Kennards rotary hoe

[husky]

Has anyone hired one? I have heard from some people that they do not bring the soil up to a nice fine standard. Anyone have experiance with one? I have 300 square metres to do before laying topsoil and turf and im pretty sure were on mainly clay.
cheers

[johnc]

Depends a bit on soil type but unless you are bringing up heavy clay it should give you what you need for lawn. FWIW what would you use other than a rotary hoe for lawns, its all I've ever used and never had any issues with raking and levelling.

[chromis]

I’m not a turf expert though I mown km of bloody tennis courts and running tracks in my time. So I know the stuff is green sometimes brown

Do you need to use a rotary hoe? I'm not sure what type of soil or situation you have, which might call for a hoe.

I'm in Perth, so if I wanted to lay turf I would use a tyne aerator (or similar) instead just to tickle the soil and lift up and weeds which could be raked off. I would probably do a few runs. Then use a good topsoil and level.

The hoe would (depending on depth) turn over too much soil and be more difficult to level. The soil needs to be compact enough that when you walk on it, it doesnt sink. (too much) Way more prep work after using a hoe.

[chromis]

Sorry John I just contradicted you in my post. We must have posted at the same time.

I think it maybe different in Perth. Sandy soils.

[Bleedin Thumb]

Just get them to deliver and pick up...they are a bugger to load & unload by yourself.
FWIW I agree with John. If you have clay soils it will do the job if the clay is dry - use the opportunity to incorporate humus and gypsum.

There are some rules to be followed when hoeing - don't overwork the soil - you will end up with bull dust that will prevent water penetration.
Don't work the soil if its too dry - as above - you will destroy its structure
Don't work the soil if it is too wet - you risk glazing the underlying strata resulting in an impervious layer and a waterlogged upper horizon.

Good luck - if you haven't done it before...its kinda like wrestling a crazy bull to start with.....but you get used to it.

[Planned LScape]

Good luck - if you haven't done it before...its kinda like wrestling a crazy bull to start with.....but you get used to it.

I've seen a few guys do a superman dive after the hoe hits a rock or a hard bit of clay and it grabs and pulls it foreward. It sometimes just about dislocates your arms.

I've always found rotary hoeing is easier after ripping the soil to a depth to loosen it up. Then add your soil conditioners/clay breakers and turn in.