To make work in the country easier, forward-thinking craftsmen acquire all kinds of equipment. It is especially recommended to carefully select units for working with soil, since this requires not only annual excavation of the soil, but also loosening, removing weeds, and so on. And in this case, the cultivator will be indispensable.
However, there are so many options that it is difficult to choose the most suitable device. It's important to consider how you plan to use it, in what areas and how often. “KP” will help you - we’ll tell you about the best cultivators for the garden in 2022.
Shovel
The basic tool of a summer resident is a shovel. There are many types of this tool. To dig up loose soil, use a bayonet shovel.
It is convenient to cultivate the soil in the garden using the “Mole”. We are talking about a shovel-ripper. This device allows you to simultaneously perform several tasks: digging and loosening soil, removing weeds.
The depth of soil cultivation is 25 cm. In addition to the stop, which relieves the load from the lower back, the tool is equipped with counter forks that break up clods of earth.
Soil ripper made from a saw
Every gardener or gardener has a broken saw on his farm. A triangular blade is easily and quickly cut out of it, to which a fifteen-centimeter long metal pipe bent at a slight angle is riveted. A round wooden stick is inserted into it. Its length varies from one to one and a half meters, depending on the height of the person who will work with this equipment. The blade is an isosceles triangle. It can be made in different shapes. The size of the blade depends on where you need to loosen the soil. If these are narrow row spacings, it is better to use garden tools for loosening the soil with a small blade.
It is also used for loosening the soil and weeding in greenhouses, between raspberry and strawberry bushes. The small plate of a homemade ripper is seven to eight centimeters wide and six and a half long. To loosen the soil under currant, gooseberry, and grape bushes, use equipment with a medium-sized blade, the width of which is fifteen centimeters and the length is ten. They can be used to loosen beds with melons, cucumbers and tomatoes.
To cultivate the soil under fruit trees, it is more convenient to use a large blade, which is equipped with garden tools for loosening the soil. A self-made ripper easily copes with labor-intensive work. The width of the blade is twenty-five centimeters, the length is fourteen. You can take any other sizes.
Garden forks
It is convenient to cultivate loose soil with a pitchfork. There are several types of tools that differ in the number of teeth.
Garden forks are: two-pronged - for loosening and carrying hay; three-armed - for deep loosening and digging of soil; four-armed, multifunctional (there are regular, border, floral).
Using the device, it is convenient to loosen the soil, apply fertilizers, dig up root crops, and remove garbage from the site. Border forks are used to remove weeds between rows, while flower forks are used to care for flower beds.
Experts recommend purchasing forks with a carbon steel tip, a working surface width of 20 cm, 4 teeth, and a height of 10 cm below the shoulder.
Rakes for garden beds and cleaning
Rakes come into play later than other soil cultivation tools, but this makes their work no less important. When large layers of soil have been turned over with shovels, the turf has been broken up, weeds have been removed, and the surface has been loosened and cultivated, the ground is a “war zone” of uneven spots and bumps. All this is leveled with a rake before planting. A rake consists of a handle and teeth. It is best to choose a tip made of structural steel: it is the most durable. There are garden and fan rakes.
After watering, a dense layer of soil forms on the surface, which over time can turn into a dried crust. To create furrows into which the water will flow, a rake is used to traverse the area.
- Garden - have one transverse axis with teeth. In budget models, the teeth are fastened with rivets; more durable examples are made from a single piece of steel. It is better to choose a garden rake for excavation work on a summer cottage.
- Fans consist of steel or plastic spokes that diverge from one point. This design is best suited for cleaning up garbage, old dried leaves and grass in a summer cottage. The grip width of fan rakes can sometimes be changed using a special lever.
Flat cutters
A flat cutter is a multifunctional device. It looks like a curved metal blade with three pointed edges attached to a handle. Using the device saves time and effort, and relieves stress from the lower back.
The flat cutter has a lot of advantages. It is a complete replacement for a hoe, shovel, rake. Allows you to process hard-to-reach areas.
Its use improves the soil structure. Using a flat cutter, you can qualitatively loosen the soil (working depth is 5-7 cm) in unseeded beds and between rows.
The tool can be small, with a narrow blade - for shallow loosening; large (the blade is long and wide) - for processing 15 cm deep. There is also a distinction between “Moguschnik” (wide blade) - for hilling, and “Krepysh” (short blade) - for clay soil. “Polotik” is used to control weeds.
Hoe - a thunderstorm of clods and weeds
After working in “big strokes” with shovels and pitchforks, you need to take care of spot processing of the beds and flower beds. Operations such as weeding, cultivation, hilling, etc. cannot be done with a large tool - a more precise tool is needed. There is no need to invent in this matter, a hoe is a tool known since ancient times, it is a steel tip on a small handle. The hoe has many names: hoe, hoe, katmen, etc., and there are even more different tips.
- The V -shaped blade is used for row-spacing, weeding and seed planting. The meaning of this form is to deliver a targeted strike. This way you can break up clods of earth or pick up annoying weeds.
Over time, a compacted crust forms on the top layer of soil, which prevents moisture and air, along with nutrients, from penetrating to the roots. Breaking up and mixing this top layer is called loosening. This procedure allows the bed to “breathe” and the roots of the plants to “be saturated” with water.
- The wide blade looks like a steel plate, which allows you to rake the earth in one place. This is useful when carrying out hilling.
Hilling is a special technique in agriculture when soil is dug into the roots of a plant. As a result, a small mound is formed; the concentration of fertile soil in one place stimulates the development of roots. In winter, the roots are securely covered with an earthen “cap” and do not freeze. When hilling, not only a hoe will help, but also a scoop.
- Fokin's flat cutter is an invention of engineer V.V. Fokina. This simple design is simple to the point of genius. In fact, she manages to combine several types of hoes and hoes at once. The curved blade is attached to a long wooden handle. The sharp end allows you to loosen the soil, and the flat side serves for raking the earth and hilling.
Hand weeding is one of the most gentle and thorough ways to control weeds. There are no harmful herbicides, after which nothing can be sown for a long time, and during the harvest period the use of herbicides is completely prohibited. Cultivation using gardening equipment (cultivators) also does not give sufficient effect: the upper part of the weed is removed, but root particles still remain in the ground and produce unwanted shoots. Manual weeding allows you to carefully rid the bed of all weeds - the work, of course, is labor-intensive, but the result is worth it.
- Half-moon hoe - the tool received this poetic name for its semicircular shape. The device is designed for trimming the edges of lawns and beds. With the help of steps, like a shovel, you can plunge the tool into the ground using your body weight.
A beautiful lawn must have a clear border; for this, an edge trimming procedure is carried out.
| Double-sided hoe includes two tools at once | The blade of a flat cutter made of thick steel is bolted to the handle | Many manufacturers produce nozzles and cuttings separately. This allows you to have one handle and several tips for it |
Hand cultivator
The multifunctional hand cultivator is a steel structure with four floating star blades. Using it, you can effectively loosen and plow the soil.
A hand cultivator will help you weed and create beds. Use the tool in wide areas (potato plantations, tomato, cucumber beds) and between rows.
There are many types of hand cultivator. The most popular is "Tornado". It will replace the shovel. Using the technique reduces the load on the legs and back and strengthens the spinal muscles.
The principle of operation is simple: the tool is stuck into the ground and the handle (adjustable) is turned. The processing depth is 20 cm. The advantage is that loosening occurs without turning over the formation. This preserves moisture, microflora and earthworms.
Top 10 rating according to KP
Editor's Choice
Daewoo DAT 2500E (from 25 thousand rubles)
Daewoo DAT 2500E.
Photo: Daewoo Best au pair
Here is a powerful electric tool for loosening and leveling the soil. It is based on an electric motor with a volume of 3.4 liters and a power of 2500 W. An impressive 4 cutters and 16 knives are used for processing.
The cultivator is equipped with a transport wheel of increased diameter for convenient movement around the site. The device is powered from a 220 V electrical network, and is started by switching the lever on the tool handle.
Characteristics
| Processing width | 550 mm |
| Processing depth | 280 mm |
| engine's type | electric |
| Gearbox type | chain |
| Power | 3.4 hp |
| Housing material | metal |
| Power type | electrical network 220 V |
Advantages and disadvantages
Good processing width, powerful engine
Price
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Hyundai T 2000e (from 24 thousand rubles)
Hyundai T 2000e.
Photo: Hyundai High-quality device from a global manufacturer
This model is equipped with an electric motor with a power of 2000 W. The cultivator provides a processing width of 450 mm and is ideal for use on medium- and large-sized areas. The device body is made of metal and is highly resistant to any impact.
The cultivator weighs 29.8 kg, which is not too much for devices of this class. The delivery set includes cutters, user manual and mounting kit.
Characteristics
| Processing width | 450 mm |
| Processing depth | 260 mm |
| engine's type | electric |
| Gearbox type | chain |
| Power | 2.4 hp |
| Housing material | metal |
| Power type | electrical network 220 V |
Advantages and disadvantages
Well built, reliable manufacturer
Processing width could be greater
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DDE ET1200-40 (from 7.5 thousand rubles)
DDE ET1200-40.
Photo: DDE Budget option for a small area
A self-propelled cultivator with a worm gear is suitable for use on a small area. The model is distinguished by its small overall dimensions and low (12 kg) weight. The cultivator cultivates the soil to a width of 400 mm. The maximum processing depth is 220 mm.
The cultivator is equipped with a folding handle for convenient storage. A special shield on the device acts as a “barrier” between the work area and the space above it.
Characteristics
| Processing width | 400 mm |
| Processing depth | 200 mm |
| engine's type | electric |
| Gearbox type | worm |
| Power | 1.6 hp |
| Housing material | metal, plastic |
| Power type | electrical network 220 V |
Advantages and disadvantages
Price, good processing width
Not suitable for a large area
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What other garden cultivators are worth paying attention to?
Hyundai T 850 (from 27 thousand rubles)
Hyundai T 850. Photo: Hyundai
Quality you have to pay for
Cultivator 850 is designed for mechanical tillage. Its power is 6.5 hp. enough to loosen even heavily compacted clay soil. The device moves along the plowed ground at walking speed and breaks up large clods, leaving behind a bed completely suitable for planting.
Characteristics
| Processing width | 800 mm |
| Processing depth | 300 mm |
| engine's type | petrol |
| Gearbox type | chain |
| Power | 6.5 hp |
| Housing material | metal |
| Fuel type | petrol |
Advantages and disadvantages
Reliability, impressive processing width
The petrol engine is not for everyone
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PATRIOT Elektra 1500 (from 6 thousand rubles)
PATRIOT Elektra 1500. Photo: PATRIOT
Compact device for small areas
The electric cultivator Electra 1500 is designed for loosening and cultivating relatively small areas of land. Thanks to its size, it is a reliable assistant in greenhouses and in the garden.
Yes, its power will not impress an experienced owner, but for beginners and owners of 6 acres, the cultivator is ideal. It is also compact and suitable for storage even in the smallest area.
Characteristics
| Processing width | 460 mm |
| Processing depth | 180 mm |
| engine's type | electric |
| Gearbox type | worm |
| Power | 2.04 hp |
| Housing material | metal, plastic |
| Power type | electrical network 220 V |
Advantages and disadvantages
Price, good processing width
Not the most powerful
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Huter GMC-6.5 (from 18 thousand rubles)
Huter GMC-6.5.
Photo: Huter Monster among cultivators
This is a reliable and multifunctional equipment for loosening and weeding the soil. The motor-cultivator is equipped with a four-stroke gasoline engine with a power of 4780 W and a 3.6-liter fuel tank for AI-92 gasoline. One of the features is a special intermediate gearbox, which allows the unit to move forward and backward.
For convenience during operation, the cultivator is equipped with a support wheel, a coulter for controlling the plowing depth, an ergonomic rubberized handle with the necessary controls and a folding mechanism.
Characteristics
| Processing width | 850 mm |
| engine's type | petrol |
| Gearbox type | chain |
| Power | 6.5 hp |
| Housing material | metal |
| Fuel type | petrol |
Advantages and disadvantages
Very powerful, processing width
Not the most environmentally friendly
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Daewoo Power Products DAT 4555 (from 21 thousand rubles)
Daewoo Power Products DAT 4555. Photo: Daewoo Power Products
A reliable assistant in loosening any soil
The Daewoo DAT 4555 cultivator is equipped with 4 knives, which provide impressive width and depth of processing. This model has transport wheels and a handle that can be folded. The height of the handle can also be adjusted.
The presence of a muffler helps reduce the noise level in the cultivator. The weight of the model’s body is relatively low: it is 31 kg.
Characteristics
| Processing width | 550 mm |
| Processing depth | 260 mm |
| engine's type | petrol |
| Gearbox type | gear |
| Power | 6.5 hp |
| Housing material | metal |
| Fuel type | petrol |
Advantages and disadvantages
Good processing depth, powerful
Price
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Hammer RT-50A (from 29 thousand rubles)
Hammer RT-50A.
Photo: Hammer Hammer for any soil
The Hammer RT-50A cultivator is designed for cultivating turf and loose soil, as well as for cultivating soil in gardens, around trees and shrubs. The device has an impressive power of more than 5 horsepower. It is made of strong metal alloy and will serve you for many years. Yes, you will have to spend money on gasoline, but if you need to process a large area, pay attention.
Characteristics
| Processing width | 500 mm |
| Processing depth | 360 mm |
| engine's type | petrol |
| Gearbox type | chain |
| Power | 5.03 hp |
| Housing material | metal |
| Fuel type | petrol |
Advantages and disadvantages
Very powerful, good processing width
Spending on gasoline
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BISON MKT-200 (from 21 thousand rubles)
BISON MKT-200.
Photo: ZUBR Very powerful cultivator made in Russia
This is a powerful petrol cultivator for loosening and cultivating with a good combination of high performance, controllability and stability. The handle of the device can be adjusted vertically. And the presence of reverse greatly facilitates its operation.
The model has well thought out user friendliness. The adjustable coulter is securely fixed to the cultivator frame and is responsible for adjusting the plowing depth. And the hardened cutters perfectly bury to full depth and help move the cultivator forward.
Characteristics
| Processing width | 850 mm |
| Processing depth | 330 mm |
| engine's type | petrol |
| Gearbox type | chain |
| Power | 7 hp |
| Housing material | metal |
| Fuel type | petrol |
Advantages and disadvantages
Fantastic power, ease of use
A bit heavy
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Husqvarna TF 335 (from 55 thousand rubles)
Husqvarna TF 335. Photo: Husqvarna
Expensive, but high quality
A reliable, maneuverable and easy-to-use cultivator for loosening and cultivating soil in a personal plot. The device has an efficient engine with an easy start function and an oil bath air filter. The opener allows you to control the depth of penetration. Foldable, adjustable handles and transport wheel make it easy to use, transport and store.
Characteristics
| Processing width | 800 mm |
| Processing depth | 300 mm |
| engine's type | petrol |
| Gearbox type | chain |
| Power | 6.1 hp |
| Housing material | metal, plastic |
| Fuel type | petrol |
Advantages and disadvantages
Quality, high power
Price
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Electric cultivator
An electric cultivator is a small-sized garden equipment that runs on mains power. Used in small open areas and in greenhouses.
They are convenient for loosening the soil, cultivating row spacing, leveling the area, and applying fertilizer during loosening. It is easy to operate the electric cultivator. It is light in weight. The handle of the device can be adjusted in height.
Selection rules
The following criteria should be considered when selecting a suitable tool:
- required soil plowing depth; — size of the treated area; — gun depth;
- size of the treated area; — working area of the gun
- working area of the tool;
- application location: Mole is ideal for open spaces Mole is ideal, but for hard to reach areas Small hand tools are ideal;
- landing height.
Soil ripper from a hoe
This type of equipment is very easy to make. You need to take an ordinary hoe and weld a curved steel plate to the central part of the blade. Drill two holes at its free end. Then a piece of pipe with a diameter of two and a half centimeters is selected. On one side, two square cheeks are welded to it, on each of which five coaxial holes are drilled. The cheeks are located symmetrically in relation to each other.
The distance between them should correspond to the thickness of the curved plate, which is inserted between the cheeks and secured. A wooden handle is inserted into the pipe section on the opposite side. This is how you can make garden tools for loosening the soil with your own hands. The photo clearly demonstrates how you can change the angle of inclination relative to the ground.
