Are you looking to buy a rotavator but unsure which model, width, or price range suits your needs? The wrong choice can cost you both money and crop yield. In this guide, Köylü Tarım Machinery — manufacturing rotavators for farmers across Turkey since 1964 — answers all your questions.

Table of Contents

• What is a rotavator and what does it do?
• Factors that determine rotavator prices
• Model comparison: fixed, mechanical side-shift, hydraulic side-shift
• 160 cm, 185 cm, 210 cm — which one should you choose?
• Mini rotavator: for hobby gardens and gardeners
• What to consider when choosing a rotavator
• Frequently asked questions
• About Köylü Tarım rotavators

1. What Is a Rotavator and What Does It Do?

A rotavator (rotary tiller / soil tiller) is an agricultural implement powered by the tractor's PTO shaft. Its rotating blades don't just turn the soil over like a plow or disc harrow — they break it up, mix it, and prepare it into a perfect seedbed.

With a rotavator you can:

• Pre-sowing soil preparation (field-type rotavators)
• Inter-row cultivation in orchards and vineyards (side-shift models)
• Weed control
• Incorporating crop residues into the soil after harvest
• Soil aeration in small gardens and greenhouses (mini rotavators)

The most common uses in Turkey are wheat, barley, corn and sunflower fields, as well as olive, apple, cherry orchards and vineyards.

2. Factors That Determine Rotavator Prices

You will encounter a wide price range on the market. The key factors behind these differences are:

Working width

This is the most fundamental specification of a rotavator. Narrow models require less power and are suited to garden work; wide models save time on large fields but require a more powerful tractor. Prices increase proportionally with width.

Side-shift system

Fixed models are the most economical option. Mechanical side-shift models move laterally via a hand lever and are priced slightly above fixed models. Hydraulic side-shift models are controlled from the tractor cab; comfort and speed are higher, and pricing reflects this.

Gearbox quality and materials

Cast iron gearbox housing, hardened steel blades and quality bearings directly affect both durability and maintenance costs. Savings made on these materials in cheaper models often return as high repair bills within a few seasons.

Brand and warranty

Domestic manufacturers in Turkey offer much more competitive pricing compared to international brands. What matters most is the manufacturer's spare parts availability and service network. Purchasing from a manufacturer with a dealer network covering all 81 provinces of Turkey reduces long-term maintenance costs.

💡 Köylü Tarım Tip: When comparing prices, pay attention to machine weight. A lightweight frame means lower cost — but in heavy soil conditions, frame bending, gearbox failure and broken blades can lead to high repair costs in a very short time.

3. Model Comparison

Köylü Tarım rotavators are manufactured in three main categories:

Model type	Width options	Tractor power	Key feature	Ideal use
Fixed rotavator	160–210 cm	40–90 HP	Durable fixed gearbox	Field preparation, pre-sowing
Mechanical side-shift	160–210 cm	40–90 HP	Lateral shift via hand lever	Vineyard, orchard, inter-row
Hydraulic side-shift	160–210 cm	50–90 HP	Cab-controlled shift	Professional orchard, efficient inter-row
Mini hydraulic	90–125 cm	15–35 HP	Compact, highly manoeuvrable	Hobby garden, greenhouse, small field
Mini mechanical	90–125 cm	15–35 HP	Economical, lightweight	Hobby garden, small area

4. Which Width Should You Choose?

160 cm rotavator

The most widely used size in Turkey. Compatible with tractors between 40–60 HP. Ideal for both field and garden use. Offers the best price-to-performance ratio. First choice for vineyards, orchards and medium-sized fields.

185 cm rotavator

A great option for those who want to reduce the number of passes on larger fields. Works smoothly with 50–75 HP tractors. The price difference compared to the 160 cm model is small, but field capacity increases noticeably.

210 cm and above rotavator

Designed for large farming operations and professional agricultural production. Requires 75 HP or above. Quickly prepares large fields at the beginning and end of the season.

Mini rotavator (90–125 cm)

Compatible with small tractors of 15–35 HP or two-wheeled walk-behind tractors. Ideal for hobby gardens, greenhouses, narrow plots and orchards with row spacings of 60–90 cm.

📐 Practical rule: Multiply your tractor's HP value by 1.5. The result gives you the maximum rotavator width (cm) you can comfortably use.
Example: 60 HP × 1.5 = 90 cm → A 160 cm rotavator works comfortably with this tractor; a 210 cm model will reduce performance and increase fuel consumption.

5. What to Consider When Choosing a Rotavator

Answer these questions to find the right rotavator:

• How large is your land? (Mini for small plots, wide model for large fields)
• What is your tractor's HP rating? (Each model has a minimum tractor power requirement)
• Is the land flat or sloped? (Side-shift models improve manoeuvrability on sloped terrain)
• Garden or field? (Side-shift for inter-row cultivation; fixed for field preparation)
• What is the soil type? (Heavy clay soils require more tractor power and a narrower width)
• Spare parts and service accessibility? (Choose a brand with a nearby dealer network)

6. Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a rotavator and a disc harrow?

A disc harrow works the soil more deeply and breaks up large clods; additional tillage is usually needed before sowing. A rotavator breaks the soil into finer particles and leaves it ready for direct seeding. Many farmers use both together: disc harrow first, then rotavator.

How much is the price difference between a 160 cm and a 185 cm rotavator?

Within the same model series, the price difference between 160 cm and 185 cm is generally in the range of 10–15%. If your tractor is powerful enough, the 185 cm model can be the more economical choice in the long run as it reduces the cost per pass.

Is buying a second-hand rotavator a good idea?

While a second-hand option may look attractive, always have the gearbox, bearings and blades inspected. A poorly maintained used machine can produce repair bills close to the price of a new one within the first season. Opt for brands manufactured in Turkey with easily available spare parts.

When should rotavator blades be replaced?

Blades typically become dull after processing 300–500 decares of land. This varies depending on soil type and stone density. When the blade tip thickness falls below 3 mm, or when tillage quality noticeably deteriorates, it is time to replace them.

Which rotavator fits which tractor?

Your tractor's three-point hitch system (category 1 or category 2) and PTO speed (540 or 1000 RPM) must match the technical specifications of the rotavator. It is recommended that you share these details with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.

7. About Köylü Tarım Rotavators

Köylü Tarım was founded in Konya in 1964 and has been manufacturing soil tillage machinery ever since. Today, we support farmers in the field through our dealer network across all 81 provinces of Turkey.

Key features of our rotavator models:

• High-carbon hardened steel blades — long-lasting and high-performance
• Cast iron gearbox housing — reliable operation in heavy soil conditions
• Wide model range: fixed, mechanical and hydraulic side-shift options from mini (90 cm) to 210 cm
• Dealer network across all 81 provinces of Turkey — fast spare parts and service
• Over 60 years of manufacturing experience and field-driven engineering knowledge

To browse our models and find your nearest dealer:
🔗 koylu.com/rotavators  |  📞 Dealer Network: koylu.com/dealers

This content has been prepared by Köylü Tarım Machinery. Please contact your authorised dealer for pricing information.