A mini tiller is the perfect tool for if you need to prepare the ground that you are going to be working with for bedding areas or the laying of lawns. It could be that you are looking to redo a part of your garden, or maybe you are planning a complete renovation of your outdoor space – either way a mini tiller is going to be a great option to help you create the blank canvas that you need to get the job done!
Although named a “mini” tiller – they are actually quite considerable tools which will cultivate the ground to protection so that it is ready for lawn laying, creating vegetable patches or even redesigning bedding areas! They are also going to aerate the ground at the same time, as the tines rotate and turn through the soil.
We hope that by now you have realised the many ways in which a mini tiller can support you on the work in your garden! So keep reading to find one that is going to be just right for you.
Best Pick – T-Mech 52cc
- 52cc petrol powered mini tiller ideal for rotavating / cultivating small to medium sized vegetable gardens & allotments
- 3HP engine with max speed of 9000RPM and a tank capacity of 1.2 litres
- Using 2 Stroke Oil Mix - 40/1 - this will extend the life of the engine
- Includes FREE tool kit, fuel mixing bottle and funnel. CE Certified PPE - leg guards, gloves, safety glasses and ear protectors
- FREE next working day UK mainland delivery when ordered by 2pm (excluding Scottish Highlands)
Last update on 2024-04-26 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
In A Hurry?
Everything in a garden has to be done at a certain time – plants have to be planted in certain months, trees and hedges cut back at different times too! When you are working to such a tight schedule, you don’t want anything to hold you up. So if you have decided to purchase a mini tiller and need one quickly then this is the part of the article you need to start with!
Should I Buy A Front or Rear Tines Mini Tiller?
Probably the first choice that you are going to have to make is whether you want a mini tiller with front tines or rear tines! There are a number of reasons why both may be suitable for you…
A front-tine tiller is going to be your smaller option – which also makes it the cheapest (as a general rule). So if you know that you only have a couple of jobs to complete each year, or maybe the areas that you are working in are quite small and difficult to access, then a front-tine tiller is probably going to be the option for you. Having the tines at the front and the engine at the back also makes it much easier for you to maneuver your tiller, so if you are new to working with these machines (or have precious plants close by) then they can be a good option! We also like that there are a number of front tine tillers that can actually be turned into different tools as well! So if you are wanting good value for money, the front-tine tillers that can be transformed into scarifiers etc are definitely the way to go.
But, there are many reasons why a rear-tine tiller could also be the better option for you. The rear-tine tillers are the bigger, stronger machine – although obviously not as big as a full size tiller! Having the tines at the rear of the machine and the engine at the front helps to weigh the tines down into the ground, allowing for a deeper (more thorough) turn of the ground. You also tend to find that, due to the machine being bigger, the width of the tines are bigger too so you can cover more ground in the same amount of time! Another benefit to a rear-tine tiller is the way in which they are powered – you will usually find that the wheels are powered as well as the tines. Basically, a rear-tine tiller is going to be the bigger, stronger option to a front-tine tiller, so if you are massively wanting to reduce the work that you have to put in, or you know that you are working with particularly stony, packed together ground then they are the way to go!
Best Budget – eSkde LITI1
- Cordless Garden Tiller / Cultivator
- High power 18v Lithium Battery
- Adjustable Multi Position softgrip handle
- Sharp Multi Legged Blades
- Perfect for Vegetable Patches and Allotments
Last update on 2024-04-26 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
What Makes A Good Mini Tiller?
If you are new to using this type of tool, then you may be feeling a little out of your depth over what you need to look for. Once you have decided on whether front or rear tines is for you, here are some of the key features to check when you are buying:
- Variable speeds – This is a must as far as we are concerned! You know that you are going to be working at different speeds over different types of ground so this is something we can’t do without. Some mini tillers even come with a reverse gear in case you need to go back over a spot! This massively reduces the effort you would have to put in otherwise lifting and physically moving your tiller!
- Counter-rotating tines – Following on from the reversing gear, we like models that have the option to counter-rotate the tines. This is something that you will only usually find in rear-tine tillers (yet another reason to choose this option!). This is a great feature for if you know that your ground is particularly challenging as you can go back over the same spot as many times as you need!
- Weight – This is a tricky one as there is no real right answer. The lighter the mini tiller the easier it is going to be for you to move around your garden and maneuver into position. But the heavier the model the more the tines will push into the ground and turn the soil successfully! Look for a weight that you know you can lift and move with ease but that still has some “Umph” behind it!
- Tine sizes – This will usually be comparative to the size of the tiller but is always worth checking. Obviously a wider and longer tine is going to turn more soil per rotation than a smaller option! However, if you know that you are going to be working in smaller spaces then this may actually be more of a hindrance than a help! We particularly like models that allow you to adjust the depth of the tines depending on the ground you are working with. Some of the best models come with varying depths from as shallow as 15cm up to around 45cms!
- Removable tines – A less common feature but particularly handy if you have vegetable patches that you know will need cultivating in different ways for different vegetables. These mini tillers will allow you to remove the tines and replace them with different ones that will then cut through the soil in a different way depending on what you are planting.
What Engine Size Do I Need For My Mini Tiller?
The bigger the engine, the less work that you are going to have to put into completing the job – and that is the general rule that you need to remember! However, there is no point spending a small fortune on a large model if you don’t need it for your garden. Tillers are going to come with guidance on the size of the area that they can work with – remember that this isn’t the size of your garden but the actual size of the area that they are going to be digging! For some smaller tillers with a lower horsepower of around 3 to 4, this will mean working with a maximum area of around 500mᒾ. However, for larger mini tillers with a horsepower at around 8 or 9hp, you will find them able to cope with an area size up to around 3000mᒾ.
It is also worth checking the engine capacity in cubic metres – this needs to be comparative to the horsepower on offer. There is no point opting for a mini tiller that has all the horsepower and more that you need but no engine capacity to actually get the job finished!
Electric or Petrol Mini Tiller?
The final main question that you need to ask yourself, is whether you are wanting an electric or petrol powered mini tiller – you will also find diesel options but these are for the more commercial tillers.
For most regular jobs you will find that electric models are more than sufficient. They come as either corded or rechargeable options depending on your budget and the areas that you are working. Obviously, if the ground that you are working with is at an allotment for example then you may have to go for the battery operated models. We like the flexibility that these give, but you will tend to find that they offer less power for comparative price models! Corded options are going to be more powerful and able to cope with tougher ground conditions, but you are limited to working close to a power source!
Your other option is a petrol model, which is going to be the even more powerful option if you are working in large areas or on jobs where the ground is particularly challenging. They are going to be more costly – both with the initial purchase and the running costs – but this cost is well worth it for the power that you are going to get! One thing to also consider is that petrol mini tillers are going to be heavier and nosier, so won’t offer the same enjoyable experience as the electric models do – but if they get the job done then surely it is worth it?
TOP TIP: If you are wanting a more heavy-duty machine then make sure to check it is a four stroke engine. These will be more powerful and durable so are perfect for if you are completing bigger jobs on harder ground.
What Extra Mini Tiller Features Should I Look For?
If you are wanting the best value for money and a mini tiller that is going to be user friendly and easy to work with, then here are some of the additional features that you need to consider.
- Additional Attachments – If you purchase a front-tine tiller, then some will come with additional attachments that will allow you to complete other jobs with your tiller as well such as moss raking, edging and scarifying! Fantastic value for money and your garden will benefit too!
- Wheels – The wheels of your mini tiller are really going to impact how easy it is to use! The bigger the wheels and the thicker the tread, the easier it is going to be to push over different types of ground and move the tiller around your garden! Some wheels will be weighted as well which helps to sink the tines into the ground – although bear in mind this will make it harder to move across softer ground!
- Adjustable handles – It is really important that the handles are at the right height to avoid back strain or fatigue when you are working! The best mini tillers will come with adjustable handles so that you can ensure the height is just right for you to be standing up straight when you are working.
- Separate wheel and tine functions – Some cheaper tillers use the turning of the wheels to turn the tines, this is fine if you are wanting a less expensive option. But means that the only way to make the tines move is to push the mini tiller along. Look out for tines that move independently of the wheels and vice versa as these will be much easier (and safer) to move around!
Best of the Rest
- COMPACT AND LIGHTWEIGHT MINI TILLER FOR SMALL TO MEDIUM GARDENS - perfect to aerate, weed and prepare your flower beds and vegetable plots much faster and with less effort than a garden fork
- POWERFUL 800W MOTOR AND SHARP STEEL TINES - shaped metal tines and a beefy motor let you cut through challenging soil-types without fuss and the 30cm width is perfect to dig between rows of crops, in borders or along fence lines
- EASY TO USE WITH NO PUSHING - simply plug in and squeeze the large trigger handle - long 10 metre cable lets you work anywhere and a cable relief keeps it away from the digging tines
- FOLDS FOR EASY TRANSPORT AND STORAGE - tiller folds down to the size of a small suitcase and weighs just 8.5kg so it's easy to move and takes up little space in the shed
- AUTHENTIC BRITISH BRAND SINCE 1938 – The Handy is known for well-engineered, robust and reliable products that get the job done and make gardening easy, with a helpful and knowledgeable aftercare team based in the UK
Last update on 2024-04-26 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
- PORTABLE MINI TILLER FOR SMALL VEGETABLE GARDENS - perfect for flower beds and allotments that are not near a power socket, this cordless tiller loosens the soil and is small enough to pass between rows of vegetables to dig out weeds or aerate the soil for sowing
- POWERFUL 20V 2Ah LITHIUM BATTERY WITH A RAPID RECHARGE RATE - rotovator and cultivator turns soil for up to 40 minutes on a single charge to give you the freedom to prepare the ground without being tied to a cable
- LONG AND STRONG METAL TINES - 12 tines dig and turn the soil to a depth of 15cm for effective weed removal and cultivating the soil
- EASY TO HANDLE - ergonomically designed with a softgrip handle at the backand and a guide handle at the front to make it comfortable and easy to hold to turn the soil
- PEACE OF MIND – All Webb Machinery comes with a 3-year guarantee – as well as a dedicated UK-based customer service team ready to help with any aftercare issues.
Last update on 2024-04-26 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
- ✅ This Petrol Powered Tiller is a high quality powerful Machine Perfect for DIY or professional landscapers, this mini tiller / cultivator features 4 tines each with 4 teeth, and a high powered 3HP engine. The tines can reach 15cm into the soil, making this tool ideal for maintaining lawns, borders and vegetable plots.
- ✅【 Features 】Equipped with a 52cc petrol engine, a 1.2L tank capacity and a max speed of 9000rpm, with powerful blade x 4pcs to cultivate the soil. you can easily cut through some pretty tough soil with this lightweight petrol powered gardening tool.
- ✅【 Lightweight / Easy to carry and use 】Bike type of handle for easy operation, Durable clutch assembly & gear case, Qualified safety guard to protect operator, Lightweight with two sturdy wheels for easy mobility and maneuverability.
- ✅【 TECHNICAL DETAILS 】 Displacement: 52cc, Tilling Width: 28cm, Aerator Width: 29cm, Rotavator body height: 45cm, Diameter of rear wheels:18cm, Colour: Black & Orange, Starting System: Recoil, Height of handles from bottom of wheel: 98cm approx, Net Weight: 16.5kg without extra attachments.
- ✅【 1 Year Warranty 】Our products also comes with 12Months return to base UK warranty and have our own in house technicians on hand to resolve any technical queries or repairs that are required. All spare parts readily available.
Last update on 2024-04-26 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
If you are thinking that maybe you need a smaller option than a mini tiller, why not consider a rotator instead?
Frequently Asked Questions
What guarantee comes with a mini tiller?
All good quality mini tillers are going to come with a guarantee – however it does normally stipulate that this is only if they have been used for domestic use! This means that if you are using the machine more regularly or completing particularly large jobs you may be better looking for a commercial model! Most guarantees are going to be around 5 years but there were some that we found that were only 12 months!
Why does a garden need tilling?
Tilling your garden or allotment before planting is the best way to mix organic matter into the soil, help to loosen the soil for planting and help to avoid the soil from becoming too dry. Many people also use a tiller to help break up the roots of old plants or weeds as well! However, there is research to suggest that over-tilling your garden can cause too much disruption to the soil!
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