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 3.5. The Earthquake Pioneer 99cc leads on warranty and depth. The YARDMAX YT4565 wins on value and width. The YARDMAX YT4565 costs $300.99 less ($799 vs $1,099.99).
YARDMAX YT4565
#5 in Rear tineFull review
For a budget buyer who wants dual rotation and reverse, including in California, and can live with shallower tilling and a short warranty.
Amazon $799$799
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 6.5 in deep).
- Choose the YARDMAX YT4565 for value ($44.39 per inch of tilling width ($799, 18 in) vs $64.71 per inch of tilling width ($1,099.99, 17 in)) and width (18 in wide vs 17 in wide).
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 | YARDMAX YT4565 |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 3.8/5 | 3.5/5 |
| Value 30% | 48 $64.71 per inch of tilling width ($1,099.99, 17 in) | 89 $44.39 per inch of tilling width ($799, 18 in) |
| Width 20% | 50 17 in wide | 67 18 in wide |
| Depth 15% | 100 11 in deep | 25 6.5 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 | YARDMAX YT4565 | |
|---|---|---|
| Tilling | ||
| Type | Rear tine | Rear tine |
| Tilling width | 17 in | 18 in |
| Tilling depth | 11 in | 6.5 in |
| Tine rotation | Forward or counter-rotating | Forward or counter-rotating |
| Reverse | Yes | Yes |
| Engine or motor | ||
| Power | Gas | Gas |
| Engine | Viper | YARDMAX |
| Displacement | 99 cc | 209 cc |
| Electric start | No | No |
| CARB compliant | - | Yes |
| Build | ||
| Weight | 137 lb | 205 lb |
| Warranty | 5 years | 2 years |
| Released | - | 2017-03-17 |