What are the advantages of using a wheel hoe?
Author: Greg Baka
Wheel hoes are a fast and easy way to weed and cultivate the rows of a vegetable garden. Compared to a rototiller, they are much more affordable, easier to control, and a lot less maintenance. Using a wheel hoe (or wheel cultivator) is also much faster and gentler on your back than using a garden hoe.
Also see our Wheel Hoe FAQ page for answers to a wider variety of questions.
General benefits of using a wheel hoe
A wheel hoe is a great tool for weeding, cultivating, furrowing, and hilling in the garden. It provides many benefits over traditional hand tools such as increased productivity, less strain on the user's body, and more accurate results. The adjustable handles allow users to work in a comfortable upright posture which reduces strain on the body.
Ease of use
The wheel hoe is easier to maneuver and control than a rototiller. It can safely be used in tight spaces where a rototiller would be likely to damage your crops. Compared to a rototiller, it is peacefully quiet and has no engine or motor that needs maintenance.
Versatility
The wheel hoe can be used for a variety of gardening tasks, from cultivating the soil to weeding. Unlike a rototiller that can only be used to stir up the soil, a wheel hoe is very "multi-purpose" by using it with weeding, cultivating, furrowing, and hiller attachments. This makes it a handy tool for a wide variety of gardens and soil types. Also see the Wheel Hoe Buying Guide for details on all the models currently sold in the USA.
Efficiency
It takes less time and effort to get the job done with a wheel hoe compared to using a garden hoe. The wheel hoe is more efficient because it is used by just walking and pushing it, versus using your arms and shoulders to control the swinging and scuffling action of standard garden hoes. The wheel hoe's adjustable handle height allows you to work in a posture that is comfortable for you, while standard garden hoes are usually only available in one length - which may be too short or too long for you. Using a wheel hoe is especially helpful for larger gardens where it would be very time consuming and labor-intensive to work the entire area with a garden hoe.
Durability
Wheel Hoes are built strong and sturdy, so they last longer than rototillers or garden hoes. The simple steel construction of the wheel hoe is much more durable than a complex rototiller which needs regular engine and drivetrain maintenance. It is also much sturdier than the common garden hoes with their heads pinned onto light wooden handles. This means you will be able to use your wheel hoe for many years with minimal maintenance and repairs.
Cost Effective
Wheel hoes are much more affordable than rototillers, which can cost several hundred or even thousands of dollars. It is a small investment that will save you time and money in the long run. Plus, you do not have to worry about dealing with a noisy unreliable motor or spending more every season on repairs and maintenance. Also see this person's report on their Rototiller vs Wheel Hoe experiences.
Ergonomics
The adjustable height of the handles allows you to work in a comfortable upright position, which reduces strain on your back and muscles. For those with shoulder and back issues or limited physical strength, this is a great benefit. Being able to weed by just pushing and steering the wheel hoe has the advantage over regular garden hoes of avoiding the awkward reaching and repetitive arm and shoulder muscle strain caused by using a garden hoe.
Most wheel hoe handles also have the option to adjust them off to the side (pivot them), so you can walk a little off to one side and not almost in your crop row or up on your raised bed. This is an advantage over a rototiller that you must walk straight behind.
Control of Working Depth
Weeding and cultivating attachments tend to stay in the upper couple inches of soil. The depth is easily controlled by just lifting up or pushing down on the handles, making it ideal for different types of soils and plants. This makes it easier to both cultivate around delicate roots and deeply prepare a seedbed for planting. The wheel hoe's simple method of depth control is an advantage over a small rototillers that always want to dig in deeper and are hard to control.
Convenience
Since the wheel hoe is lighter than a rototiller it is easier to move around and store. It can easily fit in a small shed or garage, or even hang on a wall hook. Its low weight makes it easy to roll out to the garden, and it can safely be lifted into the back of a truck or car if needed.
You also get the convenience of being able to quickly start and stop using it, without having to worry about fuel or starting an engine. So even if you only have 10 minutes available to garden, the wheel hoe is immediately ready to go. Many gardeners listen to music, podcasts, or chat with a friend while pushing their wheel hoe around.
Saves time and money
The wheel hoe is an affordable machine with very low maintenance costs. Like any tool that cuts into the soil, some attachments may need to be sharpened or have the blade replaced after a significant amount of time. But due to the quality steel used in making the attachments, this is not something that you will need to do very often. Simply keeping your tool clean and dry will be enough for it to last for decades to come.
Conclusion
Modern wheel hoes are incredibly versatile and cost-effective tools with many advantages over rototillers and garden hoes. Their lightweight design allows for easy maneuverability and storage, while the simple depth control makes it ideal for different types of soils and plants. The ergonomic handle design reduces strain on your back when working in the garden, making them a great option for those with limited physical strength or back issues. Additionally, the wheel hoe requires very low maintenance which makes it even more convenient to use over time.
There are a lot of advantages to using a wheel hoe. Whether you are looking to save time or money, investing in a wheel hoe will be worth every penny!
