A rear tiller is an excellent tool every serious-minded Gardener should have. Due to the popularity of this tool, there are different brands and models in the market. Even though rear tillers are great tools, there are still some unreliable models out there.
So, this guide will help you to get the best rear tine garden tiller for your yard. But before I proceed, I would want you to know more about rear tine tiller. Sounds great right? Keep reading.
What Is A Rear Tine Tiller?
All tillers help to loosen and turn soil for planting. However, a rear tine tiller is any tiller whose tines are behind the engine, and the engine is upfront.
They are perfect for tilling large open areas. Most rear tiller models feature a self-propelled wheel and rotate in both directions; this makes them an excellent tool for breaking up ground in your garden.
Why You Should Own a Rear Tine Tiller
Rear tillers are very expensive, yet most gardeners are getting them. Do you know why? Here are some of the reasons;
- They are engine driven this makes them very powerful and reliable
- They work independently from their wheels, this allows them for forwarding and counter-rotating actions
- Furthermore, rear tine tillers are very stable due to their big tires
- Most rear tine tillers have shields or bumpers around them for user’s safety
- Most modern rear tine tillers have adjustable depth regulators. This feature enables you to be very efficient irrespective of the nature of the job.
Factors To Consider Before Buying A Rear Tine Tiller
Tilling Depth and Width
Tilling depth and width is an important consideration when buying a rear tine tiller. With the right tilling depth and breadth, you will be more efficient and productive.
Don’t just go for efficiency; you must balance it with ease of use. Also, when the tiller is too wide, you may find it difficult for you.
Furthermore, it’s better to get a rear tiller with adjustable depth. You can adjust the depth depending on the job you are doing on your garden.
Tine Rotation
Most rear tillers rotate in three ways – forward rotation, counter-rotation, and dual rotating rear tine tillers.
It’s better to get a counter-rotating rear tiller as you can use it for most garden jobs. When a rear tiller is counter-rotating, it’s very stable during operation and gives you better control.
Engine
The engine is the lifeblood of any tool, and the rear tiller isn’t exempted. If your tiller doesn’t have a high performing engine, you can’t achieve a better result. So, you need to pay serious attention to the engine.
Generally, rear tillers have two common types of engines – the two strokes and four strokes. I will explain these two engines, so you know the one that suits your need.
A two-stroke engine is very powerful, but they make a lot of noise during operation. This machine consumes more fuel and prone to break downs.
The four-stroke engine is not as powerful as two a stroke, but it doesn’t consume much fuel. It’s very quiet and reliable.
Even though you can see great tillers with both engines, it’s better to get a rear tine tiller with a four-stroke engine.
Transmission
Transmission is an essential feature to look out for before getting a rear tiller. It determines the machine’s speed and gears. Most tillers have a forward, reverse, and neutral transmission system.
You can engage the reverse feature when you are stuck during tilling. And it’s easy to use the neutral gear to transport the tiller from one location to another.
Electric or Manual
It’s also important to decide whether to get an electric or manual rear tiller. These two rear tillers are excellent but consider the one that’s easier for you to use.
Electric rear tillers are more expensive. They are easy to start; you don’t have to go through the stress of pulling cord like a manual machine. So, weigh your options and consider your budget before you make the final decision.
Tires
It doesn’t matter how powerful a rear tiller is, without right tires, you may find it challenging to use. Don’t forget that you always move through the dirt when using a tiller. And a good tire will enable you to control and maneuver the machine easily.
Consider the tires that can work in any soil; such tires give you a blend of flotation and traction.
Handle Bar
The handlebars in rear tillers are either adjustable or fix. A tiller with adjustable handlebars is more expensive because you can customize it to your height.
4 Best Rear Tine Garden Tiller – Review
#1 YardMax YT 4565
The YardMax YT4565 is a high-performance rear tine tiller. It features a dual rotation engine for maximum power, value, and support. The tool provides a blend of practicality and performance, which makes it perfect for both homeowners and professionals.
Every Gardener will find this tool helpful as it provides flawless groundbreaking power for any soil. Interestingly, it has both forward and reverses rotation for cultivation and deeper soil tilling, respectively.
Furthermore, the Yardmax YT 4565 features a 280cc, Briggs and Stratton engine which can deliver a 9.50 ft-lbs total torque and 190 RPM rotational speed. With such a powerful engine, the machine will provide a powerful forward movement and single reverse gear for easy control.
Also, this garden tool has 18 inches wide rear tine design that comes with seven depth adjustments for better and faster coverage. The machine has a one-handed operated handle which gives you maximum comfort during tilling. Its adjustable drag bar gives you balance in every condition while using it.
Pros
- It features a powerful 208CC and Stratton engine.
- The tool gives a more efficient tilling due to large its ground coverage.
- The machine is very easy to use.
- It features a dual rotation engine for deeper cultivation.
- The machine has a safety shield for secure operation.
Cons
- You may find it difficult to break a virgin soil with this tool
- If you aren’t careful, the front metal edges may get you injured
#2. Husqvarna TR317D Rear Tine Tiller
The Husqvarna TR317D is a rear tine tiller designed for the light-duty tilling task. It comes with a 6.5-inch counter-rotating deep steel that is great for pulverizing the soil. The machine features a 280CC engine that provides excellent performance and fantastic fuel consumption.
Interestingly, the machine can operate in all jurisdictions because it’s CARB compliance.
The Husqvarna TR317D has a reputation for high performance due to its heavy-duty chain transmission. The transmission features a reverse power mode. Again, you can easily transport this machine to your location of choice due to its sturdy and durable design.
One thing I love so much about the Husqvarna TR317D is its engineered tires. You can use them for all types of land without getting stuck. Just like the Yardmax YT 4565, this machine also features seven adjustable depths.
Pros
- It features a counter-rotating engine which you can use for different tilling tasks
- It comes with a 17-inch tilling width as well as seven adjustable depths.
- You will get an efficient and better performance from its 280cc engine
- Its adjustable feature enables you to control the tilling speed and depth.
Cons
- It’s quite expensive.
- Some users complained that the till depth is on the low side.
#3. Husqvarna Counter Rotation Rear Tine Tiller
The Husqvarna counter-rotation rear tine tiller is designed for heavy-duty and more demanding tasks. Although it’s expensive, it offers fantastic performance. It’s durable and provides optimal performance when used for tilling different types of soil.
The machine features a 205cc Briggs and Stratton engine that can break through and pulverize different soils, grass, and sod effortlessly. It has a counterweight feature which gives you balanced, safe, and stable operation while using the machine. The counterweight feature also enables the machine to work on hilly and unlevel lands.
Interestingly, this tool has a forward and reverse feature. It gives you better control and maneuverability.
Pros
- With a 205cc Briggs and Straton engine, the machine is excellent for heavy-duty task
- It gives you tilling versatility due to its different adjustment depth
- It has a counterweight on wheels which give you better traction and balance
- The tires offer optimal traction and grip
- You can quickly reverse the machine during tilling; this gives you better maneuvering and control.
Cons
- It’s more expensive than most models in its category
- Although the handle is great, it needs better wielding.
#4. Earthwise TC70016 16-inch 13.5 Amp Corded Electric Tiller
The Earthwise TC70016 16-inch is the last machine on our list of best rear tine garden tiller. It’s a fantastic tool every Gardener will find handy. You can use this tool to prepare your soil for cultivation, weeding, and composting.
It’s a corded electric tiller that features a 13.5 Amp motor that operates quietly, smoothly, and quickly. You will like the fact that this machine lightweight designed with a push-button start and good ergonomic handles. So, it’s easy to operate and store it.
Pros
- It’s easy to control and operate the machine
- The machine has an excellent ergonomic grip
- It’s a compact and lightweight design machine
Cons
· Some users complained that the machine blade breaks easily.
Conclusion
Rear tine tillers are a great garden tool that will make most of your work in the garden field easy for you. There are several models in the market, but if you aren’t careful, you could get the wrong tool. Trust me; I have been there before; it isn’t a pleasant experience.
However, we carefully reviewed the four best rear tine garden tiller to get in 2019. They are top-notch and have great recommendations from people who have used them in the past.