Roto-tillers were invented back in the 1910s. They were big, clumsy machines that weighed over 180 kilogrammes, but helped make the labor-intensive task of cultivating the soil much easier.
Since then, tillers have gotten smaller and easier to use. There are many models available depending on the type of project you have planned.
If you need to work in loose soil, or in narrow spaces, a mini tiller would be perfect. For more advanced jobs, you could get a tiller with a reliable 3.5hp engine. However, these tillers use a petrol engine, and that is not always what you want.
You see, having a petrol motor involves adding extra weight to the tiller. A mini tiller will weigh 15kg, while a more powerful one will weigh over 30kg. This is ok if you are strong enough to handle these machines. But what if you are a senior, or need something more manageable?
In this case, an electric tiller is what you need. We will be reviewing the The Handy Electric Garden Tiller, which weighs only 8.5 kgs. but is a perfect option to get your vegetable patch tilled to perfection.
Premium Quality
- Steel frame
- Safety switch
Easy to Use
- Foldable handles
- 10m cable
Trusted
- 12 Month Warranty
- Well-known brand in the UK
High Performance
- 800watt motor
- Idle speed of 400 rpm
Easy to assemble
This electric tiller consists of just a few parts, so assembly will take just a few minutes.
You just need a couple of tools: a Phillips screwdriver, and an 8mm spanner.
Assembly only requires attaching the handles and securing the switch wires and the trigger switch box
Quick start
Once the tiller is plugged into the mains, all you need to do is squeeze the trigger located on the handle. This will make the tines rotate.
To stop the machine, you just release the trigger. This is not only convenient but also acts as a safety feature in case you slip or lose your grip.
Overheating protection
Tilling is hard work and can cause strain to the motor. If the soil is too hard, it can block the blades. The tiller will try its best to keep going, but sometimes this will make the motor overheat.
To prevent damage to the unit, this tiller has a built-in thermal protection which detects when the motor is overloaded or when something locks the motor shaft and keeps it from turning.
Once the engine cools down the termal protectors will reset themselves, and the machine can be used again.
Although this might seem like an inconvenience, it is actually a great feature to look for when buying an electric tiller. It is always better to stop the work for a few minutes and let the motor cool down instead of having to replace it when it burns out.
Advantages
- Long-lasting electric motor
- Lightweight
- Maintenance-free
- Easy-starting
- Very compact
Disadvantages
- No rear wheels
800W of power
Petrol-powered engines are powerful, but also require regular maintenance and having to deal with gas and oil. With an electric motor, all you need to do is plug it in, and you are ready to go.
The tiller is supplied with a cable that is 10 meters long and has a cable hook on the handlebar to keep the cable from getting accidentally unplugged.
Depth and width for small areas
The Handy electric tiller has a maximum working depth of 20cm and working width of 30cm. This is ideal for turning over flower beds and vegetable plots, as well as digging in fertilisers or compost.
If you need to cultivate narrow vegetable rows or borders, this compact tiller will get the job done easily.
Removable tines
After using the machine for several days the tines can get worn. This will result in a bad performance and could overload the motor, so they should be sharpened or replaced with new ones when necessary.
This electric tiller features tines that can be easily removed. Each one is secured by a lock pin on the shaft. Once that pin is taken off, the tines can slide out.
Compact and lightweight
As discussed previously, the advantage of using an electric motor vs. a petrol one is getting rid of extra weight. That is why this tiller weighs only 8.5kg. It also makes the machine quieter, operating at 73.6dB, while a four-stroke engine tiller will operate at 93dB
Although it is compact enough to take minimal space in your shed, you can fold the handles to make it even smaller. If you need to transport the machine in your car boot, it will fit in with no problems.
The Handy Electric Garden Tiller
Ideal for senior gardeners, or anyone seeking a lightweight yet powerful tool
Advantages: Lightweight and compact in design; quiet, with a small vibration action; handles are also foldable for more compact transportation
Disadvantages: You need to carry it around since it has no wheels
Approx. price range: £85
Verdict
- Cost
- Build Quality
- Weight
- Features
- Maintenance