The 6 Best Tillers

I remember the first time I tried to break new ground for a garden bed with just a shovel and a rake. My back ached for a week. A good garden tiller is one of those tools you don’t think you need until you use one, and then you wonder how you ever lived without it.

It turns a job that takes hours of back-breaking labor into something you can knock out in a morning. Whether you’re turning compost into your soil, busting up compacted clay, or just prepping for planting season, the right tiller makes all the difference.

Over the years, I’ve used everything from little electric cultivators to big gas-powered machines. I’ve broken down my favorites based on what kind of garden you have, from a few raised beds to a huge vegetable patch.

 

 

My Top Garden Tillers for 2026

LawnMaster 13.5 Amp 18-Inch Electric Tiller

The LawnMaster tiller costs about $150. What I notice right away is its huge 18-inch tilling width. That means fewer passes to get the job done in my larger vegetable garden, which is a big time-saver.

It digs down a solid 9 inches, so you’re really getting deep into the soil. For an electric model, it has plenty of power. And at less than 25 pounds, it’s surprisingly easy to handle and doesn’t beat you up during use.

The Downside: It’s corded, of course. You’ll need a good extension cord and you have to be mindful not to run over it, which can be a pain in a garden with lots of rows.

 

 

Earthwise TC70016 16-Inch 13.5-Amp Corded Electric Tiller

For just around $100, this Earthwise model is a fantastic value. It’s my go-to for prepping my established flower beds each spring. It has plenty of muscle for my heavy clay soil, which can be a real challenge.

You can adjust the tilling width, which is great for working in tighter spaces between plants. It feels really stable when it’s running and doesn’t jump around like some other lightweight models I’ve tried.

The Downside: If you’re breaking up a patch with really thick weeds or a lot of roots, the tines can get clogged up and you’ll have to stop and clear them out.

 

 

Mantis 7940 4-Cycle Tiller Cultivator

The Mantis runs a steeper $490, but it’s a different kind of machine. This thing is a little powerhouse, perfect for my raised beds and getting into tight corners where bigger tillers can’t go. No mixing gas and oil is a huge plus.

It’s only 24 pounds, so I can easily lift it into my raised beds with one hand. The tines are sharp and just chew through compacted soil and even sod, digging down about 10 inches. It’s also fantastic for weeding between rows during the season.

The Downside: The price is definitely up there for a smaller machine. It’s a specialized tool, and you’re paying for the quality and convenience.

 

 

Troy-Bilt Super Bronco CRT Garden Tiller

At around $1600, this Troy-Bilt is a serious investment for a serious gardener. If you’re breaking new ground or have a huge plot, this is the kind of power you need. The 208cc engine doesn’t bog down for anything.

The counter-rotating tines are what make this special. They dig in and pull against the wheels, so the machine doesn’t jump and run away from you on tough ground. It just churns through rock-hard soil and spits out fluffy, beautiful dirt. You can actually operate it with one hand once it gets going.

The Downside: It weighs 184 pounds. It’s a beast. While it moves forward easily, trying to make sharp turns at the end of a row can be a real workout.

 

 

Sun Joe TJ604E 16-Inch 13.5-Amp Electric Tiller

This Sun Joe costs about $150 and is a solid performer for most medium-sized gardens. It has a powerful motor and its six steel tines spin at 370 RPM, which really tears up the soil fast.

I like that it has adjustable wheels, which makes it easier to set the depth and roll it back to the garage when I’m done. The handles also fold down, so it doesn’t take up a ton of space in my crowded shed. It’s pretty much maintenance-free.

The Downside: Like the other corded models, your biggest frustration will be managing the extension cord. It limits how far you can go from an outlet.

 

 

Greenworks 40V 10-Inch Cordless Cultivator Tiller

The Greenworks cordless tiller is about $220, and it’s perfect for anyone who hates cords and gas engines. If you already have other Greenworks 40V tools, you can just use the same batteries.

It’s surprisingly aggressive for a battery-powered tool, easily handling my clay soil for touch-up work. The 10-inch width is great for weeding paths and working in smaller beds. The freedom of not having a cord is just fantastic.

The Downside: The battery life is the main issue. For a big job, you’ll definitely need a second battery charged and ready to go, because it won’t last long enough to do a large garden in one shot.

 

 

How I Choose a Tiller

For me, it really comes down to the size of my garden and the type of soil I have. For my main vegetable patch, which is about 30×50 feet, a powerful corded electric model does the trick without the noise and fumes of gas. I don’t mind dragging a cord around for that one big job in the spring.

But for my smaller raised beds and for weeding between rows, a small gas or battery-powered cultivator is way more convenient. They’re light, nimble, and I don’t have to worry about a cord snagging on my tomato cages.

If I were starting from scratch and trying to bust through a patch of lawn, I’d rent or borrow a big rear-tine gas model like that Troy-Bilt. Using the right tool for the job saves your back and gets you planting sooner, which is the whole point.