Rotovator advice

[Scarecrowdave]

Looking to buy a rotovator for my allotment it will need to be petrol and i have a budget of around 350 what recommendations people ?

[greenishfing]

Without knowing anything about you or your plot I can only go on my own experience. Over the years we have had several from large Husqvarna (needed a trailer to transport to the allotment) to the small Mantis 4 stroke ( I can lift with one hand)and with others in between.

I am a mere 9½ stone weakling (female) and for me the mantis beats everything. Easy to start, easy to use and transport and does a great job.

I bought mine brand new from a local mantis dealer in Leeds ready assembled. At the moment they are £369 at that supplier

[burnie]

After watching last weeks Beech Grove, I shalln't be doing any more digging on the veg plot. I mostly have raised beds, but I do have a fenced "rabbit proofed" bit that I have dug this year, but intend to just put a layer of compost/manure on top this autumn/winter and let it work it's own way in.

[Snoop Puss]

I bought a Mantis Classic. Currently 389 pounds including kickstand from the Mantis.uk.com website . I was worried it might be underpowered but it's absolutely brilliant.

[ESBkevin]

I have a Honda FG315 which I was lucky enough to snag locally on Preloved for about a third the new cost.
My Father was a market gardener and had several high powered Honda rotavators in the 70s & 80s with no issues, that made an impression on me.
It's very nice and super reliable, I lend it out to other novice plot holders to help them get up to speed. BUT I have been going more no dig and am seeing more benefits as the years roll on. I shan't be selling the Honda it has it's uses and I'm getting older!
It can be moved about like a wheelbarrow on it's front wheel with the handles adjusted and goes through narrow doors/gates if needed.
Honda, because a machine that won't start when you go to it is just another job to attend to.

[Deano's "Diggin It"]

I have a few!

The "Earthqake" a big old machine, but for heavy duty jobs is the "Bee's Knee's"

But would swear by the "Mantis" 4 stroke Jobby, Ya, a little expensive knocking on 400 billies, but lightweight as hell, easily transportable, so quiet it doesn't interfere surrounding neighbours, and does the job perfectly!

[Snoop Puss]

I have a Honda FG315 which I was lucky enough to snag locally on Preloved for about a third the new cost.
My Father was a market gardener and had several high powered Honda rotavators in the 70s & 80s with no issues, that made an impression on me.
It's very nice and super reliable, I lend it out to other novice plot holders to help them get up to speed. BUT I have been going more no dig and am seeing more benefits as the years roll on. I shan't be selling the Honda it has it's uses and I'm getting older!
It can be moved about like a wheelbarrow on it's front wheel with the handles adjusted and goes through narrow doors/gates if needed.
Honda, because a machine that won't start when you go to it is just another job to attend to.

I'm sure it's a good machine. The Mantis Classic also has a Honda GX25 engine. Having been through two supposedly sturdier machines than the Mantis, I have to agree that a Honda engine makes all the difference.

[ecudc]

Ive a Honda fg110. Very happy with it on what is quite heavy clay. It can even break down quite compacted soil, although I usually loosen with a fork first.

[Scarecrowdave]

Thank you all

Thank you for all your feedback much appreciated
Dave

[JMCKG]

Save your money, go down the no dig way. Google Charles Dowding.

[4Shoes]

Anyone got the Mantis Planter Attachment?

How deep to bottom of the hole?

blurb ... cutting trenches for underground irrigation hoses, or low-voltage accent and patio lighting use.

[Snoop Puss]

I've got the plough attachment. I haven't used it on damp soil.

With dry, loose soil, the furrow tends to fill in behind as you go along, so it ends up being quite shallow. I don't remember how deep it was exactly, but I had to dig out deeper holes when planting out my potatoes. I didn't bother with it last year at all.

[4Shoes]

I've got the plough attachment. I haven't used it on damp soil.

With dry, loose soil, the furrow tends to fill in behind as you go along, so it ends up being quite shallow. I don't remember how deep it was exactly, but I had to dig out deeper holes when planting out my potatoes. I didn't bother with it last year at all.

Thanks for that ... was thinking of the garden bundle. I was just looking for a quick way to lay water pipe - deep enough to avoid bursts. Wouldn't need water in the cold conditions of winter anyway

My dad had a tiller and plough. He made rows wider so that you could cultivate between the rows and earth up without damage to crops. i.e. double pass

[Muddy_Boots]

I've got the Cobra T40B Cultivator which cost about £289 and the engine is very powerful and it does the job, it saved alot of work last year and has done so far this year.

I've also bought for this year the Cobra T24C Tiller for £160 which is fantastic, its heavy for a tiller and unlike the Mantis tiller which jumps up and down if it hits a large stone or a hard lump of soil the Cobra one doesn't it just eats it up and spits it out.

[SuperDad]

Mantis also gets my vote, but with a proviso: it is excellent at producing a tilth and cultivates the ground well down to 4-6 inches, but in my experience you still need to winter dig. The Mantis comes into its own at Spring time due to its efficiency and convenience. I have the associated plough tool, but find it is a waste of time - once you have produced the tilth, a draw hoe is just as easy (and quicker!)