If you are not new to the idea of gardening, then you probably know by now that using containers and other planting pots are not that much of a cost-effective approach.
Well, did you know that you can cut the cost down to almost three times by planting the sprouts on a raised bed? Well, yes, you can. But, you would need to get the best tiller for breaking new ground.
By getting one of them, you will not only be able to cut down the cost but also the labor that you would have to invest in making new ground. Also, with those, you will be able to prepare the soil by efficiently mixing the hard soil, making sure that the sprouts get the most amount of nutrients out of the soil.
Our 10 Best Tiller for Breaking New Ground Picks
Not all of the tiller you are going to stumble upon on the market will offer you a decent overall performance. Aside from that, not all of them will be worth the money that you would have to spend on them either.
To make things easier for you, we have selected the ones that are not only worth every penny but also offers decent performance. They are:
1. YARDMAX YT4565 Dual Rotating Rear Tine Tiller
The more the amount of cover you will be able to cover, the shorter the amount of time it would require for you to finish the tilling tasks. And you will be able to do that with this unit.
First of all, the engine that it packs is from Briggs & Stratton, which is exceptionally powerful. That delivers up to 9.5 feet per pound of gross torque. Also, it is capable of rotating the tiller at 190 RPM, which is reasonably fast.
Aside from packing a highly powerful engine, this rear tine tiller sports a wide rear tine design, which is 18 inches in width. That means you will be able to cover a lot of ground in a small amount of time. Also, there are seven different depth adjustment settings, which will let you dig soil quickly. The working depth is 6.5 inches, which is reasonably high.
And you will be able to plow through most of the soils with a small amount of effort, even if you do have comparatively hard soil in your garden. The rear tine tiller features 13 inches tines that self-sharpens themselves. You would not have to worry about the edges losing the sharpness either.
Alongside that, the hields on the side and rear that it has built-in are also adjustable. Those will enhance overall safety. The rear tine model also boasts a single-handle operational design, which is going to make operating it a piece of cake for you.
Pros
- Comes with a powerful Briggs & Stratton engine
- Rear-tine is 18 inches wide
- Working depth of 13 inches
- Features a single handle operational design
- Sports two adjustable shields
- Gas Powered tiller is equipped with Dual rotating tines
- Heavy duty pneumatic tires can work on large gardens
Cons
- Not that easy to assemble
- Some of the packages ship with missing components
2. Earthwise TC70040 11-Inch 40-Volt Electric Tiller
The wheels of the front tine tillers are one of the essential factors. It is what makes these easy to maneuver around. And Earthwise had factored that in when they were manufacturing this front tine tiller unit.
To start with, it is exceptionally lightweight. The overall weight is just 27 pounds, which makes it not only easy to use but also easy to transport as well. And the overall form factor is relatively compact as well. That will enable you to easily store it inside your shed when you are done using it.
Aside from being lightweight, the wheels that these features are the flip-down style rear wheels. They roll reasonably smooth, which will make it easier for you to move them around. The wheels combined with the lightweight body that the Earthwise Electric Tiller has will offer you a redefined plowing experience.
The tines that it boasts are made of durable steel. They are four in number and are placed at the perfect position, which will increase the overall speed of the tilling process. Also, as they feature sturdy steel construction, you would not have to worry about the lifespan that much either.
Lastly, both the battery and the motor that the electric garden tiller packs are considerably powerful. The battery has a rating of 40 volts and 4.0 Ah. That means you are going to get more than enough power for completing most of the plowing tasks. Also, you can use the device as a weed controller too, which makes it exceptionally versatile.
Pros
- Features flip-down wheels that roll easily
- Lightweight and easy to transport
- Easy to store electric tiller
- Comes with four properly placed tines
- Exceptionally versatile
Cons
- Might ship without the handle
- Does not perform that well when the battery is not fully charged
3. Schiller Grounds Care 7920 Mantis 2-Cycle Tiller
One of the crucial components of the tillers is the handle. The better the handle design, the easier it will be to operate the machine. And a perfect example of a unit that features a well-designed handle would be this one that is from Schiller.
First of all, the handle that it comes with has a folding mechanism. That will enable you to cut the size down to half when storing it. Also, the small and compact form factor that it has will allow you to store it in tight and cramped spaces. You would not have to allocate that much room for this.
Alongside that, the unit is exceptionally lightweight. It only weighs 20 pounds, which is going to make it easier to maneuver. You will be able to till and remove the weeds that are close to the walls without any issues. It also has a built-in carry handle that will enable you to easily lift it when required.
The fingertip controls are located at a convenient place on the handle. Also, the handle has a soft rubber coating, making sure that you have a proper grip over it. The tines that it has on the bottom are of durable steel. Those will be able to break through most of the soil types without any issues.
And the innovative gear design that the two-cycle motor features will provide you the adequate amount of power required for most of the plowing tasks.
Pros
- Packs a powerful two-cycle motor
- Body is exceptionally lightweight
- Features a well-designed handle with soft flared grip
- Foldable mechanism
- tines are reasonably durable
Cons
- Gas line tend to clog up pretty easily
- Not that easy to get the engine started
4. Champion 22-Inch Dual Rotating Front Tine Tiller
Even though there are plenty of tillers out there, only a few can provide the power that is required to break hard grounds. And this one from Champion is one of those few.
To begin with, it sports a highly powerful 212cc engine. That motor can provide the required amount of power that you would need to transform the hard soils into something that is usable. So even have the toughest soil in your garden, you will be able to convert them into something that is suitable for plantation.
Aside from packing a powerful motor, the unit is exceptionally versatile. It has four heavy-duty tines. Those feature construction of hardened steel, which will make them achieve a longer lifespan. They are 13.8 inches in size and implements a dual rotating technique.
And the wheels that the device has are relatively large. They are 8 inches in diameter, which will make them roll easily on most of the grounds. Also, the unit has a reasonably compact form factor that will enable you to store it easily. You can also easily take off the wheels when storing it if you want to.
Lastly, the front tine tiller is extremely efficient, thanks to the variable tilling width mechanism that it has. Depending on the task you are carrying out, you will be able to change the width from 16 to 22 inches. The shield that it sports does a proper job of protecting the user too.
Pros
- Packs a highly powerful 212cc engine
- Tiller tines are made of hardened steel
- Features large wheels that are detachable
- Adjustable tilling width mechanism
- Sports a reasonably compact form factor with dual rotation tilling
Cons
- Tines are not that resistant to rusts
- Comes with relatively cheap spark plugs
5. Sun Joe TJ604E 16-Inch 13.5 AMP Electric Tiller
Are you on the lookout for something that is virtually maintenance-free? Were you looking for something that packs a powerful engine? Well, Sun Joe has got you covered in both of the factors.
Let us talk about the motor of the unit first. It features a 13.5 Amp motor that is reasonably powerful. That engine is capable of offering the adequate amount of power that you would require for carrying out heavy duty tasks on tough and rigid soils.
Alongside that, as it is gas-powered, you would not have to worry about the maintenance process that much. It will hardly need any maintenance because of the one-button starting mechanism that it has.
You are going to get reliable startups with every push of the button. There are no spark plugs or fumes that you would have to worry about.
Unlike some of the other devices, this one sports six durable tines on the bottom. With hardened steel construction, they are exceptionally sturdy. As a result, they are going to offer you a long-lasting performance without showing any signs of defects.
And the wheels that the unit boasts are adaptable. They are large in size, and you can adjust them in three different positions. Because of the adjustable mechanism they have, it would be pretty easy for you to move the machine around. The handle also has a foldable system that will make it easier for you to store the device.
Pros
- Good tiller sports six steel tines
- Comes with a 13.5 Amp motor
- Virtually free of maintenance
- Wheels are adjustable
- Features a foldable handle
Cons
- A bit hard to change the level of the tines
- Does not work that well on moist soil
6. Mantis 7940 4-Cycle Gas Powered Cultivator
Among all of the brands that are offering cultivators in the market, Mantis is one of the manufacturers that have an extensive lineup of reliable and well-performing devices. And this cultivator that we are going to look at is not an exception in that regard.
Unlike some of the other units, this one features a fairly lightweight body. The overall weight of the body is just 24 pounds. For that reason, it would be pretty easy for you to maneuver it around. The inclusion of the carrying handle will make it easier for you to transport it.
Alongside that, the motor that it packs is quite powerful as well. It has a gas-powered engine, which means you would not have to worry about sparkplugs, nor will you have to worry about fumes. Also, for the four-cycle design that the motor has, it will be able to pump quite a high amount of power.
The tines that the device sports make it exceptionally versatile. You will not only be able to plow with them but also remove weeds. They are made of durable steel as well, which is going to ensure that you get a long-lasting service out of them. Also, for the foldable handle, you will have no trouble regarding storing it as well.
Aside from that, the handle features a soft rubber coating that will make it comfortable to hold onto. And the fingertip controls are placed at the perfect position.
Pros
- Lightweight and easy to carry
- Handle has a foldable mechanism
- Rubber coating on the handle
- Features extremely versatile tines
- Tines are constructed of sturdy steel
Cons
- Does not come with any instruction manuals
- Power switch feels a bit flimsy
- Not a heavy duty machine
7. Tazz 35310 2-in-1 Front Tine Tiller
Not all of the grounds are the same. Some are rough, while some are soft, and some are in the middle. And the tillers that come with an adjustable depth mechanism, like this one, are the ones that can plow through all types of soil.
To begin with, the handlebar that the unit has is adjustable. You will have the full freedom to adjust it to four different heights. And as the handle has a rubber coating, it would be pretty easy for you to get a firm grip over it.
These factors of the handle will ensure that you can easily operate the machine for different types of plowing tasks.
Aside from the handle, the tilling depth is also adjustable. You will be able to set it up to 11 inches deep using the multi-position drag stake that it has. Because of the tool-free design that the adjustable system has, you would be able to make adjustments on the go.
And the front tines that it sport are specially designed to provide the maximum amount of stability. The center of gravity is pretty low, which will make sure that the position of the tines is at the right place all the time. As a result, you are going to have full control over the plowing operations.
Lastly, Tazz utilized high-quality materials for the overall construction. The transmission gears are of bronze, and the tines are of sturdy steel. Those materials make the unit exceptionally durable.
Pros
- Features an adjustable depth mechanism
- Handle can be adjusted in four different positions
- All of the components are made of high-quality materials
- Has an ergonomic rubber coating on the handle
- Does not require any tools for the adjustable mechanisms
Cons
- Power of the motor is relatively low
- Some of the units ship with damaged tines
8. Earthwise TC70016 16-Inch Front Tine Tiller
An intricated starting mechanism can make the cultivating tasks harder than it has to be. And Earthwise knew that exactly well, and that is why they have implemented an easy-to-start mechanism in this unit that they are offering.
To start with, the motor that it packs is 13.5 amps, which is reasonably powerful. It will be able to provide an adequate amount of power that is required for most of the ground cultivation tasks.
And as it has an easy-to-operate single-lever mechanism, you would not have any trouble starting the engine either. You can turn it on within seconds.
Aside from being easy to start, the maximum depth of the unit in tines is 8 inches. That depth is ideal for all types of soil. Also, the cultivating width of the tines is 16 inches, which means you will be able to cover a lot of ground in a short amount of time.
Alongside that, the overall size of the Earthwise corded electric tiller is relatively compact. Storing it will not be that much of a hassle because of the small form factor that it has. You will be able to cram it in small and tight spaces easily. And the tines are constructed of heavy-duty steel, which makes them capable of the dirt and soil effectively.
Also, the handle that the unit sports is quite comfortable. It has a rubber coating that will enable you to hold it comfortably. And, it features six tines on the bottom that are adjustable.
Pros
- Maximum working depth is 8 inches
- Can cover up to 16 inches of ground
- Features a comfortable handle
- Small and easy to store
- Engine is easy to start
Cons
- Might be too light for some operations
- Does not have any throttle control at full speed
9. BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX Cordless Tiller (LGC120AM)
The manufacturer BLACK+DECKER has been dominating the power tools market for a while now. And now they have stepped up the competition with this cultivator.
First of all, the unit is totally cordless. That means you would not have to worry about any sort of cords, nor will you have to worry about not having any power outlets near your reach.
And the battery that it packs has a high-capacity as well. It can cultivate 325 square feet with a single charge, which means you would not have to worry about battery life as well.
Alongside that, BLACK+DECKER has integrated an innovative tines design in this unit. The tines utilize a counter-oscillating motion that will make sure that the extracted weeds do not tangle during the extraction process. Also, the tines are of sturdy material that will ensure long-term durability.
The transmission that the unit sports are quite powerful as well. It is capable of properly breaking up the soil. As a result, the plants are going to get proper nutrients and moisture from the soil. It is also reasonably lightweight, which means carrying it around will not be an issue for you.
Also, the handle that it has boats an adjustable mechanism. You will be able to adjust the height according to your preference. And the telescoping tube will enable you to properly carry out plowing tasks. The handle also has a soft rubber coating, which will maximize the overall comfort.
Pros
- Tines have a tangle-free design
- Lightweight body with counter rotating tines
- Handle has a height-adjustable mechanism
- Features a telescoping tube
- Can cultivate 325 square feet with a fully charged battery
Cons
- Takes a long time to charge
- Durability of the tines are not up to par
10. Greenworks 10-Inch 8 Amp Corded 27072 Front Tine Electric Tiller
Not all of the tiller that you are going to be will be easy to store. For some, you would have to allocate a large chunk of space from your storage space for storing them. However, that is not with this one that Greenworks is offering.
To start with, it sports a highly efficient 8 amp motor. That engine starts up without any throttling, thanks to the one-push button that it has. And as it is fully electric, you would not have to worry about spending money on gases either. You will also not have to go through the hassle of managing recoil cords.
The tines that it comes with are adjustable. You will be able to set the width from 8.25 inches to 10 inches. That means you can fine-tune the process of cultivation according to your preference. Also, it has an adjustable depth mechanism. That will enable you to plow through different types of soil.
Aside from that, the assembly process is pretty straightforward. You would not require any sort of additional process to set it up. And the tines that it bundles along are constructed of high-quality materials, which will offer you long-term durability.
Alongside that, the handle that it includes has a foldable mechanism. That will allow you to cut the size in half when storing it. Also, the overall form factor is pretty compact, which will make the task of storing it effortless for you.
Pros
- Boasts a highly efficient and powerful electric engine
- Has a push-to-start button
- Depth of the tines is adjustable
- Features an adjustable width mechanism
- Handle can be folded down
- Good for small garden
Cons
- Wheels are not that large
- Handles do not have any sort of rubber coating on it
What to Look for Before Buying the Best Tiller for Breaking New Grounds?
Tilling the ground is not that much of an easy task to carry out. And if you do not get the right tilling for that process, the job would be harder than it has to be.
So, if you do want to get one of the machines that are not only well-performing but also will offer you adequate tilling results in rocky soil and new grounds, then you should keep these factors in mind before buying:
Types
Before making any purchase decision, you need to consider the types of these machines. There are generally two types. They are:
1. Corded Tiller
Just like the name suggests, these have a cord on the back, which you would have to plug into a power outlet. They would rely on the power from the wall.
For the corded ones, you need to consider the cord length. We would suggest going for the lengthy cables because with those you would not have to worry about not finding a power outlet near you. You are going to have an extended reach with them. If you find a budget tiller with short cord, you will need an extension cord to work with that.
2. Cordless Tiller
As you have guessed by now, these do not have any sort of cords. Instead, they would rely on the battery for turning the motor on. You would have to charge it up when the battery runs out of juice.
For the cordless ones, you would have to consider the battery’s capacity. The higher the capacity of the cell, the longer the run time would be. With those, you would be able to also cover a lot of ground using a fully charged battery.
Also, do ensure that the voltage and the amp rating of the cells are high, or else you will not get the required amount of power for some tilling tasks.
The Engine
As we have mentioned earlier, one of the most crucial components of the tillers is the engine. For that reason, you should prioritize this the most. Nevertheless, the first thing that you need to consider is the power of the motor.
The power is generally stated as amps. And the higher the amp, the more powerful the engine will be. So, you should go for the devices that have higher amped motors.
Aside from that power, you should also consider the efficiency of the motor. The more efficient the engine, the less amount of electricity or gas it would consume. That means the operational cost will be pretty low too. For that reason, we would recommend shooting for the machines that bundle with a highly efficient motor.
On that note, there are two types of engine. One of them is gas-powered. For this, you would not have to worry about any sort of spark plugs, which means it would not require any kind of maintenance.
The other type of motors is the fully electric one. With those, you would not have to worry about running out of gas, but they would require some maintenance from time to time.
Form Factor
Another thing that you will have to consider is the size of the machines. The compact devices are not only easy to handle but also easy to store. Considering that, we would suggest shooting for the ones that are compact and small in size. With those, you would not have to sacrifice that much space of your storeroom for storing.
Weight of the Tiller
Aside from the form factor, you also need to consider the heft of the machine. If you happen to get something that is relatively heavy, maneuvering it around would become a challenging task for you. Also, transporting those units around will be a hassle too. For that reason, we would suggest going for the lightweight ones.
The handle
The handle is what you are going to hold to control and operate the machine. And for this, the first thing that you need to consider is the control buttons. Check whether the unit that you are shooting for has fingertip controls or not.
If they are placed in an awkward position, it would be quite difficult for you to operate the machine around.
Secondly, do make sure that the handle has some sort of adjustable or foldable mechanism. The adjustable ones will enable you to set the height according to your preference, which will make most of the tilling tasks feel effortless. On the other hand, the foldable mechanism is going to make the task of storing the device easier.
Lastly, do ensure that the handle has some sort of rubber coating on it. Without that coating, you will not only be able to hold it comfortably, but you will also have trouble getting a firm grip over the handle.
Depth
The last thing you need to consider is the depth mechanism. Make sure that the unit that you are opting for has an adjustable depth mechanism. Without that, you will not be able to complete the tilling task on most of the grounds efficiently.
Keeping that in mind, you should go for the ones that will allow you to adjust the depth within a broad range.
Final Words
When it comes to breaking new grounds full of nutrients and moisture-enriched, there is really no alternative other than getting the best tiller for breaking new ground. And we hope that we were able to make the choosing process feel like talking a walk in the park for you.
Breaking new ground is the first step towards a perfect farm. For making this happen, you will also need a hand saw for cutting tree branches, an authentic chainsaw for getting rid of trees for the area, etc.
And if you are planning to break clay soil, we have a separate article on the best tiller for clay soil reviews.