Considerations When Choosing a Tiller or Cultivator
Tillers and cultivators are useful gardening tools. They serve different purposes in the preparation of beds for planting.
Tiller | Cultivator |
Breaking up compacted, tough soil to create a garden bed | Loosening the top layer of soil for planting, mixing in soil amendments and fertilizer, weeding, and aerating |
Heavy-duty with a weight of around 150 - 250 lbs | Lighter with a weight of around 25 - 35 lbs |
Tilling depth of 6 - 11 inches | Tilling depth of 6 - 8 inches |
Tilling width of 16 - 26 inches | Tilling width of 6 - 15 inches |
Harder to maneuver | Easier to maneuver in small spaces |
Read more for tips on how to use these helpful tools.
Front Tine vs. Rear Tine
The placement of the tines on a tiller or cultivator affects maneuverability, depth control, and power. A front tine model has the blades in front of the motor. For this reason, it can be harder to maneuver and should be used for lighter-duty jobs. A rear tine tiller has the tines behind the motor. It is good for heavy, dense soil.
Till Depth & Width
Do it Best carries roto tillers and cultivators with till depths between 6 and 11 inches, making them suitable for surface-level aeration to deeper soil prep for new beds. Tilling widths range from 6 to 26 inches, allowing you to choose between small models for tight spaces and wide options for larger plots.
Brand
Do it Best carries trusted names like Troy-Bilt, Earthquake, Maxim, and Senix. These brands are known for quality, durability, and performance. Buying from a reliable brand ensures access to replacement parts, service support, and long-term product value. Shop tillers and cultivators at Do it Best, or browse our other Outdoor Power Equipment.
FAQS
Tillers are designed to break up hard or compacted soil for new garden beds, while cultivators are better for mixing and aerating soil in established beds.
Yes! Cultivators are great for breaking up light soil and uprooting small weeds between rows or in raised beds without disturbing plants.
Tillers are better equipped to handle dense or clay-heavy soil, while cultivators are ideal for already-prepped soil that needs mixing or light aeration. There are also some tiller cultivator combination models available that provide a good blend of both.