What are cultivators used for?
Motorised cultivators are mainly used for soil tillage, facilitating various agricultural operations. They are versatile tools that assist in multiple activities, including:
- Soil preparation: cultivators break and aerate the soil, making it ideal for sowing and promoting plant growth.
- Weed removal: they eliminate unwanted weeds, improving soil health and quality, reducing competition for resources among plants.
- Mixing compost and fertilisers: they evenly integrate nutrients into the soil, enhancing soil fertility and promoting healthy crop growth.
- Working difficult soils: cultivators allow working on hard and clayey soils, preparing them for intensive cultivation and facilitating work in challenging conditions.
What are the differences between cultivators and tillers?
At first glance, cultivators and tillers may seem similar, but the reality is quite different.
The most obvious difference is that the cultivator has two wheels for traction, while the tiller does not, although there are tillers equipped with wheels for transfer that must be mounted in place of the blades.
There are also other more technical differences, such as the following:
- The tiller can work the soil more deeply, while the cultivator works more on the surface, mainly performing a soil refinement job.
- Another clear difference between the two machines is the multifunction factor which concerns only the cultivator: by replacing the blade with other accessories, greater work versatility is achieved compared to a normal tiller that exclusively performs the tilling function.
- If multifunctional, the cultivator will also be reversible, so that the handles can be rotated 180°.
- The presence of multiple forward and reverse gears in cultivators ensures the use of both directions with an adequate working speed, while the tiller works in one direction and may have a single-speed gearbox or multiple forward gears and a reverse gear.
Why choose the cultivator?
The cultivator is certainly more convenient to use as its wheels save considerable effort for the operator, especially for those who need to work fairly large plots of land. A multifunctional machine also constitutes an economic saving thanks to the opportunity to purchase a single machine for multiple tasks.
Finally, the safety is also greater compared to a tiller, as the constant speed of the cultivator obtained through the wheels and the possibility of covering the blade with a guard make the use of this machine much easier and safer.
How are they made?
Motorised cultivators consist of various components that work together to ensure efficiency and versatility. Let's see in detail how they are made and how they work.
- Engine: It is the heart of the cultivator which can be combustion (petrol or diesel), electric or battery-powered. Combustion engines are the most common and can be 2 or 4-stroke. Petrol engines are generally easier to start, while diesel engines offer more torque and durability.
- Transmission: A system that transfers power from the engine to the wheels and soil-working tools. There are different types of transmission: belt, belt and chain, belt and gears, oil-bath gears.
- Wheels: The wheels are a distinctive feature of cultivators compared to tillers. They provide traction and facilitate the movement of the machine, saving the operator effort.
- Handles: Handles used to guide the cultivator. In multifunction models, the handles can be reversible, allowing them to be rotated 180° for more versatile use of the machine.
- Blade: The main tool for soil tillage mounted on the rear of the cultivator. The blade can be replaced with other accessories to transform the cultivator into a shredder, snow blower, sweeper or mulcher.
The operation of a cultivator begins with the engine start, which can be manual (pull-start) or electric. Once started, the engine power is transferred through the transmission to the wheels and blade. Cultivators are equipped with different gears that allow adjusting the speed and direction of movement. The cultivator blade can be adjusted to work the soil at different depths depending on the specific needs of the operation.
Advantages of petrol or diesel cultivators
Cultivators offer numerous advantages that make them indispensable tools for soil tillage. Here is a detailed list of the main advantages:
- Work efficiency: Cultivators significantly improve the efficiency of agricultural work, allowing large areas of land to be prepared in less time than manual methods.
- Versatility: Thanks to the possibility of adding various accessories, cultivators can perform a range of operations such as tilling, shredding, sweeping and snow removal, adapting to different seasonal needs.
- Ease of use: The drive wheels and the presence of multiple gears make cultivators easy to manoeuvre and suitable for operators of different experience levels, reducing operator fatigue.
- Economic savings: A multifunctional cultivator can replace several agricultural tools, allowing savings on the purchase and maintenance costs of multiple machines.
- Safety: Cultivators are equipped with advanced safety systems such as blade protection guards and differential locks, making their use safer than other agricultural equipment.
Types of motorised cultivators
There are different types of cultivators, each designed for specific usage needs. Below is a description of the main types and their characteristics.
- Small Cultivators - Light Series: Petrol and diesel cultivators of the light series are designed for hobby use on soft soils. They are ideal for small gardens and home gardens where soil tillage does not require excessive power.
- Multifunction Cultivators - Medium Series: Diesel or petrol cultivators of the medium series are suitable for hobby or semi-professional use on medium-hard soils. They are ideal for small agricultural plots and medium-sized gardens.
- Multifunction Cultivators - Heavy Series: Petrol or diesel cultivators of the heavy series are designed for professional use on hard and challenging soils. They are ideal for large plots of land and intensive agricultural work.
- Accessories for cultivators: Cultivators can be equipped with various accessories, making them multifunctional tools suitable for different agricultural and maintenance operations.
Technical features of petrol or diesel cultivators
Diesel or petrol motorised cultivators are equipped with various technical features that determine their effectiveness and adaptability to specific soil tillage needs. Below are the main technical features of cultivators and their functionalities.
Use based on soil type
Cultivators can be used on soft, medium or hard soils, depending on their technical specifications and engine power.
- Cultivators for Soft Soil: Ideal for pre-worked and soft soil intended for finishing work.
- Cultivators for Medium Soil: Suitable for clayey and pre-worked soils that require a machine with moderate power to achieve good results.
- Cultivators for Hard Soil: Indicates the hardness of a consistent and particularly hard soil that requires a robust and powerful cultivator for effective tillage.
Combustion engine fuel
Cultivators can run on petrol or diesel, with engines designed to offer maximum efficiency and durability based on the type of fuel used.
- Petrol: Cultivators powered by 4-stroke petrol engines offer a good combination of power and ease of starting, suitable for hobby and semi-professional use.
- Diesel: Diesel engines provide more torque and durability, ideal for professional use on hard soils and intensive work.
Differential lock
The differential lock is a device that greatly increases the machine's manoeuvrability. This system allows the wheels to be locked together to achieve uniform traction on both sides of the cultivator, facilitating movement on difficult terrain and improving stability during use.
Quick hitch
Some cultivators are equipped with a quick hitch to the power take-off that allows accessories to be changed easily and quickly. This system increases the machine's versatility, allowing quick transitions from one operation to another without prolonged interruptions.
Transmission
The type of transmission greatly affects the performance and comfort of use of the cultivator. The main transmission configurations are:
- Belt: Uses belts to transfer movement between pulleys, offering quiet operation and reduced vibrations.
- Belt and chain: Combines a belt for quiet movement transfer and a chain for greater strength and durability.
- Belt and gears: Uses a belt in combination with gears for precise and synchronised movement transfer.
- Oil-bath gears: Gears immersed in oil reduce friction and heat, improving durability and efficiency under high stress conditions.
Gears
Diesel or petrol cultivators are equipped with different gears that allow adjusting the speed and direction of movement:
- Gears 1+1: One forward gear and one reverse gear.
- Gears 2+1: Two forward gears and one reverse gear.
- Gears 3+3: Three forward gears and three reverse gears.
- Gears 4+3: Four forward gears and three reverse gears.
Engine brand
The choice of engine is crucial for the performance of the cultivator. The main engine brands used are:
- Briggs & Stratton: Historic Made in USA manufacturer, world leader in petrol engines.
- Honda: Made in Japan quality, known for reliability and superior performance.
- Loncin: Excellent quality/price ratio, engines built in China.
- Kohler-Lombardini: Manufacturer of quality, reliable and high-performance engines.
- Other engines: Includes models from minor brands offering alternatives at competitive prices.
Displacement
The engine displacement determines the engine capacity and is generally proportional to the power expressed in HP (horsepower). A high displacement indicates a powerful and reliable engine. Displacements vary as follows:
- Up to 170 cc: Very small size.
- From 170 to 190 cc: Small size.
- From 190 to 210 cc: Medium-small size.
- From 210 to 230 cc: Medium size.
- From 230 to 270 cc: Medium-large size.
- From 290 to 310 cc: Large size.
- Over 310 cc: Very large size.
Nominal power
The nominal power is a purely indicative figure that refers to the power commercially attributed to the machine. Quite different is the effective power, lower than the nominal one, which is the power measured at the engine shaft by the manufacturer. The nominal power varies as follows:
- Up to 5.9 HP: Mini engine.
- From 6.0 to 6.9 HP: Very small engine.
- From 7.0 to 7.9 HP: Small engine.
- From 8.0 to 8.9 HP: Medium-small engine.
- From 9.0 to 9.9 HP: Medium engine.
- From 10.0 to 10.9 HP: Medium-large engine.
- From 11.0 to 11.9 HP: Large engine.
- Over 12 HP: Very large engine.
Net weight
The net weight indicates the actual weight of the fully assembled diesel or petrol cultivator. This parameter affects the manoeuvrability and use of the machine:
- Up to 60 kg: Ultra-light cultivators - limited use.
- From 60 to 70 kg: Light cultivators - hobby use.
- From 70 to 80 kg: Medium-light cultivators - hobby use.
- From 80 to 90 kg: Medium cultivators - semi-professional use.
- From 90 to 120 kg: Medium-heavy cultivators - semi-professional use.
- From 120 to 150 kg: Heavy cultivators - professional use.
- Over 150 kg: Very heavy cultivators - highly professional use.
Maximum blade width of diesel or petrol cultivators
The maximum blade width indicates the working width of the machine when all blades are inserted. Some models can work with multiple widths by removing or adding blades. The width varies from 50 to 75 cm and a greater working width allows more ground to be covered in less time, increasing work efficiency.
Accessories
Cultivators can be equipped with various accessories to increase their versatility:
- Mulcher for cultivators with flanging: Allows shredding of plant residues directly in the field.
- Snow blower for cultivators: Transforms the cultivator into a useful tool for snow removal during winter.
- Snow plough blades: Useful for moving large amounts of snow, making paths accessible.
- Sweepers with collector: Ideal for cleaning courtyards and driveways, collecting debris and leaves.
- Shredders: Shred branches and plant residues, turning them into compost.
Guide to buying petrol or diesel cultivators
Buying a cultivator requires evaluating various technical features and functionalities to ensure you choose the tool best suited to your needs. Here is a detailed buying guide with tips on how to choose the best cultivators based on your needs.
- Type of use: consider the main use of the cultivator: for small gardens, medium-sized gardens or for professional agricultural work. This will determine the power and features needed.
- Engine power: the engine power, expressed in horsepower (HP), is crucial for the working capacity of the cultivator. For hard or extensive soils, choose a model with more power.
- Working height: check the working height to ensure the cultivator can effectively work your soil.
- Weight and manoeuvrability: consider the weight of the cultivator and how easily it can be manoeuvred, especially if you need to use it on sloped or rough terrain.
- Consider autonomy: the engine autonomy is important for prolonged work. A larger fuel tank can mean fewer interruptions for refuelling.
- Ergonomics and comfort: look for models with adjustable handles, reduced vibrations and easily accessible controls to improve comfort during use.
- Ease of maintenance: check the ease of access to components for routine maintenance and the availability of spare parts.
Who is recommended to buy a cultivator?
Different types of customers can benefit from cultivators, each with specific needs and uses. Here is a list of ideal customers and their needs:
- Hobby gardening enthusiasts: these users look for an easy-to-use, lightweight and manoeuvrable cultivator, ideal for small gardens and home gardens. Their main need is to perform gardening tasks efficiently and without too much effort. For them, light cultivators with low displacement engines are ideal, easy to handle and maintain, perfect for occasional and non-intensive use.
- Homeowners with gardens: for regular maintenance of the garden and vegetable garden, homeowners with gardens need a versatile and powerful cultivator, capable of performing various operations such as soil tillage, weed removal and soil preparation for sowing. Light or medium series cultivator models, with moderate power petrol engines, are easy to start and use, perfect for these needs.
- Farmers: for agricultural work on plots of various sizes and conditions, farmers require robust and reliable cultivators, capable of working on hard and clayey soils. Their choice often falls on machines with powerful engines and multifunction accessories to optimise agricultural work. For them, heavy cultivators with high displacement engines are recommended, robust and durable, suitable for professional and intensive use.
- Gardening professionals: for public and private green maintenance services, gardening professionals need professional cultivators, equipped with advanced features and long-lasting. The ability to use various accessories is essential to perform a wide range of green maintenance activities.
- Public park operators: for the care and maintenance of large green areas, public park operators need resistant and high-quality cultivators, capable of operating for long periods without overheating or breakdowns. Efficiency and ease of maintenance are crucial for managing extensive green areas.
Cultivator brands
Choosing a cultivator from a reliable brand ensures quality, performance and durability. Here is a list of the main brands available on AgriEuro, each with a brief description of their distinctive features.
Why buy cultivators on AgriEuro?
Buying cultivators on AgriEuro offers numerous advantages that make the shopping experience practical and convenient. Here are the main reasons why it is worth choosing AgriEuro for purchasing your cultivators:
- Fast and free shipping
- Spare parts always available
- Attentive and personalised after-sales assistance
Discover our wide range of cultivators available on AgriEuro and find the perfect tool for your agricultural needs. Take advantage of our exclusive benefits and buy your cultivator now with the assurance of receiving a high-quality product and dedicated customer service.
FAQ on cultivators
1. What is a cultivator used for?
The cultivator is a versatile and powerful agricultural tool, mainly used for soil tillage. It is ideal for preparing the soil for sowing, ensuring uniform and deep tillage. The main functions of the cultivator include:
- Ploughing: allows breaking and lifting the soil, promoting aeration and root penetration.
- Harrowing: breaks up clods of earth and levels the soil, preparing an ideal surface for sowing.
- Tilling: crushes clods and mixes the soil with any fertilisers, improving soil structure.
- Weeding: removes weeds between crop rows without damaging the plants.
2. What can you do with a cultivator?
A cultivator is a versatile agricultural tool that offers numerous applications for soil and crop management. Here are some of the main activities that can be carried out with a cultivator:
- Soil preparation: ploughing, tilling and harrowing to prepare the soil for sowing.
- Sowing: some models can be equipped with accessories for sowing various crops.
- Weeding: removal of weeds between crop rows without damaging the plants.
- Hilling: piling soil around plants to support and protect them.
- Irrigation: using appropriate accessories can facilitate the installation of irrigation systems.
3. How to choose a cultivator?
The choice of a cultivator depends on various factors, including the specific needs of the user and the characteristics of the soil to be worked. Here are some aspects to consider:
- Engine power: the power expressed in horsepower (HP) determines the working capacity of the cultivator. For hard or extensive soils, a model with more power is recommended.
- Working width: the width of the blades affects the speed of soil processing. The greater the width, the faster the work will be.
- Type of soil: for compact or stony soils, it is important to choose a robust and resistant cultivator.
- Accessories and equipment: check the availability of additional accessories such as ploughs, tillers and weeders.
- Ease of use: opt for models with intuitive controls, good manoeuvrability and comfort during use.
4. When do you till the soil?
Tilling the soil is a fundamental operation to keep the soil fertile and promote crop growth. The best times to till the soil depend on the type of crop and weather conditions:
- Before sowing: tilling the soil in spring or autumn prepares the soil for the new growing season, improving soil structure and promoting seed germination.
- During crop growth: tilling between plant rows helps control weeds and improve soil aeration.
- After harvest: tilling the soil after crop harvest helps incorporate plant residues into the soil, improving fertility for the next season.
5. How deep does a cultivator dig?
The digging depth of a cultivator depends on the model and the configuration of the blades used. In general, cultivators can dig to a depth of between 15 and 30 centimetres. Here are some factors that influence the digging depth:
- Type of blades: more robust and larger blades allow reaching greater depths.
- Engine power: more powerful engines allow working at greater depths, especially in compact soils.
- Soil conditions: soft soils allow deeper digging compared to hard or stony ones.
For tasks that require specific depths, it is advisable to choose a cultivator with adjustable blades to adapt the digging depth to the needs of the soil and crops.
6. How many horsepower does a cultivator have?
The power of a cultivator is expressed in horsepower (HP) and varies based on the model and intended use. Cultivators for domestic or gardening use usually have a power between 3 and 10 HP, while those for professional agricultural use can exceed 15 HP. Here are some power categories:
- Low power (3-5 HP): ideal for gardens and small vegetable gardens, suitable for light work.
- Medium power (5-10 HP): used for medium-sized gardens and harder soils, offering greater versatility.
- High power (10-20 HP): intended for extensive lands and intensive work, ensuring high performance even on compact soils.
7. How many horsepower should a good cultivator have?
The ideal power for a good cultivator depends on the intended use and the characteristics of the soil. Here are some general guidelines:
- Gardens and small vegetable gardens: a cultivator with a power between 3 and 5 HP is sufficient for working small areas and soft soils.
- Medium-sized gardens: for larger or variable soil conditions, a cultivator with a power between 5 and 10 HP is recommended.
- Extensive and agricultural lands: for very large areas and compact soils, a cultivator with a power over 10 HP offers optimal performance and durability.
8. What oil to use for a diesel cultivator?
The oil used for a diesel cultivator is crucial to ensure the correct functioning and longevity of the engine. It is important to follow the recommendations of the cultivator manufacturer, but in general, the following types of oil can be used:
- Diesel engine oil SAE 15W-40: an excellent choice for most diesel cultivators, offering protection at various temperatures and working conditions.
- Synthetic oil 5W-40: ideal for cultivators used in extreme weather conditions, ensuring better engine protection and optimal performance.
- Specific oil for agricultural engines: some manufacturers offer specific oils for agricultural engines that can improve engine performance and durability.
9. How to maintain a cultivator?
Maintaining a cultivator is essential to ensure its long life and optimal performance. Here is a detailed guide to performing proper maintenance:
- Check and change engine oil: check the oil level before each use and replace it every 25-50 hours of work. Drain the old oil, replace the filter (if present) and refill with new oil following the manufacturer's specifications.
- Clean the air filter: clean the air filter every 10-20 hours of work or more frequently in dusty conditions. Remove the filter, clean it with compressed air or replace it if damaged.
- Check the spark plugs: inspect and clean the spark plugs every 25 hours of work. Remove the spark plugs, clean the electrodes and adjust the gap or replace the spark plugs if worn.
- Inspect blades and cutters: check the blades and cutters after each use. Sharpen or replace blades and cutters if worn or damaged.
- Check fluid levels: check the levels of all fluids (oil, fuel, coolant) before each use. Top up fluids following the user manual instructions.
- Lubricate moving parts: lubricate bearings, gears and other moving parts every 10-20 hours of work. Use appropriate lubricants for each component following the manufacturer's recommendations.
- Check belt tension: check the tension of the drive belts every 25 hours of work. Adjust the tension or replace belts if worn or loose.
- Store the cultivator: thoroughly clean the cultivator after each use, removing soil and debris. Store in a dry and sheltered place.
10. How long does a cultivator last?
The lifespan of a cultivator depends on various factors, including product quality, intensity and frequency of use, and maintenance performed. In general, a good quality cultivator can last from 10 to 20 years or even longer if used correctly and maintained adequately. Here are some aspects that influence the lifespan of a cultivator:
- Quality of materials and construction: cultivators made with robust materials and high-quality components tend to last longer.
- Regular maintenance: consistent maintenance, such as oil changes, air filter and spark plug cleaning, and lubrication of moving parts, can significantly extend the life of the cultivator.
- Appropriate use: avoiding overloading the cultivator or using it in conditions for which it is not designed (e.g., too hard or stony soils for light models) helps prevent premature wear and damage.
- Working conditions: working in favourable conditions, such as well-prepared soils free of obstacles, can reduce stress on the cultivator components.
- Proper storage: storing the cultivator in a dry place protected from the weather prevents corrosion and other damage caused by moisture and adverse weather conditions.