Which azada?

[Edith]

Am trying to decide which one to get

Probably buying from get digging=>Get Digging - Tools for the Allotment and Garden

We have a heavy clay soil, and are going to be using it initially for clearing grass, neatening borders, etc.

I have tried out a heavy Chillington one and it was fine to use, albeit briefly. Aside from me, the other people digging regularly on the plot are my husband and my dad, both of whom are stronger and taller than me ;-).

I suppose I am wondering if I am going to get enough use out of the heaviest one to justify buying it, or whether a lighter one would be a better all rounder?

oh and (eta) what width blade should I go for?

Thoughts?

(btw I know spring is a stupid time to be digging over the plot, but not much choice, it is that or a cultivation order)

[Jeanied]

Mine's a medium Azada - cos I'm the one using it. I wouldn't go for the heavy one unless you want to shift tree roots - so why not go for the in between: heavy medium one?

[HeyWayne]

I've the medium one - with the flat blade. Heavy clay soil.

I'm 5ft 19.

It takes a bit of getting used to, but once you get the hang of it it's easy.

[Edith]

thanks for that

no tree roots, just insanely clayey soil

think i'll go for the medium then

[stupot]

Yep I got the medium one and the heavy one. I would just stick with the medium one unless you are Jeff Capes -alright for 10 minutes - then I'm knackered. My 18st mate has no probs with the big one though.

[HeyWayne]

Mine's a medium Azada - cos I'm the one using it. I wouldn't go for the heavy one unless you want to shift tree roots - so why not go for the in between: heavy medium one?

Just had a quick look on the site, and realised mine is actually the medium heavy one.

[weekendwellies]

I got a medium one very recently and have used it once.
It cleared a lot of ground but did leave my back a bit sore. But I do tend to go all out when clearing ground, not very good at pacing myself.

I think it is just a matter of finding the best way for you of using it. The medium one is not to heavy for me, weakling 5'6" gal.

[Edith]

excellent, i also 5'6,though not slight of frame ;-)

i've bought the medium (oh lets face it, I do most of the digging) and accidentally (10% deal, what can I say?) the pointy azada also for digging trenches-I can NEVER dig those beautiful potato trenches that seem to come standard issue with everyone else's allotment ;-) ...

I hope this works, you could make pots with the soil atm...in fact my kids do...

[jackyspratty]

Im 5'3 and use the azada thats light weight. Its the two sided one. One has twomprongs on it, which is fantastic for root clearance, especially couch grass! It just pulls the roots up like spaghetti. Have recently ordered the same one for my neighbour who is 71 and is attacking her brambles on the bank with it! The other side is a usual blade.

My taller partner, and my taller allotment buddy are also fans of this one.

I love it, its lightweight and manageable, and fab for tackling overgrown allotments or general digging. Got it from get digging too, about 23quid i think?

[stupot]

Medium heavyweight is the one I use. It's the heavy heavy weight that I need to eat my spinach before using!

[morverngirl]

Bought 1 through well known internet store for £8 inc P&P, at that price I can afford another ,needs sharpening on delivery tho'.

[funstuie]

I just got this one:

Silverline GT52 Digging Hoe: Amazon.co.uk: DIY & Tools

It seems pretty good quality for the price. The handle is solid and hoe is thick metal. I also got a sharpening stone as I had read it's got no edge when it's delivered.

It's 1.8kg which seems fine for me (5ft 10) and for £8 you can't complain too much.