
- No mixing gas and oil
Cons:
- Electric cord may get in the way
- Not as powerful as gas motors
- No warranty
Find more VonHaus 12.5 Inch 7 Amp Electric Garden Tiller & Cultivator information and reviews here.
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7. Best Larger Tiller Cultivator: Sun Joe Tiller Joe TJ603E 16-Inch 12-Amp Electric Tiller and Cultivator
Here is a more powerful electric tiller and cultivator that is still lightweight, portable and easy to drive. The Tiller Joe features a powerful 12 amp motor and can cultivate up to 16″ wide and 6″ deep. It has six durable steel angled tines that are super durable. The wheels can be adjusted in three different positions, and the handles fold down for easy storage and transport. This tiller also comes with a 2 year warranty.
Price: $119.32 with free shipping
Buy the Sun Joe Tiller Joe TJ603E 16-Inch 12-Amp Electric Tiller and Cultivator here.
Watch a review video here.
Pros:
- Six tines, more than other electric tillers
- Powerful electric motor
- 2 year warranty
Cons:
- Not as powerful as gas motors
- Does not till as deep as gas motored tillers
- Some reviewers thought it felt rickety
Find more Sun Joe Tiller Joe TJ603E 16-Inch 12-Amp Electric Tiller and Cultivator information and reviews here.
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8. Best Selling Tiller Cultivator: Earthwise 11-Inch 8.5-Amp Corded Electric Tiller and Cultivator TC70001
This small tiller and cultivator from Earthwise is the number one best seller on Amazon, with over 2,000 customer reviews. It features a powerful 8.5amp motor, 11″ cutting width and 8″ cutting depth. There are four heavy duty steel four-blade tins and the wheels flip up and down easily for storage and travel. This tiller is very light weight and easy to maneuver, making it great for smaller gardens.
Price: $110.98 with free shipping
Buy the Earthwise 11-Inch 8.5-Amp Corded Electric Tiller and Cultivator TC70001 here.
Watch a demo video here.
Pros:
- Very inexpensive
- #1 best seller on Amazon, over 2,000 positive reviews
- Easy to transport with folding handle and flip up wheels
Cons:
- Not as powerful as gas tillers
- Power cord may get in the way
- Not very wide
Find more Earthwise 11-Inch 8.5-Amp Corded Electric Tiller and Cultivator TC70001 information and reviews here.
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9. Best Heavy Duty Tiller: Mantis 2-Cycle Tiller Cultivator 7920
If you want a heavy duty, powerful tiller that is still lightweight and easy to maneuver, this model from Mantis is perfect for your garden. This tiller includes Mantis’s sure-grip handles. The handles are ergonomically designed to reduce hand fatigue while allowing for the maximum amount of control. This tiller also features 10″ tilling depth and 9″ tilling width, and it is super light weight at 20 lbs. The motor requires a gas/oil mix so you will need to purchase oil separately. You can also select from optional attachments to turn this into a multi use tool. Attachments include a lawn aerator, lawn dethatcher, border edger and plow, and all attachments install in just minutes.
Price: $299 with free shipping
Buy the Mantis 2-Cycle Tiller Cultivator 7920 here.
Watch a review video here.
Pros:
- Very powerful and deep tilling depth
- Ergonomically designed handles
- Optional additional tools such as lawn aerator and border edger
Cons:
- Not as wide as other gas powered tillers
- Relatively expensive
- Attachment must be purchased separately
Find more Mantis 2-Cycle Tiller Cultivator 7920 information and reviews here.
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10. Best No-Mix Gas Tiller: Mantis 4-Cycle Tiller Cultivator 7940 Powered by Honda
Finally, here is a super powerful tiller from Mantis that does not require you to mix any gas and oil in order to start the motor. This tiller is powered by a Honda motor that runs on gas alone. It is a 4 cycle, 25cc engine and it spins the tines twice as fast as comparable models. The tiller includes a five year warranty and is constructed to be extra rugged and durable, although it only weighs 24 lbs. This tiller has a compact width at 9″, a finger controlled throttle for easy speed control, sure-grip ergonomic handles, 10″ tilling depth and a kickstand. It also folds for easy transport and storage. Overall, the powerful features and reasonable price on this tiller make it my favorite on this list!
Price: $389 with free shipping
Buy the Mantis 4-Cycle Tiller Cultivator 7940 Powered by Honda here.
Watch a review video here.
Pros:
- No mixing gas and oil
- Powerful motor spins tines 2x as fast as other tillers
- 5 year warranty on entire machine
Cons:
- Relatively expensive
- Optional add on tools must be purchased separately
- Not very wide/li>
Find more Mantis 4-Cycle Tiller Cultivator 7940 Powered by Honda information and reviews here.
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