Let the rotavator do the work, just walk behind it ??

[gray_bale]

The instructions say let the rotavator do the work, and just walk behind it.

Anybody managed to do that ??

As just hired a Trackmaster/BCS rear tine 9hp, and it just does not touch the soil, it just mixes the top inch or two. And yes the depth stop is at the highest for max depth. It will not break into the soil below, unless you put all your weight on the handlebars, and then the wheels spin. I think the handlebars are going to snap soon.

From what I can sense you need more rear end weight and more tread on the tyres. Or are the tines knackered.

Any advice.

[MKG]

A rotavator which only gets the first inch or two of soil is doing more harm than good - I'd take it back with a flea in someone's ear.

It took me a long time to get used to rotavators (I don't use them any longer) as they tend to pull forwards and you naturally tend to try to hold them back. That way lies long arms and a sore back. So yes, you should let the machine do the work - but at a one-inch cut depth, that particular one ain't doing very much, is it?

Mike

[oldjerry]

Is there a gearbox on the thing? You need less speed forward/tine rotation, ie a lower gear.I dont hate rotovators,but they do have their limitations.Often they are crap at breaking up uncultivated land,and you will need to get quite physical with it,and will need to do a lot of passes before you get any depth.
Just rotovating over many years ona field scale can on many soils lead to creating a pan in the soil,which ultimatly can only be broken up by sub-soiling.
In my experience on a garden scale the best rotovators are either really big and can be driven in a lower gear(eg Howards,old these days but still the best) or of the Merrytiller variety,ie no driven wheels,which will, when you get the knack, dig well over moderate size areas.

The thing you've got dont sound too great,why not take it back.Anyhow, Best Wishes.

[pelmetman]

We bought an old second hand rotovator when we moved here.

Dave used to come in absolutely knackered and yes can whole heartedly agree with the sore arms and back.
I used to say it was easier with a spade and fork to break up the soil but once Dave had mastered it I have to admit it broke up the soil to quite a good tilth.

Sue

[gray_bale]

The rotavator that I have been using is the Camon C8 http://www.tracmaster.co.uk/C8-Rotovator.html and for the price that it is, there must be something wrong somewhere.

If you check out the video on that web site, it would appear that you can do a full depth cut on uncultivated, green grassed land.

The specs say that it can do 9 inch depth.

The only thing I think is the tines must be past there best.

[boboff]

My only tip is to use it in circles it seems to do better work, or go along in an S shape type pattern,