5 Best Garden Cultivator 2022 Reviews

Garden Cultivator. If you need to plant a lot of trees or shrubs, or all sorts of digging applications. About a few years back garden cultivators were in large size and expensive machines. They were affordable to commercial farmers and gardeners.

Nowadays, manufacturers have created these tools more affordable, more compact, and much simpler for the gardener. Rotary tillers are simple machines by design and easy to use.

Before using a tiller you must read the manufacturer’s instructions in full. Since it is likely that most gardeners are not going to read them, you must know the proper use of a tiller so that you will have a working knowledge of the operation of your garden cultivator or power tools for digging soil.

We have factored all these things in when coming up with our list of the best garden cultivators. We have kept to garden cultivators that can easily be found for a good deal. We invite you to read the garden cultivators pros, cons, comparison, review that will help you to make the wise and right decision.


Our Quick Overview

  1. Most Durable Garden Cultivator: Sun Joe TJ603E
  2. Best Easy to Assemble: Earthwise Tiller Cultivator TC70016
  3. Best Lightweight Garden Cultivator: Greenworks 27072
  4. Best Quiet Garden Cultivator: Mantis Cultivator 7250-00-03
  5. Best for Old People Garden Cultivator: Black And Decker Cultivator LGC120

Our editors research, and recommend the best products; you can learn more about our review process here. Bestgardenoutdoor earns a commission through the affiliate links at no additional cost to you.


How to use a garden cultivator?

Before you start your garden cultivator as digging tools, you have to take a careful stroll through all the areas that you want to cultivate. If you see any weeds, you will definitely eliminate them using the garden cultivator or trench digging tools.

You might want to get rid of any rocks you pass to avoid the rocks getting hit that may cause injury or damage.

Now you can start getting the garden cultivator running by pushing the start button. If it is gas-powered, fill the fuel tank with enough gas, or plug it into a power source, and then put on your safety gear.

Safety

You must wear goggles, long sleeves, long pants, a dust mask, long sleeves, long pants, ear protection, and gloves for safety reasons.

Seriously, every piece of clothing is really meant for your own protection. You might get injured because the garden cultivator may force you to throw all sorts of dirt, rocks, and debris through the air. Imagine if that stuff hit your eye, you may lose your sight permanently.

Once you are ready with full clothing and your garden cultivator is started up, you will begin work in one corner of the garden. As you move through the area, work in a grid pattern until all of the areas are cultivated.

You might want to step away a foot or two to preserve plants. Otherwise, the garden cultivator’s blade will chop the roots up and damage the plant.

When you are finished with your operation of tilling, take a simple garden rake and level the land out. Now you know the proper way to use a garden cultivator safely and effectively.


Benefits of a garden cultivator

1. Balancing

You can keep the proper soil balance to fill any garden with colorful fruits, veggies or flowers. Adding organic materials, and fertilizer into the ground during the tilling process will make the soil being enrich with ingredients.

2. Weed prevention

Both insects and weeds can damage and stop or hinder the growth of plants. By using a garden cultivator to turn the soil once every six months is a good defense against insects and weeds. The tilling process destroy weed roots, eliminate insect’s home, and preventing these pests from damaging the garden.

3. Aeration

The garden can look dry when the soil is suffocated soil. The plant growth can also deter. You can repair this situation by tilling to relieve soil of such conditions. By adding air into the soil will encourage plant growth. After the soil is aerated, it will permit water, oxygen and other nutrients to reach plant roots quickly, easily and efficiently. The airy soil is essential to have a bountiful garden.


Our Top 5 Garden Cultivator Comparison

  Sun Joe TJ603E Earthwise TC70016 Greenworks 27072 Mantis Cultivator 7250-00-03 Black And Decker Cultivator LGC120
Our Rate Most durable Best Easy to Assemble Best Lightweight Best Quiet Best for Old People
Overall Score 4.7 4.5 4.5 4.4 4.4
Pros Has wheels for transport.
You can easily fold the tiller for storage.
Adjustable wheel height.
Fast rotating tines.
Easy to start.
Solid steel tines.
Durable.
Easily till and weed.
Comfortable soft ergonomic grips.
Easy controls.
Easy transport and lifting.
Easy to start.
Lightweight.
Less fatigue or soreness.
Can till hard rocky or clay soil.
Cut through weeds and grass without getting stalled or tangled up.
Quiet operation, powerful motor.
Good for old people.
Lightweight.
Easy to remove the blades.
The sift grips will provide comfort.
No tangling.
Long-lasting battery life.
Lightweight and easy to use, suitable for old people.
Cons Be careful not to get the cord caught in the machine. May need a long extension cord.
May buck when hitting hard rocks.
May have trouble with the cord. May need longer extension cord.
The breaker may start to trip after a while.
If the soil is wet or too damp, the tines may clog up easily.
May have to push it down into the dirt.
GTIN or UPC 810829023261 818284499942 696551365806 818258116424 885911236621

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Best Easy to Assemble Garden Cultivator

Earthwise Tiller Cultivator TC70016

Overall Score: 4.5
Best Garden Cultivator
  • Motor: 13.5 amp motor
  • Cultivating Width: 11-inches to 16-inches
  • Cultivating Depth: 8-inches
  • Weight: 34.8 pounds
  • GTIN or UPC: 818284499942
  • Easily till and weed close to houses, fences, walls.
  • Comfortable soft ergonomic grips.
  • Easy controls with the touch of a finger.
  • Flip down wheels for easy transport and lifting.
  • Easy to start.
  • May need a long extension cord.
  • May buck when hitting hard rocks.
Buy at Amazon

1,682 Amazon customer reviews

Easy to assemble: 4.7
Lightweight: 4.6
Safe to use: 4.5
Maneuverability: 4.4
For small spaces: 4.3
  • We rate the Earthwise Tiller Cultivator as the best easy to assemble garden cultivator. It is also a popular garden cultivator. The Earthwise Tiller Cultivator is built for weeding, soil preparation, and composting.
  • You can pulverize and mix hard soil with speed and without much sound. By loosening the soil, you can be sure of maximum aeration to help oxygen and water smoothly reach plant roots for better results. You can even do this with just one pass. This Earthwise Tiller Cultivator can be utilized with comfort because of its ergonomic handles. Start the engine easily using its push-button start.
  • It weighs only 34.8 pounds. The lightweight feature will make it easy to maneuver in your garden and landscape beds. It is easy to transport with flip-up or down wheels. Because it is a corded electric garden cultivator, you do not need to fill gas, change the oil, or having trouble with spark plugs. No hassle and low maintenance.
  • 13.5 amp motor
  • 11-inches to 16-inches of cultivating width
  • 8-inches cultivating depth
  • Weight: 34.8 pounds

Most Durable Garden Cultivator

Sun Joe TJ603E

Overall Score: 4.7
Garden Cultivator
  • Motor: 12 amp motor/120 volts
  • Cultivating width: 16-inches
  • Cultivating depth: 8-inches
  • GTIN or UPC: 810829023261
  • Has wheels for transport.
  • You can easily fold the tiller for storage.
  • Adjustable wheel height.
  • Fast rotating tines.
  • Easy to start.
  • Solid steel tines.
  • Durable.
  • Be careful not to get the cord caught in the machine.
Buy at Amazon

4,905 Amazon customer reviews

Easy to assemble: 4.8
Safe to use: 4.8
For small spaces: 4.8
Lightweight: 4.7
Maneuverability: 4.6
  • We rate this electric tiller as the most durable garden cultivator. You can start digging your garden’s soil right away with this garden cultivator or tiller. You can pulverize dirt in a matter of seconds utilizing the powerful 12-amp motor.
  • Also in a matter of seconds, you can cultivate an area 16-inches wide and 8 inches deep. Even if you are facing the toughest garden or yard, you can control weeds where needed and have the job done with comfort and less strain.
  • You can easily fold the handle so you can have convenient storage and easy transport. The Sun Joe TJ603E 16-inch 12-amp Electric Tiller And Cultivator also come with a 3-position wheel adjustment for easy maneuvering.
  • At the push of a button, you just start the Sun Joe TJ603E 16-inch 12-amp Electric Tiller And Cultivator, without filling gas, oil, or maintenance.

Best Lightweight Garden Cultivator

Greenworks Cultivator 27072

Overall Score: 4.5
Power Tools For Digging Soil
  • Motor: 8-amp
  • Adjustable tilling width: 8.25-inches to 10-inches
  • Adjustable tilling depth: of 5-inches
  • Weight: 29.3 pounds
  • GTIN or UPC: 696551365806
  • Lightweight and will not cause fatigue or soreness.
  • Can till hard rocky or clay soil, and cut through weeds and grass without getting stalled or tangled up.
  • You can choose the kind of plots you want to prepare and create.
  • The cord can get annoying.
Buy at Amazon

635 Amazon customer reviews

Easy to assemble: 4.6
Lightweight: 4.5
Maneuverability: 4.5
  • We rate the digging tool as the best lightweight garden cultivator. This is a reliable garden cultivator or digging tool that is equipped with a powerful 8 Amp motor and an electric starter. The starter will automatically eliminate the need for filling gas. The Greenworks cultivator comes with 8 inch forward rotating tines that will provide high-performance digging soil activities.
  • The widths of the tilling are 8.25 inches to 10 inches. You need to assemble the Greenworks cultivator when it arrives but you do not need any tools to do so.
  • The tilling depth is adjustable up to 5 inches that provide the versatility to dig for the planned planting depth. You can easily store and transport the garden cultivator because you can fold the handle with convenience and comfort.

Best Quiet Garden Cultivator

Mantis Cultivator 7250-00-03

Overall Score: 4.4
Garden Cultivator
  • Motor: 2-stroke engine, ¾ horsepower, 3-speed, 540-watt
  • Weight: 21 pounds
  • Till depth: 10-inches deep
  • Till width: 8-inches wide
  • GTIN or UPC: 818258116424
  • Quiet operation.
  • Powerful motor.
  • Good for people with mobility issues or for old people.
  • Lightweight.
  • Can kick out rocks, handle roots, and mud.
  • It is easy to remove the blades.
  • No problem with starting.
  • Reduce fatigue.
  • May need longer extension cord.
  • The breaker may start to trip after a while.
Buy at Amazon

129 Amazon customer reviews

Maneuverability: 4.5
Lightweight: 4.4
Easy to assemble: 4.3
  • We rate this Mantis Cultivator as the best quiet garden cultivator. You can start the power tool instantly, powered by a very powerful 540 watt motor with 3-speed.
  • No need to fill gas and it is a low maintenance power tool. You do not have to worry about emissions and it leaves no carbon footprint. There will be no complaints from your neighbor even if you use them anytime you want.
  • The Mantis Cultivator is considered lightweight at just 21 pounds. A large garden cultivator may not get to tight space, this Mantis Cultivator is a compact 9 inch to solve the problem.
  • This garden cultivator has the ability to boost nutrient uptake and maximize plant growth using its unique, curvy tines. They are designed to break up clumps to create the ideal fluffy loam. The maximum depth is 10 inches deep.
  • You can easily turn the tines around to shallow cultivate the top 2 to 3 inches of soil. You can do it twice faster for weeding your garden compare to using your hand.
  • The Mantis Cultivator comes with a fatigue-free grip. This garden cultivator features a convenient fold-down handle for easy storage and transport.

Best for Old People Garden Cultivator

Black And Decker Cultivator LGC120

Overall Score: 4.4
Garden Cultivator
  • Power: 20-volt MAX lithium-ion battery
  • Capacity: 325-square feet per charge
  • Weight: 11.73 pounds
  • GTIN or UPC: 885911236621
  • The sift grips will provide comfort.
  • Low arm fatigue.
  • Counter-oscillating tines prohibit grasses or weeds from tangling.
  • Long-lasting battery life.
  • No carbon footprints.
  • Lightweight and easy to use, suitable for old people.
  • If the soil is wet or too damp, the tines may clog up easily.
  • May have to push it down into the dirt.
Buy at Amazon

1,574 Amazon customer reviews

Maneuverability: 4.5
Lightweight: 4.4
Easy to assemble: 4.3
  • You can utilize this cordless Black And Decker Cultivator for weeding, digging, and cultivating garden beds. Using the battery, you can cultivate up to 325 feet on just one single charge.
  • The Black And Decker Garden Cultivator features counter-oscillating tines to avoid weeds from tangling. You do not need to worry about emissions because it does not release emissions at all (zero-emission) in your yard.
  • It is designed with a lightweight upright design. This design will helps lessen arm fatigue while cultivating. It would be suitable for old people.
  • You can even maximize comfort utilizing an adjustable handle and telescoping tube. The grip is soft for added comfort during use.

Other recommended garden cultivator

Sun Joe Cultivator TJ599E Aardvark

Overall Score: 3.7
  • Motor: 2.5-Amp
  • Tile width: 6.3-inches
  • Tile depth: 6-inches deep
  • Weight: 9.9 pounds
  • GTIN or UPC: 810829025470
  • Has a lot more power.
  • It is lightweight, easy to handle, and fun to use.
  • Easy on the back and hands.
  • Well-built residential tiller.
  • Suitable for a raised bed.
  • The blades are small and close together.
  • Need to push for a deeper dig.
Buy at Amazon

1,028 Amazon customer reviews

Lightweight: 3.8
Maneuverability: 3.7
Easy to use: 3.7
  • If you want to start planting and cultivate your garden, you can do it with ease and quickly with this cordless Sun Joe Cultivator. It is packed with a powerful punch for quick soil turnover. With its power, the Sun Joe Cultivator can cultivate up to 6 inches deep. It has four durable and reliable steel tines.
  • This garden cultivator is powered by a reliable 2.5 amp electric motor. You need not worry about filling gas and changing the oil.
  • Just plug in the electric cultivator and start cultivating in no time. Because of its features, it is best to use on flower beds and small gardens. It can have a maximum cultivating width of 6.3 inches. It is lightweight with a weight of only 9.9 pounds.

Greenworks Cultivator 27062

Overall Score: 4.5
  • Motor: G-MAX 40V Li-Ion Battery
  • Tile width: 8.25-Inch to 10-Inch
  • Tile depth: Up to 5 Inches
  • Weight: 26.4 pounds
  • GTIN or UPC: 841821009359
  • Fast battery charge.
  • Easy removal of the battery.
  • A powerful little tiller.
  • Can be used to mix in compost and worm castings.
  • Easy to control tiller.
  • The blades are small and close together.
  • Need to push for a deeper dig.
Buy at Amazon

530 Amazon customer reviews

Lightweight: 4.6
Maneuverability: 4.6
Easy to assemble: 4.4
  • This cordless Greenworks Cultivator can provide a reliable and durable performance as a landscaping solution with 13 compatible tools. You can dig the soil nonstop for 120 minutes.
  • The Greenworks Cultivator can cover up to 1/2 acre until you have to recharge the battery. It will make your chore life easier with low maintenance, no gas, and no cords. The Greenworks Cultivator comes with a 4-year warranty, and the lithium-ion batteries backed with a 2-year warranty.
  • It can help you dig the soil up to 5 inches deep with a width of up to 10 inches. You just have to push the start button easily. You can store and transport the garden cultivator with ease because it features foldable to handle. It can help you with digging with its 4 adjustable tilling.

How to maintain your garden cultivator?

1. Keep your garden cultivator clean

Dust and grime can make your power tool halt if you left them uncleaned over time. You must clean them with a rag after every task is completed and then store them in a clean place. Every once in a month, you should deep clean your power tools for digging soil by using a damp cloth. Clean the exhausts and intakes cotton swabs or other slender tools with added essential oil.

2. Store them in a clean place

Make sure that you keep your power tools away from dust, debris, moisture, and other adverse conditions. Store them properly after use in a safe and clean area. If the power tools happen to have the original cases, use them if possible. Tuck them away in tool chests or storage drawers. The recommended location would be in a garage or basement with a moderately controlled climate. By doing this, you would protect them, and keep them well organized for easy-to-find power tools for future use.

3. Routine damage inspection

Before using your power tools for digging soil, inspect carefully for any signs of damage or wear. It is very important that you must inspect the power cords with close attention. Once you see the power cord has exposed wire or frayed insulation, it must be repaired immediately by doing it yourself or by a professional. You must be aware that damaged power cords can lead to fire or injury from electric shock. Make sure the cord’s prongs do not bent or loose. Any damage or wear to the cord’s prongs, repair them right away.

4. Lubricate any moving parts

Keep moving parts lubricated for a better and maintained performance. You will see a smooth operation, and reducing the chance of rust developing. You can buy common machine oil for completing this task.


Factors to consider when purchasing power digging tools

To be able to find the best power tools for digging the soil for your outdoor chores, you need to think about what type of soil and type of digging projects you will be digging into. You could consider light to medium projects like digging a pole, repairing a small fence, planting small shrubs.

Projects, like installing a new fence around your home, building a new deck, or planting a lot of trees, are larger projects. If you see soft, loamy soil that breaks apart easily, you must also consider it.

1. Depth

You can see that most post hole diggers or augers or rotary garden cultivators can create holes with a depth capacity up to 4 feet to 5 feet deep which means they are especially useful for installing fences.

2. Weight

Power tools for digging soil are built for hard work, most models are lightweight which makes them easy to maneuver and you can transport them from one area to another area of the garden.

3. Handles

Augers have a lot of power and because of that, they may cause vibrations. They have strong and sturdy handles that provide a great firm grip but still provide comfort. Their comfort is meant for reducing fatigue while having much vibration during the digging.

4. Engine or motor

If you do not want to fill gas or change the oil, you can choose the corded or cordless rotary tillers or augers.


What is used to dig soil?

To dig soil, you can use shovels and spades. They are not the same thing but almost have the same functionality. A shovel has a round body and edge.

They are best for moving dirt or soil or material from one place to another. But they can be used to dig on very soft soil. While the spade with its square edge will allow you to cut into the soil.

It can be done by pushing down on its back edge with your foot to dig the soil. After that, you pull back the handle like a lever and then turning over the material or dirt or soil.


How to make hard soil soft?

Sturdy and hard soil can be resulted from poor drainage or from people walking on soil. To make the hard soil soft, plow or till the dry soil to a depth of 10 to 12 inches.

You can just plow them or you can use a garden tiller to till hard soil. Using a garden tiller, you must go back and forth until the soil tilled completely. To make sure, repeat the process in the opposite direction.

Let the hard soil dry before adding amendments. A dry and sunny afternoon commonly dries the soil. The next step is to break up any clods of soil with a spade or garden hoe. Remove debris, roots, and rocks from the area.

Now, you can start to place a 3 to 4-inch layer of organic matter over the soil. You can utilize peat moss and it works well, even though it is limited in large areas.

Use the garden tiller to work the organic matter into the soil. Organic matter will promote drainage and increases aeration.


Common problems of a garden cultivator or digging tools and the solution

Problems Causes Solution
The garden cultivator won’t start Stale fuel or a clogged carburetor Spraying a small amount of carb cleaner into the intake and attempting to start the engine
Replace the carburator
The power tool sputter out There is a clogged fuel cap
Clogged carburetor
Clean or replace the gas cap
Clean the carburetor
The tool does not run Worn drive belt and improper tension Replace the belt
Adjust the tension
The wheels are turning but the tines are bot The tines are locked to the shaft with a clevis pin
Broken clevis pin
Replace the clevis pin
It does not perform well The overall condition
The tines are bent, dull, or worn off
Slipping drive belt
Replace with new garden cultivator
Replace the tines
Adjust the drive belt

Henry Kaswandi, SS, M.Kom.

I had been doing gardening for the last 18 years. I enjoy writing reviews of many products and about gardening to give better experiences and accurate information.