The motorized tiller in the test: models, features, and tips for the proper application
Start into spring with ease! With the warmer season comes the energy to begin your projects in the front yard or allotment garden. When it comes to loosening up soil, especially over large areas, a motorized tiller - also known as a cultivator - is the perfect tool to get started.
Instead of toiling with spades, shovels, or traditional hoes, you can save a lot of time and, above all, energy with a motorized tiller. Especially devices powered by gasoline have plenty of power. Whether you want to lay out the lawn, loosen up the soil deeply, or lift compost and fertilizer deep under the grass, with the Einhell tiller, you can easily handle all soil work in the garden without any problem.
To give you an overview of the different Einhell tillers, we conducted a comparison in our tiller test. In the Einhell tiller test, we show you where to best use the different cultivators in everyday life and how a tiller actually works. We have summarized the most important tips and information for you on the proper use of the tiller, whether it is gasoline, battery-powered, or electric.
The areas of application and functionality of a motorized tiller
The heart of the tiller is a set of multiple blades called a cultivator, which is connected to the motor via a roller. By rotating the gasoline or electrically powered cultivator blades, you can loosen the soil in your garden deeply and introduce oxygen. Additionally, you can break down compost, moss, and grass, and sustainably provide the soil with nutrients by mixing them into the earth.
With the ability to remove or attach cultivator blades as needed, the working area can vary for almost any device. A gasoline tiller is suitable for particularly large areas with its strong motor. However, all Einhell models offer a maximum working width of 300 mm and can be used up to a working depth of 200 mm. In general, a working depth of 20 cm is optimal to effectively loosen the soil and completely remove the roots of weeds.
Even if the soil is heavily compacted due to prior machine work or heavy weight being placed on it, a tiller can help. A tiller has enough power to work on hard soils, regardless of whether the selected model is powered by electricity or gasoline. It helps loosen the soil for planting crops and also increases the air capacity in the soil, allowing them to thrive.
In the context of soil cultivation, you have probably heard of garden tillers. Both are intended for soil cultivation, but there are differences between tillers and cultivators. Compared to a cultivator, a tiller is equipped with relatively short tines and effectively breaks up the soil with a powerful motor.
What are your main advantages of using a motorized tiller?
Using traditional hand tools often leads to overexertion and strain on your body, especially your back, due to a bent posture. In comparison, a motorized tiller allows for a relaxed working posture. Thanks to its ergonomic handle with vibration damping, you can work with an upright posture and prevent joint and back pain. With the practical reverse gear of the tiller, you remain flexible, and the machine adapts to your needs: you can maneuver it in any direction without the motor letting you down.
In comparison to traditional hand tools, the tiller allows for a gentle way of working with the soil. A tine brake slows down the forward movement of the machine, which allows the tiller to work at a controlled depth and thoroughly loosen the soil. The adjustable tine brake makes it easy to control the intensity of the work.
Which motorized tiller is suitable for which projects?
With the multitude of models available on the market, it's not easy to find the right tiller even when comparing them directly. To help you choose between a gasoline-powered, cordless, or corded electric tiller, we have collected the most important facts in the cultivator test. If you want more details about the technical features, the motor of each device, and all the functions of the various cultivators, you can find all the information about the products here.
The electric tiller
When connected to a power source, the electric soil tiller is immediately ready for use and provides you with plenty of power for working on small areas and garden beds. Compared to the gasoline soil tiller, the electric model has a lower weight, making it very handy and compact. With this type of motorized tiller, you can work continuously even on long projects without taking breaks.
The cordless tiller
The battery-powered tiller features a small tilling unit and is ideal for working on medium-sized flower and vegetable beds. The cordless tiller is particularly environmentally friendly and quiet during operation. Equipped with intelligent lithium-ion batteries, the device provides strong performance with high mobility.
The petrol-powered tiller
If you want to dig up large plots of land and lawns or even plan to reseed your entire lawn, the gasoline-powered tiller does not require a power source and allows you to work flexibly in your garden. Thanks to its single-cylinder four-stroke gasoline engine, the gasoline tiller offers even higher performance than an electric model with battery or mains operation. In comparison, the gasoline tiller also performs well on large surfaces in the tiller test.
To what should be paid attention when using a tiller?
You have now learned about the different models and their areas of application. Our tips for the correct use of the motor tiller will also make your work with the device easier. If you consider these things, you will work safely and effectively:
1. Always check the fuel and oil levels of the engine
If the fuel and oil levels of the engine are low, you won't be able to work effectively and continuously. Always check them before use. Additionally, make sure the ignition cable is attached to the spark plug. This ensures proper use of the device.
2. Remove objects and obstacles from the work area
Stones and pieces of wood can get caught in the tines and cause significant damage. When using corded motor tillers, make sure the cord is always outside of the working area. This will prevent the cord from getting tangled in the tines and causing a short circuit.
3. Wear protective gear while operating the tiller
Eye, mouth, and ear protection are especially important as particles from the loosened soil can be thrown into the air during work. The appropriate protective gloves are a must, as they provide comfortable grip on the device. Choose gloves with non-slip grip pads to use your model perfectly.
4. Clean the device thoroughly after use
Clean the device thoroughly after use. Remove all residues from the motorized tiller, the tines, as well as the air filter, engine, and tank. Regularly cleaning the tiller after work makes the device more durable, resistant, and efficient for the next use. You can also learn more about maintenance measures such as changing spark plugs and oil in the original operating manual of each model.
Conclusion: Stay relaxed and at ease - with Einhell's tillers, you become an Enabler!
A soil tiller is the perfect tool to get your garden soil in shape. In the end, the choice of the right model for you depends on the desired location of use and your specific needs: For large areas, a gasoline-powered tiller is particularly suitable. For smaller garden areas, the best models for your project are the cordless or electric tillers. Want to learn more about the features of the tiller? Here you can find everything about the technical features of the different tiller models.
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Tom Weber is a product specialist at Einhell. In his blog posts, he not only shares his in-depth expertise in using various Einhell devices but also provides inspiration and instructions for DIY projects that every home improvement enthusiast can tackle at home.