Give Your Garden a New Look with the Greenworks 60V Battery-Powered Cultivator
As spring prepares to give way to summer, people start sprucing up their gardens and flower beds with fresh annuals, vegetables and new mulch. For you, it may be time for a landscape overhaul, including new topsoil, fertilizer, and soil aeration. We've been using the Greenworks 60V battery powered 8" cultivator in our yard to see what you should expect compared to other options you may be considering.
advantage
- Stronger than attachment system options
- easy to operate
- maintain speed under load
- Ability to till mature grass
- Brushless Motor
shortcoming
- We would like to see easier altitude changes
Base
The cultivator is powered by a brushless motor that spins the tines at speeds up to 200 RPM. In fact, Greenworks claims this cultivator has twice the torque of the brushed model. With a 4.0Ah battery, they told us to expect about 45 minutes of continuous operation.
Four 8" diameter hardened steel discs provide 8" tillage width. Its 4-inch tines allow this cultivator to dig to a maximum depth of 5 inches. This is actually the same maximum tillage depth as the Greenworks 40V 10-Inch Cordless Cultivator, but the 60V model performs better.
Remember, this is a single speed tiller, so you'll need to keep it moving to avoid digging too deep in one area.
Greenworks also gives you the option to remove the two outer discs for tighter farming tasks.
start working
We took the cultivator out and ran it through some compacted soil and a thick patch of bahia grass to see how it behaved under pressure. We were pleased with how quickly it dug into the ground and turned soil with ease. The sturdy 8-inch rear wheels glide easily over rough terrain, and the padded main handle makes steering the tiller head a breeze.
Turn to grass and the drop in performance is understandable. The first few passes were mostly about de-thatching the grass, but with a little more downforce we were able to really dig deep.
Using this machine takes some skill, so be sure to practice it before embarking on a major job.
The biggest question is how it handles clay and rocky ground. Enough power to do some clay breaking, but it will be slow. For places that have turned over and are a little loose, no problem. We do not recommend this model for turning highly rocky soils. For clay and rocky soils, you'll want something stronger and heavier in most cases.
Greenworks 60V Battery Powered 8" Field Cultivator Design Notes
ergonomics
Greenworks designed this cultivator with three height settings, in addition to a collapsible handle to make storage a little easier to help you find a comfortable hand position. I'm about 6 feet tall and find the lowest position works best for me.
One thing to keep in mind is that changing the altitude also changes the angle of attack slightly. Still, you get full depth in each setting.
This cultivator measures just over 45 inches from end to end and tipped the scales at 29.3 lbs on the 4.0Ah battery. Both figures are actually in line with what we've seen from similar petrol models currently on the market.
control
The Greenworks Cordless 8-Inch Cultivator features convenient push-button start. The power button and status bar are very similar to what you'd find on a battery-operated lawn mower. Just press the power button and pull down the status bar, and you're ready to go.
Make some noise…or not
As we mentioned before, there isn't a huge difference in weight between the Greenworks TL60L410 and similar gas-powered alternatives. So why switch to battery power if not for the weight?
Noise…or no noise! Using our sound level meter, we measured 74dB at the operator's ear. Similar two-stroke petrol models peak at over 100dB.
Additional features
- No gas emissions or trouble starting
- 60V battery compatible with over 75 Greenworks 60V tools
Greenworks 60V Battery Operated 8" Cultivator Prices
The Greenworks 60V Cordless 8-Inch Cultivator retails for $249.99 bare and $329.99 with a 4.0Ah battery and charger. As we write this, the bare tool is on sale at Tractor Supply for $199.99. Greenworks backs it with a 4-year limited tool and battery warranty.
the bottom line
If you're debating between using an attachment system cultivator versus a stand-alone model, it pays to choose the Greenworks Cordless 8 Inch Cultivator. It's significantly stronger for performance and easier on your back and arms.
It's also impressive compared to petrol standalone models, displacing the 25cc option and even competing with the 30cc class. The biggest difference you'll notice is a slightly smaller working width. We think it's a worthwhile trade-off for the convenience of battery power.
Greenworks 60V Battery Operated 8" Field Cultivator Specifications
- Model: Lvgong TL60L410
- Power source: Greenworks 60V battery
- Tillage Width: 8 inches
- Maximum tillage depth: 5 inches
- Tine Length: 4 inches
- Tine Material: Hardened Steel
- No-load speed: 200 RPM
- Weight: 24.70 lbs. (naked), 29.32 lbs. (with 4.0Ah battery)
- Warranty: 4-year limited tool and battery
- Price: $249.99 (bare), $329.99 (kit)