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market-farming - Re: [Market-farming] making raised beds

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  • From: Etienne Goyer <etienne AT lejardinduvillage.ca>
  • To: market-farming AT lists.ibiblio.org
  • Subject: Re: [Market-farming] making raised beds
  • Date: Thu, 16 Feb 2012 09:50:53 -0500

Hi Harriet,

I am in the market for a walk-behind tiller next season. I am considering a BCS/Grillo, but they are really expensive. I guess, if it is your sole soil-working machine, it makes sense to put a couple thousands toward it, and have a one that is versatile and reliable. But it is hard to justify the difference for a machine I would use just a couple times a year. I would rather buy a cheaper tiller (a Troy-Bilt, very likely), and invest the balance in tractor implements. They're not any more expensive than walk-behind implements (sometime, they're cheaper, even), and they get the job done a lot faster.

But then, I've got 10 acres. In term, I am hoping to have 5 acres in vegetables, and 5 in cover crop, so I *will* need a tractor for soil prep and mowing at that scale. If I was staying at one acre or so, a walk-behind tractor would indeed make a lot more sense.

I have to admit: the Berta plow is an intriguing implement, though. It's worth watching the video on the Earthway Tools web site! :)

Cheers,

Etienne



On 12-02-16 09:20 AM, Harriet Allen wrote:
I've got a Grillo Italian two-wheel tractor with a Berta plow. The
raised beds are quick and easy with this and it is a good little tractor
for an acre or so with a great tiller attachment. Also the BCS is the
more common two-wheeled tractor available and takes the Berta Plow.

If you are in the market for something like this, the smallest tractor
would run you just over $2,000 and the plow just under $1,000. I got the
smallest tractor that would accomodate the plow and sometimes wish I had
gotten the larger one for clearance. I have larger tires than came with
the tractor.

*Hattie's Garden*
31341 Kendale Rd.
Lewes, DE 19958
302-945-0350

--
Etienne Goyer - Le Jardin du Village
http://lejardinduvillage.wordpress.com

"Changer le monde, une betterave à la fois"





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