Choosing between petrol and electric drive
When choosing the type of engine, it is worth considering the functions that should be assigned to the cultivator. Depending on the type of drive, cultivators are divided into electric and gasoline.
The electric cultivator is powered by the mains, its design provides for a long power cord. The advantage of this method of the device is the compactness of garden tools.
The advantages include the fact that when working on an electric cultivator, there are no exhaust gases that interfere with the safe operation of the tool.
During work, it is necessary to carefully monitor that the cord does not get into the working shaft of the unit and is not damaged, as a person working behind the cultivator may be electrocuted.
In principle, the very presence of the cable interferes with the unhindered operation of the inventory, since the range of action is limited, you have to constantly monitor the position of the cord, shift it.
The cost of electrical units is low due to the power (up to 4 horsepower).
Such a device is ideal for digging up small flower beds and beds, for work in closed rooms, for example, greenhouses, where the presence of exhaust emissions is highly undesirable.
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There are also cordless cultivators, but they are usually low-powered, suitable only for cultivating small areas of soft soil.
The petrol cultivator differs from the electric one in its high power and range of work performed. The mechanism can be two- and four-stroke.
On units of the middle class, two-stroke engines are used, but on heavy motor-cultivators it is more expedient to install four-stroke engines.
Owner reviews state that gasoline drives are more difficult to maintain - they must be constantly cleaned to avoid serious damage.
What are the most popular models?
Today on the Russian market of gardening equipment there is a wide selection of effective and powerful motoblocks assembled in Russia. To find a reliable option, you should familiarize yourself with the most purchased models.
"UGRA NMB-1N13"
This unit is chosen by many summer residents for processing small areas. This equipment is characterized by fast operation, easy handling and low weight. Its weight is only 90 kg.
This model is equipped with a powerful Japanese-made Mitsubishi gasoline engine. Its capacity is 6 liters. with. The equipment has four speeds, including the reverse one. This model is equipped with a PTO shaft, gear reducer and multi-disc transmission.
Although this walk-behind tractor is fast in operation and reliably satisfies the needs of even the most demanding customers, it is worth noting a few shortcomings, namely:
- poor start-up;
- lack of differential;
- slight vibration;
- control failure.
"NEVA MB-23S-9.0 PRO"
This unit from the Russian CJSC Krasny Oktyabr-NEVA is manufactured in St. Petersburg. This motorcycle tool has many functions.
Although the motoblock weighs only 110 kg, it is capable of carrying up to 450 kg. It is equipped with a Japanese-made Subaru EX 27D single-cylinder four-stroke gasoline engine with a capacity of 9 liters. with. The volume of the fuel tank is 3.6 liters. It is presented with a limited slip differential. The reducer is a gear-chain, the clutch is belt.
This model has six speeds, with 4 moving forward and 2 - back.Due to the presence of imported power plants, the walk-behind tractor is characterized by increased safety and reliability. The advantages of this technique include: high build quality, light weight and reliability in operation.
If we talk about the disadvantages, then it is worth noting the high cost, which is about $ 800, as well as a small tank.
Pros and cons of motorized cultivators with an electric drive
Every man-made cultivator is designed to perform specific functions. A passenger car cannot carry loads weighing several tons. The same can be said for the electric cultivator.
Before choosing an electric cultivator for cultivating an area, remember that each cultivator with an electric motor is designed exclusively for loosening the soil. Moreover, soft soil, which includes sandy or sandy loam soil, as well as black soil, should be amenable to processing. There is no point in operating such equipment on heavy soils. However, electric cultivators still have their merits. These include:
- Relatively high productivity;
- Ease and simplicity in service;
- Small size, modest weight and simple operation;
- Lack of loud noise;
- Lack of exhaust gases.
Weighing no more than 30 kg, electric cultivators can be successfully used by a fragile woman or an elderly person. Ease of operation will allow even a schoolchild to work the soil with equipment. Due to its small size, the electric cultivator is convenient to transport in the trunk of a car.
In addition to all this, a motor cultivator with an electric motor has several disadvantages. The main one is low power. However, this factor is relative. So, in order to efficiently process the topsoil, a motor-cultivator with a capacity of 1 to 1.8 kW is enough.
Another disadvantage is dependence on the electrical network. In order not to interrupt work, the cultivator will need to be constantly kept connected to the power supply, and without carrying it is quite difficult to do this. Excess wires will get in the way and may wrap around the cutters. It's another matter if the work is done in a greenhouse with electricity.
Cultivator ELITECH KB 4E
Specifications
pros
Lightweight by itself, easy to operate, not very expensive, does not require gasoline and oil
Minuses
A comment
pros
I was able to take the virgin soil! Relatively inexpensive. Works quietly.
Minuses
There was no tool in the kit, although it was indicated on the box (for assembly, you need 2 keys for 13 and a hexagon). I had to modify the clutch with a file.
pros
Easy to operate, compact, disassembled units.
Minuses
It was not possible to find the right connector at home to connect to the network (do not reach the plug in the casing from the tee).
pros
Quiet, no fuel needed, simple.
Minuses
You can grow old while plowing ...
A comment
I cultivated in the amount of 4 weave, the land is steppe, so I passed it twice, in general, half a hundred square meters in 4 hours. Although at such a price ... There is something to compare with, my father has a walk-behind tractor, in my opinion, 5 l / s, gasoline, much faster. Well, in general, he paid for himself in terms of money, did the job, sowed 50% of the lawn, that's the thing for the beds.
pros
high-quality assembly, unit weight
Minuses
not enough reverse gear
A comment
The unit was assembled quickly, there were no problems with the connection of parts. The land was cultivated after plowing virgin lands with a tractor (1 pass). The land had not been cultivated for 10 years, but the cultivator passed without problems. The composition of the land is mainly sandstone. In the absence of men, a woman controlled this miracle technique and coped. As a result, potatoes, carrots, tomatoes and all sorts of small things were planted on the site. I bought it for 16,000 rubles, I do not regret it at all. If there is a need for a cultivator, but there is not enough money for a full-fledged walk-behind tractor, you will definitely have to go to the yard for this model.But do not forget about the weight: 35 kg is still weight, although thanks to this weight, he does not jump on the ground, but fully cultivates it. In previous reviews, they wrote about the roots, tk. we have almost virgin soil, then there are more than enough roots, but Elitech KB 4 E, without cutting them, pulled them to the surface. Sometimes they got small stumps from small birches. True, the knives are now probably worth sharpening. We processed 5 acres with two passes with a break in work for 30 minutes, the motor is warm. Thanks to the designers for this model.
pros
Plows perfectly, quietly, efficiently in the greenhouse and on the street
Minuses
I did not find any shortcomings.
pros
It does not smoke, does not stink, nothing flows out, does not require any maintenance, does not make much noise, animal power, is easily disassembled (partially) and in this form it enters the trunk of a regular sedan.
Minuses
Heavy (it is very difficult for a woman with him), you need to carry a wire along (however, this is any electric cultivator)
Advantages and disadvantages
A shovel with a pitchfork is, of course, good. But a modern powerful, moderately light, multifunctional and durable electric unit is incomparably better. With this tool, you can prepare the soil for seasonal work, for sowing various crops in the ground and caring for them. At the same time, you can forget about back pain and fatigue, as after a normal digging. When choosing a suitable unit, one should proceed from its equipment and practicality. Electric cultivators make work on the ground much easier, simplifying the entire plowing process. Of the main advantages of electric cultivators, the following should be highlighted:
- uniform and fast digging and loosening;
- an easy way to create beds and furrows;
- there is no need for incredible physical efforts - when working with the unit, the load is evenly distributed on the legs, back, arms, there is no comparison with working with a shovel;
- electric cultivators are environmentally friendly devices - with a hand cultivator, there are no emissions of toxic waste into the atmosphere;
- modern electric cultivators are almost silent - you can work in the early morning without fear of disturbing your neighbors;
- cultivators of this line are distinguished by ease of operation, ease of use, which is especially important in the summer season;
- electric cultivators due to their convenience, maneuverability and low weight can be used by women and the elderly.
Such devices have a lot of advantages, although each model has special ones that are so necessary for manufacturers in the competition. Having analyzed most of the models in its class, it can be summarized that mains powered devices are generally different:
- compact body;
- simple design;
- intuitive controls;
- functioning without fuel combustion;
- high-quality work without complicated operations;
- convenient cleaning of cutters;
- unlimited duration of work;
- wear resistance;
- ergonomic handle;
- removable motor.
The disadvantages of this technique boil down to several points:
- dependence on the power grid;
- limited coverage of the area for processing;
- relatively small power for agricultural machinery.
How to choose a cultivator for a summer residence?
equipped with a long handle
The manual models are divided into cultivators and rotary cultivators. The latter has star-shaped discs for cultivating the soil on a rotating shaft, therefore rotary models are also called star cultivators.
Cultivator-ripper
distinguished by its capabilities
Today, mechanical cultivators are the main ones. They can be divided into three options:
- Lungs;
- Average;
- Heavy motor cultivators.
Light models
cultivate the land in the same greenhouses or flower beds
Not very functional, but great for small jobs. Light motor cultivators have two: electric and gasoline. The latter are equipped with a low-power two-stroke engine.Electric cultivators are powered from the mains, you can connect this unit through the window to the outlet, but there is a drawback, the cultivator wire gets confused and interferes all the time. This type of device is limited to processing an area of up to 12 hectares and cannot loosen more at a time.
Medium models
a little harder and are usually used by men
For medium-sized cultivators, manufacturers have developed sheds like hillers, flat cutters. On featherweight models, 4-stroke motors are installed, due to which the equipment develops a power of 2.5-6 liters. with. With a medium cultivator, you can loosen 35 hectares of territory per pass. At the same time, it can grasp the width of the soil up to 65 cm, and loosen up to a depth of 22-28 cm. All devices of this type run on gasoline.
Heavy models
suspension equipment is designed specifically for heavy electric cultivators
Manufacturers of various cultivators make different hanging options for their products, therefore, when purchasing the device, ask the seller which shed can be attached to your equipment.
Heavy models cover a width of one meter, and a depth of about 35 cm. Due to their large width, these models are very inconvenient for working in narrow areas, but the advantage is that often in heavy machines it is possible to adjust the width of the land. Aggregates of this level have a mass of about 40–65 kg. They develop power up to 7 liters. with. and can process an area of 35–65 hectares at a time.
Considering the above characteristics, pick up the right equipment for working in the country. If you have a greenhouse or garden that is periodically cultivated, then you will most likely need a compact and lightweight cultivator that can handle light soil and narrow areas without damaging your plantings. If there is a large vegetable garden, then it is better to choose a heavy mechanism or a medium unit.