Tillers Forward Vs. Reverse Rotation

Standard Rotating Tines

• Standard rotating tines dig into the dirt while moving in the same direction as the wheels of the tiller. These type of tillers are able to produce well-aerated soil that is properly prepared for garden planting. Ideally, these tiller types are used for breaking new garden ground when the soil is manageable or maintaining a current garden area. They should be used when the tilling depth required is 5 inches or less. Although not as aggressive as a counter-rotating tiller, these models can handle most tilling needs safely and effectively.

Counter-Rotating Tines

• Counter-rotating tines turn through the soil in the direction opposite from the tiller wheels. These types of tillers are used when the ground is hard-packed or when new ground is being broken. CRT tillers are the most aggressive type of tiller available and will easily break up rocky soils, compact sod and hard clay. In addition, they will till to a depth of 8 to 10 inches and can be easier to operate than SRT models in adverse soil conditions. Because the tines move in a reverse direction from the tiller wheels, resistance is created that helps to break up the toughest ground. Although these models are effective in adverse conditions, there are safety concerns with their use.

Dual-Rotating Tines

• Some rear-tine tiller models provide both SRT and CRT capabilities. These models, with dual-rotating tines (DRT), allow you to select either SRT or CRT while using the same machine. The benefit to this type of machine is that you can use the forward motion (SRT) to cultivate and break up soft soils and then use the reverse motion (CRT) to break up hard, rocky soils, thus receiving the benefits of both SRT and CRT in one machine.

CRT and SRT Safety

• Although CRT rear-tine tillers can handle most any soil type, there are certain safety concerns with their use. If a CRT machine were to grab onto a root, rock or other obstruction in the ground, it will most likely move toward you rather than away from you. If you are tilling in cramped conditions, such as near a fence, building or other obstacle, the CRT machine can come back toward you and pin you against the object, possibly causing injury. CRT machines are dangerous enough that the Louisiana State Agricultural Center recommends that "reverse-tine rotation should be used only on tractor-mounted tillers."