Whats the difference?

[raine]

Hi, can you tell me if a tiller is the same as a rotovator? and if not, what the difference is? Also would it be good for my lottie?
thanks

[Moyra]

I believe the difference is that a rotovator has blades that actually rotate the soil and the tiller has a single blade that is shaped in a manner to cut through the soil turning it to both sides as it goes forward. Anyone else feel free to put me right if you think I am wrong. Have used rotovator in past but only seen tiller operated.

[Moyra]

Sorry, I didn't comment on whether it would be good for your allotment. I think the rotovator would be preferable as it usually leaves a more easily manageable plot behind it in that it will only need raking as opposed to breaking down the lumps with a tiller. I hope I have explained well enough for you and of course others may well feel differently.

[Snadger]

Is there not a rotovator called 'The Merry Tiller'?

I think the roto part of rotovator is an abbreviation for 'rotating' and the vator is an abbreviation of 'cultivator' ie Rotating cultivator equals a rotovator!

To till the soil means to work the soil whether that be by hand or machine!

[Mike and Louise]

Not sure what the difference is but if you can get a small rotavator then do so. Believe me, it saves loads of hard digging.

[Tam]

Mantis - Makes Gardening Easier This tiller/cultivator certainly looks like a rotovator to me.

[di]

also cant answer original question~sorry,but as far as rotovating is concerned i'd only use on a fairly weed free plot.we got our 2nd plot 2&1\2 yrs ago & are still working on getting it all dug over removing as much weed root as we can,felt slightly despondant when our new lottie neighbours took on plot last year & had it rotovted & planted in just acouple of weeks,couple of weeks later they couldn't see their seedlings for thistles\bindweed &couchgrass~one year on they still having major problems with the weeds they multiplied by several thousand by rotovating!we've still got about a 1\4 needs digging but our weeds are far more manageable!so be warned!i'm no proffessional but my little experience tells me that a quick headstart doesn't necessarily make for an easy life later on!

[Norm]

I think the way the manufacturers try and put the differentiation is a tiller/cultivator is a dinky little thing for doing flower beds. A rotavator is a great big thing for converting large areas like an allotment into a fine tilth. I did both of my plots today with a 5 hp rotavator. Worked a treat