Here are some of my favourite products:
Below is a section with all the points you need to consider before buying your garden tiller. It’s definitely worth a read and may well save you time and money in the long run.
First things first, what is a tiller?
A tiller, sometimes called a rototiller, is designed to split apart hard and dense soil that has formed in your garden; this is sometimes called crumbling the soil, and doing this allows for the soil to be reused for planting. Tillers break up this soil by using steel blades to get under the topsoil of your garden and ‘churning’ the soil underneath until it becomes soft.
There are a few different types of tillers, each with their own benefits. We’ll be going over these in detail in the next section.
The Different Types of Tillers
ELECTRIC TILLERS
Electric rototillers are motorised tillers that are lighter and quieter than other types of tiller. They’re also often easier to use and can get to work with just the push of a button. Because they require mains power to work, you’ll need to keep them plugged in while in use.
Electric tillers are also considerably better for the environment than gas tillers, as they don’t burn fuel.
I recommend electric tillers for small to medium-sized gardens and patches of land. Due to their small footprint, electric tillers can also be good for preparing beds in greenhouses.
PETROL (GAS) TILLERS
Petrol tillers are the most common type of tillers you can buy. You’ll usually start this type of tiller by pulling a cord, which will begin burning the gas you’ve put into it. Because they’re the most available type of tiller, petrol tillers come in many different varieties and functions.
One of the main benefits of a petrol tiller is that it’s designed for heavy-duty work. These tillers can break up soil that has never been tilled before. They can sometimes be quite unwieldy to use, but modern petrol tillers have come a long way in being more accessible to the average gardener.
Petrol tillers are great for larger gardens that haven’t been tilled in a while. If you have a lot of low-maintenance crops that you won’t be tilling on a regular basis, then a petrol tiller may be best suited to you.
REAR-END TILLER
A rear-end rototiller is sometimes also called a rear tine tiller. This tiller has its tines (blades) in the rear of the unit, with the wheels being in the front. While the tiller is pushed forwards, the tines will dig the ground behind.
Rear tine tillers are powerful, meaning they’re great at breaking up dirt that is coarse and uneven. They can dig deeper than other tillers, but this extra functionality makes them more expensive than the average rototiller.
Rear-end tillers are still an easy recommendation for anyone looking to save time while tilling their garden, as they will do the job quicker than front end tillers.
FRONT END TILLER
Naturally, front end tillers are the opposite of rear-end tillers. The tines of these tillers are at the front, along with the wheels. This creates less friction as the tiller moves and makes front end tillers more compact.
On the other hand, front end tillers do not dig as deep or as hard as rear tine tillers, meaning they’re not a good choice for hard and worn plots of land. If you regularly till your garden and don’t let your soil get too hard, though, front tine tillers are a good choice.
ELECTRIC MINI TILLER
Finally, we have the electric mini rototillers. These are much like standard electric tillers, except in a much smaller form factor. Mini tillers will usually have tines at their front and will gently churn and break up your soil while being easy to use.
Electric mini tillers are, of course, most suitable for pre-tilled soil. They won’t work well on soil that has never been tilled or very large allotments. I would recommend them for raised gardens where the soil needs churning rather than breaking apart.
Electric vs Gas Tillers
One of the first things to decide when looking for a tiller is whether an electric rototiller or a petrol-powered tiller would be best for you.
Gas tillers are much more powerful and more thorough at breaking soil than electric tillers. But, they weigh much more than an electric tiller and are more difficult to control.
Gas tillers are much more powerful and more thorough at breaking soil than electric tillers. But, they weigh much more than an electric tiller and are more difficult to control.
Front Tine vs Rear Tine Tiller
The next decision is about the type of tines you need on a tiller.
Front tine rototillers are cheaper, smaller, and provide a smoother tilling experience, and you can use them to get into the tight spaces of a garden. They won’t do much for virgin, never-tilled soil, though.
Rear tine tillers can deal with any type of terrain and will dig deep with high efficiency. This does make them more expensive and heavier than front tine tillers.
What to Consider when Choosing a Tiller
Choosing a garden tiller can be complicated and confusing, but the way to cut the choice is to ask yourself a few questions:
- PRICE RANGE – set the lowest and highest price range and stick to it.
- WEIGHT AND EASE OF LIFTING – how important is this to you? For example, some tillers have powerful engines and even two gears, but they can be heavy and difficult to lift and move. Others are less powerful but lightweight, easy to manoeuvre and lift. For women, in particular, the weight of the tiller can be a factor that is of key importance.
- ENGINE POWER – for some, engine power is the prime factor in buying a tiller, an important factor if you want it to deal with uncultivated ground. See our individual reviews below for details of the specific power of each model.
- HOW BIG IS YOUR GARDEN? – bigger gardens will benefit most from a tiller with more horsepower behind it, letting you cover more ground in a shorter time. Smaller gardens instead want something smaller that will let you get into the nooks and crannies of your plot.
- WHAT TYPE OF SOIL DO YOU HAVE? – not all tillers are built the same, just like how all types of soil are not the same. If you’re gardening with sandy soil that is rough and craggy, you’ll need a tiller that has larger blades to dig through this. Loam soil, which is much softer, will break up well with a smaller rototiller. It’s important to till dry types of soil regularly, as they can lose moisture fast.
- ARE YOU BREAKING NEW GROUND OR RE-TILLING? – you might have heard the words ‘virgin soil’ when researching tillers; this means soil that has never been unearthed before. This soil is much harder than land that has already been tilled, so it’s important to consider whether you’ll need a tiller that can handle creating new plots of land or one that just needs to mix tilled soil.
- HOW VERSATILE DO YOU NEED YOUR TILLER TO BE? – for example, how many types of soil will it need to till? If you have different plots of land with different soil, you’ll want an all-rounder type tiller that can handle all of this terrain.
- WHAT MANUFACTURER DO YOU WANT TO GO WITH? – many popular power tool manufacturers make garden tillers as part of their line-up of garden tools. This means you get the guarantee of a high-quality brand, but at what could be a higher price.
- DOES THE MANUFACTURER HAVE A DECENT WARRANTY OR GUARANTEE? – if something goes wrong with your tiller that isn’t, it’s important to have peace of mind that you’ll be covered by a warranty or guarantee. The terms and conditions of your warranty will vary between manufacturers, however
Having answered those questions, you will now find your choice of garden tiller so much easier.
Our best rated tillers reviewed
1. VonHaus Electric 1400W Tiller
Product Info
- EFFICIENT AND POWERFUL – prepare your soil for the gardening season with this hardworking VonHaus 1400W Tiller
- 1400W MOTOR – a 280rpm no load speed and extra-long 10m cable
- 6 DURABLE STEEL BLADES – 400mm working width & maximum 220mm tilling depth allow the tiller to quickly and efficiently work through large surface areas
- WHEEL MOUNTED – the 2 rear wheels help you guide the machine effortlessly and can be tucked away for freehand use. 11kg and 110 X 40 (Length X Width)
- SIMPLE ASSEMBLY REQUIRED – easy-to-follow instructions included. Overload protection system and electric brake button for safe operation. Manufacturer 2 Year Warranty
Example of work
Verified Purchase Reviews
Alan W. Bothamley – 5 Stars
AMAZING MACHINE AMAZING CUSTOMER SERVICE AMAZING DELIVERY AMAZING PRICE.
I have used domestic Tillers in my large garden for many years This one is by far the best ever ! Itsreally capable of working my heavy clay soil into a wonderful condition. Its easy to use & performs 100% in every way. The 1400 watts of power put all other machines in the shade, PERFORMING quickly & efficiently. The price for this machine compares very favourable to any other on the market & I did lots of comparisons. Delivery was amazingly quick & the order was top notch ! Its a pleasure to use and a pleasure to deal with a Company so dynamic and organised to serve there customers
Philip H. – 5 Stars
What a marvellous aid to gardening.
I had been struggling with a garden of impacted clay and builders debris, but this digger made quite an impression on both the garden and myself. I still have a way to go, what with winter approaching etc but photo’s of before and after will be supplied in due course. Once again, I am very, very impressed………
2. BU-KO 52CC Garden Petrol Tiller
Product Info
- This Petrol Powered Tiller is a high quality powerful Machine Perfect for DIY or professional landscapers, this mini tiller / cultivator features 4 tines each with 4 teeth, and a high powered 3HP engine. The tines can reach 15cm into the soil, making this tool ideal for maintaining lawns, borders and vegetable plots.
- 【 Features 】Equipped with a 52cc petrol engine, a 1.2L tank capacity and a max speed of 9000rpm, with powerful blade x 4pcs to cultivate the soil. you can easily cut through some pretty tough soil with this lightweight petrol powered gardening tool.
- 【 Lightweight / Easy to carry and use 】Bike type of handle for easy operation, Durable clutch assembly & gear case, Qualified safety guard to protect operator, Lightweight with two sturdy wheels for easy mobility and maneuverability.
- 【 TECHNICAL DETAILS 】 Displacement: 52cc, Tilling Width: 28cm, Aerator Width: 29cm, Rotavator body height: 45cm, Diameter of rear wheels:18cm, Colour: Black & Orange, Starting System: Recoil, Height of handles from bottom of wheel: 98cm approx, Net Weight: 16.5kg without extra attachments.
- 【 3 Years Warranty 】Our products also comes with 12Months return to base UK warranty and have our own in house technicians on hand to resolve any technical queries or repairs that are required. All spare parts readily available.
Example of work
Verified Purchase Reviews
Paul Stokoe – 5 Stars
Light and easy to use
A great little rotavator , easy to assemble , light when built , easy to put into your car with the handles folded down comes with a small tool kit and mixing bottle, safety glasses and ear defenders, works well on my 100 x50 foot allotment , and cleaning is easy with a hose pipe then a spray with WD40 just to stop any rust
Wiltshire Rich – 5 Stars
Powerful little machine
This is a great little tiller. I use it on my allotment and its compact size means its readily portable in my car and easy to store. It’s powerful too – It makes easy going of clay soil and I used it to rip up my lawn for relaying without any hint of clogging or slowing down. This machine has proved to be great value for money.
Update Jan 2021: I have used this device so much, it has taken a pounding and I am needing to perform basic maintenance tasks. I have called upon the supplier (Burrowmount) twice and have been delighted by the response. This is a great device from a great supplier.
3. Webb WEPT560MM Front Tine Petrol Tiller
Product Info
- POWERFUL TILLER FOR MEDIUM TO LARGE VEGETABLE GARDENS – perfect for large flower beds and allotments, the tiller loosens and aerates the soil and is ideal for digging out weeds over larger allotments and boarders or prepare the soil for adding compost
- POWERFUL TILLER FOR MEDIUM TO LARGE VEGETABLE GARDENS – perfect for large flower beds and allotments, the tiller loosens and aerates the soil and is ideal for digging out weeds over larger allotments and boarders or prepare the soil for adding compost
- EASY TO USE – simply wheel the tiller to the place you need to turn the soil, then lower the handlebars and gradually move the throttle lever upwards and the turning blades propel the tiller forwards without needing to push
- LONG AND STRONG METAL TINES – 16 L-shaped tines dig and turn the soil to a depth of 13cm for effective weed removal and cultivating the soil
- GENUINE PRODUCT FROM AN ESTABLISHED BRITISH BRAND – Webb has a long-standing reputation for superior quality products that are simple to use and easy to maintain, and it has a large UK-based customer service team ready to help with any aftercare issues
Example of work
Verified Purchase Reviews
Jim – 5 Stars
works wonders great piece of kit
what can i say, this is perfect for me it really does break the soil down, easy to put together baring one issue i had ( small problem for me could be a nightmare for some ) one hole that was engineered in the factory wasnt drilled out fully to get the second tiller wheel on, so i had to file the hole out to take the pin, other than that a great piece of kit in my armoury really does stop me knocking my bollox out digging, delivery perfect and a great company to deal with thank you
Bones – 5 Stars
ditch the spade
This has done for me in 4 hours what a spade would have took a week. plus++++++++.
It starts on half a pull, digs like there is no tomorrow, and the seed disks on the outside keeps the edges neet and tidy.
its a bit of a pain with the traval wheel at the front, but i would not swop it for anything now. its fantastic and worth every penny. (Burrowmount) twice and have been delighted by the response. This is a great device from a great supplier.
4. Greenworks battery-powered G40TL Tiller
Product Info
- EASY TO START – Insert 40V battery and get started: with the battery-powered ground hoe you can immediately start loosening up your garden freely and without cables – battery and charger are not included
- INNOVATIVE PERFORMANCE – with our powerful electric motor and the laser-cut, specially hardened chopping blades, you can dig up your garden soil efficiently and yet without emissions
- COMFORT – in addition to a safety switch-on lock, the rubberized anti-vibration gripping surfaces make using the tiller not only safe but also pleasant
- FLEXIBLE – use the working width of 26cm and a working depth of 20cm to loosen and dig up allotments and raised beds with our light electric garden tiller
- ONE BATTERY FOR ALL – the Greenworks 40V batteries from 2Ah up to powerful 4Ah are versatile and compatible with many Greenworks products in the garden and workshop
Example of work
Verified Purchase Reviews
J R L – 5 Stars
Amazing.
Very powerful, tackles heavy clay soil if broken up / loosened with spade, leaving a fine tilth to which can have sand / peat added to it. Neighbors impressed. Being unable to dig, turn over soil now, this has saved having to get some one in to do it for me and has earned its purchase.
Allan – 5 Stars
Easy to use
Easy to assemble, don’t use the round pin to hold the blades on, it just falls out, We used it on our allotment and the pin dropped out and we couldn’t find it anywhere, So use the split pin instead they stay on, it is so easy to use and quick
5. T-Mech 52cc Garden Tiller
Product Info
- 52cc petrol powered mini tiller ideal for rotavating / cultivating small to medium sized vegetablegardens & allotments
- 3HP engine with max speed of 9000RPM and a tank capacity of 1.2 litres
- Using 2 Stroke Oil Mix – 40/1 – this will extend the life of the engine
- Includes FREE tool kit, fuel mixing bottle and funnel. CE Certified PPE – leg guards, gloves, safetyglasses and ear protectors
- FREE next working day UK mainland delivery when ordered by 2pm (excluding Scottish Highlands)
Example of work
Verified Purchase Reviews
Paulina – 5 Stars
Great
I read all the reviews here and I was worried about all things that went wrong for other customershowever i can confirm it works great! The assembly might be a bit tricky as I think the instruction isfor the first model so things look a bit different but apart from that I can’t fault it. Easy to start,works really well even on a bigger and harder soil. I would recommend it
Colin – 5 Stars
Magic
Worth every penny, my only problem is the starting cord.
It broke on me, however they replaced it straight away.
Many Thanks.
(How can I order a new petrol tank as mine is leaking)
I would appreciate any help you can give, as the machine has been a God send and I would rather hang onto it.
Regards
Colin Rigg
6. Einhell GC-RT 7530 Tiller
Product Info
- Powerful soil tilling performance
- Working width: 30 cm
- Tilling depth: 20 cm
- Twin handle safety switch
- Cable strain relief
Example of work
Verified Purchase Reviews
Big Dave – 5 Stars
Very powerful. Great little digger.
Very easy to set up and very powerful. So much easier than forking, and you end up with a lovely fine rakable bed.
My only gripe is that at a foot wide, it won’t go between my shrubs.
Not the machines fault though. I need wider spacing for my fuschias.
It is brilliant on my bigger beds. Also brilliant for churning up a lumpy lawn ready to turf or reseed.
It does give you a bit of a workout when it bounces, but can turn over a flower bed in just a few minutes and did my area of lawn (4mx3m) in 20 minutes.
I find it best to start at the far end, push right hand down then left hand down to swipe over the ground in an arc. Then once it has got to desired depth, step back, swaying left and right.
Random customer – 5 Stars
An excellent addition to my garden shed.
I found this easy to assemble from the box – all the bits were present and it took hardly any time to assemble. Once I had positioned my hands properly I could start it quite easily. I find it best to use moving backwards as any bounce is then easily controlled. Yes, the lead could be bit longer but that doesn’t really detract from its usefulness in my eyes. So far I have used it to break up two large areas of old flower border and have already saved myself hours of effort (and backache). Untangling long stalks is always a bit of a chore but no worse than on other (larger) rotavators I have used. I like the fact that the tines can be removed if necessary. So far I am really pleased that I bought this bit of kit. Time will tell about reliability bit it seems to be solidly made so I have no concerns about this.
7. BMC Electric Garden Tiller
Product Info
- This high powered, high performance tiller makes light work of keeping on top of your ground preparation
- Power through soil with the 6 steel tines each with 4 soil tilling blades
- Fitted with a heavy duty 1400w 230v motor, this tiller takes away the ‘back breaking’ work of digging
- The tiller operates at a width between 160mm to 400mm and a maximum depth of 220mm
- Weight: 15 Kg
Example of work
Verified Purchase Reviews
Ronnie Livingstone – 5 Stars
Love it!
Love it! I find it best to start at the far end, push right hand down then left hand down to swipe over the ground in an arc. Then once it has got to desired depth, step back, swaying left and right.
andrew – 5 Stars
Does what’s expected .Most impressed
Very impressed with this machine.Have only used for a small plot of 10x5mtr. but did the job in no time.A lot more powerful and robust than I expected for the price. The only downside is the manual.The instructions are vague at best and needed to call technical support.They told me the instruction manual is based on a petrol model so not all information is relevant. UNBELIEVABLE.
8. Einhell GE-CR 30
Product Info
- The Einhell GE-CR 30 Li – Solo cordless tiller is a handy helper for loosening up the soil in small- to medium-sized front and back yards. Four high-quality cultivator blades offer a working width of 30 cm and a working depth of up to 20 cm.
- For plenty of power the hoe uses two high-performance 18 V system batteries from the Power X-Change series. This product comes without batteries and without a charger. These are available separately.
- As a member of the completely flexible Power X-Change family, all the batteries and chargers from the high-performance lithium-ion series of systems can be used for the hoe. Every system device can be combined with every PXC rechargeable battery.
- It is therefore ideal for digging up and loosening the soil in vegetable patches and flower beds comfortably and without a cable in preparation for further work. For comfortable operation there is also an ergonomic, folding long handle.
- The hoe has height-adjustable transport wheels to make it comfortable to navigate with. Extra safety is provided by the two-point safety switch.
Example of work
Verified Purchase Reviews
D. M. Barber – 5 Stars
Better than digging
Tried this on my garden that was well consolidated after all the winter rain, digging would have been hard work. I soon got used to handling this machine and what would have taken all morning and more was turned over in half an hour producing a fine tilth. I was surprised that the 2ah battery was hardly drained.
melanie – 5 Stars
Absolutely great
I absolutely love this. I have an allotment and thought I would treat myself. I wondered if it would be man enough for the job but I need not have worried. It’s more powerful than it looks. It’s also very light and ideal for ladies. I would highly recommend.
9. SuperHandy GUT036-FBA Tiller
Product Info
- ECO-FRIENDLY & SAFE: Electric Power Tiller Cultivator is the perfect machine that will empower you to have ultimate control of tilling over your land. This Rototiller has sustained rigorous testing & unlike gasoline tillers, electric-powered produce no smog & are quieter. This product is equipped with an overload protector to prevent overheating. The ergonomic handle improves balance during operation.
- POWER THAT MAKES THE DIFFERENCE – This Tiller has a powerful 40V 12AMP Electric Portable Powered motor, that provides excellent power to weight ratio performance, where it counts. This Cultivator has a Max Output Power of 1.3kW, Max Rotating Power of 7000RPMs & a Max Speed of 230RPMs at a 30:1 reduction ratio.
- ADVANCED DESIGN – This compact design includes (4) Steel Replaceable & Adjustable Forward Rotating Tines, with a Tilling Scope Width of 355mm (14″) & a Tilling Depth of 100-150mm (3.9″ to 5.9″) for rotating plough, that allows for fast & efficient work to be accomplished whether in the field of work or on your own personal land.
- YOUR SAFETY FIRST & BEST APPLICATION – Always operate machine according to directions in the user manual, always wear the appropriate ANSI standard hand & eye protection (ENGINE GAS/OIL NOT INCLUDED). ONLY use this tiller for dirt applications, do not use for rock, Stone or metal surfaces/debris. Our Till/Cultivators are great for Garden & Lawn applications in Digging, Soil Cultivation, Aeration, Creating Loose Seedbeds & Dirt/Weed Removal.
- THE SUPERHANDY ADVANTAGE – Partner with us & join millions worldwide who empower their everyday lives, by using our Cutting Edge Equipment & Supreme Advanced Technology, to Conquer any task or obstacle. Arise & Gain Dominance over your ‘Sphere of Influence’ by starting here.”
Example of work
Verified Purchase Reviews
Melissa. Lindahl – 5 Stars
Great tiller
I used this to touch up after the initial till . It does not do untilled ground very well but that is not what I purchased for. It’s a great tiller. Batteries last a long time . I have a 15 x 15 garden touched up the whole garden with 1 battery use
Mully – 5 Stars
Great product.
This tiller is amazing. I have a very large piece of property and it tilled over 4 very large flower beds. And my entire side yard. Batteries last a very long time. Absolutely a great product.
10. Draper 32329 Petrol Tiller
Product Info
- Ideal for preparing the ground in gardens, smallholdings and allotments
- Easy to handle frame and being easy to set up
- With powerful engine, fingertip throttle control and a clutch handle
- Perfect for landscape gardeners and allotment owners
- Manufactured to be robust and durable
Example of work
Verified Purchase Reviews
Dawn – 5 Stars
excellent
Very good, does exactly like described!
Mr L J Sheldon – 5 Stars
Superb
I used this to touch up after the initial till . It does not do untilled ground very well but that is not what I purchased for. It’s a great tiller. Batteries last a long time . I have a 15 x 15 garden touched up the whole garden with 1 battery use
Common questions
Below are some of the most common questions of tiller owners, and you can find all the answers that you will ever
need.
1) WHY IS TILLING MY GARDEN IMPORTANT?
When you create a plot of land, the soil naturally forms itself into layers. The top layer, called topsoil, will be exposed to the elements and weather year-round. Even with consistent watering and use of fertiliser and nutrients, this soil can dry out and become hard to work with. This will then have a negative knock-on effect on your crops.
Tilling your soil will allow this hard layer of soil at the top to be redistributed throughout your plot and to rejuvenate itself using the nutrients that lie further to the bottom.
2) WHY SHOULD I USE A GARDEN TILLER OR ROTOTILLER?
Technically, tilling your garden can be done with just a shovel. As you can imagine, though, this is a lot of hard work, and by tilling your garden manually, you’re bound to miss spots. Using soil to till your garden is inaccessible to anyone who has health problems or just isn’t very physically strong, and gardening is supposed to be a hobby for everyone.
Technically, tilling your garden can be done with just a shovel. As you can imagine, though, this is a lot of hard work, and by tilling your garden manually, you’re bound to miss spots. Using soil to till your garden is inaccessible to anyone who has health problems or just isn’t very physically strong, and gardening is supposed to be a hobby for everyone.
3) SHOULD I BUY A TILLER OR CULTIVATOR/ROTAVATOR?
Tillers and cultivators look similar but do different things. A cultivator or rotavator will disperse nutrients into your soil, making fertilising much easier.
So really, the answer is that you should buy both a cultivator and a tiller to make maintaining your garden easier. If you have to choose one, my opinion is that a tiller is a better investment to buy first. This is because tilling a garden properly is more difficult than fertilising a garden.
4) WHAT SEASON IS THE BEST FOR TILLING A GARDEN?
The best time to till is when the weather is beginning to become warm and dry, usually in the Spring. Tilling your soil when it’s wet will be counter-productive to the health of your garden, as replacing wet topsoil with dry is the opposite of what crops need.
If you can’t till in the Spring, tilling at the beginning of Fall is also a good option. Tilling in Fall is easier because the soil is not as dry as in warmer months.
5) HOW OFTEN TO USE A TILLER IN MY GARDEN?
Frequent tilling has pros and cons. While it may be good to till often to make sure your soil never dries out, it also means disrupting your plot every time. This can do more harm than good.
Most gardeners I’ve spoken to say that tilling once or twice a year is plenty, and tilling should be done after a large harvest of seasonal crops.
Summary
Garden tillers and rototillers are one of our favourite tools to use in the garden and can save you time as well as save you from physical pain. The best tillers are difficult to rank because each one will have its own uses in your garden.
Garden tillers and rototillers are one of our favourite tools to use in the garden and can save you time as well as save you from physical pain. The best tillers are difficult to rank because each one will have its own uses in your garden.
Best Tillers For Your Garden
This article compares the tillers and rotavators/cultivators available in the UK. Prices, performance and usability, are all reviewed in detail.
The price range we have concentrated on is the £250 to £700 range which will buy you a very good tiller if you choose wisely. Weight, ease of use, guarantee/warranty periods, engine power, type and much more are all discussed in depth by our experts.