Wheel Hoe

Designed primarily for use in larger gardens and small-acreage crop production fields, a Wheel Hoe is a manually pushed, double-handled tool that consists of a hoeing blade mounted behind a single 15-inch-or-so-diameter wheel-or double wheels. The wheel(s), either steel or rubber, reduces the effort required to move the blade along, keeps it a consistent distance from the soil, lends force to its cutting action, and allows one to slice off weeds close to row-planted crops. Available as options are various types of blades, including cultivator chisel, sweep, stirrup, and hilling; plus such accessories as double-wheel spacer, pistol-grip handles, seeder, furrower, even a battery-driven model.

(Photo supplied by Johhny’s Selected Seeds)

Cost: $153-$350, depending on model, number/type wheels, etc.

Impairment Category: Back, Strength/endurance