[Elcie]

Just waiting for some boundary issues to be sorted out (!!) and then will be ready to clear the allotment.  Not sure how long it has been since its been used but looking for easiest way to clear it.  I don't want to put down carpet/sheeting and leave for a year, but would like to spend some time over the summer (I am a teacher - lovely long holiday!) getting the plot sorted and keep my son interested.

Thinking about cutting down the grass/weeds with shears/mower and then hiring a turf cutter to get the top layer off.  Anyone used one before?  Is it worth it?  Any better than using a rotivator/cultivator?

Planning on deep beds for the plot if this helps with advice  

[richyrich7]

I've often wondered about a turf cutter myself you could roll all the turves up and compost them under black sheeting or similar.  Then rotovate  

[Trillium]

Rotovators are strictly for 'fluffing up'  cleared soil, never for chopping up turf. Especially if you rent one, the repair charges will be high.

Turf lifters are an excellent machine, but not if you know you have quite stoney soil. The stones will ding the cutter blades which are pricey. They stopped renting them in my area for that very reason.