The best rotavator is highly dependent upon whether you require a petrol, electric or even a battery powered option. Petrol rotavators are often the most popular choice due to their powerful performance and the fact you don’t need access to a power supply or be reliant upon the battery. However, they often come with a premium price tag, which therefore makes the alternative electric or battery powered options very desirable for many people.
Table of Contents
Garden Rotavator Comparison
Rotavator | Type | Working Width / Depth |
---|---|---|
T-Mech 52cc | Petrol | 20 / 15 cm |
Einhell GC-MT 3060 | Petrol | 60 / 23 cm |
VonHaus 1050 | Electric | 32 / 22 cm |
Handy ET1400 | Electric | 20 / 43 cm |
Einhell CE-CR 30 | Battery | 20 / 30 cm |
Greenworks G40TL | Battery | 20 / 26 cm |
Depending upon the type of rotavating you intend on doing should reflect the type of rotavator you buy. For example, if you are only rotavating a small garden or allotment, there isn’t much point buying a large or powerful machine.
Below is a list of the best rotavators that are available with petrol, electric or battery powered motors.
The Best Rotavator
1. T-Mech Garden Petrol Rotavator
The T-Mech Rotavator is a popular and highly rated option that’s powered by a 3HP two stroke petrol engine. According to the brand, it’s been primarily designed for rotavating small to medium sized allotments and lawns.
Included with the rotavator in the box is a tool kit, fuel mixing bottle, funnel, leg guards, gloves, glasses and even ear protectors. It’s a complete kit that comes with everything you require to begin rotavating straightaway.
Other features of the T-Mech 52cc Rotavator include:
- 52cc petrol powered engine
- Uses two stroke oil
- 1.2 litre fuel tank
- Max speed of 9,000 RPM
- Working depth of 15 cm
- Working width of 20 cm
- Total weight of 17 KG
- Requires assembly out of the box
Overall, the T-Mech 52cc is an affordable petrol rotavator that’s ideal for small to medium lawns or an allotment. Compared to alternative petrol models, it offers great value and it won’t disappoint. The only drawback is the limited working width and depth but this won’t be an issue for most people looking for a petrol rotavator on a budget.
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2. Einhell GC-MT 3060 Petrol Tiller
If you require a more powerful petrol rotavator, the Einhell brand have the answer with their GC-MT 3060 model. It’s a 4 stroke powered engine that has a working speed of 3,600 RPM and is ideal for breaking up heavy clay soil.
In terms of using the rotavator, it has a working width of 60 cm and depth of 23 cm using the 6 stainless steel blades.
Other features of the Einhell GC-MT 3060 include:
- 139cc engine
- Side limited discs
- Height adjustable handle bar
- Swivelling guide wheel
- Foldable front wheel
- 2.2 litre fuel tank
- Weighs 37KG
Although expensive, the Einhell GC-MT 3060 is a highly capable rotavator that’s versatile and packs plenty of power. It’s also a four stroke engine, which means there is no mixing of oil required unlike the T-Mech alternative above.
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3. VonHaus 1050 Electric Rotavator
By far the most popular rotavator within this article is the electric powered option by VonHaus. It’s constructed of a durable plastic body with a metal frame and is ideal for getting your soil ready for the gardening season.
Depending upon your requirements, the brand also offer more powerful options such as the 1450W model. However, if you only intend to use the rotavator for light to medium rotavating, the 1050W model is more than adequate.
Other features of the VonHaus 1050 include:
- 4 durable blades with a tilling depth of 22 cm
- Cutting width of 32 cm
- Powered by a 1050W motor
- Weighs 8.27 KG
- Blade speed of 380 RPM
- Ergonomic handle and long 10 metre cable
- Requires minor assembly out of the box
The VonHaus 1050 is the best electric powered rotavator on the market that’s easy to use and offers great value for the money. The popularity is also a clear indication of its quality and it certainly won’t disappoint.
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4. Handy ET1400 Electric Garden Rotavator
Another popular electric garden rotavator is the Handy ET1400 model, which is powered by 1400W motor. In terms of its performance, it’s capable of working to a depth of 20 cm and a max width of 43 cm.
A unique feature of this particular model is the fact that it includes removable rotors, which allows it to be far more versatile than the majority of the alternatives on the market.
Other features of the Handy ET1400 include:
- Powered by a 1400W electric motor
- Total weight of 15KG
- 10 metre long cable
- Operates with either 2, 4 or 6 rotors
- Comes with adjustable transport wheels
- Hardened steel tines
Overall, the Handy ET1400 is a high performance electric rotavator that’s ideal for rotavating heavy clay soil. The addition of wheels and removable rotors are also a great bonus that makes paying the premium price worthwhile.
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5. Einhell CE-CR 30 Cordless Rotavator
Another garden rotavator by the reputable Einhell brand is their CE-CR 30 model, which is a battery operated option. According to the brand, depending upon the battery you intend to use, you can achieve between 20 to 60 minutes of runtime. However, it’s important to note that it requires two of the brand’s batteries in order to operate.
Other features of the Einhell CE-CR 30 include:
- Powered by two lithium batteries
- Working width of 30 cm
- Working depth of 20 cm
- Height adjustable handle
- Weighs 8.2 KG
- Supplied with transport wheels
- 4 high grade blades
The Einhell CE-CR 30 is a high quality garden rotavator that ticks all the boxes and is ideal for lawns or an allotment. If you already own multiple of the brand’s lithium batteries, the rotavator on its own also offers great value for the money.
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6. Greenworks G40TL Battery Powered Rotavator
Another battery powered rotavator is the Greenworks G40TL, which uses just a single battery for optimum performance. In terms of its performance, it has a working width of 26 cm and working depth of 20 cm.
Other features of the Greenworks G40TL include:
- Adjustable working width (21 to 26 cm)
- Durable gear driven transmission
- 60 to 120 minute runtime
- Weighs 13.3 KG
- Four high quality blades
- Detailed instructions
Overall, the Greenworks G40TL is an excellent all-round option that’s ideal for anyone requiring a lightweight and mini rotavator. It isn’t the cheapest but the intuitive features and brand backing make it a worthwhile investment.
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Conclusion
Although possible with a spade, breaking up the soil is back breaking work and its the reason why rotavators exist. Using multiple steel blades and a powerful motor, they break up the soil with ease and makes it ready for planting.
To avoid disappointment, ensure you purchase a rotavator that best suit your requirements. For example, to break up clay soil, you will require a more powerful machine. If you only intend break up light soil, the cordless or low powered electric models will be more than ideal in most cases.