Tilling is essential for maintaining healthy food plots, especially when preparing the soil for better seed germination and root growth. Using the right tiller can significantly improve soil structure, aiding in aeration and organic matter incorporation. Despite a rise in no-till farming, tilling still provides numerous benefits, such as breaking up compacted soil and improving water infiltration.

When choosing a tiller for your food plot, it’s crucial to consider its engine power, tine speed, and maneuverability. A powerful engine allows for deeper tilling and better performance in tough soil conditions, like clay or rocky plots.

Additionally, having adjustable handles and forward/reverse capabilities makes it easier to work in various terrains, ensuring your tiller is adaptable to different plot sizes.

Whether you’re a seasoned farmer or a new homeowner, selecting the right tiller can make a significant difference in food plot productivity.

After extensive research, we’ve compiled a list of top contenders for the best tiller for food plots, including the Poulan Pro PPCRT17 and Husqvarna TR317C. These machines offer exceptional tilling ability, durability, and ease of use, making them perfect for any food plot project.

10 Best tiller for food plots Reviewed 2025

Poulan Pro PPCRT17

The Poulan Pro PPCRT17 is an excellent choice for those looking to achieve fine soil texture for even seed germination. Powered by a 210cc engine, it offers a tine rotation speed of up to 190 rpm, which helps in tilling rocky or clay-heavy soil. Its 17-inch wide tines ensure that you can cover more ground in less time, and the foldable handle makes it easy to store.

With its adjustable depth control, the Poulan Pro PPCRT17 can be customized to suit various soil types and cultivation needs. It also features counter-rotating tines, which reduce resistance and improve maneuverability. Whether you’re working on a large food plot or a smaller garden, this tiller is designed to handle both with ease.

Despite its lightweight design, the Poulan Pro PPCRT17 performs exceptionally well, providing solid soil coverage and breaking up compacted earth. If you’re looking for an efficient and reliable tiller for food plots, the Poulan Pro PPCRT17 should be at the top of your list.

Pros:

• 17-inch tilling width
• Adjustable handle
• Counter-rotating tines
• High tine speed
• Foldable handle
• 13-inch tines
• Easy maneuverability

Cons:

• Slightly lightweight
• Limited depth control
• Not ideal for large plots

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Husqvarna TR317C Rear-Tine Tiller

The Husqvarna TR317C Rear-Tine Tiller is another fantastic option for food plot preparation, especially for those who need to work in tough, rocky, or clay soils. With a 208cc engine and 17-inch tilling width, this tiller provides excellent coverage for medium-sized plots. Its heavy-duty, self-sharpening tines ensure long-lasting performance, even in challenging conditions.

This tiller comes with an easy-to-use throttle control and an enhanced wheel design, making it easier to move through rugged terrain. The dual gear system allows for both forward and reverse operation, giving you more control over your tilling speed and direction. Additionally, the counter-rotating tines ensure deep penetration into the soil for optimal seedbed preparation.

The Husqvarna TR317C is known for its durability and reliability, making it an excellent choice for both professional farmers and gardening enthusiasts. However, its heavier weight may make it harder to transport, so you should consider the size of your plot and the ease of movement required.

Pros:

• 17-inch tilling width
• Self-sharpening tines
• Forward/reverse operation
• Heavy-duty wheels
• Powerful 208cc engine
• Deep soil penetration
• Easy throttle control

Cons:

• Weighs 200 pounds
• Requires maintenance
• Expensive

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YARDMAX YT4565 Dual Rotating Tiller

The YARDMAX YT4565 Dual Rotating Tiller features a 208cc engine and dual rotating tines, making it perfect for both tilling and cultivating food plots. The 18-inch tilling width covers a larger area, reducing the time needed to complete a job. Its self-sharpening steel tines ensure consistent performance and effective tilling throughout the process.

This tiller is designed with high-speed tines that rotate at 190 rpm, making it ideal for breaking down tough soils, such as those with high clay content or rocky conditions. The adjustable depth control allows for customization based on the specific needs of your food plot. The large wheels provide stability and maneuverability, making it easier to handle uneven terrain.

If you’re working with medium to large plots, the YARDMAX YT4565 is an excellent option due to its versatility and durable construction. However, its higher price point may not be suitable for those on a tight budget, and its size may make storage a challenge.

Pros:

• 18-inch tilling width
• Dual rotating tines
• High-speed tines
• Adjustable depth control
• Self-sharpening tines
• Heavy-duty wheels
• Durable construction

Cons:

• High price
• Heavy to transport
• Difficult to store

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Earthquake 33970 Victory Rear Tine Tiller

The Earthquake 33970 Victory Rear Tine Tiller is a powerful tiller designed for heavy-duty work in food plot preparation. Powered by a 212cc Viper engine, this tiller can tackle compacted or rocky soils with ease. The counter-rotating tines allow for deep penetration into the soil, breaking up tough ground to create the perfect seedbed for your crops.

Its 16-inch tilling width is ideal for medium to large food plots, providing efficient coverage while ensuring easy maneuverability. The self-propelled feature allows for easy handling, even when working on uneven terrain. The adjustable depth control gives you flexibility in tilling depth, making it suitable for various soil types.

While it’s slightly heavier than some models, the Earthquake 33970 Victory is built to last, making it a solid investment for serious gardeners and farmers alike. Its power, maneuverability, and deep soil penetration make it a top choice for any food plot project.

Pros:

• 212cc Viper engine
• Counter-rotating tines
• Self-propelled
• Adjustable depth control
• Durable construction
• Deep soil penetration
• Easy maneuverability

Cons:

• Heavy at 160 pounds
• Not ideal for small plots
• Expensive

Troy-Bilt Super Bronco XP Rear Tine Tiller

The Troy-Bilt Super Bronco XP is a premium tiller built for deep and efficient soil preparation in food plots. Powered by a 208cc OHV engine, it delivers strong performance for tilling in compact or rocky soils. The 16-inch tilling width ensures quick and effective soil preparation, reducing the time required for large-scale food plots.

This tiller features counter-rotating tines, which improve soil penetration and break up tough clumps efficiently. The adjustable depth control allows users to modify tilling depth based on crop needs, ensuring the best soil conditions. Additionally, its pneumatic tires provide superior traction, making it easier to operate on uneven terrain.

Despite being a powerful and reliable machine, the Troy-Bilt Super Bronco XP is on the heavier side, making maneuverability slightly challenging. However, its durable construction and powerful tines make it an excellent choice for serious food plot farmers. If you need a dependable and efficient tiller, this model is worth considering.

Pros:

• 208cc OHV engine
• 16-inch tilling width
• Counter-rotating tines
• Adjustable depth control
• Heavy-duty build
• Pneumatic tires
• Great for tough soil

Cons:

• Heavy machine
• Requires maintenance
• Expensive

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Champion 19-Inch Dual Rotating Rear Tine Tiller

The Champion 19-Inch Rear Tine Tiller is an excellent choice for larger food plots, thanks to its 212cc engine and 19-inch tilling width. This machine is designed to break through compacted and rocky soil effortlessly, ensuring deep aeration and better seedbed preparation. The dual rotating tines allow for both forward and reverse tilling, making it highly versatile.

With adjustable depth settings, this tiller allows users to customize tilling depth depending on soil conditions and plant requirements. Its self-propelled design reduces operator fatigue, making it easier to handle, even on challenging terrain. The sturdy wheels provide good traction, ensuring stable operation in various soil types.

Although the Champion Rear Tine Tiller is a powerful machine, its size and weight can make it harder to store and transport. However, for those with larger food plots, the wide tilling capacity and powerful engine make this tiller a top choice.

Pros:

• 212cc engine
• 19-inch tilling width
• Dual rotating tines
• Self-propelled design
• Adjustable depth control
• Great for large plots
• Heavy-duty wheels

Cons:

• Large storage space
• Heavy to move
• Higher fuel consumption

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Southland SRTT212 Rear Tine Tiller

The Southland SRTT212 is an affordable yet powerful tiller designed for small to medium-sized food plots. It is powered by a 212cc 4-stroke engine, ensuring deep soil penetration and effective weed control. The 18-inch tilling width covers a substantial area, making soil preparation faster and more efficient.

This tiller features counter-rotating tines, which work well in breaking up compacted soil and ensuring even seedbed preparation. Its adjustable depth control allows users to modify tilling depth according to soil and crop needs. Additionally, the pneumatic tires provide excellent stability, making maneuvering easier in uneven terrains.

Despite its impressive features, the Southland SRTT212 is not as powerful as higher-end models, making it less suitable for heavy clay soils. However, for small-scale farmers or gardeners looking for a reliable food plot tiller, it remains an excellent option.

Pros:

• 212cc 4-stroke engine
• 18-inch tilling width
• Counter-rotating tines
• Adjustable depth control
• Good stability
• Easy to operate
• Affordable price

Cons:

• Not ideal for heavy clay
• Slightly lower power
• Basic features

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DR Power TW19118BMN Rototiller

The DR Power TW19118BMN is a reliable rear-tine tiller built for deep soil cultivation in food plots. Powered by a 208cc Briggs & Stratton engine, it delivers exceptional performance in breaking up hard ground and aerating soil. The 18-inch tilling width ensures efficient coverage, making it ideal for food plot maintenance.

This tiller comes with counter-rotating tines, which provide deep penetration while minimizing soil resistance. The adjustable depth control allows users to customize tilling depth based on specific needs, making it highly versatile. Additionally, the self-propelled system ensures smooth and effortless operation, even in rough terrain.

Despite its high performance, the DR Power Rototiller is slightly expensive and requires regular maintenance. However, for serious food plot growers, the combination of power, efficiency, and durability makes this tiller a solid investment.

Pros:

• 208cc Briggs & Stratton
• 18-inch tilling width
• Counter-rotating tines
• Adjustable depth control
• Self-propelled design
• Strong performance
• Durable build

Cons:

• Expensive machine
• Requires maintenance
• Heavy to transport

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BCS 710 Rear-Tine Tiller

The BCS 710 Rear-Tine Tiller is a professional-grade tiller known for its versatility and durability. It is powered by a 7HP Honda GX engine, which delivers excellent power for deep soil penetration and aeration. The 20-inch tilling width ensures quick and efficient tilling, making it perfect for larger food plots.

This tiller features gear-driven tines, which provide excellent control and minimize operator fatigue. The adjustable depth control allows users to set tilling depth based on soil type, ensuring optimal soil conditions for planting. Additionally, the reversible handlebars enhance maneuverability, making it easy to navigate through tough terrains.

While the BCS 710 is one of the best professional tillers, its premium price and weight may not be ideal for casual users. However, for serious farmers or food plot managers, the power, efficiency, and build quality make it a worthy investment.

Pros:

• 7HP Honda GX engine
• 20-inch tilling width
• Gear-driven tines
• Adjustable depth control
• Reversible handlebars
• Excellent maneuverability
• Great for large plots

Cons:

• Expensive price
• Heavy to move
• Large storage size

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Final Thoughts

Choosing the best tiller for your food plot depends on plot size, soil conditions, and budget. If you need a budget-friendly option, the Southland SRTT212 is a great pick. For mid-sized food plots, the Husqvarna TR317C or Troy-Bilt Super Bronco XP offer a balance of power and affordability. If you’re managing a large-scale food plot, the Champion 19-Inch Rear Tine Tiller or BCS 710 provide exceptional performance and durability.

Investing in a quality tiller ensures better seed germination, improved soil aeration, and efficient weed control. Before purchasing, consider tilling width, engine power, tine rotation type, and maneuverability to find the best fit for your needs. With the right tiller, your food plot will thrive, providing better crop yields and healthier soil.