any ideas on how to dig a trench?

[maco5]

the ground is so hard!
I started useing my little rototiller to break up the ground and it was going great!
But now something is wrong with the tiller.
Everytime I accelerate it, it stops.
So monday I will have to take it to the shop but not sure it will be a quick fix so need a plan!
I need to dig 6 inches, and a shovel and pick are barely doing the job.
I may go to the local renta place tomorrow and see if they have anything, but I was hoping to keep this project semi cheap.
Does anyone have any ideas????

 

[muddler6]

See if your rental dealer has a trencher, they have these big nasty teeth that tear through packed earth, rocks, roots, etc. It will save you a lot of man power

 

[Pullet Pimp]

Without knowing your soil type I can tell you what I did a couple weeks ago when I was installing our 33' above ground swimming pool. Our soil is heavy clay and using my tiller was like trying to till the sidewalk. I soaked it with a garden hose for about 1/2 hour and then let it rest for another 1/2 hour and made it much easier. I also used this method last weekend when I ran drainage tile for my downspouts. It's about the only way I can dig any depth around here unless it is after a good hard rain.

Good Luck

 

[Grass]

sounds like maybe you fuel mixture screw many have vibrated out alittle maybe just adjust the screw alittle on the tiller and see if stays running after that.more than likely it's just getting alittle to much gas in the mixture and flooding it'self out

 

[Grindlefamily]

did you try soaking it in water?

 

[maco5]

So today I was hoping the tiller would work.
But I was wrong!!!!
What is the screw thing for the gas mixture someone mentioned?
where would I find it?
I have the owners manual...somewhere.......

anyway, so I got really frustarted that the tiller wasn't working and I started useing the pick ax thing.
It is working, although wow am I tired!
I also took the soaking suggestions from a couple of people on this list.
It helped a little I think.
As I am whacking away at the ground, my Giant Schnauzer decides she must be right where I am and help.
Of course she is digging in the wrong area, and then she goes and lies down in one of the trenches!
I fired her off my crew!

Sp for now all is well, except I look at all the pics of everyones coops, and I wish I could start over!
I will use the one I have for now until next year and then either buy a premade or attempt a different one.