The type of power hoe that will work best for you will depend on how you intend to use the unit, as well as how often you will use it. Small, lightweight power hoe models can be powered by gas or electricity, and they are useful for smaller or more infrequent jobs such as work in flower beds or small gardens. Larger hoes with large engines and larger blades will be useful for industrial purposes, professional gardening, professional landscaping, and so on. It helps to determine your needs as well as your budget before you shop for any hoe models.
Once you have determined your needs, research the various power hoe models available to you. The occasional gardener or homeowner with a small amount of work to do may want to consider an electric power hoe that is lightweight and easy to use. These models will require you to plug the unit into a power source, which can be inconvenient in many cases, but these models tend to be far less expensive than gasoline-powered hoes, and they will be convenient to use for light-duty jobs. If you will be using the unit more frequently, or if you have no power source nearby, consider a gas-powered power hoe.
Gas-powered hoes are a bit heavier than the electric versions, and they will also be much louder, but they are more portable and will be able to handle bigger and more frequent jobs. Be prepared to pay more for these models, and keep in mind that you will have to buy fuel for a gas-powered hoe. In some cases, you may need to mix gasoline and oil to make the power hoe run properly, which can be an added inconvenience. These hoes will come in a variety of sizes, powers, and prices, so be sure to research each one carefully.
A walk-behind power hoe is usually reserved for the largest jobs. These are gas-powered, and they may feature walking-assist features that will propel the machine forward. Hand levers will control the brakes of the unit, and steering can be done using these levers as well. Choose a unit made from a reputable manufacturer, as this will make it possible to purchase replacement parts easily should the unit break down in the future. Be sure to choose a model with a debris guard that will prevent dirt and rocks from being propelled up at you while you operate the machine.
