How to choose a garden cultivator

Archaic hoes, shovels, rakes and other digging sticks are gradually becoming a thing of the past. Garden cultivators automate the routine, relieve a person from heavy, monotonous and back-damaging work. Manufacturers offer hundreds of models that differ significantly from each other in capabilities and technical characteristics. In this guide, we will figure out what classes of cultivators are and how to choose the best model for your garden. 

engine's type

Electric models are 5-7 kg lighter and more agile than their gasoline counterparts, they do not require fuel and oil to lubricate the engine, and are easy to prepare for starting work. They are relatively quiet, vibrate less and bounce less when moving. Main disadvantage: the wire that restricts freedom of movement, gets tangled and clings, may be short.

Electric cultivators are easily handled by women and the elderly. Such models are convenient to use in small areas up to 3 acres. It is possible to process 6-10 acres with a medium-weight unit, you will need a large coil of electrical wire for 40-50 meters and the ability not to get tangled in the wires.

Gasoline cultivators require more attention - before starting it is necessary to check the oil level, refill with gasoline. During the startup process, you need to perform a certain sequence of actions and configure the device according to the instructions.

In many medium to heavy cultivators, the engine starting handle is stiff and requires serious physical effort. You can buy a model with an electric starter (electric start). Before starting work, it is imperative to adjust the intensity of the fuel supply and the smoothness of the throttle stick.

After completion of work, before sending the unit for long-term storage, it is necessary to lubricate all mechanical parts with a thin layer of oil.

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Characteristics

• Power - this parameter determines productivity, the ability to process different types of soil and the price. Range from 1 to 11 horsepower or 700 to 8000 watts.
• Differential lock - makes it easier to turn a heavy cultivator in place. If there is no such function, for narrow beds it is better to take a model with a minimum width.
• Working width - a strip of land cultivated per pass varies from 300 to 1400 millimeters.
• The plowing width adjuster is a useful feature, in some models the cutter can be changed without a wrench, in others you need to disassemble the entire cutter.
• The number of speeds is a maximum of 4 forward and 2 backward. The simplest models only move forward or back and forth. The speed switch allows you to lower the speed and weed, hilling, plowing.
• Reverse is a useful feature, especially for models that are difficult to unfold.
• Working depth - It is worth considering how deep you need to cut the ground. Most models have a plowing depth of 10-30 centimeters.
• Transport Wheels - Light models are rarely equipped with wheels, a large monowheel can hold the cultivator better than two small ones. The size and quantity must be selected taking into account the type of soil on the site. It is useful to have several different sized kits.
• Folding Handle - Some models have the option to fold the handles after using the unit to save space during storage.
  Number of knives - Models with a large number of knives (8–10) do not sink deep into the soil, 4–6 knives are sufficient for most tasks.
• Self-propelled - models with this function facilitate the operator's work, moving independently in a straight line. They are more expensive.
• Engine location - the lower it is located, the more stable the cultivator.
• Weight - a light cultivator jumps during work, especially on soft and dry soils, a heavy cultivator is clumsy and requires arm muscle tension.
• The presence of a protective shield against lumps flying into the legs is also a comfortable trifle.

Most of the parameters are only relevant for medium to large areas with difficult soil. You should not buy a powerful and heavy cultivator for a plot of up to 6 acres, it is easier to plow with a tract once and then dig it up with a light model. If it is not possible to use heavy agricultural machinery or if you plan to equip the unit with equipment for weeding, plowing and hilling, take a look at medium-sized cultivators with a speed switch. 

Reducer type

The performance and durability of the cultivator depends on the type of gearbox. All gearboxes are divided into 3 types, differing in the type of transmission: worm, chain, gear.

The worm gearbox is mounted on a motor with a shaft pointing downwards. It is characterized by high efficiency, but it is afraid of loads, it quickly overheats. It is easily damaged when the cutter collides with stones, concrete, reinforcement - the impact force is transmitted to the engine. Undesirable to use with attachments.

The chain-type gearbox is installed on most cultivators - it is a relatively simple, durable and inexpensive design. The main disadvantage is that the rotation speed is too high.

Since the chain hardly dampens the engine speed, the cutter moves at a speed of 120–160 rpm, turning the earth into fluff. To compensate for the high rpm, lugs can be attached. If the load is too heavy, the chain may break.

Gear - the most expensive type of gearboxes, capable of working without repair for over 2000 hours.

This type of transmission is characterized by vibration and loud sound. It makes sense to buy cultivators with a gear reduction only for processing large fields using attachments.    

The gear -chain reducer is a hybrid of the two types, usually paired with a gearbox to adjust the speed. With such a gearbox, you can safely plow virgin soil and use any attachments for cultivators: hillers , lugs , potato diggers .