When selecting a new tiller to work up a garden in the spring, the size of garden space will largely determine what type of tiller is needed. For a large vegetable garden that needs to be tilled every spring, a large or mid-size tiller will be the best choice. Gardens with heavy, hard to work soil are also best suited for larger tillers. For working small garden areas or weeding around established plants, small tillers are a better option. Small tillers are also light-weight and easier to store and use.
Small Tillers
As part of the Echo Pro Attachment Series, the PAS Tiller/Cultivator attachment can be used with one of four different power sources. It has a 6 1/2-inch tilling swath for small garden beds, tight spaces, and hard to reach areas. The tiller can be easily changed for one of up to 17 different tool heads, depending on which power source is used, to make this tool more versatile.
For a mini-tiller larger than the PAS tiller/cultivator attachment, the Echo TC-210 Tiller is still a lightweight, highly portable option. It weighs 21.6 pounds and will till a 9-inch wide swath. It is powered by a 21.2 cc Power Boost Vortex engine with an electronic ignition for easy starting. A kickstand makes storage easy and prevents the tiller from falling over when not in use.
Honda’s FG110 Tiller is powerful mini-tiller with an easy-starting 25cc Honda GX25 engine. The tilling swath can be adjusted from 9-inches to 6-inches by removing the two outer tines. An engine guard also functions as a handle to increase portability. This tiller can be run with either a drag bar or wheels. With the drag bar, the tiller weighs 24.9 pounds. With wheels, it weighs 26.8 pounds.
Mid-Side Tiller
The Honda F220 Mid-Tine Tiller is designed for working larger beds than the mini-tillers, but it is still very portable and the tilling swath can be adjusted from 21-inches to 12-inches to work in smaller garden beds. This tiller weighs 53 pounds and runs on a 57cc Honda GXV57 engine. The heavy-duty handle folds for easy storage, and a retractable transport wheel makes this tiller easy to move when not in use. The adjustable depth bar allows the operator to control how deep the tiller is working the soil and the speed of the tiller.
Large Tillers
For large garden work, the Honda FC600 Mid-Tine tiller offers a 26-inch tilling width. The commercial grade 163 cc Honda GX160 engine starts easily and is highly fuel efficient. Other commercial grade features include a reinforced handlebar, tine axle seal guards, and a corrosion-resistant muffler. Tines are staggered to minimize vibration and reduce operator fatigue. Though the tiller weighs 126 pounds, a retractable transport wheel makes it easy to move. Side disks, to keep the tiller aligned and protect plants, come standard with this tiller.
Honda’s FRC800 Rear-Tine tiller is powerful enough to handle the most demanding garden work. It weighs 265 pounds. The commercial grade 270cc Honda GX240 engine offers durability, low emissions, and easy starting. This tiller is self-propelled, with three forward speeds and one reverse. A heavy-duty debris shield mounted over the rear tines protects the operator from dirt and debris kicked up by the tiller. Side tine shields allow for safe tilling close to fences and plants.
