A Craftsman rear tine tiller typically costs about $800-$1,200 new when available, while used machines commonly sell for $250-$650. Model, tine width, engine condition, delivery, and local availability account for much of the price difference.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Craftsman rear tine tiller | $800 | $1,000 | $1,200 | Typical retail or remaining-stock range |
| Used, working tiller | $250 | $450 | $650 | Price depends on age and maintenance |
| Delivery or local transport | $0 | $60 | $150 | Pickup may avoid this charge |
| Basic accessories and upkeep | $20 | $75 | $180 | Oil, fuel stabilizer, or replacement tines |
What a Craftsman rear tine tiller costs new
For a standard walk-behind Craftsman rear tine model, budget roughly $800-$1,200 before sales tax if new inventory is available. A practical planning figure is about $1,000 for the machine alone. Prices can vary because specific models may be discontinued, sold through remaining retailer stock, or replaced by newer equipment.
These estimates assume a residential gas-powered tiller, ordinary store pickup, and no major accessories. A listed price may not include delivery, assembly, or tax. Confirm the model number and tine width before comparing listings; a front-tine machine or a different brand is not a like-for-like price comparison.
Assumptions: U.S. retail or remaining-stock pricing, standard residential model, and no unusual delivery or site charges.
How machine, setup, and delivery charges add up
The tiller itself accounts for most of the purchase. Retailers may sell it partly assembled, fully assembled, or in a crate, so setup and transport can change the out-the-door total. The following ranges are planning estimates, not fixed Craftsman fees.
| Quote item | Low | Average | High | What it covers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Equipment | $800 | $1,000 | $1,200 | New rear tine tiller |
| Assembly or setup | $0 | $40 | $90 | Retailer setup or owner assembly |
| Delivery | $0 | $60 | $150 | Local delivery; distance affects charge |
| Accessories | $20 | $75 | $180 | Oil, cover, or wear parts |
| Sales tax | $0 | $65 | $120 | Varies by state and taxable total |
A new purchase can land around $820-$1,600 after setup, transport, accessories, and tax. A customer collecting a machine and doing the setup may stay close to its listed price plus tax.
Which tine width and engine condition change the quote
Working width and condition matter most when comparing machines. A rear tine tiller around 16 inches wide is suited to many home garden plots; listings with different widths or features may carry different prices. Verify the exact model specification rather than assuming every Craftsman rear tine tiller has the same capacity or configuration.
On the used market, a machine that starts easily, runs steadily, and has sound tines may cost $400-$650. A unit with worn tines, a slipping drive, or a carburetor problem may be $250-$400, but repairs can erase the discount. For used listings, a repair estimate of $150-$300 can make a lower asking price a poor bargain.
Transport is another threshold: a nearby pickup may cost nothing, while a delivery route of 25 miles or more can add $60-$150 depending on seller and access. Ask whether the quoted price includes loading and unloading.
New versus used Craftsman tiller pricing
A new machine offers a known starting condition and may include a manufacturer or retailer warranty, subject to its terms. A used tiller has a lower purchase price but may have no remaining warranty and can require immediate maintenance. Ask for a cold-start demonstration and check the tines, belts, wheels, controls, and engine oil before paying.
Used is least expensive when it is ready to work; new inventory is easier to budget when warranty coverage and predictable condition matter. If a seller cannot demonstrate operation, price it as a repair project rather than comparing it with a working used unit.
Where regional tiller prices run higher or lower
Retail prices are not uniform nationwide. In areas with strong spring demand or limited local stock, a buyer may see prices about 5%-15% above a broad retail estimate. Rural markets can have fewer models in stock and higher delivery charges; competitive suburban retailers may discount older inventory by roughly 5%-10%.
Used prices also depend on local gardening seasons and supply. Compare the total quote, including delivery and tax, rather than treating a low online listing as the final price. Regional percentages are useful budgeting allowances, not guaranteed price adjustments.
How much assembly and delivery add to the tiller price
Assembly may take an owner about 1-2 hours if the machine arrives partly assembled and the instructions are complete. Retail setup charges commonly fall around $30-$90 when offered. A delivery charge of $60-$150 is plausible for local service, but distance, stairs, and access can change the quote.
For paid help, small-engine or equipment service rates may run about $75-$125 per hour, often with a minimum charge. Confirm whether setup includes checking fluids and controls or only attaching parts. A short service visit can cost more than expected when a shop minimum applies.
Three realistic Craftsman tiller purchase totals
A new tiller listed at $900 with $45 setup, $50 delivery, and $72 tax totals about $1,067. The estimate excludes optional accessories and assumes the listed price is taxable.
A used, functioning machine at $425, picked up locally, with $35 for oil and basic supplies totals about $460 before any applicable tax. A used machine listed at $300 that needs $220 in repairs and $60 in transport reaches about $580 before tax.
Comparing the complete, ready-to-use total is more useful than comparing asking prices alone. Repair totals are uncertain until a mechanic diagnoses the machine.
Ways to lower the price without buying the wrong tiller
Check several local retailers and private listings for the same model number, and ask whether a floor model or remaining-stock unit has a discount. Pick up the machine if a suitable vehicle and safe loading are available. Avoid paying for accessories that are not needed for the garden or included in the manufacturer’s basic setup.
For used equipment, inspect and test before negotiating, then subtract documented repair costs from the price comparison. Keep the budget tied to a working machine, transport, tax, and immediate maintenance rather than the lowest advertised figure.