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You may have already noticed that a tiller and a cultivator are regarded as the same since their uses are pretty similar. However, albeit they are meant to work around the garden but both the machines have completely different functions and perform different tasks. So, to clear out the confusion, we have thought to enlighten you about the difference between tiller and cultivator.
Table of Contents
Tiller:
It refers to a mechanical garden device that tends to break the ground into the soil and distribute the latter among all the vegetation in the garden. Soil naturally comprises of nutrients that help plants thrive. However, it can also thicken the soil and turn into stiffer clomps on the ground.
The tiller can be used for several tasks in the garden like aerating of roots, loosening, digging, plowing and so on. You will get more options with the tiller that comes in the form of attachments letting you do more pieces of stuff with the garden.
Besides, you can transport things, dig trenches, clean snow, pump water, mow grass and stake firewood with its powerful engine and different attachments.
Tiller comes with appropriate technical parameters that influence its options. You will find it quite heavier since it features a powerful engine and a gearbox. Some of the models also come with headlights adding more weight to the total.
The function of this tool is essential since it helps open up the clomps of soil letting the nutrients spread out while soaking into vegetation.
There are different types of tiller in terms of the power source and tine styles. Counting on the types, you can adjust how deep the blade should go into the ground. Find all about garden tiller with how and why to use it.
The types, in terms of power sources:
- Gas Powered
- Electric Powered
- Battery Powered
- Solar Powered
The types, in terms of tine styles:
- Front Tine Style Tillers
- Rear Tine Style Tillers
- Mid Tine Style Tillers
Uses:
- Need to break hard ground.
- Help install a new garden plot.
- Have rocky soil that requires to be loosened.
Pros:
- High engine capacity
- Versatile due to the use of attachments
- Poly-functional
- Possible to use for a year without a big issue.
- Capable of cultivating any type of soil.
- High working capacity.
- Maneuverable
- High permeable.
- Treatment of all soil types.
Cons:
- Higher cost.
- Large dimensions.
- Difficulty in operation.
- Requires maintenance.
Cultivator:
It is an automatic gardening device that rotates and aerates the soil, stir fertilizers into the ground, and take vegetation out in an existing garden. Since the cultivator comes in a significantly smaller size, it can mix the soil together more thoroughly. After you clear all the existing vegetation or hard objects from the land and till properly, the tool is able to run through the soil. This way, it can help in preparing the garden for planting.
A cultivator can weave through existing vegetation so you can get rid of harmful weeds. It is also able to get the job done without destroying other vegetation. Relying on the type and size of the particular cultivator, it can either be mounted to the back of a tractor or pushed by hand.
The ones that are mounted to a two-wheeled tractor will usually be connected internally. This helps in drawing power from the engine of the vehicle.
Meanwhile, the cultivators that are mounted to four-wheeled vehicles will need to be pulled along to spin the blades accordingly.
There are two types of cultivators in terms of power sources and both are available in corded or cordless designs.
The types are:
- Gas Powered
- Electric Powered
Uses:
- Great for mixing potting and regular soiling together.
- It helps work compost into your soil mixture.
- It helps break up small grass and weeds while keeping them from taking over your yard.
Pros:
- It comes in a simple design.
- Easy to operate.
- Easy to assemble and disassemble.
- Easy to move from spot to spot.
- Easy to ship in the car boot.
- Able to work in compact areas and hard to reach places such as between flower beds, trees, near the building.
- Any electric-powered cultivator can additionally work in a restricted area such as a greenhouse since it lacks exhaust.
- Low cost.
- Highly maneuverable.
Cons:
- Used seasonally.
- Limited functions.
- Limited options.
Difference between tiller and cultivator
To help you understand the difference between a tiller and cultivator, we have made a table so you can get the ideal more clearly.
Tiller | Cultivator |
Very heavyweight | Very lightweight |
Bigger in dimensions | Smaller in dimensions |
Moderately maneuverable | Highly maneuverable |
Very powerful | Moderately powerful |
Very functional | Moderately functional |
Comes with drive wheels | Comes with side cutters and a wheel for portability |
High cost | Low cost |
Final Thought
Tillers and cultivators are the basic tools for lawns and gardens. Their jobs are nearly same but different. For better applications, you need to know the functions they do and the difference between them. Know the tools and their applications, enjoy the beautiful time in lawns you love.