The Golden Gark, one hundred percent a Dutch product, was invented and patented by Jan Luik who is also the founder of ERGO Gardening Tools BV. His objective: a new line in handy, multi-functional tools for the home, stable and garden. Products that are manufactured for ease of use, a healthy work posture, with an ergonomic, lightweight design.
Design
The Gark belongs to the category ‘long shaft’ hand tool. An important starting point for the design was the ergonomic form which facilitates a healthy, upright posture when carrying out tasks. Also the objective when choosing the design materials was to make the Gark as light as possible.
Because of both the angled tray and the slightly bent shaft the base of the tray glides smoothly over the ground and through grass.
Because of the raised side and back of the tray you can sweep up large quantities of waste in one movement and you will lose none when sifting out soil, sand or gravel.
The teeth, slightly sharpened upwards ensure that the Gark doesn’t get stuck in the ground. The handle, in a D-form, ensures a firm grip.
Construction and materials
The tray is made from Polycarbonate. This is a very lightweight material and yet almost unbreakable. It keeps its shape and is impact-resistant. The mechanical characteristics are good .
The material is weather resistant (UV) and self-extinguishable In contrast to plastic that freezes in winter and that breaks easily in the spring, polycarbonate is frost resistant to - 30 degrees and heat resistant to + 130 degrees Celsius.
Because it keeps its shape and almost indestructible, polycarbonate is frequently used in the aero industry and in many safety products such as crash helmets. It is in fact compulsory for use in hard hats.
Use of this material in the Gark tray makes it exceptionally functional. It ensures flexibility of the individual teeth (necessary for raking) and an excellent lifting capacity of the teeth jointly (necessary for shovelling).
The shaft is made from an aluminium pipe, thus lightweight. This extruded pipe holds its shape and is chromed to prevent corrosion. The shaft is varnished with a red powder-coating so that you can find it easily in the garden.
The grip is made of polypropylene - a light weight plastic that warms to the touch of your hand for a comfort.
