When looking for alternative methods of plowing and cultivating the soil in small areas, amateur gardeners are faced with such a type of technique as an electric hoe. The functions of this device make it possible to use it as a mini-cultivator, which will help you quickly and efficiently cope with monotonous work, which sometimes cannot be done manually.

Design and principle of operation

The device is quite simple and includes several basic elements:

  • a housing with an electric motor enclosed in a casing;
  • working nozzles;
  • basic handle with switch and fused power cable;
  • additional D-shaped handle;
  • telescopic rod with handles located on it.

The electric hoe is powered by the mains. When turned on, discs with rod teeth in the lower part of the housing are started. Through their rotation, an intense oscillatory movement of trihedral knives is produced, which, going deeper into the soil, carry out its processing, and in contact with weeds, they cut off the aboveground part.

Electric hoe

The electric hoe is controlled using two handles - upper and lower.

Possibilities of using the electric hoe

The technical capabilities of the electric hoe make it possible to use it on flower beds, beds, in a greenhouse. What you can do with an electric garden hoe:

  • Harrow. To create high-quality loose beds for sowing, it is enough to work out the soil in the forward-backward direction. Sharp knives will help not only loosen, but also level the surface of the soil.
  • Loosen. For better oxygen access and moisture retention in a circular or pulling motion, it is necessary to move the electric hoe in the upper layer of fertile soil. The length of the tines will allow the soil to be processed in this way without damaging the roots of cultivated plants.
  • Weed. It is especially convenient to remove weeds with such a device. It is enough to press down unwanted vegetation from top to bottom with an electric hoe and pull it sharply towards you.
  • Apply fertilizers. Pre-loosen the soil, then evenly distribute the fertilizers and with light pulling movements drive the electric hoe forward or in a circle, embedding the fertilizer in depth.
  • Level the edges of the lawn. Convenient and efficient thanks to the compact working mechanism.

Attention! After the end of cultivation work, the surface and the rods of the electric hoe must be cleaned of soil and plant residues.

Benefits of using

Regardless of the brand of electric hoops, their purchase is associated with a number of needs, for the satisfaction of which hand tools are sometimes not enough, or they are ineffective. The advantages of this technique:

  • High productivity compared to artisanal tillage.
  • Lightness - the maximum weight of the electric hoe does not exceed 5 kg. This means that it will not be difficult to use it for both men and women.
  • Retractable bar. You can adjust the height of the handle to your individual parameters without having to take an uncomfortable position to make the effort to weed the area.
  • The principle of movement of knives. Will help protect garden flowers and shrubs from accidental damage during weeding or loosening.Also, if necessary, you can guide the tool in one place with movements "back and forth" for the convenience of processing on dense soils.
  • An excellent helper in weed control. Eliminates unwanted vegetation along with the root.
  • Thermal protection system. It is triggered by stopping the motor at the moment when the operating level reaches a critical level and movement in the soil is difficult.
  • Low noise level.
  • Compactness. The electric hoe is easy to store. Even when assembled, it does not take up much space.

Compactness

Disadvantages of an electric hoe

With all the potential technical capabilities of the electric hopper, it has few shortcomings, however, they can be considered somewhat subjective:

  • Binding to the power grid. The range of work can only be determined by the length of the extension cord.
  • Low power and revs. This is a fundamental difference from cultivators, since an electric hoe for weeding a garden and loosening in general will work, but you will need to take frequent breaks in work to allow the engine to cool down and prevent premature failure.
  • When plowing on virgin lands, preliminary processing of the land with a pitchfork is required.
  • Inability to work in the rain. This is due to the location of the electric motor.

Care must always be taken when working with the device to prevent dirt particles from the working soil from entering through the air ducts.

Attention! Work on rocky soil is strictly prohibited. Before starting operation, make sure that there are no stones in order to avoid damage to the electrical appliance.

Most popular models and manufacturers

There are many models of electric hoes on the Russian market, below are the most popular.

Electric hoe Gloria (Brill)

Strong enough for its weight (2.3 kg). It is considered the “pioneer” among electric rippers on the Russian market. It has the ability to automatically turn off when the load is unacceptable in terms of technical parameters. The working part consists of 6 metal rods, located by 3 on two heads, the rotation speed of which is 760 rpm. Embedding depth - up to 8 cm.

All equipment parts are made of high quality materials, so the Gloria electric hopper is often repaired in the event of improper maintenance and operation of the device.

Electric hoe Gloria (Brill)

Black & decker

The undoubted advantage of this model is the ability to operate from a battery. This greatly increases the working radius and practicality. The kit also includes a charger.

The working elements are presented in the form of flat steel knives with serrated edges, located four on each of the two rotating discs. With a weight of 3.7 kg, the electric hoe is quite powerful. The immersion depth is 10 cm, the rotation speed of the knives is 331 rpm.

Sungarden TF 400

Weight - 2.5 kg, electric motor power - 400 W. Unlike the previous two models, the bar is static, but with an adjustable D-shaped handle that can be adapted to your own height.

Note! Working knives are triangular rods with rounded ends. The embedment depth is 80 mm. The model is equipped with overload protection and LED indicator.

How to make a do-it-yourself electric hoe

Collecting the unit from available tools is a time consuming process and requires certain knowledge in the field of mechanics and electrical engineering. Here are some helpful tips to help you build a decent machine:

  • A frame or a special frame is formed, prudently equipped with a place for the engine.
  • Any electric motor will do, the main thing is to correctly configure the transfer of force to the working elements.
  • Pay particular attention to correct insulation of electrical wiring.
  • Any openers attached to the cross can be used as working parts. The latter is attached to the body using a vertical shaft.

Note! When designing with your own hands, an electric hoe can be supplemented with a wheelbase.This will make the work process easier.

An electric ripper, or a hoe, is a great helper for the elderly, women, or simply for those who value not only their own time, but also high productivity from the work done.