The Batwing Oscillating Hoe

The Batwing is the only hoe of its kind that incorporates the traditional shape of a hoe with the efficiency of cutting on the push and pull stroke.  It is engineered for the toughest soils and conditions.

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MTD Tools are now available at Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens in Boothbay, Sheepscot General Store and Farm in Whitefield, and the Green Store in Belfast!

The official launch of Midcoast Tool and Design was at the 46th Common Ground Fair in Unity Maine, September 23 , 24, and 25, 2022.  It was also the premier my invention, the world’s first Oscillating Mid-mount Hoe, The Batwing, and its counterpart  the Ripper.  A year later and The 47th Common Ground Fair I introduced a new tool to the Lineup:

THE STINGER!!

Online shopping option for the Ripper and the Batwing tools is available! Click the Products button in the top right corner for tools, or combinations of tools.

Reach out to me at midcoasttoolanddesign@gmail.com for more information.  


MTD was founded by Brian T. Hughes

MTD was founded by Brian Hughes in Belfast Maine to facilitate the innovation of sustainability related products and the local manufacturing of quality, long lasting, human-scaled, farming and gardening tools.

We look forward to hearing your comments, ideas and suggestions.

The Ripper the Batwing and the Stinger are quality tools made of heavy gauge steel, able to take on any type of ground, or whatever size plant growing in the wrong place. They are made of materials sourced and made in Maine. The steel oscillator hub is machined from a bar of solid steel and is T.I.G. welded to a lag bolt that is threaded into a pre-drilled ash handle,  making this a tool designed to last and if ever need be, it can be disassembled and re-used. These tools are designed as a “tool system”, incorporating a quick-change clevis pin to accommodate different size blades and other tools currently under development. Use the Ripper for getting into the rockiest soil opening furrows for seeds or transplants and edging beds. Use the Batwing or the Ripper with their T shaped design for clearing an entire garden, or cultivating between established plants or tight spaces such as under spinach or lettuce leaves.

The STINGER is razor sharp 45 degree serrated edges all around. The two independent oscillating blades give little resistance when moving through the soil

Testimonials

These local farms have used our hoes for about a couple of years now and here’s what they have to say:

Brian,
They work really well between rows of densely seeded crops such as arugula and salad greens as well as between rows of paper potted crops like beets and spinach. They are especially effective at ripping out chickweed from hard to get places. sometimes wire weeders aren’t rugged enough for weedy conditions and that’s when we bring in the ripping hoes to get the job done.

Mike Bahner
Bahner Farm
Belmont, Maine

Hi Brian,
the design allowed us to get much closer to the mid sized plants than the stirrup hoes could. The design and craftsmanship on your hoes is really good. I’d recommend them to any home gardener or small farmer!

Best,
Prentice Grassi
Villageside Farm
Freedom, Maine

The Batwing and the Stinger incorporate the best of rugged, accurate, tried and true, hoe designs, and combine these with the speed, efficiency, and better ergonomics of an oscillating hoe, cutting on both the push and pull stroke. They are not deterred by areas with giant weeds or rocks. Their T shaped design thoroughly cultivates anywhere, including where other hoes dare not go; under plant’s canopy of leaves and branches, without damaging them.

Brian T. Hughes  

Purchase a tool

The Online Purchase options are live!  

click here to purchase!

Oscillating Ripper modeled after agricultural plows

Limited Edition AR400 (abrasion resistant) Steel 

Locally Manufactured Ash handle