The 7 Best Front Tine Tillers

This wiki has been updated 20 times since it was first published in March of 2019. It's a great feeling to harvest fresh fruits and vegetables that you grew yourself, but it takes a lot of work to get there. That's why a front-tine tiller is an important addition to your collection of garden tools. Our selections can tackle everything from simple turning over of soil to cultivation to breaking up hard dirt as you prepare new plots for planting. When users buy our independently chosen editorial recommendations, we may earn commissions to help fund the Wiki.

This wiki has been updated 20 times since it was first published in March of 2019. It's a great feeling to harvest fresh fruits and vegetables that you grew yourself, but it takes a lot of work to get there. That's why a front-tine tiller is an important addition to your collection of garden tools. Our selections can tackle everything from simple turning over of soil to cultivation to breaking up hard dirt as you prepare new plots for planting. When users buy our independently chosen editorial choices, we may earn commissions to help fund the Wiki.

1. Champion 100379

If you have a large or tough plot to tame, then the Champion 100379 (about $482) might be a good choice for you. Its bidirectional capability can turn even hard dirt into soil that is ready to plant, and it is equipped with wheels that make it easy to move.

Adjustable tilling width and depth
Lifetime technical support
Powerful 212cc engine

2. Husqvarna FT900-CA

A solid choice from a reputable brand, the Husqvarna FT900-CA (appx. $535) features a beefy, 208-cc engine that can tackle any job you throw at it. You can adjust its width up to 26 inches, and it comes with a drag bar to help you control its speed.

Can spin forward and in reverse
Adjustable depth
Is easy to handle

3. Honda FG110

Ideal for flower beds and for cultivating between rows of a vegetable plot, the Honda FG110 (appx. $369) features heavy-duty components to keep it running for many seasons. Its commercial-grade, 4-cycle engine is easy to start and maintain.

9-inch tilling width
Lightweight and maneuverable
Folding handle for easy storage

4. Yardmax YT5328

The Yardmax YT5328 (around $292) can reach 11 inches deep and, with its adjustable-height handle, it is convenient for both tall and short gardeners. Its engine rotates the tines 180 times per minute, and it includes user-friendly controls.

Rust-resistant shield
Width up to 21 inches
Does not offer reverse rotation

5. Troy-Bilt Colt

The Troy-Bilt Colt (around $568) features patented tines that pull it forward while creating finely turned and aerated swaths up to 24 inches wide. It is powered by a reliable 208-cc engine, and the plow-style handle folds down for easy storage.

Chain drive transmission
Gets down as far as 7 inches
Relatively heavy at 128 pounds

6. Earthquake 20015 Versa

You can easily remove the outer tines on the Earthquake 20015 Versa (appx. $299) to convert it from a tiller to a cultivator. This capability means it is useful throughout the season, not just in the spring, when it's time to prepare the plot for planting.

5-year warranty
Easy to assemble
Handles could be longer

7. Earthwise TC70016

Perfect for raised gardens and flower beds around the house, the Earthwise TC70016 (around $130) is an electric labor-saving tool that is ready to prepare the soil for planting or to cultivate established plots. Its six tines can adjust to a width of 16 inches and a depth of 8.

Comfortable ergonomic handle
Powerful 13-amp motor
Tends to bounce on hard soil

Last updated by Joseph Perry

An avid reader and outdoors enthusiast, Joe earned his doctorate in literary studies before making the lateral leap from academia to technical writing. He now lives and works in the inter-mountain West where he creates technical and marketing content, including white papers, solution briefs, and courseware for some of the world’s largest information technology companies. With more than 14 years of experience in the field, he has learned more than he ever thought he would know about such enterprise IT topics as cloud computing, storage, databases, business software, and networking. When he’s not writing about business computing, he can be found outdoors, probably hiking with his family and dog.

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