Starting a new garden from scratch is time-consuming, but with the right equipment and some muscle power, you can clear a patch of grass in a couple of hours tops.

No need to buy a fancy machine that not only breaks the bank but is also overkill for starting a charming little garden. A manual sod cutter does the trick.

What’s Manual Sod Cutter

A manual sod cutter is a hand-held tool that is used to cut sod into small pieces. It has a long metal blade that is attached to a handle.

The sod cutter is used to cut the sod into small pieces so that it can be easily removed from the ground.

Check our gardening tools guide: The most 20 Common Gardening Tools with Names, Use and Pictures.

Different Types of Sod Cutters

There are three types of manual sod cutters:

• the wheel sod cutter,
• the reciprocating sod cutter,
• and the sod kicker.

Wheel sod cutter

The wheel sod cutter is a simple machine that consists of a metal frame with a wheel at one end. The wheel is used to cut the sod and the frame is used to hold the sod in place.

Reciprocating sod cutter

The reciprocating sod cutter is a more advanced machine that uses a blade to cut the sod. This machine is more expensive than the wheel sod cutter, but it is more efficient.

Sod kicker

The sod kicker is the simplest type of manual sod cutter. It is a metal frame with a metal blade at one end. The blade is used to cut the sod.

Ultimate Guide to Manual Sod Cutter

When using a manual sod cutter don’t forget to do these two things: First, wet the lawn to soften hard, packed dirt, and then mow the existing grass to cut the sod’s height.

Read also the Most Common Gardening Tools with Names, Use, and Pictures.

These preparations are important because you want the sod cutter to capture just the right height to remove the grass and the root layer.

Check to see if the ground is soft enough to run the cutter through by poking it with a stick or a trowel. You should at least push the trowel down two inches to ensure that it will be easy to kick the cutter forward.

Otherwise, you’ll have a hard time pushing the tool forward and it’ll take longer than it should.

How to Use a Manual Sod Cutter ?

To use a manual sod cutter, first measure the area where you want to install the sod. Next, mark the area with stakes and string. Then, use the sod cutter to cut the sod into strips. Finally, roll the strips of sod and place them in the marked area.

Here the list of steps in details:

With a simple machine such as this, you can prep a small area quickly to start your garden. Choose a dependable sod cutter to last you a long time.

Manual Sod Cutter Video Review

Check our video version for Building a New Garden with a Manual Sod Cutter:

Criteria for choosing Manual Sod Cutter

When choosing a manual sod cutter, consider the size of the area you need to cut and the thickness of the sod.

Also consider the weight of the cutter and whether you will be able to easily maneuver it.

The following are the factors you need to consider when choosing a manual sod cutter:

1. Size of the sod cutter

The size of the sod cutter is an important consideration. You need to choose a sod cutter that is the right size for the job. If you choose a sod cutter that is too small, it will be difficult to cut the sod. If you choose a sod cutter that is too large, it will be difficult to maneuver.

2. Type of sod cutter

There are two types of sod cutters: manual and electric. Manual sod cutters are cheaper and easier to use. Electric sod cutters are more expensive and require more effort to use.

3. Ease of use

The ease of use is an important consideration. You need to choose a sod cutter that is easy to use.

If the sod cutter is difficult to use, you will not be able to cut the sod properly.

4. Durability

The durability of the sod cutter is an important consideration. You need to choose a sod cutter that is durable. If the sod cutter is not durable, it will not last long.

Top 5 Manual Sod Cutter Features & Review

Our selection for the best 5 Manual Sod cutters are:

Find the features and review for each Manual Sod Cutter :

1- Quail Manual Kick-Type Sod Cutter/Edger, Model# KT

The Quail manual kick-type sod cutter/edger easily removes sod for patios, gardens, and landscaping.

Application: Cutter/edger, Blade Size (in.): 12, Engine: Manual kick, Dimensions L x W x H (in.): 57 x 28 x 8

2- Sod Cutter, Kick Type, 12 Inch Wide Blade

A rugged kick-type sod cutter that really moves – cuts up to 30 feet of sod in 40 seconds! Cuts uniform 12 inch wide strips quickly and smoothly.

Nylon bearings, one-piece welded frame, and varnished hardwood handles. The blade is heat-treated and fully adjustable.

Cutting depth is set at 2.25 inches but can be set deeper by loosening the metal straps and dropping the blade. To go more shallow, just hold the handles up higher as you operate it.

3- Orbit Sprinkler System 7-Inch Circular Sod Cutter 26061

7in donut cutter for trimming around sprinkler donuts. No. 26061: Diameter: 7in

The Sod Cutter trims unwanted grass around sprinkler heads keeping them free from overgrowth.
Trims grass around sprinkler for a clean appearance

4- Lesche Digging Tool & Sod Cutter with Free Sheath and Free Quick Release Tool Belt for Gardening

If there was only one accessory to have in your tool Belt while metal detecting, it’s got to be the Lesche he digging tool.

Cheap hardware store digging tools just don’t last & cause unneeded frustration to the hobby of metal detecting. Here are some features of the Lesche digging tool: razor-sharp serrated edge allows you to cut through those annoying roots & recover your targets faster.

The alloy steel is heat-treated for superior strength & made to last a lifetime. Includes nylon sheath that attaches to your Belt for quick access. Lightweight (1 Pound) & easy to carry on a hunt. Made in the U.S.A

5- Keyfit Tools SOD KNIFE Stainless Steel Blade Sod Cutter

Stainless steel blade sod cutter. Trim new sod around landscape beds. Trim grass around overgrown sprinkler heads. Perfect for raising, repairing, adjusting sprinkler heads, or adding sprinkler guards like concrete donuts and Sprinkler Buddy.

Can be used as a garden knife and sprinkler head trimmer.