Sod Buster Tool

Mossyhorn

Mossyhorn

Enlightened Rogue
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Here's a photo of an unusual digging tool called a sod buster. It was purchased through a horticultural supply distributor company years ago. It's useful for establishing an edge for landscaping purposes and also for digging. It had some rust on it that I cleaned off and it looks much better now.

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I just saw one at the local flea market. First I had seen. I was tempted but passed on it, I might be back there this weekend though.

How do you like yours?
Bill
 
I love mine. It was made by a company named Zabarte who is no longer in business. I think the patent has expired.
 
I'm unfamiliar with this tool. Do you know how the short adze is used?

The tool has the look of quality to it.
 
I think the man had 15.00 on it so I might pick it up- I was down to vegetable money last time. I do some turfing out- removing grass and roots so I can see me using it on harder ground. Not sure what I would use the more pick style end for, the one I looked at was not very heavy for really hard stuff.

Bill
 
Square_peg said:
I'm unfamiliar with this tool. Do you know how the short adze is used?

The tool has the look of quality to it.
Click to expand...

It is a quality tool. The adze side is not sharpened and is used only for skimming soil and sod removal. The side with the pick end is curved and is good for prying roots.
 
I should also mention that the handle has a curve to it that makes the adze end much more comfortable to use.
 
This is exactly the tool I have had in my mind's eye for setting a simple footpath into the steep hillside leading to the river here. The slope is such that any path would need to turn back on itself, yes, like the hairpin turns in the Rockies because the older I get, the steeper it gets! But an adze adapted tool would be ideal given that the weight is manageable
 
I believe you may have me on that technicality. I could only find one tool that resembles it and they're calling it a planter maddock.

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mossyhorn said:
I believe you may have me on that technicality. I could only find one tool that resembles it and they're calling it a planter maddock.

i-zGXZgNk-L.jpg
Click to expand...

Here's what V&B (makers of Vaughan axes) says about them:

Planter
5 lb. Ductile Iron Head (mossyhorn's looks like it's forged steel, and not so heavy)
3 1/2" W Mattock blade with side panels,
7" L Pick

Designed for planting trees and shrubs and trenching.
Pick end penetrates hard soil for planting, trenching and digging. Broad planter blade is ideal for clearing and finishing work.
Curved handle allows two different striking angles: One for shallow trenching, another for deep digging.

planter.jpg


http://www.vbmfg.com/bigtools.html
 
I've never seen a mattock with the edges rolled up. It looks to be derived more from the adze than from the mattock, especially since it has an adze eye not a mattock eye.
 
Very interesting tool! I agree it seems to have more common lineage (of form) to an adze but an intended function more similar to a mattock.
 
That is a really interesting and very cool impact tool. And the handle is in very good condition as well. If you were to lightly sand it (keep the patina of age) and give it a couple coats of BLO followed by 3-4 coats of tung oil it would absolutely glow.

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