I'm having the worst trouble finding a salesman who has the slightest
idea about tillers.

I've had a few front tine tillers before and have never used a rear
tine... do they have any advantage other than being easier to
handle?

I need to tear up a 500 square foot area of bermuda grass and put in a
garden, so I need one that is fairly rugged. with all the front tine
tillers I've had before (all about 5 horsepower) breaking new ground
was a chore, but definitely possible. Raking all the grass out
afterward proved to be the most challenging part.

If anyone has any suggestions on where to find a decent, inexpensive
tiller or which tiller is right for me let me know. Also, any tips
on how to turn a patch of bermuda grass into a vegetable garden as
easily as possible would be appreciated!

Thanks!