 Eliminate much of the bending
and lifting with the auto-spade. |
Digging is physically demanding and puts much strain on back, arm and shoulder muscles. The continual bending, stretching and lifting is very tiring and can increase vulnerability so, as with all arduous gardening tasks, it is wise to listen to and be guided by our body. Have strategically-placed seats in easy reach where-ever you are in the garden.
It is better to dig in short bursts than sit and relax a while. I kindle my spirits, and recharge my batteries at these times pondering the wonders of growing things, the incredible diversity and splendour of nature.
Some friends, my wife Barbara, and I have tried many digging tools which we considered might be helpful for people with varied disabilities and limitations.
We all feel that as many people as possible should have opportunities for information to help continue developing their potential within the garden environment.
The auto-spade/fork
I have not yet found a technique for using the auto-spade, and I do not have a plan to have much practice. However many people we have met are glowingly positive about it. Several have suggested that on a large veg plot the auto-spade can be 3 times as fast as a conventional spade. OK for the few but not the many I think.
The auto-spade is a unique digging tool that should eliminate, or at least diminish, much of the bending and lifting entailed when using a conventional digging spade. Before starting work with the auto-spade, dig a furrow across the end of the digging plot with a conventional spade to take the soil thrown forward and inverted by the auto-spade. The auto-spade is operated by gripping either end of the handlebar, and pressing down on the foot pedal pushing the blade into the ground, after easing the handle bar forward slightly to loosen the soil, and set the spring, the handle bar is pulled back sharply. The pedal acts as a fulcrum and the soil is thrown forward into the prepared furrow. To continue digging pivot the spade sideways on the pedal, eliminating the need of lifting to the next digging position. The sequence can then be repeated and so on. The auto-spade is not a good choice for using in very small areas, but is ideal for large vegetable plots. The tool is heavy and awkward to shift from the place to place, but a relatively easy way to move the tool is by the inexpensive sack-barrow garden truck. The sack-raising platform can be pushed under the blade and the body of the tool can be rested conveniently on the back bars of the truck, while the refuse sack holder part of this type of truck can be attached to help keep the load in place. The handle can be adapted for single arm operation
Dimensions: Length 46"- 51" (117cm-130cm) Weight approx. 10lbs. (4.5kg)  |
Long handled spade/shovel
In addition to people with back bending difficulties, this is helpful for people’s balance problems, and to some with other conditions. This type of handle allows the blade to be pushed into the soil while feet remain on the ground. The long shaft is fitted with a pointed steel blade allowing it to push into the ground easily. The blade is slightly concave which gives it more strength and the angle gives increased leverage. Digging can be carried out standing upright. I have attached a length of cord to the base of the spade shaft, tied very tightly to stop it from slipping around the shaft. The cord is then wound around the shaft a couple of times, winding a few inches up the shaft. When the cord is pulled not only does the blade lift with its load, it is automatically turned to the orientation of the chosen cord winding. The cord pulling handle is fixed in a similar way to the fork previously described (fork easy), the alternative methods described being equally applicable.
Dimensions: Overall length 52" (132cm) Weight 2lb.13oz. (1.28kg ) including cord and handle Blade width 7.1/2" (9cm) Blade length 10" (25cm) The tool described is an old army surplus item. Similar tools are currently available, those that I have seen are approx. Overall length 63" (160cm). Weight 3lb.12oz. (1.7kg) Conventional border spade with auxiliary pistol grip
The spade has a beautiful shaft with integrated D grip handle. The blade is of high quality stainless steel and an auxiliary pistol grip handle is on the shaft. The spade is of light to medium weight for its type. It is robust and effective.
Dimensions: Length 38" (96cm) Blade width 5.1/2" (14cm) Blade length 9" (23cm), weight 3lb 8oz. more help with digging>>> | 
