Best Rear Tine Tiller

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best rear tine tiller

Have you been looking to start your garden? Perhaps you’ve been waiting to redo your old and ignored garden.

Whatever the purpose, a well-done garden also requires loose soil that can be used to cultivate all your favorite crops. You can create just the right soil conditions for your garden by using a rear tine tiller.

While gardening is a fun and fulfilling activity, manually breaking hard ground can be a tedious process. It requires long hours of digging and tilling. A good read tine tiller can help you with just this.

We understand that picking the one that is appropriate for your needs can be a difficult task. Hence, we have curated a list of the best rear tine tiller options for you. Read ahead to find a buying guide that takes you through just what you should look for in a rear tine tiller.

Best Rear Tine Tiller Under $1000

With a good tiller, you can make gardening fun and fulfilling activities. Here is our list of the best rear tine tiller under $1000 and the reviews for each.

1. Earthquake Pioneer DDT 99CC Tiller

This is one of the best rear tine tillers under $1000 that features counter-rotating tines so that you can easily till your soil. It also comes with a great transmission that keeps the tiller very balanced as you use it. You won’t find the tiller moving from side to side and leaving you with a top-heavy experience.

It also comes with an instant reverse feature. You can quickly pull out handle to move backward and release to move forward again. This leaves you with a seamless maneuvering experience as you work on your garden’s soil.

Also, you can easily select the gear mode you like on the location plate by moving the shift handle. Through this simple option, you won’t have to use guesswork to enable forward or backward movement.

You won’t have to worry about the wheels going flat as this model comes with airless wheels. These wheels also offer excellent traction because of their efficient lugs that claw at the dirt.

Worried about leaving footsteps in your seedbed? With this tiller, you can easily avoid this by using just one hand and stepping aside whenever necessary. It offers you maximum control while completing the same tasks that a much larger tiller can achieve.

You won’t have to think about the neighbors being disturbed by any of your gardening activities. This tiller is designed to be quiet as it operates. It also tends to work very smoothly.

Pros

  • Great kill switches
  • Efficient reverse mechanism
  • Very easy to control
  • Powerful for loosening up soil easily
  • Easy to assemble
  • Comes with a 5-year limited warranty

Cons

  • May be difficult to back up

2. TJ603E Electric Garden Tiller/Cultivator

For a clean and green tilling experience, this is one of the best rear tine rototiller options. It is both a tiller and a cultivator and will let you get the best of your gardening efforts. As you till you will also be able to control any unwanted weeds that pop up in your garden.

It has a 12-amp motor that quickly and efficiently pulverizes the soil. It runs on an electric motor and is quick to start and stop. It also moves through the soil at an RPM of 340. It simply means that the soil will be properly aerated when you are done tilling it.

Within seconds, you will get an area that is about 16 inches wide and 8 inches deep ready. With its powerful rear wheels, you will be able to maneuver it just wherever you need in seconds. Hence, it also provides you with excellent control.

It also comes with a collapsible handle. As you use it, you will be allowed a great grip. Once you are done, this handle can be simply collapsed to store the tine tiller away in small spaces.

Pros

  • Electric motor for quick operation
  • Collapsible handle for easy storage
  • Works on a significant area quickly
  • Can be comfortably maneuvered
  • Great value for money
  • Does not require too much strength to be handled

Cons

  • May spin too fast

Additional Best Rear Tine Tillers

We have outlined the 2 best rear tine tillers under $1000 above. Read ahead to find the reviews for three additional rear tine tillers.

1. Remington RM4625 Cultivator/Tiller

This is one of the best rear tine tiller options whose wheels rotate forwards. This tiller is powered by gas and has a quickstart technology that makes pulling it extremely easy. Its 25cc engine further ensures this. It is also lightweight and balanced so that maneuvering is made simple for you.

This means that you can easily manage all of the multiple turns that you will be making. Further, it has an ergonomic handle that helps you move it around as comfortably as possible.

If you are not tilling, you can go ahead and use its transport wheels. These move to the yard easier. Further, it will last you for a long time to come. Its heavy-duty gearbox enables this. You can also go ahead and pick the settings that work best for you by using its variable speed throttle.

If your garden has hard soil and tough weeds, this is just the right tiller for you. It has four adjustable 6-blade tines that work hard to break up and turn difficult soil. In this process, it also works to pull out any weeds.

It has a tilling depth of about 5 inches. As for its tilling width, this is adjustable. You can till anywhere between six to nine inches of land as you use it.

Pros

  • Great value for money
  • Adjustable width for all kinds of land
  • Lightweight and easy to maneuver
  • Very durable
  • A great option for difficult soil
  • Tills and removes any weeds in one go

Cons

  • May sputter as you use it

2. DR Power Equipment Pilot 4-Cycle Cultivator -TW13140DMN

This is one of the best rear tine rototiller options for your small garden area. You can also use it to cultivate any weeds between your rows of plants or flower beds. With this, you will be able to both break the soil well and keep your garden neat, trim, and aesthetic.

This is also a great option for anyone just beginning to garden. It is because this tiller is compact and easily maneuverable. If you want to work in small difficult spots or clean up your garden between the season, this is the tool.

It comes with a 40cc 4-cycle engine that offers power twice that of other rototillers of a similar kind. It also has a tilling depth of about 10 inches deep so that you can easily tackle deeper soil for plants that need it.

It is an extremely lightweight tiller that weighs only about 32 pounds. With this, you can easily lift it and bring it down from raised flowerbeds. You can also go ahead and put down its folding handles so that you can store it away easily when it is not in use.

Pros

  • Adjustable tilling width of 6 inches or 10 inches for both small and large seedbeds
  • Good depth for plants that require deeper tilling
  • Easy to store
  • Compact and lightweight
  • Does not require too much strength to handle
  • Can adjust tine speed to suit the soil

Cons

  • It may be too small for larger and tougher gardens.
  • Instructions for oil filling not detailed enough

3.  Greenworks 10-Inch 80V Cordless Tiller Cultivator

This is one of the best rear tine tiller tools for those that cannot expand too much energy. Hence, it is an excellent option for senior citizens or people who prefer greater control over a lighter tiller.

This tiller is also battery powered and cordless so that you can easily use it across the garden. Once you charge it, the battery runs for 40 minutes at full speed. Further, because it uses a battery, you won’t have to put any energy into arranging any gas or fuel.

You can simply charge it as and when you need it, and your tiller is ready to go. It has four tines that rotate forward for easy tilling as your work around your garden.

The best way to use it is by first tilling the necessary soil with the tool and moving the soil around a little. When this is done, till it again for loose and aerated soil perfect for the plants.

Its steel tines are also removable and adjustable. They allow you to work in an area that is 10 inches wide and 5 inches deep. It also comes with a 4-year limited warranty.

Pros

  • Light and easy to use
  • Adjustable tines
  • Easy to maneuver
  • Convenient cordless battery-powered tiller
  • Can till the land in very little time
  • Affordable option

Cons

  • May not be deep enough for a few plants
  • Does not come with a battery
  • Cannot be used for long hours of tilling
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 What to Look for When You Buy a Rear Tine Tiller?

If your garden is large, you can choose a rear tine tiller to get the soil loosened up easily and quickly. Whether the soil is heavy on clay or has many rocks and hard soil, the tiller can do the job for you.

Buying one is an important decision that can free up several tedious hours of work for you. Read ahead to find out just what you should look for when you buy a rear tine tiller for your garden.

Tine Rotation

There are three kinds of rear tine rotation systems that make the way your tine tiller digs the soil more efficient. You can opt for a standard rotation system that simply rotates forward.

 You will often have to work harder with a standard tine rotation than other options. Do note that most rear tine tillers come with both forward and counter-rotation.

If you require more efficient rotation, you can go ahead and opt for counter-rotating tines. This is an excellent option if the soil in your garden has a lot of clay. With a counter-rotating tine tiller, you will be able to do the job much faster and will have better control.

You will also find a dual rotating tiller that works the most efficiently. However, these are more expensive than the other two options. Further, you also have the option of opting for a vertical dual rotating tine.

Unlike the other options, these enter into the soil and beat it as a mixer would. Hence, they work very well on difficult ground. These will also be much quieter and work smoothly.

The Depth and Width of Tilling

When you buy a rear tine tiller, the depth you provide should be suitable for the plants you are aiming to grow. A good standard depth is 10 inches. Look for a tine tiller that provides you with a minimum of this depth.

As far as the tine tiller’s width is concerned, pick one that offers you a width that suits your strength. Wider tillers require more strength to control and handle.

Transmission of the Tiller

This indicates the number of speeds or gears that your rear tine tiller will be able to provide you with. There are transmission settings that you will find. These include forward, reverse, and neutral.

With a forward setting, you will find that the transmission has several forward speeds on the tiller. With a reverse gear, you will be able to switch from forwarding speeds to speeds for counteraction. Neutral transmission makes it easy for you to carry your tiller around.

Depending on the tiller you pick, these transmission systems will be available as a combination. Pick one that best suits the soil you will use and the strength you have to handle the tiller.

The Engine on the Tiller

The most common types of engines on rear tine tillers are the 2-stroke and 4-stroke engines. A 2-stroke engine is a standard option that provides you with good power for working your rear tine tiller best. However, these tend to be loud when you use them.

They also need a fuel that is a mixture of oil and gas.

You can also opt for a 4-stroke engine for your tiller. These are powerful engines but are also very fuel-efficient. If you use your tiller often, this may be the best choice for you. With this option, you won’t require your tiller to have a mixture of oil and gas.

The Tires on the Tiller

For your rear tine tiller, look for tires that have a specification of at least 13 inches. The best tires work well in any soil that you choose till. They have an ideal balance of traction and floatation so that your soil is left loose and easy to grow.

Some soils are very clay-dominant. It is a good idea for these kinds of soil to look for a rear tine tiller with good traction. With a rear tine tiller, the engine will do all of the work of making your tires operate right.

You will only have to maneuver it to provide it with the right tilling direction. Hence, it is a good idea to ensure that you pick those tires that make maneuvering easy for you. Tires of at least 13 inches should allow you to do this well.

Starting the Tiller

Your rear tine tiller may have either a manual start or an electric start option. With a manual start, you will have to pull a cord, and your tiller will get started. This may take a little more effort than an electric start would.

With an electric start, all you have to do is push a button on the rear tine tiller. With this, the tiller starts, and you can go ahead and begin operating it. However, note that the electric start ones may be slightly more expensive than ones with a manual start. 

Counter-Weight on the Tiller

This is an important feature that most rear tine tillers possess. With this, the stability of the machine increases as you use it. This is also an important safety feature that prevents the tiller from jerking and spinning out of control as you use it.

The Drag Bar

A drag bar allows your rear tine tiller to reach greater depths as you till the soil. It is a bar that attaches itself to the tiller’s rear. A drag bar will slow the tiller’s operation down so that it moves it can dig deeper. Through this, the tiller stays put longer at an adjustable height so that it is more efficient in digging deeper.

By tilting it slightly backward and raising it, you will be able to dig deeper into the soil. If you are tilling a shallower area, lower the drag bar, and you will be good to go. This mechanism is uniform for most rear tine tillers on the market.

When you work on hard and compact soil, it is a good idea to begin tiling by lowering the drag bar to its lowest possible position. As the soil loosens, you can raise the bar so that it can reach deeper soil.

Depending on the plants you sow and the soil you till, you may be working towards a deeply or narrowly tilled soil. Pick a drag bar that allows the right range for your gardening needs.

Endnotes

You now know what to look for in a good rear tine tiller. The best rear tine tiller options give you good transmission and ease of maneuvering simultaneously. The buying idea may help you pick out your priorities in a rear tine tiller that suits your needs best.

We have also taken the time to highlight 2 tine tiller options below $1000 and 3 additional ones. Our reviews should help you navigate through all of the tine tillers in the market and filter them based on your priorities.

You can use these to make your best purchase. With this, you can go ahead and begin tilling your garden soil and grow just the crops you desire.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some of the most commonly asked questions about rear tine tillers answered.

1. Are Rear Tine Tillers Better?

Rear tine tillers are a great option for larger gardens that have very difficult soil. They have a wider tilling area and can work on packed soil much more efficiently than a front tine tiller can.

2. What is a Rear Tine Tiller Used for?

If you have a large garden plot, rear tine tillers are the ideal machines to work on. They break hard ground, loosen difficult soil and work on larger lands with relative ease.

3. What is Better Rear Tine or Front Tine Tiller?

If you are working on larger garden areas, a read tine tiller may be the best option. However, if you need cost-effective tillers for closer tilling that works in smaller spaces, front tine tillers may be a better option.

4. Can You Plant Immediately After Tilling?

Tilling tends to disrupt the ecosystem of the soil and the microorganisms in them. Hence, it is good to wait two to three weeks for this ecosystem to build up again. With this, the planted seeds will be exposed to nutrient-rich soil.

5. How Deep Should a Garden Be Tilled?

If the soil in your new garden is very poor, the ideal depth is 8 to 10 inches. However, during the end of the growing season, the soil is also tilled to a depth of 4 to 8 inches to mix soil amendments.

6. Why is Tilling Bad for the Soil?

When land is tilled, it loosens that soil and makes it susceptible to soil erosion. Further, it tends to disrupt the soil’s structure and get rid of any crop residue that often tends to hold the soil to prevent it from being displaced.

7. How Deep Will a Tiller Dig?

Rear tine tillers are designed to break hard ground on the surface. Following this, they tend to dig deeper and reach a depth of about 8 inches.

8. When Should You Use a Tiller?

It is a good idea to use a tiller during the autumn and spring season. During this time, the soil has good moisture content. When it rains, the soil’s excess moisture content causes tilled soil to dry out in lumps. Hence, it is best to wait for a day or two for the soil to dry out before you till it.

9. Do You Have to Kill Grass Before Tilling?

Yes, eliminating grass before you prevent any remaining seeds and roots from growing in a bed where you have sown other seeds. You can use herbicides to kill the grass. To fully remove the grass, consider eliminating the turf.

10. Are Electric Tillers Worth It?

Yes, electric tillers tend to start much faster and with much more ease than a gas-powered tiller. They also come at some affordable prices and are a great option for tilling your garden.

11. Do You Push or Pull a Tiller?

If your tiller has a bladed wheel, you can go ahead and push it forward. With this, you will be able to till the soil by rotating it. If there is no wheel on the tiller, you will have to twist it as you pull it out. This is true for a hand tiller. Most tillers with motors rotate by themselves till the land.

12. Can You Plant a Garden Without Tilling?

Yes, you can plant a garden without tilling. Instead of tilling, you can simply cover the soil area with cardboard or paper and add supplements and compost over it. However, it may take a few years to reap the full benefits of this method.

13. Can You Use a Tiller to Remove Weeds?

A small rototiller is one of the best ways to remove weeds. By rototilling your garden lightly once every week or so, you will be able to keep it free from any weeds.

14. Should You till Your Garden Every Year?

No, it is not always necessary to till your garden every year. If your soil is loose and good to go, you may be able to skip a year. Too much tilling can damage the soil structure and reduce drainage.

15. Can You Use a Tiller to Level Ground?

Manually tilling large expanses of land can be very tedious. Using a tiller, you can conveniently dig new soil and level large areas.

16. Will Grass Grow Back After Tilling?

If the grass is not completely uprooted from the soil, it may have only been superficially cut from above the soil. Make sure to remove the grass completely. This will prevent it from growing out among other seeds that you plant. 

17. What Can I do Instead of Tilling?

Rototilling can disrupt the soil and is not ideal for its inhabitants like earthworms. Instead of tilling, you can adopt sheet mulching where you smother weeds and add compost naturally.

18. Should I Till My Yard Before Planting Grass?

If you are planting an aesthetic and leveled lawn, tilling is a good idea before planting the seeds for grass. This ensures that the new lawn is healthy and lush.

19. What is the Best Way to Till a Garden?

It is a good idea to till your garden in rows. Mark the area out and begin in one corner and make your way tilling across the garden. Don’t till the same area more than once as it can make it compact.

20.  What to Do After tilling a Yard?

Once you are done tilling, you can go ahead and sow the seeds. You can revisit with a rototiller to get rid of any weeds promptly.