Garden-tiller care

Power tillers can whisk away weeds and break up clumps of soil far more quickly and easily than you could by hand. While gasoline-powered tillers tend to perform best overall, the best in our tests use four-stroke engines that run more cleanly than two-stroke versions and spare you the hassle of mixing oil with the fuel. But some corded electrics also cultivate competently, and all eliminate a gas engine's pull-starting and upkeep.

Whichever tiller type you have, these steps will help protect your roughly $200 to $300 investment:

When the yard-care season begins

• For four-stroke, gas-powered tillers, be sure the oil level is at or near the full mark. Add more if necessary, but don't overfill. Too little oil can damage or destroy the engine by leaving parts unlubricated; too much can also underlubricate by causing air bubbles.
• For two-stroke, gas-powered models, mix fresh gasoline and two-cycle oil according to the ratio recommended in the owner's manual. Too little oil can damage the engine by underlubricating vital parts; too much can cause poor running, excess exhaust emissions, and fouled spark plugs.
• Check the air filter and clean or replace if necessary to keep the engine running efficiently.
• Some models require adding grease to the transmission once a year; check the owner's manual.
• Replace the spark plug on gas-powered tillers.
• Remove the tines and sharpen them with a sharpening file.
• Make sure pneumatic tires on larger tillers are properly inflated.
• Lubricate control levers, connections, nuts, and bolts with silicone, and be sure they're secure and operating correctly.
• Adjust handles and controls so they're easy to reach and use.

During the season

• Before each use, check all moving parts to see if they are operating properly.
• Make sure nuts and bolts are tight.
• After each use, thoroughly clean all dirt and debris from the tiller before it has a chance to harden. Let the tiller dry to prevent rust.

Before winter storage

• Disconnect the spark plug on gas models and thoroughly clean the tiller's outside surfaces, including the tines and wheels or tires.
• For gas-powered models, add stabilizer to the fuel to distribute the stabilized mixture through the fuel lines and carburetor.
• Hang or store the tiller according to the manufacturer's directions.

See our March 2005 mini-tillers report.