Small Tiller Recommendations

[Cindy in NY]

We are probably going to be getting a small tiller to use in our raised beds. Any recommendations before we start looking?

[MaineFarmMom]

I just started using the tilther that Johnny's sells in my greenhouses. It's not for breaking ground but once the gound has been turned over it does a good job.

[Beeman]

I think I'm going to buy my wife the Stihl version of the small tiller. The Troy Bilt is too big for cultivating for her. We've got a very good Stihl dealer so I know I can get service or parts if needed.

http://www.stihlusa.com/multitask/MM55.html

[sellis]

look at a mantis we have one and man it will do the job . i use it first then i use the big tiller for getting really deep .

[uncle Will in In.]

If jerking the starter rope is a problem, Remington makes an electric model. It has as much power as the gas tillers, and may be a little heavier than some. The extension cord can be a nusiance.

[Cindy in NY]

I looked at the Mantis website and just wonder if it's worth $300 - $350 dollars? There's a Craftsman on sale this week for $199, similar to Mantis in appearance but weighs about 10 pounds heavier. We might take a look at it this week. Our beds have been dug many times but every year we get more & more tree roots in them adn we have less and less strenght to deal with them.

[Nette]

I highly recommend the small Stihl tiller. I've had one for three years, and, like all of my other Stihl equipment, it never fails to start. I have narrow raised beds around the entire perimeter of my fenced-in backyard, and that little tiller will do the job, whether you're breaking new ground or tilling up last year's beds. My husband had given me a tiller to pull behind my little landscaping tractor, and I took it back and got this one. It's so much more practical, and I don't have to get him to help me hook it up. (OR start it! ) The Stihl equipment might cost more up front, but it's well worth it.

[Callieslamb]

I have a small garden way tiller and one that I bought years ago at a Lowe's. They were both a pain in the neck to get started. However, they do a great job. Now I take them in to be serviced every year and starting is lots easier. If you can't afford the best, I recommend the generic versions. I have had mine for about 10 years. Anyone know where I can go/what to read to learn how to service my little engines myself?

[mtman]

we had a flat garden then we went to raised beds we use a mantis we love it we broke fresh grond with it did way better then i thought it would raised big rocks and all did break some teeth but did well