Manual cultivators for tillage in the country - rotary and mechanical

Getting a good harvest or the right kind of backyard lawn is preceded by a number of topsoil treatments. Digging, harrowing, loosening, breaking up clods of soil, removing weeds and their roots, digging up root crops are all necessary, but physically hard work.

Requiring a plus to all significant time expenditures.

To facilitate labor and increase productivity, various types of manual cultivators have been created for cultivating the soil in the country - gasoline, electric, manual, light and heavy.

The advantages of their use are enormous - mobility, the ability to work hard-to-reach land plots for heavy equipment, an increase in the speed of work several times. The quality of land cultivation is increased many times over compared to the use of hand tools - shovels or glanders.

Manual cultivator of the earth. What it is?

The hand cultivator is a modern, efficient mechanical assistant that helps prepare the land for various types of agricultural work. With the help of the device, you can not only prepare the soil for the spring sowing campaign, but also thoroughly mix fertilizers, normalize the structure of the earth. The main working part is cutters, which are in direct contact with fertile soil layers.
Advantages - low price range, convenience, ease of use.

Miracle shovel for digging the earth - a well-groomed garden without effort! The author of the article. Kuznetsov Vasily Stepanovich.

Main functions:

• weeding;
• plowing;
• weed removal;
• loosening the soil;
• the formation of landing holes;
• mixing of soil and applied mineral and organic fertilizers.

Manufacturers produce several types of this device:

• rotary;
• ripper;
• electric;
• petrol;
• diesel.

Before buying a cultivator, you need to know the amount of planned work and the number of cultivated areas. For home use on small personal plots, there is no need to buy expensive equipment, but you should opt for simple and small models with an affordable price range.

Depending on the weight, there are three types of devices.

• Lungs. They are used for areas with light soil with an area of ​​no more than 10 acres. The milling cutter does not penetrate more than 25 cm in depth. The device is widely used in greenhouses and greenhouses. The use of an electrically driven machine significantly limits the cultivation area.
• Average. Machines for processing areas with different types of soil up to 30 acres. The maximum weight of one device can be up to 40 kg. To carry out the work, you must have experience in managing agricultural machinery.
• Heavy. Devices weighing up to 65 kg and working area up to 50 acres. Universal and mobile devices operate only on combustible fuel.

Features of gasoline models

The type of food is a fundamental characteristic in the choice, since a lot also depends on it in terms of technical and operational properties. To begin with, it should be noted that gasoline engines do not fit into the same concept of light cultivators. The gasoline engine itself makes the structure heavier, making it more massive.Against this background, of course, electric and battery models, on which most manufacturers rely, are much more attractive. For example, noiselessness, relative autonomy, environmental friendliness and lightness are quite significant characteristics for which the battery mini-cultivator is appreciated.

The gasoline unit, however, has many of its own, no less significant advantages. Among them, it is enough to highlight the higher power, complete independence from the outlet, reliability and the ability to equip with a wide range of attachments. By the way, about independence under operating conditions at a summer cottage - often this type of power supply becomes the only possible one. It could compete with battery models, but only if electricity is available. If we are talking about a long work process away from home, then there is simply no alternative to gasoline cars.

But in the very segment of gasoline models there are many subclasses. The most significant difference is in the type of engine. There are 2 and 4-stroke machines on the market. The former correspond in their abilities to powerful (for their class) electric cultivators, and the latter are close to the initial level of heavy implements. This difference will ultimately determine how the mini-cultivator will be maintained. The gasoline 4-stroke engine implies separate filling of fuel and oil into two tanks, which partly determines its high power potential during operation. 2-stroke models mix oil and gasoline in one container.

How to use a hand cultivator. Operating principle

Cultivators for manual cultivation of the land are divided into two groups: cultivators and rotary models. Representatives of the first variety resemble a hand, equipped with three or five metal "fingers".

Cultivator for giving

In fact, this is a highly modernized hoe, which requires a lot of physical effort to work with. Therefore, this option is more suitable for working in greenhouses. The working element of rotary models is made in the form of stars, with a large number of beams.

During work, the stars literally "bite" into the ground, loosening the soil and at the same time cutting and crushing weeds.

How to use the sprocket rotary cultivator? Due to the simplicity of the design, this device is quite easy to handle.

The unit is installed vertically in the ground, the standard position of the cultivator: the sprockets are located in the row spacings, the connecting axle runs over the bed. The cultivator is set in motion by means of the applied effort.

Even taking into account the fact that the driving force is a person, the cultivation of the land is much faster than when performing similar actions with a shovel or a hoe.

Almost all models of manual rotary cultivators are equipped with additional wheels, which makes it easier to move the unit through the beds. In addition, the product can be mounted on a long handle, which allows you to work without bending your back.

This point is very important for retirees who often suffer from sciatica, in fact, they are the main buyers of this type of garden tools.

Application

The main question that needs to be answered when buying a mini cultivator is how it will need to be used. For work on small land, it will be rational to purchase a manual model.

But if its area that is being processed is much larger, the choice of equipment should depend on the area, the quality of the soil, the variety of work that the operator plans to carry out.

There is no need to spend unthinkable amounts and resolve issues with the storage and storage of the productive apparatus, if the cultivated land plot is not more than 1-2 acres, on which small beds and flowers are planted.

If small beds are planted on the site, or it is necessary to take care of trees that stand separately, even a medium-power device with a wide grip will be difficult to operate, it will not be able to process the soil with high quality.

If you choose manufacturers, you need to pay attention to financial capabilities. Worldwide and popular manufacturers set the price more expensive, but they will also have higher quality materials for parts and housing.

Tornado hand cultivator. The lineup

Usually, any work in the country, a personal plot has not very pleasant components - fatigue, pain in the back, legs, arms. Therefore, users are very enthusiastic about every novelty and improvement, like the Fokin and Kozma plane cutters, the Tornado cultivator.

The first cultivator, instead of today's universal arc, had comfortable hand grips and looked like this in the photo:

The Tornado hand cultivator has the simplest device - it is a strong metal rod with a curved crossbar on top and control knobs. In the lower part of the device, specially bent sharpened teeth are fixed. Without much physical effort, performing short, sharp clockwise rotations, a person easily controls a convenient device.

Manual cultivator root remover

The root remover has wide capabilities - loosening the soil, digging, removing weeds, weeding, delicate tillage near trees and bushes with a productivity 3-4 times higher than when working with simple implements.

Manual cultivator root remover

The depth of tillage is up to 20 cm, that is, practically on the bayonet of a shovel. Unlike the Fokin plane cutter, which, in fact, is just a slightly modified hoe, the Tornado cultivator can, without bending over, conveniently perform all the specified work.

At the same time, the layers of the earth do not turn over, but retain their natural position with their characteristic microflora. Also, the seeds of preserved perennial weeds are not pulled out from the depth to the surface, as in deep plowing.

Ripper root remover

A lightweight, ergonomic tool with which you can quickly and conveniently, with pinpoint accuracy, you can dig up a plot, loosen the soil, make holes for planting seedlings. The weight of the equipment is only 0.5 kg.

Weed extractor cultivator

An upgraded version of the Tornado-mini cultivator, with which you can also loosen the soil, make holes for bulbous plants, weed the aisles. Thanks to the adjustment, the cultivator can be adjusted to the individual working height.

Manual potato digger

The specialized manual potato digger is easily adjustable in height, does not load the operator's lower back at all.

Manual potato digger Tornado

The cultivator's sharp teeth are hand forged from durable steel. This is a truly versatile tool - having acquired certain skills, it can also perform many other works - loosening, preparing holes for planting.

Garden drill Tornado-Profi

Designed for preparing holes for planting various plants, applying fertilizers and water under trees. Thanks to the hand-made forged part of the drill, the product is highly reliable and durable.

Garden drill Tornado-Profi

The drilling diameter is 20 cm, the depth can reach 1.5 m, thanks to which the Tornado drill can be used for other economic purposes, in the construction of fences.

Superbur

The product is distinguished by the material of manufacture - high-strength heat-treated steel.The forged teeth with a characteristic geometry go through any soil without interference, even with stones and other objects.

Shovel

The ergonomic Tornado shovel with a special grip allows you to carry out heavy work with sand, earth, gravel, clay without stress on the spine. Efficiency and productivity, in comparison with a conventional shovel, are not comparable.

Tornado Shovel

Winter shovel

The super-strong shovel is made of frost-resistant metal, has an impressive size of 40x40 cm. Due to the special curved shape of the shovel, both hands comfortably hold the tool while working, relieving the lower back from the load. The model weighs only 1.6 kg.

Miracle shovel

The shovel is an improved version of the popular Plowman shovel. This product is distinguished by its reduced weight (4 kg), optimal processing parameters - 35 cm wide, 25 cm deep. The shovel has sharp forged teeth, all metal elements are covered with a special composite varnish, which eliminates the adhesion of soil.

Reviews of the model GC-25E from Ergomax

Ergomax is well known to professional farmers as a solid mid-range manufacturer. That is, you should not expect any special delights in terms of reliability and performance, but by general standards and at the basic level of the tasks of an ordinary summer resident, the models of this brand do quite well with their functions.

In particular, the unit is praised for a good option, despite its generally modest working qualities. If you need an inexpensive petrol mini-cultivator for women with an easy start, then you can safely consider this model. The unit is provided with the E-start easy start system, which is implemented at high damage, does not fail and allows you to easily control the structure.

The weak point of the cultivator is the presence of a 2-stroke engine. The downside is the low power of 1.3 kW. As the owners of the model note, with such potential, it is possible to perform only surface loosening, weeding and hilling on the soil prepared in advance for this. For serious plowing, the GC-25E petrol mini-cultivator is not suitable - unless we are talking about a very small area, but in this case the operator will have to suffer during the work.

DIY hand tornado cultivator. About the device

In the fields, cultivation is carried out using special equipment with the necessary equipment, but as for small farms and plots, light motorized equipment can be used for their processing, such cultivators as: electric for summer cottages, mini cultivator, Loplos or hand cultivators.

If we talk about a home-made manual cultivator for giving with your own hands, it is quite possible to make it.

It can be made without the use of any special materials and tools, and this can be done in a day or a couple of hours, depending on what exactly the future product will be - a simple hedgehog with a handle, or a modification of an old bicycle.

But you will definitely benefit from such a product. It will be a well-groomed vegetable garden, where a variety of crops bear fruit equally well, clean of weeds with soil that is easy to cultivate.

Such products function exclusively with the help of muscular strength, so there will be no costs for electricity and fuel, especially maintenance of engines and replacement of parts.

All mechanical parts are extremely reliable due to their simplicity, and in the event that they do break down, it will be very easy to replace anything - you just need to make a new part from existing materials.

Also, making homemade hand cultivators requires little to no design or engineering experience as they are mostly made up of just a few movable joints.

Reviews about the model Carver T-300

According to reviews, this is one of the best cultivator models in its class. The unit turned out to be reliable, lightweight, small and at the same time efficient. It has a capacity of 2 liters. from. and a collapsible design - this makes it possible to easily move equipment in the trunk of a car. What's more interesting, the prices for gasoline mini-cultivators for summer cottages with the same characteristics vary in the range of 10-15 thousand rubles. In this case, Carver offers its car for 9-10 thousand, which cannot but add to the attractiveness of the model.

But there is also a reason to think before buying this device. Among the shortcomings, the owners point to a shortage of spare parts in the domestic market. And although the model is characterized as hardy and durable, it will not be possible to do without technical support. In this sense, it is enough to note the complaints about the gearbox and overheating of the power plant. True, if you use the Carver T-300 petrol mini-cultivator in a gentle mode in accordance with the instructions, then the moment of the upcoming repair can be postponed for a long time.

Manual cultivator for weeding. Types of manual cultivators

The use of a manual cultivator is necessary if you need to cultivate flower beds, greenhouses, alpine slides, areas between bushes and trees in the country. By design, the device is for the garden and for indoor plants. Depending on the design features, the following options are distinguished:

• rotary;
• ripper;
• root remover;
• potato digger;
• flat cutter.

Hand cultivator at work

Manual cultivators for the garden have many advantages. These include:

• ease of use;
• affordable cost;
• small dimensions;
• light weight;
• no need for maintenance, i.e. lubrication, refueling;
• the accuracy of cutting weeds;
• the ability to process hard-to-reach and delicate places in the country;
• a wide range of work performed;
• a higher level of safety compared to motor and electrical appliances.

Manual units for giving and disadvantages are not devoid. Their disadvantages are:

• low productivity, so they are not suitable for tasks in large areas;
• obsolescence compared to modern self-propelled units;
• the need to replace discs in rotary structures;
• low efficiency on hard soils, virgin soil;
• the need to use physical force, so a lot of work may be required to process the site.

Rotary

Rotary cultivator

In another way, such a soil cultivator is called a star ripper. It is powered by a small sprocket shaft. The soil is grasped by the sharp teeth of the cutting mechanism, after which it is lifted and turned inside out. So at the same time, digging and weeding occurs. Additionally, the cultivator is equipped with an adjustable handle. The star-shaped design is convenient for handling in hard-to-reach places. Often the kit includes a weed knife attachment.

Ripper

Cultivator-ripper

This version of the hand cultivator is devoid of any mechanisms. The end of the fixture is supplemented with 3-5 teeth with flat plates. They can cut deep into the soil. To loosen the soil, you need to pull the cultivator towards you. If you lower the structure with force, you can break through the dense crust that appears after heavy rainfall or ramming. The ripper can be a regular size for a summer cottage or a miniature with a short handle for indoor plants.

Root remover

Horse cultivator

It looks like a pole with spirally curved and elongated fingers-teeth at the end. With such a cultivator, you can point and quickly remove the roots of weeds and other unnecessary plants on the site. It is also suitable for loosening the soil, digging holes for seedlings in it. Moreover, this type of adaptation will not damage the structure of the soil, mixing the fertile composition. With its help, you can give the site a beautiful and well-groomed look.

Potato digger

Potato digger

Traditionally, villagers use a pitchfork to dig up potatoes. A slight modification to their design turns such a tool into a simple but convenient hand-held cultivator. His pitchfork is bent at an angle of 30-50 degrees to the ground, and instead of a handle, a metal pipe with a horizontal handle is used. The potatoes are dug out by sticking the cultivator into the soil near the bush, turning around the axis and tilting the handle until the potatoes are removed.

Flat cutter

Flat cutter manual

With the help of such a cultivator, you can cut the roots of weeds and loosen them. Such a device does not overturn the top layer, due to which the structure of the soil is not disturbed, but the yield increases. A manual plane cutter is a series of sharpened flat knives or lances, which are fixed to vertical rods made of reinforcement. When moving, peaks or knives can go to a depth of 10-20 cm, cutting off the upper layer.

Specifications

The working qualities of the cultivator should be assessed according to many parameters. It's worth starting with weight. It has already been said that lightweight models have a mass in the average range of 10-20 kg. But there is also going beyond these limits - it is enough to note the same 8-kilogram models. There are also mini-units weighing 30 kg. For comparison, medium and heavy vehicles weigh 50-60 kg.

The following are the characteristics that determine the processing capabilities of the target area. Here it is necessary to note the width of the coverage of the working bodies and the depth. The width of the grip can vary from 20 to 40 cm. In some cases, this value is adjustable. In terms of the depth of cultivation, mini-cultivators can reach 25 cm, and this is almost a record value for them, which is the weak point of this class as such. Both low weight and modest power do not allow such models to provide a depth of more than 30 cm, which in itself limits the work of a mini-cultivator. The petrol engine, with all its power, is capable of providing high-speed and high-speed travel with quality processing, but it will not affect the maximum sink rate of the cutter in any way.

True, this is not the task of such machines. The lightweight cultivator focuses primarily on maneuverability and work in hard-to-reach areas. Therefore, the number of speeds will be more important. As a rule, even budget light units are provided with two forward speeds and one rear.

comparison table

If you have not yet decided which gasoline cultivator is better to choose in 2019-2020 for your summer cottage, then you can compare the technical characteristics of each model that we have indicated in the comparative table.