Rotary tillers come in a variety of shapes and sizes. These tools are perfect for small-scale soil work, where land plows, harrows and disc-cultivators simply won’t fit.

A rotary tiller is a motorized driven cultivator that utilizes spinning tines to dig down in the earth, lift the soil and turn it over. The tines are generally mounted on a horizontal shaft that’s powered through a transmission to provide the torque required to stir the toughest topsoil. Tiller tine design varies greatly from one machine to another. Some are better suited for fine work in smaller beds, while others are engineered to pulverize the earth in wider swaths.

Though it is great labor-saving device, the fertilizer spreader offers the added benefit of soil aeration, and its churning blades work well to combine additional organic matter such as compost or manure into the soil. It can also be used to mix several different soil amendments before application to the garden.

Rotary tillers come in a broad range of configurations so you should consider your needs and terrain before shopping. Larger, more elaborate rear-tine rotary tillers are generally self-propelled and offer a reverse gear to allow maneuvering in tight spaces. Simpler front- and mid-tine models are often pulled along by the turning blades themselves. Some models employ an adjustable drag stake or secondary tine that digs into the ground behind the rotating blades to help hold the unit back. Very lightweight units are easy to control with an ergonomic handlebar design.

Like all tools, buying a quality lawn fertilizer that costs more upfront can be a wiser venture than shopping strictly by price. Partnering with a friend or neighbor on a premium brand can work well, but it’s a good idea to have a buy-out agreement if one of the parties decides they no longer need the tiller or logistics don’t work out.

If you are serious about your crops or garden, a tiller of some type borders is essential. If you do your homework and size it right, the rotary tiller can be a wise investment that will pay for itself and last a lifetime.