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market-farming - Re: [Market-farming] Broadforks

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  • From: Thomas P Hurtgen <hurtgenmeadows AT gmail.com>
  • To: Market Farming <market-farming AT lists.ibiblio.org>
  • Subject: Re: [Market-farming] Broadforks
  • Date: Fri, 28 Dec 2012 16:17:17 -0500

I have the Gulland broadfork.  Paid extra for a gausset reinforcement for the tines.  Am very happy with it -- but would prefer to have tines about 2 inches longer for digging sweet potatoes and getting quack grass roots.  Can't imagine breaking a handle unless through pure abuse.  A real quality tool.



On Dec 28, 2012, at 10:38 AM, Pam Twin Oaks wrote:

I want to buy a broadfork, primarily for loosening beds in the hoophouse, where we don't till. I want a strong one that will do the job, preferably cover a 48" bed top in two passes, and be manageable for normal farmers (rather than 6'+ bodybuilders). What does anyone recommend? Ash handles or steel? Curved round-section tines or wedge-shaped plate tines?

I've looked at Johnny's, Gulland Forge, Cool Tools, Valley Oak, Grelinette from Red Pig Tools, Meadow Creature and Lehman's. Is there a good one I'm missing?

Currently I'm favoring ash handles, 4" tine gap, not more; 24" width or so. This leads me towards either the Gulland Forge or Johnny's 727 (7 tines in 27"). Both have curved round tines, as it happens (I wasn't sure which way to lean on the tine shape question.) The Grelinette sounds nice but costs 50% more.

I welcome recommendations, especially if you've tried more than one brand. Also any problems you've encountered, or aspects I haven't mentioned.

Thanks!
Pam, Twin Oaks Community, central Virginia

--
Pam Dawling
 
Author of Sustainable Market Farming, Intensive Vegetable Production on a Few Acres
http://www.sustainablemarketfarming.com/
http://www.facebook.com/SustainableMarketFarming
http://www.newsociety.com/Books/S/Sustainable-Market-Farming


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