8 Best Grass Removal Tools for Removing Grass and Sod

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Grass removal can be a headache, especially if you have a large garden and do not have the right tools. Sure, you can pay a landscaper to do the job, but if you want to save money, the best thing to do is invest in the right tools. 

Here are eight of our favorite grass and sod removal tools: 

  1. Keyfit Tool Stainless Seel Sod Knife 
  2. Sun Joe TJ604E Electric Garden Tiller/Cultivator 
  3. Sun Joe 24V -X2-TLR14-CT Cordless Front Tiller/Cultivator 
  4. United Rentals Manual Sod Cutter 12-in. 
  5. Classen SC-18HD Sod Cutter 
  6. Bully Tools 92390 12-Gauge Sod Lifter 
  7. Nisaku NJP130 Japanese Tomita 
  8. FengWu 2-piece L-Shaped Weeding Tool 

Read on to learn more about the best grass removal tools for removing grass and sod and some practical tips. 

8 Best Grass Removal Tools

Best Grass Removal Tools

Finding the right tool to remove grass is challenging. The plethora of choices will make it overwhelming. Lucky, we have compiled a list of eight products that you can buy or rent to make your life easier! No need to hire a gardener to do the task for you:

1. Keyfit Tools Stainless Steel Sod Knife

Click here to see it on Amazon.

One of the Best Tools for Grass and Sod Removal

A knife is one of the best tools for grass and sod removal. Not just any knife, however, would suffice. With that, this knife from Keyfit is a perfect choice.

Stainless Steel Construction of the Blade

Among others, one thing that makes it stand out is the stainless steel construction of the blade. It is eight inches, so it can cut long, minimizing your effort when removing grass. Plus, it has super-sharp serrations, which will make it more effective.

Ergonomic Handle

The handle is also commendable. It is ergonomic, so it is a comfortable grip, even for an extended period. It also has good traction, which minimizes the possibility of slipping.

Comes with Nylon Sheath

When you purchase this knife, you will also get a nylon sheath. This will help protect the blade during storage, keeping dirt and debris out. It makes the blade stay sharp longer.

Too Lightweight

If there is one thing that most people do not like, however, it would be that it is too lightweight. Be careful when handling it, as the weight can make it difficult to control for some users. 

Pros

  • Extremely sharp blades for precise cutting 
  • Durable handle 
  • It comes with a sheath 

Con 

  • Some users find it too lightweight 

2. Sun Joe TJ604E Electric Garden Tiller/Cultivator

Click here to see it on Amazon.

Perfect Alternative to Automate Grass and Sod Removal Process

Removing grass with a knife is not for lazy people! This Sun Joe tiller will be the perfect alternative if you want to automate the process and make it easier.

Equipped with a 13.5-amp Motor

The highlight of this product is the 13.5-amp motor, which is the reason behind its power. It minimizes the manual work needed for taking grass and sod off. It can cultivate a depth of up to 8 inches and a width of 16 inches. 

Has Six Angled Tines Made of High-quality Steel

More so, it has six angled tines made of high-quality steel. They are strategically positioned so that they will be efficient when they work. They are also commendable because of their durability.

Maintenance-free Design 

It also stands out because of its maintenance-free design. Plus, it is electric-powered so that you can start the unit in seconds.

Has a Three-position Wheel Adjustment

We also love the three-position wheel adjustment. This way, you can easily customize its position depending on what a specific situation requires.

Can Jump During Usage

However, one of the drawbacks of this sod removal tool is that it can jump during use, especially in challenging conditions. Ensure that you hold the unit with enough force to keep it level with the ground to prevent such. 

Pros

  • Powerful motor 
  • Maintenance-free design 
  • Durable tines 

Con 

  • Prone to jumping during use 

3. Sun Joe 24V -X2-TLR14-CT Cordless Front Tiller/Cultivator 

Click here to see it on Amazon.

Equipped with a 500-watt Brushless Motor

With four 8-prong 7-inch tillers, your life will be a lot easier! Forget about having to remove grass manually on the lawn. Invest in this product, and you will be thankful. 

The performance is second to none since it is equipped with a 500-watt brushless motor. The motor runs cooler than its brush counterparts, so you can be confident that overheating won’t occur. 

Impeccable Due to Its Lithium-ion Battery

Aside from the motor, this product is also impeccable because of its lithium-ion battery, which allows effortless cordless operation. It has a dual-port charger, which will recharge the battery in 55 minutes. The average runtime, meanwhile, is 35 minutes.

Has a Three-position Height Adjustment

Users will love how it has a three-position height adjustment, which will let you customize tilling. The wheels are easy to glide, so moving them around in the garden will require minimal effort.

Comes with a Two-year Warranty

Your purchase comes with a two-year warranty from Sun Joe, which can provide you with peace of mind. 

Pros

  • Easy operation because of the cordless design 
  • Tough steel tilling prongs 
  • Great battery 

Con

  • Trigger handle design can be better 

4. United Rentals Manual Sod Cutter 12-in. 

Rent this manual sod cutter here.

Not everyone has the budget to buy a brand new sod removal tool. Especially if you only have a small garden and won’t need to remove the grass often, renting is a better alternative. In that case, this manual sod cutter should be on your radar. 

Does Not Have a Motor

It does not have a motor, so you will need to operate it manually. It has a kick-type design. You will need to kick it to remove the grass. Nonetheless, some people might not be fans of its tedious manual operation. 

Has a 12-inch Blade

With a 12-inch blade, you can minimize the time needed to remove grass and sod. Its width means that it will have extensive coverage in a single pass. Not to mention, the blade is tough, which makes it ideal even for heavy-duty commercial applications.

Pros

  • Affordable rental 
  • Simple operation 
  • A wide and thick blade 

Con 

  • It requires a lot of effort pushing manually 

5. Classen SC-18HD Sod Cutter

Rent this sod cutter here.

Offered by Home Depot

Commercial-grade sod cutters are expensive. Luckily, you do not always have to buy one. The Home Depot is one of the many companies offering equipment rental, including for the Classen SC-18HD. 

Has a Modified Cam Design

One of the best reasons to pick this product is the modified cam design. This means that it will generate lesser vibrations than older models, making operating more comfortable. Despite such, many were still unhappy with how heavy it was.

Has Several Features That Guarantee Intuitive Operation

It has several features that will guarantee intuitive operation. For instance, you can easily switch from one cutting length to another. We also love how the controls are in strategic positions, making them accessible. 

Can Handle Thick Surfaces

Plus, the blades are in the unit’s center, ensuring better cutting consistency. They are tough so that they can handle even thick surfaces.

Front Tires with Knobby Treads

More so, the two front tires have knobby treads. They are designed to offer maximum traction, so they will be smooth and seamless as it rolls on the lawn when cutting grass. The tires are also effective in preventing the build-up of dirt. 

Find out more about the Classen Sod cutter in this video: 

Pros

  • Operates with minimal vibrations
  • Strategically-positioned controls 
  • Allows changing of cutting depth quickly 

Con

  • Heavy 

6. Bully Tools 92390 12-Gauge Sod Lifter

Click here to see this product.

Affordable

Those who are on a budget will love this sod lifter. It is affordable, but that does not mean the quality is compromised. 

Equipped with Fiberglass D-grip Handle

Looking at its features, one of the most commendable is the fiberglass D-grip handle. It is made of lightweight but tough material. There is a huge opening, and the shape is optimized to hold the lifter comfortably.

100% American-made

The steel blade, meanwhile, has a 12-gauge thickness. It is strong enough to handle even stubborn surfaces. Like the rest of the lifter, it is 100% American-made, so you can be confident that the quality is top-notch.

Comes with a Limited Lifetime Warranty

Still not convinced to buy this sod lifter? You might change your mind after knowing that it comes with a limited lifetime warranty. 

Works Like a Shovel

However, the biggest drawback of this product is that it is a manual sod lifter, which works like a shovel. While it is good that it is affordable, those who are too lazy should opt for electric alternatives instead.

Pros

  • Affordable 
  • Comfortable handle 
  • It has a limited lifetime warranty 

Con 

  • Requires manual work 

7. Nisaku NJP130 Japanese Tomita

Click here to see it on Amazon.

Simple and Affordable

The simplicity and affordability of this product are its best assets—no need to worry about operating a motor or running out of battery.

Made of Authentic Tomita Stainless Steel from Japan

This product is made of authentic Tomita stainless steel from Japan. It is a result of expert craftsmanship from real metal craftsmen, so you can be sure of the quality of the product that you are buying.

Comes with a Seven-inch Stainless Steel Blade

It comes with a seven-inch stainless steel blade, which is what will work to remove grass and sod. More so, the blade has a high-tensile strength for unmatched cutting power. It also has spot welds, which will guarantee longevity. 

Only for Light-duty Tasks

However, a common complaint about this product is that it is only for light-duty tasks. It does not work for heavy-duty grass removal, unlike its electric counterparts. 

Pros

  • Simple and affordable 
  • Made by Japanese craftsmen
  • High-quality stainless steel blade 

Con 

  • Only for light-duty applications 

8. FengWu 2-piece L-Shaped Weeding Tool

Click here to see it on Amazon.

Comes in a Pack of Two

If you do not mind doing grass removal manually, this is another tool that should be on your list. The price alone is already a compelling reason to choose it over others. The best thing is that it comes in a pack of two.

Has a Practical and Ingenious Two-blade Design

It has a practical and ingenious two-blade design, making it a multi-purpose tool. On the side, it has a scraper blade, which you can use for removing moss. The main part of the blade, on the other hand, can dig deep to remove grass.

Exceptional Construction Due to the Non-slip Handle

Aside from the blade, the construction is also exceptional because of the non-slip handle. It is easy to maintain a strong grip, which is also important for the safe operation of this tool. 

Pros

  • Affordable 
  • Sharp and tough blade 
  • Ergonomic handle 

Con

  • Requires a lot of work 

Grass Removal Tool Rental 

grass removal tools

Like with a lawnmower or snow blower, grass and sod removal tools may not always be necessary. A lot of people will not use them year-round or often. Also, some might not have the money to invest in one, especially those with high-powered motors. If that is the case, then rental is a good alternative. 

While there are many options, Home Depot grass removal tool rental is worth considering. As of writing this review, two grass removal tools are available – Classen SC-18HD and Classen SC180H.

They are both equipped with tough motors to handle even demanding applications. They are quite heavy, so it is good that they are fitted with smooth-rolling wheels, making your work easier. 

Tips When Renting Grass Removal Tools 

Here are some of the most important things to consider before renting grass and sod removal tools: 

1. Do Your Online Research and Read Reviews

Learn from the real-life experiences of other people. Read not only about the equipment but the reputation of the company renting out the tools. This will make it easier to narrow down your choices. 

2. Get the Right Tool for the Job

Is it a small garden with thin grass? Then you can rent a simple manual cutter. On the other hand, if it is a large grass with a thick lawn, an electric-powered unit is a better option. 

3. Take Care of the Equipment

Any damage to the tool upon return will incur additional costs. It can be expensive to the point that it is almost equal to buying another tool. This is one situation you do not want to be in. 

4. Be Mindful of the Time

Read the terms and see how long you can have the tool. Going beyond such will mean paying additional fees. So, make sure to return the tool on time. 

How to Remove Grass 

Is there grass or lawn you would like to remove in your yard? Here is a quick look at some of the best things you can do:

1. Use Herbicide 

A post-emergent and non-selective herbicide is a promising solution for grass removal on your lawn. It is quick and effective, but the results will depend highly on the weather. The formula is washed away when it rains so that it won’t work. 

2. Try Solarization 

Solarization is a soil sterilization method that uses clear plastic. For lawn removal, black plastic might work best. You will need high temperatures and long hours of sunlight to do this as it relies on the sun heating and killing grass. 

3. Dig the Lawn 

You can do this with a shovel or knife, including the aforementioned products. It requires manual effort, but this is a good choice if you want a cost-effective solution. 

4. Invest in Electric Tools 

If you have a large lawn, your best bet is to invest in a lawn tiller or similar tools. You can even rent one if you are on a budget. It has a powerful motor and tough blades that will make grass-cutting a breeze. 

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Frequently Asked Questions – Grass and Sod Removal

grass removal tools rental

What Tool Is Used for Removing Grass or Sod? 

The specific tool to use will depend on the extent of the problem and the effort you are willing to exert. You can use a hoe, shovel, or knife for small lawns. For larger lawns and thicker grass, on the other hand, you will need a more powerful tool, such as a tiller or cultivator. 

How Do You Use a Sod Cutter? 

It depends on the specific type and model of the sod cutter. In most cases, however, here are the steps: 

  • Start by mowing grass: It will be easier to sod when the grass is at a more manageable height. 
  • Water your lawn at least 24 to 28 hours before you sod: It will add moisture to the soil while also preventing slippage of the blade. 
  • Mark the section you wish to cut: You can prevent removing grass from an area you are not supposed to work on. 
  • Start sodding: Do this in a single direction, from left to right or top to bottom. 
  • Change the sod-cutting height depending on what the situation requires, if applicable.
  • Follow the instructions from the manufacturer of the sod removal tool, especially if it is electric. 

Conclusion – 8 Best Grass Removal Tools for Removing Grass and Sod 

In sum, here are some of the top products if you are looking for the best grass and sod removal tools: 

  1. Keyfit Tool Stainless Seel Sod Knife 
  2. Sun Joe TJ604E Electric Garden Tiller/Cultivator 
  3. Sun Joe 24V -X2-TLR14-CT Cordless Front Tiller/Cultivator 
  4. United Rentals Manual Sod Cutter 12-in. 
  5. Classen SC-18HD Sod Cutter 
  6. Bully Tools 92390 12-Gauge Sod Lifter 
  7. Nisaku NJP130 Japanese Tomita 
  8. FengWu 2-piece L-Shaped Weeding Tool 

If you need a grass removal tool, there are two options – buy or rent. The best option is to buy it if you have the money and you will be using the tool often.

On the other, if it is for a one-time job and you are on a budget, it is best to rent instead, but make sure that you do so only from trusted companies.

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