Taking on a DIY sod project? One of the first big decisions you’ll need to make is whether to rent or buy the key piece of equipment – the automatic sod cutter.
This machine specially designed to cut uniform strips of sod from your yard makes the installation process far easier. But should you put out the money to purchase a sod cutter or simply rent one for the short term?
There are compelling benefits to both options when it comes to cutting pristine sod for your lawn. In this detailed guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know to decide if renting or buying a sod cutter is the right choice for your project.
Here’s a quick overview of what we’ll cover:
- How automatic sod cutters work
- The pros and cons of renting a sod cutter
- Benefits of buying your own sod cutter
- Key factors in deciding between rental or purchase
- Tips for renting a sod cutter
- What to look for when buying a sod cutter
- Proper sod cutter maintenance
- Achieving flawless sod seams
Let’s start by looking at what sod cutters are and how they create transplantable sod for your yard.
What Are Automatic Sod Cutters and How Do They Work?
Before weighing the rent vs. buy decision, it helps to understand exactly what a sod cutter is and what this equipment does.
Sod cutters (also called sod harvesting machines or sod cut and roll machines) are specialty tools expressly designed for cutting uniform strips of sod from existing grass areas. The sod can then be transplanted to install a new lawn or repair bare spots.
These machines consist of:
- A sharp cutting blade made of hardened steel that slices through the grass and top layer of soil.
- Rollers that neatly roll up or stack the strip of sod after its cut for easy handling.
- An engine to power the blade and wheels, typically gas-powered for large models.
- Handlebars allowing you to control the machine’s movement and cutting path.
By slowly guiding the sod cutter across your yard, the spinning blade cuts smooth strips of sod at a fixed depth. The sod gets cleanly rolled or ejected for quick collection.
Sod cutters take all the work and guesswork out of harvesting sod compared to using a spade or knife by hand. The depth of the sod strips can be adjusted based on your desired thickness.
Now that you know the basics of what sod cutters do, let’s jump into the pros and cons of renting vs. buying one for your next sod project.
Benefits of Renting a Sod Cutter Short-Term
Let’s start by looking at some of the advantages of choosing to rent a sod cutter rather than purchasing one outright:
Lower Upfront Cost
The obvious benefit of sod cutter rental is that it’s substantially cheaper upfront compared to buying. Expect to pay around $100 – $200 per day to rent.
Rental is the perfect solution if your sod project is small, like harvesting strips for a patio border or fixer upper lawn. The lower one-time cost makes the tool affordable.
No Storage or Maintenance Requirements
Renting also means you don’t have to worry about storing an automatic sod cutter in your garage or shed when not in use. The rental provider handles all maintenance and repairs.
Storing and properly caring for a sod cutter between uses takes time and knowledge most homeowners don’t have. Avoid that hassle with rental.
Access to Commercial-Grade Equipment
Rental sod cutters are typically heavy-duty, commercial-size models much more powerful and durable than consumer machines for home use.
When you rent equipment it’s always well-maintained and ready for heavy sod cutting work – not a budget model at risk of breaking down.
Flexibility and Short Commitment
The limited timeframe of a rental means you’re not stuck with a sod cutter if your landscaping plans change down the road. You can rent it only for the days or weeks when you’ll be prepping and installing new sod.
The flexibility of not owning the tool long-term is ideal for small, one-time sod jobs.
No Learning Curve
If you’ve never used an automatic sod cutter before, the learning curve can be substantial. With rental, experienced staff can provide training on operating the machines properly.
First-time users also don’t have to worry about damaging rental equipment with novice mistakes. Instruction and supervision leads to better cutting results.
Renting a sod cutter is undoubtedly the simpler, more budget-friendly choice for homeowners tackling small sod projects or installing new lawn sod for the first time.
Next let’s examine the major advantages of buying a sod cutter instead of continually renting one.
Why Purchasing Your Own Sod Cutter is a Smart Investment
Here are some of the biggest benefits of buying an automatic sod cutter rather than renting each time you need one:
Cost Savings Over Time
While renting a sod cutter is cheapest per project, buying one is more cost effective over time for anyone doing frequent sod work.
The typical DIY homeowner may not recoup the cost within 1-2 small sod jobs. But for ongoing lawn upgrades and maintenance, purchasing ultimately saves money long run.
Always Accessible When Needed
Owning your own sod cutter means having it always on hand for whatever sod tasks come up – small repairs, full renovations or installing new lawn areas.
No need to reserve rental equipment weeks or months in advance of taking on a timely sod project in your yard.
More Control Over the Process
With your own sod cutter, you can familiarize yourself with the machine and customize your cutting process vs. adapting to rental equipment.
Everything from set-up, blade depth, specific use guidelines and maintenance aligns with your needs when you own the sod cutter outright.
No Transporting or Coordinating Pickup
Aside from the rental fees, picking up and returning heavy sod cutting equipment is a hassle. You avoid the hassle by keeping the sod cutter right on your property.
You also skip any rental facility rules about cleaning the machine before returning it when you own it.
Resell or Trade-In Value
With proper maintenance, a quality sod cutter holds decent resale value if you eventually want to sell or trade up to a newer model. The same can’t be said for rental equipment.
Look at the purchase as an investment in ongoing lawn care. Resell to recoup 50-75% of your original costs when no longer needed.
Use for Multiple Lawn Jobs
Aside from sod cutting, automatic sod cutters can also perform other tasks like aerating, dethatching and trenching irrigation lines. Get more value from your investment.
Buying your own machine means taking advantage of all these added uses whenever the need arises in your yard.
For avid DIYers planning to install sod regularly over the years or manage large properties, purchasing a sod cutter is hands down the smarter long-term investment compared to renting over and over.
Key Factors in Deciding Between Sod Cutter Rental vs. Purchase
Now that we’ve covered the major pros and cons of renting vs. buying, let’s look at some of the key factors to consider when deciding which is the better sod cutter option for your particular situation and needs:
Your Lawn Size
How much total turf are you harvesting sod from? For moderate yards under 1/4 acre, renting for a one-time job is likely the better choice.
But if your property is multiple acres across front, back and side yards, buying starts to make more practical and financial sense long-term.
Scope of Your Planned Sod Project
Are you cutting sod for a small accent area like around a patio or garden bed? Then rental suits a limited project.
Conversely, if you’re renovating your entire lawn or sodding bare patches across your whole yard, ownership is worthwhile.
Frequency of Future Sod Jobs
If this sod project is a one-off, like preparing for a upcoming wedding celebration, rental is the way to go.
Homeowners who remove and install new sod routinely due to pets, kids or alongside other lawn renovations will get their money’s worth by investing in their own machine.
Your Available Storage Space
Storing a sod cutter between uses takes up significant garage or shed space. If you’re tight on storage, rental avoids needing to house the bulky machine.
Those with ample storage can buy a sod cutter and keep it protected but conveniently accessible onsite until needed again.
Your Physical Ability
Automatic sod cutters are substantial, heavy pieces of machinery. Operating them demands physical strength and stamina.
If mobility issues or age make operating a sod cutter challenging, rental with delivery/pickup is likely the better, safer route.
Carefully weighing factors like lawn size, project scope, frequency of use, storage, physical ability and more will provide clarity on whether renting or purchasing a sod cutter is the smartest option for your situation.
Let’s now get into some tips for making the most of your rental or purchase decision.
Helpful Tips for Renting a Sod Cutter
If you’ve objectively assessed the pros, cons and factors above and decided renting a sod cutter is the right temporary solution, keep these tips in mind:
Reserve Early for Best Selection
Sod cutters are some of the most popular rental equipment, especially in spring and fall peak lawn care season. Reserve yours 1-2 months early to ensure availability.
Select the Right Model
Discuss your specific project and yard size with rental staff to choose the optimal sod cutter power and features for clean cuts.
Request a Tutorial on Safe Operation
First-time users should ask for a hands-on walkthrough of how to properly operate their rental sod cutter to prevent mistakes or injury.
Transport Carefully
Use a truck or trailer with ramps rated for the sod cutter’s weight. Securely tie down the rental machine during loading/unloading and transport. Prevent tipping or falls.
Set Blade Depth Carefully
Consult sod depth recommendations and adjust the cutting blade accordingly to slice through the grass roots and soil. This ensures intact, transplantable sod strips.
Following these tips will lead to a smooth rental experience and quality sod cutting results.
What to Look for When Buying Your Own Sod Cutter
If purchasing your own sod cutter is the ideal option long-term, keep these key features in mind while selecting a model within your budget:
Sharp, Hardened Steel Blade
The cutting blade should be durable and removable for sharpening or swapping out as needed over time to maintain clean cutting performance.
Adjustable Cutting Depth
Look for cutting depth settings that allow you to cut sod strips from 1/2 inch up to 2 inches thick or more. Deeper thick sod holds together better for transplantation.
Gas or Electric Power
Gas engines provide the most power for large yards and heavy use. Electric/battery powered models work well for smaller residential lawns.
Comfortable, Padded Handlebars
The sod cutter’s handles should allow you to guide the machine smoothly and safely without unnecessary strain or fatigue.
All-Terrain Sod Cutting Tires
Choose a model with wide, treaded tires designed to operate on turf without digging into the lawn or sliding.
DIY-Friendly Maintenance
Opt for a sod cutter that’s relatively simple for the average homeowner to maintain, adjust and make minor repairs on.
Researching the above features will ensure you select the ideal automatic sod cutter for your property’s size, terrain and frequency of use.
Proper Care and Maintenance for Peak Sod Cutter Performance
Once you take ownership of a sod cutter or have rented one for a project, proper maintenance is crucial for keeping the machine cutting smoothly each use:
Sharpen and Replace Cutting Blades
Sharp blades mean clean cuts. Sharpen or swap out sod cutter blades before each major use following manufacturer guidelines.
Lubricate Moving Parts
Keep all moving sod cutter parts properly oiled or greased to prevent mechanical issues. Stuck or binding parts lead to uneven cuts.
Check/Maintain Tire Pressure
Consistently inflated tires allow the sod cutter to roll smoothly across the lawn without rutting or impacting cutting.
Remove Debris Buildup
Excess sod, mud or other debris getting stuck under the cover plates or on moving parts can impede performance. Keep your sod cutter clean.
Change Gas Engine Oil/Filters
For gas-powered machines, stay on top of oil changes, air filter cleaning and spark plug replacement per the manual.
Touch Up Paint as Needed
Use matching paint to touch up any scratches, bubbles or rust spots that develop to prevent further corrosion damage.
Just like your car, consistent maintenance keeps sod cutter equipment running strong sod project after sod project.
Techniques for Perfectly Cut Sod Seams
Properly caring for your rented or purchased sod cutter leads to smooth, consistent cuts that create flawless sod seams when installed.
Here are a few key sod cutting techniques to ensure quality results:
Set Blade Depth to Penetrate Grass and Soil
For intact sod strips, the blade must cut deep enough to sever the grass roots from the soil below without getting too thick. 1-1 1/2 inches is optimal sod thickness.
Cut Strips in Straight Lines
Guiding the sod cutter in straight incremental passes across the turf results in uniform strips that are easier to install in neat rows.
Butt Sod Pieces Tightly Together
When installing freshly cut sod, eliminate gaps between strips. Butting edges tight leads to seamless knitting together of the new sod. Leave no gaps!
Use Plywood to Protect Areas
Use plywood sheets to prevent sod cutter damage to delicate areas like flower beds, pavers or exposed tree roots while cutting.
Roll Out Each Strip After Cutting
Neatly roll up each cut strip of sod rather than stacking for easier transporting and seam tightness during installation.
Follow these key sod cutting practices for flawless results transporting sod strips or installing them in your own yard or a client’s lawn.
Weigh the Pros and Cons to Determine Rental vs Purchase
Deciding between renting or buying your own sod cutter is an important choice before starting any major DIY sod project.
The rental route offers lower initial cost and flexibility but buying provides long-term access and investment value. Look at all factors and objectives to determine the better option for your needs.
For small, one-time sod jobs, rental likely makes sense. Avid DIYers or landscaping business owners will get more value purchasing their own sod cutting equipment.
Either way, proper use and care will ensure the sod cutter performs to expectations. And your lawn will reap the benefits of perfectly cut sod!
