Electric Tillers, Any Good?

[Python15]

I see tha Lidl will be selling an electric tiller starting this Thursday (26th Mar). Are these things any good? I dont have a huge veggy plot but big enough to make the back groan when digging it.

[Bacchus]

I have one and use it occasionally.

You'll need to break virgin soil with a spade 1st but the tiller is great for reducing that to a reasonably fine tilth.

It doesn't cope well with long grass so make sure it's all removed first too. Also not great for any worms that happen to be about.

Overall I've got the value of it from having it.

[Python15]

Thanks Bacchus, looks like I'll be getting one then as my soil is quite sandy.

[Kristen]

I have a 4-stroke petrol Mantis, which does a good job of stirring up the soil and making a fine tilth. I like the fact that I have it in the shed so I can use it whenever I need, when the ground is right. Previously I used to hire a rotavator at the start of the season to do the whole plot, and that guaranteed that it would rain that day!

That said, I have moved largely to No Dig, but its still handy for the occasional spot where I want to cultivate the soil. It will also mince up the compost heap, and compressed piles of material that has stood there for a while etc.

I don't know if an Electric model works as well, or is as convenient with trailing cables etc.

Best not to use any form of rotavator on patches that have pernicious weeds -chopping up the roots will multiply the problem 1,000 fold

[Bacchus]

I find you have to "pull it back" as the rotovating action wants to move forward so a bit of energy is needed when using it but nowhere near what would be needed with a spade/fork. Mine is just electric but as long as you are reasonably careful and keep the lead behind you there shouldn't be any safety issues. Thankfully I have a 50 meter extension cable and everywhere I want to cultivate is within that radius

[Python15]

Well many thanks for your views guys, I think my minds made up.