Walk-Behind Multi-Torch Flame Weeder

Touted as a cost-effective, non-chemical alternative, the Walk-Behind Multi-Torch Flame Weeder is designed to kill unwanted weeds and grasses in areas around the home or farmstead and in larger gardens and limited acreage vegetable/specialty-crop fields; for those crops, the flaming can be done both pre- and post- emergence. Pushed manually by the operator, this type of flame weeder is a 11/2- to 21/2-foot wide wheeled hooded unit or cart that has four or five torches. The common heating fuel is propane gas, which is hose-fed from a tank immediately behind the torches or back-pack-carried by the operator. On-off control and flame intensity is regulated via a trigger on the handle.

Cost: $400-$600

Impairment Category: Back, Strength/endurance, Upper extremity