How to Rent a Soil Tiller

Tillers loosen and mix soil faster than manual tools.

Tilling helps gardeners loosen soil and mix in soil amendments. Many gardeners in urban or suburban settings only till their soil one to two times per year -- before planting in the spring and before shutting down the garden in late fall. Given the high price of many tillers and the relatively few times you probably will use one, renting a soil tiller might be more cost-effective than buying. You can rent a tiller at rental supply businesses and garden supply stores.

Things You'll Need

• Shovel

Instructions

1. Determine what type of tiller to rent depending on the condition of the soil you want to till. Use a heavier-duty rear-tined tiller for new garden beds or garden beds with severely compacted soil. Use smaller front-tined tillers to work the soil in an established bed that has been tilled in the past year.

2. Call rental supply businesses and garden supply centers in your area, and ask whether they carry the type of tiller you need. Ask for tiller details and price quotes.

3. Check the weather forecast for the next week. Call the business with the best tiller options, and reserve a tiller for a day with a clear weather forecast. Supply the business with credit card information if necessary.

4. Travel to the rental business on the designated day with a vehicle or trailer that allows you to stand the tiller upright.

5. Give the business your credit card number, and show them your identification. Inspect the tiller for any damage, and make note of it on the rental agreement prior to signing for the tiller.

6. Rinse the tiller off and refill its gas after use. Return the tiller to the rental agency by the time specified in the rental agreement.

Tips & Warnings

• CBS News says you can rent a tiller for about $45 a day, while purchasing one can cost anywhere form $300 to significantly over $1000, depending on the model.

• You have to pay for any damages that occur to the tiller while it is in your possession. Clear any large rocks, sticks or debris from the soil before tilling to avoid damaging the tiller's tines.

References

• University of Arizona Cooperative Extension: Backyard Gardener - What You Should Know About Rotary Tillers
• University of Illinois Extension: Homeowner's Column - What to Look for When Buying Tillers
• CBS News: The Early Show: Tools You Can Rent