[HairOfTheDog]

If you could shovel rather horizonally and take off the top two inches of sod, dispose of that, and then get one of those garden claw dealies... You'd be done.

And if cutting off the sod goes slow and is too much work, you can reassess the rental from a position of fatigue :~D

We're going out tonight, for a bite to eat and some pints, be back later :~D

[RosieCotton]

That looks like a rather effective means of torture...but I like that it's manual.

I hadn't realized how large rototillers are - I'm glad you mentioned it. Somehow I was picturing something about the size of a weed whacker that I could easily pick up in the van. Um...what can I say? I stoopid.

[Corin Stormhands]

I've got one of those. It's not bad for stirrin' up the dirt for a plant or two. Not sure I'd want to do a whole garden bed. Prolly depends on how soft the ground is already.

But, if you get one, it'll work to help turn your compost as well.