rotavator

i was thinking of getin a rotavator, has any1 got a mantis with scarifier, lawn edger and or aerator please ...... its about �£350 new

 

Hi LG
not used one myself, but know someone who has, they say they are just OK, but not man enough for really compacted ground, unless you use very slowly

 

TLG - they're VERY heavy to use - I have done and it's a struggle unless you're pretty big and muscular - honestly! I hate to admit it, but I'd rather employ a big strong man to do it! :rolleyes:

 

the mantis is very light dend, hire ones are rather heavy i agree
yes rossco, i was kinda concerned the mantis would only cope under ideal conditions, when i coould easily turn soil over anyway
the mantis ofer a money back quarantee, mainly interested cos of scarifying and lawn edging facility as well, it only weighs 20 kg i think

[ 26. March 2006, 09:25 PM: Message edited by: Lady Gardener ]

 

must investigate then! but if it's light, will it do the job??

 

try your local Mower maintenance firm, sometimes they have second hand, but good, machines of most kinds, then you can feel the weight before buying.
if you do have some really hard ground to get through, the more powerful the better, ones with reverse gearing are better still

 

just looked on ebay and there are some on there, a lot cheaper, and look fine.
tap in 'rotavaters' see what comes up

 

I've got a mantis and its pretty lightweight, its no good for breaking new ground, but once the ground has been worked its OK.
I've got pretty clayey soil and it really does create a fine tilth if I catch it just right.
I've not got any of the attachments so cant comment on them. But its got a good little reliable motor.
The way I use it is to let it work at its own pace, if you do that its OK.

 

thanks pete, i charge peeps to do their gardens, so any machine must be faster/better than doing the job manually, it sounds as tho mantis is ok if you have plenty of time

 

It doesn't seem to me that it's worth it, if it takes time - you might as well get the exercise!! I could see the point if it was to break the pan- but from what I can see, by looking through catalogues, etc - they don't go down deep enough for that. Is it really worth it??

 

It is if your backs knackered. More than ten minutes digging these days and I cant stand up straight for a couple of days.
Thats why I got one, it fits into small spaces as well, if you get the right attachments, apparently you can use it to weed between rows of veg etc.