I did a test last week with my two tillers...one is a rear tine tiller the other a front tine tiller.
I love them both and they both get the job done but....
The pony rear tine on hard ground will yank you off your feet. After you make a pass or
two and get the hard ground broke up it works great but until then hold on.
The rear tine tiller is a bit easier to handle and does not drag you along.
I have tilled as much as 1/3 of an acre with the pony tiller... for larger areas ... I hire out
a tractor.