Best Tillers for Breaking New Ground

Disclaimer: All claims are strictly my personal opinion. As an Amazon Associate, I may earn from qualifying purchases.

Only the gardeners know how much it takes to make a lawn perfect and Eden-like. You can’t plant new seeds until the soil is well-prepared.

If you’re intimidated by loosening or aerating the soil with a shovel and rake manually, go and grab the best tiller for breaking new ground to save your time and energy.

A tiller is a valuable gardening tool that makes the cultivation of new seeds much easier than you might have thought.

If you haven’t tried the one or are overwhelmed by an ocean of choices out there in the market, we’re here to save you from the hassle.

Choosing the best tiller might be crushing until you don’t go over reading our reviews of the best tillers.

We have also shared a helpful buying guide to help you decide on the right fit for your gardening needs.


QUICK PICKS

Here are my recommended products picked out through amazon you would be interested in depending on your budget…

SaleBEST PICK
Greenworks 8 Amp 10-Inch Corded Tiller, 27072
Greenworks 8 Amp 10-Inch Corded Tiller, 27072
(4) 8 inch forward rotating tines for highest performance when digging into earth; Handle folds down for simple and convenient storage and transportation
SaleBest Value
Earthwise TC70001 11-Inch 8.5-Amp Corded Electric...
Earthwise TC70001 11-Inch 8.5-Amp Corded Electric...
Corded electric tiller ideal for small to medium-sized gardens; 4 tine cultivator long handle that can cultivate and till up to 11" wide and 8" deep
BEST BUDGET
Sun Joe TJ603E 16-Inch 12-Amp Electric Tiller and Cultivator...
Sun Joe TJ603E 16-Inch 12-Amp Electric Tiller and Cultivator...
[DURABLE]: 6 Steel angled tines for maximum durability and performance; [EASY STORAGE]: Handle folds for convenient storage and easy transport

7 Best Tillers for Breaking New Ground Reviews

Here is my list of the Best Tillers for Breaking New Ground in 2021;

1. Sun Joe TJ603E Electric Tiller and Cultivator

  • Power source: corded-electric
  • Motor: 12 amp
  • Weight: 27.1 Pounds
  • No. of tines: 6
  • Cultivation width: 16 inches
  • Cultivation depth: 8 inches

See at Amazon!

What we Like!
  • Collapsible handles for easy storage.
  • Fast, deep, and wide tilling.
  • Solid construction.
  • Zero maintenance.
  • Adjustable wheel height.
  • eco-friendly
Things to Consider!
  • Cord may get in your way.

Overview

Look no further than this mini tiller that is virtually a steal to pierce the hardest beds with its 12-amp motor. Being an electric tiller, it creates no fumes or gases to pollute the air.

The best feature is its 6 tines that can effectively penetrate through 16 inches wide and 8 inches deep into the ground.

Having a 16 inches wide footprint, it can tillage at a speed of 240 RPM of your garden to save you a lot of time.

Another great thing? It starts instantly with a press of a button. Without breaking the bank and sweat, this tiller is a decent choice for any gardener who wants to avoid experiencing bumping during tillage. Thanks to its lightweight design.

Storage also comes like a breeze since it comes with a folded handle design.

Ultimately, its steel construction makes it a durable machine that can serve you season after season.

The only thing that needs attention is the corded design that may cause a user to trip over it or cut under its tines. So take care of it while performing tillage.


2. Sun Joe TJ604E  Electric Garden Tiller/Cultivator

  • Power source: corded-electric
  • Motor: 13.5 amp
  • Weight: 27.8 Pounds
  • No. of tines: 6
  • Cultivation width: 16 inches
  • Cultivation depth: 8 inches

See at Amazon!

What we Like!
  • Powerful tillage performance.
  • Reliable with a 2-year warranty.
  • Convenient storage.
  • Easy-to-use.
  • 3 adjustable height settings for wheels.
Things to Consider!
  • Comparatively noisier.

Overview

The TJ406E is a big brother to the TJ603E version. However, both share many features but are unique in their ways.

TJ406E boasts a more powerful 13.5Amp motor that can tear through the soil more effortlessly than a 12-amp TJ403E tiller.

Both bear the same number of tines to make holes in the grounds. With its 6 tines, the TJ406E can run a bit faster than the TJ403E version.

This is because its powerful motor rotates these 6 tines at 370 revolutions per minute to perform tillage.

If you’re expecting to control this machine, this is a bit harder to maneuver since you would have to almost drag yourself along with it with a higher rotational speed.

But don’t panic! You can adjust its rear wheels to 3 different height settings to make maneuvering easier.

That’s not enough! This version is a bit pricier, but its superior performance is worth some extra bucks you would spend on it.

Weighing under 30 pounds, this machine is easy to store. By pushing its electric button, you can instantly set it to go. For breaking new grounds, this is worth buying.


3. Greenworks Corded Tiller and Cultivator

  • Power Source: corded
  • Weight: 29.3 Pounds
  • Motor: 8 Amp
  • No. of tines: 4
  • Cultivation width: up to 10 inches
  • Cultivation depth: up to 5 inches

See at Amazon!

What we Like!
  • Adjustable cutting swath.
  • Cord lock.
  • Tabular handle.
  • UL and CSA certified.
  • Value for the price.
Things to Consider!
  • gets overheated.

Overview

For totally unworked soil, this tiller will let you prepare the soil for the upcoming planting season.

Corded electrically, this machine features an 8Amp motor that rotates at the speed of 150 RPM to dig through the toughest of the soil.

Its 4 8-inches tines rotate in a forward direction to work through the hardened soil and the toughest weeds.

Along with this, you can adjust the tines to dig up to 5 inches deep into new ground. Further to this, it allows you to work through 8.25 to 10 inches wide and straight to prepare the ground to meet specific sowing needs.

Its storage is a cinch since it bears an adjustable handlebar that is removable, too, for saving you a lot of space.

Unlike a gas-powered tiller, it also never breaks your back when maneuvering. Its slim and lightweight design makes it easy to maneuver through your lawn.

Backed up with a 3-year warranty, this tiller is available at an affordable price and requires no need to cut down on your grocery expenses.


4. Earthwise TC70125 Corded Electric Tiller

  • Power Source: corded-electric
  • Weight: 30 Pounds.
  • Motor: 12.5 Amp
  • No. of tines: 4
  • Cultivation width: 16″
  • Cultivation depth: 8″

See at Amazon!

What we Like!
  • No carbon footprint.
  • Soft grip handle.
  • Easy assembling.
  • Instantly starts.
  • Cord retention hook.
Things to Consider!
  • Doesn’t go well in the forward direction.

Overview

This tiller is a workhorse that can pull out the stones beneath your yard’s grass with a breeze. For digging through the toughest weeds, this one would excellently mush up your yard’s soil for planting new flowers.

This owes to its 12.5 amp motor that is powerful when working through the soil.

This rototiller, a top-tier machine, can go through the dirt to prepare an ideal sowing bed for planting new seeds.

It will get down straight into the soil 16″ wide and 8″ deep. Not only a powerful tiller, but it also tills in a fraction of time.

Unlike a standard tiller that starts with a push of an electric button, it comes with a single lever switch for a quick and hassle-free startup.

Since it is electrically powered, it is also a planet-friendly tool. No fumes, ear-piercing noise, gases, or even no maintenance make this tiller a versatile tilling machine.

This cultivator is also impressive because it features an ergonomic handle for easy maneuvering along your yard. With a foldable design, this cultivator is a heartthrob of gardeners.


5. Earthwise TC70001 Electric Tiller & Cultivator

  • Power source: electric-corded
  • Motor: 8.5 Amp
  • Weight: 27.4 pounds
  • No. of tines: 4
  • Cultivation width: 11 inches
  • Cultivation depth: 8 inches

See at Amazon!

What we Like!
  • Sturdy and well-made.
  • Great performance.
  • Reasonably priced.
  • Dig nicely.
  • Ergonomic design.
  • Lightweight and portable.
Things to Consider!
  • Not for wet soil.
  • Small cord.

Overview

This tiller is the least expensive so far, yet it can deliver high-quality performance for tiling an average-size garden.

Whether you want to make flower beds, or want to prepare the grass, or loosening the soil is your prime objective, its 8.5-amp motor will save your back, and that too, without burning.

The efficiency of this cultivator is the result of its strong blades and tines that can dig 11 inches wide and 8 inches deep into the soil.

To make this tiller a planet-conscious product, the company has powered it up electrically.

Unlike gas-powered cultivators and tillers that are not only hard to drag but also create a lot of gases and emissions, this one is a pure and eco-friendly option.

The best part of this tiller is its lightweight and sleek design for saving you a lot of space when it comes to its storage.

Bear in mind that this tiller comes with a short cord, so you need to buy an additional long cord extension for tiling a bigger lawn area.

But for this price range, this tiler is rated fairly well and is popular among gardeners for its efficiency.


6. Sun Joe TJ603E Electric Tiller and Cultivator

  • Power source: corded-electric
  • Weight: 27.1 Pounds
  • Motor: 12-Amp
  • No. of tines: 6
  • Cultivation width: 16 inches
  • Cultivation depth: 8 inches

See at Amazon!

What we Like!
  • Gets the job done nicely.
  • Ergonomic features.
  • Comparatively quieter.
  • Portable
  • Lightweight yet powerful
Things to Consider!
  • The wheels may break off sooner.

Overview

If you’re hunting for a tiller that can till smoothly and efficiently, this one comes in handy. Rotating at the speed of 340 RPM, its 12-amp motor will slice through the toughest of soil.

Like Sun JOE’s other tillers, it also makes holes into new grounds 6 inches wide and 8 inches deep. Equipped with 6 durable steel angled tines, it will get the job done within seconds.

You would also not ignore how lightweight this machine is. And being sleek and compact causes you no strain on your muscles when maneuvering around your yard.

So you can go on endlessly without being worried about having backache or shoulder ache once you’re done with tiling.

Like other reviewed tillers of Sun Joe, this one is easy to use and quick to start. Just by pressing an electric button, it is ready to get going.

That’s not all! It allows you to cruise through the vines without being failed. There are scarce chances to stop working or run a little slow due to clogged blades.

The unique blade design is there to prevent such nasty occurrences.


7. Earthquake 31635 MC33 Mini Tiller Cultivator

BEST TILLERS FOR BREAKING NEW GROUND REVIEWS

  • Power source: gas-powered
  • Engine: 33 cc Viper engine
  • Weight: 33 Pounds
  • Cultivation width: adjustable 6-10 inches
  • Warranty: 5 years

See at Amazon!

What we Like!
  • Multipurpose tool.
  • Portable design.
  • Excellent maneuverability.
  • Counter rotation.
  • Saves time.
Things to Consider!
  • Mediocre wheels.

Overview

This machine is rated far above many electric-corded tillers for its higher performance and better efficiency.

This gas-powered tiller-cum-cultivator is an all-rounder that can mix, weed, and aerate your small garden with its versatile and powerful 2-cycle Viper engine.

It bears a practical design that allows you to stow it away with a real breeze. Lightweight and compact yet powerful enough to drag through the hardest of the soil.

Another welcome feature is its capability of rotating in the reverse and forward direction. This not only makes it highly versatile, but it also becomes pretty easier to maneuver around soft and delicate plants.

The best part is its removable tines that you can use for working through 10″ wide areas. Not only this, but you can also cultivate it 6 inches wide if you want to weed around plants.

The machine is easy to assemble, durable, and reliable, too. All of its components are fairly well-made and owe a 5-years limited warranty at its back end.

Storage is also hassle-free since it bears removable handlebars for compact storage.


Buying guide for Cultivating Tiller

We think that these above-mentioned 7 products are the best tillers for new grounds. All of these are different from one another in one way or another. Purchasing a tiller can be quite overwhelming if you don’t possess detailed knowledge.

Therefore we have compiled this useful buying guide to decide which product is the perfect fit for a hardened and untreated new ground.

So have a read on.

What does a tiller do?

It’s a tool that helps you break up the ground for preparing flower beds or planting new seeds. By loosening the soil, it mixes the dirt fairly well. For cultivating grounds, a tiller is the most dependable and budget-friendly option.

What are the key features to look for in a tiller?

The first decision that requires your attention is knowing the types of tillers. Most people confuse the term tiller with a cultivator, but both serve with a different notion. The cultivator allows you to stir the soil, whereas a tiller is just perfect for breaking new ground with a little effort on your part.

The common types of tillers are:

Front-tine Tiller

For tiling narrower rows, a front-tine tiller is what you need. In this type, the two tines are located in front of the wheels. Much like a cultivator, this type of tiller allows you to dig through the soil for mixing it up fairly well.

But for breaking new grounds, this one poses some limitations.

Rear-tine tiller

In this type, the tines are located at the rear of the wheels. For breaking new grounds, a rear-tine tiller is what you exactly need. The unique design allows you to plow through your garden extremely well. This tiller is also better than a front-tine tiller as it can rotate the tines in a forward or counter direction for performing tillage effectively.

Power

Tillers are electrically powered or are gas-powered. A gas-powered tiller will get the job done effortlessly for working through the hardest soil and bigger gardens. But gas-powered tillers are not eco-friendly as they cause environmental pollution by emitting fumes and gases.

On the opposite side, an electric-powered tiller is planet-friendly, and for aeration, they are inferior to a standard gas-powered tiller. If you want to lessen the carbon footprint, they are a better option to consider. But bear in mind, they are not as powerful as gas-powered tillers are.

Garden Size

It is also mandatory to know your garden size before you buy a tiller. If your backyard is small and of mid-size, a rear-tine tiller is your savior.

But for breaking new grounds of bigger yards, your best bet should be a gas-powered garden tiller. Put in simpler words, for bigger and commercial tiling and soiling applications, a powerful and bigger machine is your go-to. In contrast, for smaller lawns and for simply loosening the soil to prepare flower beds, you should consider buying a sleek yet powerful rear-tine tiller.

Motor

The motor is the heart of your machine. With a powerful motor that spins at a higher RPM speed, you can make holes in no time and improve efficiency.

If your soil is loose and soft, you can dig it up well with a less powerful motor, while for plowing through the hardest and rockiest soil, a tiller with a higher motor power needs your consideration.

Cutting Swath

Meanwhile, it would help if you also looked for the cutting swath of your tiller. Typically, a tiller allows you to dig deep and wide into the soil. So a higher cutting swath means deeper and wider you can break new grounds to prepare them for planting and sowing.

Storage

The design of the tiller also needs your look. With an ergonomic handlebar, you can maneuver your machine effortlessly around your garden. A tiller with less weight and a collapsible handle makes storage a piece of cake.

Maintenance

Every tool requires less or more maintenance. A gas-powered tiller requires proper maintenance as you should change its oil and air filter periodically to stay it last for longer.

On the contrary, an electric-powered tiller almost requires no maintenance.

Affordability

The price of a tiller is another important consideration that you would definitely consider before buying the right model for you. Tillers can cost you from some hundred dollars to some thousand dollars.

Your tiling needs, garden size, soil type, and brand choice determine the affordability of your pocket. So, evaluate all your needs first before picking up the right tiller for your garden.

Final Verdict

Breaking new grounds to prepare them for planting at the onset of summers would become pretty easier with a tiller. So if you’re frustrated to dig through the soil manually, consider buying a tiller to get the job done for you while saving you time and energy.

Get your best match from our list now to experience the difference.

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You may also love to read these my reviews and the buying guides…


People Also Asked for Cultivated Tiller

Here are a few questions that people used to ask about tillers for breaking new ground;

What are the Best Tillers for Breaking New Ground?

Here is my list of the Best Tillers for Breaking New Ground in 2021;

  1. Sun Joe TJ603E Electric Tiller and Cultivator
  2. Sun Joe TJ604E  Electric Garden Tiller
  3. Greenworks Corded Tiller and Cultivator
  4. Earthwise TC70125 Corded Electric Tiller
  5. Earthwise TC70001 Electric Tiller & Cultivator
  6. Sun Joe TJ603E Electric Tiller and Cultivator
  7. Earthquake 31635 MC33 Mini Tiller Cultivator

Can a tiller cut through rocks?

It’s not advisable to use a tiller to cut through rocks since it can damage your machine. But a rototiller breaks up the soil slowly and may cut through stones and small rocks without damaging your tiller’s tines. But be careful.

Is it safe to plant immediately after tilling?

Don’t plant right away after tilling. Give one or two days to the soil for better nourishment, and then start planting.

Is tilling bad for soil?

By exposing the soil to air and sunlight, tilling destroys the natural structure of the soil. It also decreases the capacity of moisture retention.

When should I till my garden?

Every farmer has his preferences; some gardeners till fall, whereas others do it at the onset of spring.

Which is better? Tilling on wet soil or tilling on dry soil?

It is highly recommended to till on semi-wet soil. Tilling on wet soils causes compaction. Let the soil get dried with no moisture in the lower layers of the bed.

David Houghton
Latest posts by David Houghton (see all)

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