Rotavator Review:We look at six of the best for Spring 2011!

The cold snap seems to have abated, maybe temporarily, but at least we can see the borders and vegetable garden again.

But with the first bulbs peeking through we can begin to think about preparing the soil for a colourful summer and bountiful vegetable harvest.

We have a huge range of rotavators, probably the biggest in the country, so to help you choose we have given our own opinions of the top six.

But they are only our thoughts, have a browse through the pages on our site on Cultivators, Rotavators & Tillers to see the huge range available.

The first we looked at is the Einhell 3660LD.

A good reason to consider this machine is the amazing value for money – £319.95 buys you a German engineered product suitable for home gardens and allotments.

Product highlights:

• Six cultivator blades.
• 163cc easy-to-start engine
• Front transport wheel
• Easy height adjustment and handles
• Instant stop safety device

We Like: Excellent value machine suitable for smaller allotments and gardens

Ardisam Badger 850 Pro

This machine has a powerful engine and can take on more robust challenges needed by professional gardeners. And at a cost of only £519.

Product highlights:

• Briggs & Stratton engine
• Tough and durable
• Can work to greater depths
• Engineered to cover large areas with three tilling widths
• Extra padding and low vibration

We Like: Robust build with a carrying handle and large transition wheel.

MTD 245

Well engineered and built this tiller has an overhead valve engine and worm-drive and is solid and reliable with three widths and an adjustable depth bar and guard to stop flying earth and stones.

Product highlights:

• 5.5 hp OHV engine giving greater fuel economy
• Easy to start and less maintenance
• Cast iron crankshaft
• Three width settings
• Folding handles for easier transportation

We Like: Worm drive transmission gives a very reliable performance

Al-KO MH5060R

Powerfully built tiller capable of dealing with large gardens and allotments. £585 buys a really top class strong and versatile cultivator made to deal with large challenging areas.

Product highlights:

• 5.5hp Briggs and Stratton horizontal shaft engine.
• Reverse gear.
• Six cultivating blades
• Adjustable width and tilling depth
• Adjustable handlebars

We Like: German built and powerful with a handy reverse drive

Mountfield Manor 55R

Perfect for turning over compacted soil being cultivated for the first time, this powerful machine is ideal for larger areas. At £629 the model has a £40 saving on the manufacturer’s prices.

Product highlights:

• Briggs & Stratton 182 cc Intek engine
• Robust rotors
• Solid pressed steel body
• Adjustable handlebars

We Like: Hard wearing engine and body make it suitable for the toughest soils

Honda FG315

With an 800mm working width and 4.5 Honda engine this solid and reliable machine is ideal for both professional and amateur with forward and reverse gears. And priced at just £649.

Product highlights:

• Reliable Honda engine
• Strong and versatile
• Slasher rotors and crop protection discs
• Adjustable handlebars

We Like: The true all round specification and solid Honda performance which will give years of use.