Tow-Behind vs. Walk-Behind Rototiller

Spring is on its way, folks. It may be hard to believe up here in New England where the temperature is still fluttering around the zero degree mark, but it’s on its way. And if you’re thinking about purchasing a rototiller for the first time, or replacing an old one, you may be wondering whether to choose a walk-behind or tow-behind model. And if you think a walk-behind is for you, you may have wondered about whether to go for a tiller or a cultivator. Here are some key things to consider:

How big is your garden?

Walk-behind rototillers are better suited to smaller gardens, while tow-behind rototillers are best for larger gardens. For particularly small gardens, a garden cultivator may be all the machine you need. And remember that to use a tow-behind rototiller, you’ll need some space around your garden plot for making turns.

How much can you handle?

Walk-behind rototillers are pretty difficult to use. If you’ve never used one, it’s analogous to wrestling a tiger in a pit of dirt. Which may be do-able for a small garden, but you’ll certainly feel the strain in your arms and back if you attempt to do too large a plot. Tow-behind rototillers are much easier on your body, as all you have to to is ride your lawn tractor and operate the controls. Even if it takes a couple passes to get the result you’re looking for, it’s easy as pie.

What other projects will you use it for?

While the main purpose of your rototiller will likely be to till at the beginning and end of the growing season, think about other projects that you may use it for. Say you decide to put in a new flower bed and need to break new ground in your lawn. Most walk-behinds won’t be up to this task, but a powerful tow-behind will be up to the task. Or, you may decide to make a food plot for the wildlife on your property. Again, you’d need to break through sod to put the plot in, and then a reliable machine to maintain it throughout the season.

Tow-behind rototillers are also great for varied soil conditions and doing a variety of tilling projects because they allow you to adjust the tilling depth easily. For example, you can till more deeply at the beginning of the season to aerate and prepare for planting, and more shallowly in the fall to till weeds under.

And if you choose a DR Roto-Hog Power Tiller, there is a great assortment of attachments available that allow you to do even more projects with your machine. Use the Spreader attachment to spread seeds and fertilizers, use the Hiller attachment to make perfect raised rows, and use the Culti-Packer attachment after planting to ensure maximum contact between seeds and soil.