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In addition, tillers can offer standard rotation, where the wheels rotate in the same direction as the tines, or they can operate with counter rotation, where the wheels go in the opposite direction of the tines. Counter rotation is designed to give maximum depth of till on the first pass, explains Seymour, noting that this is due to the uppercut motion of the tines.

Seymour notes that BCS tillers are actually two-wheeled tractors with heat-treated steel gears and shafts, supported by ball bearings and running in oil bath. These units specialize in the ability to use a wide variety of attachments.

Choosing a tiller for your inventory

When considering a tiller for your rental fleet, there are several things to keep in mind. At the top of the list is your customer base. Consider what the typical jobs will be, whether you have commercial users or homeowners, how large the spaces to be tilled are and whether you are in a rural, suburban or urban setting.

Durability is another important consideration. Look for a tiller with all-steel construction, a commercial engine with engine guard and a braced frame. A rental tiller must be easy to repair and maintain so you can have faster turnaround times. Look for replaceable tine blades, a repairable transmission, a simple design with few gadgets and quick turnaround on parts orders.

As mentioned previously, hydraulic tillers offer increased flexibility to their operation. Manufacturers such as Barreto and Maxim offer models with hydrostatic drives. While more expensive, these machines can offer advantages.