Using a Power Tiller

Written by April Reinhardt (last updated June 29, 2022)

Known also as a garden tiller, rotary tiller, roto-tiller, rotary hoe, and rotary plow, a power tiller is a motorized cultivator with rotating blades or tines that work the soil. They can be self propelled or drawn behind a tractor. Power tillers come in various sizes, and choosing the right size power tiller depends upon the size of land you want to till or cultivate.

For years, we owned a very large, self-propelled power tiller, and most of our neighbors borrowed it each spring, saving them the cost of a rental. While our power tiller was gas powered, some small power tillers are powered by electric. If your tilling job involves a large plot of land, it is best to use a large, gas-powered tiller. Follow these guidelines when using a power tiller:

  • Prepare the ground before you attempt to till it. Clear the site of rocks, wood, weeds, and very large clumps of dirt.
  • Wear protective clothing and eye goggles, and sturdy boots or shoes when using a power tiller. You may want to wear work gloves, as well.
  • Before you attempt to start the tiller for the first time of the season, make sure the blades and tines are clean, that they turn freely, the oil level is correct, and that it has fresh fuel. Check that the height adjustment action moves easily.
  • Take the tiller to the corner of the area you will work. With the engine in neutral and the blades locked into place, start the engine, drop the blades, engage the tiller, plant your feet firmly, and hold tightly to the handles.
  • Walking slowly behind the tiller, cultivate the soil to a depth of about five inches. If you are churning grassy soil, stop at the end of each row to remove grass clumps, and then recultivate the row.
  • When you reach the end of a row, place the gears into neutral and force the tines up, and then roll the tiller around to begin a new row.
  • Once you've completed tilling the entire plot, till it again crossways, and then again diagonally.
  • When you're finished using the tiller, blast it clean with your garden hose, picking off large clumps of dirt with a screwdriver or a soft brush. Make sure that you store the tiller in a covered area.

If you need to refuel the tiller, do so only after the engine and muffler have cooled. Take care to remove all dirt and debris from the tines before storing. Always check oil and fuel levels before using your tiller, and make certain that you mix the fuel properly. Check the manufacturer's recommendations for fuel mixing.

Author Bio

April Reinhardt

An admin­istrator for a mutual fund man­age­ment firm, April deals with the writ­ten word daily. She loves to write and plans to author a memoir in the near future. April attend­ed More­head State Uni­ver­sity to pursue a BA degree in Ele­men­tary Edu­ca­tion. ...

MORE FROM APRIL

Cleaning Cast Iron

Cleaning cast iron is not complicated. The basic rules are to clean and scrub down to the bare metal, and then treat it. ...

Discover More

Baked Chicken with Potatoes Au Gratin

Open a can of cranberry sauce to serve as a side dish with this delicious dinner. You could also provide a large dish of ...

Discover More

Installing a Pocket Door

Although pocket door kits include most of the hardware you will need to install your door, you may need to buy a handle. ...

Discover More
More Gardening Tips

Look After Your Lawnmower Engine

Every time you store your lawnmower, you may be damaging it. The lead-free gas that you use in your lawnmower can thicken ...

Discover More

Properly Using a Chainsaw

If you have a chainsaw, or are planning on getting one, then knowing how to properly use it is a vital necessity. ...

Discover More

Advice for Electric Mower or Cutter in the Garden

Electric powered yard equipment can be extremely useful, especially since it is usually lighter than gas powered ...

Discover More
Subscribe

FREE SERVICE: Receive an e-mail several times each week with a featured gardening tip. Enter your address and click "Subscribe."

Comments

If you would like to add an image to your comment (not an avatar, but an image to help in making the point of your comment), include the characters [{fig}] (all 7 characters, in the sequence shown) in your comment text. You’ll be prompted to upload your image when you submit the comment. Maximum image size is 6Mpixels. Images larger than 600px wide or 1000px tall will be reduced. Up to three images may be included in a comment. All images are subject to review. Commenting privileges may be curtailed if inappropriate images are posted.

What is 4 + 9?

There are currently no comments for this tip. (Be the first to leave your comment—just use the simple form above!)


Subscribe

FREE SERVICE: Receive an e-mail several times each week with a featured gardening tip. Enter your address and click "Subscribe."

(Your e-mail address is not shared with anyone, ever.)