What to look for when buying a walk-behind tractor. How to choose a walk-behind tractor for housework in the country or in a personal plot

Motoblocks have appeared everywhere not so long ago. Even 30 years ago they were not released in our country. The reason for this is simple - in collective farms, which were the main form of farming in the USSR, the land was cultivated with powerful tractors.
Only a few "kulibins" created a semblance of a walk-behind tractor for processing a personal plot from improvised means. Such homemade products immediately became the envy of all fellow villagers. Still, a manual, multifunctional tool for cultivating the land is just the dream of a Soviet farmer or summer resident.

But with the collapse of the USSR, a new era began - the time of motoblocks. Large farms began to disintegrate. Private household plots and small farms began to take their place. For such farms, it is very difficult to buy a full-fledged tractor, 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 motoblocks, the number of their manufacturers and models also grew. At the 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 motoblock is a mobile power unit that is equipped with additional attachments to perform a wide range of agricultural operations.

It should be noted that a walk-behind tractor is not a motor-cultivator, as many think. The walk-behind tractor is capable of performing a much larger set of works, and not just cultivation of the land.

What kind of work is the walk-behind tractor capable of doing? Attachments

Those who have never used a walk-behind tractor assume that its functions are limited to tillage. 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 really plow the land. The more power of the walk-behind tractor, the more efficient the plowing. So the most powerful models can be safely sent to the raising of virgin soil.

The walk-behind tractor can significantly save time and effort for summer residents and owners of small subsidiary farms. It allows you to plow the land quickly and with sufficient quality. In this case, you can forget about the agony with a shovel or hiring a tractor that will shovel the entire area, leaving behind a lot of huge clods.

In addition, the quality of the soil treated with a walk-behind tractor is much higher than when plowing 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 - to increase the productivity of the land.

Harrowing

The walk-behind tractor can be equipped with another type of attachment - a harrow. The harrow is a special tine head.

When harrowing with a walk-behind tractor, the upper dry earthen crust is crushed, formed from the drying out of the soil under the influence of the sun.

Harrowing is one of the most effective methods weed removal.

The importance of harrowing is to allow oxygen to reach the plant roots. In addition, without this procedure, the moisture saturation of the plant root system is disturbed.

Hilling

Any gardener who grows potatoes or, say, strawberries will certainly appreciate the function of a walk-behind tractor as hilling. With the help of a hinged hiller, the walk-behind tractor is able to raise furrows for ventilation of tubers.

Planting and harvesting

Potato lovers will not be able to restrain their emotions from two more attachments for the walk-behind tractor. This is a potato planter and potato digger. Plant and harvest potatoes with a walk-behind tractor many times 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 scooter. Yes, its speed will not be great. But he will transport the goods like a real mini-tractor - you will be amazed at what this kid is capable of.

He is not intimidated by bags of cement, or bales of fertilizer, or mountains of your crop. Yes, and you yourself will be able to move almost in complete comfort - sitting on a "heel" and imagining yourself either as a tractor driver, or as a coachman.

Winter work of the walk-behind tractor

In winter, the walk-behind tractor can be easily fitted into a snow removal machine. In this case, you can use a whole set of attachments.

For example, after a heavy snowfall, a snow deflector will do the trick to clear footpaths. A tiller equipped with this tool can easily scoop out even deep snow and throw it to the side of the road.

If the snowfall was light, and the snow has not yet had time to pack, snowbrushes are suitable, which will help clean all the footpaths.

A special snow shovel can be used to remove hardened, caked snow. It is equipped with knives to remove caked snow.

Walk-behind tractor 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 consider them in more detail.

Walk-behind tractor 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, respectively, their functionality is limited.

Diesel motoblocks are the most powerful, but also the most expensive. Although they are the most economical compared to gasoline, they are also more reliable. But everything is determined by the high price - therefore, they are also not often found in a simple Russian economy.

But motoblocks with a gasoline engine are the most common.

Walk-behind tractor transmission. It is a system of nodes, which is designed to transfer torque from the engine to the wheels and the working body of the walk-behind tractor. There are several types of transmissions that are installed on Various types motoblocks.

On light motoblocks, a gear-worm transmission is mainly installed. It includes two gearboxes: gear (upper) and worm gear (lower). Sometimes these transmissions are equipped with a power take-off shaft.

On motoblocks of medium power, a belt-toothed-chain transmission is most often installed. In it, the rotation of the motor is transmitted to the gearbox shaft by means of a belt. At the same time, the gearbox shaft supplies torque through the chain to attachments or wheels.
And, finally, the gear transmission is placed on heavy walk-behind tractors. Its design is in many ways similar to the transmission of a tractor. Thanks to the gear transmission, the walk-behind tractors have several speeds (both forward and backward).

Reducer. This is a detail that you should pay attention to when choosing and buying a walk-behind tractor. The reducer directly affects the reliability and service life of the "mini-tractor". It serves to transfer power from the engine shaft to the working body 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, then it is easy to replace it, and not buy 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 according to the power factor that all walk-behind tractors are divided into three types.

Types of motoblocks depending on power

So, as we have already indicated earlier, all walk-behind tractors are divided by the power parameter into:

lungs;
medium;
heavy;

Light Motoblocks

This type of motoblocks has engines up to 5 horsepower. They are practically unable to carry out heavy work with a plow on solid ground due to their low power, as they quickly overheat and cannot pull the plow.

For light motoblocks, light work in small personal subsidiary plots is also suitable - 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 multi-stage transmission and reverse gear.

Equipped with a power take-off shaft - allows medium-sized walk-behind tractors to use attachments. Diesel models are already appearing in this line of motoblocks.

Heavy Motoblocks

These machines are already more like a mini-tractor. And no wonder - their weight often exceeds 100 kg, and the engine develops a power of over 10 horsepower.

All heavy motoblocks are equipped with a power take-off shaft and are ready to work with any attachments.

Large walk-behind tractors have extended characteristics that undoubtedly exceed the capabilities of light or medium walk-behind tractors. In addition, they are more reliable due to the use of components with a higher wear resistance.

The performance of such machines is also impressive - some models are capable of working for days in the truest sense of the word.

Of course, all these advantages significantly affect 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 energy, time, and subsequently money.

How to choose a walk-behind tractor?

The choice of a walk-behind tractor directly depends on the area of the treated area, the type and amount of work. If you know the power of the walk-behind tractor and the area of the site, it is easy to calculate the number of hours of work required to process this site.

According to the data in the table below, you can determine the required power of the walk-behind tractor.

In addition, you should take into account the fact that more powerful walk-behind tractors are usually more reliable.

When thinking about how to choose a walk-behind tractor, pay attention to user reviews. And the 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, it is necessary to 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 their needs and financial capabilities. The cheapest is the basic configuration. The more equipment is installed on the unit, the correspondingly higher its price.

In connection with the above, before buying a walk-behind tractor, clearly highlight and write down the tasks that this unit should perform in your farm. Based on the list of tasks, choose a model and a complete set.

When choosing a walk-behind tractor model, check what is already included in the basic equipment of the machine. Different models may have different equipment, even in the basic configuration.

Carefully calculate the required power of the walk-behind tractor. Consider what type of soil is on your site. For light, loose soil, you can select a lower engine power of 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 certain model of a walk-behind tractor, specify the warranty period for the equipment. An important point there is also a question of the presence of a service center serving this brand in your region.

As for additional attachments, you should not rush like a cat to butter and immediately buy everything. Usually only soil cultivation equipment is bought first. The rest is purchased as needed. This way you can save a decent amount.

Popular models of motoblocks

Russian motoblocks

In the group of light and medium motoblocks, a popular unit can be distinguished among consumers Neva MB-1B-6.0FS... This model has an affordable price - an average of 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. And with the help of a flap, you can reposition the belt, which adds additional gears.

Characteristics of Neva MB1-B-6.0FS

Engine: US Briggs & Stratton RS950 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.

Motoblock MB1-N "MultiAgro" demonstrates high traction capabilities with lower power consumption.

Characteristics of MB1-N "MultiAgro"

Engine: Honda made in Japan

Power: 5.8 HP
Weight: 75 kg
Number of gears: (3 + 1) x2
Cultivation width (grip): 86-127 cm
Tillage depth: 20 cm
Fuel: gasoline

Ray MB1 (Oka MB1)- the walk-behind tractor was developed back in the 80s of the last century. It is distinguished by its simplicity of design, strength and durability of the structure, and high maintainability.

Despite the fact that the Luch MB1 walk-behind tractor does not pretend to be the ideal of agricultural machinery, its design has been successfully adopted and a number of domestic and Chinese manufacturers are successfully producing similar equipment under other brands. The reason for this is the versatility of the walk-behind tractor.

Luch MB-1 is intended for processing small plots of land in private household plots and in the country. Works well on light soils, on clay - noticeably "tired".

The disadvantages of the walk-behind tractor Beam include a high mass. Only a physically prepared person can cope with such a heavy machine.

Characteristics of the walk-behind tractor Luch MB-1 (Oka MB-1)

Engine: DM-1 4-stroke made 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 (grip): 71-120 cm
Tillage depth: 20 cm
Fuel: gasoline

According to user reviews and statistics, the second most popular in Russia after the "Neva" is motoblocks "Salute".

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 overturning. In addition, the Salyut is equipped with an easily removable steering wheel and wheels, which reduces its assembly and disassembly time and increases its portability.

Characteristics of the walk-behind tractor Salyut 5 / Salyut 100

Power: 6.5 HP
Weight: 78 kg
Cultivation width (grip): 36-80 cm
Tillage depth: 25 cm
Fuel: gasoline

Japanese walk-behind tractors - the best walk-behind tractors in the world

"Kubota" is one of the most reliable manufacturers. The most popular model, the Kubota K1-8, will handle even large areas. The model has a low noise level. But the main advantage of motoblocks 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

Engine: Subaru EP 17 OHC 2 or 4 stroke

Power: 5-7 HP
Number of gears: 2 forward, 1 reverse

Which walk-behind tractor to buy and how to maintain it?

Conclusion

The choice of a walk-behind tractor must be approached responsibly in order to avoid disappointments later.

Before buying a walk-behind tractor, you need to calculate in detail all the parameters of the equipment that you will need based on the following factors:

area of the treated area;
soil type;
the required range of work;
what attachments you need first of all.

Based on the above, you can make a choice of the type of walk-behind tractor and its power.

Today, you will no longer surprise anyone with the fact that you can own several acres of land in your possession. Such plots can be used in different ways, but even taking into account the built house for several people, there is enough space for a garden or vegetable garden. What can we say about land in the countryside? There, such areas are amazing in their size. But it is rather difficult to handle them with your hands, and in general there is no time - there is always other work. So it doesn't hurt to make your life easier. Here walk-behind tractors and cultivators come to the rescue.

What it is?

Of course, first of all, you are concerned about the question of how to choose an inexpensive and reliable walk-behind tractor, but it does not hurt to know something about the device of this mechanism, and indeed about it.

So, the walk-behind tractor is a type of small-sized tractor. It is a mechanical device working on one axis. Its purpose lies mainly in the field of agricultural work. It is the facilitation of such work that is the purpose of using the walk-behind tractor.

What is the difference between a walk-behind tractor and a cultivator?

Technically speaking, there are very few differences between them. More precisely, there is only one thing - power. Naturally, from here comes the difference in size, weight, etc.

The cultivator is intended for pre-planting soil preparation and therefore has much less power than its counterpart. In addition, walk-behind tractors can usually still be equipped with a certain number of attachments. Actually, this greatly expands the capabilities of the unit, thereby making its choice preferable.

In addition, there is one more difference: the device of the walk-behind tractor is such that the tractive effort here is created by the wheels. Due to this, the whole mechanism works. In turn, cultivators are equipped with working tools instead of wheels. Although this design is excellent, the most powerful models of the latter can well be compared with walk-behind tractors.

And the last - cultivators are also mechanical. For small areas and beds, this is quite enough. Moreover, the designs for such machines are quite enough to have plenty to choose from.

Which device is better?

In fact, the question is not worth it. Simply because the best walk-behind tractors and the best cultivators are aimed at completely different jobs. And therefore, you will have to choose based on the required volume, as well as the type of agricultural work.

This is precisely the first factor that must be taken into account - for the sake of which the equipment is acquired. The second factor is even simpler - the size of your site. Naturally, a device suitable for four to five acres will show its absolute inconsistency on a couple of hectares. In addition, cultivators are only plowing the land, and you may need more loosening, hilling or planting. All this can be solved using attachments. So the answer to the question "How to choose an inexpensive and reliable walk-behind tractor?" it gets a little trickier.

Mechanism of work

This element, whatever it may be, is a rather complex mechanism. In fact, you need to understand it, since current repairs can be carried out on your own.

Technically, the device of a walk-behind tractor can be displayed in four main parts: engine, transmission, chassis and controls. The engine is usually installed with a conventional, internal combustion engine. The transmission, in turn, regulates the operating speed and is controlled by the gearbox - on heavy models this must be. However, some medium-weight cars are equipped with this. The chassis is the frame and wheels, and the controls are a combined “console” (usually on or between the handles) from which the owner can operate the device.

As a matter of fact, a person with some skills can repair any of these parts on their own. Fortunately, this is no more difficult than fixing a car. And in some ways it is even lighter, at least in size.

What should you look for when buying?

As mentioned earlier, this mechanism is quite complex. Therefore, it is impossible to simply take and answer how to choose an inexpensive and reliable walk-behind tractor. You will have to look closely and understand some things, unless, of course, you want to be left with nothing.

The main factors when choosing a walk-behind tractor can be considered four factors - having dealt with them and choosing suitable model, you can already move on to less important issues. So, these factors are the gearbox, the engine, the PTO and the trailer. It is about them that will be discussed further.

Reducer

This factor cannot be disregarded in any case - after all, the life of the unit depends on it. The reliability of work, by the way, is also determined by the gearbox. This importance of just one part of the mechanism is explained quite easily: with the help of a gearbox, power is transferred from the shaft of the internal combustion engine to the working tool of the walk-behind tractor.

If you have the opportunity, purchase models with a collapsible gearbox. In this case, you can make repairs or simply replace the broken part of the mechanism. Then, when the gearbox is one-piece, it cannot be replaced or repaired - you will have to purchase a new walk-behind tractor.

Engine

All motoblocks, and equally cultivators, can be divided according to the class of their motors. There are three of them - household, semi-professional and professional. The engines will differ in power and resource.

The smallest models are equipped with a two-stroke engine, and walk-behind tractors are usually equipped with 4-stroke models. Such an internal combustion engine works on gasoline or diesel.

Power take-off shaft

This detail of the mechanism can significantly increase the capabilities of the walk-behind tractor. And the universal mechanism is a good bonus when choosing. It is with its help that walk-behind tractors are equipped with attachments that can work in active mode.

In fact, there can be a lot of such devices - at least, it is quite possible to connect them one by one. So sowers, sprinklers, sweepers, choppers, shredders, active trailers - all of this will become quite possible. But the purchase of such additional parts will cost a pretty penny - the price may even be higher than that of the main device itself.

Trailer

Some models of motoblocks are equipped with trailers. This turns the best walk-behind tractors into mini transporters. But such a modification requires a certain arrangement of the gearbox mechanism - the gear ratio must be high enough for your miniature tractor to move faster than a snail.

However, walk-behind tractors with carts work quite well, because otherwise they simply would not have spent money on the production of such attachments.

How to choose an inexpensive and reliable walk-behind tractor?

In fact, there are not so many inexpensive and reliable devices. And they, at first glance, may seem too expensive. Nevertheless, you can use, for example, a walk-behind tractor "Ray". This model is no longer produced, but it is quite possible to find a used device. And don't be afraid of this "scary" used abbreviation. In fact, such devices are extremely reliable. This is due to the fact that the Luch walk-behind tractor is designed in such a way that the owner can replace all the parts on his own. That is, leaving falls on your shoulders. But at the same time, many problems can be avoided. Only the lubricant and belts need to be changed constantly.

There is another option - the domestic Sich walk-behind tractor. They are more modern and are being produced even now. As a matter of fact, this is the most optimal choice - a new walk-behind tractor, which has sufficient reliability. In addition, this is one of the few models that are produced in the territory of the countries of the former USSR.

Operation of the walk-behind tractor

There is nothing difficult in using a walk-behind tractor. However, there are a few rules to be aware of. They are listed only to prevent you from making mistakes. Since this technique is quite dangerous if misused, it is justified. So, let's look at which one is attached to such a mechanism as a walk-behind tractor, instructions.

The place of work must be cleaned - all third-party objects can severely damage the walk-behind tractor.
The engine is started in neutral with the clutch disengaged.
Long-term work on soil with a strong slope (more than 15 degrees) is best avoided.
Explore the mechanism - each walk-behind tractor is equipped with several devices for quickly turning off the engine.
Do not touch or wires during operation, otherwise you risk getting burned.

So, we figured out how to choose an inexpensive and reliable walk-behind tractor for the garden and vegetable garden.

Three decades ago, the title question simply did not exist. In those years, the industry did not mass-produce motoblocks.

The collective farms did not need the means of small-scale mechanization and cultivated the land with powerful wheeled and tracked vehicles.

Rare craftsmen adapted tractor starter engines to homemade chassis, which caused surprise and envy among non-mechanized summer residents.

Today has come the "golden age" of motoblocks. These versatile machines are actively used on peasant farms and small farms, replacing two or three types of conventional equipment.

Anyone who has seen a walk-behind tractor in operation probably highly appreciated its capabilities and is not averse to purchasing such a "hunchbacked ridge" for his site.

Before buying such a mechanism, you need to understand, which will give you the use of a walk-behind tractor, since it is often confused with a motor-cultivator. In comparison with it, the walk-behind tractor can perform much more work operations.

In addition to cultivation and hilling, they can plow the land, use it for transporting goods, cleaning snow and mowing grass. Harvesting potatoes and watering the garden are two more in-demand functions of this mechanism, which are realized upon purchase. additional equipment.

Structurally, the walk-behind tractor differs from the cultivator in that that the traction force is created by the wheels. The motor-cultivator "pulls" the milling cutter installed on the drive shaft along the ground. In addition, the walk-behind tractor differs from the cultivator by a more powerful engine (from 4 hp), and a solid weight (from 70 kg).

Some models of walk-behind tractors have a coupling device for towing a trailer and a power take-off shaft, which allows them to be aggregated with attachments.

Varieties of motoblocks

The classifying signs that affect the choice of a walk-behind tractor are their weight and motor power.

There are three types of these units.- light, medium and heavy. The first two categories are for domestic use. The weight of such machines ranges from 50 to 100 kilograms, and the engine power does not exceed 8 hp. Many of them are equipped with a gearbox with two forward and one reverse speeds.

Heavy motoblocks are designed for farming. They weigh over 100 kilograms, have a gearbox and an engine with more than 8 hp. Such machines can be retrofitted with attachments that significantly expand their capabilities.

Let us consider in more detail the process of choosing a walk-behind tractor, based on the conditions of its operation: soil type, cultivation area and the number of functions.

Soil type

When answering the question of how to choose a walk-behind tractor, the first step is to pay attention to the density of the soil that you have to work with. The heavier the ground, the more powerful and heavy machinery will be required. A walk-behind tractor weighing up to 70 kg will pull the hiller or plow only on light soil without slipping. For virgin lands and heavy soils, its weight should start from 95 kg.

Speaking about the power plant of a walk-behind tractor, it should be noted that a diesel engine is better than a gasoline engine for cultivating heavy soil. It has higher tractive effort, longer service life and lower fuel consumption. The disadvantage of such a motor is the difficulty in starting at an air temperature below + 2C.

Motoblocks weighing less than 150 kg when working with a hiller, plow or potato digger must be equipped with lugs - metal wheels.

Processing area

This indicator affects the power of the selected mechanism and the width of soil cultivation by it in one pass. If the area of the site does not exceed 15 acres, it is enough to buy an average walk-behind tractor with an engine from 3.5 to 4 hp. and processing width up to 800 mm.

If the arable allotment is from 15 to 40 acres, you will need a walk-behind tractor with an engine of at least 7 hp. and a working width of 900 mm.

To work on a large area (from 40 acres to 1 hectare), you will need a unit with a capacity of 9 hp. and working width up to 1000 mm.

Working depth

In accordance with the requirements of agricultural technology, the optimal depth of soil cultivation by a walk-behind tractor should be in the range from 20 to 30 cm.

Additional functions

The list of additional equipment for equipping walk-behind tractors is quite wide, but you only need to choose those devices that you most often need.

Without a power take-off shaft, the functions of the walk-behind tractor are reduced only to cultivating the soil and plowing the site... A rotary lawn mower, snow thrower, motor pump, potato digger and other attachments can be connected to the PTO shaft.

If there is a need to use a walk-behind tractor for transporting goods, you need to choose a model equipped with a towing device and large pneumatic wheels (diameter at least 45 cm).

For clearing the area from snow, it is better buy a unit with a brand-name carburetor engine, since it starts up better and works stably at low temperatures. For driving a snow thrower, not only a PTO shaft but also a conventional pulley is equally well suited.

Height adjustment of handles - useful option, increasing the convenience at work. For cargo transportation a prerequisite is the ability to rotate the handles of the walk-behind tractor 180 degrees.

Engine, gearbox and clutch

The engine is the most expensive and critical unit of the walk-behind tractor. Therefore, saving on it means doing repairs every season instead of productive work.

Highest quality and most economical motors for these units are produced by Greenfield (GreenField), Subaru (Subaru), Honda (Honda), Forza (Forza) and BRIGGS & STRATTON. The Chinese Lifan power units, produced under license from Honda, have proven themselves quite well.

Almost all manufacturers of motoblocks today equip their cars with engines of the listed companies. Therefore, it makes no sense to buy a "clean" Honda, which will cost several times more than the unit on which the Honda engine is installed.

Regarding the number of engine strokes, we can confidently state that four-stroke engines are preferable to two-stroke ones, both in terms of efficiency and in terms of reliability.

Walk-behind tractor clutch can have a multi-disc or single-disc design, and is also implemented in the form of a belt drive. The first two types of clutch are more reliable, therefore they are used for installation on heavy machines.

Walk-behind tractor reducer is of great importance for its trouble-free operation, therefore, it is imperative to pay attention to it when choosing. Non-separable gearboxes are installed on cheap units, which, in the event of a breakdown, have to be completely changed.

A collapsible serviced gearbox is more profitable in this respect, especially if it is made of cast iron, rather than aluminum.

The best design options for gearboxes are gear and gear-chain. The worm gearbox gets very hot during full load operation. This leads to the need to stop the walk-behind tractor every 20-30 minutes.

Manufacturers and estimated prices

Having got an idea of the technical parameters and capabilities of these units, it is much easier to answer the question of which walk-behind tractor is better to buy. In this case, we just have to compare the prices in the selected class of these cars.

Among light motoblocks, the Russian brand Salyut is in demand today.Users of this technique write in their reviews that the most best walk-behind tractor this company is the one on which there is a 4-stroke Japanese gasoline engine with a power of 5 hp, a gear reducer and a V-belt clutch. Its price is from 31 thousand rubles.

Its competitor is the Neva MB 3S walk-behind tractor(weight 70 kg) is equipped with a 5.7 hp Subaru engine. At a cost of 34 thousand rubles. this unit is optimal for work on personal and farm plots.

The cost of medium motoblocks of the French brand Caiman (Caiman) starts from 46 thousand rubles. This is the amount you have to pay for a 6-horsepower unit with a Robin-Subaru engine. It is equipped with 2 forward and one reverse gears. Its maximum tillage depth is 32 cm with a working width of up to 90 cm.

Domestic medium motoblocks Neva, Cascade with the same performance and reliable American motors Briqqs & Stratton will cost a more modest amount - from 34 to 39 thousand rubles. The price tag for the Chinese gasoline Centaur (7 hp), capable of plowing the soil to a depth of 30 cm with a passage width of 100 cm, does not exceed 26 thousand rubles.

In the category of heavy diesel motoblocks in terms of price-quality ratio, the Scout technique is a confident average. Tillers with a rotary tiller from this manufacturer with a capacity of 8 liters. with. (such as 81 D) can be purchased from 59 thousand rubles, more powerful models (101 DE, 15 DE) will cost about 80-85 thousand rubles.

Scout 15 DE

For more information on the Scout brand line in Russia, please contact your official dealer - Gardenshop.

You should also pay attention to the MTZ Belarus brand and the Chinese Bison. These machines are equipped with 9-10 hp Honda and Briqqs & Stratton diesel engines, disc clutch and gear reducer.

Four forward and two reverse speeds allow not only high-quality plowing of heavy soil, but also to transport loads on a trailer trolley. The price of such motoblocks starts at 70 thousand rubles.

In reviews of heavy Bison walk-behind tractors, one can find complaints about the low quality of workmanship, the need to tighten the connections before starting operation and the noise at work. This unit is inferior to the MTZ brand, but at the same time it is much cheaper than the Belarusian analogue (the price of a 12 hp unit is in the range of 42-46 thousand rubles.)

Motoblock- just a record holder in work on a personal plot. He is able to dig, huddle, loosen, weed, plant and even harvest. If you are working on the ground, then you are probably well aware of the merits 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 is right for your job.

In the same way as or, it is not so easy to determine the brand of the walk-behind tractor. Because their assortment is large today, and it continues to expand. And here it is important to be aware of new products in order to make the right choice.

You can't navigate exclusively on the brand. Some equipment owners believe that American walk-behind tractors are more reliable than others, others prefer domestic equipment for a 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

Rational choice should be based on specific parameters. As for the choice of a walk-behind tractor, there are several such parameters:

power of the walk-behind tractor;
weight / size of the walk-behind tractor;
engine (fuel) type;
the functionality of the walk-behind tractor;
manufacturing company.

In this list parameters are located in descending order of importance. As you can see trademark was 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. The motors of motorized units vary in power from 3.5-4 hp. up to 10-12 hp There are also intermediate options with a capacity of 5-6 hp. So which option is right for you? To answer this question, focus on the size of the land plot to be processed.

Low-power walk-behind tractors will cope with a plot of up to 50-60 acres. The medium-power motor is suitable for areas 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 more), the use of a walk-behind tractor is undesirable.

And one more tip... When choosing a technique, take a model with a small additional power reserve. This stock will not interfere with the work, but you will definitely not doubt the capabilities of the motor, and it will last longer.

Engine power defines two other parameters: the width of the grip and the weight of the walk-behind tractor:

low power - capture up to 60 cm;
medium power - capture up to 90 cm;
high power - capture up to 100 cm.

This is averaged parameters for different models, but they need to be taken into account depending on the size of the site, 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. They usually run on gasoline. Advantages: ease of operation, compactness (fits in the trunk), affordable price walk-behind tractor. Disadvantages: low weight weakens traction, so you cannot plow deep, cultivate virgin soil, use a light walk-behind tractor for planting and digging out potatoes. For these purposes, a larger unit is needed.

Medium motoblocks reach a weight of 130 kg and a power of 7-9 hp. The engines in them are mainly gasoline. The main advantage over light models: versatility, that is, the ability to use a wider range of attachments (plows, hillers, seeders, cultivators, mowers, sprayers, nozzles for removing snow and planting potatoes). The depth of immersion in the soil is up to 30 cm, the coverage of the area is up to 1 hectare. A small trailer can be attached.

Heavy motoblocks 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 the motoblocks: they have a large tractive effort, several speeds, the maximum range of passive and active attachments, an electric starter, a rotary tiller, large wheels, a single-body plow. Heavy motoblocks are designed for processing plots up to 3 hectares.

If you need to handle a large area, we advise you to buy a motorcycle tractor weighing 280 kg and more and with a capacity of more than 14 hp.

Your tasks and functionality of the walk-behind tractor

A walk-behind tractor is bought in most cases for working in the garden or in the country. When planning your purchase, you must understand:

what is the area of land for cultivation;
what kind of soil is to be processed;
how often you will use the walk-behind tractor;
what operations will you perform.

Respectively, the bigger and harder the tasks- the more powerful 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 from overload.

Soil type fundamentally affects the choice of a walk-behind tractor. If you are the owner of light black earth soil, then you will completely manage with a lightweight walk-behind tractor. But clay soil lends itself only to medium-heavy aggregates. Not to mention the virgin lands, which can only be cultivated with the help of heavy (from 120 kg) motoblocks.

As for the configuration, then there is simply no point in spending money on an expensive model with the broadest possibilities, if you know in advance that in practice you will apply only a small part of them. But some parameters are really important in any case. Here they are:

PTO, or in abbreviated form - PTO. It is this mechanism that allows the use of active attachments and starts them.

Differential unlocking capability, that is, blocking of one wheel. It is needed to turn the walk-behind tractor in place and change the direction of movement. Relevant in small areas where you have to turn often.
The presence of a headlight, battery, starter is convenient, but it is possible to do without them if you need to save money. But protective shields and / or covers will come in handy, because you cannot save on safety.

Choosing a walk-behind tractor among popular models

So, we come to the key point: how to choose a walk-behind tractor from the range of models that are on the market. Most buyers want to be named one model that is “the best”. But, unfortunately, the only best model of a walk-behind tractor does not exist. Why - we have explained in detail above. How to be? Choose according to your needs and capabilities from the possible options:

Motoblocks Russian production: Salute, Neva.
Belarusian motoblocks: MTZ Belarus, Zubr.
Ukrainian motoblocks: Centaur, Zirka.
European motoblocks: Cayman (France).

Outside the domestic market, Chinese and American walk-behind tractors are widespread in the world. In addition, you can often find a "mixed" origin: when a walk-behind tractor is assembled in one country, and its engine is made in another. An example is the Neva walk-behind tractor with the American Briqqs & Stra engine.

The country of manufacture not as important as meeting the walk-behind tractor with your expectations. And finally advice: when choosing a walk-behind tractor, consider the availability of parts, the cost of subsequent maintenance and the availability of service centers. Good luck in your choice and work!

And for the most curious, we suggest that you familiarize yourself with the video about the walk-behind tractor

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