How to choose a walk-behind tractor?

Every spring and autumn, the owners of gardens and vegetable gardens take shovels in their hands and dig, dig, dig until they hurt in their back and in their hands. But one day, seeing how quickly the unplowed area of ​​a neighbor who works the land with a walk-behind tractor is shrinking, and imagining how much he would have to shovel this land by hand, any gardener comes to the idea of ​​the need to have such equipment in his farm. So the decision has been made. But how to choose the right walk-behind tractor?

First, it should be said what a walk-behind tractor is. The walk-behind tractor is a compact, versatile agricultural machine with many functions. With its help, a gardener can perform a variety of tasks - from tillage (digging up, loosen, hilling) to cleaning his site from snow and transporting containers with water and delivering goods. The versatility of the device makes it possible to save a significant amount that could be spent on the purchase of other types of equipment that are completely replaced by this device.

The main characteristic in the classification of walk-behind tractors is their power. This indicator determines the area of ​​the land plot that the walk-behind tractor is capable of processing. Let's determine what types of motoblocks are. So, the first is an amateur (light) walk-behind tractor, the second is a semi-professional (medium) and the third is a professional (heavy) one. Below we will talk about each of them and how these types of techniques differ from each other.

Types of walk-behind tractors

1. Walk-behind tractors are light (power up to 3.5 hp, weight up to 30 kg)

Summer residents, as a rule, use amateur equipment. Such motoblocks are often called motor cultivators. They are lighter, cheaper, their engine power is 0.9-5.5 hp.

a)The lightest motor cultivators (often calledultralight) weigh 9-12 kg, their power is 0.9-1.2 hp. They have one gear and are equipped with a cutter with a grip of up to 25 cm. By design, all such devices are fundamentally no different, they have the same cutter speed and the shape of the knives. Their functions are almost the same. This is a kind of "laptop" for the summer resident. In a train, bus or car, they do not take up much space, however, in the garden they will do the work several times faster and more than a hoe, namely a hoe, because they will not replace either a plow or a shovel. Ultra-light motor-cultivators are designed for cultivating the topsoil in flower beds or small vegetable gardens. Due to the hook-shaped teeth and high revolutions, the cutter of the ultra-light cultivator loosens the soil into small lumps and effectively combes out weeds that have not yet had time to take deep roots, throwing them to the surface.

b)Light type motor-cultivators have a cutting width of up to 40 centimeters, a weight of 20-30 kg, and an engine power of 2.5-3.5 hp. Such units will successfully replace a shovel: effectively, quickly and easily shoveling the soil "with a bayonet" in depth.

The motor-cultivators of this series have a rather simple design: the engine is turned on, from which, with the help of a belt and a driving pulley, rotation is transmitted to the driven pulley, then to a chain or worm gearbox and ultimately to the cutter shaft, i.e. to the main working body. That's all, the unit is ready to go.

However, different models have their own characteristics - the tension of the drive belt takes place by displacing the motor relative to the driven pulley or using a tension roller. The second method is preferable, since the engine is fixed on the base stationary. Models with a movable motor are structurally weaker and vibrate quite strongly. Such vibrations are unpleasant for those working with this technique, but these walk-behind tractors are much cheaper. Determining which unit is in front of you is simple: you just need to press the clutch lever and look at the engine. If the engine "crawls" on the stand, it means that it does not have a tension roller.

Light motor cultivator

The design of the gearbox (legs) of the device is of great importance. The cheapest to manufacture, but rather unsuccessful in operation, is a non-separable gearbox with a welded body. It cannot be repaired or maintained.

Most imported motoblocks are equipped with collapsible gearboxes. Despite the fact that they are more expensive than non-collapsible ones, their design allows the installation of more durable and stronger units, such as rolling bearings (and not plain bearings), dust washers, oil seals, etc. Regularly changing dust protection elements can be done in three to four increase the service life of the gearbox, and, accordingly, the entire cultivator. In a modern lightweight motor-cultivator, two parts of the gearbox are connected along the perimeter by a removable bracket or bolts.

Although it is often read in advertisements for equipment that the plow of a light motorized cultivator “enters the soil without effort,” the cutters simply “burrow themselves into the soil” (even into frozen soil!), And the gearbox “cuts the soil itself”, do not expect a light motor cultivator to plow the ground. Plowing is a rather complex and energy-intensive process, and the engine, which has a power of up to 3.5 hp, is clearly too weak for this. In addition, an asymmetrical plow will always tend to steer a light machine to the side. In addition, a mass of 20-30 kg is not enough to ensure reliable adhesion of its wheels to the soil. Conclusion: such a cultivator will not pull the plow.

It is imperative to pay attention to the speed of the cutter. Optimum indicators for digging on the "shovel bayonet" are 100-130 rpm. At a speed of 150-180 rpm. you can process the topsoil with a depth of 5 to 10 cm or level the surface of the soil. At a cutter speed of 180-200 rpm. it is good to prepare the soil for sowing from 2 to 5 cm thick. Before the emergence of shoots, at a speed of 200-220 per minute, weeds and soil crust are effectively destroyed, and after the emergence of shoots with such a speed of rotation, inter-row loosening (2-3 cm) and weed control are performed. It is not recommended to perform inter-row loosening at a speed of 100-130 rpm. The cutter can "go deep" and break the root systems of cultivated plants. There are models of motor-cultivators with a rotational speed of the cutter and, accordingly, a degree of weed cutting up to 300-330 rpm. These are professional walk-behind tractors, additionally equipped with a special wheel (or two) with a drive for driving the unit between rows.

Engines of light motor-cultivators have a short (up to 300 hours) resource. They are in many ways inferior to the engines installed on professional walk-behind tractors. These motors vibrate much harder and knock louder. Sometimes it happens that the muffler ejects oil. However, according to statistics, only about 10% of light motoblocks need warranty repair (this does not apply to Chinese equipment, which has different failure statistics).

Equally important for light motor cultivators is the front carry handle. It practically replaces the reverse gear when it is necessary to turn the walk-behind tractor.

Pluses.Low cost of equipment. Compact dimensions. Unpretentiousness in work. Ease of use. Operational reliability. High quality and speed of soil cultivation. It is possible to use the hiller for hilling plants or cutting furrows.

Cons.Little functionality. Designed to process only small land plots.

2. Walk-behind tractors medium (power 3.5-5.5 hp, weight 40-60 kg)

For land plots up to one hectare, an average walk-behind tractor with a width grip cutter 80-90 cm. The most popular today are motoblocks of the medium series weighing up to 40-60 kg and with a capacity of 3.5-5.5 hp. They have the same principle of transmission of rotation as light motoblocks. Only their more powerful belts and chains can transmit more power. The diameter of the cutter for medium motoblocks is 30 cm, which means that they loosen deeper than light cultivators, and the performance of their cutters is one and a half to two times higher. Due to its weight, the average walk-behind tractor works the soil thoroughly and confidently. Such devices do not require special skills and are quite simple to operate.

Medium walk-behind tractors are usually equipped with a reverse gear, which is very convenient when there is enough room for turning between the beds. But if there are few opportunities for turning on the site or you need to save money, then it is better to purchase a single-speed walk-behind tractor, which is 15-30% cheaper.

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The presence of a frame of this type of walk-behind tractor significantly expands its functionality. You can attach a hiller, lancet and weed paws, a plow, a harrow, etc. to it, and the weight of the unit allows you to confidently handle them. If you plan to work with a plow often, you need to buy a walk-behind tractor weighing at least 70 kg, preferably loaded with counterweights (with a total weight of 120-150 kg), and a small plow. In addition, to work with a plow, metal wheels with grousers should be installed on the walk-behind tractor. Having followed these recommendations, with the help of a walk-behind tractor, it will be possible to turn the upper layers of the soil up to 10-12 cm thick. In addition, medium-sized motoblocks perform cultivation, hilling, plowing the soil, destroy weeds, dig up beets, carrots, potatoes, etc.

Pros.They have more functionality - attachments are suitable for them for hilling, harrowing, digging out root crops, etc. They are unpretentious when working. Reliable. High speed and quality of soil cultivation.

Cons.Quite a high price. Difficulty working with a plow (plowing the soil). They are poorly maneuverable, with a lack of free space, difficulties arise when turning through 180º.

3. Heavy motoblocks (power from 9 HP, weight from 100 kg)

If the area of ​​the cultivated area is more than one hectare, the best solution would be to purchase a heavy motoblock with a capacity of 9 HP... and milling cutters from 100 cm in width. These are professional machines used by utilities and farmers. Their power can be 16 hp, and the weight can be more than 100 kilograms. Such units are able to work as a mini-tractor - to remove hay or snow. In addition, they can carry goods. For heavy motoblocks, there is a large selection of various attachments.

Heavy walk-behind tractor

Pluses.Multifunctionality. In addition to performing agricultural work using attachments for digging out root crops, harrowing, hilling, etc. can be used as a mini tractor. Ease of maintenance and operation. Reliability. High speed and quality of soil cultivation.

Cons.High price.

Type of walk-behind tractorPlusesConsApplication
Motoblocks lightLow price.

Compact dimensions.

Unpretentiousness in work.

Ease of use.

Operational reliability.

High quality and speed of soil cultivation.

Small functionality.

Only small land plots can be processed.

They are used on plots up to 60 ares.

It is possible to use a hiller for hilling plants and cutting a furrow.

Motoblocks mediumHave more functionality.

Unpretentiousness at work.

Reliability.

High speed and quality of soil cultivation.

Quite a high price. Difficulty working with the plow. Poor maneuverability.They are used on plots from 60 ares to one hectare. They carry out cultivation, hilling, plowing of the soil. They destroy weeds.

Dig up beets, carrots, potatoes.

Heavy motoblocksMultifunctionality. Possibility of using as a mini-tractor. Ease of maintenance and operation.

Reliability.

High speed and quality of soil cultivation.

High price.They are used on plots of one hectare or more.

Suitable for digging up roots, harrowing, hilling, etc.

Indispensable for snow removal, transportation of goods, containers with liquids.

Other useful tips for choosing a walk-behind tractor

  1. Useful functions to make the machine easier to use:
    • adjustment steering wheel - allows you to adjust the handle to a comfortable position: for the operator's height - up and down; to go to the right or left of the device - left-right;
    • unlock differential - locks the right or left wheel when cornering. This function is usually found in professional and heavy walk-behind tractors;
    • Electric start - makes starting the machine easier. It is usually very relevant for heavy diesel units;
    • Emergency stop of the engine (handle) - shutdown of the engine in dangerous situations (for example, if the oil level is insufficient).
  2. Imported walk-behind tractors are much more expensive than domestic ones and are very "sensitive" to the quality of gasoline.
  3. Domestic motoblocks are cheaper and can run on much lower quality fuel. However, due to their low reliability, they require frequent replacement of components.

How to choose a walk-behind tractor

  1. Before buying, decide on the range of tasks for which you are purchasing a walk-behind tractor.
  2. Find out what is included in the basic equipment of the selected model.
  3. Find out what the warranty period for your selected model is and if its service is available.
  4. Inquire about the availability of accessories for this walk-behind tractor.
  5. If possible, choose a walk-behind tractor with a gearbox to be repaired - this will save your money in the event of a failure.
  6. Since a light motor cultivator is structurally unable to provide the entire desired range of rotation speed, you should choose the device that performs the most laborious or most necessary operations.
  7. For a plot of up to 20 ares, it is recommended to use an ultra-light walk-behind tractor with a cutting width of 60 cm.
  8. For a plot size of 20 to 60 ares, choose a light walk-behind tractor with a cutting width of 80 cm.
  9. For plots up to one hectare, an average walk-behind tractor with a working width of 90 cm is suitable.
  10. When the area of ​​the cultivated area is more than one hectare, a heavy walk-behind tractor with a cutting width of more than 100 cm and a power of 9 h.p.
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