Photo: Earthwise
Tillers are gardening tools that are used to cultivate land in preparation for planting. Small tillers are particularly suitable for small garden spaces such as backyards, and they eliminate the manual task of digging.
However, there are various of these tools that are available in the market and getting a suitable one can be quite challenging, especially if you don’t know what to look for. For this reason, this article reviews the best small tillers in the market so that you can take your pick.
In this post:
- 10 Best Small Tillers – Review
- 1. Earthwise TC70020 – Best Cordless Small Tiller
- 2. Black & Decker LGC120B – Affordable Small Garden Tiller
- 3. Earthwise TC70001 – Small Tiller with Adjustable Tines
- 4. Sun Joe TJ603E – Powerful Electric Small Rototiller
- 5. Schiller Grounds Care Mantis 7940 – Powerful Gas-Powered Mini Tiller
- 6. Schiller Grounds Care Mantis 7920 – Foldable Small Tiller
- 7. Greenworks 27072 – Small Tiller with a Push Button Start
- 8. Mantis 7924 – Fast Start Small Rototiller
- 9. Mantis 7228 – Small Tiller with Flush-Mounted Throttle Control
- 10. Sun Joe TJ599E-RED – Small Tiller with a Telescopic Shaft
- How to Buy the Best Small Tiller
- Conclusion
10 Best Small Tillers – Review
IMAGE | PRODUCT | FEATURES | |
|---|---|---|---|
 | 1. Earthwise TC70020 (Best Cordless) |
| |
 | 2. Black & Decker LGC120B (Affordable) |
| |
 | 3. Earthwise TC70001 (With Adjustable Tines) |
| |
 | 4. Sun Joe TJ603E (Powerful Electric Rototiller) |
| |
 | 5. Schiller Grounds Care Mantis 7940 (Powerful Gas Tiller) |
| |
 | 6. Schiller Grounds Care Mantis 7920 (Foldable) |
| |
 | 7. Greenworks 27072 (Has Push Button Start) |
| |
 | 8. Mantis 7924 (Fast Start) |
| |
 | 9. Mantis 7228 (Flush-Mounted Throttle Control) |
| |
 | 10. Sun Joe TJ599E-RED (Has Telescopic Shaft) |
|
PRODUCT |
|---|
1. Earthwise TC70020 (Best Cordless)
|
2. Black & Decker LGC120B (Affordable)
|
3. Earthwise TC70001 (With Adjustable Tines)
|
4. Sun Joe TJ603E (Powerful Electric Rototiller)
|
5. Schiller Grounds Care Mantis 7940 (Powerful Gas Tiller)
|
6. Schiller Grounds Care Mantis 7920 (Foldable)
|
7. Greenworks 27072 (Has Push Button Start)
|
8. Mantis 7924 (Fast Start)
|
9. Mantis 7228 (Flush-Mounted Throttle Control)
|
10. Sun Joe TJ599E-RED (Has Telescopic Shaft)
|
1. Earthwise TC70020 – Best Cordless Small Tiller
Photo: Earthwise
- Power: Cordless, 20 Volts
- Tilling Dimensions: 7.5 inches width, 6 inches depth
- Weight: 9 pounds
Earthwise’s TC70020 stands out as the best battery-powered mini-tiller in this review because it comes as a complete kit with a 20-volt 2Ah battery and a fast charger.
Additionally, the tool is equipped with a powerful high-efficiency motor that delivers more runtime and rotates 4 tough steel tines that cover a 7.5-inch wide area, digging up to 6 inches deep.
You also get a telescopic pole for adjusting the height to a comfortable level, a lightweight 9-pound design with a carry handle for easy transportation and soft ergonomic grips for comfortable use. However, the unit lacks wheels for simplified movement.
Pros:
- Cordless with a battery and charger included as part of the kit
- 4 tough and durable steel tines
- Telescopic pole for adjusting the height to a comfortable level
- Lightweight design with a carry handle for easy transportation
Cons:
- No built-in wheels
2. Black & Decker LGC120B – Affordable Small Garden Tiller
Photo: Black & Decker
- Power: Cordless, 20 Volts
- Tilling Dimensions: 7 inches width, 4 inches depth
- Weight: 8.1 pounds
If you are on a tight budget, Black & Decker’s LGC120B is an affordable option to consider. That said, the unit is equipped with 2 tines and has a powerful transmission that ensures these tines break up and aerate the soil for nutrients and water to penetrate through.
Power is provided by a 20-volt battery, which makes the tool easily portable, and it is generally lightweight (only 8.1-pounds). This ensures it is easy to lift, especially considering that there are no wheels attached.
Other features include comfortable ergonomic soft-grip handles, a telescopic tube for adjusting the tiller to a comfortable height and counter-oscillating tines that prevent weeds from tangling.
On the downside, the required battery and its charger are not included in this set.
Pros:
- Affordable
- 2 counter oscillating tines prevent weed tangling
- Lightweight. Easily portable
- Comfortable ergonomic soft-grip handles
- Telescopic tube for adjusting to a comfortable height
Cons:
- No battery or charger
- No wheels
3. Earthwise TC70001 – Small Tiller with Adjustable Tines
Photo: Earthwise
- Power: Corded, 8.5 Amps
- Tilling Dimensions: 11 inches width, 8 inches depth
- Weight: 23 pounds
Starting us off is Earthwise’s TC70001, which is designed with 4 adjustable tines that allow you to set the tilling width from 7 to 11 inches. This allows you to cover wide areas quickly while also narrowing up to fit in compact spaces.
These tines dig in up to 8 inches in depth, which ensures the soil is well turned over for proper mixing of organic matter and proper soil loosening. The tool is also ideal for weed control and is suitable for small and medium-sized gardens.
Other features include a powerful 8.5-amp motor that runs the tines with ease, ergonomic grip handles for comfortable use, large 6-inch wheels for easy movement and a corded design that ensures unlimited power supply.
The only downside to it is that you have to pull along a long power cable throughout, which might get tangled if you are not very careful.
Pros:
- 4 adjustable tines make it possible to fit in tight spaces
- Relatively deep tilling depth allows for proper mixing
- Powerful 8.5-amp motor
- Ergonomic grip handles
- Large 6-inch wheels for easy movement
Cons:
- Power cable might get tangled as you till
4. Sun Joe TJ603E – Powerful Electric Small Rototiller
Photo: Sun Joe
- Power: Corded, 12 Amps
- Speed: 340 RPM
- Tilling Dimensions: 16 inches width, 8 inches depth
- Weight: 27.1 pounds
For an electric corded design, Sun Joe’s TJ603E packs a punch. It is run by a powerful 12-amp electric motor, which delivers a top speed of 340 RPM for quick tilling.
The tool also has 6 durable angled steel tillers that cultivate a large 16-inch wide area and up to 8 inches deep. This makes it the top-rated small tiller in this review because you will get the work done in a very short time.
More features include a safety switch and instant start button for easy use, collapsible handles for compact storage, 2 large wheels for easy movement and unlimited power supply due to its corded setup.
However, this unit is quite heavy (27.1 pounds), which makes it a bit difficult to lift, and its 6 tines are not adjustable to fit in compact spaces. On the bright side, its wheels are adjustable in 3 positions for depth control.
Pros:
- Powerful 12-amp motor with a top speed of 340 RPM
- 6 durable steel tillers cover a wide 16-inch area
- Safety switch and instant start button for easy use
- Collapsible handles for compact storage
- 2 large wheels for easy movement
Cons:
- Tines are not adjustable
- Quite heavy
5. Schiller Grounds Care Mantis 7940 – Powerful Gas-Powered Mini Tiller
Photo: Schiller Grounds Care
- Power: Gas, 25 cc
- Speed: 240 RPM
- Tilling Dimensions: 9 inches width, 10 inches depth
- Weight: 24 pounds
If you are looking for a gas-powered rototiller, this Mantis 7940 is one of the best units to consider because of its powerful 4-cycle 25 cc Honda engine, which gives a top tine speed of 240 RPM.
This speed is easily adjustable via a finger-controlled throttle, which is easy to use and gives complete control while a compact 9-inch width makes it easy for the tiller to fit in tight spaces.
Other features include curved tines that can till up to a depth of 10 inches, which can be turned for shallow 2 – 3-inch cultivation, a kickstand for steady upright holding when refueling and foldable handles for compact storage.
On the downside, this tool is very costly and its tines are not adjustable, which means you cannot expand or contract the tilling area.
Pros:
- Powerful 4-cycle 25 cc engine
- Finger throttle for easy speed adjustment
- Deep 10-inch tilling depth
- Kickstand for steady placement when refueling
Cons:
- Expensive
- Non-adjustable tines
6. Schiller Grounds Care Mantis 7920 – Foldable Small Tiller
Photo: Schiller Grounds Care
- Power: Gas-Oil mix, 21.2 cc
- Speed: 240 RPM
- Tilling Dimensions: 9 inches width, 10 inches depth
- Weight: 20 pounds
This Mantis 7920 is quite compact and has a foldable design that compresses it much further for compact storage.
Despite its small size, the tiller digs quite deep (up to 10 inches) while covering a width of 9 inches. Combined with its small size, this makes it suitable for tilling and weeding close to walls and fences while a built-in carry handle makes it easy to lift and switch positions.
Other features include a 2 stroke 21.2 cc power plant that runs on a gas-oil mix, soft molded grips for comfortable use and 4 sturdy patented serpentine tines that are guaranteed against breakage for their lifetime.
However, this unit lacks wheels for easy movement and its manual pull recoil starting makes it a bit cumbersome to power up.
Pros:
- Compact size with a foldable design for easy storage
- Digs up to 10 inches deep, giving proper soil aeration
- Comfortable soft molded grips
- 4 sturdy serpentine tines that are guaranteed against breakage
Cons:
- No wheels
- Manual pull recoil for starting
7. Greenworks 27072 – Small Tiller with a Push Button Start
Photo: Greenworks
- Power: Corded, 8 Amps
- Tilling Dimensions: 10 inches width, 5 inches depth
- Weight: 29.3 pounds
Greenworks’ 27072 is an electric corded small tiller that is run by a powerful 8-amp motor with a push-button start placed close to the handles for easy use.
This motor spins four 8-inch tines in a forward motion, delivering a cultivating depth of up to 5 inches and a width of up to 10 inches, which is adjustable downwards up to 8.5 inches to comfortably fit in tight spaces.
However, the unit requires assembly before use, though the process is simple and no tools are required. Also, it weighs 29.3 pounds, which is quite heavy but has two wheels attached for easy mobility.
Pros:
- Push button for quick and easy starting
- Four 8-inch tines with an adjustable 8.5 – 10-inch width
- Relatively powerful 8-amp motor
- Two wheels for easy movement
Cons:
- Quite heavy
- Requires assembly before use
8. Mantis 7924 – Fast Start Small Rototiller
Photo: Mantis
- Power: Gas, 21.2 cc
- Speed: 240 RPM
- Tilling Dimensions: 9 inches width, 10 inches depth
- Weight: 21 pounds
Just like with other gas-powered mini tillers, this one has a manual pull starter cord, but it incorporates fast-start technology, which makes the pull-up to 75% easier for quick starting.
That said, the tool is equipped with a 21.2 cc gas powerplant that delivers a top speed of 240 RPM, spinning 4 tines that dig up to 10 inches deep and 9 inches in width.
This design is ideal for breaking up hard clay soil and provides good aeration with organic matter mixing deep down for the best planting results.
More features include a convenient fingertip throttle control, comfortable soft-grip handles and a folding design that makes storage easy. However, the unit is quite costly, and it lacks wheels for easy movement.
Pros:
- Fast-start technology for 75% easier starter cord pulling
- 4 tines with a deep tilling depth of 10 inches for thorough dirt breaking
- Easy-to-reach fingertip throttle control
- Comfortable soft-grip handles
Cons:
- Relatively expensive
- No wheels
9. Mantis 7228 – Small Tiller with Flush-Mounted Throttle Control
Photo: Mantis
- Power: Gas, 21.2 cc
- Speed: 240 RPM
- Tilling Dimensions: 9 inches width, 10 inches depth
- Weight: 20 pounds
With its ergonomically designed soft-grip handles, this small rototiller is fitted with flush-mounted throttle control, which is very easy to control because it resembles a bike’s brake lever.
This throttle controls the output from a 21.2 cc gas-powered 2-cycle engine, producing a top speed of 240 RPM to turn 4 unique curvy tines that can dig up to 10 inches deep into hard soils. The spinning is also reversible for shallow 2 – 3-inch tilling, which is ideal for weeding.
Other features include a compact 9-inch width capacity for cultivating in tight spaces and fold-down handles for easy storage and transportation. On the downside, the tool lacks a kickstand for steady upright holding when fueling.
Pros:
- Easy-to-use flush-mounted throttle control
- Ergonomically designed soft-grip handles
- 4 curvy tines dig deep up to 10 inches in hard soils
- Fold-down handles for compact storage
Cons:
- Lacks a kickstand for steady upright placement when fueling
10. Sun Joe TJ599E-RED – Small Tiller with a Telescopic Shaft
Photo: Sun Joe
- Power: Corded, 2.5 Amps
- Speed: 300 RPM
- Tilling Dimensions: 6.3 inches width, 6 inches depth
- Weight: 9.9 pounds
Sun Joe’s TJ599E concludes this list, and it features a single telescopic shaft, which lets you adjust the height from 46 to 53 inches, to your most comfortable level. This also makes it easy to store the tiller when fully compacted.
Other than that, this tool is powered by AC via a power outlet, running a 2.5-amp motor that is fitted inside. Though this motor is not as powerful, it delivers a no-load speed of 300 RPM, spinning 4 tines that dig up to 6 inches deep.
More features include a comfortable ergonomic handle and a lightweight 9.9-pound design that is easy to carry. However, no wheels are built-in for easy portability and its 6.3-inch tilling width capacity is quite small, which means cultivating a large area might take some time and effort.
Pros:
- Telescopic shaft for height adjustment
- High 300 RPM no-load speed for quick tilling
- Comfortable ergonomic handle
- Lightweight 9.9-pound design
Cons:
- No wheels
- Quite small 6.3-inch tilling width capacity
How to Buy the Best Small Tiller
Photo: Mantis
1. Type of Soil
The performance of a small tiller is mostly determined by its blades and power. Of course, the more powerful the motor or engine is, the better because digging through the soil will be easier.
As for the blades, there are 3 main types.
- Standard Bolo Blades: These are built to cut deep into the soil, breaking it apart for proper organic matter mixing and aeration.
- Slasher Blades: As the name suggests, this type cuts through soft soil, chopping up the vegetation above ground and the roots below.
- Pick and Chisel Blades: This type is designed to cut through the hardest ground. It is characterized by a sturdy construction with sharp edges for easy penetration into hard soil.
2. Speed
Measured in RPM, this determines how fast the blades spin. This has a direct impact on the speed at which the tiller gets the work done.
Therefore, fast-spinning tools are better because they will cut through the ground more aggressively and quickly, enabling you to cover a larger area in little time.
3. Front-Tine or Rear Tine Tiller
Front-tine tillers have rear wheels and front placed blades that rotate in a forward motion. With this design, the performance of these blades is determined by how you angle them using the wheels as a pivot.
A downward angle gives more aggressive digging while raising them gives a shallow cut that is ideal for weeding. However, these tools are not suitable for working on uncultivated ground because the blades will glide above the hard surface instead of pushing through.
On the other hand, rear tine tillers have counter-rotating tines that turn in the opposite direction of the wheel movement. That said, these wheels are turned by the motor or engine and therefore, they work independently of the tines.
The result of this is heavy-duty performance when working on hard ground because the blades are pushed firmly into the soil. This makes such tillers ideal for preparing uncultivated land.
4. Tiling Capacity
With regard to the tilling capacity, you need to check the tiling width and depth. A wider width means that you will cover more ground faster, but the tiller might not fit in tight spaces.
Ideally, you should get a tool with an adjustable tine width to compact it to fit close to walls and fences, then expand to cover a large tilling area when cultivating open spaces.
As for the depth, the deeper a tiller can dig, the better because the soil will be thoroughly mixed up. Ideally, a depth of 6 inches and more is recommended, especially for uncultivated land.
5. Weight
Lastly, you need to check the weight of the tool due to transportation purposes. A heavy tiller will be cumbersome to take in and out of storage. The lighter it is, the easier to handle it will be.
Conclusion
In conclusion, mini tillers are very handy tools for preparing backyards and small gardens, and there are different varieties such as gas, AC and battery-powered types.
There are many more differences between them and using the buying guide above, you will be in a better position to pick the best small tiller that fits your gardening needs.