This review has been updated 22 times since it was first published in March of 2015. When it’s time to prepare your garden for planting, you’ll find the right tool for the job on our list of rototillers and cultivators. They’ll let you break up hard, compacted soil and aerate the ground with ease, leaving behind a smooth, loose seed bed that’s ready for new growth. We’ve included both gas and electric tillers to suit a wide range of needs. When users buy our independently chosen editorial recommendations, we may earn commissions to help fund the Review.

10. Earthquake Versa
A compact construction and low center of gravity make the Earthquake Versa (about $299) relatively easy to maneuver, while its 11-inch depth helps prepare for strong root systems. Its outer blades and shields come off to convert it from a front tine machine to a standard cultivator.
- 99cc gasoline engine
- Backed by a 5-year warranty
- Not the most powerful option

9. YardMax YT5328
You can remove the outer blades on the YardMax YT5328 (appx. $299), allowing it to work well in even the tightest of garden spaces. The adjustable handlebar offers three height options, making it a comfortable choice for users of nearly any size.
- Stops when it hits large rocks
- Small turning radius
- Shifting gears can be a pain

8. Southland SRTT212
The Southland SRTT212 (appx. $845) is an extremely capable model with heavy-duty pneumatic wheels that propel it in forward or reverse, allowing for a counter-rotation operation that can handle the most stubborn and clay-like soils without overly taxing the user.
- Self-sharpening steel tines
- 18-inch tilling width
- One of the most costly options

7. Earthwise 7.5-Inch
While it’s not designed for huge tasks, the Earthwise 7.5-Inch (around $66) does a good job of ripping up weeds and dressing soil that’s already broken up. It’s incredibly lightweight compared to most others, and perfect for getting winterized plots ready for spring.
- Ideal for raised-bed gardening
- Not particularly powerful
- Can get stuck on thick roots

6. Sun Joe TJ603E
One of the most affordable choices, the Sun Joe TJ603E (about $112) is suitable for small to moderate-size gardens and medium-density soils. The handle folds up conveniently when you’re done, so you don’t have to sacrifice too much garage space to keep it around.
- 3-position adjustable wheels
- 12-amp electric motor
- Not the most sturdily built

5. Mantis 7940
The Mantis 7940 (appx. $365) uses a powerful Honda 4-cycle, 25cc engine that is designed to spin its tines twice as fast as other models. It’s tough enough to tackle big jobs, though it weighs just 24 pounds, and its 9-inch width is perfect for reaching into tight spaces.
- Heavy-duty transmission housing
- Trigger-controlled throttle
- Trigger-controlled throttle


4. EarthWise TC70016
Despite its remarkably low price, the EarthWise TC70016 (around $130) delivers an impressive performance, thanks to a 13.5-amp motor driving 6 adjustable cutters. It can turn up swaths of ground in 16-inch widths at an 8-inch depth, and its low weight helps minimize strain during use.
- Push-button starting mechanism
- Ergonomic handle grip
- 6-inch flip-down wheels

3. YardMax YT4565
The YardMax YT4565 (appx. $757) is a commercial-grade piece of equipment that would do well in a professional landscaper’s arsenal. Its Briggs & Stratton engine delivers exceptional torque and makes short work of turning over, as well as dressing, soils of all types.
- Reliable chain gear drive
- Operates at 190 rpm
- 7 depth settings

2. Champion 100379
Able to carve a path from 16 to 22 inches wide, the Champion 100379 (about $482) utilizes a 212cc engine to break up the toughest soils. Its removable wheels make it easy to move into place before preparing large gardens or tilling between already established rows.
- Dual rotation for maximum bite
- Requires no mixing of oil and gas
- Two-year limited warranty

1. Craftsman 12-Inch
Ideal for small to medium-size plots, the Craftsman 12-Inch (around $279) is adjustable from 6 to 12 inches wide and can dig as far as 5 inches deep. Its 4-stroke, 29cc engine delivers plenty of torque for its size and is fairly easy to maintain.
- Six 8-point blades
- Variable-speed throttle
- Easy 2-step starting process

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