The Best Rear Tine Tiller for Easier Land Tilling: Best 2023 Reviews!

Making sure that your garden is maintained properly might sound easy.

But in reality, it’s not. It needs a lot of preparation, technical know-how, and the right equipment to make sure that your garden or lawn is in its best shape.

One way to do that is by having the best rear tine tiller. In this article, we’re going to help you choose the perfect one for you.

Take away key points:

• The best rear tine tillers will help you finish land tasks efficiently
• The models are in engine power and performance, so choose the most suitable units for your needs
• Various brands are available so look for quality first and then check price, as all of them are expensive

Why should you have a rear tine tiller?

Here are the benefits the rear tine tillers offer:

1. Easy to use

These rear tine tillers are very useful if you want to till your land.

It’s because it’s very easy to use, and it won’t surely stress you out due to its wheels being connected directly to the engine. This means that you don’t have to move a muscle in moving the wheels. The engine does it for you, thus making the whole tilling job easier.

It’s as simple as that. You don’t have to worry about getting your arms and hands exhausted because you don’t have to do it on your own.

2. Safety

Another cool thing about these rear tine tillers is that they’re very safe to use. Why is this so?

Well, it’s because it is specifically designed to till the land and just that. And because of it, its mechanism, design, and overall build are made to till. One proof that it speaks of safety is its side and rear shields.

These shields make it safe to use because it protects you from sudden jerks or unforeseen incidents.

3. Versatile capability

What we mean by versatile capability is that these rear-tine tillers are fully capable of taking on any soil.

It doesn’t matter if it’s loam soil, sandy soil, or whatever type of soil you can think of. It can work on it effortlessly. That’s what makes these machines reliable when it comes to land tilling.

They can take on different heights on various soil types. That’s how capable they are.

4. Stable for use

These rear tine tillers are also stable to use. This means that you will become more productive and efficient in using it. This leads to faster working time and a greater area covered.

It’s because most of these tillers feature big treaded wheels that can roll on different types of terrain. It also helps the tiller become more stable in tilling the soil, making it more comfortable for you to use.

There are fewer vibrations, thus, less stress on your part.

5. Great for re-tilling

Then there’s its capability of re-tilling the soil. It can do it due to its counter-rotating tines. This means that its tines can turn and rotate in the other direction, which is the opposite of the wheels.

Not only does this make re-tilling possible, but this also makes the whole task of tilling very tough ground easier.

You don’t have to worry if the ground is very compact and hard because these rear tine tillers perfectly do fine with it.

Top 8 best rear tine tillers for your needs!

If you need the best rear tine tillers, you can choose the best models from our reviews below. We’re sure you will find the best rear tine tiller reviews for your needs.

$$$$ – Toro 58603 Dual Direction Rear Tine Tiller

Best counter-rotating tines with the instant reverse lever for your engine power and reverse speeds for the opposite direction. The tine rotation is ideal for the adjustable tilling width and these rear tine tillers work well with the maximum tilling depth in your existing gardens, or new gardens.

$$$$ – EARTHQUAKE 31285 Pioneer Dual Direction Rear Tine Tiller

Best for safety standards and gas-powered model for more versatility and tilling depth. the working depth is adjustable to established gardens or new gardens and new soil. The rotating tines can also go in the same direction or opposite direction, and the engine power ensures the best efficiency of the gas tillers.

Still, the rear tine tillers are of questionable quality.

$$$$ – CHAMPION POWER EQUIPMENT 19-Inch Dual Rotating Rear Tine Tiller

Best Champion Power Equipment rotating rear tine tiller for its tilling width and tilling depth. The adjustable working depth makes the rear tine tiller ideal for garden rows and other tasks. The powerful tiller is great for new ground or already broken soil, and you can adjust your new garden to match your needs. The tines rotate easily, and you can maneuver the tiller in the counter-rotation too.

Many garden owners find broken parts.

$$$$ – DR TW19118BMN Rear Tine Tiller

Best for different soil types and tine rotation options to keep the overall performance optional and effective. The efficient system makes the tiller easy to control and use for an extended period. The pneumatic tires are easily adjustable for different uses.

Nonetheless, the rear tine tillers are too bulky and too big.

$$$$ – YARDMAX Dual Rotating Rear Tine Tiller

Best self-propelled tires with standard rotating tines and the most efficient system for different robust uses and applications. The unit is better than the front tine counterparts, as the self-propelled model cannot be affected by any external factor.

The model is questionable for its turning issues.

$$$$ – Earthquake Rear Tine Tiller

Best compact design for various areas. The powerful engine allows more strength and energy, so the model is crucial for various applications and multiple heavy-duty uses.

You might notice its manual start instead of the electric one.

$$$$ – Husqvarna Counter Rotation Rear Tine Tiller

Best for heavy-duty and robust uses. The reliable and durable system makes it ideal for different tasks, and the self-propelled model is one of the best rear tine tillers available on the market. Most rear tine tillers will last longer but this one offers a sturdy design to resist all external factors.

It’s way too pricey.

$$$$ – Craftsman CMXGVAM1144036

Best for light-duty tasks and smaller gardens. The self-propelled unit is great for its small and compact construction, so it easily adjusts to your needs and demands. You can easily manage it, and the light unit is great for maneuverability.

However, it’s not for heavy-duty applications.

#1. Toro 58603 Dual Direction Rear Tine Tiller – Best for max depth of your entire garden

• Brand: Toro
• Material: Alloy steel
• Power source: Battery powered
• Best for: working depth and dual rotating tines

The Toro rear tine tiller is a powerful and reliable tiller for any gardening enthusiast.

With its 127cc Briggs and Stratton engine, it delivers optimal power to the rear-mounted tines for impressive soil preparation.

It also features an instant reverse function which allows you to maneuver without having to stop and start the engine. The rear tine tiller has a 17-inch tilling width, making it ideal for small to medium-sized gardens.

The Toro rear tine tiller is easy to use and maintain, with its simple recoil pull start system and easy access air filter.

The adjustable handlebar makes it comfortable to use for extended periods, while the counter-rotating tines provide maximum performance in both forward and reverse directions.

Additionally, the durable steel construction ensures that your tiller will last for years of reliable service.

You can operate the Toro rotating rear tine tiller with one or two hands due to its system. The reverse lever offers a forward rotation and the engine power is excellent for a more depth lever, compact soil, and garden rows.

Overall, the Toro rear tine tiller is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a powerful yet affordable tiller with great features. Its combination of power, ease of use, and durability make it an ideal choice for any gardener or landscaper.

Whether you’re preparing your garden beds or creating pathways through your lawn, this tiller will get the job done quickly and efficiently.

#2. EARTHQUAKE 31285 Pioneer Dual Direction Rear Tine Tiller – Best gas tiller for safety features when outdoor gardening

• Brand: Earthquake
• Material: steel
• Power source: gas powered
• Best for: engine power and counter rotation

The Earthquake rear tine tiller is a powerful and reliable tool for any gardener or landscaper.

With its 99cc 4-Cycle Viper Engine, this tiller can easily break through tough soil and sod.

The dual direction tines allow you to switch between counter-rotating tines (CRT) mode for busting sod and till tough soils, or forward rotation mode for cultivating and weeding.

The airless wheels make it easy to maneuver around your garden or yard, while the 11” tilling depth ensures that you get the most out of your soil.

The Earthquake Pioneer also features an instant reverse system which allows you to quickly change directions without having to stop and start the engine. This makes the dual tine rotation great for tight areas or when you need to quickly turn around in a small area.

It also has a 5-year warranty so you know that your investment is protected.

The working depth is also ideal, and you can work with tough soil, a truck bed, an existing garden, or new ground and a new garden.

Earthquake Dual Direction Rear Tine Tiller is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a powerful and reliable tiller that can handle tough soils and sod with ease.

Its airless wheels make it easy to maneuver around tight spaces, while its instant reverse system allows you to quickly change directions without having to stop and start the engine.

Plus, its 5-year warranty ensures that your investment is protected.

#3. Champion 19-Inch Dual Rotating Rear Tine Tiller – Best budget pick with the largest cultivating width

• Brand: Champion Power Equipment
• Material: cast iron
• Power source: gas powered
• Best for: forward rotating tines and adjustable tilling width

While the majority of rear tine tillers tend to cost you a small fortune, the Champion 100380 is an excellent option at an affordable price for everyone to buy.

The first thing that captures our attention must be the massive 19-inch cultivating width. This is the largest cultivating width of a tiller at present.

Imagine how useful this machine will be when you have a big garden to take care of but too little time to do that. Tilling the whole garden will take you only a few passes in several hours.

Plus, the 8-inch cultivating depth is also very impressive. You can seed just nearly any kind of plant on your well-plowed land. 

Thanks to self-propelling tires, the equipment will ease your burden of steering the tiller. You just need to use minimum force to push it forward.

Finally, if there are any issues happening, you can still take advantage of the two-year warranty that the manufacturer provides. So there is nothing to worry about.

#4. DR TW19118BMN Rear Tine Tiller – The best performance of the forged steel tines

• Brand: DR
• Material: steel
• Power source: wind-powered
• Best for: pneumatic tires for different soil types

The DR rear tine tiller is an excellent choice for anyone looking to make quick work of their garden. This tiller features a 208cc engine, 11-inch tines, and dual rotating tines that allow you to switch between forward and counter rotation.

With its 9.5 Ft/Lb gross torque OHV engine, this tiller will easily break through tough soil and get the job done quickly. The 18-inch tilling width and 11-inch tilling depth provide plenty of coverage for larger areas, while the 13×5 tire size ensures smooth operation on uneven terrain.

The DR tine tiller is easy to use and maintain. It has a convenient handlebar design that makes it comfortable to maneuver around your yard or garden. The adjustable drag bar allows you to adjust the depth of the tilling according to your needs.

Additionally, the durable construction ensures that this machine will last for years with proper maintenance and care. So, you can use the hand tiller for an extended period for your garden bed needs and similar applications.

The DR rear tine tiller is a great choice for anyone looking for a reliable machine that can handle any job in their yard or garden. Its powerful engine and adjustable drag bar make it easy to use, while its durable construction ensures long-lasting performance.

Whether you’re a novice gardener or an experienced landscaper, this machine is sure to get the job done quickly and efficiently!

#5. YARDMAX Dual Rotating Rear Tine Tiller – Most efficient front tine tillers

• Brand: YARDMAX
• Material: cast iron
• Power source: gas powered
• Best for: a tine rotation system

The YARDMAX tine tiller is a great tool for anyone looking to break ground quickly and easily. It has a powerful 209-cc engine, an 18-inch wide rear tine design with 7 depth adjustments, and a 6.5-inch working depth to cover more ground quickly.

The single-hand operation allows you to stand and steer while the forward rotation helps break up hard soil with ease. Its strength makes it stand out among most rear-tine tillers.

The YARDMAX Dual Rotating Rear Tine Tiller is also very easy to use. It has an ergonomic handlebar design that makes it comfortable to operate, even for extended periods.

The adjustable drag bar allows you to adjust the tilling depth as needed, making it perfect for any job from light cultivation to deep soil preparation.

Additionally, the counter-rotating tines provide maximum power when breaking through tough soils or roots.

The YARDMAX tine tiller is well-built and designed for maximum efficiency and performance in any type of soil condition due to its pneumatic tires.

This machine is perfect for anyone looking for an easy way to break ground quickly and efficiently without having to put in too much effort or strain on their body.

You don’t need to worry about the overall performance and quality, as the machine cannot harm so soon regardless of the working and external factors. So you can finish all tasks instantly and efficiently without any issues.

Highly recommended!

#6. Earthquake Rear Tine Tiller – A compact machine with a powerful motor

• Brand: Earthquake
• Material: alloy steel
• Power source: gas powered
• Best for: strength and reliable system

In spite of its compact frame, the Earthquake Victory 29702 CRT can provide monstrous power, just like a full-sized model. Thus, it is ideal for both small and medium gardens.

It has a series of outstanding features, such as balanced maneuverability in the row and the sod, that allow easy one-hand control.

Furthermore, the 16-inch cultivating width combined with the 10-inch tilling depth offers easy tilling ability on most types of grounds. And the dependable 196cc Kohler engine will supply enough power for almost all kinds of gardening tasks.

If you want to till your land thoroughly, the Earthquake rototiller has both forward and reverse gear options. Although the tiller does not have adjustable speed or power, it allows you to walk in reverse without having to lift it and turn in the opposite direction.

Meanwhile, the tines counter-rotate to dig the land more efficiently. So the chances are that you do not have to plow the soil more than once.

#7. Husqvarna Counter Rotation Rear Tine Tiller Briggs & Straton – Best Heavy – Best heavy-duty machine

• Brand: Husqvarna
• Material: steel
• Power source: gas powered
• Best for: robust applications

Husqvarna CRT900 is a nice choice if you want a heavy-duty unit to finish your demanding jobs.

Despite the fairly high price, the device proves that it is worth it with sturdy components, awesome power, and high performance on all terrains.

The 205cc Briggs & Stratton engine can be operated in seconds to deliver sufficient power to crush all types of sod and soil.

For enhanced stability, balance, and safer operation, the heavy wheels come with Chevron tires and a counterweight feature. This also helps the tiller to have good traction and work well even on rugged or uneven grounds.

In addition, the counter-rotating tines enable gardeners to either prepare the yard for cultivation or dig deeply. Meanwhile, forward and reverse capability gives you more maneuverability as well as control.

Apart from all of the above characteristics, the adjustable tilling depth and moderate 14-inch tilling width will ensure a beautiful garden, even if you are just a beginner.

#8. Craftsman CMXGVAM1144036 – Best pick for small gardens

• Brand: Craftsman
• Material: steel
• Power source: gas powered
• Best for: light-duty tasks

If you merely have a small garden to look after, the Craftsman CMXGVAM1144036 is an ideal option.

Although its modest 14-inch cultivating width is far inferior to other products, this dimension also simplifies the management and navigation of the device.

With a 10-inch length, its steel tines are a little lesser than other tillers, too. But anyway, it is engineered to handle light-duty tasks.

Thankfully, the machine still provides a 7-inch cultivating depth, which is decent to get your job done.

As for convenience, the Craftsman product features a self-propelling option to aid users. What you need to do is simply guide the tiller in the proper direction rather than push it manually. During hot and tiring days, such an automatic function will be extremely handy.

When it comes to safety, the tiller has a tine shield to block any flying particles that may damage the device or hurt you.

Although you are not prone to meet any problems, the two-year warranty on the product plus the lifetime warranty for customer support will still be a remarkable bonus.

Yet, we have a note for you. If you intend to use this rear tine tiller to handle heavy-duty tasks, forget about it.

The Craftsman CMXGVAM1144036 should only be used for light-duty jobs but nothing more than that.

What makes a good rear tine tiller? Buyer’s guide

Here are crucial factors to consider when choosing the best rear tine tiller:

1. Big wheels

The first thing you must consider when choosing a rear tine tiller is its wheels.

The wheels should be big so that they can easily work on different terrains of various soil types. Having big wheels means that it can easily cross even the muddiest of soil.

But then again, it’s not just the wheel’s size you have to focus on because its texture and quality are also important considerations to make. It would be better if the wheels featured a texture that is built for the rugged outdoors.

This makes it even more capable of tilling any ground. Then there’s the element of quality, which determines the lifespan of the wheels. You surely don’t want to replace your wheels soon.

2. Durable body construction

The body construction is another important consideration to make. Make sure that the material it’s made of is of high quality or premium quality so that you’ll know that this will last for a long time.

You obviously don’t want to buy a new rear tine tiller after just a few years because that will surely be a waste of money.

See to it that the body is sturdy and can take a lot of beating.

3. Comfortable handles

You want to be comfortable when using a rear tine tiller. One way of ensuring your comfort sees to it that its handles are comfortable to hold.

You use the tiller by holding and controlling the handles. It’s where your body gets in contact with the machine, which is why it’s important you take notice of this element.

It’s best if the handles feature a soft padding cushion that gives you a good grip. This makes it comfortable for your hands. It would also be nice if the handles featured an ergonomic design so that you’ll have a perfect grip on them.

4. Powerful engine

The engine is another important consideration to make. It’s what makes these machines effective and highly useful.

Make sure that the engine is powerful enough to take on even the hardest of grounds or soil types. The engine is where the tiller’s power comes from, making it a vital component to consider.

However, it’s not just about brute force when you’re talking about the engine’s capability.

You also need to consider its efficiency and its emissions. Is it safe for the environment? Does it spew out a lot of smoke?

It’s by asking these questions that you can avoid buying a rear tine tiller that has an engine that wastes a lot of fuel.

5. Justifiable price

Instead of using the word affordable, we used justifiable in describing the price. The reason behind this is that we don’t want you to get affordable rear tine tillers that are of low quality.

We want you to get something that is worth the price. So it’s still a good buy if it’s expensive as long as it has a ton of great features and is made of premium materials.

This is what we mean by justifiable price. But take note that there are a lot of rear tine tillers sold on the market that is affordable yet have similar features and quality to the more expensive ones.

So you might want to remember that when choosing one.

FAQs

What is the difference between a rototiller and a tiller?

The main difference between a rototiller and a tiller is the power and size.

A rototiller is heavier and more powerful than a tiller, which is designed for digging deeply into the soil. Most rear tine tillers are also larger, making them better suited for larger areas and tougher soil.

On the other hand, cultivators are smaller than tillers, have less horsepower, and don’t till the soil as deeply. Because of this, cultivators are usually best used for loosening soil, weeding, and working in close, small spaces.

What is better: front or rear tine tiller?

Rear tine tillers are generally heavier-duty and better suited for breaking hard or compact soils. They also have large wheels that help prevent ‘tine walking’ and require little or no downward pressure on the handles.

Front tine tillers are designed for cultivating and turning the soil in established areas, but they may not be as effective at breaking up hard soils.

Are Craftsman rear tine tillers good?

Craftsman rear tine tillers are a great choice for those looking for a powerful and reliable tiller. They offer a wide range of features, including adjustable tilling depth, counter-rotating tines, and large pneumatic wheels.

What rear tine tillers are made in the USA?

Popular brands of rear tine tillers made in the USA include Honda, Lawnking, Titan Pro, and Mowers2Go.

How much does a cub cadet rear tine tiller cost?

The RT 65 Garden Tiller, for example, retails for around $899.00. Other models such as the Cub Cadet RT65 (18″) 187cc Honda Dual Rotating Rear Tine Tiller can range from $1,149 to $1,299 depending on the features.

Where can I rent a rear tine tiller?

You can rent one from The Home Depot, Top Gunn Equipment Rental, Sunbelt Rentals, United Rentals, Herc Rentals, Aztec Rental Centers, and Rental Stops.

How do you make a rear tine tiller dig deeper?

One way is to use ‘skid tines‘, which involve drilling three holes in the upturned portion of the skids with the same spacing as the two on the tines. This will allow you to mount the tine further down and increase its digging depth.

Additionally, you can adjust the handles of your tiller so that it is only digging 2-3 inches deep into the soil. You can also re-pin the lift links to increase how far down your tiller digs.

Finally, you can remove the tiller shoes for more depth when plowing and then tilling.

The best rear tine tiller is…?

The best rear tine tiller is the Toro 58603 Dual Direction Rear Tine Tiller.

The rear tine tiller is great for its overall performance, tires, and overall construction. So you can use it for an extended period regardless of the external factors and working conditions.

Summary

We hope you can find the best rear tine tillers for your needs easily and enjoy all operations and performance.

Let us know about your best models.