Rototiller; what size for a small person?
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Apparently everyone in this tiny town has a little garden. There are lots of orange trees and LOTS of the big Portuguese cabbage/kale plants.
Question by Jennifer: Rototiller; what size for a small person?
I’m planning on buying a tiller. I was going to get a little $ 200 mini, but after thinking about it, I plan on starting new garden areas where grass is and also plan on cover crops in fall in vege garden (20 x 20 feet), so I think I need a regular size one.
I’m looking at TroyBilt with 160cc Honda engine. I want a size that I can use, not have to wait for my husband. I’m 5 feet 4 inches and weight 112 pounds. So, what size tiller won’t drag me around the yard and make me fight with it.? Will I really be able to use this with one hand as they show in pictures?
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5 Responses to Rototiller; what size for a small person?
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First thing is, you want a rear tine tiller, it is easier to use. there should be about 4-6 tines on the tiller, about 1.5 feet wide. too big, and it will drag you around. honda makes a series called easy start, they are really nice. And the one hand stuff is bogus. you will always have two hands on it.
hankandbill
October 10, 2011 at 4:43 pm
A small one, such as a Mantis would be just fine for you and is in your price range.
ceprn
October 10, 2011 at 5:22 pm
I would sggest renting one until you can afford the “proper size”. I am 60 years old, and have a Troy Built Junior. My garden is 25×25, and it is perfect for me. It is not the size of the tiller that makes a difference, but the knowledge to run it. They are tricky. Once you learn, you will never be without one. I even do custom tilling for people. They rent for about $ 25.00 per half day. Please don’t get the Mantis. You will outgrow it, and regret purchasing it. Buy the way, mine is 25 years old, and the only thing I do to it is a tuneup every 2 years. $ 50.00
Yes, I till one handed. I usually have a beer in the other.
saaanen
October 10, 2011 at 5:32 pm
yes you will be able to use one ,but get a real tiller it is much easier to use a front tiller will shake you and tire you out faster since you will have ti fight it so much
leakthomas
October 10, 2011 at 5:42 pm
In my humble opinion, large rototillers are best rented. The cost of the tiller and storing it while it sits idle 90% of the time does not make it cost effective for the average gardener. The smaller Mantis type tillers can be very easy to use and take up very little storage space. The larger front and rear tine tillers can get away from you very easily, especially when tilling new areas that might have root and rocks hidden beneath the surface. See my ideas on soil improvement at the following website-
Neal K
October 10, 2011 at 6:39 pm