My first few experiences in creating an actual backyard involved digging, tons and lots of digging. Having nothing else available, I grabbed a large shovel and I dug. And I dug and dug and dug. Anyone who has ever used their very own two hands to dig up a bed is aware of what back-breaking work it can be. Over time, the more I discovered about gardening the more I realized that all that digging might have been just a little unnecessary.

Why? Because on the subject of gardening and getting soil ready to plant things, a very good backyard tiller will really, actually come in handy. Tillers are good at knocking down weeds while they turn the soil. In addition they work positive at breaking down heavy soil or working in compost to get your garden soil in perfect condition.

So garden tillers are good. Which one? Well, I’ve always been keen on Troy-Bilt tillers. Good builds, top quality and a long history. Troy-Bilt tiller was the first American-made rear line rototiller way back in 1937, so that’s 60 years of tiller-making.

My first Troy-Bilt tiller was the Pony. As soon as I finished putting all of the parts collectively, the tiller cut through the tough weeds, the hard compacted soil, and a surprising number of rocks quite easily. I shot some video footage of the machine in use but am hesitant to add it here due to the myriad of safety violations seen, from a scarcity of eye, ear and hand protection to my canvas sneakers. I know, I know…

For a giant-ass machine The Pony was as loud and obnoxious as could be expected and as fun to use too. I’m not going to lie, power tools are fun! The tiller did everything it was supposed to, leaving lines of cultivated soil in its path as easily as you’d think about a 200 lb machine of rotating steel tines should.

My review applies to all Troy-Bilt tillers such as the Troy-Bilt Horse tiller, not just the Pony. It’s an enormous, burly, intimidating machine nevertheless it moves across the ground, chopping through everything beneath it smoothly and easily. Is it better at digging up tough soil than my two arms and a shovel? Hell yes. And once you get the hang of it it’s fairly easy and painless too. You can buy them at a Lowe’s near you.

Nonetheless, bear in mind that newly made Troy-Bilt tillers are not as good as they used to be. Although they’re still a bit better than Honda tillers or BCS tillers, I think Troy-Bilt tiller engines quality decline as soon as Troy-Bilt was purchased out by MTD. In any case, I can no longer wholeheartedly recommend Troy-Bilt tillers like I used to.