[Possum]

I currently have two weaners turning over some old pasture (previously grazed by ponies for many years). Once they have gone I want to turn an area 20m x 15m into a permanent planting area for fruit bushes, raspberries, rhubarb etc. The soil is a light clay and pretty sticky at the moment.


What sort of machinery should I use to till the soil ready for planting? I have been told that a 4 wheeled cultivator would be easier to use, but a two wheeled tractor has many more uses. Does anyone have experience of either, and how effective were they? I'm only 5ft 2in, but I'm reasonable strong.  [size=78%]Would this make a difference in handling the machinery?  [/size]

[Small Farmer]

I'm not sure what a 4 wheeled rotavator is.  My experience is of the no-wheeled garden variety like the Mantis or the two wheeled tractor which can take a variety of implements.


300m2 seems to rule out anything designed for a garden, particularly with clay.  Lightweight sounds good until you realise that rotavating is akin to a wrestling match with a machine.  Heavier machines are more of a pain to store, move around etc but their weight is your friend when fighting the soil.


I'd see what the local hire shop has and experiment.

[Catweazle]

Have a look at this:

BCS America - Rotary Plow Attachment - www.bcsamerica.com

Perhaps you could hire one.

[Possum]

Ohoooo....... Catweazle, that does look good. Mind you, it is being used on a light looking soil. Do you know how it copes with sticky, wet clay??

[smokingdragon]

I have a similar 2 wheel tractor with rotivator attachment a SEP 1700. It is excellent at turning over meadow but if the soil is very heavy you will have to spend time clearing out the tines. If you hit a rock then as tines are going faster than the drive wheels the tractor will lift up onto the tines and virtually take off!! That does wonders for your arm muscles.

[Catweazle]

Possum,  I don't have one myself but am considering buying or making one to fit my Camon rotavator.  I've seen a few YouTube videos of rotary ploughs on heavier soil and they seem to work well.  I reckon a DIY would be possible using half the axle and the differential gear from an old car.

[escapedtothecountry]

Bought this second hand.. happily coping with cutting through turf I couldnt get my spade more then 3 inches deep into.

[chrismahon]

I used to double rotorvate (that's once lengthways and then once across) a plot 6 metres by 20 metres in two hours with an Ariens Jet 6 HP machine. can alter the gearing or remove two of the four tynes for tough stuff then use it every year without a massive fuel bill. plenty big enough for you Possum and about £600 new -mine is about 30 years old. Countax have the franchise in the UK.

[confused]

A great looking machine , really does look the goods.