Skip to Content

5 Best Rear Tine Tiller Reviews In 2023

Sharing is caring!

The rear tine tillers are the mechanical tools used to till the soil during the growing season. You save a lot of effort and time compared to the hand tiller.

They help to break hard rocks and dense sediments without much force like the manual tool. You can also adjust the digging depth to improve your performance on various types of terrain.

They feature the rotating tines that can dig and loosen the soil to help aerate it by breaking up dense clumps. There are heavy-duty agricultural tires, allowing them to move on the rocks, muddy, or even earth quickly.

Also, these rear tine tillers come with the power reverse feature that can make the backtracking process easy on the tilled ground. The engine is strong enough to till the hard soil and is well-built to ensure long life and consistent machine performance.

Thanks to the adjustable depth gauge that can run behind the tiller to ensure constant depth and maintenance during tilling. Besides, most of the tires come with a self-propelling quality design, giving them the proper structure for cultivation and gardening.

Continue reading this article to know more about the best rear tine tiller.

EARTHQUAKE Pioneer Dual Direction Rear 31285 Tine Tiller Best Rear Tine Tiller 2
EARTHQUAKE Pioneer Dual Direction Rear 31285 Tine Tiller via Amazon.com

Factors To Consider When Buying the Rear Tine Tiller

Tine rotation

First, you need to check the types of tines your tiller can have. Tines rotate in three different ways. The standard rotating tine rotates in the same direction as the wheels forward.

This becomes the best choice when you want to till 5 inches less or deep. The counter-rotating teeth rotate counterclockwise in the direction which is opposite to the wheels.

They are the best choice for many jobs as they stabilize the rear tine tiller better than the standard rotating tines. Typically, this can help you get the job done faster and give you more control.

The dual rotating tines provide versatility, so you can switch between the counter and forward rotating tines while working for optimal performance in any situation.

Tires

When traversing over rocky or uneven terrain, you need to get the right rear tine tiller with tires of about 12 inches or more. For the garden already transformed to flowerbeds or the smoother ground, you can go for the smaller tires at least 8 inches.

Tires are essential on the counter-rotating tine tillers because they must have good traction to produce forward motion when the tines are being rotated backwards. So, go for the tires with the all-terrain treads like the tractor.

Power

If you want the best rear tine tiller, you need to consider the engine size to give you the right impression of how powerful the machine. If you break the ground with heavy clay or new earth, a 200cc engine or larger is ideal.

However, if you need the rear tine tiller to operate in a well-established area, a smaller engine can be the right option. Also, if you are on a tight budget, you need to save money to buy a motor with a size of 100-180 cc.

Quality

There are different indications for the high-quality tiller. As you power the rear tine tillers with the engine, it is imperative to check the primary performance factors.

Also, it is essential to consider the overall design and type of materials used. Note that many tillers have the 4-stroke engine, but performance varies significantly by the model.

Craftsman CMXGVAM1144036 14 Inch Rear Counter 208cc Tine Tiller
Craftsman CMXGVAM1144036 14 Inch Rear Counter 208cc Tine Tiller via Amazon.com

Rear tine tillers can have the forward, counter, dual rotating, or reverse tines. Some models can even rotate counterclockwise and clockwise, although this is not a norm.

Note that the standard rotating tine works best in loose and shallow soil. Although the counter-rotating tine is strong enough to break rocky, dense, or clay-rich section of the earth, you cannot go wrong with the double rotating tiller because it is the best.

Safety features

Most of the rear tine tillers come with safety features. For instance, they have front counterweights that can keep them from tipping over.

Also, some have protective pads that prevent dirt from flying out and hitting the user. The pushdown safety bar offers an automatic stop when released; it also central in many rear tine tillers.

Weight

You need to go for the best tillers that weigh between 150 and 200 pounds. Although they may seem very heavy, they are straightforward to use because the engine uses the tires of the self-propelled machine.

Additional weight can have the advantage as it is unlikely to bounce over rough and rocky terrain. Also, they are easy to continue moving in the straight line.

Buying a lighter model may appeal to some people. However, it should be noted that more lightweight machines weighing around 100kg can be challenging to break up heavily compacted soils.

Motor

The motor becomes an essential part of the tiller. Without a high-quality model, you cannot achieve high-quality results. Most of the time, only two types of engines are used, mainly the 2-stroke and the 4-stroke.

The 2-stroke motor is powerful but louder when compared to the 4-stroke engine. Also, it uses less fuel but tends to be prone to failure.

The 4-stroke engine is still strong but improves fuel usage. High-quality tillers are found in both engines, but the 4-stroke motor is considered more desirable.

Grip

The rear tine tillers can either have a pistol or plow grip handles. The pistol grip handles need a two-handle operation.

On the other hand, the plow grip handles resemble the bike handlebar and allow for one-handed operation. Regardless of the grip type you choose, make sure you select one with various customizations.

Also, make sure it has a non-slip coating, like foam or textured rubber. This will prevent you from losing tiller control.

Transmission

The transmission offers a significant impact on the work your machine can work. Some tillers have neutral, reverse, and forward gear. The neutral gear facilitates the transport of the tiller.

Likewise, the reverse gear will help you re-cultivate the land and can make the machine quickly rotate. As going along, some models have more speeds than you can choose, allowing a large area to work faster.

Tilling depth and width

The depth of the tines in the ground can be a critical factor. When tilling the most recently ploughed gardens or dirt fields, a depth of 5 to 6 inches is enough.

If the ground is heavy or you are starting a whole new plot, it may be the best idea to buy a 10-inch tiller. In terms of width, if the tiller is the wider, the fast job is done because fewer passages have to be traversed to cover the area. Typically, the rear tine tillers have a width of between 10 inches and 20 inches.

Even though a wide tiller can be best for large, evenly shaped areas like the rectangular garden bed, it is not always the right option. In irregularly shaped gardens with smaller spaces or many curves, a narrower tiller becomes ideal though not essential.

With the best tillers, you can adjust the tilling depth to suit the situation to sow the seeds.


5 Best Rear Tine Tiller

1. CHAMPION POWER EQUIPMENT Dual Rotating 19-Inch Rear Tine Tiller

CHAMPION POWER EQUIPMENT Dual Rotating 19 Inch Rear Tine Tiller Best Rear Tine Tiller

Overview

CHAMPION POWER EQUIPMENT has come up with this rear tine tiller product that can help to tackle the rugged ground. It comes with a dual-rotation tilling, allowing for the quick switch from forward to reverse to ensure more flexibility in your garden.

There are self-propelled 13-inch agricultural tires that can power quickly over rough terrain, enabling you to achieve within less time.

Thanks to the heavy-duty hardened steel tines designed to handle the toughest soil conditions with the least effort.

Likewise, it comes with adjustable tilling width, making it straight forward to till wide rows or narrow spaces. The product features a convenient handle that can offer you the ultimate performance and versatility.

There is a 212cc engine that powers a cast iron and gear-driven transmission, which is housed in the durable cast-iron case.

I really appreciate the easy-adjust depth gauge because it can run behind the tiller to allow you to work at a consistent depth and provide additional balance in various conditions.

In the same case, it comes with a 2-year limited warranty, making it convenient because you can replace it if there is any defect.

Pros
  • It is versatile
  • Powerful and efficient
  • Has the cast-iron case, which can be heavy-duty
  • Offer free technical support
  • Wheels enable you till perfectly
  • Easy to maneuver
  • The handle ensures convenient control
  • Easy-adjust depth gauge allows consistent depth and provides additional balance
  • The adjustable tilling width enables you to till in wide rows and narrow spaces easily
  • Easy to assemble
Cons
  • Has no customer service

2. EARTHQUAKE Pioneer Dual-Direction Rear 31285 Tine Tiller

EARTHQUAKE Pioneer Dual Direction Rear 31285 Tine Tiller Best Rear Tine Tiller

Overview

Many people go for this product from EARTHQUAKE because it creates a suitable seedbed for planting during spring or maintaining rows in the growing season.

It comes with the patented transmission, which offers the perfect balance from side to side and front to back, eliminating those top-heavy tilling and tippy experiences. It can seamlessly maneuver backwards while in the garden with a quick pull of the handle.

The product can remove any guesswork from getting in the gear with the shift positioning system, which other dual-direction tillers long for.

Likewise, you can quickly get the drive mode you need by just sliding the shift handle in the preferred mode on a locator plate. Thanks to the super-wide airless tires, which never go flat and have seriously aggressive lugs to claw at the dirt to ensure maximum traction.

It comes with an engine that is quieter and lighter than the standard rear-tine tiller to make tilling easily. On the other hand, it features an instant reverse that works by just pulling the handle to allow you back up without shifting the gears.

Also, it has a compact footprint and dual control handlebars to make maneuvering in tight spaces easy.

Pros
  • Offer an instant reverse
  • Easy to maneuver in tight spaces
  • Offers incredible efficiency
  • The engine is lighter and quieter
  • Super-wide airless wheels provide maximum traction
  • Create smooth seedbeds
  • It has a frustration-free shifting
  • Easy to assemble
  • Make tilling effortless
  • Easy to control
Cons
  • Transmission broke quickly

3. YARDMAX Dual Rotating YT4565 Rear Tine Tiller

YARDMAX Dual Rotating YT4565 Rear Tine Tiller Best Rear Tine Tiller

Overview

This product from YARDMAX is guaranteed to ensure the job is well done, without over-exerting or overpaying it.

It has the perfect combination of performance and practicality, providing a durable product for both professional contractor and typical homeowner. There is an engine that can deliver 190 rpm rotational speed and 9.50 ft-lbs gross torque.

Thanks to the single-hand operation, the user can steer and stand from any side of a tiller. More importantly, it comes with a self-propelled drive system, which can offer enhanced control.

This tine tiller has a width of 18 inches with seven different depth adjustments and a working depth of 6.5 inches that cover the ground quickly.

Similarly, the feature of dual rotation is impressive and handy. It comes with 13-inch self-sharpening tines, which can break the toughest soil easily.

There is an adjustable drag bar that can help to maintain optimal balance on different soil surfaces. It has a serrated rear shield and adjustable side shield, which can enhance performance and safety.

Pros
  • Easy to use
  • It has 13-inch pneumatic tines that offer good traction
  • Easy to move and break the toughest soil
  • Offers enhanced control
  • Adjustable drag bar help to maintains the optimal balance
  • Offer a perfect combination of performance and practicality
  • It has improved handling and balance
  • Serrated rear shield and adjustable side shield enhance performance and safety
  • Easy to assemble
Cons
  • Gears are sloppy
  • The engine dies frequently

4. Craftsman CMXGVAM1144036 14-Inch Rear Counter 208cc Tine Tiller

Craftsman CMXGVAM1144036 14 Inch Rear Counter 208cc Tine Tiller Best Rear Tine Tiller

Overview

The Craftsman rear tine tiller is the rotating tiller, working with a 208cc gas engine and equipped with the recoil start. It comes with 10-inch rear steel tines that can handle different soils types, including rocky terrains.

This makes it outstanding when weeding, cultivating, large planting areas, and working in vegetation or compost at the end of a season.

Thanks to the tines’ counter-rotation feature that can help dig into the new ground easily and deeper in the soil with much torque output.

It comes with a tilling width of 14 inches and a tilling depth of 6 inches, which can take a big area quickly. The cutting width help to improve the torque and make it ideal for cultivating, weeding, and working in the fertilized garden.

The tiller has pneumatic tires, which can keep it sturdy and well balanced. Its handle can make it convenient when using it for long hours.

Also, it features the tine shield, which can protect you from any flying debris that can happen when working on rocky grounds. Even more, it has a loop and a bail handle, which keep you in comfortable control.

Pros
  • It has a powerful engine that can ensure recoil start
  • It digs quickly and deeper into the soil
  • Tine shield provide your protection
  • Pneumatic tires ensure excellent traction and maneuverability
  • Ensure customer satisfaction
  • It improves efficiency
  • Convenient to use
  • It is affordable
  • Pneumatic tires are balanced and sturdy
  • It features the counter-rotating tines
Cons
  • It does not have the reverse option

5. Southland SRTT196E 4-Cycle 196cc Rear Tine Tiller

Southland SRTT196E 4 Cycle 196cc Rear Tine Tiller Best Rear Tine Tiller

Overview

You can now handle the most challenging terrain easily using this model from Southland. It is perfect if you want to get your garden ready for any season or crush through the tough soil. This tiller becomes a great bargain, which can pack any tough soil which it meets.

It has an easy recoil start and a simple assembly, making the tiller start up right away. I really appreciate the self-sharpening counter-rotating tines that can eliminate a need for removing tines when sharpening.

Also, it provides a 10-inch tilling depth and 18-inch tilling width and can be adjusted easily by using a depth regulator lever.

There are 13-inch heavy-duty pneumatic tires, which can ensure easy maneuverability over the rugged terrain. Equally important, it comes with a convenient gear-driven system to allow for both reverse and forward tilling.

This tiller has a gas engine, which can provide a time-saving option for consumers ensuring different activities when blowing, cutting, cleaning, digging, shredding, edging, tilling, splitting, and trimming applications.

Pros
  • Durable and portable
  • The pneumatic tires ensure easy maneuverability even in rugged terrain
  • The gas engine provides time-saving options to consumers
  • Easy to assemble
  • Easy to start
  • The handlebars are comfortable because of adjustable height
  • Ensure reversibly and forward tilling
  • The motor is quiet in operation
Cons
  • The wheels are not of good quality

Conclusion

The rear tine tillers become the most powerful tools you can have to till your garden. They comfortably outperform the cultivator, where they are best when loosening the soil and the best option than the front tine tillers when digging tough dirt and new terrain.

Their engine is very advanced and has enough power to till rugged terrain. Besides, they have heavy-duty tires, which are durable and can withstand any landscape.

The best-selling one is YARDMAX Dual Rotating YT4565 Rear Tine Tiller because it comes with the dual rotation feature, which can move forward or reverse quickly.

Likewise, it has a serrated rear shield and adjustable side shield that can enhance performance and safety. This rear tine tiller has attained the above factors because it has a dual rotation that can make movement in any direction easier and has a safety feature to facilitate your safety.