When I moved into my new home in Raleigh, North Carolina, I was so happy to start the garden I had always wanted. I grabbed my shovel and went out back. But the red clay soil was hard as a rock. I knew I’d need help.
So I looked for a tool that was cheap, easy to use, and ran on power—not gas. That’s how I found the Sun Joe TJ604E Electric Tiller.
I’ve now used it for two years. I’ve used it in spring to plant and in fall to clean up. What I found really shocked me. It didn’t just break the ground. It changed the way I prep my yard.
In this Sun Joe Tiller Review, I’ll tell you what worked, what didn’t, and if this tiller is a good buy for your yard.
Table of Contents
Quick Look: Sun Joe TJ604E Electric Tiller
- Name: Sun Joe TJ604E 16-Inch 13.5-Amp Electric Tiller
- Type: Plug-in electric tiller
- Good For: Small or mid-size yards, loosening dirt, mixing compost, and yard work in spring or fall
- Cost: Most stores sell it for $140 to $170
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Why I Picked This Tiller
When I first looked for a tiller, I wanted one that worked well but didn’t cost too much. I also didn’t want a tool that would break after a few uses. The Sun Joe TJ604E looked strong and easy to use. I liked that it didn’t need gas or lots of care. Here’s what I liked most:
Strong Steel Blades
This tiller has six sharp steel blades. They dig deep and cut through hard dirt. I’ve used it for two years, and the blades still work great. I’ve hit roots and small rocks, and it still did the job.
Easy-to-Hold Handles
The padded handles feel good in your hands. They don’t shake or feel cheap. I can use it for 30 to 40 minutes and not feel sore. They also fold down, which makes it easy to store.
Good Weight and Balance
It weighs about 27 pounds. That’s light enough to carry, but heavy enough to stay firm on the ground. It felt just right for my yard, even with clay soil.
Safe and Simple Start
It has a safety switch so it won’t start by accident. That’s good if you have kids or pets. To start it, you just press a button—no gas or cords to pull.
Easy to Store and Move
The back wheels can be moved to help you roll it where you want. It also folds up small, which is great if you keep it in a shed or garage.
What Could Be Better
I’ve had a good time using the Sun Joe TJ604E, but it’s not perfect. Here are a few things that could be better:
The Cord Gets in the Way
Since it runs on a cord, you have to watch where it is. I’ve tripped on it or had it caught in bushes. If your yard is small or has lots of things in the way, you’ll need to plan your path.
Not Built for Rocky Soil
It does fine with small roots and rocks. But if your yard has lots of big rocks, it may not work well. The tiller can jump or shake. I had to stop a few times to take out stones.
No Deep Settings
It digs up to 8 inches deep, which is good for most plants. But there’s no button or knob to pick a depth. If you want to go deeper, you just run over the area again.
It’s a Bit Loud
Even though it’s not gas-powered, it still makes noise. I wear ear plugs when I use it now. It’s not super loud—but not quiet either.
My Gardening Experience
I’ve used the Sun Joe TJ604E for two spring seasons and two fall cleanups. A few times really stood out.
Clay Soil? No Problem
The first time I used it was in March. The red clay in my Raleigh yard was cold and hard. I didn’t think it would work. But when I hit the start button and pushed it into the dirt, it dug right in. I didn’t have to dig by hand—just guide it. I made a 10×10 garden bed in under 30 minutes. That same weekend, I planted tomatoes and peppers.
Fall Cleanup Made Easy
In October, I used it to turn the soil, add compost, and break up roots. It even mixed fall leaves right into the dirt. That saved me time and helped feed the soil. The blades cut through old roots with no trouble—even some big corn stalks.
A Friend Tried It and Bought One
One day, my neighbor saw me using it and asked to try it. He said, “This is way better than my gas one—and it doesn’t smell.” He used mine that weekend and bought his own a few days later. That showed me I wasn’t the only one who liked it.
Who Should Buy This?
If you want to grow a nice garden without spending too much, this tiller is a smart pick.
Great For:
- New gardeners: If you’ve never used a tiller before, this one is easy. No gas, no pull cords, no oil. Just plug it in and go.
- People with small or mid-size yards: It works best in yards where you can move with a cord. If you have a garden bed or two, it’s a good match.
- Those with soft or clay soil: I live in North Carolina, where the red clay is tough. This tiller made it much easier. You might need two passes, but it works.
- People who want low care tools: No gas, no engine, no storage prep. It’s great if you want less upkeep.
Not Ideal For:
- Big or rocky yards: If your yard is large or full of rocks, this may not be enough. It can shake if it hits big stones, and the cord gets tricky in big spots.
- Heavy-duty jobs: It’s not made for deep digging or wild land. If you need to clear thick roots or brush, gas tools are better.
- Homes without outdoor power: You need an outlet nearby. A long cord helps, but if you don’t have power outside, it’s a problem.
Alternative Option to Sun Joe TJ604E Electric Tiller
Before I got the Sun Joe, I tried a few other tillers. One of them was the Mantis. If you’re trying to pick between the two, here’s what I found:
Sun Joe vs. Mantis Tiller
| Feature | Sun Joe TJ604E | Mantis 7940 (Gas) |
| Power | Plug-in electric | Gas engine (Honda 4-cycle) |
| Weight | 27 lbs | About 24 lbs |
| Width | 16 inches | 9 inches |
| Depth | Up to 8 inches | Up to 10 inches |
| Noise | Medium | Loud |
| Start | Button | Pull cord |
| Care | Low (no gas or oil) | High (needs gas, oil, tune-ups) |
| Storage | Folds up small | Needs gas-safe space |
| Best For | Small to mid gardens | Tough or new soil |
| Price | Around $150 | Around $400–$450 |
What I Think
The Mantis is strong. It digs deep and works well in hard or rocky soil. But it takes more work. It’s loud, smells like gas, and needs care.
When I switched to the Sun Joe, I didn’t miss the noise or the pull cord. For my yard in North Carolina, the Sun Joe has been a better fit.
If you want a tool that’s easy, clean, and low-cost—and you have outdoor power—the Sun Joe just makes sense. It’s great for home gardens, not big fields.
Read More: Mantis XP Tiller Review
Final Thoughts
I’ve used the Sun Joe tiller for two years. It made garden work easier.
If you’re new to gardening or want a tool that’s easy, this is a good pick.
It’s not perfect. But it’s simple, low-cost, and does the job.
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FAQs for Sun Joe Tiller Review
Is the Sun Joe tiller good for hard clay soil?
Yes! The Sun Joe tiller works well in clay. You may need a few passes, but it cuts through packed dirt with ease.
How deep does the Sun Joe TJ604E tiller go?
It digs up to 8 inches deep. That’s good for most gardens and flower beds.
Does the Sun Joe tiller need gas or oil?
Nope. It’s electric and plugs in. No gas, no oil, and no mess!
Is the Sun Joe TJ604E easy to use for beginners?
Yes! Just plug it in, press the button, and guide it. It’s light and easy to use.
How loud is the Sun Joe tiller compared to gas models?
It’s quieter than gas ones, but still makes noise. Many people wear ear protection to be safe.
