rotavator ideas

HI Everyone,

I have quite a large patch that I want to grow veg in. Its very tough soil lots of heavy soil and stones and I was thinking of getting a ratovator to start the ball rolling. Its all partially broken up, but Im short on time re digging it all manually due to work. Any suggestions of what to get would be much appreciated. dont wat to spend a fortune, and would quite like an electric one...perhaps?

Thinking lots pots, carrots an other fav veg...

Cheers

Simon

 

Rule one with rotovators, wear protective footwear and keep the machine well clear of your feet.

 

We have a hulk of a rotavator, had it for years, petrol powered and very heavy (and takes me for a ride), difficult to control and steer. I do use it especially for first time overhauling major areas. It is useful but I'd probably look at renting this for the rare occasions (maybe 4 times a year) we use it and buy a Mantis. I love our Mantis and my husband, the fan of the hulk, in recent times has come to love the Mantis for its controlability and ease of access: we are considering buying a new plough attachment for it this year. The Mantis gets used for everything, in the cages, tunnel, flower beds, de thatching the lawn, they are really helpful on the phone too. I notice they do an electric one now... and no I don't work for them..... :luv:

Deborah

 

"I have quite a large patch that I want to grow veg in. Its very tough soil lots of heavy soil and stones and I was thinking of getting a ratovator to start the ball rolling. "

With a tough, heavy soil an electric rotavator isn't going to make much impression.

Even with a large rotavator you will have to go over the area several times to get any depth. The other problem is, if you have perennial weeds the rotavator is going to chop them up and spread them round the plot

 

I endorse the comment on the Mantis. I have used an Electric Mantis for a couple of years, it has given excellent service. Unfortunately, today I lent it to two neighbours and they have managed to burn out the motor so I have sent an email to Mantis to enquire about a replacement motor. Don't lend tools out.

Edit I have now ordered a new motor from Mantis, £95 inc. carriage.

 

The replacement motor arrived this morning, but it is only 520watts instead of 750 watts, I shall have to phone Mantis to complain.

Edit: I phoned the engineer at Mantis, He said that the 520 watt motor is the only one available. I have installed it and it's working OK. If I find it unable to cope with our heavy clay soil I shall put it up for sale.

I shall replace it with either the Wolf Garten C30E (1600 watt electric) or the EINHELL BMH 33/ 36 PETROL TILLER (Cost = Wolf £179.00, Einhell £229.95, both cheaper than the Mantis electric which is £289)

Edit I have now bought the Einhell and will report on it when I have had time time evaluate. It is a replacement for my old Merrytiller Major which is too heavy for me to handle now. I'm selling that to a friend (who's nearly 20 years younger than I am).

 

Report on the Einhell Light Rotavator

It arrived boxed up with the handles, centre column and depth tine (drag tine) separate, needing to be bolted on. The bolts, nuts, washers and spanners were in a poly bag.

The main part (engine unit, drive, rotors and controls) arrived ready assembled as one unit.

After bolting on the column and handles, i filled it with petrol and oil and tried it out.

It manages clay soil (previously tilled) well and is very quiet compared to the Merrytiller, much easier to handle too.

It is made in China, the carburettor is Japanese. Einhell is a German firm, but this design of machine is available in various "makes" (Coopers of Stortford do a similar one slightly cheaper). They appear to be available with different sized rotors, so you need to check the working depth. There are two holes each side in the plate over the rotors, I made up a steel plate with a flange at 90 degrees with two corresponding holes to bolt on either side to prevent soil being thrown onto the paths between the beds. Perhaps this is what the holes are for, but there is no mention of a side plate for this purpose.