Listed manufacturers
What is a rotavator (rotary tiller)?
The machine is hitched to the tractor’s three-point linkage and driven from its power take-off through a gearbox and chain or gear drive. A rotor with curved, hardened blades spins and cuts into the soil, breaking clods and mixing in crop residue. It is available in working widths to suit different tractors, and is widely used for seedbed preparation and for incorporating residue and manure.
Rotavator (Rotary Tiller) or cultivator or plough?
A rotavator breaks and levels soil in one pass, which saves time, but it uses more power and can pulverise soil if overused. A plough turns the soil deeper and a cultivator loosens it with less power, and they are often used before or instead of a rotavator.
What to specify when you ask for a quote
- Working width and the tractor power it needs.
- Linkage category and PTO speed, to match your tractor.
- Gearbox and drive type, and their ratings.
- Blade shape, number and steel, with hardness and heat treatment.
- Frame strength, side-guards and the depth control arrangement.
- Spare blades and service availability near you.
Where it is used
- AgricultureSeedbed preparation for field and vegetable crops.
Frequently asked questions
How do I choose the right size of rotavator?
Match the working width to the power of your tractor, using the maker’s recommended tractor power range. An oversized machine overloads the tractor, and an undersized one wastes time.
Why do rotavator blades wear quickly?
Abrasive soil, stones and incorrect depth wear blades. Choose blades of hardened steel, replace them in sets before they wear too far and avoid hitting stones.
Can a rotavator be used in all soils?
It works well in most soils, but very hard, stony or wet soils can damage blades or clog the machine. Ask the maker for guidance for the soil conditions where you farm.
What maintenance does a rotavator need?
Grease the bearings, check the gearbox oil and the chain or gear drive, inspect and replace worn blades and tighten bolts before each season. A well-maintained machine runs smoother and protects the tractor.