Rotavators

[Artful Doris]

Thinking of buying a rotavator. does anyone have any recommendations or advice? Needs to rotavate small plot of land for veggie garden. got quite a bit of rubble in it so needs to be quite robust ....(good word. write it down)

[naz_nomad]

Anything made by Howard ... must have a Tecumseh engine.

can't go wrong with that ...and you'd struggle to break it

[Artful Doris]

But I believe they are not in existence anymore??? Or are they?

[compman]

Doris - As you say, it would need to be robust. Yes, good word; my Collins Gem says, adjective, meaning very strong and healthy!

Seriously, I think it would be best if you hired one, either from a hire shop, or perhaps even better, chat around and see if you can find someone with a rotavator to do the job for you. And I imagine once the garden is up and running (do gardens run?), you wouldn't have the regular need of a rotavator.

They need a bit of handling know-how on the sort of ground you are describing.

Anyhow - best of luck with the veggie garden.

[buildersmate]

If there's quite a lot of rubble in it, you are going to need a powerful one (10-12 hp) or it will keep stalling. I'd have hired one, as the above suggests - about �50 for a day, and �60 for 2 days. How often do you anticipate using it after the first go at it?

[naz_nomad]

Sorry ...didn't know you wanted a new one ...although a second-hand Howard will far out-perform a new one of lesser quality & power.

[Thunderbird+]

For a small plot, I would suggest in investing in a grass trimmer / brush cutter such as 'Ryobi' where you have the option of fitting interchangerble heads ie rotorvator.
I've not actually tried the rotorvator head as yet but it does look pretty robust to me and its narrow enough to zip down between the rows of veg in jazz time! and if you have a use for the standard strimmer brush/cutter, then all well and good. Good Luck Tbird+

[MGPB1936]

THe best is a proper Howard Rotovator, the inventor of the device...they will really do the job. You see them advertised on ebay, Get one with a Kohler engine.
Richard

[MGPB1936]

I had other ones that frankly were rubbish and super hard work the original Howard is fantastic and will always find a buyer if you dont want it..
Richard

[Artful Doris]

Thanks everyone for the advice, we are going to hire one to get the idea of what they are capable of anyway, but thought if the right one came available we could go for it as have enough land to re rotavate in future and dig in lots of pooh. and family who grow veggies etc...we share stuff. Plus .....its quite good having serious toys to play with! The actual soil is old river loam it needs tilling and feeding so once we get all crap out should be easy to turn. V old garden have found some amazing things in it too. Time Team time! Yes we will look out for the Howards.