Auto Spade

My allotment neighbour uses one, it looks really awkward to use, but she likes it. Bit expensive though. Backsaver Garden Tools | Digging made easy | Home

I couldn't find any reviews online, except for Which? Spades | Best Buys you need to sign up, and I couldn't be bothered, sorry.

I looked at this a while ago - as someone who suffers (actually make that suffered as I reckon I've got it licked) from a bad back, and who finds many garden tools a bit of a strain as they are often too "short" for me, I thought it looked like a good idea.

However, the soil in his demonstration looks remarkably sandy, and I reckon I'd have a bit of a fight on myhands if I tried doing what he's doing on my heavy clay. I'd be fearful of bending/snapping the handle. Also, it appears that it works best if used digging with the spade at an angle - something I try to avoid.

I would also suggest that the effectiveness of this tool depends on the integrity of the soil/surface you are using to apply leverage. If you need to use this in a raised bed for example, make sure you don't obliterate your beds edges by resting the tools lever arm on them.

The way I tackle this is by using a long handled spade, the ones with the pointy blade. Push this into the soil vertically - so that the handle is forced away from you. Then use your own body weight and the length of the handle as a lever to lift the soil. I then simply turn the spade and leave the lump there to break down a bit. I then go over the whole area with the azada to break it up even further - cultivating so to speak.

Works for me.