Whip Your Garden Into Shape With The Greenworks 60V Battery-Powered Cultivator
As spring prepares to give way to summer, folks are starting to spruce up their gardens and flowerbeds with fresh annuals, vegetables, and new mulch. For you, maybe it’s time for a landscaping overhaul, complete with new topsoil, fertilizer, and soil aeration. We’ve been using the Greenworks 60V battery-powered 8-inch cultivator in our yard to see what you should expect compared to other options you may be considering.
Pros
- Stronger than attachment system options
- Easy to maneuver
- Maintains speed under load
- Capable of tilling established grass
- Brushless motor
Cons
- We’d like to see an easier height change
Using The Greenworks 60V Battery-Powered 8-Inch Cultivator
The Basics
The cultivator is powered by a brushless motor that spins the tines up to 200 RPM. In fact, Greenworks claims this cultivator has twice as much torque as a brushed model. Using a 4.0Ah battery, they tell us to expect about 45 minutes of continuous runtime.
The four 8-inch diameter hardened steel discs offer an 8-inch tilling width. Its 4-inch tines let this cultivator dig down to a max depth of 5 inches. This is actually the same max tilling depth as the Greenworks 40V 10-inch cordless cultivator, but you get better performance out of the 60V model.
Keep in mind that 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 more narrow cultivating tasks.
Getting to Work
We took the cultivator out to run it through some packed soil as well as a patch of thick bahiagrass to see how it performs under pressure. We were pleased with how it quickly dug into the ground and easily turned the soil. The solid 8-inch rear wheels were able to easily glide across the bumpy terrain and the padded main handle made maneuvering the tiller head a cinch.
Moving on to the grass, there’s an understandable dip in performance. The first couple of passes mainly de-thatched the grass but with a little more downward pressure we were able to really dig in.
There is a bit of technique that goes into using this machine so be sure to practice a little before tackling a major job.
The big question is how it handles clay and rocky ground. There is enough power to do some clay breaking, but it’s going to be slow. For areas that have already been turned and are somewhat loose, it’s no problem. We don’t recommend this model for turning highly rocky soil. You’ll want something stronger and heavier for both clay and rocky soil in most cases.
Greenworks 60V Battery-Powered 8-Inch Cultivator Design Notes
Ergonomics
Along with a collapsable handle that makes storage a little easier, Greenworks designed this cultivator with three height settings to help you find a comfortable hand position. I’m about 6 feet tall and found the lowest position to be the most effective for me.
One thing to keep in mind is that changing the height also changes the angle of attack a little. You get the full depth in every setting, though.
From tip to tail, this cultivator measures just over 45 inches and tips the scales at 29.3 pounds with a 4.0Ah battery. Both of these numbers are actually right in line with what we see from similar gas models currently on the market.
Controls
The Greenworks cordless 8-inch cultivator features a convenient push-button start. The power button and presence bar are very similar to what you’ll see on a battery-powered lawn mower. Just press the power button and pull down on the presence bar and you’re ready to get to work.
Make Some Noise…Or Not
As we mentioned earlier, there’s not a huge difference in weight between the Greenworks TL60L410 and a comparable gas-powered alternative. So, why make the switch to battery power if not for the weight?
The noise…or lack thereof! Using our sound meter, we measured 74dB while at our operator’s ear. Similar 2-stroke gas models peak at over 100dB.
Additional Features
- No gas emissions or starting hassles
- 60V battery is compatible with over 75 Greenworks 60V tools
Greenworks 60V Battery-Powered 8-Inch Cultivator Price
The Greenworks 60V cordless 8-inch cultivator retails for $249.99 as a bare tool and $329.99 with a 4.0Ah battery and charger. At the time we’re writing, the bare tool is on sale at Tractor Supply for $199.99. Greenworks covers it with a 4-year limited tool and battery warranty.
The Bottom Line
If you’re debating between using an attachment system cultivator and a standalone model, it’s worth it to go with the Greenworks cordless 8-inch cultivator. Its performance is noticeably stronger and it’s far easier on your back and arms.
Compared to gas standalone models, it’s also impressive, replacing 25cc options and even competing with the 30cc class. The big difference you’ll notice is a slightly smaller working width. In our opinion, that’s a trade worth making for the convenience of a battery power source.
Greenworks 60V Battery-Powered 8-Inch Cultivator Specifications
- Model: Greenworks TL60L410
- Power Source: Greenworks 60V battery
- Tilling Width: 8 in.
- Max Tilling Depth: 5 in.
- Tine Length: 4 in.
- Tine Material: Hardened Steel
- No-Load Speed: 200 RPM
- Weight: 24.70 lbs. (bare), 29.32 lbs. (with 4.0Ah battery)
- Warranty: 4-year limited tool and battery
- Price: $249.99 (bare tool), $329.99 (kit)
