Vertical-tine tillers are a newer market entry, cutting forward through the soil rather than downward. They're more powerful than front-line tillers and work faster than rear-tine models.

So far, the Ryobi front-tine tiller has fared much better than its rear-tine counterpart. Its Home Depot product listing has it at four and a half out of five stars based on 335 reviews ...

Expect to pay between $100 and $250. • Rear-tine tiller: The blades, or tines, are in the back and the engine is in the front. This type is bigger, heavier and more powerful than front-tine tillers.