I see there is a link by New Shoot back to a previous post I did on this subject, so am repeating myself a bit. There are three basic types of Tiller/Rotavators, the heavy duty rear tyne type, which cover ground quickly but not very deep (circa 6”) They are expensive, though some very cheap Chinese models came in a few years back. They take up a fair bit of room too. Then there are the heavier end of “mid tyne Tillers” Merry Tillers are the best known, but there were several. No longer made in the big quantities of the 1970s, when Qualcast Cultimatic, Mountfield M1, Landmaster, Flymo and Templar/Westfield, all vied for a share of the market. Merry Tillers are still available new, but expensive, and I think Mountfield still make the Manor model, Honda and Viking also still make them, all are much more expensive than £200 though. They dig to about 12” and take a bit of getting used to, I checked several Merry Tiller videos on the net hoping to link to one from my website and none of the “demonstrators” had any idea of how to use a Merry Tiller. Much slower than the rear tyne type, but can dig compacted soil and leave it ready for planting. Finally there are the Mantis type, Honda make one too, as do several others, these lightweights are for making a fine tilth in previously dug soil. OK for raised beds etc, as they are light, personally I can’t see the point, as the main advantage of a Tiller is not having to dig. £200 would buy only the cheaper lightweights new, but £200 would buy examples of most of the available models of all types used, especially at this time of year. However, my specialist subject is Merry Tillers, and I see vast numbers traded on eBay, many of which are missing vital parts, but are listed as “good working order.” Others “for spares repair” are complete and judging from the lack of wear on tynes, have had little use.
