Are you interested in getting the best electric garden tillers for your garden? If you are, you should go through this guide. In this guide, we would be showing the best electric garden tillers. Do well to read through this guide.
As a DIYer, there is no harm in owning tools like plotter cutters and mill machines.
What’s a garden tiller?
Have you ever been driving through the country and see a farmer plowing a field? He’s getting ready to plant crops and needs to get the soil in a tip-top condition before this happens. Think of a garden tiller as a miniature farm plow.
Just like a farmer’s plow, a garden tiller lifts the soil in a particular area. Large clods of dirt are broken apart and existing dirt is turned and rotated. Doing this allows air to get in the soil. Aerated soil is loaded with nutrients that encourage seeds to grow and root. If your garden has a sprinkler, you might want to get a hose timer, to regulate the flow of water.
Understanding Tiller Tine Designs
You’ll inevitably have to decide what type of tines you want or need when you buy a tiller. Every tiller is created with some type of tine including those in the front, rear, or counter-rotating. Each tiller type has pros and cons depending on where and how it will be used.
With this in mind, it’s up to the buyer to decide what type of tines will work best. We’ll do our part by describing each tine type. It’s important to realize most tillers/cultivators on the market are designed with rear tines.
- Front Tine Tillers – Tines are located at the front of the machine. Wheels are located towards the back. Most models are made with front line tines. These machines are easy to use, but the challenge is not to run over freshly tilled soil and compact it down. If the ground is compacted after being tilled, it won’t let enough air in to encourage good seed growth.
- Rear Tine Tillers – Created opposite of a front tine tiller. Tines are placed in the back and wheels are put in the front. The change in design helps prevent tilled soil from being accidentally compacted.
- Counter-Rotating Tines – Just as the name suggests, this type of design features tines that move in different directions.
ELECTRIC GARDEN TILLERS BUYER’S GUIDE
The factor to be considered when getting an electric garden tiller is different from the factors considered when getting a torch lighter.
The Size of Your Lawn
The size of your garden and lawn are the most significant factors to take into account when selecting your tiller. A small flowerbed or lawn only requires the use of a cultivator, or perhaps a front-line tiller. In some cases, you might even find that a manual tiller offers you the best value.
However, if you own a large farm or estate, then a rear-tine trailer tiller is your best option. However, since most readers are likely home gardeners, focus on the products listed in this review to make your choice.
Your Budget
Your budget is also a defining factor when purchasing your garden tiller. While a tiller is by no means an expensive machine, they vary in price from manufacturer to manufacturer. However, it’s important to note that price should not always be your deciding factor.
Cheaper models other than the ones listed in this review are available for purchase. However, many of them feature design and construction with inferior components, reducing the service life of the machine.
Choose the best tiller you can afford with your budget. This review has a machine that’s suitable for every price point and any gardening budget. You should also put your budget into consideration when purchasing a gas can.
The Type of Soil
The type of soil in your garden is also another essential consideration when selecting your tiller. If you have your typical quality soil in your lawn and flowerbeds, then a standard front-line tiller is all you need.
However, those gardeners with rocky or sandy soil in their yard may require the use of a manual tiller to loosen the soil before planting.
Functionality User-Friendly Operation
If you’re looking for a front-line tiller for an average-size garden, then it’s essential to take the weight of the machine into account as well. Heavy tillers can cause operator fatigue in your arms. A lightweight machine is easy to maneuver and allows for smooth movement and storage.
Manufacturer’s Warranty
Always ensure that any machine you buy comes with a manufacturer’s warranty to cover any unforeseen faults or breakdowns that aren’t your fault. Standard manufacturer’s warranties on garden tillers are typically 2 to 3-years.
Number of Tines
Electric tillers are created with two, four, or six tines. Tines dig into the ground and help prepare it.
Cord Lock
It might not seem important when shopping, but consider how annoying it is when your vacuum comes unplugged at home. Electric tillers can allow gardeners to walk up to 100 feet away from the electrical outlet.
If the cord comes unplugged often, you’ll spend a great deal of time walking back and forth to plug it back in. A cord lock eliminates this problem.
Wheels
Does the tiller you’re considering have wheels? Wheels make tilling a whole lot easier. Just having wheels shouldn’t be enough to satisfy shoppers. Take a look at reviews and make note of any that mention the wheels. What do users have to say about the wheels? Are they sturdy? Do they come loose? Fall off?
Rotational Speed
The rotational speed is measured in RPMs. Ideally, gardeners looking to till their yard or garden will want an electric tiller with RPMs of about 180 RPMs to 200 RPMs. in the case of an electric planer, you should go no less than 15,000 rpm.
Variable Speed
If you need to till deeply sometimes and lightly other times, you’ll want an electric tiller with variable speeds. Variable speed options allow the user to control how hard and deep a tiller can go.
BEST ELECTRIC GARDEN TILLERS
| NAMES | FEATURES | WHERE TO BUY |
| Sun Joe TJ603E Electric Tiller
|
Tiller/cultivator combination
Powerful motor ETL approved Budget-friendly making it affordable 6 Durable Steel Angled Tines |
GET IT ON AMAZON |
| Earthwise Corded Electric Tiller TC70001
|
Easy to operate
Slim Ultralight Easy to start |
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| Mantis Electric Tiller 7250-00-03
|
Quiet, instant-starting, 3-speed 540-watt motor
The unique, curvy tines can be used to till down 10 inches deep. Or, simply turn the tines around to shallow cultivate the top 2 to 3 inches of soil Easy to start- simply plug it in and squeeze the throttle Weighs just 21 pounds, but as powerful as a gas model |
GET IT ON AMAZON |
| Greenworks Corded Tiller 27072
|
Powerful 8-amp motor
8-inch forward rotating tines Adjustable wheels Good for small gardens with pliable materials |
GET IT ON AMAZON |
| Black + Decker Garden Cultivator/Tiller LGC120AM
|
20V MAX* cordless power for quick and easy weeding and aeration
No more tangled weeds thanks to counter oscillating tines. The lightweight upright design helps lessen arm fatigue while cultivating. Counter-oscillating tines prevent weeds from tangling |
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| Earthwise Cordless Electric Tiller/Cultivator TC70040
|
Cordless
Adjustable width of 7 to 11 inches Flip down wheels Decent battery run time without losing power |
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| Powerworks 60V Brushless Tiller
|
The battery is compatible with many other Powerworks tools
Brushless motor Cordless 5Ah battery 4-inch steel tines |
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| Drill Till 3-Tools-in-1
|
protect your back and knees
built to last made in the USA complete kit with everything you need |
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| Schiller Grounds Care Mantis 7940
|
Soft, Sure-Grip Handles
10″ Tilling Depth Fold-down handles Compact Design. Uniquely designed curvy tines |
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| Black & Decker LGC120 20-Volt
|
Powerful motor
Adjustable handle and telescoping tube Soft grip handle provides added comfort Push start button |
GET IT ON AMAZON |
Sun Joe TJ603E Electric Tiller
The TJ603E helps tame gardens but doesn’t have all the bells and whistles of some gas or battery-powered models. It’s a great backyard tiller/cultivator. But, keep in mind, you’ll need extension cords to get to some areas and need to have access to electricity to keep the tiller going.
| NAMES | FEATURES |
| Environmentally-friendly | The maximum extension cord length is 100ft. |
| Easy to store | Corded |
| Collapsible handle | |
| Push-button start |
Earthwise Corded Electric Tiller TC70001
This machine is a must-have if you want to keep your garden well maintained and pretty. It completes your garden tool collection and will reduce the amount of energy and effort you usually have to put in while gardening.
Since it is slim, you can easily store it in your garage or store room without re-adjusting other items. You can use to plant your garden area and make it eye-catching.
Apart from its sleek look and appealing design, this electric cultivator and tiller offer you a quality performance you would simply find amazing.
| PROS | CONS |
| Easy assembly | Safety switch and start switch are harder to handle |
| Single lever switch and a soft grip | Not good for heavy-duty work. |
| General one pass cultivation. | Easily tangled in vines. |
| Four adjustable steel tines. |
Mantis Electric Tiller 7250-00-03
You’ll garden faster and easier than you ever dreamed possible! Easy to start, quiet, and with no fuel required, the Mantis electric tiller weighs only 21 pounds. It’s one of the lightest small tillers you can buy. Featuring a premium 3-speed, 540-watt motor, this lightweight powerhouse is tough enough to till through sod and compacted dirt, but is easy to carry, easy to start and easy to use. The 3-Speed operation allows you to set the tiller for digging, weeding, or cultivating!
| PROS | CONS |
| Lightweight and can be used in tight spaces | Not good with wet soil |
| Instant start | Hard to handle |
| Three-speed 540-watt powerful motor | No wheels |
| Double-insulated motor for less vibration |
Greenworks Corded Tiller 27072
This Greenworks tiller is recommended for small yards. It will dig into the soil to get rid of grass in intended areas and is perfect for small gardens. It is corded, which can be problematic if the cords get in the way. But if you can manage to keep cords out of the way, it’s a great yard machine for casual gardeners.
| PROS | CONS |
| Unlimited run time | Some assembly required |
| Handle folds down | Assembly instructions are poor |
| Easy to store | Corded |
| No tools needed for assembly | |
| Push-button start |
Black + Decker Garden Cultivator/Tiller LGC120AM
The Black + Decker tiller is the number 5 pick and the first cordless upright tiller on our list. This is going to be a good choice for light garden work with pre-prepared soil. It has a 20-volt lithium-ion battery that will run for about 30 to 45 minutes of continuous use (approx 325 sqft per charge). Although, the battery does take about 8 hours to fully charge.
The LGC120 weighs about 8 lbs and will keep stress off of your back. It also has an adjustable handle and telescope tube for ease of use. The counter-oscillating tines keep weeds and vines from getting tangled. That being said, it is meant for light soil only. It will become jammed with clay or packed dirt.
| PROS | CONS |
| Works in small areas | Lack of depth |
| Better for the environment with the lithium-ion battery. | Short battery life |
| Cordless | |
| Counter-oscillating tines to prevent tangles | |
| Adjustable handle and telescope tube |
Earthwise Cordless Electric Tiller/Cultivator TC70040
The Earthwise TC70040 Cordless Electric Tiller/Cultivator is the battery-powered member of the TC7 family of electric tillers and cultivators. It has a maximum cutting width of 11”—the median in the family.
| PROS | CONS |
| 8” Tilling Depth | The battery takes 2 hours to fully charge |
| Portable and Lightweight | The battery does not have a fan for cooling |
| Adjustable Tilling Width (7” to 11”) |
Powerworks 60V Brushless Tiller
The Powerworks 60V tiller is unique because it has a brushless motor! What does that mean? It means that the motor itself has less moving parts. You’re probably wondering why that’s a big deal. The Powerworks 60V tiller is great for gardeners that have tight areas to clean up and soft ground to till. It works best in areas that are free of grass. It will dig into the compacted ground with weeds and small stones, but it will take a bit more muscle and time.
| PROS | CONS |
| Easy to store | Additional batteries are expensive |
| Compact handles | The battery lasts for about one hour before needing to be recharged |
| High-efficiency tiller | Jumps around a bit on hard-packed soil |
| Battery-operated | |
| Push-button start |
Drill Till 3-Tools-in-1
The Drill Till™ digs holes removes weeds down to the root and aerates soil or composts. Simply connect the Drill Till™ to your cordless drill and you’re ready to dig, plant, remove weeds, and aerate your garden. It’s that easy.
| PROS | CONS |
| durable design and construction | Does not operate on rocky soil |
| Triple user functionality | Requires Power Drill to operate |
| The ideal machine for beginner gardeners | Not suitable for deep tilling |
| Suitable for use in all size gardens |
Schiller Grounds Care Mantis 7940
This small tiller has a sleek design and soft, Sure-Grip handles. Ergonomically flared for fatigue-free operation the new grips feature a flush-mounted throttle, palm-controlled switch, and infinite speed control for ease-of-operation.
| PROS | CONS |
| Ideal for large lawns and landscaping contractors | Loud |
| Gas-powered machine | A heavy machine that increases operator fatigue |
| Impressive 10-inch cutting depth | |
| User-friendly operation |
Black & Decker LGC120 20-Volt
Whether you would want to prepare a new seedbed, weed, or cultivate existing garden beds, this model is up to the project. This powerful cultivator allows it to break the soil faster, allowing the plants to get the nutrients, water, and air. This unit is also a great choice to break the hardpans as it has adjustable depth. The tiller also comes with a telescoping shaft that assists you to customize your preferred height. Also, this model also features an ergonomic design that reduces the user’s fatigue.
| PROS | CONS |
| Dual-function tiller and cultivator | Low cutting depth |
| Covers up to 25-square feet on one battery cycle | Not a good choice for rocky terrain |
| 2-year warranty | Batteries make this unit heavy |
| Affordable | |
| User-friendly operation | |
| Cordless operation |
CONCLUSION
If your lawn needs help, then aerate it with the help of a garden tiller. A tiller will ensure that your lawn has the aeration and drainage it needs to thrive in the coming growing season.
If you find yourself struggling to decide on the models in this review, then you can rely on our top choices for guidance in your purchase decision. All of the models in this review are from leading manufacturers.
Choose your tiller based on your garden’s requirements and your gardening needs. With one of these tools in your garden shed, you can keep your lawn looking luscious all-year-round.