Tilling a medium-to-large-sized property is a lot of work. To avoid the back-breaking process, you will need a tiller that can finish the work quickly to begin planting.
However, picking the suitable one can be tricky with so many types of tillers on the market. But we’re here to help you out with our review of the best rear tine tiller that you can buy with confidence. We’ll also go through what to look for in a tiller to help you choose the best one on the market.
Without further ado, here is our roundup of the 4 best rototiller for rocky soil:
Top Rototiller for Rocky Soil On The Market
1. Husqvarna CRT900L — Best All Around Roto Tiller
The Husqvarna CRT900L is a rigid rear tine tiller that’s excellent for breaking up dirt or turning it over. The tiller has counter-rotating tines, outstanding balance and control, and a Briggs & Stratton engine. It has a torque of 9 lb/ft. Thus, it can cut through densely packed ground that has never been tilled before.
The Husqvarna CRT900L has a nice width for quick gardening. Even though it only goes 6 inches deep, it offers several modest settings. The motor has a lot of torque, and when combined with the counter-rotating tines, the tiller can get through even the toughest dirt, whether traveling backward or forwards.
The tires on this tiller are agricultural-grade, with thick treads that provide a firm hold even in muck. A counterbalance and heavy-tread tires assist the entire machine in maintaining a balanced and steady motion. This is mainly to make you feel safe and secure while using it. With this tiller, you have more options for where you want your garden to be. Plus, you can work even on the muddy ground after the rain.
Pros
- Tires with a lot of treads
- Great balance and control
- Forward and reverse gears
- Great for tough gardening jobs
Cons
- It doesn’t go too deep
2. YARDMAX YT4565 – Easiest to Maintain
Yardmax YT4565 could potentially be the best rear tine tiller on this list. Yardmax has shaken up the industry with this nifty little machine, and it’s hard not to admire it for such valuable features.
Its Briggs & Stratton engine produces 912 ft-lbs of gross torque. Moreover, its tiller blades can spin 190 times per minute to till deep into the surface without any trouble.
What’s more, is that it has seven depth adjustments. Along with that, its 13-inch self-sharpening tines show that they will always be as good as a new one. In such a case, you would not need to put in any additional labor.
It’s also relatively simple to operate and handle, ensuring that your tilling work is completed quickly and efficiently.
Pros
- A self-propelled drive system for enhanced control
- Convenient use and steering through a single-hand operation
- Dual-rotation provides effective cultivation and tilling
Cons
- Handle is non-adjustable
3. Earthquake Pioneer 37037 – Best Roto Tiller For The Money
The Earthquake dual-direction rear tine tiller is a sturdy rear tine tiller with a small footprint. When it comes to moving soil, it gives you more control and power.
This tiller features a powerful motor that breaks up the ground quickly and creates a smooth seedbed. The low center of gravity is due to the well-designed transmission in the center of the tiller. It is perfectly balanced from front to rear and side to side, unlike most other options on the market. When compared to top-heavy tilling machines, you won’t have to work to maintain it balanced.
With an immediate reverse capability, you can swap the tiller’s front and backward movements. All you have to do is reverse the handle by pulling it back and then release the grip to travel forward again. In addition, you may adjust the dual-grip handlebar to your preferred position.
It has rugged airless wheels that offer the best traction without the risk of punctures. The big wheels provide excellent stability and handling. You won’t get too exhausted tilling thanks to the ergonomic grip and well-placed levers.
Pros
- Powerful engine to till any soil type
- Well-balanced and stable machine
- Instant reverse
- Airless wheel with good traction
Cons
- Small handle cushion
- Bit noisy when operating at full throttle
4. Champion 19-Inch Dual Rotating Rear Tine Tiller – Best Tiller for Large Tilling
The Champions Dual Rotating Rear Tine Tiller is an excellent choice for a medium to a large property. Its 212 cc engine is a workhorse when it comes to gardening. On top of that, it has the ideal power-to-performance ratio to handle even the most challenging soil.
The gear-driven transmission boosts performance while lowering vibration and making the work quieter. The controls are placed close to the handle for convenient access. There’s also a counter-rotation tilling option. These hardened steel tines are 13.8 inches long and have an efficient bidirectional shredding design to handle any terrain.
A 19-inch tilling width and up to an 8-inch tilling depth will suffice for most residential gardening needs. It can handle any medium- to large-sized terrain with the least amount of effort. Therefore, you can begin planting as soon as you’ve finished tilling.
Because of the adjustable width, you may use it in both small spaces and long rows. It’s a self-propelled tiller with a 13-inch wheel placed on it. Because the tines have exceptional traction, you won’t have to worry about slipping or steering the tiller in the direction you want to travel. It’s an EPA-certified tiller that’s also CARB-compliant and comes with a two-year warranty.
Pros
- Ideal for properties ranging from medium to large
- A strong engine
- Rotates in the opposite direction
- Has sturdy construction
Cons
- It does not have an electric start
Buying Guide – How To Choose the Best Rototiller for Rocky Soil?
There are a few things to think about when buying a back tine tiller. We’ve compiled a list of them below.
● Rotation of the Tiller
You should be able to work on a variety of soil types using your tiller. For this purpose, look for a dual-cycle tiller that can efficiently till rocky soil. In most cases, this will be a rear tine tiller so it may be helpful you view our best rear tine tillers list.
● Engine
Look for a 4-cycle engine that can offer a lot of power. You might also come across certain machines that are OHV rated. A short overhead valve (OHV) is a type of overhead valve that offers improved fuel efficiency, a more compact construction, and lower emissions. Because a 4-cycle engine is more fuel-efficient, you can save money on petrol while causing less pollution.
● Tilling Capacity
The depth and width of the blades determine the tilling capability. A 6-inch tilling blade, for example, may dig 6 inches into the soil in each cycle. Therefore, you can safely choose a 16 to 20-inch wide tiller for most home applications. In addition, when comparing front tine tillers vs rear tine tillers, the rear tine rototillers will have a much strong tiling capacity.
● Transmission Gears
Transmission gears allow engine power to be transferred to the tiller blades and tines. A speed lever and reverse gear are standard on most twin rotating tines. You can go back and forth when tilling because of this factor. Variable speed choices are also available on some tiller models, allowing you to adjust the speed depending on the area you plan to till.
● Handle
You can get the job done without getting tired, thanks to an adjustable ergonomic tiller handle. It also helps in maintaining the machine’s balance and direction.
● Weight
Most tillers weigh between 150 and 200 pounds. The weight is determined by the engine size and functionality. It shouldn’t be an issue, though, since most tillers are machine-driven, meaning you won’t have to push them manually. Weight will also be a factor depending on the task. The best tiller for breaking new ground will be much different than the best for simply mixing garden soil.
● Drag Bar
The drag bar is another element to keep an eye out for. When in use, it aids stability, provides regular tilling depth, and maintains a consistent speed. A counterweight is also included with some tillers to preserve the unit’s strength.
FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. How often should you till your soil?
You can only till the soil twice a year, depending on the plants you grow. Tilling is usually done when growing crops for a prolonged period. However, a new study suggests that plants don’t require as much tilling as previously thought.
Instead, you only need to tilt it when planting for the first time or switching to a different set of plants. Tilling allows you to quickly remove old plant roots and mix air and nutrients into the soil.
Q2. What tilling depth and width do you need in your garden?
If you’re planning to prepare new garden beds or thinking of planting different crops, it is advisable to till 3-5 inches deep and 7-8 inches broad for most plants. You can dig 7-10 inches deep for a new garden where you wish to produce fruit and vegetables. You don’t have to go very deep, though, as this could damage the subsurface biodiversity.
Q3. Does tilling kill weeds?
If you have weeds in your garden, tilling is an excellent way to get rid of them quickly. It loosens the soil, allowing you to pick it up and take it out of the garden.
Conclusion
You may need to till your garden before moving towards a new garden bed or getting ready to sow. A tiller is a valuable gardening tool that can help you get this job done faster. Investing in a high-quality tiller ensures that you have a tool that will give you years of trouble-free operation.
With that said, choosing the right tiller is easier said than done. There are numerous types of tillers available on the market, and each comes with its own set of features. We’ve compiled a list of the four best rototiller for rocky soil that are surely worthwhile purchases.
