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Rear-tine tillers are typically used for large-scale jobs. "The biggest and strongest of the walk-behind tillers, rear-tines are the tiller of choice when breaking sod for the first time or for tilling a very large garden," says Steve Matson, sales manager with MacKissic.

They have a set of powered wheels up front and tines in the rear, making it more stable and easier to operate because the wheels are powering the tiller along, rather than the tines pulling it forward. "It takes some of the work off the operator," Seymour says, adding that there's an old saying that goes like this, "You know you have the right tool when it's your job to keep it company."

That being said, Seymour notes that for rental businesses, rear-tine tillers are more expensive and harder to transport and load/unload. "It's a bigger investment," he says.

There are different types of rear-tine tillers. They include belt-driven, hydraulic and all-gear-driven. Each has its advantages. For example, belt-driven units are simple to operate, all-gear-driven machines are very durable and hydraulic tillers offer flexibility.

"Hydraulic tillers offer variable-speed drive that operates independently of the tines, allowing you to adjust for your conditions," says Greg Barreto, president of Barreto Mfg. He adds that hydraulic machines are durable as well. "Hydraulics absorb the constant impact that is common with the tilling process, whereas mechanical components tend to fatigue and fail, over time."