ᐅ Buy an electric cultivator/tiller or rent a petrol-powered one

Hello!

The house is finished, we have moved in, and now we are working on the outdoor area.

We have a plot of 1,000 - 1,200 sqm (flat terrain, rather sandy soil) where we want to sow grass. The soil needs to be loosened first, preferably with a garden tiller / cultivator. I’m wondering whether to buy an electric cultivator (you can find some for about 100 euros; plus a roughly 40-meter (130 feet) long extension cord) or rent a machine from the hardware store (which usually have a gasoline engine).

What would you recommend? Are inexpensive electric machines suitable for this area, or are they only good for a small "flowerpot garden"? How long does it typically take to prepare such a surface?

The costs are similar for buying or renting, but with renting it also depends on how long you keep the tool (and I have no idea if one day is enough or if we should plan for about a week).

I also assume we will only use the machine once.

Thanks for your input!

Is the ground raised or natural?

meister keks schrieb:
Is the ground filled or natural?

The ground has already been worked on: the soil pile (which is stored on the side after construction) has been spread across the property using a wheel loader. So it is filled? Some final grading still needs to be done, but the landscaping contractors have been on break for about two weeks (or are working on another site). Weeds are starting to grow, but the soil mainly looks like topsoil brown/black.

Then grab a rake, preferably a wide one, go over the area, and sow grass seed. Spread it in a wide semicircle, swinging your arm from the hip. It’s good for you, creates a connection to the earth, and brings happiness. Karsten

I would borrow a garden tiller. It should have a wide working width. Additionally, rent a lawn roller as well.
For that area, I wouldn’t spread the grass seed by hand but use a broadcast spreader. You will need one later anyway for applying fertilizer.

Just as Karsten said.
Since the soil is filled in, you can easily work it with a rake.
You don’t need any machines for that.
If the soil were natural, then you would need machines because it is very compact...

Remove the few weeds, spread the seeds with fertilizer, and then water gently.
Of course, only enough so the seeds don’t wash away.
Don’t water during midday sun.
Also, don’t be alarmed if nothing grows right away; it takes a few days, sometimes longer, before anything happens.

Regarding the post above mine.
You can do it that way too, but why make it complicated when it can be done simply?