Looks like a good tool. I have something similar that is made in the U.S. and sells for somewhat less. It looks like they both operate like giant slide hammers. I can get a bamboo division out of the ground in a couple of minutes with mine. It would be interesting to do a side-by-side comparison of the two tools.

P.S.: I thought you Kiwis had so many clumpers to choose from that you didn't have to worry about managing bamboo...

Here is a link that might be useful: Bamboo spade

Kia Ora Kudzu9

I have had a Bamboo spade several years ago, it did not like dense rhizomes in tight spaces. ( It did not last long) In NZ we have hundreds of different types of clumpers and runners. I spend lots of time removing runners and planting them on farms to filter effluent from stock. The Slammer is the most robust tool for this job I have found, I use it to fence off planting areas and it is great for tree planting. The best part is the shape of the blade to get the tool out of tight roots or soil with out putting your back out. The Bamboo spade is made by WW manufacturing in NJ and they make the King of Spades a great tool indeed.

Here is a link that might be useful: The Slammer tool website

bambootiger-
Thanks. Good to know. If my Bamboo Spade ever wears out, I''ll check out the Slammer. I've had my Spade for 6-7 years and used it for many types of bamboo, pampas grass removal, tree root severing, and easy division of overgrown day lilies. It has a couple of small dings on the edge where I accidentally tried to divide underground rocks, but otherwise no significant wear. Did yours actually get damaged, or do you just find the shape of the Slammer more efficient?

Hi Kudzu9

My history is 20+ years of Bamboo removal and edjucation, I have worked on the pacific coast of the USA at many Bamboo nurseries and invasive plant species forums in the states, Hawaii and Australia. Usually it is in rock , concrete, and whatever else those rhizomes get into. My spade just was not solid enough for the everyday work and the welds gave out from being bent and thrashed from use. The Slammer is a tool created for work like this and is used for rescuing people from earthquake rubble and breaking rock,concrete,rebar, the owner and designer is a friend and he asked me how it would work on Bamboo. When working in Seattle creating Bamboo Gardens of Washington we had worked on designs with Ned Janquith from Oregon and that is how that blade is designed for cutting back out once it is Slammed in. Turned out to be great for the other uses as well. I also know Sue and Adam turtle who I believe is behind the bamboo spade. I am writing a book on Bamboo maintenance after all these years. It is such a blessing and done right it is a low maintenance plant and can provide so much to so many. I have spent many years in Asia, India, and places where it is so loved, and I wish to pass that on. I also love growing the roots into designs and building Hardweed beams. Bamboo construction is another aspect of my history and there is some things I will not do again, but a very interesting journey and I still have so much to learn! My wife showed me this site so I will do my best to keep up with the times and have a look every so often. If anyone has questions on how to set up bamboo so it does not get a bad name I am happy to help.

bambootiger-
Thanks for sharing all that info...very interesting. As far as bamboo web sites, you are aware, I assume, of Bambooweb? They have a huge library of photographs, and great forums.

Here is a link that might be useful: BambooWeb