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Cultivators are typically classified as either self-propelled or as attachments that can be connected to either two-wheel or four-wheel tractors. For two-wheel tractors, cultivators are usually rigidly fixed and powered through couplings connected to the tractor’s transmission. In the case of four-wheel tractors, they are typically attached using a three-point hitch and driven by a power take-off. Drawbar hookups are also still commonly used around the world. Additionally, draft-animal power is still utilized in some areas, particularly in developing nations, although it is quite rare in more industrialized economies.

Ø Rototiller

A small rototiller is usually powered by a petrol engine with a horsepower range of 1 to 5 (1 to 4 kW), which rotates the tines. Some models have powered wheels, but they may also include small transport or level control wheels. To prevent the machine from moving forward too quickly, an adjustable tine is typically positioned just behind the blades. This tine generates friction with the deeper, untilled soil, acting as a brake to slow down the rototiller and allow it to better pulverize the soil. The slower the rototiller moves, the more effective it is at achieving desired soil tilth.

The operator can adjust the friction and braking action by raising or lowering the handlebars of the tiller. Most rototillers do not feature a reverse function because backward movement toward the operator could lead to serious injuries. However, the operator can pull the rototiller backward to cover areas that require further tilling. Care must be taken to avoid stumbling and inadvertently pulling the rototiller onto themselves.

While rototilling is significantly faster than manual tilling, it can be challenging to handle and physically exhausting, particularly with heavier and more powerful models. If the rototiller's blades catch on hidden objects below the surface, such as tree roots or buried debris, it can lead to sudden and unpredictable movements of the machine.

Ø Rotavator

Unlike the rototiller, the self-propelled Rotavator is equipped with a gearbox that allows it to be driven forward or held back by its wheels. This gearbox enables the operator to adjust the forward speed while maintaining a constant rotational speed of the tines, making it easier to regulate the extent of soil engagement. For a two-wheel tractor rotavator, this significantly reduces the operator's workload compared to a rototiller. These rotavators are generally more heavy-duty and come in sizes ranging from 4 to 18 horsepower (3 to 13 kW), powered by either petrol or diesel engines, and they can cover larger areas.

Ø Mini Tiller

Mini tillers are a new type of small agricultural tiller or cultivator used by farmers and homeowners. They are also known as power tillers or garden tillers. Compact, powerful, and, most importantly, affordable, these agricultural rotary tillers offer a viable alternative to four-wheel tractors. In the small farms of developing countries, mini tillers are often more economical than traditional four-wheel tractors.

Ø Two-Wheel Tractor

Higher-powered "riding" rotavators have transitioned from the home garden category to the farming category, especially in Europe. These machines can prepare 1 hectare of land in 8 to 10 hours and are also known as walk-behind tractors or walking tractors.

Years ago, they were primarily considered useful for rice-growing areas, where they were equipped with steel cage wheels for better traction. However, these tractors are now employed in both wetland and dryland farming across the globe.

They offer multiple functions when paired with various attachments for tasks such as dryland farming, working in paddies, pumping, transportation, threshing, ditching, and spraying pesticides. Their versatility allows them to be used on hills, mountains, in greenhouses, and in orchards.