Turning a heavily compacted soil can be a tough job at times, but worry not a rear tine tiller works efficiently on clay soil and turns it into smooth and clod-free soil effortlessly. They are the most powerful tillers in the market and can prepare your garden beds in hours.
Now no need to prepare your soil in commercial or residential areas at the sweat of your brow. Just make a wise choice and pick out the best rear tine tiller for clay soil in the list below.
Our gardening experts and professionals have collected these top picks after years of groundwork and research to sort out the best quality rear tine tiller with the finest results for clay soil.
Read our article below and choose the best rear tine tiller according to your task keeping in view its specifications, quality elements, distinctive peculiarities, key features to consider, pros and cons, and most frequently asked questions by our customers.
Table of Contents
Best Rear Tine Tiller For Clay Soil 2021
OUR TOP CHOICES: AT A QUICK GLANCE
- EARTHQUAKE 33970 Victory Rear Tine Tiller: #1 TOP SELLING MODEL
- Mantis 7940 4-Cycle Gas Powered Cultivator: REQUIRES LOW MAINTENANCE
- CHAMPION POWER EQUIPMENT 19-Inch Dual Rotating Rear Tine Tiller:BEST CHOICE FOR PROFESSIONALS
- Earthwise TC70001 11-Inch 8.5-Amp Corded Electric Tiller/Cultivator: TOP PICK FOR BEGINNERS
- YARDMAX YT5328 Compact Front Tine Tiller, 98cc: BEST VALUE FOR MONEY
- Southland SRTT212 196cc 4 Stroke 18 in. Rear Tine Rotary Tiller:ECO-FRIENDLY MODEL
- Troy-Bilt Super-Bronco Rear Counter Rotating Tine Tiller: EDITOR’S CHOICE
EARTHQUAKE 33970 Victory Rear Tine Tiller
Our top choice of rear tine tiller for clay soil is to be sure Earthquake victory rear tine tiller. Groundbreaking performance, excellent exertion, durable built quality, and everlasting design make it at the top of the list.
Its powerful 212 cc viper engine delivers deep-rooted performance and the compact design makes it easy to operate. The counter-rotating tines rotate in the opposite direction to the self-propelled wheels. Its instant reverse feature makes it easy to shift in tight rows and narrow garden beds.
The balanced weight distribution allows the user to easily prepare new gardens and maintain existing flower beds. The ergonomically designed handlebars allow 3 height positions for easy tilling without leaning over.
The sturdy steel tines can dig up to the tilling depth of 10 inches and 16 inches tilling width. The bronze gear drive transmission makes it persistent and built to last. This earthquake victory comes with a warranty of 5 years for its customers.
EARTHQUAKE 33970 Victory Rear Tine Tiller

KEY FEATURES
- Powerful 212cc viper engine
- Instant reverse option
- 10 inches tilling depth
- 3 height positions
- 5 years warranty
Pros
- Great value for basic home gardening
- Easy to operate
- Budget-friendly tiller
- Reasonably strong and self-driven
Cons
- Not suitable for featherweights or weaklings
Mantis 7940 4-Cycle Gas Powered Cultivator
Looking for a garden tiller that is super handy and is easy to go with? Here you go, this mantis 7940 is all set to till your garden this spring.
It stands out as an excellent choice for beginners as well as professionals with its superpower honda 4 cycle 25cc engine that delivers optimal power to the tines for maximum exertion into the soil. We just loved the ergonomically designed handlebars that can easily be collapsed to fit it into any storage room and provide easy grip during work.
This unit weighs around 24 lbs that make it convenient to carry and operate. Work gently with the sharp sturdy tine that can rotate up to 240 rpm and dig up to the tilling depth of 10 inches.
These curved tines with a tilling width of 3 inches make it a convenient, versatile, and durable garden tiller. The kickstand allows you to take a rest while working. This tiller model is ideal for any type of garden with clay soil. It comes with a 2 years warranty.
Mantis 7940 4-Cycle Gas Powered Cultivator

KEY FEATURES
- Honda 4 cycle engine
- 10 inches tilling depth
- Standard kickstand
- Collapsible handlebars
- 240 rpm tilling speed
Pros
- Compact design
- Easy to start, use and operate
- Powerful commercial engine
- Durable and built to last
Cons
- Gas powered engine
- Lack of product support
CHAMPION POWER EQUIPMENT 19-Inch Dual Rotating Rear Tine Tiller
While working on clay soil you might be looking for a tiller that easily breaks through the compact tough soil for planting and loosens and mixes the dirt for adequate aeration of soil then here you go with our champ champion power dual rotating tine tiller that works aggressively on clay soil and leave no clod left.
The cast iron gear drive transmission is powered by a powerful 212 cc engine that is built to last. The 13 inches agricultural wheels are self-propelled and provide maximum maneuverability on unleveled soil.
We are amazed at how this beast turns the stiff soil into a smooth mixture of even consistency with its four sturdy 13.8 inches steel tines that can dig up to the tilling depth of 8 inches and 19 inches tilling width. Clinging to the requirement of work, you can instantly switch from forward to reverse tilling with its dual rotating tilling option.
With an adjustable depth regulator, you can change the depth for proper balance in different areas. It comes with a 2 years limited warranty for the peace of mind of its customers.
CHAMPION POWER EQUIPMENT 19-Inch
Dual Rotating Rear Tine Tiller

KEY FEATURES
- 212cc powerful engine
- Four 13.8’’ steel tines
- 8’’ tilling depth
- 13’’ agricultural wheels
- Dual rotating tines
Pros
- Dual rotating tines
- Low valuable price
- Easy to start and handle
- Great for rough terrain
Cons
- Tends to buzzle gas
Earthwise TC70001 11-Inch 8.5-Amp Corded Electric Tiller/Cultivator
This Earthwise TC70001 electric tiller has a powerful 8.5 amp motor that doesn’t need any mixing of gasoline to start, all it needs is an electric outlet. With its compact design, you can easily cultivate in between narrow rows without causing any harm to flowerbeds.
What makes this tiller an ideal choice for a home garden is its excellent tilling width of 11 inches and 8 inches tilling depth. It has four sturdy steel tines that work in a well-regulated manner to break through clay soil in any garden or lawn.
It has an easy start feature, all you need to do is to plug it to the electric outlet and it is all set to go. The single start switch makes it an excellent choice for beginners.
The ergonomically designed handlebars give you a strong grip on the tiller even on the unlevel ground so you can complete your task comfortably.You will love its superb quality and low maintenance requirement. This powerful tiller has plenty of power and blades are pretty sturdy.
Earthwise TC70001 11-Inch 8.5-Amp Corded Electric Tiller/Cultivator

KEY FEATURES
- Durable 8.5 amp motor
- Four steel tines
- Ideal for home garden
- 8 inches tilling depth
- Instant Electric start
Pros
- Easy start option
- Planet-friendly model
- Lightweight design
- Easy to assemble
Cons
- Weeds get caught up in the tines
YARDMAX YT5328 Compact Front Tine Tiller, 98cc
Get the groundbreaking performance with the perfect combination of performance and potential, with this heavy duty yard max YT5328 tine tiller that gives the finest results on clay soil.
The powerful 79 cc yardman engine delivers 180 rpm rotational speed. The bronze gear drive transmission provides durability.
The sturdy steel tines are quite adjustable and removable and dip an area up to 7 to 11 inches and tilling width of 11’’ 16’’ 21’’.These self-propelled tines loosen the toughest of ground under the topsoil and remove weeds.
The ergonomically designed handlebars have 3 height adjustability so you can comfortably complete your task. With its compact design, it can easily fit in between the narrow rows of flowerbeds.
The adjustable throttle and speed control on the front of the engine gives a professional gardening experience. This yarmad YT5328 tine tiller comes with a 2 years limited residential warranty for the peace of mind of its customers.
YARDMAX YT5328 Compact Front Tine Tiller, 98cc

KEY FEATURES
- 79.77 cc Yardmax engine
- 180 rpm tilling speed
- 3 height adjustability
- Adjustable tilling width and depth
- Removable outer tines
Pros
- Starts on the first pull
- Easy assembly
- Price for power
- Ideal for tough clay soil
- Durable steel tine shield
Cons
- Tires are made of low quality
Southland SRTT212 196cc 4 Stroke 18 in. Rear Tine Rotary Tiller
This southland SRTT212 rear tine tiller is a great price so in some ways you get what you pay for. It comes out to be the perfect little monster you need this spring. It gets all your work done in seconds with its super powerful 4 cycles 212 cc OHV engine and self-sharpening steel tines.
These 11 inches counter-rotating sturdy tines provide maximum execution into the soil and dig up to the tilling width of 18 inches. This model provides excellent fuel and engine efficiency along with high maneuverability due to maximum traction provided by 13 inches pneumatic tires.
The instant reverse feature prevents you from shifting the entire unit with great effort. Easy assembly and control even on rugged terrain.
The foldable handlebars provide easy storage options in any storage area. Easy manual recoil start for beginners. This tiller model is a great value price for professional contractors and even for residential gardeners.
Southland SRTT212 196cc 4 Stroke 18 in. Rear Tine Rotary Tiller

KEY FEATURES
- 212 cc OHV engine
- Counter-rotating tines
- 13’’ pneumatic tires
- Foldable handlebars
- 18’’ tilling width
Pros
- Operates as described
- Easy recoil start.
- Collapsible handlebars for easy storage
- Ideal for flat ground tilling
Cons
- Made in china
- No additional attachments
Troy-Bilt Super-Bronco Rear Counter Rotating Tine Tiller
Last but not least on our list is this troy bilt super bronco rear CRT tiller. With its powerful 4 cycles 208 cc troy bilt engine it gets excellent gardening done in just a few passes. It can efficiently break new grounds, eliminate weeds and the tines work together to dig deeper and break through the compact soil.
The 10 inches bolo steel tines work efficiently in clay soil and dig up to the tilling depth of 6 inches and 16 tilling widths. With its one-hand operation, you can comfortably control your machine on unlevel grounds. The instant reverse option allows you to easily reverse the machine around obstacles or rocks.
The 13 inches big agricultural tires grant excellent mobility and weight balance even on bumpy grounds. We love the ergonomically designed 1 inch wide handlebars that provide exceptional control of the machine.
It is a fuel-conserving model and works on gasoline, so no special fuel is required for this gas-powered tiller. It comes with a 2 years warranty for the peace of mind of its customers.
Troy-Bilt Super-Bronco Rear Counter
Rotating Tine Tiller

KEY FEATURES
- Powerful 208 cc troy bilt engine
- Instant reverse option
- One-hand operation
- 6 inches tilling depth
- Collapsible handlebars
- Counter-rotating tines
Pros
- Easy-grip on unbalanced soil
- An ideal choice for clay soil
- High maneuverability
- Great for mid to large-sized garden
Cons
- Bounces up and down during jumps
Buying guide: The right choice of the tiller for clay soil
If you enjoy growing vegetables and plants but have a garden with clay soil then this buying guide is certainly a go-to resource for you. It is practicable to attain weed-free organic loamy soil just with the right choice of a garden tiller.
- CONSIDERATIONS
- SIZE OF GARDEN
- TYPE OF ENGINE
- INSTANT REVERSE OPTION
- ADJUSTABLE HANDLEBARS
- TINES DESIGN
- ADJUSTABLE TILLING WIDTH & DEPTH
CONSIDERATIONS
While investing in a rear tine tiller for your home garden, you need to know the requirements of
your task, the type of soil, or the budget you have. If you have clay soil in your garden then you
should look for a gardening beast probably with a gas-powered engine that would deliver ample
power to dig deep into the soil.
SIZE OF GARDEN
If you are just a homeowner with a small-sized garden then a mini cultivator/tiller would work
efficiently for your garden. But if you are a professional gardener or a contractor then you need
to look for a rear tine tiller that would work fine on a large-sized garden or plot and turn the
compact clay soil into a loosen smooth mixture.
TYPE OF ENGINE
Even if you are working on the maintenance of your soil or the preparation of a new garden bed,
working with clay soil must be done with a tiller of high torque power.
Prefer buying a 4 stroke engine consumes less fuel and makes comparatively less noise as a 2
stroke engine. A 2 stroke engine requires mixing oil and gas to work while a 4 stroke engine
works smoothly and manages the fuel well. While working on clay soil, I prefer buying a gas-powered tiller.
INSTANT REVERSE OPTION
This feature allows the gardeners to easily reverse the tiller without any effort required. You can
easily till in tight spots or narrow beds with this feature. It provides high maneuverability and
great adjustability. Just push a button and your tiller will be reversed in the direction.
ADJUSTABLE HANDLEBARS
It is important to pick a model that has adjustable handlebars that are ergonomically designed
so you don’t need to lean or bend over. These collapsible handlebars allow you to easily store
your garden tiller in the storage area or transport it through a car easily. Good quality handlebars
prevent the growth of blisters on your palm.
TINES DESIGN
A tiller is all about strong tines, if you are looking for the best rear tine tiller, then first check its
tines. If these tines are designed to break hard soil, then your choice is right. Tines break up the
soil and allow nutrients and air to percolate the deep roots of the soil. So choose the tiller wisely
while taking into concern the appropriate tines design.
ADJUSTABLE TILLING WIDTH & DEPTH
One of the prime features to look for is adjustable tilling width and depth. Pick up the tiller with adjustable tilling depth, so you can dig as deep into the soil as is required according to the soil type. The adjustable tilling width allows you to cover the maximum surface area in a much less span of time. Also, it allows you to easily cultivate in between the rows of narrow beds.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
OUR FINAL VERDICT
Being a professional gardener, I have worked for almost 15 years in multifarious gardens.
So I created this blog for enthusiastic gardeners all around the globe. I hope that the article above on the best rear tine tiller for clay soil lent you a helping hand in making the right choice of the tiller for your garden. All the information is based on years of research and experience.
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