Rotavator and clay soil

Fliss_M

Hi all. 
We're digging out a large section of garden to extend the patio. The section is higher than the patio will be and so needs digging down. We've done half of it. And that's now compacted. But we need to dig down deeper. We'll be hiring a skip in a month to get it all finished. But I wondered if it would be worth hiring a rotavator to save our backs when digging deeper down. 
For reference the clay is red clay. Awful stuff. Never drains. Comes out in big clumps when it finally loosens 

Justagardener

I wouldn't bother with a rotorvator its likely to get bogged down. What about hiring a digger? Do you need to go that deep?

twopenny

Those little diggers can be hired and I've seen them go through a garage and through a narrow alley. Better measure though.

It would make it a lot more fun.

I think a rotovator would be as much hard work as digging on clay like that. You're still going to have to heave clumps to remove it.

Davesnave

twopenny said:

I think a rotovator would be as much hard work as digging on clay like that. You're still going to have to heave clumps to remove it.

Rotavators aren't meant for digging at all. They are designed to turn over the soil, so if things get rough, so do they and the operative ends up losing control. It can be quite entertaining if someone small has a large machine that's unhappy with the sub-surface material.

As for mini diggers; brilliant in the hands of the experienced and somewhat dodgy if hired by a complete novice. They may indeed 'go through' the garage! Same goes for dumpers. Last time I hired one, it had just come back into service after someone had tipped it over. They were lucky to only have minor injuries.

Justagardener

The little diggers have tracks that go in and out..designed to go down a 3' path at the side of a house. 

Fliss_M

Thanks guys for your suggestions. 
We have a '97 build so through the garage is no good, it's internal. 
I'll have to check the side of the house. I didn't think it was wide enough. I know the other side of the house is 2.5ft as we were looking at a side shed and the standard ones don't fit 🙄