Small Tillers
Power tillers come in all sizes, and whether you measure them by their weight, their horsepower, or their tilling width or depth, the range is a rather large one.
For convenience, and some sense of order, I’ve arbitrarily sorted power tillers into three categories – small, medium, and large.
Small tillers, sometimes called “mini-tillers” by garden writers and others, are lightweight tillers in the 20 to 30 pound range. Most are powered by small, compact 2-cycle or 4-cycle engines, although there are a couple of electric tillers in this category as well.
As you would expect, small tillers are best suited for small gardens, or for small tilling projects in large gardens. Of course, you could till a very large garden with a small tiller, but it would take you longer than using a larger tiller.
Popular Small Size Tiller Brands |
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Advantages of Small Tillers
As noted above, small tillers are lighter and easier to handle. Most can actually be carried to the garden. They’re easy to load into a car trunk, which makes them ideal for people who have a community garden plot, a weekend house in the country, or who want to do some charitable tilling for a friend or relative.
Small tillers are great for tilling or cultivating in small places, like between rows of corn or beans, or near tomato plants, bushes, or flowers. (Click Here for a brief description of “tilling” vs. “cultivating”).
Small tillers require less storage space in the garage or shed.
Many small tillers have handy optional attachments which can be very useful for specific gardening or lawn chores.
Since most small tillers are powered by smaller gasoline engines or electric motors and the manufacturing process requires less material and labor, they tend to be on the less expensive end of the cost spectrum, as well.
Disadvantages of Small Tillers
The major disadvantage of small tillers is that they are not designed to till very large gardens.
Some small tillers do not have the power or the proper tine design for breaking sod or very hard or rocky soil when creating a new garden space. (Click Here for a brief description of tiller tine design).
Some small tillers (those powered by 2-cycle engines) require you to use a mixture of 2-cycle oil and gasoline in the fuel tank, a minor inconvenience if you don’t already have a 2-cycle tool (such as a line trimmer or chainsaw) or if you don’t like messing with fuel. The oil in the mixture lubricates the engine parts, because 2-cycle engines don’t have a separate oil reservoir like your car. So, you never have to add or check the oil level (there isn’t one)! However, if you accidentally use straight or pure gasoline, without adding oil, the 2-cycle engine will quickly seize up and may be ruined beyond repair. At the very least, your tilling will cease for that day!
Gas or Electric?
The small or mini-tiller category can be further defined according to the power source namely, gas engines or electric motors.
Gasoline powered tillers are more versatile because you can take them virtually anywhere. They’re also noisier and emit carbon with their exhaust, albeit a very small amount when compared to automobiles and most other outdoor power equipment. Most gasoline powered mini-tillers require you to pull a starter cord, which can be a concern for some gardeners. (Note that a few gasoline powered tillers do have electric starters; some are built in, while some are optional).
Electric tillers are a little less versatile, because you need to be near an electrical outlet (or generator). When using an outlet, your garden should be within 100 feet of the outlet, and you’ll need a heavy gage outdoor extension cord to avoid a loss of power (known as “line loss”). You need to deal with the cord, as well, but this is generally not a major concern. However, electric tillers are very quiet (assuming that you’re not using a generator to provide the electricity), so you can use them without any real concern of disturbing your neighbors. Moreover, electric mini-tillers start with the push of a button, or the flip of a switch, so they’re ideal for folks who have trouble starting some gasoline engines. If you’re an early morning gardener, and have neighbors nearby, an electric tiller might be just the thing for you.
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The Mantis Tiller features a compact design that allows it to maneuver in a narrow area such as between rows in crop gardens. It has handle grips to ensure comfort and control while operating and can easily fold down for storage even in tight spaces. (More...)
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Since 1986 Hoffco Industries are committed to helping people cultivate their garden with ease. It has several easy to install attachments that transform the tiller into a multi-purpose machine. (More...)
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The STIHL MM 55 YARD BOSS is an efficient and effective front tine tiller that is as versatile in design as it is powerful in performance. (More...)
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The Honda tiller features an engine that is renown for its rugged dependability. (More...)
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*All Yard Machines tillers come standard with adjustable depth bars and a 2-year limited warranty. (More...)
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The troy Bilt tiller has forward rotating tines, with a cast-iron transmission and bronze gear drive. Some of their tillers with a 2-year limited manufacturer’s warranty as well as a limited lifetime transmission warranty.(More...)
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*The range of tillers includes everything from smaller, easy-to-operate machines for small gardens to large machines for more demanding tasks. Husqvarna's rear fine tillers are known for their durable construction and abundant features that make it easier to prepare soil for planting.
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The Craftsman tillers are one of the most well known brands of tillers to go for since they are a Sears sponsored product. (More...)
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*The Power Boost Vortex ™ engine with Pro-Fire® electronic ignition, plus purge pump-equipped all position carburetor for quick easy, starts. (More)
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The Ardisam Earthquake tillers provides incredible maneuverability. The Earthquake also is made of cast iron for ultimate durability (the added weight also provides better handling). (More...)
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*The Tiny Tiller by MacKissic is a tough little tiller. The Tiny Tiller has bolo tines which makes it more like a traditional tiller then a cultivator. (More)
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*Get rid of the mess that gas tillers make by buying the new Remington electric tiller. (More)
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