5 Best Rear Tine Tiller Under $1000 Review

Using a spade or shovel in preparing land is hard to do, in which case, you need the best rear tine tiller. This type of machine can break up even the most hardened ground surface without the dreaded exhausting labor.

If you have a massive garden to tend to, there’s no need to take so much effort and time in cultivating it with a tiller and cultivator. In the tiller family, rear tine tillers can work on all sorts of land from high clay to rocky soils.

Our Top Pick

Our best choice is the Sun Joe TJ603E. Its 12-AMP motor is mighty and can work on all kinds of land surfaces with ease. It’s also an electric-powered machine, so there is no need to refill oil or gas. The tines are sturdy and made of robust steel, perfect for working on all soil types.

Plus, the Sun Joe can work as both a tiller and a cultivator. It offers a broad working reach at 16 inches and 8 inches maximum tilling depth. The 340 RPM speed is impressive and can work the entire plot in no time. Plus, if you are not working, it’s easy to transport this machine with its built-in wheels.

Best Tine Tiller Reviews

Sun Joe TJ603E Electric Tiller and Cultivator

Features:

• Powerful 12-Amp motor
• 8 inches tilling depth and 16 inches maximum width
• Durable and long-lasting tines made with solid steel
• Folding handle for easy and space-saving storage
• Wheels for convenient transport

What We Like

Nothing that gets the job done without heavy stress to the body like this one. The Sun Joe TJ603E is an electric tiller and cultivator, so there is no hassle with pulling cords or refilling it with gasoline or oil.

It comes with tons of features that make working on soil comfortable and hassle-free machine storage. It is among the strongest yet convenient mini electric cultivators in the market. Starting from the motor, you can feel the power as you switch it on using only a button.

The Sun Joe has a 16-inches wide working area. Add that to an 8-inches depth it can cultivate, using this one can help you till your entire garden in no time. The 340 RPM speed of the tines makes sure the tilling process is quick.

The wheels of the Sun Joe are convenient for transport. It is easy to maneuver because of its adjustable feature to three different positions. And despite its more tines than usual and big size, this tiller is surprisingly lightweight.

What Can Be Improved?

The only downside with the Sun Joe, like every electric tiller and cultivator, is the long cord attached to it. It can come in between when you are working and get tangled if you are not careful.

However, it is a minor problem compared to the ease and performance of the Sun Joe tiller and cultivator.

Earthwise TC70016 16-Inch Electric Tiller and Cultivator

Features:

• Adjustable tines for customizable control
• Powerful 13.5-Amp motor
• 6-inch flip-down design wheels for easy transport
• Ergonomic handle for comfort
• Adjustable tilling depth from 11-inches to 16-inches

What We Like

When it comes to versatile garden tools that offer excellent performance for the price, the Earthwise TC70016 is the best. It comes with a ton of features that makes tilling your backyard easy, hassle-free, and quick.

This Earthwise TC70016 is an electric tiller and cultivator that packs a robust and reliable 13.5-Amp motor. Whether you are using it to cultivate or till the garden, this garden tool can do the job, unlike any other.

This electric tiller and cultivator comes with eight inches of cutting depth. The six tines are also adjustable so that you can choose between 11 inches to 16 inches for your work. It is an excellent cultivator for use in more extensive gardens because of its considerable tilling width.

The adjustable tine is stainless steel, which is highly durable and rust-resistant. Add that to its tine features, and you get a tool that can cultivate or till both soft and sturdy surfaces.

Working with the Earthwise tiller and cultivator is hassle-free with features like a lightweight design and a quick push-button start. Thus, you can use it effortlessly and makes sure you get an enjoyable tilling experience. The tool comes with a comfortable ergonomic design grip, so there is no fatigue or discomfort when tilling or cultivating.

This small tiller features a compact design to make sure there is no space problem during storage. Overall, it can be a powerful workhorse in the garden, giving you precise lines with minimal effort.

What Can Be Improved?

Like any electric tiller and cultivator, the cord of the Earthwise TC70016 can get in the way while working. Other than that, there isn’t an issue when using this gardening tool.

Schiller Grounds Care Mantis 7940 Tiller Cultivator

Features:

• Powerful 25cc 4-cycle Honda engine
• Lightweight design at 24pounds
• Foldable design easy transport and storage
• 10 inches maximum tilling depth
• Two tines with 240 rpm speed

What We Like

Compared to its older 7920 version, the Schiller Grounds Care Mantis 7940 Tiller Cultivator has more to offer. The previous model features a 2-cycle version of the mighty Honda 25cc engine, but the new Mantis comes with a 4-cycle one. It makes a huge difference, especially to the occasional issues about starting the engine using the older model.

Because it is a 4-cycle engine, you are only required to top-up the gas, and there’s no need for gas and oil mixes. The fuel tank is see-through and can hold around 0.15 gallons, lasting you about 90 minutes of work.

Mantis tillers are surprisingly lightweight, and the 7940 model is no different. It’s heavier at 24 pounds compared to the four pounds of the 7420 model. While it’s an incredibly lightweight machine, it packs the power needed to till and cultivate different types of soil.

The tines feature a unique curvy design to allow digging with ease, even in the toughest of soils. They are durable and long-lasting, but in any case that they break, the tiller cultivator comes with a lifetime guarantee.

Compared to other tillers, the Mantis 7940 features a push and pull action to help dig deeper into the ground. The throttle control of the machine is infinitely variable, so you have countless control over how you want it to work.

In cultivation mode, this tool can dig as deep as three inches, and in the tilling style, it can do as much as 12 inches deep.

What Can Be Improved?

The only downside about this machine is using it on the new ground or bare earth. It’s a small tiller, and utilizing the Mantis 7940 in these ground conditions may take a long time to finish the plot.

YardMax YT5328 Compact Front Tine Tiller

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Features:

• 11 inches maximum tilling depth for intense cultivation
• High-performance 79cc engine with 180 RPM speed
• 11, 16, and 21 inches tilling width
• Removable outer tines designed for tight spaces
• Adjustable height and 3-position handlebar

What We Like

Three main selling points of the YardMax YT5328 Front Tine Tiller are powerful engine, self-propelled, and compact design. The YardMax 79cc engine is CARB compliant and unquestionably fast. It features a gear drive transmission, ball-bearing, and tines that grind up soil fast at 180-rpm.

At only 95 pounds, this front tine tiller has impressive versatility to offer. The tines are also removable and adjustable so that you can get 11 inches, 16 inches, and 21 inches of varying widths.

You can use the machine to dig holes big enough for planting trees, with its adjustable tilling depth between seven to 11 inches.

The right-angle turns quickly, making it ideal for cultivating in between plants and rows. Plus, the tines come with a rust-resistant and durable steel shield cover.

You also get adjustable handlebars with the YardMax YT5329 that you can modify to 3 different positions, so it’s comfortable to use.

Overall, this compact tiller is an efficient machine and can crush even the toughest of soils but can still work on soft surfaces with ease.

What Can Be Improved?

There isn’t a lot of problem with the performance of the Yardmax YT5328 tiller. However, some design factors could be better, like the steel tine shield can be adjustable in addition to being durable and rust-resistant.

The corners of the protection are also a bit sharp. It would be much safer if they are rounded, so you don’t accidentally stab your leg on it.

Greenworks 27062 10-Inch Cordless Cultivator

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Features:

• Four adjustable 8-inch rotating tines
• High-performance G-MAX 40V battery for 120 minutes sustained working time
• Adjustable working width from 8.25 inches to 10 inches
• 5 inches maximum tilling depth
• Cordless cultivator
• Battery and charger included in the package

What We Like

When using the Greenworks 27062 10-Inch Cordless Cultivator, there is no cord tangling around. It’s a cordless cultivator that packs the same power and durability as other corded models in the market.

The Greenworks Cordless Cultivator features a powerful G-MAX 40V Lithium-Ion battery, which can go as long as 120 minutes. At a single battery charge, this machine is the best 40V cultivator you can find. It can power you to cultivate as much as a ½ acre land after a full battery charge.

Using the Greenworks Cordless Cultivator is seamless and convenient, especially with a single push-button start.

This high-performance machine comes with excellent features such as four adjustable 8-inches rotating tines made of steel for durability. You can change how deep the tines can cultivate the soil, and you have the option to go as deep as five inches. The reach of the tines is also adjustable from 8.25 inches to 10 inches.

Plus, the Greenworks Cordless Cultivator features a lightweight design, which is a great advantage. With its collapsible handle, you can store this machine easily and with little space needed to house it.

What Can Be Improved?

It’s a good thing that the Greenworks Cordless Cultivator comes with the battery and charger in the box.

However, this machine is only compatible with the brand’s G-MAX 40V batteries. You won’t be able to use a different battery in this one. If it gets faulty, you can purchase the same one from Greenworks.

How to Select and Buy the Best Rear Tine Tiller?

Gas vs. Electric

Gas-powered tillers often come with beefier engines to work on rougher and tougher soil. Meanwhile, electric cultivators are ideal for tilling tight and confined spaces for its compact design.

The advantages of electric cultivators are its small size, easy storage convenience and cheap price. Gas-powered tillers, however, can have different configurations. You can put an edging attachment or one for aeration to use the machine in other yard works.

Gas-powered cultivators need oil and gas refills, while electric tillers have an attached cord that can get tangled if you’re not careful. However, there is also cordless electric tiller available. Just remember to charge the batteries before using them.

Ultimately, the choice for the type of tiller will depend on your garden needs and preference.

Power

High-performance cultivators are ideal for working on tough and rough soil surfaces while smaller ones are best for tilling softer grounds.

Tilling Depth and Width

Most of these machines come with adjustable tilling working area and depth. Most can offer a wide working area as much as 18 to 21 inches and as deep as five to 11 inches.

Tine Rotation

Rear tine tillers are available in three rotation tiles, the counter-rotating tines (CRT), dual rotating tines (DRT), and forward rotating tines (FRT).

The CRT tillers are ideal for tilling compact soils like heavy clay.

Meanwhile, the FRT tillers are best for cultivating soil surfaces that have 5 inches in depth or much lower.

The DRT tillers, on the other hand, offer adjustability and performance to work as both a CRT and an FRT tiller.

Electric vs. Manual Start

Gas-powered cultivators usually start using the attached pullcord like in most lawnmowers. Meanwhile, electric tillers typically start through a single push button, which is more convenient.

Tires Quality

These types of garden beasts usually have heavy-duty and large tires to tract effectively in cultivated or muddy surfaces. It allows the machine to do larger jobs in gardening and landscaping.

Transmission

The forward and reverse transfer in rear tine tillers is part of how effective it is as garden equipment. Some models feature multiple forward speeds, which can allow you to choose the ideal pace you want.

Handlebars

Adjustable handlebars are a convenient feature to have in tillers and cultivators. You can modify its height to be most convenient for you, so there isn’t a lot of strain in your body while working.

A collapsible handle makes it easier to transport or store the machine without needing a lot of space.

Ease of Use

Several factors impact the ease of use of a tiller, like its power source. Gas-powered cultivators can do big jobs more comfortable and faster while electric ones are simple to maneuver because of their lightweight design.

Electric-powered tillers also offer quick and straightforward starting, which you won’t get from its gas counterpart.

Maintenance

For all types of cultivators, it is crucial to clean the tines after every use. They might also need sharpening from time to time. Meanwhile, gas-powered tillers will need more maintenance work, like making sure the fuel is at proper level and refilling it when necessary.

Storage

Tillers and cultivators can take ample space when stored. Finding the right spot to safely and adequately store then can be tricky.

Consider the storage space you have for it. Also, you can get space-saving features in a cultivator like foldable handlebars.

Conclusion

Features are critical for a powerful machine like a tiller and cultivator, and the Sun Joe TJ603E has loads to offer. It’s a powerful and versatile tool at an affordable price, perfect for most gardens. Besides budget, you have to take into account your specific needs when buying garden tools. Choose the ideal machine for the size of your yard and the quality of the soil.

Ultimately, when choosing the best rear tine tiller under $1000, you have to consider the tine and engine performance of the machine.

Last update on 2024-06-07 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API