The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Smallholding => Equipment => Topic started by: Possum on October 08, 2012, 03:42:27 pm

Title: Two wheeled tractor or four wheeled rotivator?
Post by: Possum on October 08, 2012, 03:42:27 pm

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.  :eyelashes: [size=78%]Would this make a difference in handling the machinery?  [/size]

Title: Re: Two wheeled tractor or four wheeled rotivator?
Post by: Small Farmer on October 08, 2012, 04:08:27 pm

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.

Title: Re: Two wheeled tractor or four wheeled rotivator?
Post by: Catweazle on October 11, 2012, 08:29:35 pm

Have a look at this:

BCS America - Rotary Plow Attachment - www.bcsamerica.com (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v-n1tIWOlhU#)

Perhaps you could hire one.

Title: Re: Two wheeled tractor or four wheeled rotivator?
Post by: Possum on October 15, 2012, 07:11:22 pm

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??

Title: Re: Two wheeled tractor or four wheeled rotivator?
Post by: smokingdragon on October 15, 2012, 09:06:46 pm

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.

Title: Re: Two wheeled tractor or four wheeled rotivator?
Post by: Catweazle on October 17, 2012, 02:56:32 pm

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.

Title: Re: Two wheeled tractor or four wheeled rotivator?
Post by: escapedtothecountry on October 17, 2012, 05:47:11 pm

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

Title: Re: Two wheeled tractor or four wheeled rotivator?
Post by: chrismahon on October 17, 2012, 09:05:21 pm

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.

Title: Re: Two wheeled tractor or four wheeled rotivator?
Post by: confused on October 29, 2012, 04:27:54 pm

A great looking machine , really does look the goods.