Rotary tillers prepare soil in flower beds, gardens, landscape beds, and turf grass seed and sod beds. More specifically, tillers break up heavily compacted, hard soils to allow for better water percolation and air movement to plant root zones.

Another area in which grounds managers heavily use rotary tillers is that of soil cultivation in established planted areas. Light to moderate tilling helps control weed problems without harming established plantings. You also can perform light tilling to break up crusted soil surfaces after heavy rainfalls or irrigation to allow more efficient air and moisture movement to plant root zones.

A typical use of rotary tillers is to deep-tine till and break up native ground for converting it into beautifully landscaped gardens.

Types of power sweeper rotary tillers like front-tine and rear-tine tillers are the types most commonly used for landscaping and gardening tasks. For larger-scale operations, tractor-mounted tillers are appropriate.

Features to consider in choosing your tiller is not only for the job you’re doing but, and more importantly, for making the proper purchase decision. Improperly choosing equipment can cost you time, money and frustration if you can’t accomplish your desired tilling goals.

Consider lawn fertilizer spreader tiller controls for both location and operator access. Awkward placement of handles, switches and levers can cause operator discomfort and could present a safety hazard. Adjustable handles, both for up-and-down and for side-to-side adjustment, let the operator choose the most comfortable position. The side-to-side adjustment allows the operator to safely control the tiller and not trample the newly tilled ground.

Also evaluate tilling-width availability or adjustable tine widths. Many new light-weight models now feature adjustable tine widths along with other accessories such as spikers and edgers. Also consider size and weight on both light- and heavy-duty tillers for storing and transporting your tiller.