Description
Moving sod is one of the most labor-intensive yard projects, so it’s important to have the right tools to simplify the process. Our Sod Lifter can’t do the job for you, but it will save you time, effort, and your back as you remove, replace, or transplant turf. Once sod is cut into manageable pieces, the Sod Lifter’s specially angled shaft and blade shape makes it easier to slide between the soil and separate it from the grass layer. The thick 12-gauge steel and over-welded connection means it’s strong enough to lever even heavy sod, without bending or cracking. Constructed from 100% Made In The USA steel, it’s up to 30% more durable than foreign competitors. The handle is made from high-quality fiberglass and coated in a polyester veil to prevent splintering and increase strength. The handle’s D-shaped polypropylene grip with a no-slip texture is designed to increase leverage and reduce hand fatigue, while wide enough to accommodate work gloves. The Bully Tools Sod Lifter with Fiberglass Handle and Poly D-Grip comes with a limited lifetime warranty that protects against defects in material and workmanship.
Founded in 1994. Bully Tools manufactures gardening and farm tools, shingle removers, floor scrapers, forestry and other specialty tools. With an unprecedented history of quality, Bully Tools is committed to applying the same reliability to our business practices. Bully Tools continues to grow and adapt to meet the ever changing needs of the economy and their consumers.
Gary D. Smith –
Works well for the price. Be sure to put a sharper edge on it first because it is shipped a tiny bit dull and won’t cut as easily if it is not super sharp. But worked fine for me once it was sharp. Did a rather large area in 2 days. Moved sod from the back yard to the front. Once sod was cut in to manageable parts, I placed them on a tarp to move them easily.
Kevin –
The tool worked as expected. Still manual labor involved, however it was better than using a shovel for removing sod for our new planters.
Jim H. –
NOTE: This is a sod lifting and removal tool. It does not cut the sod. You will need a different tool to cut the sod before using this tool.
The Bully Tool is well made and it will likely last my lifetime. Using hand tools to DYI cut and move Texas clay soil sod is not an easy job. This tool makes it easier. The trick is to first cut strips of sod the width of the Bully Tool blade, Then, cut the strip of sod into squares. Insert the Bully Tool blade vertically into the cut row and center the blade with the sod square. Angle the front side of the sod up to release and cut the grass roots. Once the front is lifted, angle and push the blade further underneath the sod. If necessary, wiggle the blade to cut additional roots. The sod will separate from the ground. Repeat with the rest of the squares. I found it best to stand and cut from the uncut sod side.
Importantly, to make this work you need to cut the squares with an edger tool. Once the squares are cut, the Bully Tool lifts and separates the grass into very manageable plugs to plant elsewhere.
James Sanders –
I had a 700 sq. ft. area of thick thatched zoysia I needed to remove to start a patio garden. I delineated squares of the sod approx 16″x16″ and removed them with the sod lifter. I kept the cutter filed sharp and worked when the soil was moist (not wet or dry) and working three or four hours at a time, cleanly removed it all. I’m 68 years old, about 155 lbs. Takes determination but the tool is sturdy and up to the task.
Cindy Brown –
Since this is my first ‘sod lifter’, I can’t compare it to any others. However, it definitely lifts sod as described, seems well made, and has already paid for itself. Definitely easier than using a spade or a mattock. It helps to have the sod moist and I still used my spade to ‘section’ the sod before lifting. Don’t buy this expecting sod lifting to become magically effortless, it’s still work! But my back appreciated the difference.
Johnny Ryall –
Works great! I actually found it most comfortable to face away from the sod and use it backwards between my legs. I know sounds and probably looks funny but allows you share the workout between both shoulders. I worked in 1′ x 3′ strips, precutting the edges with a flat spade. Best manual sod removal tool around. I did sharpen the edge with a file before getting to work.
Chi Politico –
I was on the fence about hiring a landscaping crew to remove a strip of grass from along my driveway and sidewalk. When the estimates came back over $700 this tool became a lot more reasonably priced. I finished the job in less than four hours. You definitely want to use it to first cut your turf into manageable squares or rectangles, then cut them out by slicing and prying under the squares/rectangles. Don’t just try to start slicing into the ground and lifting up the grass, its a fruitless method. For my application I just needed to turn the grass upside down, not remove it. We are covering the strip with wood chips and will be planting natives later once the area settles.
Steve Blumberg –
Easy to use to lift sod. It’s best to cut the sod into small sections – maybe 18 inch squares. I have lifted old sod (weeds, actually) from the ground in order to plant Zoysia sod. This took makes the process pretty easy – even for an old man, like myself.
MikeyrInJeff –
Excellent tool for lifting and removing sod. We wanted to create some new planter beds and that required me to remove the sod where the beds were to be located. I found that if I made cuts with a shovel to create sections, this sod lifter really does the job right. We are happy with our new planter beds and this Bully tool helped make this possible…
toshiue –
One tool that will definitely never break, but comes with a dull edge (as it should). Takes quite a bit of time to put an edge on this thing given the inherent awkwardness and blade thickness. Other than that, made with a serious intent.
J W –
Very useful once you figure out the most optimal way to use it. You should precut your squares with a square headed shovel. Don’t make the squares too large, maybe 2’x2′ maximum. Then start to slide the sod lifter with a forceful motion underneath it. Once you get the hang of it it works very well. It would also help significantly if you sharpen it before hand.
Kathy –
Wow I LOVE this thing! I am using it to lift and turn grass over in preparation for planting shrubs/perennials. Unlike other reviewers I did not find it necessary to precut the squares at all – the grass is very thin, the soil is quite ‘loose’ (not clay) AND I waited until it rained – all of which helped. And of course I am not trying to save the grass plugs for future use – just flipping them over so they can add more organic material to the planting bed. I have a good system figured out so it is going quickly. Super satisfying! Excited about getting rid of the grass and having a more sustainable yard here in the suburbs of NYC – out with the sprinklers and the challenges of maintaining a lawn!
Stephen Kuchta –
A really indispensable tool (while it lasted) for getting through sod. I second the advice about putting a sharp edge on it. But apparently Bully has been using a cheaper steel because this is the second sod/edging tool they’ve sent me that’s bent like butter. I’d shop at the Orange or Blue Box if I wanted butter steel. Please don’t cheap out now, Bully.