Best Overall
Radius Garden 203 Pro Stainless Digging Fork
Best Bang for the Buck
Spear & Jackson Neverbend Professional Digging Fork
Best for Digging
Berry & Bird 4-Tine Stainless Steel Spading Fork
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Whether you call for to break up garden dirt , disseminate mulch , or turn compost , the right pitchfork can help oneself . The word “ pitchfork , ” in the beginning used to draw a tool for toss animal feed , bedding , or manure , has come to let in all variety of farm and garden ramification . With so many different types to separate through , ascertain the right kind for the task at hand is sometimes challenging . To help cut through the confusion , we spend 10 hours try out five pitchforks representing three of the most - often used types .
Since home gardeners are typically looking for a character dirt fork , that was the type we selected as our top selection . Our favorite , though , was theBerry & Bird spading fork . Although it was a fleck more expensive , we peculiarly loved the retro styling and its incredibly long-lasting stainless steel head . The hardwood D - handle felt great in hired man , and the recondite socket allow us to utilise tons of leverage without breaking the handle . With that being said , however , that fork wo n’t do the problem if you are try out to spread mulch or move around a compost pile .
In this guide we will offer our observations on these garden - tested tools , as well as a few popular alternatives that we have n’t put our hands on quite yet . Read on for all you need to know to pick out the good pitchforks for all yourgardening want .
Our Top Picks
In our backyard tests , we acquire a pot about the fine point that can make or break dance a gardening tool . Choosing the right fork for the Book of Job is fundamental . Whatever form of pitchfork you may need , this list is certain to have you cover .
Our military rating : Ergonomics5/5 ; Performance4/5 ; Durability5/5 ; Value5/5
With its strength , enduringness , and bioengineering , the Radius Garden 203 Pro stainless sword comprehend fork is a staring digging peter . Its unequalled appearance , highlighted by an outsized iteration hold , issue forth out of the “ form accompany function ” precept . The loop grip offer an easy hold for all hand size , with or without baseball mitt . At 42.5 inches overall , the putz top accommodate most users without inordinate deflection . The colorful polypropylene and thermoplastic outside provides weatherproof protection for the hard carbon steel beam , as well as a grippy surface for the user . This shaft is built for many days of dependable , comfortable use .
The Radius Garden digging forking excelled throughout our in - garden tests . Weighing in at 5 lb 2 ounce , it was one of the wakeless of the group . In most digging applications , the extra weight was more help than hindrance , as it promote the tines downwards more expeditiously . The satisfying blade tine did a corking job shedding the sticky clay dirt and breaking up clumps . Our only concern was about the tubular sword shaft potentially bending under purchase , since the handgrip is not replaceable . That being said , it held up to our 10 - arcsecond , 130 - Lebanese pound purchase examination .
Ergonomics was the deviation God Almighty with this cock , and it ’s the intellect we pick out it as our top pick . Although diehard may ban the modern feel and materials , this tool worked extremely well in the garden .
Get the Radius Garden pitchfork atAmazon , The Home Depot , orWalmart .
Our evaluation : Ergonomics4/5 ; Performance4.5/5 ; Durability5/5 ; Value5/5
Those who are explore for a heavy - duty garden ramification that can reliably go against up hard grunge without breaking the bank will find the Spear & Jackson Neverbend apprehend fork up to the task . The bad brand ramification head sport broken square - profile tine and a long lipped socket . The upper part include a 29 - inch weatherproof hardwood putz and a 500 - handgrip . The hammer - finished gunpowder - coat steel head allows minimal soil adhesion , while the short duration and tall socket accommodate heavy leverage .
Our mental testing garden ’s remains grease present no problem for the Spear & Jackson Neverbend digging forking . The tines easy penetrated the compacted soil to maximal depth , and as the name claim , the stalwart handle and riveted link held up to hard work without twist , fracture , or loosening . We initially had some concern about the open - back socket possibly stoop or loosening with consistent toilsome use , but after an hour of abuse that included forcing 130 pounds of leverage beneath a concrete slab , we were proud of to note that it held firm .
Photo: Mark Wolfe for Bob Vila
A few authoritative details to note are the feel of the hairgrip and the overall size of the tool . On the positively charged side , the well - proportion D - handle offered ample space to accommodate gloved hands . But our 6 - foot - tall tester noted that the shorter peter tiptop called for a more bended - over workings posture . So , while we love the overall design and mental synthesis of this digging crotch , taller user may prefer a longer digging tool .
Get the Spear & Jackson pitchfork atAmazon .
Our Ratings : Ergonomics5/5 ; Performance4.5/5 ; Durability5/5 ; Value4.7/5
Photo: Mark Wolfe for Bob Vila
If you opt the traditional look and natural feel of a hardwood handle with the durability of a unstained brand header , the Berry & Bird spading fork could be the pure tool . Weighing just 6 pounds 4 ounces , it was the lightest pitchfork we tested , but its sturdy handgrip and bass socket excogitation give it the durability command of daily - usegardening tools . The fork head mensurate 11.8 in high and 7.2 inch all-inclusive .
This steel garden crotch was a pleasure to examine . In normal dig situations , it felt unattackable and nimble enough to do it all : breaking up heavy filth , aerating the root zone around trees and shrubs , turning compost , and move perennials for transplantation . Like the other unsullied steel forks we tested , it did a great job stand soil buildup on the tines .
In addition to its capabilities of working heavygarden soil , the lightweight build made it a better multitasker than most of the others . The 13 - in closed - back socket encase nearly one-half of the shaft for tally support in leverage situations . It passed our 130 - Sudanese pound leveraging trial without detectable damage to the wood or steel . For jobslike threefold diggingand lifting , this lightweight fork was the good choice among our test group .
Photo: Amazon
This was our favorite of all the horticulture fork we tested . The reason we did n’t award it the top spot was because of the Sir Henry Wood handle . It comes with natural magnetic declination in wood metric grain that is not repeatable from peter to tool , so others ’ experience may take issue from ours . Also , with care it could last decades or longer , but if allow for exposed to the elements , it will quickly demean .
Get the Berry & Bird pitchfork atAmazonorBerry & Bird .
Best for Mulch
Truper Tru Tough Manure/Bedding Fork
Our Ratings : Ergonomics4/5 ; Performance5/5 ; Durability4/5 ; Value5/5
Some chores , likemulching the garden , call for peculiarity tools , like a 10 - tine pitchfork . The Truper Tru Tough manure / bedding crotch is designed specifically for loading and moving manure , wood chips , compost , or animate being bedding . It ’s fit with a wide 10 - tine head , a scant jibe , and a calciferol - hold for the best combination of power and control while loading or transferring bulk materials .
This was the first genuine “ pitchfork ” among our test group because it is used to scoop and toss a multifariousness of coarse materials . The tines have a round visibility and are about half the diameter of the satisfying tine on digging forks . As such , it is not suited to workinginthe garden , so much as workingonthe garden . We tested it by moving a 5 - cubic - yard cumulus of woods chips that had been present by a local tree surgeon .
Photo: Amazon
Unlike the long edge of a shovel , the pointed tine penetrated the wood Saratoga chip easy . When they encounter the occasional unchipped stick , they flex enough to pick it up as well . Occasionally we had to end and open sticks out from between the tine , which was a simple matter of dragging the back of the fork across the grass . With this fork we were able to move at a steady rate , pick up a large volume per scoop , and set up it a few foot to fill the garden cart . That ’s the idealistic job for this fork , and it worked dead .
Get the Truper manure / bedding pitchfork atAmazon , Rural King , orDo It Best .
Best for Compost
Razor-Back 5-Tine Forged Manure Fork
The correct gardening pitchfork may do its best employment above the soil . When you need to work a agglomerate of rasping compost , with its varying sizes of material and sticky wet texture , a pitchfork with wide spaced tines works better . In increase to the favorable tine configuration , we preferred the long square handle on the Razor - Back five - tine manure furcate as well . The crotch caput features oval - profile blade tines with an upward liquid ecstasy shape , attached to a 54 - column inch hardwood grip .
This pitchfork did fine alongside the 10 - tine branching on our mulch - moving projection , but it excelled when we had to turn a spate of compost . The extensive tine spacing and ( relatively ) humble header size allowed it to easy penetrate the dense , part compost peck and made it easier to lift and reverse . We also preferred the long , straight handle because it made it easier to get all the style to the bottom of the pile with less bending . The ellipse tine were also scant than those on the 10 - tine crotch , so they were more rigid , which helped with the heavier stuff .
give alike attribute to a traditional hay fork , the Razor - Back manure fork was also an excellent tool for picking up loads of tall pot and garden debris . It did n’t matter if the dust was still fresh and green or dried out after bake in the Sunday for a few days . For that reason , we preferred this one for all aspects of composting from commencement to finish .
Photo: Amazon
Get the Razor - Back manure pitchfork atThe Home DepotorTractor Supply Co.
More Great Options
desire a few more alternative to consider ? We have not tested the postdate pitchforks yet , but our inquiry and verified customer feedback both designate favourable quality and public presentation .
Best Lightweight
Truper Tru Tough Spading Fork
Lightweight tools are a great option for naturalise raised beds , for smaller gardeners , or for those with limited strength and mountain range of motion . The Truper 30293 Tru Tough spading fork weigh less than 4 pounds and measures just 40 inches long , hit it one of the smallest , light pitchforks in our lineup . But do n’t let the dimensions take in you ; it ’s ramp up for genuine work , with a forged steel head word , thickheaded straight - visibility tines , and hardwood handle .
The Truper Tru Tough spading branching is an low-cost and in effect selection for residential use , but we do n’t advocate it for pry up bowlder and thick roots . practice it to turn antecedently tilled garden land , glean root veggies , or aerate tree and shrub root zona . We wish that it is outfit with a replaceable collet - style handle because the hardwood could eventually crack or otherwise wear out out with extended use . This is a less heavy - obligation character of building , but it ’s gentle to quicken than puppet with socket attachments .
With all the good that this tool offers , it will not be the best option for every substance abuser . It is a “ medium- obligation ” tool , so those who regularly bear on their prick to the terminal point will want to choose for something with a backbreaking - responsibility flesh . It also add up with the caution that it ’s not a matter of “ if ” but “ when ” the grip will need to be replaced .
Photo: Amazon
Get the Truper spading pitchfork atAmazon , Rural King , orDK Hardware .
Most Durable
Bully Tools Spading Fork With Fiberglass Handle
Tired of unwrap your tools ? The Bully Tools spading fork is nearly indestructible . It feature a heavy - duty powder - coat sword head , high - strength fibreglass handle shot , and a molded polypropene grip . The spading crotch design is idealistic for general garden digging and soil turning , harvesting , and aerate grime .
The Bully Tools spading forking stand out to us for several reasons . First , it is a fictitious tool , not counterfeit . That means rather of the usual cognitive operation of hammering a individual piece of sword into the shape of a fork , the various factor are cut and welded into shape . From an industrial stand , this should give it less consistent strength than its twin . But the individual components are very stiff , and it ’s only powder coated , so it offer plenty of wear resistor for human - powered digging .
The fibreglass handle also issue forth with pro and cons . It is highly atmospheric condition - tolerant but susceptible to UV price with constant exposure . However , the manufacturer added a thin polyester covering for added protection . As long as you do n’t habitually impart it in the garden , splitting and cracking should n’t be a problem .
Photo: The Home Depot
Although its construction is somewhat unlawful and it ’s heavier than most other toil crotch , this creature offer strong point and enduringness for tough task .
Get the Bully Tools pitchfork atAmazon , Northern Tool + Equipment , Gemplers , orBully Tools .
Best Ferrule
Razor-Back 4-Tine Digging Fork
If you walk into your local computer hardware or home improvement computer memory in lookup of a digging pitchfork , you may only find those made with flashy ferrule construction . While low-priced , the quality of these forks is wide variable . Razor - Back offers one of the best example . It features a four - tine straits made of forged sword , a untarnished brand ferrule to support the drumhead and protect the lower portion of the hardwood handle , and a powder - coat steel D - grip .
Unlike lower - quality models of standardised designing , the steel handle fixtures are slimly recess match onto the hardwood for an super unassailable conniption and a fluid control surface . The Razor - Back digging tine are forged to a baseball diamond point that dawn the land much easier than blunt ends on other digging forks . The tine profile is more orthogonal than straight , so it wo n’t apply up to the heaviest maltreatment such as prying up boulder and thick radical . It ’s best for working previously prepared ground and other light- or medium - tariff chores .
This is a nice multipurpose fork with strength for digging and turning all types of soil , but it ’s also light enough for gathering garden debris for composting . Expect a substantially fit and finish than you would ascertain on sleazy model , and a longer cultivate life as well .
Photo: Amazon
Get the Razor - Back digging pitchfork atThe Home Depot , Toolup.com , A.M. Leonard , orDK Hardware .
Best Border Fork
Lee Valley Border Fork
If you need a lowly , light , or more precise pitchfork , consider the Lee Valley delimitation fork . It features a forge stainless steel capitulum and hardwood handle for lightweight toughness that feel secure in the hand . The four - tine top dog value 9 inches marvellous and 5.5 inches spacious , and the fork assess 41 inches marvelous and weighs just 3 pounds 6 ounce . The compact head is ideal for work raised layer , weeding , separate perennial , and oxygenise crowded bush bed .
The ergonomic design of this fork make it easy and comfortable to apply . Relative to big dig forks , its compendious size and durable but lightweight build make it light to channelise among planted landscape layer . The deep socket and ash hold offer equal strength to surpass the British standard of 121 pounds of nosiness force at the end of the handle without breaking , but the woodwind is not perdurable . Finally , although its stainless steel pass is highly resistant to ground adhesion and rust , the fork should be stored indoors , and it should not be used to extirpate saplings or pry out Boulder .
A digging fork may be the better pick for preparing stripped soil ; we prefer this smaller branching for work among spring up plants . Whether it ’s for weed remotion or prepare a planting trap , the modest sizing reserve you to knead agilely among established shrubs and perennials without disturbing them . This fork is also capable of doing the marginal - dirt tasks , albeit more slowly than larger forks , which could make it an easier - to - use choice for small gardeners .
Photo: amazon.com
Get the Lee Valley pitchfork atLee Valley .
Jump to Our Top Picks
How We Chose and Tested the Best Pitchforks
We want to use this guide to showcase the different kinds of pitchforks that gardeners will meet , the best - use case for each type , and how to regain a high - quality version of the type they need . To that end , we resolve to quiz two of the most popular types of pitchfork plan for work the soil , and two that are design for above - soil task . In all we tested five and identify four others that could also be excellent candidates .
We only test ground forks made with counterfeit brand head and square profile tines , as that is the diligence standard . But we include different height and head - handle connection types . We test these by work out with each of them for an time of day , turning soil for new garden bottom , and evaluating them for leveraging , lastingness , and drug user puff .
For the above - the - grunge forks , we opt two different types with tenacious thin tines : one with a shorter handgrip and closely spaced tine and the other with a farseeing handle and wide space tine . We tested them for an minute each , loading and spreading mulch , turn compost , and pull in garden debris . Then we evaluated them for effectiveness and user comfort .
Photo: The Home Depot
What to Consider When Choosing a Pitchfork
The character of a pitchfork depends on several factors . To get the most out of your leverage , fit its fabric , property , and forge to your needs . The following considerations are deserving keeping in mind when on the Holman Hunt for the best pitchfork .
Material
Take annotation of a dick ’s materials when you ’re shopping for the good pitchfork — or any garden tool . The most common material for the head is putz steel . It ’s a full-bodied and long-wearing garden forking material , providing plenty of strength for dig and prying applications . It ’s also elastic enough to hold back its flesh if a rock-and-roll deflects a tine . There are eminent - end unstained steel dig forks , but stainless brand heads are expensive and not typically necessary for garden use . However , they areeasy to maintain .
With respect to handles , there are two basic choices : wood and fibreglass . Forks with wood handles in general cost less than those with fibreglass , and the handle are well-situated to supplant if they break . fibreglass hold are more expensive , but they ’re more perdurable and absorb shock better . However , they ’re more difficult to replace if they give way .
Length
Handle length might be a factor when you ’re patronize for a pitchfork . For instance , when lick in a close turning point or between works , some folks might choose a shorter - treat tool like a border ramification . They can drive the tines into the soil , and the shorter hold will leave enough elbow room for the user to pry with the handle and make leveraging .
When it comes to digging , some might opt a long - handled prick . The longer handle allows the substance abuser to apply more leverage while digging . It ’s also easier accomplish into a hole to prod with a long - treat pecker than with a shortsighted model .
Weight
system of weights might not be the ultimate ingredient in opt a pitchfork since most tool weigh within 2 to 3 Syrian pound of one another , but there are benefits to both hard and lighter pitchforks .
A heavier pitchfork will gain from an increase in inertia while grasp . As the substance abuser drives the pitchfork into the soil , a heavy pitchfork ’s mass in motion will allow it to dig deeply than a light pitchfork .
However , a light pitchfork is easy to practice over the course of a long day . A Syrian pound or two might not count much when the user is wind the pitchfork just three or four times , but after 300 times , the increase weight can wear the user out .
Photo: Lee Valley
Number of Tines
The number of tines progress into a pitchfork has a fortune to do with its capability . Too many tine can make a fork difficult to drive into heavyset surfaces . Too few tine means it ’ll have a arduous time polish off the fabric the user is digging into .
For undecomposed result when digging , look for a pitchfork with three or four tine . These pitchfork are comfortable to take into a airfoil , but their compact head size can still lift piles of dirt without them slip one’s mind between the tine . For move piles of manure , however , shoppers will do intimately choosing a fork that has five or six tine since manure is subdued enough to drive these forks into but can slip through widely spaced tines .
Tine Shape
There are a few thing to look for in a pitchfork ’s tine . take a pitchfork with tine of the right chassis for the job and consider the overall shape of the psyche .
Handle and Grip
The type of grip and grasp can also be key in pick out the in effect pitchfork . Using the right grasp for the job will guarantee the drug user stay on as comfortable as possible without undue fatigue or hurt their hands .
mostly speaking , there are two master flair of handgrip : square and D - shaped handles . A neat handle is usually lighter and makes it gentle to drive the pitchfork into the soil . It ’s common with full - distance tools . D - shaped handles make it light for a user to stabilise a load without needing to withstand the handle with a treble decease grip . These hold are far more mutual on short tools but can go a prospicient way towardimproving ergonomics .
shopper might also find tools with handguards on their hold . Handguards can avail save the substance abuser ’s helping hand from blisters and fatigue over the form of the solar day . They ’re rarely useable on wooden handles , being much more common on fiberglass models .
Types of Pitchforks
First , none of these forks are traditional pitchforks . Traditional pitchforks are for toss hay to livestock . Over metre , common people began advert to all gardening forks as pitchfork . There are plenty of other styles , but those fork are n’t suitable for digging purposes .
The following styles of pitchfork are far dear pick than traditional forks for dig and land cultivation .
Garden Fork
When it comes to shake up garden beds a bit , there ’s no tool well suited than agarden forking . These tools normally have three or four sturdy , pointy tines that launch deep into the soil , breach up hard - packed bed quickly and well . Their handle are generally full length , allow the user to hold a bit of leverage to tough garden ground . However , pitchfork shopper can also get hold shorter - distance handles for use while kneel .
Some garden forks are n’t as robust as other types of pitchfork , make them a wretched option for big - duty dig projection . That pronounce , they work very well toaerate a garden bedand provide a way for moisture to penetrate through hard - packed top layers .
Digging Fork
For heavy - duty earth - moving projects around a property , a dig up fork is the tool for the job . These long - handled tools have thick triangular or rounded tines with fairly frank tip . They ’ll help loose and break up up earth and territory , as well as rock and stones .
The strong tine of digging forks make them suitable for nosiness in the densest of grunge . Also , since they can remove heavier chunks of dirt and debris ( like manure ) , they often have ergonomically plan handles to make wind an easier operation .
Border Fork
Working in nasty garden beds requires a smaller peter . Border forks are much like garden branching yet are even smaller in stature . Their head are more stocky , and the tines are poor . The handles incline to be unforesightful as well , allowing for maneuvering them in tight bloom beds without disturbing plants .
Since border fork are so tight related to garden fork but come in a more heavyset size , they ’re well befit for little - draw up gardeners or children . They ’re light and easier to apply since the shorter tines are less likely to get stuck , and they need less leveraging .
FAQs
Even with the information above on pitchforks , you may still have some questions . take on to learn more about what certain forks are used for , the remainder between some common forks , and how to use a pitchfork to loosen soil .
broadly speaking , spading fork are for gently lifting soil around plant life and carrying it to another place . They ’re also utile for cultivating ground and turning manure or fertilizer into loose dirt .
They ’re relatively intimately related , but the chief dispute between a dig up forking and a border forking is that border forks are much smaller . They ’re effective for shape in tighter spaces .
To loosen soil , plunge your pitchfork ’s tines late into the ground . Then , crusade and pull the handle back and forth a few time . This action loosens the territory underneath the garden without disturb the plants on top .
If you practice your pitchfork aright , it is safe . There are a few thing to keep in mind , however : Be sure that all bystanders are at a secure distance as you influence . Don’t give up down the shoulder of the pitchfork ; agitate it with your foot rather . Kicking can do the handgrip to dangle around at your consistency or face with quite a flake of force . Be certain the tine are in contact with the soil before you step on it . The pitchfork will be much easygoing to moderate , and you ’re less probable to strike yourself with the tines or handle .
Meet the Tester
Mark Wolfe is a writer and production tester with an all-embracing background in the nursery and landscaping industry . For more than 20 years he mow , edged , planted , pruned , domesticate , irrigated , and renovate beautiful landscapes . Now he tests and writes reviews about the latest out-of-door power equipment , handwriting tools , lawn concern products , and other outside - living goods .
Additional enquiry provided by Tom Scalisi .
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