Every tiller gets a score from 0 to 100% built from five factors, which maps onto the 5-point rating shown on the site (a 0% score would be 1.5 stars; a perfect score, 5). Each factor is scored against fixed reference points, not against the other products in the list, so adding a new model never moves another model’s rating. Tillers are grouped by type, cultivators, front tine and rear tine, and value and width have their own scale for each group.
| Factor | Measures | Weight |
|---|---|---|
| Value | price per inch of tilling width | 30% |
| Width | largest tilling width | 20% |
| Depth | largest tilling depth | 15% |
| Features | reverse, counter-rotating tines, adjustable width, folding handle | 15% |
| Warranty | warranty length | 20% |
Where the numbers come from
Tilling width and depth, features and warranty come from the maker’s product page, spec sheet or manual, or the maker’s own copy on its Amazon listing. Prices are checked at Amazon and the maker’s own store, and the lowest is used. Battery cultivators are priced as kits with batteries and charger.
The factors
Value is the current price divided by the largest tilling width in inches, on a log scale, so going from $20 to $10 per inch counts as much as going from $40 to $20. For cultivators, $60 per inch scores zero and $8 full marks; for front tine tillers, $40 per inch scores zero and $15 full marks; for rear tine tillers, $100 per inch scores zero and $40 full marks.
Width is the largest tilling width: for cultivators, 6 in scores zero and 16 in full marks; for front tine tillers, 16 in scores zero and 24 in full marks; for rear tine tillers, 14 in scores zero and 20 in full marks.
Depth is the largest tilling depth the maker states: 5 in scores zero and 11 in full marks.
Features counts four things that make tilling easier: reverse, counter-rotating tines (or tines that switch between forward and counter rotation) for hard ground, adjustable width for narrow rows, and a folding handle for storage. Each is a quarter of the factor.
Warranty is the length of the consumer warranty: 1 year scores zero and 5 years full marks.
What isn’t scored
Engine size, motor current, battery size, electric start and weight are listed but not scored. Engines and motors aren’t comparable across gas, corded and battery cultivators, and width and depth already reflect what the maker builds the machine to do.
Missing data
If a figure isn’t published, that factor gets the neutral middle score (50) and the product page marks it as estimated.
Ties and discontinued models
Products are ranked by score within each group. Discontinued models stay listed but rank below every current model and can be hidden with the “Hide discontinued” filter.