Just as technology has advanced throughout the years, so have gardening tools and equipment. Gone are the days where you had to walk behind an ox pulling a tiller through a hard soil area.
Once known as the earth grinder, the rototiller, short for rotary tiller, was invented by Australian farmer Arthur Clifford Howard. His idea was to combine a variety of farming equipment and machinery to create a device that made tilting soil much easier. And so, the rototiller was born.
Although it has undergone some design changes throughout the years. It remains one of the best gardening tools on the market.
WHAT IS THE ROTOTILLER USED FOR?
This nifty device is perfect for any gardener or farmer who needs to prepare their soil for planting. Designed to lift up and break compact soil to create loose soil that’s adequate for planting vegetables and other greeneries. As a result, the rotating soil tilter saves on labor and time.
It can be used on smaller farmlands or in your background garden. Especially in a garden that hasn’t been used in a few months and that needs extra preparation.
Watch this video to learn more about using a tiller: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xmj8zYk0sQ0
Although it seems like a straightforward gardening machine, there are many things to consider before purchasing one. Here is a list of the things you have to bear in mind before purchasing a rototiller:
- How Often Will You Use It?
Buying a rototiller that’s expensive and extremely high-quality, might be a bit useless if you aren’t going to use it that often. Many gardeners only need a tiller once or twice year, to prepare their gardens for seasonal planting.
If you are going to use it much more often than not, then you can consider purchasing a machine that is extremely durable and has longevity. When you plan on using it only once or twice, you could consider renting one or buying a tiller that’s more suitable for your needs.
- Size of the Garden
Knowing the exact size of your garden will help you pick the right sized tiller. Having a machine that’s way too small for a big garden will take you a tremendous amount of time to tilt.
If you have a small back garden, you can invest in a smaller sized tiller. For larger back gardens you have to consider getting a much larger machine. This will ensure time and labor efficiency.
- Budget
These great machines range from anywhere between $300-$3,000. Depending on the size, model, brand, and type. You have to think about how much you are willing to spend on one. Consider how useful it will be to you and your garden when you purchase one versus renting one. Shop around and read reviews of rototillers for your backyard garden online, to start working out a budget.
- Type of Tiller
There are two main types of tillers: Rear-tine and Front-tine. Depending on your needs you will neither either or.
Rear-tine: Perfect for smaller farms. This machine typically has 8 horsepower and are self-propelled. They run on gasoline and can be handled much easier than front-tine tillers.
Maneuvering a rear-tine is easy as it has a reverse and forward gear, while the tines rotate in the opposite direction as that of the wheels. Tines can lift soil as deep as 8-10 inches creating a loose soil garden.
They are more expensive than other kind of tillers, but are durable and high in quality.
Front-tine: If you are an enthusiastic gardener you should invest in a front-tine tiller. Perfect for backyard gardens. The tines rotate in a forward motion as they are placed on the front of the machine or just underneath the engine.
They can lift soil as deep as 8-12 inches, but are a little trickier to handle. The 4-cycle engine combined with the wheels help transport the machine around. The operator does need a lot of upper body strength, as he needs to be able to pull the device back while the tines turn in a forward motion. Click here to discover more differences between front-tine and rear-tine tillers: Owning a garden tiller can be extremely beneficial to you and your garden. As long as you make sure you purchase the correct one.
