Earthquake Pioneer 99cc
#3 in Rear tineFull review
For gardeners who break new ground and also want a fine seed bed, and who value a light, easy to handle machine over raw engine size.
Amazon $1,099.99$1,099.99
The Earthquake Pioneer 99cc is the better tiller overall, rated 3.8 to 3.3. The Earthquake Pioneer 99cc leads on warranty and depth. The NOVUS NV17DRTG wins on value. The NOVUS NV17DRTG costs $250 less ($849.99 vs $1,099.99).
NOVUS NV17DRTG
#8 in Rear tineFull review
For a mid size garden that needs dual direction tilling for less money, with the depth and warranty trade offs that brings.
Amazon $849.99$849.99
Prices were last checked October 31, 2026 and are subject to change; the price and availability shown by the retailer at the time of purchase apply.
Which should you buy?
- Choose the Earthquake Pioneer 99cc for warranty (5-year warranty vs 2-year warranty) and depth (11 in deep vs 8 in deep).
- Choose the NOVUS NV17DRTG for value ($50 per inch of tilling width ($849.99, 17 in) vs $64.71 per inch of tilling width ($1,099.99, 17 in)).
Scores side by side
Each factor is scored 0-100 against the same fixed reference points for every rear tine tiller; a clear win is highlighted. How we rank explains each one.
| Factor weight | Earthquake Pioneer 99cc | NOVUS NV17DRTG |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 3.8/5 | 3.3/5 |
| Value 30% | 48 $64.71 per inch of tilling width ($1,099.99, 17 in) | 76 $50 per inch of tilling width ($849.99, 17 in) |
| Width 20% | 50 17 in wide | 50 17 in wide |
| Depth 15% | 100 11 in deep | 50 8 in deep |
| Features 15% | 50 reverse, counter-rotating tines | 50 reverse, counter-rotating tines |
| Warranty 20% | 100 5-year warranty | 25 2-year warranty |
Specifications
| Earthquake Pioneer 99cc | NOVUS NV17DRTG | |
|---|---|---|
| Tilling | ||
| Type | Rear tine | Rear tine |
| Tilling width | 17 in | 17 in |
| Tilling depth | 11 in | 8 in |
| Tine rotation | Forward or counter-rotating | Forward or counter-rotating |
| Reverse | Yes | Yes |
| Engine or motor | ||
| Power | Gas | Gas |
| Engine | Viper | - |
| Displacement | 99 cc | 212 cc |
| Electric start | No | - |
| Build | ||
| Weight | 137 lb | 175 lb |
| Warranty | 5 years | 2 years |