About the Broadfork- The Broadfork, sometimes called a U-bar digger, is used to loosen soil to prepare for planting or for adding soil amendments such as compost or mulches. It will open and loosen soil while minimizing damage to its living strata of flora and fauna that provide the nutrients for the garden bed. The Broadfork is also a great tool to choose for harvesting potatoes, beets, carrots, etc.
It’s easy! By stepping on the crossbar, one side then the other and using only body weight, the tines are set completely into the soil. Using the tremendous leverage of the pair of 48” long handles, the soil is loosened by working the handles back and forth in a kind of rowing motion. As is the case of most old, well designed human powered tools, the Broadfork requires minimal effort for the work it produces. It’s the kind of tool that almost anyone can use effectively. It doesn’t require brute force, rather it provides a rhythmic, almost aerobic workout when used properly.
The Gulland Forge Broadfork- The 48” long handles are made from select Ash from the Tennessee River Valley and finished with a 50/50 blend of linseed oil and turpentine. Ash is an incredibly strong wood, and each handle is selected for density and grain quality. I install each one with the grain set in the proper direction for maximum strength and durability. Wood is far superior to metal handles with it’s dynamic “feel” when worked. It’s also warm to the touch, and the ends are contoured to better fit the hand. Handle span is 20” across.
The business end of the Broadfork is made of very heavy walled 1-1/2 square tubing, very comfortable under foot. On either end is welded a handle socket.
The bend of the tine is a constant radius curve which allows for easier penetration by allowing the “tail to follow the head” as the hand forged tapered tips are inserted into the soil.
The penetration depth of the tines on my Broadfork is 9 inches. The span is 17-1/2 inches across. The tines are attached in a way that makes them easily repairable.
The metal is coated with the same linseed oil/turpentine blend used on the handles.
Though it is a tough, durable tool, it’s not supposed to replace a tiller in compacted, dense or rocky soils. Pick and spades are better for initial ground breaking and once the sod busting is done, the Broadfork makes quick work of further improving the soil, providing deep aeration.
A great resource for useful information on modern homesteading including the use of the broadfork to create and maintain a successful and sustainable homestead garden can be found at Harvey Ussery’s web site.