Veteran rear-tine tiller users have told me that Troy-Bilt's heavier Horse model and other heavyweight competitor models don't tilt into newly made furrows the way the Pony does.

The Troy-Bilt also is the only tiller to offer height-adjustable, vibration-absorbing loop handlebars that fold for easy storage and trunk transport. Its competitors offer pistol grip handlebars.

The Washington PostThe company that makes Troy-Bilt rototillers, one of the most recognizable products in the American garden, has filed for bankruptcy protection and in-tends to go out of business.