Which walk-behind tractor is better: prices, reviews and characteristics of this type of equipment. Which walk-behind tractor is better to choose? We study companies and characteristics. What is important when choosing a walk-behind tractor?
Motoblocks appeared everywhere not so long ago. Just 30 years ago they were not produced in our country. The reason for this is simple - on collective farms, which were the main form of farming in the USSR, the land was cultivated with powerful tractors.
Only a few “Kulibins” created something like a walk-behind tractor for cultivating their personal plot using improvised means. Such homemade products immediately became the envy of all fellow villagers. Of course - a hand-held, multifunctional tool for cultivating land is just the dream of a Soviet farmer or summer resident.
But with the collapse of the USSR it began new era- time of walk-behind tractors. Large farms began to disintegrate. Private household plots and small farms began to take their place. For such farms, buying a full-fledged tractor is very difficult, and often there is no need. The walk-behind tractor coped well with all the work, replacing several types of equipment at once.
With the growing popularity of walk-behind tractors, the number of their manufacturers and models has also grown. On this moment The variety of this technique is so great that it is very difficult to make a choice.
What is a walk-behind tractor?
A walk-behind tractor is a mobile power unit that is equipped with additional attachments to perform a wide range of agricultural work.
It should be noted that a walk-behind tractor is not a walk-behind tractor, as many people think. The walk-behind tractor is capable of performing a much wider range of work, not just cultivating the land.
What kind of work can a walk-behind tractor perform? Attachments
Those who have never used a walk-behind tractor assume that its functions are limited to soil cultivation. But this is far from the case, and the happy owners of this “mini-tractor” can use it to perform the following work:
Plowing the land
With the help of a special small plow, which is an attachment for a walk-behind tractor, they actually plow the land. The greater the power of the walk-behind tractor, the more effective the plowing. So the most powerful models can be safely sent to raise virgin soil.
A walk-behind tractor can significantly save energy and time for summer residents and owners of small farms. It allows you to plow the land quickly and with sufficient quality. In this case, you can forget about the pain of using a shovel or hiring a tractor that will shovel the entire area, leaving behind many huge clods.
In addition, the quality of soil cultivated with a walk-behind tractor is much higher than when plowed with a shovel or even a motor-cultivator. The reason for this is the opening of the deep layers of the soil and thorough mixing of the soil. This allows you to properly saturate the soil layer with oxygen, and as a result, increase the productivity of the land.
Harrowing
The walk-behind tractor can be equipped with one more type attachments- harrow. A harrow is a special attachment with teeth.
When harrowing with a walk-behind tractor, the top dry earth crust, which is formed when the soil dries out under the influence of the sun, is crushed.
Harrowing is one of the most effective methods of weed removal.
The importance of harrowing is to create the opportunity for oxygen to reach the roots of plants. In addition, without this procedure, moisture saturation of the plant root system is disrupted.
Hilling
Any gardener who grows potatoes or, say, strawberries will certainly appreciate such a function of the walk-behind tractor as hilling. With the help of a mounted hiller, the walk-behind tractor is able to raise furrows to ventilate the tubers.
Planting and harvesting
Potato lovers will not be able to contain their emotions from two more attachments for the walk-behind tractor. This is a potato planter and potato digger. Planting and harvesting potatoes with a walk-behind tractor is much faster.
In addition, there are special seeders on the market for sowing seeds of almost any garden plants.
Shipping
By connecting a walk-behind tractor with a trailer, you can get a kind of motor scooter. Yes, its speed will not be great. But it will transport loads like a real mini-tractor - you will be amazed at what this little guy is capable of.
He is not afraid of bags of cement, bales of fertilizer, or mountains of your harvest. And you yourself will be able to move around almost in complete comfort - sitting on your “heels” and imagining yourself either as a tractor driver or a coachman.
Winter work of the walk-behind tractor
IN winter time The walk-behind tractor can be easily equipped into a snow removal machine. In this case, you can use a whole set of attachments.
For example, after a heavy snowfall to clear pedestrian paths A snow blower will do. A walk-behind tractor equipped with this tool can easily scrape out even deep snow and throw it on the side of the road.
If the snowfall was light and the snow has not yet compacted, snow brushes are suitable and will help clean all the footpaths.
To remove hardened, compacted snow, you can use a special snow shovel. It is equipped with knives to remove compacted snow.
Motoblock device
A walk-behind tractor is actually a fairly simple mechanical tool. It consists of several main components: engine, transmission, clutch, gearbox and power take-off shaft.
Let's look at them in more detail.
Motoblock engine. Modern walk-behind tractors are equipped with three types of engines: gasoline, diesel or electric.
Electric walk-behind tractors are rare. This is due to the fact that their power is low, and therefore their functionality is limited.
Diesel walk-behind tractors are the most powerful, but also the most expensive. Although they are more economical than gasoline ones, they are also more reliable. But everything is determined by the high price - that’s why you don’t often see them in ordinary Russian households.
But walk-behind tractors with a gasoline engine are the most common.
Walk-behind tractor transmission. It is a system of components that is designed to transmit torque from the engine to the wheels and working body of the walk-behind tractor. There are several types of transmissions that are installed on different types of walk-behind tractors.
Lightweight walk-behind tractors are usually equipped with a worm-gear transmission. It includes two gearboxes: gear (upper) and worm (lower). Sometimes such transmissions are equipped with a power take-off shaft.
A belt-tooth-chain transmission is most often installed on medium-power walk-behind tractors. In it, the rotation of the engine is transmitted to the gearbox shaft via a belt. At the same time, the gearbox shaft supplies torque to the attachment or wheels through the chain.
And finally, a gear transmission is installed on heavy walk-behind tractors. Its design is in many ways similar to a tractor transmission. Thanks to the gear transmission, walk-behind tractors have several speeds (both forward and reverse).
Gearbox. This is a detail that you should pay attention to when choosing and purchasing a walk-behind tractor. The gearbox directly affects the reliability and service life of the “mini-tractor”. It serves to transfer power from the engine shaft to the working part of the walk-behind tractor.
Models with a collapsible gearbox are preferable. Such gearboxes are repairable. In addition, if only part of the unit fails, it can be easily replaced rather than buying a new walk-behind tractor.
This mechanism is inherited by the walk-behind tractor from the tractor. This unit is necessary for the operation of attachments.
What is the power of the walk-behind tractor, and how to choose it?
It is based on the power factor that all walk-behind tractors are divided into three types.
Types of walk-behind tractors depending on power
So, as we have already indicated earlier, all walk-behind tractors according to power parameters are divided into:
- lungs;
- average;
- heavy;
Light Motoblocks
This type of walk-behind tractor has engines with a power of up to 5 horsepower. Due to their low power, they are practically incapable of performing heavy work with a plow on hard ground, as they quickly overheat and cannot drag the plow.
Light walk-behind tractors are also suitable for light work on small private farms - loosening and cultivating light soil.
Medium Motoblocks
This is a more serious technique with an average engine power of up to 8 horsepower. They are often equipped with a multi-speed transmission and reverse gear.
Equipping with a power take-off shaft allows medium walk-behind tractors to use attachments. Diesel models are already appearing in this line of walk-behind tractors.
Heavy Motoblocks
These machines are already more like a mini-tractor. And no wonder - their weight often exceeds 100 kg, and the engine develops power of over 10 horsepower.
All heavy walk-behind tractors are equipped with a power take-off shaft and are ready to work with any attachments.
Large walk-behind tractors have advanced characteristics that undoubtedly exceed the capabilities of light or medium-sized walk-behind tractors. In addition, they are more reliable due to the use of components with higher wear resistance.
The performance of such machines is also impressive - some models are capable of working for days in the literal sense of the word.
Of course, all these advantages are significantly reflected in the price of a heavy walk-behind tractor. Although, if the size of your farm is large enough, and the list necessary work is constantly growing - then buying a heavy walk-behind tractor can significantly save you effort, time, and subsequently money.
How to choose a walk-behind tractor?
The choice of walk-behind tractor directly depends on the area of the area being processed, the type and volume of work. If you know the power of the walk-behind tractor and the area of the plot, it is easy to calculate the number of hours of work required to process this plot.
Based on the data in the table below, you can determine the required power of the walk-behind tractor.
In addition, one should take into account the fact that more powerful walk-behind tractors, as a rule, more reliable.
When thinking about how to choose a walk-behind tractor, pay attention to user reviews. And reviews say that domestic walk-behind tractors are less reliable and durable than imported ones. Although this rule covers all mechanical engineering.
Therefore, when choosing a domestic walk-behind tractor, you should clarify the data on the maintainability of the selected agricultural machine.
As with the purchase of any equipment, the price of a walk-behind tractor directly depends on its equipment. How to choose a walk-behind tractor? - according to your needs and financial capabilities. The cheapest is the basic package. The more equipment installed on the unit, the correspondingly higher its price.
In connection with the above, before purchasing a walk-behind tractor, clearly highlight and write down the tasks that this unit should perform on your farm. Based on the list of tasks, choose a model and equipment.
When choosing a walk-behind tractor model, check what is already included in the basic package of the machine. Various models may have different equipment even in the basic configuration.
Calculate carefully required power walk-behind tractor. Consider the type of soil on your site. For light, loose soil, you can choose a lower engine power for the walk-behind tractor. If the soil is heavy and dense, you will have to turn your choice towards more powerful models.
Having chosen a specific walk-behind tractor model, check what warranty period is provided for the equipment. An important point There is also the question of the presence of a service center serving this brand in your region.
As for additional attachments, you shouldn’t rush into butter like a cat and buy everything at once. Usually, at first, only equipment for cultivating the soil is purchased. The rest is purchased as needed. This way you can save a decent amount.
Popular walk-behind tractor models
Russian walk-behind tractors
In the group of light and medium-sized walk-behind tractors, we can highlight a unit that is popular among consumers Neva MB-1B-6.0FS. This model is different at an affordable price- on average 45,000 rubles with fairly good equipment.
The MultiAgro gearbox developed by the manufacturer allows the walk-behind tractor to operate in three forward gears and one reverse gear. And with the help of a folding flap, you can rearrange the belt, which adds additional gears.
Characteristics of Neva MB1-B-6.0FS
- Engine: Briggs&Stratton RS950 made in USA 4-stroke
- Power: 6 hp
- Weight: 75 kg
- Number of gears: (3+1)x2
- Fuel: gasoline
Another model of the Neva walk-behind tractor is MB1-N "MultiAgro". This agricultural tool is designed for work in small and medium-sized areas with loamy soil.
The MB1-N "MultiAgro" walk-behind tractor demonstrates high traction capabilities with lower power consumption.
Characteristics of MB1-N "MultiAgro"
Power: 5.8 hp
- Weight: 75 kg
- Number of gears: (3+1)x2
- Cultivation width (grab): 86-127 cm
- Tillage depth: 20 cm
- Fuel: gasoline
Engine: Honda made in Japan
Beam MB1 (Oka MB1)- the walk-behind tractor was developed back in the 80s of the last century. It is distinguished by simplicity of design, strength and wear resistance of the structure and high maintainability.
Despite the fact that the Luch MB1 walk-behind tractor does not claim to be the ideal agricultural machinery, its design has been successfully adopted and similar equipment is successfully produced under other brands by a number of domestic and Chinese manufacturers. The reason for this is the versatility of the walk-behind tractor.
Designed Beam MB-1 is designed for processing small plots land in private household plots and in the country. It works well on light soils, but gets noticeably “tired” on clay soils.
The disadvantages of the Luch walk-behind tractor include its high weight. Only a physically trained person can handle such a heavy machine.
Characteristics of the walk-behind tractor Luch MB-1 (Oka MB-1)
- Engine: DM-1 4-stroke manufactured in Russia (analogs of the walk-behind tractor are equipped with foreign engines)
- Power: 5 HP
- Weight: 100 kg
- Number of gears: (3+1)x2
- Cultivation width (grab): 71-120 cm
- Tillage depth: 20 cm
- Fuel: gasoline
According to user reviews and statistics, the second place in popularity in Russia after the Neva is occupied by walk-behind tractors "Firework".
The main advantage of the Salute walk-behind tractor is the gear reducer. The thing is that such gearboxes are usually installed only on heavy walk-behind tractors, and medium-power machines are equipped with a chain drive. This gearbox is able to withstand heavy loads and has increased resistance to external impacts of stones and hard clods of earth.
The low center of gravity of the walk-behind tractor protects it from tipping over. In addition, the Salyut is equipped with easily removable steering wheel and wheels, which reduces its assembly and disassembly time and increases transportability.
Characteristics of the Salyut 5/Salyut 100 walk-behind tractor
- Power: 6.5 hp
- Weight: 78 kg
- Cultivation width (grab): 36-80 cm
- Tillage depth: 25 cm
- Fuel: gasoline
Japanese walk-behind tractors are the best walk-behind tractors in the world
"Kubota"- one of the most reliable manufacturers. The most popular model - Kubota K1-8 will allow you to process even large plots. The model has a low noise level. But the main advantage of walk-behind tractors is their compactness.
Characteristics of the Kubota K1-8 walk-behind tractor
- Engine: 4-stroke Honda GX200 Japan / LIFAN 168F-2B / Briggs&Stratton Vanguard 6.5
- Power: 8 hp
- Weight: 160 kg
- Number of gears: 4 forward, 2 reverse
- Water cooling
If you need a lighter walk-behind tractor, then you should pay attention to the brand "Caiman". Motoblocks from this manufacturer have high reliability and maintainability.
And the 3-year warranty is good news.
Characteristics of Cayman walk-behind tractors
- Power: 5-7 hp
- Number of gears: 2 forward, 1 reverse
Engine: Subaru EP 17 OHC 2 or 4 stroke
Which walk-behind tractor should I buy and how to maintain it?
Conclusion
You need to approach the choice of a walk-behind tractor responsibly in order to avoid disappointment later.
Before you buy a walk-behind tractor, you need to calculate in detail all the equipment parameters that you will need based on the following factors:
- area of the treated area;
- soil type;
- required range of work;
- What attachments will you need first?
Based on the above, you can choose the type of walk-behind tractor and its power.
25.12.2015
19 964
How to choose a walk-behind tractor for your garden and garden that is inexpensive and reliable?
Many farming enthusiasts are wondering how to choose a walk-behind tractor to make their work easier on the site? In specialized stores there is a large amount of equipment with various equipment and capabilities that will be useful not only in a small summer cottage, but will also cope with complex tasks on large farms...
What is the difference between a cultivator and a walk-behind tractor and which is better?
If you don’t know how to choose a walk-behind tractor or cultivator, then read... The main purpose of a cultivator is to cultivate the soil before sowing. This unit cultivates the soil without turning the earthen plates inside out. Using a cultivator allows you not only to loosen the soil, but also to remove weeds, crush coarse soil, and mix fertilizers. 
On garden plot The small mechanism easily copes with soil cultivation in greenhouses, greenhouses, flower beds and beds. The cultivator is very easy to use; even a woman can handle it. Where deep soil cultivation is not required, a cultivator is suitable. Loosening to a shallow depth will be enough to enrich the soil with oxygen and destroy weeds.
in the photo - a walk-behind tractor and attachments for it
A walk-behind tractor is a more complex and versatile technique; in addition to loosening the soil, it is used for plowing, cutting furrows and beds, and hilling. Attachments, which are additionally installed on the walk-behind tractor, allow you to perform work not related to soil cultivation (mowing grass, transporting goods, etc.)
Motoblock capabilities
When purchasing a walk-behind tractor for their garden, gardeners often use it to cultivate the land, not knowing that the equipment has a large number of additional functions. The main purpose of the walk-behind tractor is, of course, land development, which includes plowing, inter-row and continuous cultivation, hilling, harrowing, etc.:
Plowing. It is carried out using a plow, which is installed on a machine; in addition, the most powerful units are used for plowing virgin soil. Unlike a cultivator, a walk-behind tractor plows to great depths, lifting the deep layers of earth and mixing them. The soil is saturated with oxygen and air permeability increases. This functionality of the machine will be necessary for farmers and summer residents with large plots of land to develop uncultivated and uncultivated lands;
in the photo - a walk-behind tractor with a plow for plowing
Hilling. The hiller attachment allows you to do this, which saves a lot of time. The benefits of this process are great: the soil rises from the lower layers, the potatoes are saturated with oxygen and excess moisture evaporates. Hilling will also be useful for strawberries if they grow on lands where groundwater flows close;
Harrowing. To perform this function, a special nozzle with teeth is used. The harrowing process using a walk-behind tractor allows you to break up the earthen crust formed as a result of weather conditions. This attachment is used to remove weeds;
Planting and digging. A potato planter and potato digger will facilitate processes in large and small areas. About two large buckets fit in a special compartment for potatoes, and with the help of a seeder you can sow onions and garlic;
Maintenance of lawns and flower beds. Special rotary mower, which is included with the walk-behind tractor, perfectly cuts the grass at a distance of one meter. There is also the possibility of installing an aerator, which allows you to enrich the lawn with oxygen, which will make it grow better and thicker. An additional chopper will allow you to grind grass and tops into compost, and a motor pump will do an excellent job of watering flower beds and vegetable gardens;
Winter bustle and care. If you think that a walk-behind tractor can only be used in the autumn-spring season, then you are mistaken. A snow shovel, brushes and snow blower will save you from having to clean everything up afterwards;
in the photo - a walk-behind tractor with a snow removal attachment
Transportation of goods. The owner of a full set of attachments for a walk-behind tractor can only buy a trailer and, proudly sitting on the car, drive around the garden space, removing garbage, pruned tree branches or delivering compost and manure. If there is a need to bring a heavy load from a hardware store or collect stones to create a landscape on the site, then a walk-behind tractor with a trailer will cope with this task.
All attachments listed above must be purchased separately, since the walk-behind tractor only includes wheels and a cultivator. The greater the power of the walk-behind tractor, the more functions it can perform.
Which is the best walk-behind tractor to buy and what to pay attention to?
When buying a walk-behind tractor, you need to take into account not only the manufacturer, but also important accompanying factors that will provide good results in your work and make your work easier:
- area of the area for processing with a walk-behind tractor;
- composition and type of cultivated soil;
- the amount of work that will need to be performed using the machine.
The minimum and maximum power of walk-behind tractors is 3.5-10 horsepower. There are more powerful machines, but they are not often on sale. To choose the right walk-behind tractor with sufficient power, you need to take into account the volume of land that will be cultivated:
- Walk-behind tractor for small garden(up to 13-15 acres) you need to take a power of 3.5-4 hp, the width of the plow of the machine in this case is selected to 60 centimeters;
in the photo - a Grillo g110 walk-behind tractor with a power of 11 l/s, with a large selection of attachments
- To cultivate land with an area of 15-30 acres, it is better to choose a unit with a power of 4.5-5 horsepower with a plow working width of 80 centimeters;
- For owners of wide yards with an area of 30-50 acres, a machine with a power of 5-7 horsepower with a grip of 90 centimeters is suitable;
- For large farms occupying up to 3-4 hectares of agricultural land, a walk-behind tractor with 10 hp is suitable. and a plow working width of one meter;
- For agricultural land that occupies vast spatial areas, it is better to replace the walk-behind tractor with a tractor, since the work performed is voluminous and requires much more effort.
The type of soil on the site is of particular importance when choosing a walk-behind tractor. Heavy clay soils it will not be possible to process it with a walk-behind tractor low power. The machine will work with overloads, which is why the engine will quickly fail. The low weight of low-power equipment will not allow you to plow heavy soil to the proper depth and will run idle (slip).
Before you buy a walk-behind tractor for your garden, make sure that this car allows you to work with the necessary attachments, so that later there will be no disappointment from the purchase. To transport heavy loads, equipment must have large wheels (from 400 mm). A power take-off shaft will be required for the mower, water pump, and snow thrower, since not all models can install these attachments.
If you are going to use a walk-behind tractor in winter, choose a walk-behind tractor with a gasoline engine and an electric starter so that there are no problems starting the unit. Adjustable handles and the ability to lock the differential will be a good addition to the car.
To make it easier to process land you need to use technology and special devices. This is not only a super shovel. It’s easier, of course, but it still requires a lot of physical effort. It is much easier to work if you use walk-behind tractors and cultivators. They are, of course, expensive, but they are worth the price.
Walk-behind tractors and walk-behind cultivators: what's the difference?
Working on the ground requires considerable effort. Modern technology can significantly simplify this difficult work. For example, walk-behind tractors and walk-behind cultivators will make plowing, weeding, hilling and some other operations easier. The main difference between a motor cultivator and a walk-behind tractor is the power and the number of operations they can perform.
Motor cultivators are small, lightweight devices with a capacity of 3-6 horsepower. The main purpose is to loosen the soil using a milling cutter. Other operations and work with other implements are possible, but not on all models and not with all soils.
Walk-behind tractors are more powerful devices - from 7 hp. - with a wide range of functions. They can cope with plowing (working with a plow), loosening (milling cutter), hilling, mowing grass, etc. As an additional function - the ability to transport goods or move a small trailer.
What to choose
How to choose what to buy? What is better, walk-behind tractors and walk-behind cultivators? Depends on the size of the area that you plan to cultivate, the list of works that you want to automate, and the soils on the site.
Where and for what is it better to use motor cultivators
For a dacha, garden, or vegetable garden with an area of up to 10-15 acres, a motorized cultivator is quite sufficient. Especially if the soils are light. This device does a good job of loosening the soil and cultivating row spacing, but it usually works at one speed. Only some, more expensive models can have two speeds; even less common is the ability to change the direction of movement (reverse).
The main equipment is cutters. For different widths there are row spacings different sizes. Replacing a cutter takes little time, which is convenient. Only the heaviest and most powerful (read: expensive) models can cope with plowing, and only on light and medium soils. Moreover, we are not talking about deep processing.
Small motor cultivators - the best choice for processing small areas
Some owners adapt hillers to more powerful models. The quality of processing is not always high. It is normal only on light soils. Even with preliminary loosening, the row spacing has to be adjusted manually. Although the work is certainly much easier.
The wheel, most often, is one - central, solid. That is, during operation, some effort will be required to keep the tool in a stable position. In general, for a standard summer cottage, a motor cultivator is great choice. Larger areas require more powerful equipment.
Scope of application of walk-behind tractors
If the area of the cultivated area exceeds 20 acres, it makes sense to buy a walk-behind tractor. Unlike motorized cultivators, they have several transmission speeds and the ability to reverse. There are usually few speeds, 2-3 when moving forward and 1-2 when moving backward.
Walk-behind tractors have more attachments: in addition to cutters, you can install a plow, mower, and hiller. Due to the greater power, soil cultivation proceeds faster and greater depth is possible. The depth changes due to the installation of weights that lower the cutter or plow lower.
Walk-behind tractors have two pneumatic wheels, making them more stable. The effort required when working is minimal; you just have to control the direction.
Division into classes
Walk-behind tractors and walk-behind cultivators are divided into three classes. The choice of class depends on the type of soil being cultivated and the area of the site. There are light, medium and heavy cultivators and walk-behind tractors.
In general, it is not difficult to choose walk-behind tractors and walk-behind cultivators by class. Light and medium-sized models of motorized cultivators are suitable for dachas; walk-behind tractors are more suitable for farms. The class will have to be determined by the soil and size of the cultivated area.
Engine type and its parameters
Walk-behind tractors and walk-behind cultivators are equipped with an engine. The speed and depth of processing and the ability to work with soils depend on its type and power. different types, sizes of tools used. In general, choosing an engine is an important task.
Engine type
Walk-behind tractors and walk-behind cultivators are produced with three types of engines:
Most often chosen Gas engine. Diesel engines, of course, are more economical during operation, but the price of models with similar characteristics is very different. So most often they choose walk-behind tractors and walk-behind cultivators with gasoline engines.
Gearbox type
A gearbox is a unit that transmits torque in a gearbox. The type of gearbox affects the durability of the unit, the noise level during operation, and the smoothness of speed changes. In general, this is an important node.
Gearboxes on walk-behind tractors and walk-behind cultivators are:
Actually, the choice is actually small. Cultivators are mainly equipped worm gearboxes. Only some, more expensive heavy ones have chain ones. Light and medium-sized walk-behind tractors (even budget heavy ones) are equipped with chain gearboxes, and only expensive heavy ones have gear drives.
Number of speeds
Inexpensive light and medium cultivators do not have a gearbox and they always work with the same force. For simple, same-type work - loosening - this is normal. More powerful equipment - heavy cultivators and all walk-behind tractors - have a box. The number of speeds is from 2 to 8. The more speeds, the more accurately you can select the force for a specific job. This ultimately saves fuel.
The number of speeds is important for ease of use
Even more “advanced” modifications have the ability to change the direction of movement - they can move backwards. It's convenient for limited space, but the gearbox is more complicated and its cost is higher. The number of speeds during reverse movement is smaller - from one to three.
Transmissions with reverse can be mechanical or automatic. Automatic ones change direction while driving; with mechanical ones, to reverse, you must first stop and then change gear. It is clear that automatic ones are more complex and cost more (and also in maintenance).
Motor cultivators: selection options, which one is better, prices, reviews
Let's start with how to choose a motor cultivator and what parameters to choose from. Then we will consider the most popular models, their advantages and disadvantages, and prices.
Motor cultivators - difficult to choose the best
Criterias of choice
The general parameters have already been described above: these are class, power, type of engine, gearbox and number of speeds. Here we briefly list the main selection criteria and the possible range of parameters. Here's what we pay attention to when choosing a motorized cultivator:
- The direction of rotation of the cutters. There is direct and
- Rotation speed of cutters (for models that operate at the same speed).
- Number of cutters included and their sizes.
- Processing width. From 15 cm to 110 cm.
- Processing depth. From 15 cm to 25 cm
- Wheel type. A good option is made of cast rubber, but the best is hydraulic (installed on some heavy models).
Also in each class, pay attention to the mass. It varies over a fairly wide range:
- light motor cultivators - from 9 kg to 40 kg (the lightest - with an electric motor);
- medium - from 40 kg to 80 kg;
- heavy - from 80 kg to 140 kg.
The choice by weight is also not entirely clear-cut. On the one hand, the smaller the mass, the better the maneuverability. On the other hand, the heavier the equipment, the greater the processing depth (although the relationship is not direct, much depends on the design). The advantage of greater mass is that heavier units can be loaded with homemade devices and used for uncharacteristic work.
Popular models, reviews, prices
Neva - popular domestically produced motor cultivators (St. Petersburg plant "Red October"). They are designed to take into account the difficult soils that are typical for Russia, so middle-class cultivators have a gear drive. Additional advantages include a stable design and vibration damping. So it’s a pleasure to work with, reviews are 4 or 5 on a five-point scale. The characteristics of some models of Neva motor cultivators are collected in the table.
| Model | Class | Number and size of cutter | Engine | Power, volume | Number of speeds | Transmission | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Neva MK-80-B6.0 | average | 71-98 cm (depth not specified) | 6 pcs | gasoline, 4 stroke, | 6 hp / 163 cu. cm | 1 | without box, chain reducer, belt transmission | 420$ |
| Neva MK-80R-S5.0 | average | 60-100 cm / depth 16 cm | 6 pcs | petrol | 5 hp / 183 cu. cm | 1 forward, 1 backward | without box, chain reducer | 500$ |
| Neva MK70-B5.0 RS | average | 35-97 cm / depth 16 cm | 6 pcs | gasoline, 4 stroke | 3.7 hp / 163 cu. cm | 1 forward | without a box | 380$ |
| Neva MB-S-6.0 | heavy | 65-100 cm / depth 16 cm | gasoline, 4 stroke | 6.1 hp / 205 cu. cm | 4 forward, 2 reverse | mechanics, chain reducer | 620 $ |
There are also domestic motor cultivators Mole. Under this name, the plant of JSC MMP im. V.V. Chernyshev" Moscow. Previously, this brand was produced by the Omsk plant named after P.I. Baranov. There are several more Chinese units under the “Mole” brand. So when choosing, you need to be careful and specify which manufacturer.
| Model | Class | Tillage width/depth | Engine | Power, volume | Number of speeds | Transmission | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MOLE MK-1A-02 | average | 35-60 cm / depth up to 25 cm | Two-stroke carburetor engine with air cooled | 2.6 hp | 1 | 420$ | |
| MOLE MK-4-03 | average | 60-90/ depth 25 cm | petrol | 4 hp | 1 forward, 1 backward | chain reducer | 390$ |
| Mole MK-9-01 | average | 40-90 cm / depth 26 cm | gasoline, 4 stroke | 5.5 hp / 168 cu. cm | 1 forward, 1 backward | without box, belt drive | 320$ |
| MOLE MK-455 | average | 60 cm / depth 25 cm | gasoline, 4 stroke | 4 hp | 1 forward, 1 backward | worm gearbox, belt drive | 340 $ |
There are also Russian motorized cultivators from the SoyuzMash plant (Vyatka brand). They are less known and not available in every store. According to users, the quality is somewhere around 4.
Motoblocks: which is better, prices, reviews
As already mentioned, walk-behind tractors are designed for cultivating large areas and cope with the development of virgin soil. The main parameters are the same: engine type (gasoline or diesel), transmission type, power, number of speeds. There are also specific ones that are specific to this equipment.
Criterias of choice
Need to track:
- Class,
- soil tillage parameters (width and depth);
- fuel tank volume;
- type of gearbox (manual or automatic).
What else is worth paying attention to is the number of attachments that can be used with this unit. But this must be clarified with the sellers, since technical specifications such “little things” are not written.
Best models according to reviews
The list is compiled based on reviews from owners. The rating includes walk-behind tractors of different classes, but their rating is not lower than “4” points out of five.
These are not all walk-behind tractors and cultivators. Only those that caught my eye and had good reviews.
The question of how to choose a walk-behind tractor for cultivating a summer cottage is quite complex and responsible. Properly selected equipment will allow you to perform a large amount of work on the ground without significant expenditure of effort and money. In addition, quality machining soil significantly exceeds the result obtained when digging with a shovel. Modern market agricultural equipment is filled with walk-behind tractors and walk-behind cultivators, which differ in different trademarks
, characteristics and capabilities. To know how to choose the right walk-behind tractor for improving your garden, yard and vegetable garden, you need to familiarize yourself with the main characteristics of these products and the specifics of the tasks they perform. Let's look at the similarities and differences between a motor-cultivator and a walk-behind tractor. Products of the first category are different small in size
, weight and limited functionality. With their help, you can loosen the top layer of soil, provided there are no plant roots in it. Choosing a walk-behind tractor for your dacha allows you to perform a wide range of work that is not limited to loosening or digging.
- Having bought a walk-behind tractor for your dacha, you can use it for the following actions: rocky soil. An inexpensive and reliable unit makes trenches up to 40 cm deep for laying various communications, building fences, laying curbs, and creating a foundation pit.
- Treatment of plowed soil. To improve access to moisture and oxygen for garden crops, harrowing, cultivation and hilling of beds are carried out. At the same time, weeds and large debris are removed.
- Cultivation and cleaning of the territory. With the help of special attachments, snow removal, lawn mowing, collection of mown grass and subsequent loosening of the top layer of soil are carried out.
- Planting and harvesting vegetable crops. Special attachments make it possible to plant and dig potatoes, onions, garlic and grain crops. The trailed bunker is convenient to use for uniform application of fertilizers into the ground.
- Transportation of various property. To do this, you need to choose a walk-behind tractor that has the ability to attach front and rear adapters, a cart or winter sleigh. To transport a heavy trailer (up to 500 kg), the unit must have sufficient power and weight.
It is necessary to take into account all these aspects before deciding which walk-behind tractor to purchase for the garden. Let's look at the nuances that you need to pay attention to in order to choose the most suitable model unit, what indicators are necessary to perform various works on the site.
How to decide on power and weight
Power is the determining factor in machine performance. The higher it is, the heavier the soil can be lifted and the larger area can be processed. The weight of the equipment directly determines the degree of its adhesion to the ground.
We select a unit from 3 categories available for sale today:
- Lungs. Such machines weigh between 55-75 kg, the engine has a power of 3-5 hp. Select devices of this class for processing an area of up to 10 acres. The functionality of light equipment is low; it is used for loosening the soil, mowing and collecting grass. If you have well-groomed vegetable gardens, light machines are used for hilling and harrowing rows.
- Average. The middle class of walk-behind tractors has a wider scope of application. They have a power of 5-8 hp. and weigh 80-125 kg. Almost all types of auxiliary equipment can be suspended on such machines. They can easily lift heavy soil, make trenches up to 20 cm deep, hill up beds, collect snow and mown grass.
- Heavy. This equipment is close in its capabilities to a light wheeled tractor. The heavy walk-behind tractor is durable and reliable. Weight without equipment is 150-300 kg, power - 8-12 hp. Equipment of this class can perform the entire range of agricultural work, including raising virgin soil, planning the territory and transporting loads of up to 500 kg on trailers and sleighs. With the help of adapters, a two-axle machine turns into a full-fledged tractor with headlights and rear-view mirrors. In one pass, the heavy unit is capable of processing an area of up to 3 hectares.
Before choosing a walk-behind tractor for your garden, you need to weigh your financial capabilities regarding fuel costs. If light machines consume 2-2.5 liters per hour of operation, then for heavy machines this figure can reach 8-10 liters.
At first glance, it may seem that this issue is not fundamental. But it is not so, functionality diesel and gasoline engines vary greatly, as evidenced by user reviews.
Let's look at the pros and cons in order. various types power plants.
- Gasoline engines. They differ in simple and reliable design, to which most motorists are accustomed. They have a compact size, sufficient power, and are easy to maintain. Operate over a wide temperature range. An undoubted advantage is the affordable cost even of foreign models. Disadvantages include low performance, high fuel consumption and limited service life.
- Diesel engines. They are distinguished by high reliability, durability and efficiency. As a rule, they are installed on medium and heavy class cars, as they are heavy. The disadvantages of the diesel power plant include its high cost and high maintenance costs. In addition, to work with sub-zero temperatures it is necessary to use special arctic fuel, which is not always commercially available.
For processing small areas, it is advisable to purchase light and medium gasoline models. Heavy diesel units are indispensable for working in difficult conditions and over large areas.
Selecting a launch system
To some, this nuance may seem minor and not worthy of special attention. However, user reviews indicate that the ability to use the unit for its intended purpose depends on the correct choice of starter type.
Let's consider the features of walk-behind tractor engine starting systems:
- Manual. It is a flywheel on which a cord with a handle is wound. The cord can be removable or attached to the starter. The advantage of such a system is autonomy and independence from external sources nutrition. The disadvantage is that it takes a lot of effort to start the engine, especially in winter.
- Electric. The electric starter makes starting the power plant an easy and quick process. The downside is the need for a charged battery. If the unit has been idle for a long time, the energy source is discharged, and it may take several hours to bring it back into working condition.
- Combined. This system is installed on modern models walk-behind tractors. To prevent battery discharge, generators are installed on them, providing lighting in dark time days. This type of equipment is quite expensive.
Do right choice Assessing your physical abilities and the state of your wallet will help.
Equipment and additional functions
When choosing a walk-behind tractor, it is advisable to inquire about the availability additional options, which expand its functionality, increase the level of security and simplify management.
These options include:
- sockets for attaching adapters - allow you to turn the unit into a full-fledged mini-tractor with a seat for the operator;
- adjustment of steering rods - makes it possible to install them in a convenient position for the worker’s build;
- suspension under the steering - reduces vibration from the engine and the load on the operator;
- system emergency stop— blocks and turns off the engine when overheating, critical fuel and oil levels;
- Availability protective covers- stopping those flying from under working area stones, branches and other hard objects.
When buying a walk-behind tractor, you should immediately purchase auxiliary equipment. This decision is justified both from a practical and financial point of view.
To work in the garden you may need:
- replaceable steel wheels with blades;
- blade for territory planning and snow removal;
- rotary snow blower for cleaning paths;
- lawn mower for landscaping the recreation area;
- potato digger for harvesting root crops.
For transporting goods over short distances an indispensable device there will be a wheeled cart and a sleigh.
Domestic or imported units
It is believed that foreign-made equipment is better than domestic units in all respects. In many ways, this opinion is justified, since experience in operating foreign products speaks in their favor. However today Russian manufacturers They produce equipment that is practically not inferior in all respects to imported analogues. This applies not only to performance characteristics, but also to external design. At the same time, the prices of domestically manufactured products are several times lower than imported units.
Some models are equipped with power plants from world-famous manufacturers (Mitsubishi, Honda, Robin-Subaru, Briggs&Stratton, Lombardini, Minsel).
As for imported models, you should pay attention to:
- Chinese Zirka, KDT, Forester, Aurora, Bison, Centaur;
- Italian Meccanica Benassi, Oleo-Mac, Goldoni, Grillo, Bertolini;
- German Solo, Gardena, MTD, Huter;
- Swedish Stiga, Husqvarna.
It is advisable to buy this product as a promising investment. Despite the high cost, units of these brands last for decades without breakdowns or repairs.
Reviews from walk-behind tractor users
Vyacheslav, 37 years old, Voronezh.
As soon as purchased country cottage area 30 acres, I immediately decided to buy a walk-behind tractor. I chose the Neva with a Japanese 6 hp engine. I assembled a full set of attachments, including a trailer. The equipment is excellent, it digs, mows, plants and harvests. Fuel consumption is also good: a 20 liter canister is enough to treat the area in spring and autumn. There was a problem with slipping when processing heavy and wet soil. I solved it simply: I installed iron wheels and pressed down the unit with a weighting agent.
Egor, 44 years old, Raichikhinsk.
After several years of digging with a shovel and swinging a scythe, I decided to mechanize work at the dacha. Supported domestic manufacturer and bought a Forza 150 with a 9 hp engine. The car met all expectations - powerful, heavy and productive. In addition to the earth-moving unit, it is used as vehicle for transporting goods over short distances. Disadvantages common to all Russian technology are poor fit of parts, severe vibration and leaks.
Andrey, 51 years old, Volgograd.
I studied the issue for a long time and came to the conclusion that it is better to buy a domestic-made walk-behind tractor. The basis for this decision was the arguments in favor of affordable cost and the availability of cheap spare parts. I purchased a heavy Rusich unit with a full set of attachments and trailed equipment. Overall, I’m happy with the purchase, despite the fact that the unit is angular, makes a lot of noise and vibrates. However, the unit is reliable and performs any task in the most difficult weather conditions. All maintenance consists of periodically changing the oil and tightening bolted joints.
Which is better to buy a walk-behind tractor?
