Self-Build Kit – La Campagnole® Gardener 50 CDR

La Campagnole® Gardener 50 CDR is the spring counter-tooth version of La Fabriculture's flagship tool, designed for light, sandy or stony soils. For those who can weld and want to build it themselves, this self-build kit contains everything needed: metal parts already laser-cut, drilled, folded and pressed, wooden handles, hardware and full technical documentation with detailed plans. All that remains is to assemble and weld.

Parts are supplied bare: you can paint them, treat them or leave them as-is according to your preference. The quality of the parts is identical to those used in the series Campagnoles® produced at the workshop.

The manufacturing plans are also available as open source on lafabriculture.fr for those who want to go further and fabricate the parts themselves from raw material.

KIT CONTENTS

✅ All structural metal parts (laser-cut, drilled, folded, pressed) ;

✅ Spring counter-teeth included ;

✅ Untreated wooden handles ;

✅ Full hardware kit ;

✅ Technical documentation: detailed A3 plans + assembly technical notes ;

✅ Parts supplied bare — paint or treat as preferred.

SKILL LEVEL REQUIRED

• Ability to weld (Arc, MIG/MAG or TIG) ;
• Intermediate metalwork level: plan reading, part assembly, dimensional accuracy ;
• Special attention when fitting the springs: strictly follow the dimensions and angles given in the plans to ensure the counter-teeth work correctly ;
• Minimum equipment: welder, angle grinder, square, protractor, clamps, vice grips, tape measure or rule, scriber, steel wedges ;
• Appropriate PPE: welding gloves and jacket, safety glasses, safety boots.

USING THE CAMPAGNOLE® GARDENER 50 CDR ONCE ASSEMBLED

• Position La Campagnole at the start of a row, wheels on the ground, tines facing the soil ;
• Push forward to drive all 5 tines to 24 cm depth ;
• Pull back: the spring counter-teeth engage, flex over stones and roots and return to position without jamming ;
• Repeat the back-and-forth motion across the full width of the plot ;
• On very stony ground, a second pass can be made to clear stones brought to the surface ;
• Ideal for family gardens and small plots up to 300 m² on light, sandy or stony soils.

MAINTAINING THE ASSEMBLED TOOL

• Rinse tines, counter-teeth and side plates with clean water after each use, or brush with a suitable wire brush ;
• Allow to dry before storing to prevent corrosion ;
• Protect the wooden handle with linseed oil once or twice a year ;
• Grease the wheel axles with vegetable oil ;
• If tines or counter-teeth wear out, replacement parts are available on lafabriculture.fr.

FAQ

What welding level is needed to assemble this kit?

An intermediate level is required — no need to be a professional welder, but you must have the basics: MIG/MAG, Arc or TIG welding, reading technical plans, respecting dimensions and angles. The documentation includes detailed plans and assembly notes. If you have never welded, we recommend getting some training first or calling on a metalwork craftsman for the assembly.

Is fitting the springs more difficult than the CDF kit?

The CDR kit requires extra care when fitting the spring counter-teeth. The springs must be positioned and welded according to precise dimensions and angles given in the plans — incorrect positioning could reduce the effectiveness of the mechanism or cause premature wear. The plans detail every step. An intermediate metalwork level is sufficient, provided the documentation is followed carefully.

Does the kit really contain everything needed to build the Campagnole®?

Yes. All metal parts are already laser-cut, drilled, folded and pressed — you do not need to fabricate them. The kit includes the spring counter-teeth, wooden handles, hardware and manufacturing plans. You only need welding equipment and common metalwork tools (angle grinder, square, clamps...).

What is the difference between the kit and the finished Campagnole®?

The finished Campagnole® Gardener 50 CDR is assembled, welded and checked in La Fabriculture's workshop in Aveyron. The kit is supplied with bare parts to assemble yourself. The quality of the parts is identical — only the assembly differs. The kit offers significant savings if you have the equipment and skills required.

Are the plans included in the kit?

Yes, the detailed manufacturing plans (A3 format) are included in every kit. They are also available as open source on lafabriculture.fr for those who want to fabricate the parts themselves from raw material.

What is the difference between the 50 CDR and the 50 CDF?

The CDR version (spring counter-teeth) is recommended for light, sandy or stony soils: the springs eject stones and roots without jamming the tool. The CDF version (fixed counter-teeth) is recommended for heavy, clay soils: its rigidity breaks up the most compact clods. The CDF kit is also available on lafabriculture.fr.

Is a self-built Campagnole® as robust as the workshop-finished version?

Yes, if assembled correctly according to the plans provided. The parts are identical to those used in production. The quality of the finished tool depends in particular on the quality of the spring positioning and welds. All La Fabriculture mechanowelded parts carry a lifetime guarantee — this guarantee also applies to kits assembled according to the plans provided.