Which walk-behind tractors and walk-behind cultivators are better. How to choose a walk-behind tractor What to look for when choosing a cultivator
Walk-behind tractor- simply a record holder in working on a personal plot. He is capable of digging, hilling, loosening, weeding, planting and even harvesting. If you work on the ground, you are probably well aware of the advantages of a motorized unit.
This miniature tractor With manual control breaks all records of popularity among farmers. But it’s one thing to want to buy, and quite another to know how to choose a walk-behind tractor that’s right for your job.
Just like or, deciding on the brand of walk-behind tractor is not so easy. Because their range today is large, and it continues to expand. And here it is important to keep abreast of new products in order to make the right choice.
Can't navigate exclusively for the brand. Some equipment owners believe that American walk-behind tractors are more reliable than others, others prefer domestic equipment for its combination of price and quality. We stand for a combination, first of all, of functionality and reliability. It is on them that you need to rely so as not to make a mistake when buying a walk-behind tractor.
Where to start choosing a walk-behind tractor
A rational choice must be based on specific parameters. As for choosing a walk-behind tractor, there are several such parameters:
- walk-behind tractor power;
- weight/size of walk-behind tractor;
- engine (fuel) type;
- walk-behind tractor functionality;
- manufacturing company.
In this list parameters are located in descending order of importance. As you can see, trademark ended up in last place. It is in this sequence that we will consider each criterion and analyze the features of the choice.
Power, size and motor of the walk-behind tractor
Let's start with power, as a parameter that determines the rest. Engines of motorized units vary in power from 3.5-4 hp. up to 10-12 hp There are also intermediate options with a power of 5-6 hp. So which option is right for you? To answer this question, focus on the size of the land to be cultivated.
Low-power walk-behind tractors will cope with a plot of up to 50-60 acres. The medium-power motor is suitable for plots up to 1 hectare. If your land plot covers up to 4 hectares inclusive, you need a powerful walk-behind tractor. By the way, on a larger area (from 4 hectares and larger) the use of a walk-behind tractor is undesirable.
And one more piece of advice. When choosing equipment, choose a model with a little extra power. This reserve will not interfere with work, but you will definitely not doubt the capabilities of the motor, and it will last longer.
Engine power determines two other parameters: working width and weight of the walk-behind tractor:
- low power - capture up to 60 cm;
- average power - grip up to 90 cm;
- high power - capture up to 100 cm.
This averaged parameters for different models, but they need to be taken into account depending on the size of the plot, the plants grown, etc. They also affect the weight of the equipment. The relationship between them is direct:
Lightweight walk-behind tractors weigh no more than 70 kg and have a power of 3.5-5 hp. As a rule, they run on gasoline. Advantages: ease of operation, compactness (fits in the trunk), affordable price of the walk-behind tractor. Disadvantages: low weight weakens adhesion to the soil, so you will not be able to plow deeply, cultivate virgin soil, or use a light walk-behind tractor for planting and digging potatoes. For these purposes, a larger unit is needed.
Medium walk-behind tractors reach a weight of 130 kg and a power of 7-9 hp. The engines in them are predominantly gasoline. The main advantage over lightweight models: versatility, that is, the ability to use a larger range attachments(ploughs, hillers, seeders, cultivators, mowers, sprayers, attachments for snow removal and planting potatoes). The depth of immersion in the soil is up to 30 cm, area coverage is up to 1 hectare. A small trailer can be attached.
Heavy walk-behind tractors are in the weight category up to 300 kg with a power of 10-12 hp. Equipped with air or water cooled diesel engines. The most versatile of walk-behind tractors: they have a high traction force, several speeds, a maximum range of passive and active attachments, an electric starter, a rototiller, large wheels, and a single-furrow plow. Heavy walk-behind tractors are designed for cultivating areas up to 3 hectares.
If you need to treat a large area, we advise you to buy a motor tractor weighing 280 kg and with a power of more than 14 hp.
Your tasks and functionality of the walk-behind tractor
A walk-behind tractor is bought in most cases for work in the garden or in the country. When planning a purchase, you must understand:
- what is the area of land under cultivation;
- what kind of soil is to be processed;
- how often will you use the walk-behind tractor;
- what operations will you perform?
Respectively, the larger and more complex the tasks- the more powerful the unit you need. And it is better to slightly exceed the power than to save on equipment with insufficient power. Otherwise, the walk-behind tractor will fail due to overload.
Soil type fundamentally influences the choice of walk-behind tractor. If you are the owner of light black soil, then you can get by with a lightweight walk-behind tractor. But clay soil lends itself only to medium-heavy aggregates. Not to mention virgin lands, which can only be cultivated with the help of heavy (from 120 kg) walk-behind tractors.
Regarding the configuration, then there is simply no point in spending money on an expensive model with a wide range of capabilities if you know in advance that in practice you will only use a small part of them. But some parameters are really important in any case. Here they are:
Power take-off shaft, or abbreviated as PTO. It is this mechanism that allows the use of active attachments and starts them.
Possibility of differential unlocking, that is, blocking one wheel. Needed to turn the walk-behind tractor on the spot and change the direction of movement. Relevant in small areas where you have to turn often.
Having a headlight, battery, and starter is convenient, but you can do without them if you need to save money. But protective shields and/or casings will come in handy, because you can’t skimp on safety.
Choosing a walk-behind tractor among popular models
So we come to key point: how to choose a walk-behind tractor from the range of models that are presented on the market. Most buyers want to be told one model that is “best of all.” But, unfortunately, the only one best model the walk-behind tractor does not exist. We explained in detail above why. What should I do? Choose according to your needs and capabilities from the available options:
- Walk-behind tractors Russian production: Salute, Neva.
- Belarusian walk-behind tractors: MTZ Belarus, Zubr.
- Ukrainian walk-behind tractors: Centaur, Zirka.
- European walk-behind tractors: Cayman (France).
Outside the domestic market, Chinese and American walk-behind tractors are widespread in the world. In addition, you can often find “mixed” origin: when a walk-behind tractor is assembled in one country, and its engine is manufactured in another. An example is the Neva walk-behind tractor with an American Briqqs&Stra engine.
Country of origin is not as important as whether the walk-behind tractor meets your expectations. And finally, a piece of advice: when choosing a walk-behind tractor, consider the availability of parts, the cost of subsequent maintenance and availability service centers. Good luck in your choice and work!
And for the most curious, we suggest you watch the video about the walk-behind tractor
To purchase a walk-behind tractor, you need to contact the store directly, where it is possible to visually evaluate appearance unit and consult with specialists about the technical characteristics of the model you like. To have an idea of what criteria to pay attention to when choosing a unit, we recommend that you read this article.
What is a walk-behind tractor? Operating principle, functions
A walk-behind tractor is a self-propelled single-axle unit, which belongs to a type of small-sized tractor. Designed to replace manual labor on the farm. The walk-behind tractor has a large number of functions, which are limited only by the attachments available.The traction force created by the wheels or tracks is the main condition for the operation of the walk-behind tractor.
The walk-behind tractor is used for plowing and hilling large areas agricultural land, grass cutting, snow removal, transportation of goods in towed trailers.
Most walk-behind tractors have different schemes aggregate functioning and can be equipped with the following tools (they are purchased separately):
- heavy - with fixed wheels, a plow, a harrow, a cultivator, a milling cutter driven by a power take-off shaft, a mower, a snow blower, a rake, a bulldozer blade, a semi-trailer;
- medium - removable wheels and milling cutter, plow, harrow, hiller, mower, semi-trailer;
- light walk-behind tractor - cutter, hiller.
What is the difference between a walk-behind tractor and a cultivator?
The difference lies primarily in the power and functionality of these units. The walk-behind tractor occupies an intermediate link between a motorized cultivator and a mini-tractor.At the very beginning of the chain stands, which, as a rule, is used for preparing and loosening the soil. In addition to mechanized models equipped with a motor, there are also hand varieties cultivators. They are mainly used for loosening and weeding small areas (beds, etc.). In a cultivator, the tool (grouser, cutter, etc.) is the driving axle, which is installed instead of wheels.
Then comes a more powerful unit - motor cultivator. Previously, it was called a soil milling machine, since the unit was poorly equipped mounted implements, there are practically none except for one cutter. In terms of strength and weight, it is inferior to the walk-behind tractor, which occupies the next link in this chain.
Can be equipped with a variety of attachments– this is its main difference from previous units. At the same time, it should be noted that some motor cultivators can be close in functionality to walk-behind tractors.
Types of walk-behind tractors, their advantages and disadvantages
The table below shows the types of walk-behind tractors with their main pros and cons.| Unit type | Advantages | Flaws | General characteristics |
| Light walk-behind tractor | Good speed data, effectively cultivates the soil, requires relatively little fuel. | Conducts not very deep plowing of the soil. | Optimal solution for those who work in summer cottages and private household plots. Can operate a plow, hiller, and other implements and devices. |
| Medium walk-behind tractor | Power take-off shaft, differential, speed, reliability of components. | Relatively high cost, shallow plowing, small working width, lack of power for some attachments. | The most successful balance of cost and functionality. Recommended for work on small farms. Can be used with many attachments. |
| Heavy walk-behind tractor | Efficient and high-speed work on processing areas, uses a wide range of attachments, there are diesel modifications. | Quite high prices not only for the unit itself, but also for the costs consumables(fuel, etc.). | Successfully used in both medium and large farms Oh. |
Walk-behind tractors are also classified by engine type:
- Petrol. The main difference is that the fuel is ignited by a spark from a candle. As a rule, such a unit is purchased for cultivating small plots of land. Its main advantage is low price. It is lightweight, easy to operate, starts easily in any weather, and does not require high maintenance and repair costs. The power is quite high - 6-9 hp. Less noisy than a diesel unit and more environmentally friendly in terms of gas emissions into the atmosphere. Among the disadvantages is the use of 92 gasoline.
- Diesel. Glow plugs are used for ignition. The price is significantly higher than its counterparts - and this is with the same power, land cultivation performance, and engine rotation speed. This is explained by the fact that such a walk-behind tractor has great cross-country ability and is capable of “working hard” continuously on large and difficult areas, consuming less fuel, besides, diesel fuel is inferior in cost to AI-92 gasoline. It is no coincidence that a diesel unit is chosen by professionals for work in farmers’ fields, and a benzine unit is chosen by summer residents.
- With power take-off shaft (PTO). The difference is versatility. Features a wide range of functions that help mechanize manual labor. Such units are involved in planting lawns, various agricultural crops, can act as a garbage collector, and perform other utility functions. Most models have 4-stroke single-cylinder engines, as well as PTO mechanisms that allow the use of active attachments via a splined shaft.
Popular manufacturers, as a rule, produce both gasoline and diesel units.
What to look for when choosing a walk-behind tractor?
When buying a unit, you need to focus on the main parameters: the type of work and the area of the land. Some people need to plow a garden on three acres, and others need to cultivate 1-2 hectares, loosen, plant, and hill up. Accordingly, you should pay attention to the characteristics of the walk-behind tractor.
Gearbox
The service life and efficiency of the equipment as a whole will depend on its quality. This device facilitates the transfer of power from the engine shaft to the working units of the unit. Lightweight and inexpensive models may not have a collapsible gearbox, which means it cannot be repaired.Engine
There is a conventional division of engines into classes:- pro;
- semi-professional;
- household
Power take-off shaft
Helps increase the range of capabilities and makes the unit multifunctional. Thanks to the shaft, equipment is installed, which, due to the engine, performs functions in active mode. For example, it not only throws out potatoes, but cleans them of soil and delivers them via conveyor to a special storage facility.The range of capabilities of attachments is wide:
- sweeps;
- sows;
- waters;
- chops;
- grinds;
- mows, etc.
Trailer
Some models have the ability to attach carts, thereby turning the unit into a kind of mini-tractor. This requires good gear ratios in the gearbox - without them, the improvised unit will move no more than 2 km/h. It would be good if the manufacturer of the unit also produces carts.The best models of walk-behind tractors
We offer the top ten best domestic and reliable units in terms of reliability. foreign manufacturers, different prices, modifications and design possibilities.No. 10. KaDvi Oka MB-1D1M10
What is most attractive about the unit is the presence of a power take-off shaft, a robust housing and a powerful gearbox.Other distinctive features:
- excellent chassis, speed – 9 km/h;
- reliable gasoline engine, gas tank - 3.6 liters (several hours of operation);
- width of the processed area – 0.72-1.13 m, cutters – 3.6 m;
- manual transmission, 4 gears (2 – forward);
- power 6.5 hp;
- weight – 100 kg.
- the unit is quite noisy - 92 dB;
- belt grip is not strong enough;
- limited selection of attachments.
Watch a video review of this unit:
No. 9. Neva MB-23B-10.0
Domestic licensed brand. Middle class unit. Very reliable gearbox, gear drive, which is installed in the control unit, 6 gears.Other features:
- processing width – 0.86-1.27 m, depth – 0.2 m;
- 6 cutters, rotation speed – 20-160 rpm;
- petrol engine "Briggs and Stratton" - 10.6 hp;
- weight – 105 kg.
- the high price for this type of unit is 778 USD, but judging by the reviews, it is fully justified;
- The walk-behind tractor is noisy and a little heavy.
No. 8. CAIMAN Vario 60S
A lightweight version of a walk-behind tractor. The presence of a PTO is immediately noticeable, which is atypical for this class.Other technical data:
- 6 straight cutters;
- tillage width – 0.3-0.9 m;
- petrol engine Sudaru-Robin EP 17 OHC, four-stroke, single-cylinder, chain gearbox;
- gas tank - 3.4 l;
- reverse movement;
- weight – 57 kg.
- makes a lot of noise;
- It’s not cheap for this class (USD 802)
Watch the promotional video with an overview of the main advantages of this walk-behind tractor:
No. 7. Belarus 09N-01
This unit has a full-fledged power take-off shaft, which is directly connected to the engine and gives significant potential to the equipment.The walk-behind tractor is equipped with:
- Honda gasoline engine, 9.38 hp;
- mechanical transmission;
- 6 (4 forward) speeds;
- pneumatic wheels.
Flaws:
- great noise;
- belt clutch;
- high price – 1050 USD
No. 6. Scout GS 81D
Heavy class walk-behind tractor. The main feature is diesel and direct connection PTO, 8 speeds. The walk-behind tractor is equipped with headlights on a corrosion-resistant body and has a reliable air suspension.Technical Parameters:
- power – 8.8 hp;
- mechanical transmission;
- friction clutch;
- gear reducer;
- weight – 213 kg.
Flaws:
- heavy weight;
- price – 1010 USD, which is compensated by a solid set of capabilities.
No. 5. PRORAB GT 80 RDKe
The popularity of this heavy walk-behind tractor is due to the excellent interchangeability of elements. In addition to a robust body with headlights and air suspension, the unit is equipped with:- electric starter;
- manual transmission, chain reducer, 8 speeds;
- four-stroke diesel engine 402 cc;
- gas tank - 5.5 l.
The unit is capable of processing an area with a width of 0.7 m and a depth of 0.25 m. The diameter of the cutter is 3 m, power is 8 hp, weight is 190 kg.
Among the disadvantages, in addition to noise and high cost (1300 USD), there are problems with starting in cold weather.
No. 4. Tselina MB-600
Middle class walk-behind tractor. In terms of price and production indicators, it is ahead of its competitors. Equipped with pneumatic wheels, automatic transmission, PTO, gearbox provides 4 gears.Other characteristics:
- Lifan engine - 196 cc;
- power – 6.5 hp
- light weight for this class - 98 kg.
- well thought out controls;
- low gasoline consumption – 395 g/h.
- 3.6 liter fuel tank provides 4 hours of operation;
- processing width – 0.7-1.1 m, depth – 0.30 m.
Cons:
- not equipped with a cutter;
- noise during operation (92 dB);
- The gearbox needs increased control.
No. 3. Mobile K Ghepard CH395
Medium unit with air suspension and corrosion-resistant housing. The main feature is direct connection PTO with power mechanism.Other options:
- 4-stroke gasoline engine Kohler Command 277 cc;
- power – 24 hp;
- manual transmission, 7 gears;
- fuel tank with a volume of 7.3 liters;
- weight – 129 kg.
Disadvantages - the cost of the unit itself (2650 USD) and its maintenance.
Watch a video with the main characteristics of this walk-behind tractor:
No. 2. Agate BS-6.5
Average unit. It has a pulley coupling of the shaft with the power device. The main advantage is the gear reducer.Other indicators:
- transmission – mechanical;
- three-speed;
- gas tank - 3.75 l (with moderate load, enough for an average of 10 hours of operation);
- weight – 87.5 kg;
- speed – 7 km/h;
- capture along the width of the treated area – 0.6 m, depth – 0.30 m;
- 4 cutters;
- 4-stroke gasoline engine.
Cons:
- like all units of a similar class, it emits a high-pitched hum during operation;
- There is weakness in the clutch, so control is needed.
No. 1. ZiD Favorit (WY 170F)
An optimally balanced walk-behind tractor that does not require modifications is the leader of the Top 10. It is a lightweight type of unit, but has many advantages:25.12.2015
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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? Specialized stores have a large amount of equipment with various equipment and capabilities that will be useful not only on 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. 
In the garden, a small mechanism can easily handle 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
The walk-behind tractor is a more complex and universal equipment 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. Such functionality machines will be necessary for farmers and summer residents who have large plots lands to develop raw 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 heavy cargo from 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 farmsteads 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 low-power walk-behind tractor. 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 the walk-behind tractor in winter time, 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.
In order to make it easier to cultivate land plots, it is necessary to use equipment 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 significant 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, grass mowing, etc. As 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 - 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 standard summer cottage motor cultivator - 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:
The most common choice is a gasoline 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 with 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. This is convenient in limited space, but the gearbox is more complex and costs more. The number of speeds during reverse movement is less - 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
Selection criteria
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 are 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, 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 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.
Selection criteria
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 needs to be clarified with the sellers, since such “little things” are not written in the technical specifications.
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.
