Selecting the right tiller for the job

Garden tillers are used to break up compacted soil in large open areas or smaller garden patches. Tillers are available as front-tine or rear-tine machines, depending on the position of the tines.

Rear-tine tillers are usually used to prepare soil in large areas, while front-tine machines are used to till the soil in smaller areas. Husqvarna supplies a range of tillers that it says are versatile, easy to handle, and suited for a variety of uses – from lush lawns to tough soil.

A rear-tine counter-rotating tiller is considered ideal for landscapers, professional gardeners, and farmers working with large, open areas. Rear-tine models can reach greater depths than front-tine options and are designed for use on densely packed earth and lawns, especially useful for establishing new garden beds.                            

With powered wheels and tines that turn in the opposite direction, rear-tine tillers  can break up soil very effectively but are not able to reach tight corners or move around obstacles, making this option unsuitable for smaller gardens. Designed for heavy-duty tillage, the engine is larger and the machine is heavier than a front-tine option.

Husqvarna has two rear-tine models in its range, with the most powerful one being the TR 262.

Front-tine tillers are suitable for smaller areas with tighter spaces and less landscaping work - including greenhouses, small plots, garden patches and tunnel maintenance. These tillers are driven by the tines, that can only move in one direction – forwards.

They are specially suited for getting into small spaces and moving around plants or other obstacles. Standard working widths range from 74 cm to 135 cm and additional tines can be added to customise the size of the tiller.

Front-tine tillers’ engines are usually lighter and less powerful, making them cheaper and smaller, allowing for easier storage and transport.

There are five front-tine models available in the Husqvarna range: TF 230, TF 338 TF 435P, TF 545D and TF 545DE.

“When deciding which tiller is up to meeting your specific requirements, bear in mind that while the front-tine tiller is lightweight, cheaper and great for small spaces, it is not the right choice for deep tilling and is only able to move forward,” says Husqvarna South Africa product manager Mark Odell. “However, they are very versatile and able to perform a variety of tasks with accessories for moss raking, edging, scarifying, and ploughing. If you have a number of small patches and flower beds in your garden, ensure that the tiller you choose has carrying handles or transport wheels. By contrast, the rear-tine tiller is great for deep tilling, can cover large, wide, open areas quickly, but it is more expensive and not as precise as a front-tine tiller.”