Creating lush, productive food plots for deer isn’t just about scattering seed—it’s about preparing the perfect planting bed. The right pull-behind tiller can turn rough ground into a fertile oasis, giving whitetails the nutrition they crave while making your property a wildlife magnet. Whether you’re deep in the woods carving out a secluded hunting plot or tending a large field near home, these machines save time, reduce labor, and deliver superior soil prep for better results. When it comes to creating the best food plots for deer or prepping land for other property management needs, a reliable pull-behind tiller can make all the difference. These machines attach to your ATV, UTV, lawn tractor, or even a compact utility vehicle to break up the soil, mix fertilizer or seed, and give you a clean bed for planting. Below, we’ve rounded up the 6 best pull-behind tillers for various needs—with a special focus on building deer food plots for whitetails. Click the link to shop the lowest price, or keep scrolling to read more about why it was chosen and its pros, cons, and best use cases.
Best Compact Pull Behind Tiller: Groundhog Max ATV/UTV Disc Plow 🛒
Best Overall: DR ATV Disc Harrow 🛒
Best Adjustable: Agri-Fab 45-0266 Tow-Behind Tiller 🛒
Best Multi-Use: Kolpin DirtWorks ATV/UTV 3-Point Disc Plow System 🛒
Best Budget Friendly: Brinly-Hardy Tow-Behind Sleeve Hitch Disc Harrow 🛒
Best for Soft Soil: Field Tuff ATV Tow-Behind Cultivator 🛒
1. Groundhog Max ATV/UTV Disc Plow 🛒
Best Compact Pull-Behind Tiller for ATVs and Tight Spaces
The Groundhog Max isn’t technically a tiller in the traditional rotating-tine sense, but it’s a workhorse for hunters creating backwoods food plots. Designed specifically for ATVs and UTVs, this disc plow uses the weight of your vehicle and its own compact build to cut deep into the soil, even in tight, hard-to-reach spots.
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Working Width: 21 inches
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Tilling Depth: Up to 4 inches
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Weight: 69 lbs
Pros
✅ Easy to haul into the woods
✅ No need for a heavy-duty trailer or truck
✅ Ideal for small, remote food plots
Cons
❌ Limited tilling width
❌ Not ideal for large acreage
Best For: Hunters with remote locations or rough terrain. Pair it with a 400cc+ ATV or UTV.
2. DR ATV Disc Harrow 🛒
Best Overall Pull-Behind Tiller for Food Plots
The DR Power ATV Disc Harrow is a top-tier choice for hunters and landowners aiming to establish or maintain food plots efficiently. Designed for versatility and durability, this pull-behind cultivator attaches seamlessly to ATVs, UTVs, and garden tractors, making it ideal for various terrains and plot sizes.
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Working Width: 33 inches
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Construction: Rugged 2×2 tubular steel frame with a powder-coated finish
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Tilling Depth: Up to 4 inches
Pros
✅ Compatible with a range of vehicles, including ATV’s, UTV’s, and garden tractors
✅ Durable Build: Constructed with heavy-duty materials to withstand rigorous use and various weather conditions.
✅ Efficient Soil Preparation: Effectively breaks up soil, uproots weeds, and prepares seedbeds, enhancing soil aeration and nutrient distribution.
Cons
❌ 33-inch width makes for more passes
❌ Depth of 4 inches
Best For: Hunters looking for simplicity and compatibility.
3. Agri-Fab 45-0266 Tow-Behind Tiller 🛒
Best Adjustable Pull Behind Tiller
Agri-Fab is a trusted name in the yard and garden space, and this 205cc pull-behind tiller is perfect for those looking to convert their lawn tractor into a land-prepping machine. It connects easily to most lawnmowers with a hitch pin.
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Working Width: Adjustable 30-38
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Engine: Briggs & Stratton
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Tilling Depth: Up to 5.5 inches
Pros
✅ Compatible with most standard lawn tractors
✅ Smooth operation with adjustable width-depth
✅ Reputable build quality and warranty
Cons
❌ Mostly for level terrain
❌ Requires sleeve hitch
Best For: Homeowners or hunters with flat, accessible food plots and lawns.
4. Kolpin DirtWorks ATV/UTV 3-Point Hitch Disc Plow System 🛒
Best Multi-Tool System for Land Management
The Kolpin DirtWorks System isn’t a tiller—it does provide you with lift and level capabilities to handle a 3-point hitch-mounted implement. This effectively turns your ATV/UTV into a 3-point hitch-capable machine and opens the capabilities of implement selection. Be mindful of the weight limitations of your machine to not overload it.
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Working Width: Adjustable
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Tilling Depth: Customizable via actuator
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Build: Heavy-duty steel
Pros
✅ Modular system for plowing, grading, and planting
✅ Built for rugged terrain
✅ Trusted in the land management community
Cons
❌ Requires investment in multiple components
❌ Heavier setup and install
Best For: Landowners who want a full range of land management options.
5. Brinly-Hardy Tow-Behind Sleeve Hitch Disc Harrow 🛒
Best Budget-Friendly Option
For lighter-duty work or prepping seed beds on previously tilled ground, Brinly’s Disc Harrow offers affordability and simplicity. You’ll need a sleeve hitch, but it’s easy to install and works well with most garden tractors.
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Working Width: 38 inches
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Construction: 8 steel disc blades
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Weight Tray: Add extra pressure for tough soil
Pros
✅ Lightweight and maneuverable
✅ Perfect for finishing tillage or refreshing plots
✅ Inexpensive
Cons
❌ Doesn’t break new ground well
❌ Requires additional weight
Best For: Food plot maintenance and secondary tilling tasks.
6. Field Tuff ATV Tow-Behind Cultivator 🛒
Best for Breaking Up Soft Soil
This Field Tuff model is excellent for tilling previously loosened or soft soils. It doesn’t have a motor—instead, it uses the weight of the cultivator and your vehicle to do the work. With seven adjustable shanks, it provides great coverage.
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Working Width: 48 inches
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Depth: Variable depending on soil
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Weight: 300 lbs
Pros
✅ Great for follow-up tilling
✅ Easy to tow with most ATVs
✅ Durable frame and simple design
Cons
❌ Not suitable for breaking virgin ground
❌ Lacks powered rotation
Best For: Maintenance tillage or annual replanting of plots.
Buying Guide: What to Look for in a Pull-Behind Tiller
When selecting a pull-behind tiller, especially for deer food plots or land maintenance, keep these key factors in mind:
✅ Power Source
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Engine-powered tillers are more powerful and work independently of your vehicle.
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Ground-driven units are more affordable but rely on weight and momentum.
✅ Hitch Compatibility
Make sure your vehicle (ATV, lawn tractor, UTV) is compatible with the tiller’s hitch type—standard pin, sleeve hitch, or 3-point.
✅ Soil Type and Terrain
Hard, compacted, or rocky soil will require heavier, more powerful tillers. Softer or previously tilled soil can be maintained with lighter models.
✅ Tilling Width & Depth
Wider models cover more ground in fewer passes, but may be harder to transport. Adjustable depth is key for planting different types of seeds.
FAQ: Pull-Behind Tillers for Deer Food Plots and Lawns
What is the best pull-behind tiller for deer food plots?
The DR Power Premier Tow-Behind Tiller is ideal for most food plot situations due to its independent engine, deep tilling capacity, and robust construction.
Can I use a pull-behind tiller with a lawn tractor?
Yes, but make sure the tiller is compatible with sleeve or pin hitches, and that your tractor has enough HP to manage the load. The Agri-Fab 45-0308 is a great choice for this.
What size ATV do I need to pull a tiller?
For compact disc or cultivator setups like the Groundhog Max, an ATV with 400cc or more is recommended. Larger powered tillers may require a UTV or tractor.
Can a pull-behind tiller break new ground?
Yes, but it depends on the model. Heavy-duty tillers like the Swisher RTB11544 or DR Power can break sod and compacted soil. Lighter disc harrows may need the soil to be softened first.
How deep can a pull-behind tiller go?
Most go between 4–8 inches deep. Powered models tend to reach deeper depths than ground-driven ones.
Are pull-behind tillers better than 3-point hitch tillers?
It depends. Pull-behind tillers offer flexibility for those without tractors, especially ATV and UTV users. 3-point hitch tillers are often heavier-duty but require a full-sized tractor.
Final Thoughts on Building Deer Food Plots with pull-behind tillers
Whether you’re trying to draw in a trophy buck with a lush fall blend or maintain your rural property, a quality pull-behind tiller can be one of the most valuable tools on your land. Hunters, homeowners, and hobby farmers alike can find a model that suits their needs—just make sure you match the machine to the job.
With the right setup and planning, breaking ground and growing success become much easier.
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