[freckledbeck]

We have been given a lotto grant to buy tools to be used communally by all plotholders in our allotment group.
I'm wondering which brands people recommend and which brands to avoid!
We have plenty of money, so we would prefer to buy 'top spec' quality tools, suitable for commercial use, that will last as long as possible as I think it's unlikely we will be eligable for further grants. (all the grants we have been given are because we are just starting out)
Also part of the grant was specifically for 'child size' tools.
Any help would be really appreciated!
I read on the 'which spade' topic that someone has recommended Bulldog tools, anyone else used them?

[Slowgrind]

If money is no object then I'd choose Bulldog.
I've had a bulldog spade and fork and they are bombproof! 

[Rangerkris]

We supply Bulldog for our volunteer group (Country Park), we buy our own tools for our every day use not one of them is Bulldog, Depends on what sort of tools your after really i guess.

Bulldog Bill hooks, slashers, grass hooks all the edged tools are are a waste of space, time and Money.  Look at Morris for edged tools they hold up well and pretty good on price, I have had the same Morris and Elwell hooks for the last 18 years even after a 2 years loss in the wood.

[Yorkie]

One thing we bought with a similar grant was a post rammer - big metal cylinder closed at one end, which you use to put posts into the ground.  Would advise ear defenders for the person holding the post steady though...!

[sunshineband]

I can thoroughyl recommend Joseph Bentley garden tools for children-- excellent quality and really up to the job.

 Cheap ones bend very easily and rust.

I think Harrods Horticulture sells them , amongst others

[freckledbeck]

Thanks!
That's really useful info. Never heard of Joseph Bentley before, so I'll google them in a min.
I should have said we will be buying spades, forks, hoes, rakes, trowels, hand forks, wheelbarrows, watering cans and a BBQ! 

[Slowgrind]

I saw some Bulldog garden tools in a local iron mongers today.
They had blue Bulldog stickers on and blue not green coloured metal parts.
I've not seen these before and would not give them house room!
More suited to the pound shops!
                                                     

[mower man]

Bulldog tools are by far the best
I have had mine for over 27 years !  I did manage to bend a fork
but had it replaced f o c after about 6 years use
I believe all the green range has a 10 year guarantee
I also use Felco secateurs and haws watering cans
I have just had a haws galvanized one for Christmas
and it great !!

[Rangerkris]

 I like the mixed views on the Bulldog stuff.

[freckledbeck]

Thanks! This is really useful info as one of our plotholders really rated the bulldog tools, but from the mixed reviews perhaps we should be looking at tools which may be more expensive, but should last longer.
Hoping to see an improvement in the weather soon, so we can crack on with our plots- we had snow here yesterday!!  Not sure how the seedlings will like that?!!