Press Releases

Honda Tillers In Demand

Honda's range of advanced four-stroke tillers is becoming increasingly popular, particularly among senior gardeners wishing to avoid the often backbreaking work involved in preparing a vegetable patch or reviving a neglected garden bed.
According to Honda Power Equipment Manager, Ray Briffa, tillers are also finding new homes with people looking for time savings from their power equipment.

"Keen gardeners are adding a tiller to their equipment list in droves," Mr Briffa said.

"There has also been a vast increase in professional garden care contractors who have bought tillers in an effort to further diversify their business and increase their service offerings."

Mr Briffa said that several factors had led to the increase in tiller use.

"The consistently dry conditions across many parts of the country means that working the soil can be a difficult and time consuming job, particularly in areas where the soil has a higher clay composition," he said.

"These dry conditions also require more careful planning and maintenance of garden areas by aerating the soil for increased water absorption.

"In addition, a tiller will slash soil preparation time, not to mention help avoid the blisters caused by the shovel and hoe."
Mr Briffa said it was also only a matter of time before a great deal more professional garden contractors were adding soil preparation and tilling to their services.

"Discerning home and property owners and even body corporates, are increasingly wanting a complete gardencare and maintenance service," Mr Briffa said.

"Whereas a few short years ago it may have been sufficient for a contractor's equipment list to comprise solely of lawnmowers and brushcutters, nowadays those contractors wishing to provide a more complete service also use blowers, hedgecutters, edgers and tillers; it's a trend that I'm sure will continue in the future."

Spanning five models, Honda's tiller range begins with the 31 cc Generation II mini four-stroke FG110 and extends to the 240 cc FR800, providing a comprehensive model choice for both the home owner and contractor.

Three of the most popular models are the FG110, F220 and FR750 which are particularly versatile and suitable for use in both domestic and commercial applications.

Weighing only 14 kg, the FG110 has an adjustable 300 mm tilling width with the ability to till within only a few centimetres of existing plants, making it ideal for raised garden beds and narrow rows.

Additional benefits include fold-over handles for easy storing and transportation, heavy duty debris shield for increased safety and the convenience of a dual direction off/run/off switch.

For those needing additional power for more demanding jobs, the F220 provides a 545 mm tine width and features a powerful yet quiet and efficient GXV57, 57 cc engine while still remaining lightweight at only 24.4 kg.

Users of the F220, particularly those with larger jobs, will appreciate the comfort and convenience of the multi-step adjustable handlebars and the precision and balance of the model's mid-tine configuration.

For added safety, the F220 also features a deadman clutch, stopping the tine from rotating when the operator disengages the lever.

A popular model with contractors is the FR750 which is powered by the 200 cc GX200 engine, a proven performer that is widely used in a variety of other Honda power equipment.

The FR750 has a tine width of 600 mm enabling it to efficiently work considerable areas at a time, and features two forward and one reverse gear to better handle a variety of conditions. Performance in tough or virgin soil also benefits from a lockable differential for improved traction.

This tiller is equipped with Honda's revolutionary Active Rotary System which rotates the tines in opposite directions allowing for better stability, improved ease of use and reduced operator fatigue. Ease of use is also aided by the multi-step, height adjustable handlebars, while a deadman clutch adds to safety.

All Honda tillers feature fuel efficient advanced four-stroke engines that do away with the need to mix oil and fuel, provide easy-starting, as well as reduced vibration and exhaust emissions.

Summary specifications below:

Model	FG110	F220	F501	FR750	FR800
Engine capacity (cc)	31	57	160	200	240
Tilling width (mm)	300	545	914	600	507
Starting	Recoil
Fuel	Unleaded
Gears	1 Forward		2 Forward 1 Reverse		3 F 1 R
Main clutch	Centrifugal	Deadman
Dimensions LxWxH	1080x395x980	1200x585x975	1320x955x995	1450x1100x660	1420x705x1230
Dry weight (kg)	14	24.4	59	99	126
Drag bar	No	Yes
Price RRP inc GST	835	1365	1955	3970