December 22

Best Small Tiller That Costs Less And Gets Work Done!

Gardening takes a lot of patience, a bit of effort, and of course, the right tools and equipment.

That brings me to the importance of using a mini-tiller to keep your lawn or garden well maintained. Now, there is a wide range of options available in the market, which makes it time-consuming and hectic to find a unit that best meets your requirements.

But you need not worry! I have had my fair share of experience in selecting the perfect tiller for my garden. And after a significant number of trials and errors, I finally managed to find the best one.

Howdy! I’m Stacy Smith. And today, I have five unbiased reviews of the best small tiller that you can buy. I’ve also provided a buyer’s guide and an FAQ section at the end of this article to help you make an informed purchase.

So, without further ado, let’s dive right in.

Sun Joe TJ604E 16-Inch 13.5 AMP Electric Garden Tiller/Cultivator,Black
Mantis 7940 4-Cycle Gas Powered Cultivator, red
Earthwise TC70020 Electric Tiller Cultivator, 7.5-Inch, 20-Volt Cordless, (2AH Battery & Fast Charger Included)
Sun Joe TJ604E 16-Inch 13.5 AMP Electric Garden Tiller/Cultivator,Black
Mantis 7940 4-Cycle Gas Powered Cultivator, red
Earthwise TC70020 Electric Tiller Cultivator, 7.5-Inch, 20-Volt Cordless, (2AH Battery & Fast Charger Included)
$169.99
$489.99
$199.99
Sun Joe TJ604E 16-Inch 13.5 AMP Electric Garden Tiller/Cultivator,Black
Sun Joe TJ604E 16-Inch 13.5 AMP Electric Garden Tiller/Cultivator,Black
$169.99
Mantis 7940 4-Cycle Gas Powered Cultivator, red
Mantis 7940 4-Cycle Gas Powered Cultivator, red
$489.99
Earthwise TC70020 Electric Tiller Cultivator, 7.5-Inch, 20-Volt Cordless, (2AH Battery & Fast Charger Included)
Earthwise TC70020 Electric Tiller Cultivator, 7.5-Inch, 20-Volt Cordless, (2AH Battery & Fast Charger Included)
$199.99

Top 5 Best Small Tiller Reviews

1. Sun Joe TJ604E

Sun Joe TJ604E

Sun Joe is a brand I trust when it comes to innovative outdoor tools that help keep my lawn pristine. That’s why I’ve decided to introduce you to the TJ604E Electric Tiller, powered by a 13.5-amp motor.

Product Highlights

The Sun Joe TJ604E saves you from the hassle of dealing with smoke, fumes, tune-ups, or spark plugs. It’s powered by a 13.5-amp motor, capable of cultivating up to 16 inches wide and 8 inches deep with the push of a button.

Furthermore, it allows the tiller to pulverize dirt, effortlessly slicing through the soil at 370 RPM for maximum aeration. This helps in perfectly preparing the seedbed for planting. In fact, the process is seamless, especially because of the inclusion of six robust steel tines angled to ensure superior performance and unmatched durability in the long-run.

That’s not all; you can easily maneuver the cultivator whenever and wherever needed, thanks to its 3-position, height-adjustable rear wheels. This feature also adds to the overall convenience of using the tool.

What I like about it

The best part about the Sun Joe TJ604E Electric Cultivator is its powerful performance. It helped me tame the toughest weeds in my yard with optimal comfort and minimum strain. And being an electric-powered tool, I didn’t have to deal with the hassles of maintenance.

Once it completes all the garden tasks with efficiency, you can fold its collapsible handle for convenient storage. This also makes it easy to carry from one location to the other when needed.

What not to like about it

This mini electric cultivator from Sun Joe works like a charm, but I would suggest you refrain from using it on rough terrain. Yes, it’s easy to maneuver, thanks to its 3-position wheel adjustment feature. However, small rocks and stones often tend to get stuck between the blades, disrupting the overall seamless performance.

Pros and Cons of Sun Joe TJ604E

Pros

  • 3-position wheel adjustment
  • Easy to store and transport
  • Durable and powerful performance
  • It doesn’t require maintenance
  • Can tame the toughest weeds

Cons

  • Not suitable for rough terrain
Sun Joe TJ604E 16-Inch 13.5 AMP Electric Garden Tiller/Cultivator,Black
  • [POWERFUL]: 13.5-Amp motor cultivates up to 16 in. Wide x 8 in. Deep
  • [DURABLE]: 6 Steel angled tines for maximum durability and performance
  • [EASY STORAGE]: Handle folds for convenient storage and easy transport

2. Tacklife TGTL01A Advanced Tiller

No products found.

Up next, I’ll be reviewing the TGTL01A Advanced Electric Tiller from Tacklife, a leading manufacturer of the best power tools and lawn care equipment. With a working depth of up to 8 inches, it serves as a great choice for loosening soil and planting.

Product Highlights

With the powerful 13.5-amp motor generating speed of 380 RPM, Tacklife TGTL01A reaches a working depth of up to 8 inches. As such, it’s ideal for loosening soil, thereby preparing the garden bed and vegetable patch.

The advanced tiller is designed to meet your different work needs. All you have to do is adjust its working width between 12.5 and 18 inches, based on your requirements. Moreover, it easily switches from 4 tines to 6 tines without tools.

That’s not all; the unit comes with a lightweight design, weighing around 22 pounds to facilitate daily work with improved mobility. But that doesn’t mean it compromises on safety or durability.

Tacklife TGTL01A is equipped with safety buttons and brake switches, offering double protection to prevent accidental starts. Furthermore, the manganese tines are tough, ensuring stable performance and maximum durability.

What I like about it

I was able to use this small electric tiller to reach tough spots, owing to its lightweight design that helped in mobility. What’s more, its ergonomic foldable handle is equipped with an anti-vibration system. After all, it reduces hand fatigue, allowing me go about my garden tasks all-day-long with utmost comfort and ease.

Apart from its lightweight and ergonomic design, I liked the tiller’s foldable design. It enables you to fold it easily without tools for compact storage when not in use.

What not to like about it

There’s nothing worth not liking when it comes to this advanced electric tiller from Tacklife. However, while using it, I noticed that the machine gets a little jumpy, which may lead to accidents. But this can be fixed - simply drag it backward. This will help reduce the bouncing to an extent and ensure safety.

Pros and Cons of Tacklife TGTL01A Advanced Tiller

Pros

  • Safety buttons and brake switches
  • Ergonomic foldable handle
  • Lightweight design
  • Adjustable tilling width
  • Space-saving and convenient storage

Cons

  • Machine may get jumpy

No products found.

3. Mantis 7940

Mantis 7940

In my opinion, there’s no better option than the Mantis 7940 when it comes to gas-powered cultivators. Equipped with a powerful Honda 4-cycle engine, it offers the maximum digging power and rototilling.

Product Highlights

Let’s begin by discussing the Honda 4-cycle engine that powers this small cultivator. It’s placed directly over the tines to generate more power with less weight. This helps the tiller break through clay and hard-packed soil with ease while turning clumps of dirt into the perfect planting soil.

The compact-sized and lightweight power tool can work in any space, irrespective of size. You can also till and weed close to fences and walls with comfort and ease. For this, you and I both have to thank Mantis for designing the unit with soft and flared grips, ensuring comfortable operation and convenient controls at your fingertips.

What’s more, the heavy-duty machine is built to last for years to come, making it a reliable investment option. This is backed by a limited 2-year warranty to give you the ultimate peace of mind, knowing that Mantis always has your back.

What I like about it

The Mantis 7940 helped me with my other outdoor chores as well. You have the option of installing attachments, like a lawn aerator, plow, lawn dethatcher, and a border edger, to turn it into a multitasking lawn and garden machine. I was able to set it up within minutes and perform all my garden tasks with ease and comfort.

But what impressed me the most is the unit’s built-in carry handle and lightweight design. These features make it easy to lift the tiller and transport it to different locations.

What not to like about it

No doubt the built-in carry handle makes it easy to carry this tiller whenever and wherever needed. But I’d have preferred wheels for better mobility. Apart from this, I found the kickstand a bit difficult to unlock; it took me quite some time to understand its locking and unlocking mechanism.

Pros and Cons of Mantis 7940

Pros

  • Lightweight design with built-in carry handle
  • Powerful commercial-grade engine
  • Attachments can be installed in minutes
  • Soft flared grips for comfortable operation
  • Built to last

Cons

  • Kickstand was difficult to unlock
  • It doesn’t include wheels
Mantis 7940 4-Cycle Gas Powered Cultivator, red
  • Comes with a handy carrying handle
  • Entire unit weighs Only 24-pounds
  • Handle Bars fold down for easy storage

4. Earthwise TC70020

Earthwise TC70020

Committed to innovating pollution-free lawn care tools and equipment that are easy to use and maintain, American Lawn Mower comes forth with the Earthwise TC70020. This cordless electric tiller is the perfect combination of power and convenience.

Product Highlights

This small electric tiller has the power to give you plenty of time to cultivate your garden or lawn. It gets the job done with unmatched versatility as it not only plows the soil but also helps control weed growth.

This unit is also lightweight, weighing only about 9 pounds, so it’s easy to use and transport. And the cordless design enables you to move it around with ease across a large lawn.

Once you’re done, it can be stored in a shed, or you may charge it using the fast charger that’s included in the package. This will keep it fully charged so that you can continue with cultivating again as and when required. On a full charge, it offers a runtime of 45 minutes, which is enough to cover most lawns.

What I like about it

The fact that this is a cordless electric tiller is what prompted me to try it out. It saved me from the hassles of dealing with long extension cords across my large lawn. And being lightweight, I was able to move it around freely to plow the soil and control weed growth.

That’s not all; the advantage of using Earthwise TC70020 is that it’s noiseless and easier to handle than some of the other tillers out there. Plus, it’s environment-friendly, meaning it doesn’t emit fumes from burning oil or fuel.

What not to like about it

I don’t have any major complaints related to the operation and performance of this electric tiller. But I’d advise you to refrain from using it on rough or rocky terrain since tiny stones or rocks may get stuck in the tines, which can be a hassle to remove. Also, its runtime will reduce after a while, so you’ll eventually have to replace the battery with a new one.

Pros and Cons of Earthwise TC70020

Pros

  • Lightweight and cordless design
  • Easy to handle
  • Noiseless operation
  • Doesn’t emit fumes from burning oil
  • Versatile and powerful performance

Cons

  • Battery life may deteriorate
  • Not suitable for rocky ground
Earthwise TC70020 Electric Tiller Cultivator, 7.5-Inch, 20-Volt Cordless, (2AH Battery & Fast Charger Included)
  • Powerful cordless electric motor bundled with 20 volt 2.0Ah lithium-ion battery and fast charger
  • Versatile cultivator ideal for any garden size, yard and flower bed; This tiller is also an effective weed control tool
  • 4 durable steel tines with convenient cutting width of up to 7.5 inches and cutting depth of 6 inches

5. Earthquake 31635 MC33

Earthquake 31635 MC33

Let’s now review yet another powerful and versatile small tiller that’s perfect for cultivation and soil preparation. I’m talking about the Earthquake 31635 MC33, which helps create the ideal soil conditions for growing flowers and vegetables.

Product Highlights

The Earthquake MC33 is one of the most versatile power tools to maintain your beautiful garden and lawn. It’s equipped with the 2-cycle Viper engine, one of the largest and most powerful engines in its class, for optimal performance. This makes breaking up pre-tilled earth, soil aeration, weeding around plants, and mixing fertilizers seamless.

What else, the cultivator optimizes both user control and flexibility through its practical design for forward and backward motion, thereby reducing jumping and bouncing. It also comes with adjustable height wheels that allow depth control and convenient transport when needed.

This tiller is built to last and perform, so it’s definitely a reliable option that’s worth the investment. Plus, it’s backed by an industry-leading 5-year limited warranty from the brand, guaranteeing desired results for years to come.

What I like about it

If you ask me, Earthquake MC33 brings joy to the task of tilling by offering ease and reliability. It features an overhand grip and throttle arrangement, which helped me maneuver it with ease around delicate plants.

I also liked the inclusion of removable tines as they offer a larger 10-inch width for tilling and smaller 6-inch width for cultivating. This is why I consider it to be a must-have for most gardens.

What not to like about it

One of the issues I faced while using this electric cultivator was getting it to start in spring after a long winter. Other than this, it took some time to get all its parts assembled. First-time users will have to follow the instruction manual well to avoid any hassles.

Pros and Cons of Earthquake 31635 MC33

Pros

  • Backed by a 5-year limited warranty
  • Height adjustable wheels
  • Easy to maneuver around delicate plants
  • Removable tines
  • Powerful 2-cycles Viper engine

Cons

  • Assembly can be time-consuming
  • Difficult to cold-start
Sale
Earthquake 31635 MC33 Mini Tiller Cultivator, Powerful 33cc 2-Cycle Viper Engine, Gear Drive Transmission, Height Adjustable Wheels, 5 Year Warranty,Red
  • VERSATILE – Perfect for weeding, mixing and aerating your garden soil
  • CONVENIENT - On-board wheels adjust for transport and depth control.
  • CONTROL - Overhand control reduces bouncing and jumping allowing you to remove the weeds, not your plants.

Buyers Guide

Now that I’ve reviewed the top 5 small tillers available in the market, it’s time to go ahead and make a choice. But that’s easier said than done, right? Well, I know for a fact that selecting a power tool that best meets your requirements from a list of excellent options can be challenging.

That’s why I’ve come forth with this buyer’s guide, explaining a few crucial points that need to be considered while buying a small tiller or cultivator. Read on to know all the deets.

1. Types of Tiller

(a) Based On Tine Placement

Firstly, I’ll discuss the primary types of small tillers that you may consider buying - tiller cultivators, mid-tine tillers, and front-tine tillers. The least powerful and smallest among them is the tiller cultivator; it’s suitable for gardens of 500 sq. ft or even less. However, this tiller type is more versatile and easily maneuverable because of its lightweight design.

Now, most tiller cultivators are front-tine, having very low tilling widths between 4-12 inches. But better models may also come with adjustable widths.

On the contrary, mid-tine tillers have their engine placed directly above the tines to provide more weight when tilling and better balance. They are more expensive compared to front-tine tillers but are the easiest to maneuver.

(b) Based On Power

Tillers can also be categorized based on their power source, the two primary types being - electric and gas-powered. Electric tillers are planet-friendly as they don’t emit fuels like their gas-powered counterparts. Plus, they are more cost-effective, noise-efficient, and easier to maintain than the latter.

On the other hand, gas-powered units come with powerful 2-cycle or 4-cycle engines that ensure more power and better performance than electric tillers. However, you have to keep adding gas and oil to run them.

You may also consider battery-powered (cordless) tillers as they offer the convenience of moving around freely across a large lawn without the hassles of long extension cords. The only downside to using these models is that they tend to have a short battery life, so they can’t be used continuously for a long duration. And corded units are more powerful than their cordless alternatives.

2. Soil Type

The next factor that you need to keep in mind is your garden or lawn’s soil type. If the soil is soft and free of rocks and large roots, then an electric tiller would be the best choice. You won’t need the extra power offered by gas-powered cultivators. But if the soil is hard, uneven, and rocky, you’ll have to opt for a powerful rotary tiller.

3. Adjustable Cutting Depth

Most of the garden tillers available in the market offer both fixed and adjustable tines. I’d suggest opting for a model that offers an adjustable cutting depth so that you can make adjustments to suit your garden’s terrain.

4. User-friendly Operation

It’s important to check out the design and functionality of the tiller before you go ahead with the purchase. A lightweight model is always ideal as it ensures better mobility, allowing you to maneuver it around delicate plants or near fences.

Other than this, make sure it comes with ergonomic handles that offer a soft and comfortable grip to reduce hand fatigue. This will enable you to work for hours with utmost comfort and ease.

5. Warranty

I don’t think I have to tell you this but never compromise on quality for price. That said, the tiller you buy should be built to last for at least a couple of years. And this should be backed by a manufacturer’s warranty to cover unexpected breakdowns or unforeseen faults.

A standard warranty on garden tillers usually ranges between 2 to 3 years. However, brands like Earthquake are now providing limited warranties of up to 5 years to ensure reliability.

Best Small Tiller FAQs

To provide more insight, I’ll be answering some of the most frequently asked questions related to small tillers. So, let’s begin.

1. Do I need a tiller or a cultivator?

A cultivator comes in handy when you need to mix loose soil, while garden tillers help break up hard pieces of ground. So, if you’re planning to create a new garden plot, it’s best to opt for a tiller. The tines in cultivators are not heavy-duty to loosen hard soil.

2. Can a tiller remove weeds?

Small rototillers emerge as lifesavers when it comes to removing unwanted weeds. All you need to do is lightly till along paths and around plants to churn up the soil. This will expose the weeds’ roots to the sun.

Rototilling once a week is enough to keep pesky weeds at bay, preventing them from taking over your beautiful garden.

3. When should I use a tiller?

In my opinion, the most favorable seasons to use a tiller are autumn and spring. Just make sure the land isn’t too soggy; otherwise, it may lead to compact clods when the soil dries. You should wait for a day or two after the rain until the soil is at least semi-dry for the best results.

4. Are electric tillers good?

For me, electric tillers are invaluable garden tools capable of saving hours of hard work and backaches. Compared to gas-powered units, they’re easier to start, cost-effective, and easier to handle.

Our Final Recommendation

There you go; those were my top 5 selections when it comes to small tillers. I’ve also made it a point to provide all the relevant information to help you make the right choice.

But if you’re still confused, consider my personal favorites, the first one being Sun Joe TJ604E. This is a mini electrical tiller powered by a 13.5-amp motor to ensure powerful performance with minimum effort.

You may also opt for the No products found. for loosening soil and planting. However, if you’re looking for a gas-powered option, the Mantis 7940 is your best bet.

That’s it for now. I hope you’ve found this comprehensive guide useful. I’ll be back soon with more reviews on power tools and lawn care equipment.

Till then, take care!


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