Dark Dirt

All garden tillers have tines but all tines are not the same. The engineering of the tines affect the strength and durability of the machine. Obviously larger machines have larger tines. Generally speaking this allows for great cultivation depth however other factors can have an impact.

Forward rotating tines can sometimes be inadequate in hard compacted soil. Counter rotating tines allows for better depth penetration due to the forces applied.

While the front tine tiller is moving forward the tines are spinning in the opposite directing. This creates a downward force which causes the tines to dig into the soil rather than skip over the top.

Rear tine garden tillers tend to work the soil to a greater depth. Usually these machines are heavier and require more muscle to maneuver. There shear weigh applies enough downward force to ensure an adequate cultivation depth is achieved.

Tines

The actual shape of the tine varies little. Most are slightly bent steel flat prongs that cut through soil. These are often referred to as ‘Bolo' tines.

A circular series of these prongs creates a continuous cutting action that works the soil. These are functional with large, rear tine tiller machines but not great when using a compact tiller.

The popular Mantis tiller has patented tines that are more like sharp spears that have a slight bend. These serpentine tines are smaller than most but they have the ability to cut through the toughest of ground. Better yet ... they have a lifetime breakage guarantee.

In some models the tines are easily removed. This allows for other accessories to be added such as edgers, furrower, and trimmers. The one thing I have not seen yet is a garden chipper attachment.

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