There is a lot of debate over what the best type of tiller is. Some people swear by rear tine tillers, while others say that front tine tillers are the way to go. So, which one is really the best?
Well, in our opinion, front tine tillers are definitely the better option. They’re smaller and more lightweight than rear-tine models, making them easier to maneuver around your garden. Plus, they don’t require as much power to operate – which can be important if you have a smaller engine on your tractor or lawnmower.
Front tine tillers also tend to be cheaper than their rear counterparts – so if you’re on a budget, this may be the better option for you. And finally, front-tining machines typically do a better job at breaking up clods and mixing in organic matter into your soil – resulting in healthier plants!
But how do you choose a front tine tiller that will suit your gardening needs? To make your buying journey easy, I’ve rounded up the 5 best front tine tillers and a short buying guide to help you choose the right product.
Best Front-Tine Tiller Reviews
There are so many reasons to buy a front tine tiller. First of all, they’re perfect for small gardens. If you only have a little bit of space to work with, a front-tine tiller is a way to go. They’re also great for breaking up sod and preparing new soil for planting.
Front tine tillers are easy to use and even easier to maintain. All you need is a little bit of oil and your machine will be running like new in no time at all! Not only are they affordable, but they also make gardening a breeze – something that everyone can appreciate!
Sun Joe TJ604E 16-Inch 13.5 AMP Electric Garden Tiller
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If you’re looking for a convenient electric front tine tiller that’s easy to start, this is a great choice. With the Sun Joe TJ604E 16-Inch 13.5 AMP Electric Garden Tiller, you’ll enjoy a quieter operation compared to the noisy gas machine. It has a max speed of 370 RPM and a maximum tilling width of 16 inches. This tiller comes with 6 steel angled tines for maximum performance and durability. Also, it has a foldable handle that saves on space when storing it.
Features
- 13.5 amp motor
- Steel material
- 3-position wheel adjustment
Pros
- High tilling depth
- Easy to store
- Easy to start
Cons
- The tilling width is a bit small
Sun Joe TJ603E 16-Inch 12-Amp Electric Tiller
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The Sun Joe TJ603E 16-Inch 12-Amp Electric Tiller performs more than most gardening enthusiasts would expect. It comes with a powerful motor that can cultivate and till 8 inches deep and 16 inches wide. This front tine tiller has 6 steel angled tines that are built to withstand continuous use and abuse. With this tiller, you don’t have to worry about space since it comes with a collapsible design that can fit in tight spaces.
Features
- 12-amp motor
- 6 steel angled tines
- 3-position wheel adjustment
- Corded electric
Pros
- Powerful motor
- Excellent customer service
- Versatile design
- Instant start
Cons
- It’s a pain to move the power cord
Earthwise TC70016 16-Inch 13.5-Amp Corded Electric Tiller
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Are you looking for a lightweight yet powerful front tine tiller that’s quick and easy to operate? Look no further! The Earthwise TC70016 16-Inch 13.5-Amp Corded Electric Tiller. This electric tiller comes with a powerful 13.5-amp motor that gives you sufficient power when cultivating the soil. It is easy to operate since it starts every time you have a stable power source and stop when necessary.
Features
- 13.5-amp motor
- 6 adjustable tines
- Ergonomic handle
- 16-inch tine length
Pros
- Easy to operate
- Powerful motor
- Comfortable grip
- Affordable
Cons
- Some users reported that they received a package with missing parts
Earthwise TC70125 12.5-Amp 16-Inch Corded Electric Tiller
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This front tine tiller comes with a powerful 12.5 amp motor that makes this machine reliable and durable. The Earthwise TC70125 12.5-Amp 16-Inch Corded Electric Tiller can be easily turned into a cultivator and is equipped with steel tines on the front and operate with a roto-cultivating and roto-tilling technology.
Features
- 12.5-amp motor
- 16-inch cultivator
- Soft ergonomic grip
- 16 cultivating width and 8” cultivating depth
Pros
- Powerful motor
- Easy to start
- Comfortable grip
- Versatile design
Cons
- The corded design limits your range
Earthquake 20015 Versa Front Tine Tiller
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The Earthquake 20015 Versa Front Tine Tiller offers great maneuverability while offering plenty of power. This front tine tiller weighs 85 pounds, making it one of the lightest models on the market. It comes with adjustable tilling width, so you can easily set it at 11, 16, or 21 inches. With this tiller, you can easily remove the outer tines without any tools and convert it from a tiller into a cultivator.
Features
- 11” tilling depth
- 99 cc Viper engine
- 85 pounds
Pros
- 55-year warranty
- Powerful engine
- Easy to maneuver
- Easy to start
Cons
- Weeds may get caught in the blades
What is a Front Tine Tiller?
As the name suggests, a front tine tiller is a tiller with wheels in the back and tines at the front. With this machine, the tines are designed to pull the tiller forward, so you’ve to maintain a solid grip when using it.
Front tine tillers are smaller than the real tine tillers and are ideal for tilling smaller gardens that demand great maneuverability. Since they are less powerful and smaller, these machines are more affordable, making them a favorite choice for most gardening enthusiasts and homeowners.
Precautions When Using a Front Tine Tiller
Modern front tine tillers have been specially designed to be super safe for users. However, you still need to be cautious if you want to reduce the chances of unfortunate accidents occurring.
First, you need to put on protective equipment. Quality safety boots and goggles are a must-have. You should avoid wearing loose-fitting shirts and pants while tilling. Such clothes could get stuck in the tines.
Before you start tilling, you should ensure that the yard is clear. Eliminate any toys that might be left behind and check if your kids and pets are out of your garden. Make sure you remove any pipes or hoses that may be present in the yard.
Ensure you examine the engine, wheels, and blades before you begin tilling so that it doesn’t break down in the middle of your work.
FAQs
How Do I Use a Front Tine Tiller?
You have to start at one corner of your garden and move slowly to the other and throughout the garden. You can also open the throttle to speed up the engine. More speed gives great output, but it might be hard to control if you’re a beginner. For the best results and completion, till from one side to another.
What are the Engine Capacities of a Front Tine Tiller?
A front tine tiller is mostly used to break soft soil when you’re preparing for the planting season. They don’t need high engine capacities but must be powerful enough to handle different ground scales and soil types. The engine capacities of these machines usually lie between 160cc to 205cc. This is a perfect engine capacity for tilling effectively.
Should I Choose only the Well-known Tiller Brands?
Although brand names are crucial since a more established brand means the company has quality products, rejecting newer brands without checking their products may make you eliminate high-quality products.
Are Front Tine Tillers Better than Rear Tine Tillers?
Rear tine tillers have different purposes than front tine tillers because they’re bigger, powerful, and quite expensive. These machines are ideal for huge gardens and professional gardeners.
Buying Guide
Front tine tillers are valuable investments both financially and in the maintenance costs, which is why you should invest in a quality product. I’ve listed a few factors you should be keen on when looking for the best front tine tiller.
Engine Type
Front tine tillers depend on engines to power them through the debris and soil in your garden. You need to be keen on the kind of engine that has been installed in the tiller and determine if it will suit your gardening needs.
Most guys tend to look at the cc rating and choose the one with the highest. Although the engine’s cc rating is crucial, it doesn’t mean that the tiller will work faster. There are other factors that determine the speed of the tiller.
For front tine tiller, you’re likely to choose either 2-cycle or 4-cycle engines. Mostly, 2-cycle engines are easy to start and maintain. The 4-cycle engines have a greater fuel economy. The choice you make will depend on your preferences and needs.
Design and Material of Tines
Tines are among the most crucial parts of a front tine tiller. The best front tine tillers come with twisted, curvy, and self-sharpening tines. The best tines also have an extensive working depth capacity that tills your garden properly and goes deep into the soil. Additionally, look for a product with an adjustable tilling width to help you till narrow and tight rows.
Tilling Capabilities
The best front tine tiller should be able to make all the routine maintenance tasks easy. However, a tiller won’t achieve your desired results if it lacks proper tilling capabilities. A high-quality front tine tiller should have a maximum tilling width of between 12-24 inches.
Power Source
Most front-tine tillers are either electric or gas-powered. For the electric, you can choose either cordless or corded. Both the electric and gas-powered models have their strengths and drawbacks. Ensure that the one you choose has enough power to till the whole garden.
Storage-Friendly
Front tine tillers have to be stored properly if you want them to serve you for long. Some models have extra features that make them easy to store. You should look for a tiller with easy-to-remove tines, foldable handles, and smaller wheels that make it easy to store. You’ll appreciate these features if you have limited space.
Weight
Weight is a crucial consideration when buying a front tine tiller. Although these machines are easy to use, you may have a hard time if you choose a machine that’s too heavy. If you appreciate light machinery, go for front tine tillers that aren’t bulky.
Price
Ultimately, the amount of money you’re willing to spend will determine the product you get. The more advanced features you want, the more you’ll dig deeper in your pockets. Don’t overspend on fancy features that you don’t need.
Conclusion
Since the market is flooded with different front-tine tiller models, it can be challenging to choose one suitable for your needs. Fortunately, all the products I’ve reviewed above have been designed to give the best care and maintenance to your yard. Happy shopping!
