Electric Rototiller
Quiet
Yes, they are quiet. Without that gas-guzzler with the lack of muffler, these small machines hardy make any noise at all.
Dependable
Usually. Without the gas and oil to deal with, and only having to start them by plugging them in and turning a switch, they're a lot easier to start and keep running.
Power
Here's where we get into problems. These machines are seriously underpowered for normal tilling.
If you have a well-tilled garden - a garden without stones of any kind (like the ads show) then this could be your machine for a very tiny garden. If you have stones or if you're trying to till anything bigger than a postage stamp, these machines are a waste of time.
They don't till - they "cultivate". So they'll scratch along on well-tilled soil but given them any serious work to do and they'll choke.
Frankly - a hoe is much easier and faster - it's lighter and gets very close to plants.
Weight
They are surprisingly heavy given the motor is down at the tine area. Electric motors are not all that light. And given the lack of power to the weight we're working with, I'm not impressed.
Maneuverability
Not bad given the nature of the beast but do not consider cultivating around plants with this machine. Hit a rock while you're doing this and your plant will be chewed up quite nicely.
Bottom line
I hate to be a curmudgeon on the electric rototiller but my reality is that there's no room in my budget to spend $350. on a tool that only works in ideal conditions and really doesn't do a good job in my crowded gardens.
You may be different and have different gardening needs so do make your decisions wisely on this.
Click here to ask about an electric rototiller
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