As part of our series on best garden tillers in this post, we cover the biggest tillers for large plots or commercial use. A pull behind tiller is one of the first things you need to keep up a healthy garden or a food plot. The best tillers for lawn tractors make garden maintenance much more manageable.
You might’ve even had to rent a pull-behind tiller for your ATV, riding mower, or garden tractor before, but the truth is, owning one is much better. A pull-behind tiller is a versatile, handy piece of equipment that promises a great return on investment, especially if you have a large yard.
You can use a pull-behind tiller to:
- Turn soil
- Mix in compost and fertilizer
- Landscape
- Plow garden waste back into the soil
- Loosen the soil
- Remove weeds between vegetable rows
- Prepare the ground for planting
But, a pull-behind tiller is a big purchase, so you want to make sure you’ll get the best unit for your garden. Luckily, you don’t have to waste countless hours on research. One of these units is sure to be the best pull-behind tiller for your lawn tractor.
Our Top Pick: [amazon link=”B000OHCPQ6″ title=”Agri-Fab 45-0308 Multi-Fit Universal Tow-Behind Tiller” /]
Features
- 36″ tilling width
- 1.5” to 5.5″ depth
- 206 cc 5 HP OHV Briggs & Stratton engine
- 15″ pneumatic turf tires
- 6 one-piece 11″ tines
Contents
Pull Behind Tiller Reviews
Streamline Industrial Tiller – 5 HP
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Features
- Working width: 36″
- 5 HP engine
- 7 hardened steel tine blades
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Pros
- Heavy-duty steel frame
- Easy to adjust the tilling depth
- Robust 5 HP engine
- Easy to assemble
- Great for all types of soil
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Cons
- Requires a lot of maintenance
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This powerful piece of equipment is excellent for all types of soil. The pull-behind boasts 7 hardened steel tine blades—enough to handle any sizable tiling task. The tines are driven by a 5HP engine, allowing you to break heavily compacted turf effortlessly.
You can adjust the tilling depth from 1″ to 6″. It’s relatively easy to raise or lower the tines from the tractor’s seat. Thanks to their shovel-style disc design, the tine blades perform well on all types of terrain.
The unit comes with a pin-style hitch that allows you to attach it to any lawn tractor. In addition, the Stream Industrial tow-behind tiller boasts a heavy-duty tubular steel frame that can withstand a lot of use and abuse. With proper maintenance, this tow-behind tiller will last you for decades to come.
Field Tuff ATV-3665 Tiller
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Features
- Working width: 36″
- 205cc Briggs and Stratton engine
- 15″ pneumatic turf tires
- 24 tines
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Pros
- Versatile
- Powerful Briggs and Stratton engine
- Large pneumatic turf tires
- Digs deep without breaking
- Easy to adjust the tines without leaving the tractor seat
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Cons
- Poor customer service
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Don’t let the name confuse you; the Field Tuff ATV-3665 works with lawn tractors as it does with ATVs. The tiller comes with a reliable shock-absorbing spring hitch so that you can use it with a wide variety of vehicles. It offers a high degree of versatility.
Boasting a robust 205cc Briggs and Stratton Engine, the Field Tuff ATV-3665 is one of the most powerful pull-behind tillers on the market. No matter how compact the soil is, it has more than enough torque to handle it.
To ensure maximum efficiency with each pass, the unit boasts 24 tine blades. Its hardened 12″ tines deliver outstanding results on all types of soil. For fast adjustment, you can easily lower or raise the tines from the tractor’s seat.
The tine blades are guarded by a sturdy metal shield. You won’t have to worry about flying rocks causing damage to your tiller and your lawn tractor. The Field Tuff ATV-3665 is a perfect choice for uneven terrain as it boasts two large pneumatic turf tires.
The only considerable downside of the unit is the service that comes with it or the lack thereof. There have been reports of the manufacturer’s unwillingness to properly resolve issues with faulty units.
Most complaints are about the belt being misaligned. So, unless you are an experienced gardener who knows how to fix their own equipment, this may not be the best solution for you.
Agri-Fab 45-0308 Multi-Fit Universal Tow-Behind Tiller Review
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[amazon fields=”B000OHCPQ6″ value=”thumb” image_size=”large” image_alt=”Agri-Fab 45-0308 Multi-Fit Universal Tow-Behind Tiller” image_align=”center”]
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Features
- Working width: 36″
- 206 cc 5 HP OHV Briggs & Stratton engine
- 15″ pneumatic turf tires
- 6 one-piece 11″ tines
[amazon fields=”B000OHCPQ6″ value=”button” button_text=”Check Price on Amazon”]
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Pros
- 7-gauge steel double-edge tines
- Adjustable depth
- Robust 5 HP engine
- Easy to assemble
- Reliable
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Cons
- Engine doesn’t come with oil
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If you are looking for a piece of equipment that will allow you to groom your garden effectively, you can never go wrong with Agri-Fab. The Agri-Fab 45-0308 is a reliable, USA-made tow-behind tiller that will last you for years to come.
Its 5 HP OHV Briggs & Stratton engine can take on heavily compacted soil without any issue. The unit comes with 6 one-piece heavy-duty tines that can break ground with ease.
It can till a larger garden in no time. The double-edge tines are made from 7-gauge steel, so they won’t get damaged so easily. You can adjust the depth from 1.5″ to 5.5″.
The easy-to-use height adjustment allows for a wide variety of applications. To ensure consistent tilling depth, the unit comes with a handy depth stake.
Assembling the unit is very easy. But, since it is powered by an engine, you will need to maintain it regularly. It comes with a universal multi-fit hitch so you can rest assured you’ll be able to attach it to your lawn tractor, no matter its size.
Streamline Industrial Tine Cultivator
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[amazon fields=”B01LBFJVQG” value=”thumb” image_size=”large” image_alt=”Streamline Industrial Tine Cultivator” image_align=”center”]
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Features
- Working width: 48″
- 7 hardened steel tine blades
- 225 lbs
- 1″ to 6″ tilling depth adjustment
[amazon fields=”B01LBFJVQG” value=”button” button_text=”Check Price on Amazon”]
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Pros
- Rust-resistant tubular steel construction
- Zero-maintenance free
- Adjustable tilling depth
- Impressive tilling width
- Performs well in harsh conditions
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Cons
- Not for light-duty lawn tractors
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The SI Tine Cultivator may not be a pull-behind tiller in the truest sense, but it is a heavy-duty cultivator you can use for shallow tilling. Its robust tubular steel frame performs more than well in harsh conditions. On top of that, it is scratch and rust-resistant.
The unit sports a pin-style hitch, so you can attach it to any lawn tractor or ATM. The Streamline Industrial Tine Cultivator requires almost no maintenance, thanks to the sealed bearings.
The 7 tine blades offer an impressive tilling width of 48″. You can adjust the tilling depth from 1″ to 6″. However, if your lawn tractor doesn’t have a 500cc motor or greater, it won’t be able to haul this unit.
DR Roto-Hog Tow Behind Tiller
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[amazon fields=”B07P9YKPPH” value=”thumb” image_size=”large” image_alt=”DR Roto-Hog Tow Behind Tiller” image_align=”center”]
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Features
- Working width: 36″
- 206 cc Briggs & Stratton engine
- 10″ tilling depth
- 14″ pneumatic wheels
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Pros
- Easy to maneuver
- Robust tempered steel tines
- Powerful Briggs & Stratton engine
- Easy to adjust the tilling depth
- Electric start
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Cons
- Pricey
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If you want to save your arms and your back from the strain of using a walk-behind tiller, this impressive DR unit is an excellent solution. Powered by a 205 cc Briggs & Stratton engine, its 24 tempered steel tines will devour all weeds and roots they come across.
It can easily till unbroken soil, including tough sod. The unit offers a maximum tilling depth of 10″. You can easily adjust the tilling depth to match various soil conditions.
The hassle-free electric start is one of the best things about these impressive pull-behind tillers. It will make your gardening routine much easier. The tiller is CARB compliant, so you won’t have to worry about regulations.
The 14″ pneumatic tires make the unit very easy to maneuver. It can handle tough terrain more than well. There’s also the patented Smooth-Trak hitch that does a great job of handling shock.
Field Tuff 48″ ATV Tow-Behind Cultivator
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[amazon fields=”B004HL5TQ8″ value=”thumb” image_size=”large” image_alt=”Field Tuff 48″ ATV Tow-Behind Cultivator” image_align=”center”]
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Features
- Working width: 48″
- 8″ tilling depth
- 13″ pneumatic wheels
- 7 shanks
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Pros
- Durable powder-coat finish
- Adjustable depth control
- Great for rough terrain
- Attractive price point
- 48″ working width
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Cons
- Only works with 500cc engine lawn tractors or greater
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This Field Tuff cultivator may not be the most heavy-duty unit, but it is great for tilling soft soil or for shallow tilling. It comes with a pin-style hitch that connects to different types of vehicles, including most types of lawn tractors. However, you can only use it with a 500cc engine lawn tractor or greater.
It’s not a gas-powered tiller, so it may not be able to till compacted soil in one go. But it boasts a working width of 48″, so it can cover a lot of ground with one pass. You can rest assured you’ll be done in no time.
The unit boasts 7 robust shanks, and each one of them has a removable shovel tip. It comes with a control lever that allows you to easily lower or raise the shanks. The 13″ pneumatic wheels make it a great choice for tough terrain.
Pull Behind Tiller for Lawn Tractors Buying Guide
There are a few things you need to keep in mind when it comes to choosing a pull behind-tiller for your lawn tractor, such as soil type, equipment compatibility, and food plot size. Each of these factors will determine what is the best pull behind tiller for lawn tractors for your yard.
Related products:
Soil Type
If the soil in your yard is rocky, more compact, has a higher clay content, or is simply very hard, you will need a heavy-duty tiller. When it comes to pull-behind tillers, the bigger and heavier the tines are, the better they will perform.
And the best tillers for lawn tractors or zero mowers are the ones that pack more horsepower. If the tiller is not powerful enough, it will skip right over tough spots.
If you want to break up rocky soil, you need a tiller that won’t be easily damaged by flying rocks. Chisel tines are typically best suited for this task.
If you don’t have much experience with tillers, you may be better off with a heavy-duty unit, especially if you are not sure what type of soil exactly are you dealing with and what obstacles you may come across.
But, if you know for certain that the soil in your yard is soft, a smaller pull-behind tiller or cultivator may be the better purchase. It is also good to mention that there couple of differences between tiller and cultivator. You needn’t spend more money than necessary. It is nice to
Pull-behind tillers are a hefty investment. You can save a couple of bucks by examining the soil in your garden before you settle for a particular unit.
Plot Size
If you have a small garden, a mini tiller may be good enough for your needs. If you plan on tilling an area larger than 1500 sq. ft., a pull-behind tiller for a lawn tractor is the best choice.
The wider your pull-behind tiller is, the faster you will get the job done. The average working width of a pull-behind tiller is 36″.
Pull-behind cultivators typically have greater working width than pull-behind tillers. But, even a heavy-duty pull-behind cultivator can’t till everything in one pass if the soil conditions are too tough.
Compatibility
You also need to consider the type of hitch on your vehicle. Pull-behind tillers can be used with most compact or subcompact utility tractors.
If you have a lawn tractor, you probably already have everything you need to hook the tiller, but it’s important to check just in case.
If your garden tractor has a 3-point hitch, you are good to go. However, smaller lawn tractors usually don’t come with a 3-point hitch.
If your lawn tractor doesn’t have a 3-point hitch, it’s best to get a unit with a universal pin hitch. Pull-behind tillers with a universal hitch are the easiest to mount. You won’t have to use any extra attachments.
If you want to use a heavy-duty pull-behind cultivator for primary tillage, you need to make sure your lawn tractor has enough muscle to haul the unit.
For instance, the Field Tuff 48″ ATV Tow-Behind Cultivator can only be used with a lawn tractor that has a 500cc engine or greater. So, be sure to check the owner’s manual of your tractor and the cultivator you plan on buying.
How To Prepare The Soil For Tiling
You can’t undermine the importance of preparing the soil for tiling, no matter how awesome your new pull-behind tiller is.
Before you start tilling, you need to remove weeds, plants, and existing sod. This will make things much easier. Tiling alone isn’t enough to prepare the soil for new plantations. And, make sure to stay away from tree roots.
Dig the ground around existing plants and weeds. You need to sever the roots away, so it’s best to start a few inches away from the plants.
Pull out the plants by hand. You can remove sod with a shovel. You can use herbicides to kill the plants and weeds, but it’s best to avoid the use of such methods when possible.
Once you clear the area of plants, weeds, and sod, you need to remove rocks, large stones, and tree roots.
Your tiller may be able to handle rocks, but things will go much smoother if you remove larger obstructions by hand. So, grab a wheelbarrow and fill it up with as many rocks as you can dig out.
To make sure your vegetables or plants will thrive in your new garden, you need to check if the conditions are right. Before you start planting seeds, test and evaluate the soil. Different plants thrive in different types of soil.
They are likely to die if the soil condition doesn’t suit them. You can use a test kit to determine the type of soil and its PH. This [amazon link=”B0000DI845″ title=”Luster Leaf Rapitest” /] kit is simple and easy to use.
Takeaway
The [amazon link= “B000OHCPQ6” title= “Agri-Fab 45-0308 Multi-Fit Universal Tow-Behind Tiller”/] offers the best value for the money. It is a reliable and powerful piece of equipment that can deliver impressive results season after season.
The unit has everything you need to prepare the perfect planting bed. It will do its job without any hiccups, no matter how tough the soil is.
