BROADFORK

Broadforks are excellent for breaking open compacted soils deeper than a rototiller or a spade. The 12” tines are 2” longer than the main competitor’s broadforks. You don’t have to sink them down to the tread bar, but you can. It is best to broadcast compost and soil amendments prior to broadforking, as the amendments will trickle down into the cracks. This is especially useful for rock phosphate, since phosphorus is leached very slowly.

The ½” tines are reinforced with 3/16" welded steel gussets. These strengthened tines are much more resistant to bending than most broadfork tines. On our least expensive model the four 5/8" tines are quite stiff, but if bent can be straightened by slipping a pipe over the tine.

The tines are turned to a point instead of cut at an angle. This reduces resistance. All 3 models are 24” wide overall. The 4 tines models have tines 5.5” apart, so the tine width is 16.5”. The five tine model has 4.5" between tines, so the tine width is 18”.

Four tines are recommended for heavier soils. The 4 tine with ½ “ tines (#1) is the easier to insert into the soil.

The handles are ash post hole digger handles, 1½" in diameter. Replacement handles are widely available for about $10 each.

Stout wooden handles, stiffer tines, and a wider treadbar make for a tool that is durable, reliable, and easier on your body.