Ground work and growing

Guides

• Best rotavators for smallholdings: compared on working width, tine layout and engine from makers' UK specs

  Rotavators and tillers compared on makers' working width, tine type and engine. We haven't tested them.

• Tiller vs rotavator: which suits your plot

  Front-tine tiller, rear-tine tiller or tractor rotavator? Pick by plot size, soil and whether it's first break or upkeep.

• Chain harrowing paddocks

  When to chain harrow a paddock, choosing a harrow width for your tractor or quad, and how to do it.

• Managing muck heaps

  Siting, moving and spreading a muck heap: loads, trips and the kit to do it.

• Rolling paddocks

  When rolling helps a paddock, roller types and widths for a tractor or quad, and ground conditions to wait for.

• Rotavating clay soil

  When and how to rotavate heavy clay, which tiller copes, and what to avoid.

• Rotavators for an allotment

  Choosing a rotavator or mini tiller for an allotment or veg plot: size, weight, power and storage.

• Tractor rotavators

  Matching a rotavator to your tractor's PTO hp and linkage, choosing a width, and using it safely.