Rotovator Vs Turf Cutter: Which Should You Hire For Your Lawn Project

If you’re finally ready to tackle that lawn makeover that’s been nagging away at the back of your mind, choosing the right equipment can make all the difference. Two of the most popular machines for lawn projects are the rotovator and the turf cutter.

But which one do you actually need for your garden?

If you’re asking yourself this question, you’re in the right place. In this WHC Hire guide, we’ll cut through the jargon and explain the differences between a rotovator and a turf cutter, so you can hire the right machine the first time round.

What Is A Rotovator?

Rotovators are powerful gardening equipment with rotating blades that dig into and turn over soil. They are designed to quickly break up compacted ground and provide ideal conditions for laying or seeding a new lawn.

Best Applications For DIYers

• Loosen and aerate soil in large garden areas
• Mix in fertilisers to improve soil structure
• Prepare ground for planting or seeding

Pros Of Using A Rotovator For Lawn Projects

• Quickly prepare soil that you would have otherwise had to do by hand
• Simple way to improve the structure
• Ideal for tackling large areas if your project is time sensitive

Cons Of Using A Rotovator For Lawn Projects

• Not suitable for removing existing grass
• Can be tricky for beginners to operate

What is A Turf Cutter?

Turf cutters are self-propelled lawn care machines fitted with a subsurface blade that slices through the top layer of grass and soil in long strips. They’re perfect if you want to remove an existing lawn quickly and start fresh with a new one.

Best Applications For DIYers

• Removing either small or large areas of turf neatly
• Preparing your area ready for turf or seeding
• Making it easier to start a new flowerbed or vegetable patch

Pros Of Using A Turf Cutter For Lawn Projects

• Remove grass cleanly and efficiently
• Preserves existing soil for laying new turf
• Neat and professional look

Cons Of Using A Turf Cutter For Lawn Projects

• Does not prepare subsoil
• Can be challenging to use on steep gradients

Rotovator Vs Turf Cutter: Key Differences

Here is a simple comparison of the key differences between a rotovator and a turf cutter.

When planning your lawn project, it helps to think of it this way: a rotovator prepares the foundations, while a turf cutter removes only the top layer. Depending on the result you want to achieve, you may need one or even both machines to get the job done.

How To Decide Which Machine To Hire

Selecting the right lawn equipment hire can make a huge difference to the ease, quality, and effort required to install or seed a new lawn. Using a rotovator or turf cutter can significantly reduce the amount of manual labour. However, here are some questions to ask yourself before hiring:

What method are you using to achieve your new lawn?

• Seeding
• Turfing

Do I need to remove the grass or prepare the soil

• Grass removal – Turf cutter
• Prepare soil – Rotovator
• Both?

How big is your lawn space?

• Larger lawns can be tackled quickly with lawn equipment machinery
• Smaller spaces can be tackled by hand

How much effort can you manage?

• Lower effort- Use of rotovator and/or turf cutter
• Higher effort- Use hand tools

Choosing which machine to hire will largely depend on your method, ground preparation, the size of your task, and how much effort you can manage. By considering each of these factors, you’ll be able to easily select the right machine—or machines—to tackle your lawn project.

Tips for Hiring These Machines

Now that you’ve decided which equipment you need for your lawn project, it’s time to get your hands on it. But where do you start? Who should you approach?

Hire Tips for First-Timers

• Hire from local rental companies – This lets you get the equipment quickly without long waiting times.
• Choose a reputable supplier – Check online reviews to get a feel for the quality of equipment and service provided.
• Consider delivery options – If transport is a concern, many local suppliers offer delivery services so you don’t have to move the machinery yourself.

Safety Tips for Using Hired Machinery

• Use the recommended PPE – Safety footwear and gloves are strongly advised when using either a rotovator or turf cutter.
• Work in suitable conditions – Only operate machinery when the ground is safe and dry. This helps avoid damaging the equipment or putting yourself at risk.
• Keep others at a safe distance – Always keep children, pets, and bystanders away from the work area when operating machinery.

Conclusion

Overall, when it comes to installing or seeding a new lawn, both rotovators and turf cutters can play a huge part in streamlining the process. They’re perfect if you’re on a tight schedule or simply juggling one of those many weekend tasks.

If your new lawn project requires you to break up soil, relieve compaction, or even mix in some extra fertiliser, then using a rotovator will save you hours of digging by hand.

On the other hand, if you’re starting from scratch and need to remove your existing grass, aturf cutter is the quickest and cleanest way to strip your lawn without disturbing the soil underneath.

In some cases, you might choose to use the two machines together for the best results: first removing the turf, then aerating the ground and mixing in fertiliser for a healthier, stronger lawn.

For most DIY lawn projects, the decision of which machine to hire comes down to whether you’re removing existing grass or preparing soil. Either way, hiring machinery can make the task easier, faster, and far more rewarding.

At WHC Hire Services, we’ve helped thousands of homeowners transform their gardens with the right equipment for the job. Our extensive range of rotovators, turf cutters, and other lawn care machinery is simple to operate and available to hire on flexible terms to suit your project.

See our full lawn equipment hire range or speak to our friendly team today to book your equipment for your next project.