How to Compare Electric Rototillers

Rototillers can help you get soil ready for a garden.

Rototillers are used to break up dirt and plow certain sections of land, usually in preparation for planting something in the ground. You might be planting new grass seeds, a vegetable garden or a flower garden. Rototillers can also be called rotary tillers, and you can choose from several kinds, including tillers that are gas powered or run on electricity. If you decide an electric rototiller is the way to go, compare your options to find the right one for you.

Things You'll Need

• Tape measure

Instructions

1. Measure the area you need to till to figure out whether you need a mini or a full-size electric rototiller for your project. Mini-rototillers can handle patches of land about 300 square feet or less. Larger areas are easier to handle with a full-size electric rototiller.

2. Look for information about the noise level of the electric rototillers you're comparing. Noise level for this type of equipment is measured in decibels, and you can find electric rototillers as quiet as 68 dB, which is quieter than a common vacuum cleaner. A lower decibel level may be particularly desirable if a neighboring house is close to your project area.

3. Check out the electric rototillers in person if possible. Make sure you can lift and roll your chosen tiller easily because these machines can get quite heavy and bulky. Also, make sure the handle fits comfortably with your grip and that you can reach the safety shutoff.

4. Find out whether the dealer or the manufacturer of the electric rototillers you are considering offers any type of service or warranty. This can be appealing down the road if your rototiller breaks down, requires a replacement part or just needs to be serviced.

5. Factor in the price of the electric rototillers you're comparing. Generally, electric models are cheaper than gas-powered rototillers, but it's still an investment, especially if you're opting for a full-size electric rototiller.

References

• Consumer Reports.org: Mini-Tillers: More Power, Less Effort