tool hire info

[helly]

http://www.hss.com/imagshop/guides/og_999.pdf

I'm going to hire one of these at the weekend, has anyone ever used one?
I have a area that has been turned over by spade but needs to be rotavated for a finer finish.
cheers Helly

[ardroil]

i used one of those on my garden, really eay to use, i had to go over the area 2 or 3 times though and push the back of it, heavy down into the soil so it would really rotovate it, it was easy to use and i would use one again, hope this helps

[dexterdoglancashire]

my pc wouldnt load it - but I hired a very small, lightweight rotavator type thingy last year for my back garden - its was brill! Not being able to lift heavy weights, it was just the job.

[sewer rat]

I haven't used one this small before but I suppose the same basic advice applies.
Watch out for it kicking up if it hits hard ground or stones - steel toe caps are not a bad idea.
Let the rotavator do the work - if your soil has already been dug, let the rotavator churn itself down to a decent depth then move forward slowly - I stop and chuck any biggish stones out of the bed as I go.
I know it's on hire so time is of the essence but take your time, don't rush at it - that's when mistakes are made - and arms get sore.
Other than that, enjoy the end result.

[jacob marley]

The way to use is the same as the Mantis go forward across the patch with like a hoover like backward's and forwards as you go when you get to the other side of patch making sure that is revving well pull the machine backward's until you reach the other side then it is rotovated without leaving footprint's....jacob

[helly]

cheers all I will let you know how I get on I have it for the weekend got it on one of those weekend deals

[helly]

WOW had a great time using the tiller, it turned over the soil great. I had already turned the soil with a spade and then used the machine. Would definatley recommend using one to all .
I'm looking forward to planting and sowing in the polytunnel 2mor,for the very 1st time

[phil the shed]

looks like a good tilth
did you find it easy?
nice tunnel btw
(see phil go green with garden envy)

[sewer rat]

Hi Helen, looking good -better - and a lot tidier- than mine is at the moment. I have all sorts going on in there - one side is being planted up with salad crops, chard, perpetual spinach etc and the other is home to my thousands of young brassica, leek, and other assorted veg seedlings, as well as some "very close to being ready" lettuces, last years chard and spinach which is still cropping. When it's cleared, it will be home to my cukes, some toms, aubergines and chillies.

[helly]

Hi I found it very east to use, particulary starting the engine, and turning it round in tight spaces. Very managable, lightweight, and easy on the petrol. Ooh do I sound like a rep for selling these things, I've entered a comp to win a Mantis Tiller, Keeping everthing crossed for that. R i hope to start planting in there 2mor been planning it tonight .
cheers Helly