Garden tool

A collection of various garden tools.
Some Pruning tools that can be used to maintain a garden.

A garden tool is any one of many tools made for gardens and gardening and overlaps with the range of tools made for agriculture and horticulture. Garden tools can also be hand tools and power tools.

Hand tools

The hand tools still used by gardeners originated with the earliest agricultural implements used by man. Examples include: the hoe, pitchfork, fork, rake, hand cultivator, spade, shovel and hand trowel. In some places the machete may be used as a garden tool.

The earliest tools were made of wood, flint, metal, tin, and bone. However, the development of metal working, first in copper and later in iron and steel, enabled the manufacture of more durable tools. Industrial metalworking enabled the manufacture of efficient cutting tools, including pruning shears (secateurs – for example anvil pruning shears) and grass shears and larger, more efficient powered tools such as the trencher.

Ergonomics

Modern tool design includes ergonomics considerations. Tools are being designed that induce ever less stress on the human body when used. The most efficient tools keep the body in a neutral position while being used. This helps to lessen the stress on joints and muscles. An advantage of this approach is that it requires gardeners to exert less energy whilst using the tools.[1]

Power tools

The first power tool to become popular with gardeners was the lawn mower. This has been followed by a very wide range of power tools, including

Environmental impact

The exhaust fumes from gas-powered equipment is a significant source of air pollution.[3] US emission standards specifically limit emissions from these small engines.

See also

References

  1. ↑ Garden Tools and Ergonomics
  2. ↑ string trimmer
  3. ↑ Lawn Equipment Improving Air Quality in Your Community

External links