types of garden tillers (cultivators)

Tillers and cultivators are becoming popular in home gardening, but before buying an electric or a gas or propane unit, you should ask yourself whether you do need a power tiller. Will it really help you in your garden tilling? Are your tilling tasks significant? Isn't it more advantageous to rent a mini-tiller for very occasional uses?

Cultivators and tillers stir and pulverize the soil, aerating and preparing it; they also kill weeds by uprooting them and by disrupting their cycles.

Garden tillers and cultivator types

We can identify two main types of small yard tillers: the electrics and the gas-powered mini-tillers.

Small Garden TillerThe electric mini-tillers can be of two types, the cordless and the corded mini-tillers (this last type is significantly more powerful)

The gas-powered mini-tillers can also be divided in small-average gas-powered units and larger and more powerful gas mini-tillers...

Each of these four types of mini-tillers has its own advantages and drawbacks, varying with the type of soils or the size of the yard. When to use tillers and cultivators...
Excess tilling or inadequate tilling is harmful to the soils. Tilling should not erode and harm the surface of the soil. They should aerate and disrupt and kill the weeds without disrupting the natural balance of soils.

Renting (or borrowing) a tiller

Before buying a tiller/cultivator you should ask yourself if you do really need it. For occasional needs you may rent a tiller ($30-$70 per day, depending on their type)…

You should also consider as a first option – for small needs – manual tilling tools. Renting or borrowing a tiller or using manual tools can be the best options.

Renting a tiller is a good way of reducing waste and save money. Small inexpensive tillers are often inefficient for average tasks, and larger units are too expensive to be used very occasionally.

4- stroke Gas TillerSelecting the type of tiller

If you do need a tiller, consider the different options according to the amount of your needs, the type of soils and the horsepower of the different tillers.

Their power goes from the low or very low of the cordless electric tillers (for very small tasks) to the high or relatively high horsepower of the large gas and propane mini-tillers (for yard tasks involving surfaces larger than, say, 300-400 ft2/30-40m2).

See, for more information:
Gas vs. Electric Tillers and Cultivators
The Best of Tillers
Manual Gardening Tools