How to break up very hard soil?

Oopsee

Hi, 

I have a lot of hard soil patches (around gum trees) that I want to try and break up in order to get some grass seed into the soil. 

It would also be great if I could scarify the Kikuyu lawn around the rest of the yard. 

Would the following tool be able to break up the top 1 or 2cm of soil in the hard patches?

How far under the surface (assuming only soil, no grass) will the blades on this unit be able to penetrate?

If I wait till after rain, when the soil should be slightly softer, will the machine be able to chew through a muddy section of the hard surface? 

Thx very much. 

Ozito PXC 36V 2 x 18V 350mm Brushless Scarifier PXSCS-0182 - Skin Only https://bunnings.com.au/applinks_p0410872?source=product_share&utm_source=bunnings&utm_medium=retail-app&utm_campaign=product_share&utm_content=pdp_deeplink 

JacobZ

Hi @Oopsee,

Unfortunately, the Ozito PXSCS-0182 36V Brushless Scarifier would likely not be the best as they are more designed for lifting out thatch and lawn debris than they are for breaking up the soil. While it would likely help to some extent, the maximum operating depth is 9mm, so it wouldn't be the best solution.

Instead, I would look at the Ozito PXC 36V (2 x 18V) Cordless Cultivator, which, depending on how compacted the soil is, should do the trick. If you wait till the day after rain or give it a good soaking with the hose, this should help. You could also use a garden fork to help break things up initially before coming in with the cultivator.

If you wanted to be even more certain you'll be successful, you might consider hiring a more commercial level unit, such as this Rotary Tiller, which is available through our friends at Coates Hire.

Let me know what you think and if you have further questions, please don't hesitate to ask.

Jacob