Rear tine tillers are an essential tool for any gardener looking to cultivate a large area of land. When it comes to choosing the best rear tine tillers, there are several factors to consider.
The size of the tiller is one critical thing to keep in mind, as larger machines are better suited for larger plots of land. The type of soil you’re working with is another critical factor, as some tillers are better suited for harder or softer soil types.
However, the most crucial thing to consider when choosing a rear tine tiller is the quality of the machine. A high-quality tiller will be durable, efficient, and easy to use, making it an excellent investment for any gardener.
These machines are designed to break up hard soil and prepare it for planting, making them a valuable asset for anyone who wants to grow their own fruits and vegetables.
We spent countless hours researching and testing ten of the best rear tine tillers on the market to identify the ones that offer the best value for money.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at our top picks and explain what sets them apart from the competition.
Best Rear Tine Tillers
We understand that choosing the right tiller can be a daunting task, especially when there are so many options available in the market.
To make things easier for you, we have researched and tested various rear tine tillers to bring you a list of the best ones out there. Our team of experts has considered factors such as power, durability, ease of use, and affordability to ensure that you get the best value for your money.
So, without further ado, here are our top picks for the best rear tine tillers.
1. EARTHQUAKE Pioneer Dual Direction Rear Tine Tiller
If you’re in the market for a rear tine tiller, the EARTHQUAKE Pioneer Dual Direction Rear Tine Tiller is definitely worth considering.
Pros
- The dual-direction feature allows you to operate in CRT mode to bust sod and till tough soils, then shift to SRT mode to create a smooth seed bed for planting.
- The frustration-free shifting system allows you to easily find the drive mode you want by simply sliding the shift handle into your preferred mode on the locator plate.
- The Pioneer uses a lighter and quieter 99cc Viper engine that is right-sized for the job, reducing the weight and offering a smoother, less noisy, and more balanced experience during operation.
Cons
- The Pioneer is on the pricier side compared to other rear tine tillers on the market.
- The tiller is relatively heavy, which can make it difficult to maneuver for some users.
- The tiller’s compact size may make it less efficient for larger gardens or farms.
We recently had the opportunity to test out the EARTHQUAKE Pioneer Dual Direction Rear Tine Tiller, and we were quite impressed with its performance.
The dual-direction feature allows for more efficient tilling, and the frustration-free shifting system makes it easy to switch between modes.
The Pioneer’s compact size makes it highly maneuverable, allowing for easy navigation in tight growing spaces. We also appreciated the airless wheels, which provided excellent traction and never went flat.
The tiller’s 99cc Viper engine is lighter and quieter than many other rear tine tillers on the market, making it a more pleasant experience overall. However, the tiller is still relatively heavy, which can make it difficult to move around for some users.
Overall, we would definitely recommend the EARTHQUAKE Pioneer Dual Direction Rear Tine Tiller to anyone in the market for a high-quality, efficient tiller. Its dual-direction feature, frustration-free shifting, and compact size make it a great choice for most gardeners.
You might also be interested in checking out the article on the best electric rototillers.
2. Champion Power Equipment 19-Inch Dual Rotating Rear Tine Tiller
If you’re looking for a powerful and efficient rear tine tiller, the Champion Power Equipment 19-Inch Dual Rotating Rear Tine Tiller with Self-Propelled Agricultural Tires is definitely worth considering.
Pros
- With a 19-inch tilling width and an 8-inch tilling depth, this tiller is versatile and perfect for tackling large plots of ground with the least amount of effort.
- The cast iron, gear-driven transmission is housed in a heavy-duty cast-iron case and powered by a 212cc engine, making it powerful enough to handle even the toughest soil conditions with ease.
- The 13-inch self-propelled agricultural tires provide excellent traction, and since they are self-propelled, you only need to guide the tiller while it muscles through tough terrain.
Cons
- At 160.9 pounds, this tiller is quite heavy and may be difficult to maneuver for some users.
- Some users have reported that the assembly process can be a bit time-consuming and challenging.
- The tiller is quite loud, which may be an issue for some users who live in noise-restricted areas.
We’ve used this tiller for a few months on some of the toughest earth we’ve seen. Besides the clay soil we needed to work through, the earth was filled with rocks and roots. This machine did a great job of breaking up the soil and making it ready for planting.
The counter-rotating tines and dual-rotation tilling make it easy to switch from forward to reverse for more flexibility in the garden.
The adjustable tilling width makes it easy to till narrow spaces or wide rows, and the easy-adjust depth gauge runs behind the tiller, allowing us to work at a consistent depth and providing additional balance in different conditions.
We also appreciate the low oil shut-off sensor, which adds an extra layer of protection to the engine.
Overall, if you’re serious about long-term performance and durability, the Champion Power Equipment 19-Inch Dual Rotating Rear Tine Tiller is an excellent choice.
With its powerful engine, efficient tilling, and self-propelled tires, this tiller will make tilling your garden a breeze (find out the best electric garden tiller).
3. EARTHQUAKE Victory Rear Tine Tiller
If you’re looking for a powerful and durable rear tine tiller, the EARTHQUAKE Victory Rear Tine Tiller might just be the one for you.
Pros
- The 209cc Viper Engine delivers incredible power in a compact frame, making it easy to handle without sacrificing performance.
- The instant reverse feature allows for easy backing up without the need for shifting.
- Its compact frame and balanced weight distribution make it highly maneuverable, allowing for fluid navigation in tight growing spaces.
Cons
- The tiller is quite heavy, weighing almost 170 pounds.
- Some users have reported issues with the drive pulley spring snapping.
- The drive belt may need to be adjusted upon receiving the tiller.
We found the EARTHQUAKE Victory Rear Tine Tiller to be a reliable and powerful machine, making quick work of even the toughest soil.
The counter-rotating tines and instant reverse feature make it easy to till in any direction, while the adjustable handlebars ensure an ergonomic experience for the user.
One thing to keep in mind is that the tiller is quite heavy, so it may not be the best option for those who need to move it frequently. Additionally, some users have reported issues with the drive pulley spring snapping, although this seems to be a rare occurrence.
Overall, if you’re in need of a powerful and durable rear tine tiller that can handle tough soil and tight spaces, the EARTHQUAKE Victory Rear Tine Tiller is definitely worth considering.
4. EARTHQUAKE Pioneer Dual Direction Rear Tine Tiller
If you’re looking for a rear tine tiller that is easy to maneuver and provides excellent traction, the EARTHQUAKE Pioneer is a great option.
Pros
- Dual-direction tilling for breaking sod and creating a smooth seed bed.
- Instant reverse for easy maneuvering.
- Compact design and dual-grip handlebars for one-handed operation.
Cons
- May struggle with large or tough roots.
- No side shields to prevent tilled soil from coming onto unplowed areas.
- May not be ideal for larger gardens.
We found the EARTHQUAKE Pioneer to be a reliable and efficient tiller, especially when it came to maneuvering in tight spaces.
The dual-direction tilling was a huge plus as it allowed us to break up tough soil and create a smooth seed bed with ease. The instant reverse feature was also a game-changer, making it easy to maneuver the tiller without having to shift gears.
One downside we noticed was that the tiller struggled with larger or tougher roots, which could slow down the tilling process. Additionally, there were no side shields to prevent tilled soil from coming onto unplowed areas, which could be a minor inconvenience.
Lastly, while the Pioneer is a great option for smaller to medium-sized gardens, it may not be ideal for larger gardens (find out the best small cultivator).
Overall, the EARTHQUAKE Pioneer is a great rear tine tiller for those looking for a reliable and efficient option that is easy to maneuver. With its compact design and dual-grip handlebars, it’s perfect for one-handed operation and navigating tight spaces.
Plus, with a 5-year warranty and US-based service and support, you can feel confident in your purchase.
5. Earthquake Versa Front Tine Tiller
If you’re looking for a versatile garden tool that can handle both tilling and cultivating, the Earthquake Versa Front Tine Tiller is a great option.
With a high-performance 99cc Viper engine and a design that delivers the right amount of power to turn all kinds of soil, this tiller is perfect for preparing wide open spaces of land in the spring, maintaining rows in the summer, and doing major cleanup in the fall.
Pros
- The tool-less removal of outer tines and shields quickly turns Versa from a tiller into a cultivator, making it a versatile option for your garden needs.
- With easy maneuverability, Versa is light enough to turn on a dime with effortless control, making it easy to use even for beginners.
- The lowest center of gravity available in any front tine tiller provides ground-hugging stability, ensuring that the tiller stays upright and doesn’t tip over during use.
Cons
- The assembly can be a little fiddly, but it’s not overly complicated and can be done with one person easily.
- The 99cc engine is a little underpowered for larger gardens or harder soil types.
- The assembly manual is not very helpful, so it may take some extra time and effort to put the tiller together correctly.
We recently had the opportunity to use the Earthquake Versa Front Tine Tiller in our own garden, and we were impressed with its performance. The tiller was easy to start, and the smooth pull recoil made it convenient and quiet to use.
We found it to be stable and easy to maneuver, and the ground-hugging stability provided by the lowest center of gravity available in any front tine tiller was a definite plus.
One of the things we loved about the Versa was the tool-less removal of outer tines and shields, which quickly turns it from a tiller into a cultivator (we’ve covered the best electric cultivator before). This made it a versatile option for our garden needs, and we appreciated the convenience of having two garden tools in one.
We also found the tiller to be light enough to turn on a dime with effortless control, which made it easy to use even for beginners.
While we did find the assembly to be a little fiddly, it wasn’t overly complicated and could be done with one person easily. However, we did struggle with the assembly manual, which wasn’t very helpful. It took some extra time and effort to put the tiller together correctly, but once we did, we were pleased with its performance.
Overall, we would definitely recommend the Earthquake Versa Front Tine Tiller to anyone looking for a versatile garden tool that can handle both tilling and cultivating.
With its high-performance engine and stable design, it’s a great option for preparing wide open spaces of land in the spring, maintaining rows in the summer, and doing major cleanup in the fall.
Buying Guide
When it comes to choosing the best rear tine tiller, there are a few key features to consider. Here are some things to keep in mind:
Tine Rotation
There are two types of tine rotation: forward and counter-rotating. Forward rotation is best for breaking up soil that has not been previously tilled, while counter-rotating is better for tougher jobs like breaking up hard, compacted soil.
Consider what type of soil you will be working with and choose the appropriate tine rotation.
Engine Power
The engine power of a rear tine tiller determines how well it can handle tough jobs. Look for a tiller with at least 6 horsepower for larger gardens or tougher jobs. A smaller engine may be sufficient for smaller gardens or lighter jobs.
Tilling Depth
Consider the depth at which you want to till your soil. Most rear tine tillers have an adjustable depth control, but some models may not be able to till as deep as others. Make sure the tiller you choose can reach the desired depth for your gardening needs.
Size and Weight
The size and weight of a rear tine tiller can affect its maneuverability and ease of use. A larger tiller may be more powerful, but it may also be more difficult to maneuver in tight spaces. Consider the size of your garden and any obstacles you may encounter when choosing a tiller.
Warranty and Customer Service
Finally, consider the warranty and customer service offered by the manufacturer. A good warranty can give you peace of mind and protect your investment. Look for a manufacturer that offers a comprehensive warranty and responsive customer service.
By keeping these factors in mind, you can choose the best rear tine tiller for your gardening needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-performing rear tine tillers currently recommended by consumer reports?
According to recent consumer reports, some of the top-performing rear tine tillers include the Troy-Bilt Bronco Axis 208cc, the Husqvarna TR317D, and the Cub Cadet RT65H.
Which rear tine tillers offer the best value for money?
If you’re looking for a rear tine tiller that offers the best value for money, consider the Earthquake Victory 29702, the Southland SRTT212, or the Champion 100380.
For a large garden, which rear tine tillers are considered most effective?
For a large garden, you may want to consider a heavy-duty rear tine tiller such as the Ariens 901028, the Yardmax YT4565, or the Poulan Pro PRRT900.
What are the advantages of using a rear tine tiller over other types?
Rear tine tillers are known for their power and ability to break up tough soil. They are also easier to maneuver than front-tine tillers and can be used to till larger areas more quickly.
Can you suggest any heavy-duty rear tine tillers suitable for rigorous landscaping tasks?
For rigorous landscaping tasks, we recommend the Troy-Bilt Super Bronco XP 208cc, the DR PRO XL575, or the Swisher RTB12544.
What are some of the easiest rear tine tillers to operate for beginners?
If you’re a beginner, you may want to consider a rear tine tiller that is easy to operate such as the Craftsman CMXGVAM1144036, the Powermate PRTT196E, or the Dirty Hand Tools 101571.