I did my research and decided on an electric tiller. I have 6 raised garden beds ( 8' x 4' each ) and the soil was hard packed and completely wired with roots. This tiller did a great job cutting through. I had to stop twice to clean the dead roots from the blades. The motor (12 Amp) never varied speed. I give this tiller a strong endorsement. My soil looks fantastic!
OK, so I have never used a tiller/cultivator before. I live in Florida the land of St. Augustine grass ( long tough runs of root system and river grass that goes deep and is matted. I can go about 20' before the tines are wrapped up in root runs. It takes about 20 minutes. Another 20 minutes to clean the tines to get started again. It would take me about two hours to do the same hard physical labor with a shovel and rake, pulling grass up while on my knees. Age 69 in fairly descent shape. It helps when the heat index isn't 110+. The machine is doing what I need it to do. I would buy another one.
I've only used this tiller for a few hours so I cannot speak of durability. Over the years I've owned two Mantis (gas) tillers. They are great machines and I decided to try something electric this time. The Sun Joe handles very similar to a Mantis and with equal or maybe a little more power. The ground I've tilled so far is challenging and this tiller runs through it with power to spare. Stringy weeds and roots tend to wind around the tines and need removing from time to time (same with a Mantis). The price is very affordable and I don't have to deal with fuel.
Being electric-powered, lightweight, and low cost, how could this tiller do more than a mere light-duty job? Well, I found out! This thing has muscle, is mobile, and is tough. The ergonomics are quite favorable. Even the "dead-man" switch can be held without effort or thought. Also. it can easily be transported, as in a car trunk. I'm now a advocate.
I needed to break up hard-packed clay and turn in amendments to make a lawn. I literally dig holes in our flower beds with a pick ax and knew I needed a machine to break up a whole yard. I figured the price was right to take a chance on an electric machine. It paid off. This thing broke the ground and I was surprised at the fist sized rocks it was kicking out. I even discovered a brick in the back yard when this machine dug it up and threw it out. Grass is growing great now. Could not be more pleased.