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Old February 28, 2015   #1
EBCIII
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Default Small Tillers?

I am looking for a small tiller. I looked at the Mantis nice but pricey! Anybody got any suggestions?
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Old February 28, 2015   #2
Redbaron
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Quote:
Originally Posted by EBCIII View Post
I am looking for a small tiller. I looked at the Mantis nice but pricey! Anybody got any suggestions?
I primarily do no till. But I do have a small Troy Bilt electric tiller. I would recommend it. Inexpensive and gets the job done quite well.

Of course I barely use it anymore though. Once you learn good no till techniques, the soil gets so good after a few years that if you need a crumbly seed bed, a rake usually does the trick.
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Old February 28, 2015   #3
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What will this tiller be used for?
How much area?

Worth
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Old February 28, 2015   #4
4season
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I have a small electric one made by Yard Machines. I used to till everywhere with larger tillers but now only do the rows a couple inches deep where the seeds go. Tilled a 20 by 10 area of old grassy backyard for a neighbor, that was more than this tiller wanted to do. For a garden with good soil it is enough.
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Old February 28, 2015   #5
EBCIII
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I was wondering if I will need one for the Raised bed? Beale.
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Old February 28, 2015   #6
Worth1
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Originally Posted by EBCIII View Post
I was wondering if I will need one for the Raised bed? Beale.
I personally think it would be a waste of money that could be spent more wisely on drip irrigation stuff.

With a 3 foot X 12 foot bed you can if you want just use a small heavy hand mattox like I do.
Or a nice hoe like this.

No need to till deep at all in a raised bed.
I just keep piling leaves in mine.

Just something to break up the surface.

Worth
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Old February 28, 2015   #7
EBCIII
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Thanks Worth! I will look for one of those! Beale.
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Old February 28, 2015   #8
jerryinfla
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I use a broadfork -- I wouldn't want to even try using a tiller in my raised beds.
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Old February 28, 2015   #9
peppero
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Worth1 View Post
I personally think it would be a waste of money that could be spent more wisely on drip irrigation stuff.

With a 3 foot X 12 foot bed you can if you want just use a small heavy hand mattox like I do.
Or a nice hoe like this.

No need to till deep at all in a raised bed.
I just keep piling leaves in mine.

Just something to break up the surface.

Worth
Talking from experience, I would certainly recommend Worth's advice.

jon
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Old February 28, 2015   #10
whistech
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I have four 4 feet wide by 24 feet long raised beds and I use a Mantis tiller in the beds twice a year, usually in the early fall and then again in early spring. The tiller does a wonderful job and is easy to use. If you are young, you could do just fine with a spading fork or a hoe, but I am not and I'm not up to very much digging. I have had the Mantis tiller since 2010 and it starts very easily and does a good job.
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Old February 28, 2015   #11
EBCIII
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Originally Posted by whistech View Post
I have four 4 feet wide by 24 feet long raised beds and I use a Mantis tiller in the beds twice a year, usually in the early fall and then again in early spring. The tiller does a wonderful job and is easy to use. If you are young, you could do just fine with a spading fork or a hoe, but I am not and I'm not up to very much digging. I have had the Mantis tiller since 2010 and it starts very easily and does a good job.


Nope not young, 57 bad left leg?? My work time pushing it right is about 3 hours a day, Beale.
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Old February 28, 2015   #12
PhilaGardener
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I liked my gas Mantis, but a few years ago it stopped running. I suspect deposits clogged the carb, but I just haven't had a chance to get a replacement on it. It is small enough to do a great job in my raised beds. I haven't tried their electric unit, but if I had power at my garden I would be really tempted!
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Old February 28, 2015   #13
AlittleSalt
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On my 3x12' raised beds, I use a long handled square shovel. The shovel costs less neck and shoulder pain than the little tiller.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Worth1 View Post
I personally think it would be a waste of money that could be spent more wisely on drip irrigation stuff.

With a 3 foot X 12 foot bed you can if you want just use a small heavy hand mattox like I do.
Or a nice hoe like this.

No need to till deep at all in a raised bed.
I just keep piling leaves in mine.

Just something to break up the surface.

Worth
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Old March 1, 2015   #14
EBCIII
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Worth1 View Post
I personally think it would be a waste of money that could be spent more wisely on drip irrigation stuff.

With a 3 foot X 12 foot bed you can if you want just use a small heavy hand mattox like I do.
Or a nice hoe like this.

No need to till deep at all in a raised bed.
I just keep piling leaves in mine.

Just something to break up the surface.

Worth



Where is a good online site for these? Thanks, Beale.
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Old March 1, 2015   #15
Tracydr
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I have this one.http://www.amazon.com/GreenWorks-270...rds=Cultivator
It's great for loosening the raised beds and mixing new amendments every season. I've also weeded with it at times.
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