Does Lowe’s rent garden tillers?

Lowe’s is a popular home improvement retailer that offers a wide selection of lawn and garden equipment for sale and rental. Many homeowners ask if Lowe’s rents garden tillers to help prepare soil for planting. The answer is yes, Lowe’s does offer garden tiller rentals at most locations.

Does Lowe’s Offer Tiller Rentals?

Yes, most Lowe’s stores across the United States offer garden tiller rentals. Tillers are available to rent by the day, weekend or week. Rental prices vary by model but tend to range from $45-$90 per day. Reservations can be made online or by calling your local store.

Lowe’s rents two types of gas-powered rear tine tillers:

  • Troy-Bilt Bronco: 5.5 HP engine, 16-inch tilling width
  • Troy-Bilt Super Bronco: 6.5 HP engine, 16-inch tilling width

Both models are designed for tilling in small-to-medium sized gardens. The tillers will break up packed soil and mix in fertilizer or compost to prepare seed beds or planting areas.

Benefits of Renting a Tiller from Lowe’s

Renting a tiller from Lowe’s offers several benefits compared to buying one:

  • Saves money – No need to buy an expensive piece of equipment that may only get infrequent use.
  • Convenience – Tillers are ready to pick up when needed versus owning and maintaining one year-round.
  • No storage required – Lowe’s handles storage, maintenance and repairs on the equipment.
  • Newer models – Rental equipment is replaced regularly so it’s often newer than what an average homeowner may own.

For homeowners that just need to till a garden periodically, renting is usually a better option than buying. Renting can also be a good way to test out a tiller before purchasing one.

What Size Gardens can a Rental Tiller Handle?

The 5.5 and 6.5 HP tillers rented at Lowe’s are ideal for small-to-medium home gardens up to around 4,000 square feet. The 16-inch tilling width allows them to efficiently break up soil.

Here are some estimates on garden sizes these rental tillers can handle:

  • Small vegetable garden (25′ x 25′) – Easily tilled in a few hours or less
  • Medium vegetable garden (40′ x 50′) – Can be tilled in approximately 5-8 hours
  • Large vegetable garden (60′ x 80′) – May require multiple days of tilling
  • Flower/landscaping beds – Can till approximately 500 sq ft per hour

Those with gardens larger than about 0.5 acres may want to look into renting a more powerful rear-tine or front-tine tiller. However, for typical residential yards, the Bronco and Super Bronco models should have enough power.

How to Rent a Tiller from Lowe’s

Renting a tiller from Lowe’s is a quick and easy process:

  1. Reserve online – Visit Lowes.com and search for “tiller rental” to check availability at your local store. You can reserve your rental tiller online with a credit card.
  2. Or call your local store – Give them the dates you need to rent the tiller and they will handle the reservation.
  3. Pick up tiller – Arrive at the Tool Rental desk during your scheduled pick up time. An associate will assist you with the paperwork and walk you through operation of the tiller.
  4. Return when finished – Return the tiller and any other rented equipment when you are done. The tiller should be cleaned off but does not need to be refueled before returning.

Be sure to reserve your rental tiller several days in advance, especially during peak gardening season. Lowe’s rental inventory is limited so tillers book up quickly on weekends.

What Else Should I Know?

Here are some other important tips for renting a tiller from Lowe’s:

  • Wear sturdy shoes and gloves – Be sure to protect yourself while operating the tiller.
  • Add fuel – You will need to add gasoline and oil to the tiller before starting it. This is not done for you.
  • Transportation – You will need a truck, SUV or trailer to transport the tiller home. They range from 200-250 lbs.
  • Operating instructions – Lowe’s staff can provide basic instructions on starting and using the tiller. Be sure you understand proper operation.
  • Rental agreement – You will need to sign a rental agreement and may need to provide valid ID when picking up equipment.
  • Consider rental coverage – Damage protection plans are available for an additional fee. Review these options carefully before declining them.

Garden tiller rental pricing and policies may vary between Lowe’s locations, so always call your local store with any questions.

The Cost of Renting Tillers at Lowe’s

Lowe’s charges hourly, daily, weekend and weekly rates for tiller rentals. Current rental pricing is approximately:

  • Hourly: $45-$55 per hour
  • Daily: $80-$100 per day
  • Weekend: $140-$180 for Friday-Sunday
  • Weekly: $225-$300 for 7 days

Higher prices are charged during peak gardening season in the spring and fall. Additional fees may apply for damage waivers, fuel, delivery/pickup and accessories like tiller tines.

For exact rental pricing at your local Lowe’s, check their website or call the Tool Rental desk. Clarify all fees before picking up the equipment.

Comparing Lowe’s Tiller Rentals vs. Buying

For occasional tilling needs, renting a garden tiller is usually more cost-effective than buying. Here is a cost comparison of renting vs. buying:

Renting a Tiller from Lowe’s

  • Tiller rental: $100/day
  • Estimated use: 2 days tilling per year
  • Annual cost: $200

Buying a New Tiller

  • New tiller purchase price: $600
  • Estimated lifespan: 5 years before replacement needed
  • Annual ownership cost: $120 ($600 / 5 years)

In this example, renting a tiller for occasional use costs $80/year more than buying. However, ownership also comes with additional costs for storage, maintenance, repairs, fuel, etc.

Renting makes more financial sense for light-duty tilling needs of less than about 3-5 days per year. Beyond that usage, buying a tiller may save money in the long run.

Finding Lowe’s Tiller Rentals in My Area

To find a Lowe’s store in your area that rents tillers:

  1. Go to Lowes.com and search “Tiller Rental”
  2. Enter your zip code or city/state in the locator box
  3. Select rental pickup dates to check availability
  4. Call stores directly to verify tiller rental availability

Lowe’s has over 2200 home improvement stores across the United States and Canada. Use the store locator tool to find rental equipment availability near your location. Inventory and rental availability may vary at each store.

You can also call your local Lowe’s store directly and ask their Tool Rental desk if tillers are available to rent. Provide them with the dates you need the equipment so they can best assist you.

Lowe’s Store Locator Information
Website: Lowes.com/store
Find Rental Tillers: Lowes.com > Tool Rental > Tillers
Phone: Call your local Lowe’s store and ask for Tool Rental

Alternative Options for Renting Tillers

Besides Lowe’s, homeowners have several other options for renting garden tillers:

  • Home Depot – Rents rear-tine Troy-Bilt tillers similar to Lowe’s models. Pricing and availability varies by location.
  • Local equipment rental companies – Many towns have smaller rental companies that offer tillers and other lawn tools. Shop around for competitive rates.
  • Tool libraries – Non-profit organizations that lend tools for low fees. Limited inventory but provide an affordable option.
  • Garden clubs or neighbors – Check if local gardening clubs rent equipment or neighbors have a tiller you can borrow.

Comparing all the rental options in your area will help you find the best deal on a garden tiller. Coordinate in advance so the tiller is reserved when you need it.

Conclusion

Renting a garden tiller from Lowe’s is an convenient and affordable option for homeowners that just have occasional tilling needs. Reserving a tiller early ensures availability when you need it. Be sure to clarify the full rental pricing and understand safe operation procedures. With just a few days notice, you can have a powerful tiller delivered to break up the soil for a successful garden.