Top 10 best electric cultivators for summer cottages: rating of 2019 and which one is better + owner reviews

Types and their characteristics

To buy a high-quality garden gasoline cultivator for plowing beds, you need to know and understand this technique. All models can be divided by engine type into two large groups:

• four-stroke;
• two-stroke.

It is the type of engine in the cultivator design that determines the cost of the unit by 60%. In a 4-stroke, the duty cycle consists of 4 cycles, hence the name. Accordingly, there are 2 of them in two-stroke. The main difference lies in gas exchange, that is, in how the air-fuel mixture is supplied and the exhaust gases are discharged. In a 4-stroke engine, there is a special mechanism, it is responsible for the operation of the exhaust and intake valves, therefore such a motor is heavier and more difficult to maintain.

The two-stroke engine is very inferior in terms of economy, therefore, it is not so often used in the design of gasoline cultivators. Moreover, to create a fuel mixture, the user will have to independently mix gasoline and oil - in a four-stroke engine, all this is automated.

If we talk about comparing these two types of power units, then two-stroke ones have a higher liter capacity, as well as a specific one, but the latter have a gas distribution mechanism.

Environmental friendliness of engines should not be overlooked, since two-stroke exhaust is highly toxic. In terms of the amount of noise generated, four-stroke are predominantly distinguished, they also have a higher operating life, but two-stroke are gaining momentum faster.

If we take into account productivity, then cultivators of the following brands are especially popular today:

• Elitech;
• DDE;
• MTD;
• Champion;
• Texas.

You will have to choose between the following models:

• lungs;
• medium;
• heavy.

Models that are large in weight are very difficult to operate, as they require power from the user.

Lightweight cultivators have low power (up to 4.5 horsepower only). They are ideal for small areas (up to 6 acres), since they have limited performance. Small dimensions and weight make it possible to use the equipment in a greenhouse or in the beds. The capture width of this technique is 20-30 centimeters. The knives sink 8 centimeters into the ground.

It is impractical to use such cultivators for cultivating virgin lands. Their power and weight are not enough to sink the cutter deep enough into the ground. The weight of the equipment does not exceed 40 kilograms. The cultivator easily fits into the trunk of a car - this is the advantage of the lightweight models.

Among other things, these models are quite maneuverable. Cultivators of this type are equipped with a worm gear, hence their short service life, since it is made of plastic.

The category of medium cultivators includes models with up to 6.5 horsepower. Their weight does not exceed 60 kilograms, but even this is enough for maneuverability to decrease, and the quality of processing of heavy soil increases. Such cultivators do not jump, immerse their blades to a depth of 250 mm, and their working width ranges from 400 to 850 mm.

If you select such a model for a summer cottage or garden, then it is desirable that there is a chain gearbox inside, since it has a longer service life, higher efficiency, there is a possibility of reverse. Precisely because this technique has more power, the operator has the opportunity to use more attachments.In the complete set, the manufacturer supplies a plow, a harrow, a hiller and a mower for the equipment.

Heavy cultivators are a separate category of equipment that exhibits up to 10 horsepower. Such units can be safely used on virgin soil, as well as to process large areas with their help. Their weight reaches 120 kilograms, in the design most often there is an opener or a special stop, which, during the movement of the equipment forward, plunges into the ground. The working width varies depending on the model and can be up to 12 meters.

Care

Cultivators undoubtedly help to keep the garden areas tidy with much less effort by the user. However, if you do not take care of the equipment correctly, then it will quickly cease to perform the assigned tasks.

It is always worth using the equipment in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. Failure to do so can quickly shorten the life of expensive equipment. When buying a cultivator, you need to make sure that you are purchasing a model that has a solid construction, especially the handle.

Each time after work, the equipment must be thoroughly cleaned. We must not forget that soil particles, dirt and other elements left on the structure can destroy the metal surface. Some owners choose to use a garden hose and wire brush to remove dirt and debris that has adhered to the blades. The metal components of the cultivators must be kept clean to prevent damage caused by corrosion.

How to choose a cultivator for a summer residence, see below.

Definition of the word "Cultivator" by TSB:

The cultivator is a tool for loosening the surface layer of the soil, destroying weeds and applying mineral fertilizers to the soil. According to their purpose, K. are divided into: steam (Fig. 1) - for continuous tillage. row crops - for loosening the soil and destroying weeds in the aisles of cultivated plants. universal - for continuous and inter-row soil cultivation. plant feeders (Fig. 2) - for processing row spacings with simultaneous application of mineral fertilizers (top dressing). In the USSR, mounted tractor blades are produced. The main working organs of a plant (Fig. 3) are paws, hillers, feeding knives, needle discs, and fertilizer sowing devices (at a plant feeder). ) and loosening the soil. Hillers are used for cutting furrows in irrigated fields, hilling potatoes, cabbage, cotton, and other agricultural crops. plants, killing weeds and covering them with earth. The hiller's toe cuts and loosens the soil, the body and wings raise it and push it to the sides. The feeding knives of the cultivator-plant feeder are equipped with fertilizer pipes through which mineral fertilizers are delivered from the fertilizer dispensers to the bottom of the furrow. Needle discs are used (on rods and rotating hoes) to break up the crust and loosen the soil in the rows of plants and in protective zones. Weeding teeth are designed to process protective zones and row spacings simultaneously with the cultivation of crops of corn and other row crops. The paw is attached to a rack, which is rigidly attached to the frame (only for steam machines) or hinged (for better adaptability of the paw to the field relief and maintaining the specified To cultivate the soil while preserving stubble, a rod K is used. Its working body - a square rod that rotates through a gearbox from the running wheels - sinks 6-10 cm into the soil, loosens it and destroys weeds. For better penetration of the bar, the rocket is equipped with a ballast box that can hold up to 25 kg of cargo (sand or soil). 1 and 2.

similar equipmentCatalog, Zelenevmashiny, Steam section

How to decide on the power unit of a motor cultivator

Electric motors and internal combustion engines are installed on soil cultivators.

Cultivators with electric motors

Such units are driven by a special electric motor. In turn, the engine runs on the mains, and a long cable connects them. Everything is the same as at the beginning of the 20th century, only more powerful and lighter. In addition to its small size, the advantages of the technology include the absence of harmful emissions into the air. When using the device, you will not have to inhale exhaust gases, which are already abundant in the air.

But the main disadvantage of the electric cultivator is the cord. Firstly, it impairs his mobility, since if there is no power outlet nearby, the land will have to be plowed manually. Secondly, you need to monitor the safety of the cable. Damaged by cutters can cause electric shock to the operator, which could result in personal injury. The cost of the equipment is relatively low, but you should not expect high power either. Usually it does not exceed 2 - 3 kW (approximately 2.7 - 4 HP).

There are also cultivators with an electric motor running on a battery without any cables. And this is their only noticeable difference between the models mentioned above. The battery is more mobile, but not superior in power. It is usually used in small areas where only the topsoil is cultivated.

Motor-cultivator with an internal combustion engine

Gasoline powered cultivators are the most popular. There are practically no power restrictions in them. The only thing that can push you away from the purchase is the high price.

Gasoline cultivators are more difficult to maintain. The engine should be periodically cleaned of dust and dirt residues and other maintenance procedures should be carried out. Neglecting them can lead to malfunctions, or even serious damage. Due to the emission of exhaust gases, the device must not be used indoors.

Motor-cultivators can be equipped with two types of internal combustion engines: two-stroke and four-stroke.

1. Two-stroke. They are cheaper and 60–70% more powerful than their four-stroke counterparts (with the same dimensions). But there are disadvantages. The first is economy - the engine uses more fuel. The second is reliability and resource. To avoid serious damage, only good quality fuel and oil should be used. In addition, it is imperative to adhere to the recommended mixing ratio for the ingredients. Otherwise, the breakdown will occur much earlier than the allotted time. In terms of service life, two-stroke engines are always inferior to four-stroke engines. By the way, repairing "two-strokes" is usually quite expensive. Therefore, the spoiled equipment is not sent to a workshop, but to a landfill. The owner goes for a new purchase. You can meet this type of engine only on light models of cultivators.

A motor-cultivator with a two-stroke engine.

2. Four-stroke. Almost all new models are equipped with this engine. The first tangible advantage over the previous version is increased comfort. They boast less noise. The mass is also different. The four-stroke is heavier, which only improves the performance of the equipment when plowing and loosening. The engine also differs in its "cleanliness". There are much less harmful emissions into the air from "four-stroke" engines. And most importantly, equipment with this engine will last longer.

It is widely believed among gardeners that when working with a gasoline cultivator, periodic breaks should be taken in order to cool the engine. But in reality, this is not necessary at all. To raise the temperature beyond the normal range, you need to spend more than one hour. In addition, the tank of the equipment has a limited volume, which is enough for several hours of operation. Accordingly, from time to time you will have to interrupt for refueling. In these few minutes, the engine will have time to cool down before the next refueling (if needed).

A motor-cultivator with a four-stroke engine.

What else to look for when choosing

What type of motor is on your petrol cultivator?

2-stroke 4-stroke

• The weight of the cultivator - a lightweight unit is convenient to use in small areas, it is easy to transport in a car, it does not take up much space. But when working on "heavy" soils with large clods of earth, you may encounter difficulties - the mechanized device will bounce, which will force it to specially load it with additional weight.
• Clutch type - worm gear or chain drive. The first option is not considered suitable for heavy hours of work, but it will work for small areas. Medium and heavy units are equipped with a chain drive that can withstand loads well.
• The number of wheels, their diameter - on small and medium cultivators they put 1-2 wheels, on heavy ones - at least 2. At the same time, the larger their size, the easier it will be to roll the cart on uneven ground. Large models can weigh up to 70 kg or more.

Processing width - average for all models - 230-850 mm. You need to focus on the size of the site and the type of work that will have to be done. A narrower body may be required for mowing irregularly shaped lawns.

Delivery set, type of attachments that can be used in conjunction with a motor cultivator - the more various cutters and attachments are sold with the unit, the less you will need to buy them in the future. To work with rough soil, it is desirable to have special steel wheels with hooks - they will facilitate plowing the earth with large clods, prevent the cultivator from jumping up during operation.

Fuel consumption - depends on the type of engine and model. Usually the manufacturer indicates underestimated values.

But with proper adjustment of the feed, it is often possible to achieve greater efficiency, albeit with a decrease in power.

Brand, warranty period - most manufacturers give 1 year, it is important to clarify whether there are service workshops in the city that serve this particular brand.

User manual

Sometimes the user has a question about why oil starts to pour out during the operation of the equipment. The answer is simple: don't pour too much of it into the barrel, especially when the surface is uneven. For checking the level, a special dipstick is supplied with most models.

Before setting up the cultivator, disconnect the spark plug wire from the spark. To adjust the steering wheel, lower 2 knobs on the inner surface. Be careful not to snag the throttle cable or switch wires. Tighten the handles to secure the handlebars in place.

To adjust the height, remove the handles and mounting bolts and reinstall them through the holes in the top or bottom of the handlebar. Do not forget to tighten the position.

The depth of the teeth is also adjustable by the operator. For this:

• stop the engine and disconnect the spark plug to avoid accidental starting;
• remove the pins from the bracket;
• move the support bracket up or down, the main thing is to align the holes in height;
• push the pin back through the hole.

Unscrew the top of the bottle and remove the paper seal covering the opening. Place the cultivator horizontally on a flat surface. Remove the oil plug / dipstick from the crankcase.Pour the entire bottle of oil into the hole. Never add liquid to the fuel tank. Remove the tag from the plug. Wipe the surface if oil has spilled. Reinstall the plug.

The engine starts as follows:

• check the oil level in the crankcase;
• fill the fuel tank with fresh, clean, unleaded gasoline;
• for cold weather conditions (below 15 degrees), twitch the start lever, setting it up;
• the clutch is released slowly, some fuel should be visible in the fuel line;
• hold the steering wheel with one hand, pull on the starter, use your foot to hold the cultivator;
• tilt the device slightly back to remove the prongs from the ground at the start;
• when starting the engine, squeeze the throttle control to warm up the engine for 15 to 30 seconds.

If it is necessary to turn off the engine, release the hand from the throttle control.

With the engine running, depress the throttle control to increase the operating speed. Holding the upper handle with both hands, slowly lower the cultivator until the tines sink into the ground - only then turn on the motor.

If the teeth are digging too deep or not deep enough, it is worth adjusting the wheel bracket. It should be remembered that when changing any settings, turn off the engine first.

What are they used for?

Processing the soil before sowing is the most important stage that affects the quality and volume of the future harvest.

Until the end of the 20th century, most summer residents used hand tools: rakes, shovels. It took days or weeks to pre-cultivate the soil, depending on the size of the plot. Motor-cultivators have reduced the time of loosening and other necessary operations by several times.

What functions is the unit capable of performing:

• weeding - working cutters go deep into the ground by about 80-100 mm, grind weeds and their roots;
• aeration of the site - during loosening, the soil is saturated with oxygen, which will have a beneficial effect on the quality of the crop in the future;
• haymaking is a necessary event for the preparation of forage, for this there are special attachments for the cultivator;
• deep plowing or surface loosening - also carried out using attachments - dumps or cutters;
• hilling, harvesting potatoes - the cultivator will help to quickly cultivate the land or harvest even on a large plot;
• collecting grass after mowing - the unit, if there is a special rake, will make it possible to collect future hay;
• watering - if you have a water pump, you can speed up the process of soil moistening;
• transport of goods - the gasoline engine will help the owner move the tool or crop around the site.

Before purchasing the unit, you should check with the seller which attachments are included in the kit. It depends on the specific model and manufacturer.

Advantages and disadvantages

The petrol powered cultivator is an agricultural machine designed to plow the land. It works in softer and more difficult soils. It has a powerful motor that allows you to plow more areas in less time.

There are 3 types of cultivators:

• front;
• back;
• vertical.

Front clover motoblocks have front teeth and are the lighter version of the three presented. They are ideal for small gardens.

Machines where the cutting elements are located at the back is more difficult to work with. These machines are heavy and therefore require more force from the operator. In the design, the manufacturer can provide an electric starter, 4-stroke engine. The tines can be switched for forward and reverse operation.

Of the advantages, it is necessary to highlight the most important ones, which make gasoline cultivators real helpers on land.

• It easily processes heavy soil, so such cultivators always do the job efficiently.Can be used on humus, loamy, clayey and even stony soils. In addition, depending on how large the garden is, you can choose a model with the appropriate capabilities.
• Ideal for large areas. These cultivators come with a more powerful motor and wider tines. Although the exact tine width and power will depend on the specific make and model, any cultivator will do the job faster than a man on his own.
• An environmentally friendly 4-stroke engine that differs markedly from a 2-stroke engine.
• Longer prongs that have a long service life. They allow deeper tillage.

In this case, there were also negative aspects.

• These cultivators are usually larger and heavier. This makes them difficult to transport, store and maintain.
• More difficult for the operator to control. Although most models are equipped with additional functions, sometimes they only add complexity to the work. The use of such a cultivator requires experience and certain knowledge.
• Gasoline-powered equipment is more expensive, but it also has more opportunities.