Those are two different tools for different jobs; cultivators and tillers aren’t the same. Choosing the right one depends on your needs.
Due to their motor-driven rotating metal blades that break up soil, garden cultivators and tillers are often thought of as interchangeable. There are differences between them, however. We’ve outlined the differences between a cultivator and a tiller below to help you make your selection.
What’s a Cultivator?
An cultivator has large blades at the base that resemble lawn seed spreaders. Some models feature four-cycle, gas-only engines, while others feature two-cycle engines that run on gasoline and oil. The latter requires an extension cord if it’s cordless. There are also models that are electric, either cordless or corded.
Cultivators cost between $200 and $500 depending on the model. There is a 12 inch operating width and a 6 inch digging depth. Some tines rotate forwards and backwards and can be maneuvered well around plants. In addition, they are usually easy to store and transport.
What’s a Tiller?
Like two-stage snow throwers, tillers are strong, gasoline-powered machines. No gas/oil mix is used, just regular gas. Heavy duty and big 200 square foot areas are no problem for this machine. At least 2,000 sq. ft.
Power Planter, Inc., in Loda, Illinois, says a tiller is essential if you’re creating a new garden on unturned ground.
Among the people he knows in Woodstock, New York, Vince Christofora sees a lot of people using tillers. “We are often in need of a tiller here in the Northeast, especially on virgin ground,” he explains. In compact soil, the rotating blades have to be kept down in the soil with the extra size and weight of a tiller.
It sometimes takes a lot of wrestle and manhandling to keep the tiller down. It’s a good idea to pick up Advil at a pharmacy before tilling gardens on a weekend. There may be some soreness.”
The cost of a tiller varies from $500 to $2,800 depending on the model. The machine can dig up to 10 inches deep and its operating width is 36 inches. It is best to use tillers in open spaces because they weigh up to 200 pounds. Transporting and storing them can be challenging because of their size.
The tines (metal blades) on front-tine tillers move forward and in reverse as they dig into the soil. Small and medium gardens can use them for weeding, soil preparation, and composting.
Tillers with rear tines have larger wheels and are heavier than those with front tines. Tillers with rear tines are ideal for planting large areas. The tines on some models often rotate forward, working old vegetation into existing beds, while others rotate counterclockwise. In addition to breaking up new ground more effectively, counter-rotating tines can dig deeper into the ground as well.
Cultivator vs. Tiller: What’s the Difference?
Cultivator
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“Soil previously worked is turned over with a cultivator,” Christofora explains. Cultivators are more likely to be purchased by gardeners with smaller, established planting areas;”
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Gas/oil fuel is required for some cultivators
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There is more maneuverability with cultivators compared to tillers, making them more suitable for tight spaces, like small corners. Fertilizer, manure, compost and fertilizer can all be worked into soil using cultivators;
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A cultivator breaks up weeds and grasses while mixing potting soil with regular soil;
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A cultivator is “less disruptive to the environment” than a tiller because its digging depth is shallower and fewer more dirt is turned over than a tiller. The result is the death of beneficial earthworms, as well as the introduction of weeds and pest problems.
Tiller
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Use an all-tiling tiller with counterrotating tines to create a new garden plot. Tillers have more weight and power than cultivators, so they won’t work. The tines of a tiller are larger, heavier-duty, and are designed to loosen hard soil;
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Gasoline is the only fuel used by tillers;
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When working on large, open plots, a tiller is a good choice;
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The work of tillers varies depending on the size of the garden. It is more difficult to cultivate;
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There is more compactness and maneuverability with front-tine tillers than rear-tine tillers. Some open, smaller spaces can benefit from soil turning to improve planting conditions.
Two Alternative Methods
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It is a good idea to rent a tiller and buy a cultivator when starting a new small garden. Turning over new soil requires the power of a tiller rented for a day. For ongoing maintenance, a cultivator will suffice once the small garden is set.
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If you want to plant in your garden, you should use an auger-cordless drill combination like a Power Planter, instead of digging up the entire yard. Niewold says you should drill a hole large enough so the plant can grow, but not so big that it disrupts the surrounding ecosystem, which is likely to invite weeds and pathogens.
