What to look for when choosing a walk-behind tractor. Motoblock for the garden: how to choose the right model for you? The best gasoline walk-behind tractors of the middle class

Country life attracts many, besides clean air, also with the opportunity to get at their disposal a land plot for growing crops. However, high-quality cultivation of the land is always a very hard work associated with considerable physical effort. Wielding only "faithful assistants": a shovel, a rake, a hoe, it is extremely difficult to achieve serious results, especially if the area is still not the size of a "handkerchief". Moreover, modern man has also learned to value time - far from everyone likes to give all daylight hours without a trace only to work in the garden.

What to do? From time to time, for a fee, driving real heavy agricultural machinery to your site can be economically unprofitable, and often completely impossible. But there is a way out - a walk-behind tractor will help in cultivating the land.

The emergence and wide distribution of such mechanisms, without much exaggeration, can be called a kind of revolution in individual agricultural activity. But in order for the technique not to fail, to fully justify the funds invested in it, it must be chosen correctly. Therefore, it makes sense to highlight the question - which is better to purchase a walk-behind tractor for specific operating conditions.

First of all - what is meant by the concept of "walk-behind tractor".

This is a self-propelled agricultural machine on a single-axle chassis, equipped with a mechanical drive that creates a draft and working force. Passive equipment is installed on the walk-behind tractor (working only from movement) or active (implying the rotation of the working mechanism) type of different functionality. The number of possible agrotechnical functions depends on the class of the walk-behind tractor and the degree of its equipment.

Prices for popular walk-behind tractors

In a word, it can be considered, with some degree of conventionality, a mini-tractor that allows you to perform agricultural work in those conditions when the application large equipment unprofitable, unproductive or not possible at all.

The working or draft force is created on the walk-behind tractor using the installed engine.

• They are not particularly widespread, but still, walk-behind tractors with an electric motor are on sale. It would be more accurate to call them cultivators, since their functionality is small, limited to surface tillage and weed control. However, for small plotslocated in the immediate vicinity of the house, they are quite suitable. Moreover, it is difficult to do without them for those who are engaged in greenhouse farming. Using a walk-behind tractor with an internal combustion engine indoors, that is, with the exhaust of fuel combustion products, is still far from the most reasonable option.

Naturally, to work with such equipment, it is necessary to provide for a connection to the mains. The power cord trailing behind the unit presents a lot of inconvenience to the worker, especially since it “adjacents” to sharp rotating cutters. This disadvantage is eliminated in models of electric cultivators equipped with a battery-powered engine.

No words - very comfortable. However, the functionality is low, limited only by surface tillage in a very small strip. And the duration of work from one charge is very limited - usually does not exceed an hour. That is, in the role of a serious agrotechnical machine, it is still not worth considering such units.

• by the most widespread and popular consumers are walk-behind tractors with gasoline engines.

On light vehicles of this purpose, two-stroke engines are more often installed, requiring special fuel preparation (mixing in a certain proportion with engine oil).

The advantages of two-stroke engines can be considered their compactness, simplicity of design, unpretentiousness. But they are still not designed for a long-term serious load. This predetermines the limited functions of walk-behind tractors with a similar drive.

Four-stroke are used in medium and heavy class walk-behind tractors that allow the use attachments requiring power take-off. More complex device, separate lubrication system, significantly higher price. But on the other hand, the possibility of developing considerable efforts is already completely different indicators in terms of the permissible duration and variety of operations performed.

It is motoblocks with a four-stroke gasoline engine that can be called the most popular among land owners.

The common advantages of all gasoline engines include unpretentiousness in operation in all weather conditions, including at negative air temperatures.

• The most powerful, and at the same time - demonstrating the highest rates profitability in work are walk-behind tractors with diesel engines installed on them.

This technique has a very impressive motor resource. No other walk-behind tractor can be compared with a diesel one in terms of fuel efficiency, that is, in terms of the work done, recalculated per unit of energy.

The unique ability of diesel engines is the possibility of stable operation at low speeds with the development of high tractive effort, which is especially important when processing "heavy" soils. As a rule, such walk-behind tractors are monofunctional machines with a power take-off system and the ability to installation of a variety of equipment for various purposes.

The disadvantages of diesel drives are the complexity of maintenance, which requires an exceptionally qualified approach. A well-known problem of diesel engines is the difficulty of starting at low temperatures. But the main thing that limits their wide distribution is the high cost. That is, the acquisition of such a walk-behind tractor should be fully justified economically, and it will make sense with the constant cultivation of large plots of land. In fact, such units can already be attributed to mini-tractors.

Conditional classification of walk-behind tractors by purpose

The range of walk-behind tractors offered to consumers is very wide. Diversity can be seen in everything - dimensions, weight, power and type of engine, the presence of available functions and the possibility of their expansion, cost, and etc.. And if the owners of the land plot came to the idea of ​​the need to purchase such equipment, then it is necessary to clearly outline the planned circle of its “duties” in advance.

There is a conditional division of walk-behind tractors into several classes that determine the scope of their application.

• The "lower step" is occupied by ultra-light walk-behind tractors. Although, of course, in terms of operational capabilities, it would be more correct to attribute them only to motor cultivators, since the very concept of “block” implies the presence of wide functionality.

Such machines usually do not exceed 15 ÷ 20 kg in weight, are equipped with two-stroke engines with a capacity of up to 3 horsepower. Their usual "weapons" are milling cutters for shallow (no more than 80 ÷ 100 mm) surface tillage - loosening, weeding. Mills are established coaxially with wheels. However, for many models of this class, wheel travel is not provided at all. Switching speeds, as a rule, there is no, that is, they work in the same mode.

The width of processing by such cultivators is about 200 ÷ 300 mm, which allows you to work well between the beds.

Such units are quite compact, which allows you to even transport them in public transport, that is, take them with you to a suburban area as needed. Prices are in an affordable range, but the motor resource does not differ in duration. That is, a good assistant for an amateur gardener, but one should not expect any miracles or real help from him, for example, during spring plowing.

• Light motor cultivators have a mass of up to 40 kilograms, and the power of their gasoline drive can already reach up to 4 horsepower.

The functionality of such units is also not particularly outstanding. Nevertheless, the depth of soil processing can already reach up to 150 mm, and the width in one pass - from 400 to 600 mm. On soft soils, this even allows digging before spring planting. vegetable crops, effectively and without offering much effort to fight weeds. That is, such a cultivator is already becoming a very effective assistant on a well-kept plot of several acres.

Often, units of this class already have a wheel drive, which in some cases allows the use of trailed equipment. For example, it can be a hiller or a small plowshare for cutting furrows.

In light walk-behind tractors, several gears may already be provided, however, reverse ( reversing), usually, no. This is compensated by the presence of a front handle that allows the worker to move the cultivator back if necessary.

Motor resource of engines is small - usually within 300 hours. However, two-stroke gasoline engines are fairly easy to repair with the replacement of major parts. The weak point is the gearbox. For many models, it has a non-separable design with plain bearings, and does not withstand heavy loads for a long time. In this regard, collapsible gearboxes show themselves better, which allow regular maintenance - lubrication of rolling bearings, replacement of anthers and seals. The durability of such units can be significantly longer - three to four times.

But all the same, it is difficult to consider such equipment as a serious help to those who are either professionally engaged in agriculture or devote most of their free time to work on the site.

• Motoblocks of the middle class can already be considered as fully functional equipment capable of performing many agricultural operations. The mass of such machines is up to 100 kg, and the drive power (most often gasoline, although diesel models are also found) reaches 6 ÷ 7 horsepower.

Due to the considerable mass and solid drive power, the cutters of such walk-behind tractors are capable of processing the soil to a depth of 250 ÷ 300 mm, capturing a strip of 800 ÷ 900 mm in one go. Vibration during operation is no longer as sensitive as in light class machines. Naturally, where more reliable they also have a power transmission - a gearbox.

Most often, such walk-behind tractors already have several speeds for moving forward and reverse. The presence of a powerful frame and pneumatic wheels with a characteristic tractor tread allows you to work on loose soil, use trailed passive equipment - a plow, a hiller, a potato digger, a harrow, andetc.. In most models, an additional geared power take-off mechanism is provided (most often through a belt drive). This makes it possible to use some types of detachable equipment that require torque to operate - for example, seeders, mowers, etc.

Such walk-behind tractors are quite suitable for those owners who are seriously engaged in agricultural work on quite decent plots of several tens of acres.

• In terms of their functionality, heavy walk-behind tractors can already be seriously considered as professional equipment, a kind of mini-tractor capable of performing a large amount of work for a long time.

The mass of such units exceeds 100 kg, which is of decisive importance for agricultural machinery. Naturally, such weight characteristics require an appropriate drive. Thus, the power of internal combustion engines (diesel or four-stroke gasoline) is at least 8 ÷ 10, and sometimes reaches 16 or more horsepower. The strip of one pass during plowing or cultivation can exceed 1000 mm.

The powerful frame of the walk-behind tractor is always equipped with a reliable towing device. This makes it possible to use heavy trailed mechanisms for deep tillage - plowshares or disc plows, harrows, potato diggers. The use of a special trolley allows you to turn the walk-behind tractor into a vehicle for transporting quite solid loads.

High drive power is combined with the presence of several forward and reverse speeds. This allows you to choose the most economical and productive mode of operation, depending on the condition of the soil and on the operation being performed. The mandatory presence of a power take-off ensures the versatility of the walk-behind tractor, which can be used, in addition to purely agricultural functions, as a sweeper, a motor pump, a sprayer, a snow blower with a dump bucket or a rotary mechanism, a garden shredder and even a wood splitter.

The only conditional disadvantage of heavy walk-behind tractors is the high cost. The acquisition will be justified if the cultivation of the land is the main occupation of the owners and is carried out on a fairly large area - from a hectare or more. But in such areas it is simply unrealistic to achieve anything serious by hand, so one cannot do without such equipment. In addition, such machines are widely used in public utilities.

Criteria for choosing a walk-behind tractor for individual use.

When choosing a walk-behind tractor, the future owner must be able to evaluate his purchase, guided by certain criteria.

• It is clear that first you need to decide on the class of the walk-behind tractor:

If it is supposed to process a very small area right near the house or in the country, about several acres, then it makes no sense to purchase an expensive powerful unit. An ultra-light model with a working width of up to 300 mm with a power of a couple of “horses” will be quite enough. This will allow you to easily maneuver between the beds, carrying out surface cultivation of the soil or weeding. And spring or autumn digging a small area can be done manually. Multiple speeds are not required.

For plots of up to 20 acres, it will already be more expedient to purchase a light cultivator capable of processing a strip of up to 600 mm per pass, with a power of up to 3 ÷ 3.5 horsepower.

A territory up to 60 acres will require a walk-behind tractor with higher capabilities - this is about 4 hp. power and 800 mm processing strip. Such units are already characterized by the presence of several speeds when moving in the forward direction and in reverse.

For processing a land plot with an area of ​​up to a hectare, a middle-class walk-behind tractor with a power of up to 6 ÷ 7 hp and a processing width of up to 900 mm is enough. Lack of weight when working on loose soil or when deep plowing is necessary can be compensated for by installing metal wheels with lugs or using special weighting agents.

Finally, when professionally cultivating land on an area of ​​​​more than a hectare, it will be difficult to do without a really heavy walk-behind tractor - a mini-tractor.

• The working volume of the engine, of course, is directly related to its power and to the developed effort on the processing tools used. On sale there are models with a volume of 50 to 450 cm³. and the transmitted force increases with volume. So, engines with 130 "cubes" can create a torque force of about 6 Nm, and if the engine has a volume of about 300 cm³, then this force increases to 20 Nm, which is a very significant value that allows processing dense soils over a large area.
• Engine start system. in light class walk-behind tractors, usually - without options, that is, a manual starter with an exhaust cable. For units of medium and heavy classes, an electric starter with a start key on the control handle is often installed. Handy, of course, especially when frequent shutdowns are required, and especially necessary for diesel engines.

But the presence of an electric starter also implies the presence of a charged battery, and often also a generator for recharging. All this complicates the design, and makes it more expensive. However, there are models with a manual starter, which optionally provide for the installation of an electric one, so you can take, as they say, "for the future."

• An important selection parameter is the type of transmission, that is, the mechanism for transmitting torque from the engine to the working bodies of the walk-behind tractor.

- On light class units, a gear-worm scheme is most often used. In fact, these are two combined gearboxes, with the upper transmission of rotation from the engine - gear, and the lower, cutter or wheel - worm. The clutch system, as a rule, is made on the principle of a centrifugal clutch, which is activated when the engine speed is increased, that is, in fact, it is not controlled by anything else.

- Motoblocks of the middle class are usually equipped with belt, gear or chain gears (their combinations are possible). The circuit is quite reliable and productive, available for adjustment, preventive work and repair. The clutch system may be a belt drive with a pressure roller.

— Finally, for heavy walk-behind tractors use either a chain or even a purely gear transmission system that can withstand maximum torque forces. And the clutch system is often almost completely similar to a car - that is, with a release clutch and discs.

In any case, it will be optimal to choose a transmission that can be repaired. The non-separable gearboxes that are installed on some models, alas, do not differ in reliability, and can become a considerable problem and an extra loss of a lot of money.

• If the walk-behind tractor is purchased "with an eye" for the use of mounted active equipment, then you should contact Special attention to the power take-off system. Basically, there are two main varieties.

- Power take-off is carried out through a special pulley, on which there is a free dedicated stream for installing a belt drive.

- The power take-off system through the gearbox shaft is considered to be more perfect and safer in operation.

Naturally, all probably the equipment should correspond to the transmission system. That is, to have either a “reciprocal” pulley in a belt drive, or a system for connecting to a shaft, directly or through a cardan.

By the way, the diameter of the shaft is also very important. So, models of both the walk-behind tractors themselves and attachments for diameters of 25 and 30 mm are produced.

• The purchase of attachments is a separate “song”, and is already carried out in accordance with the planned agrotechnical or general business operations. But if there are already certain ideas on this score, then when choosing a walk-behind tractor, you should immediately clarify whether it is possible to use the appropriate units with it.
• It is worth paying attention to the diameter and thickness of the wheel treads. This will be of particular importance if the work is planned to be carried out on loose soil. The wider the wheels, the smaller the self-burrowing» into the ground the unit itself. It never hurts to have a pair on hand metal wheels with grousers.
• You should evaluate the convenience of working with a walk-behind tractor - the location of the controls (start, accelerator, gear shift, etc.), accessibility to them during operation. It is very good if it is possible to adjust the control handles - in height (for precise adjustment to the height of the worker), and to the side, if the operations are associated with the movement of the operator to the left or right.
• It should be correctly understood that working with walk-behind tractors is not at all an “easy walk” across the field, and it still requires a certain physical readiness of the worker. For example, sometimes it takes a lot of effort to turn or turn the car, to “pull” it if it suddenly starts to “sink” in the ground. And this means that, if possible, you should choose models with several speeds in forward motion, at least one in reverse. A very good addition for medium and heavy walk-behind tractors is the differential release system. That is, when changing direction, it is possible to block the left or right wheel to facilitate the execution of a turn or turn.
• High-quality walk-behind tractors are equipped with "self-defense" systems, for example, emergency shutdown of the engine in case of insufficient oil level or overheating.
• Surely a thoughtful buyer will be interested in warranty obligations for the selected equipment, the availability or availability of spare parts, and the development of the service system in the region.
• An ambiguous question is which is better, domestic or imported models. Motoblocks of well-known Western manufacturers are famous for good quality assembly, reliable mechanics. But they may show "capriciousness" to the quality of the fuel. In addition, their price is much higher.

Motoblocks of domestic production are less whimsical to the quality of gasoline or diesel fuel, more affordable. But the motor resource can already be lower, however, this often pays off with the availability of components and the low complexity of repair and restoration work. Models under the brands Neva (St. Petersburg) and Salyut (Moscow) are very popular. Fully deserves all the trust technique "Belarus"

By the way, domestic walk-behind tractors with installed high-quality engines from foreign companies are in good demand, for example Robin SUBARU EX, Lifan, Hitachi, B&S.

Some foreign partners organized the production of walk-behind tractors in Russia, adapting as much as possible the lineup according to our conditions. In particular, in Voronezh motoblocks of the famous German brand "Sun Garden" are produced, in Dzerzhinsk - the plant "Hitachi" operates.

A brief overview of popular models of cultivators and walk-behind tractors of various classes.

Super light and light class models

• "Hyundai T 1500E"

Electric motor cultivator, the easiest to use, quite suitable for processing a small adjoining plot or for working in a greenhouse

Main characteristics:

- Weight - 13.5 kg.

- Electric drive power - 1500 W;

- Width of the processing strip in one pass - 300 mm;

— The number of cutters is four.

– Depth of tillage – 150 mm.

— Adjustment of the operating handle on height.

- Wheel drive (without wheel drive).

- Number of gears - one forward.

- Approximate price - 7200 rubles.

Prices for the Hyundai T 1500E walk-behind tractor

Advantages of the model:

— Convenience in work that does not require physical effort, accessible even to people of retirement age.

- High maneuverability.

— Wide processing band for models of this class.

- No exhaust gases, fairly quiet operation.

- Very affordable price.

Noted disadvantages:

- An extension cord is required, which has to be constantly monitored during work.

- Lack of reverse.

- There is a lack of power.

• Champion GC 243 »

Model of Russian development, Chinese assembly. Quite acceptable and inexpensive helper for a small area

- Weight in working position - 18.2 kg.

- Two-stroke Gas engine power 1.7 hp ., volume 42.2 cm³.

- Width of the processing strip - 235 mm.

— Depth of processing — 200 mm.

- Clutch - uncontrolled, centrifugal clutch.

- Reducer - worm.

- Fuel tank capacity - 1.3 l.

- Approximate cost - 9500 rubles.

Noted advantages:

- Low price.

- Ease of operation, ease of use and clarity in management even for inexperienced users.

- Easy engine start.

Mentioned disadvantages:

- Pretty strong vibration.

- Often there is an unimportant adjustment of the centrifugal clutch.

- Does not take dense soil, that is, it is good for previously cultivated beds.

— Small set of functions.

— There are many complaints about the build quality.

• "Caliber MK-3.5 B&S"

Lightweight cultivator with high quality engine. Model - Russian, production - China.

"Caliber MK-3.5 B&S" - reliable assistant in small landscaped areas

The main characteristics of the motor cultivator:

- Weight in working position - 29.5 kg.

- Engine - gasoline four-stroke, Briggs & Stratton, 3.5 hp.

– Processing width with two installed cutters – 380 mm.

– Depth of processing – 250 mm.

- Number of gears - one forward.

- Reducer - worm.

- Fuel tank capacity - 0.8 l.

– Approximate price – from 16500 rubles.

Advantages of the model:

— Excellent engine, easy to start and stable in operation at any speed.

— Existence of a coulter for installation of depth of processing of the soil.

- Convenient wheeled trolley.

- Compact, fits in the trunk passenger car- sedan.

Noted disadvantages:

- For dense soil - very light, starts to vibrate and jump. Shows its qualities on previously well-treated areas. In the roots of the shrub "gets stuck"

- Cutters are not too ...

- The gearbox is heated even with a not particularly heavy load.

- No reverse gear.

middle class models

• "Salute 5L-6.5"

A good sample of domestic quality and excellent performance.

Main characteristics:

- Weight in working position - 76 kg.

- Engine - gasoline four-stroke company "Lifan", with a volume of 195 cm³, a power of 6.5 hp.

– Processing width in one pass – from 300 to 860 mm.

– Depth of processing – up to 250 mm.

- Clutch - belt ., with a pressure roller.

- Reducer - gear.

- Gearbox type - mechanical speed.

- Possibility of power take-off through a belt pulley.

- Pneumatic wheels.

- Fuel tank capacity - 3.6 liters.

– Approximate price – from 28000 rub.

Advantages of a walk-behind tractor:

Convenience in management, a possibility of installation of steering handles in position, optimum for the user.

— Excellent cross-country wheels.

- Easy engine start.

— Variation in the number of cutters.

— Reliability in work.

Flaws:

Though the model cannot be called new, and users do not indicate any special shortcomings for its long-term operation. There are a couple of comments on the quality of the drive belts (if they are Chinese). But after replacing them with domestic ones, the claims disappeared.

Prices for walk-behind tractor Salyut 5L-6.5

Cultivator Salyut 5L-6.5

• "Neva MB-2 B-6.5 Pro"

Another example of a solid, competitive domestic model.

Motoblock "Neva MB-2 B-6.5 Pro" is an excellent choice for amateurs and professionals

- Weight in working position - 93 kg.

- Engine - four-stroke gasoline, Briggs & Stratton, Vanguard 6.5 model. Power 6.5 HP with a volume of 205 cm³. manual starter, air cooling.

– Depth of tillage – 250 mm.

— The width of the processing strip is up to 1270 mm.

- Number of gears - 4 forward and 2 back.

- Reducer - chain.

- Gearbox - mechanical speed.

- Power take-off - via belt pulley .

— Ability to unlock the differential.

- Adjustment of handles in height and position

- The volume of the fuel tank - 3.6 liters.

— Wide pneumatic wheels.

– Approximate price – from 40000 rub.

Advantages of the model:

- High build quality.

— Excellent engine.

— Heritage power indicators.

— Possibility of transportation in a trailer trolley up to 400 kg of cargo.

Noted deficiencies.

— Claims to the quality of belts.

- Not quite convenient gear shifting and fuel damper ("gas") control.

- There are angry comments about the not quite thought out gear shifting system.

• "Patriot Ural"

The products of the former American brand, now owned by Russia, are a high-quality, productive middle-class walk-behind tractor.

The main characteristics of the walk-behind tractor:

- Weight - 78 kg.

- Engine - gasoline four-stroke, P175 FС, volume 220 cm³, power 7.8 hp, manual starter, air cooling.

– Processing width – up to 900 mm.

– Plowing depth – up to 300 mm.

- Number of gears - 4 forward and 2 back.

- Reducer - chain type, in a cast iron housing.

- Clutch - belt.

- Possibility of power take-off through a pulley.

- Wheel diameter - 480 mm.

- Mudguards to protect the worker.

- Approximate cost - from 34000 rub.

Noted advantages:

- Reinforced frame protecting the engine from above and from the sides.

— Convenient design of the coupling device.

- Very convenient arrangement of controls, the ability to adjust the handles in height and position.

- A very interesting price for motoblocks of this class, against the background of the high quality of the model.

- High cross-country wheel travel.

Flaws:

There were no complaints about the walk-behind tractor itself. But there are questions about the quality of the assembly of regular cutters. It will be useful to tighten all of their threaded connections before initial use.

Video: Bringing the Patriot Ural walk-behind tractor to operational readiness

Motoblocks of a heavy class

• CARVER MT-900DE

Powerful heavy walk-behind tractor of Russian design.

The main characteristics of the model:

- Weight in working condition - 173 kg.

- Weima four-stroke diesel engine, 406 cm³, 9 hp.

— Depth of plowing soil — up to 350 mm.

— The width of the processing strip in one pass is from 800 to 1200 mm.

- Gear reducer.

- The number of gears - two forward and one back.

- Connection of active attachments through the power take-off shaft.

- Electric starter.

- Approximate cost - from 57000 rub.

— Excellent power indicators when plowing even very heavy soils.

- Convenient control system.

— Stable operation of the engine at low speeds.

— Well thought-out system of protection of the engine and the worker.

- Detachable gearbox.

Noted deficiencies.

- Pretty high difficulty self assembly walk-behind tractor after its delivery from the store.

— There is no mechanism for unlocking the differential.

• Aurora SPACE-YARD 1350D

Heavy diesel walk-behind tractor of Russian design and Russian or Chinese production (both options are found).

The main characteristics of the model:

- Weight in working position - 170 kg.

- Engine - diesel four-stroke, 406 cm³, 9 hp.

- Electric starter, battery with a capacity of 36 Ah.

- The number of gears - two forward and one back.

– Depth of tillage – up to 300 mm.

— The width of the processing strip is from 850 to 1350 mm.

— Quantity of standard cutters – up to 40 pcs. collected in blocks of 8 pcs.

- The volume of the fuel tank - 5 liters.

- Connection of mounted active equipment - through the power take-off shaft.

- Approximate cost - 65000 rub.

The noted advantages of the model:

- Excellent wheel travel with high cross-country ability.

- Convenient location of controls with the ability to adjust the height and position of the handles.

- Excellent performance on dense and virgin soils.

Flaws:

The disadvantages are insignificant, but still:

- There is a low quality of the external color of the parts of the walk-behind tractor.

- Noise in operation, somewhat higher than that of other similar diesel walk-behind tractors.

— Lack of differential unlock mechanism.

- Slightly increased consumption of engine oil.

As the reader probably noticed, in the review of models, the main emphasis was on Russian-made walk-behind tractors. Nothing strange - a high-quality professional-class unit will cost only 30 ÷ 50 thousand rubles. Whereas, for example, the walk-behind tractor of the French company Caiman (yes, indeed, this is a very cool technique) with approximately the same functionality will exceed 200 thousand in cost. There is something to think about!

And at the end of the publication, it will probably be interesting for the reader to look at a comparative review of three popular models of walk-behind tractors.

Video: "Competition" motoblocks "Neva", "Oka" and "Tselina"

Summer residents who are seriously engaged in gardening and gardening cannot do without certain equipment, because you cannot cultivate the land with your hands, and your health will suffer from this. The first and main assistant can be a walk-behind tractor. This is an expensive technique, but the number of functions that it is capable of performing in a year more than justify the purchase. It remains to find out how to choose a walk-behind tractor, and what qualities to pay attention to in the first place.

In some stores, all equipment for working with the earth is presented as walk-behind tractors of different power and weight. Therefore, motor cultivators, which are called ultralight motor blocks, often come across in this category. In fact, these are two different units, and when choosing equipment for your own garden, you should decide what is more profitable for you.

A motor cultivator is a mechanized tool, which has a milling cutter on the driving axle, capable of processing only the top layer of the earth. We considered this technique in more detail in a separate article "". The function of the cultivator is limited only to the processing of the top layer of the earth, while the walk-behind tractor can replace most of the garden equipment.

Thus, a walk-behind tractor is a kind of mini-tractor. Its nozzles work due to wheel traction, and a person only controls the equipment, following it. Both in terms of power and abilities, motor blocks are much stronger than motor cultivators and are equipped with a large number of attachments. It is these units that we will analyze in more detail.

What can a walk-behind tractor: the capabilities of a mini-tractor

Dreaming of a walk-behind tractor, summer residents mainly expect to cultivate the land with its help. But this technique has many more functions.

earthworks

Naturally, the main functions of the walk-behind tractor are earthworks, and more specifically, plowing, harrowing, hilling, cutting rows, etc.:

• Plowing. They plow the land with a plow, which is hung on the unit, and powerful models are able to lift virgin soil. This feature is especially useful for novice gardeners and gardeners who need to first bring the ground to a normal state in order to plant something on it later. The walk-behind tractor, unlike a motor-cultivator, raises the deep layers of the soil, shoveling and mixing the soil, and thereby saturates the earth with oxygen, making it more airy. In such soil, both the level of moisture and air circulation are much better than in dug under a shovel.
• Harrowing. Harrowing is carried out with a separate nozzle with teeth. The purpose of this work is to break up the crust on the surface of the soil, which is formed as a result of the drying of the upper part of the soil under the sun. Due to the crust, oxygen access to the root system of garden crops is disrupted, and moisture is not stored in the soil. In addition, weeds are effectively removed with the help of harrowing.
• Hilling. For owners who plant potatoes in their dachas (weaving 4-5), the walk-behind tractor will be useful as. A special nozzle will help to raise the furrows to give the tubers a better ventilation, and save them from excess moisture. Hilling is also useful for strawberries, especially if it is grown in a lowland, where increased moisture causes damage to the berries by gray rot.
• Digging and planting garden crops. With the help of attachments such as a potato planter and a potato digger, the walk-behind tractor will make it easier for you to plant and harvest your "second bread". The volume of the bunker includes about three buckets of planting potatoes, which can be filled either by the plowman himself or by his assistant. A seeder is used to plant seeds, garlic cloves and onions.

Harrowing is carried out while the potatoes have barely appeared on the surface of the earth to help them break through the dried topsoil.

Potato planters contain different amount planting material, but the most common option, which is filled with about 3 buckets

With a seeder it is convenient to plant crops in the fall, which usually fertilize the soil and rid it of weeds. In spring, green sprouts plow

Lawn and flower garden care

Besides earthworks, the walk-behind tractor is capable of performing lawn care. To do this, it comes with a rotary mower, which cuts the grass no worse than a trimmer, capturing about a meter of lawn at once. And if you also buy an aerator nozzle, then your lawn will receive additional oxygen supply and will grow thicker.

With the “lawn rake” attachment, you can collect grass clippings and at the same time move the soil to give more oxygen to the roots

A useful addition is a grinder that grinds all garden debris for composting.

The grinder can be used to create green compost from vegetable waste, as well as grind cut branches of trees and shrubs

For watering the garden and flower beds, a motor pump is connected to the walk-behind tractor.

Winter chores

In winter, the walk-behind tractor will also not be idle. It turns into, thanks to special devices:

• brushes that clean the paths from soft, just fallen snow;
• a snow shovel with knives that cuts and removes packed snow;
• snow thrower, which rakes snow with blades to a depth of about 20 cm and throws it out of the track.

Cargo transportation

For complete happiness, the owner of a walk-behind tractor also needs to buy a trailer. Then you can proudly sit on your own equipment and drive around the garden, collecting garbage, cut branches or delivering manure, fertilizers, bags of potatoes, etc. Using a trailer, you can even bring bags of cement from the nearest hardware store or collect stones on roadside fields for building a fence. Thus, you will reduce the load on your own back and arms by entrusting the transportation of goods to technology.

The trailer makes a full-fledged mini-tractor out of a walk-behind tractor, on which you can sit and transport various heavy loads around the site

All of the above nozzles, except for the cultivator and wheels, do not come with the walk-behind tractor. They are purchased separately, taking into account the power of the equipment. And the more "horsepower" in the unit, the more functions it can perform.

By what criteria is the power of a walk-behind tractor selected?

When deciding which walk-behind tractor to choose, three aspects are taken into account:

• how much land he will have to cultivate;
• type of soil on the site;
• the amount of work that the technician has to do.

Unit performance calculation

The power of motoblocks starts from 3.5 hp, and ends with 10 hp. Stronger aggregates are rare. When selecting power, you should focus on the amount of land that will have to be cultivated.

• If the plot is up to 15 acres, then 3.5-4 "strength" is enough. In this case, the capture width is about 60 cm.
• For processing plots of 20-30 acres, they take equipment with a power of 4.5-5 hp. and a working width of 80 cm.
• For a land plot of half a hectare, it is worth purchasing a model of 6-7 hp. and a working width of 90 cm.
• For a hectare and more - up to 10 hp. and working width - meter.
• From four hectares, it is better to cultivate the land with a tractor, since such a volume is too heavy for both the walk-behind tractor and its owner.

At the same time, keep in mind that fuel consumption will increase in proportion to performance.

The dependence of the mass of the walk-behind tractor on the type of soil

The soil on the site plays a significant role in the selection of equipment. For heavy clay soils and the development of virgin lands, weak units are not suitable. Firstly, their capacities will not be enough to shovel such land, and the engine will work with high overloads. Accordingly, and fly out quickly. Secondly, low-power equipment weighs less, which means it will not provide deep soil capture and will slip when plowing.

Oriented as follows:

• if the soil is light, worked out, then you can buy a model up to 70 kg in weight. Such walk-behind tractors come with 3, 5 - 6 hp;
• on clay soils, aggregates from 95 kg in weight work effectively;
• to develop virgin lands, you will need a mini-tractor of 120-150 kg. Moreover, it should come with metal wheels, which are called lugs.

Diesel walk-behind tractors are famous for their faster rotational speed and thereby crush the soil more efficiently, but the repair of gasoline engines is easier, and even at sub-zero temperatures you can’t go on diesel fuel.

Also, material on how to make a walk-behind tractor with your own hands using the example of a design from Valentin Arkhipov will also be useful:

Grousers, or metal wheels, due to the blades, bite tightly into the soil and prevent the walk-behind tractor from slipping when plowing virgin and heavy lands

On what elements does the functionality of the walk-behind tractor depend?

Before choosing a walk-behind tractor for a garden, you need to study its design to make sure that you can hang all the desired equipment on this model.

• So, if you use a walk-behind tractor for transporting goods, then the equipment must have large pneumatic wheels (from 450 mm).
• Power attachments (water pump, snow thrower, mower) require a PTO. There are models in which such nozzles simply have nowhere to cling to.
• For winter use, there must be a gasoline engine, and a well-known company, so that it starts the first time.
• A useful element is an electric starter, thanks to which the walk-behind tractor is easier to start.

Desirable items:

• handle adjustment;
• unlocking differential;
• emergency handle for emergency stop.

If there is a choice between domestic and foreign equipment, then “native” units will cost less. In addition, they are not so sensitive to fuel quality. But due to poor-quality assembly, components often require repair. For foreign manufacturers, such problems are rare.

Motoblock- just a record holder in work on personal plot. He can dig up, hill up, loosen, weed, plant and even harvest. If you work on the ground, then you are probably well aware of the advantages of a motorized unit.

This miniature tractor manually operated 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 work.

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

Can't navigate exclusively for the brand. Some owners of equipment believe that American walk-behind tractors are more reliable than others, while others prefer domestic equipment for a combination of price and quality. We stand up 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 the choice of walk-behind tractor, there are several such parameters:

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

In this list parameters are located in descending order of importance. As you can see, the brand 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. Engines of motorized blocks 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 cope with a site up to 50-60 acres. The medium power motor is suitable for plots up to 1 hectare. If your land allotment covers up to 4 hectares inclusive, you need 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 little extra power. This reserve will not interfere with work, but you definitely will not doubt the capabilities of the motor, and it will last longer.

Engine power determines 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 average 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 a walk-behind tractor. Disadvantages: light weight reduces traction, so you can not plow deep, process virgin soil, use a light walk-behind tractor to plant and dig up 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. Their engines are predominantly gasoline. The main advantage over light models: versatility, that is, the ability to use a wider range of attachments (ploughs, hillers, seeders, cultivators, mowers, sprayers, snow removal and potato planting attachments). The depth of immersion in the soil is up to 30 cm, the coverage of the area is up to 1 ha. You can attach a small trailer.

Heavy walk-behind tractors are in the weight category up to 300 kg with a power of 10-12 hp. Equipped with diesel engines with air or water cooling. The most versatile of the walk-behind tractors: they have a large traction force, several speeds, the maximum range of passive and active attachments, an electric starter, a rototiller, large wheels, a single-furrow plow. Heavy walk-behind tractors are designed for processing areas up to 3 hectares.

If you need to cover a large area, we advise you to buy a motor-tractor weighing 280 kg and 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 should 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 you will perform.

Respectively, the bigger and more difficult the tasks- the more powerful unit you need. And it is better to slightly exceed the power than to save on insufficient power equipment. Otherwise, the walk-behind tractor will fail due to overload.

soil type fundamentally affects the choice of walk-behind tractor. If you are the owner of light black earth, then you will completely 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 be cultivated only with the help of heavy (from 120 kg) walk-behind tractors.

As for the set, then it simply does not make sense to spend money on an expensive model with the widest possible capabilities, if you know in advance that in practice you will use only a small part of them. But some parameters are really important in any case. Here they are:

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

Possibility of unlocking the differential, that is, blocking one wheel. Needed to turn the walk-behind tractor on the spot and change the direction of movement. It is relevant in small areas where you have to turn often.
The presence of a headlight, battery, 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 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 motoblock does not exist. Why - we explained in detail above. How to be? Choose according to your needs and possibilities from the available options:

• Motoblocks of Russian production: Salyut, 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 engine Briqqs & Stra.

Manufacturer country not as important as the compliance of the walk-behind tractor with your expectations. And finally, 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 choosing and working!

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

Today you will not surprise anyone with the fact that you can own several acres of land in your possession. You can use such plots in different ways, but even considering the built house for several people, there is quite enough space for a garden or vegetable garden. What can we say about the land in the countryside? There such areas amaze the imagination with their size. But it is quite difficult to handle them with your hands, and indeed there is no time - there is always another job. So it doesn't hurt to make your life easier. This is where motoblocks 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 won’t hurt to know something about the device of this mechanism, and indeed about it in general.

So, a walk-behind tractor is a type of small-sized tractor. This is a mechanical device that works 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 a walk-behind tractor.

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

Speaking purely technically, there are very few differences between them. More precisely, only one thing - power. Naturally, this is where the difference in size, weight, etc. comes from.

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

In addition, there is one more difference: the device of the walk-behind tractor is such that the traction force 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 may well be compared with walk-behind tractors.

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

Which device is better?

In fact, the question is not worth it. Just because the best walk-behind tractors and the best cultivators are aimed at absolutely various works. 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 equipment is purchased. The second factor is even simpler - the size of your site. Naturally, a device suitable for four to five acres will show its absolute failure on a couple of hectares. In addition, cultivators only plow the land, and yet loosening, hilling or planting may be needed. All this can be solved with the help of attachments. So the answer to the question "How to choose an inexpensive and reliable walk-behind tractor?" it gets a little more difficult.

Working mechanism

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 conventional, internal combustion. The transmission, in turn, regulates the working speed and is controlled by the gearbox - on heavy models this is a must. However, some medium-sized cars are equipped this way. The running gear is the frame and wheels, and the controls are a combined "remote" (usually on or between the handles) from which the owner can control the unit.

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

What should you pay attention to when buying?

As mentioned earlier, such a mechanism is rather complicated. 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.

Four factors can be considered the main ones when choosing a walk-behind tractor - having dealt with them and choosing suitable model, we can already pass to less important issues. So, these factors are the gearbox, the engine, the power take-off shaft and the trailer. It is about them that will be discussed further.

Reducer

This factor cannot be discounted in any case - after all, the life of the unit depends on it. 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 repair 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 walk-behind tractors, and equally cultivators, can be divided according to the class of their motors. There are three of them - household, semi-professional and professional. The differences between the engines will be in power and their resource.

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

PTO shaft

This detail of the mechanism can significantly increase the capabilities of the walk-behind tractor. A 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 in turn. So seeders, waterers, sweepers, chippers, shredders, active trailers - all this will become quite possible. But the purchase of such additional parts will cost a pretty penny - the price can be even higher than that of the main device itself.

Trailer

Some models of walk-behind tractors 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 to make your miniature tractor move faster than a snail.

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

How to choose a walk-behind tractor inexpensively and reliable?

In fact, there are not so many inexpensive and reliable devices. Yes, and they, at first glance, may seem too expensive. Nevertheless, you can use, for example, the Luch walk-behind tractor. This model is no longer in production, but it is quite possible to find a used device. And do not be afraid of this "terrible" 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, care 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 produced even now. In fact, this is the most optimal choice- a new walk-behind tractor with sufficient reliability. In addition, this is one of the few models that are produced in the territory of the countries of the former USSR.

Walk-behind tractor operation

There is nothing complicated in using a walk-behind tractor. However, there are a few rules to be aware of. They are only there so you don't make mistakes. Since this technique is quite dangerous if used incorrectly, it is justified. So, let's look at the instruction that is attached to such a mechanism as a walk-behind tractor.

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

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

In order to make it easier to cultivate land, it is necessary to use equipment and special devices. This is not only a super-shovel. With it, of course, it is easier, but it still requires a lot of physical effort. It is much easier to work if you use walk-behind tractors and motor cultivators. Of course, they are expensive, but they are worth their price.

Motoblocks and motor cultivators: what is the difference

Working on the ground requires a lot of effort. Modern technology greatly simplifies this difficult task. For example, motor blocks and motor cultivators will facilitate plowing, weeding, hilling and some other operations. The main difference between a cultivator and a walk-behind tractor is the power and the number of operations that they can perform.

Motor cultivators are small lightweight devices with a capacity of 3-6 horsepower. The main purpose is loosening the soil with a cutter. Other operations and work with other tools is possible, but not on all models and not with all soils.

Motoblocks - more powerful devices - from 7 hp. - with a wide range of functions. They can cope with plowing (working with a plow), loosening (cutter), hilling, mowing grass, etc. As an additional function - the possibility of transporting goods or moving a small trailer.

What to choose

How to choose what to buy? Which is better, motoblocks and motor cultivators? Depends on the size of the area that you plan to cultivate, the list of works that you want to automate, the soil on the site.

Where and for what it is better to use motor cultivators

For a summer residence, a garden, a vegetable garden with an area of ​​​​up to 10-15 acres, a motor-cultivator is quite enough. Especially if the soil is light. This device performs well loosening the soil and processing row spacings, but, as a rule, it works at one speed. Only some, more expensive models can have two speeds, the ability to change direction (reverse) is even rarer.

The main equipment is cutters. For different row spacings, they come in different sizes. Replacing the cutter takes little time, which is convenient. Only the heaviest and most powerful (read - expensive) models can handle plowing, and even then, on light and medium soils. And we are not talking about deep processing.

Small motor cultivators the best choice for processing small areas

Some owners fit hillers for more powerful models. The quality of processing is not always high. It is normal only on light soils. Even with preliminary loosening, the aisles have to be corrected manually. Although the work is certainly much easier.

The wheel, most often, is one - central, solid. That is, during operation, some efforts will be required to keep the tool in a stable position. In general, for a standard suburban area motor cultivator is a great choice. Larger areas require more powerful equipment.

Scope of motoblocks

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, the possibility of reverse. There are usually few speeds, 2-3 when moving forward and 1-2 when moving backward.

The number of attachments for walk-behind tractors is greater: in addition to cutters, you can put a plow, mower, hiller. Due to the greater power, soil cultivation is faster, its greater depth is possible. The depth is changed by installing weights that lower the cutter or plow lower.

Motoblocks have two pneumatic wheels, due to which they are more stable. Efforts during work are minimal, you only have to control the direction.

Division into classes

Motoblocks and motor cultivators are divided into three classes. The choice of class depends on the type of cultivated soil and the area of ​​​​the site. There are light, medium and heavy cultivators and walk-behind tractors.

In general, motor blocks and motor cultivators by class are easy to choose. For dachas, light and medium models of motor cultivators are suitable; for farms, motor blocks are more suitable. The class will have to be determined by the soil and the size of the cultivated area.

Engine type and parameters

Motoblocks and motor cultivators are equipped with an engine. The speed and depth of processing, the ability to work with soils depend on its type and power. different types, the size of the tools used. In general, the choice of engine is an important task.

engine type

Motoblocks and motor cultivators are produced with engines of three types:

Most often choose a gasoline engine. Diesel, of course, are more economical during operation, but the price for models with similar characteristics is very different. So most often they choose motoblocks and motor cultivators with gasoline engines.

Reducer type

A gearbox is a node 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 motoblocks and motor cultivators are:

Actually, the choice is actually small. Cultivators are mainly equipped with worm gears. Only on some, more expensive heavy ones, chain ones are installed. Light and medium 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 effort. For simple work of the same type - 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 choose the effort for a particular job. This ultimately saves fuel.

The number of speeds is important for the convenience of work

Even more "advanced" modifications have the ability to change direction - they can move backward. This is convenient in a limited space, but the gearbox is more complicated, its cost is higher. The number of speeds during reverse movement is less - from one to three.

Gearboxes with reverse can be mechanical and automatic. Automatic ones change direction while driving, on mechanical ones, to reverse, you must first stop, then change gear. It is clear that automatic ones are more complex, more expensive (and maintenance too).

Motor cultivators: choice options, which one is better, prices, reviews

Let's start with how to choose a motor cultivator, according to what parameters to make a choice. Then we will consider the most popular models, their advantages and disadvantages, prices.

Motocultivators - it's hard to choose the best

Criterias of choice

The general parameters have already been described above: these are the class, power, type of engine, gearbox and number of speeds. Here we briefly list the main selection criteria and the possible scatter of parameters. Here is what we pay attention to when choosing a motorized cultivator:

• Direction of rotation of cutters. There are direct and
• The rotation speed of the cutters (for models that operate at one speed).
• The number of cutters in the set and their dimensions.
• Processing width. From 15 cm to 110 cm.
• Depth of processing. From 15 cm to 25 cm
• Wheel type. A good option is made of molded rubber, but the best is hydraulic (put on some heavy models).

Also in each class, pay attention to the mass. It varies over a fairly wide range:

• light motor cultivators - from 9 kg to 40 kg (the lightest - with an electric motor);
• medium - from 40 kg to 80 kg;
• heavy - from 80 kg to 140 kg.

The choice by weight is also not entirely unambiguous. On the one hand, the smaller the mass, the better the maneuverability. On the other hand, the heavier the equipment, the greater the depth of processing (although the relationship is not direct, much depends on the design). The advantage of more mass is that heavier units can be loaded homemade gadgets and use them for uncharacteristic jobs.

Popular models, reviews, prices

Neva - popular motor cultivators of domestic production (St. Petersburg plant "Red October"). They are designed taking into account the difficult soils that are typical for Russia, so the middle class cultivators have a gear drive. Of the additional advantages - a stable design, vibration damping. So it's nice to work, the 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	petrol, 4 stroke,	6 hp / 163 cu. cm	1	without box, chain reducer, belt drive	420$
Neva MK-80R-S5.0	average	60-100 cm / depth 16 cm	6 pcs	petrol	5 hp / 183 cu. cm	1 forward, 1 back	without box, chain reducer	500$
Neva MK70-B5.0 RS	average	35-97 cm / depth 16 cm	6 pcs	petrol, 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		petrol, 4 stroke	6.1 HP / 205 cu. cm	4 forward, 2 back	mechanics, chain reducer	620 $

There are also domestic mole cultivators. Under this name, the equipment is manufactured by the OJSC 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 Krot brand. So when choosing, you need to be careful, and specify which manufacturer.

Model	Class	Width/depth of tillage	Engine	Power, volume	Number of speeds	Transmission	Price
KROT MK-1A-02	average	35-60 cm / depth up to 25 cm	Two-stroke air-cooled carburetor engine	2.6 HP	1		420$
KROT MK-4-03	average	60-90/ depth 25 cm	petrol	4 HP	1 forward, 1 back	chain reducer	390$
Mole MK-9-01	average	40-90 cm / depth 26 cm	petrol, 4 stroke	5.5 HP / 168 cu. cm	1 forward, 1 back	without box, belt drive	320$
MOLE MK-455	average	60 cm / depth 25 cm	petrol, 4 stroke	4 HP	1 forward, 1 back	worm gear, belt drive	340 $

There are also Russian motorized cultivators from the SoyuzMash plant (Vyatka brand). They are less known, not 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 to process large areas, cope with the development of virgin land. The main parameters are the same: engine type (gasoline or diesel), transmission type, power, number of speeds. There are also specific ones that are specific to this equipment.

Criterias of choice

Need to track:

• Class,
• tillage parameters (width and depth);
• fuel tank volume;
• type of gearbox (mechanics or automatic).

What else is worth paying attention to is the number of attachments that can be operated with this unit. But this must be clarified with the sellers, since in technical specifications such "little things" do not write.

The best models by reviews

The list is based on feedback from the owners. The rating includes motoblocks of different classes, but their rating is not lower than “4” points out of five.

This is not all motoblocks and motor cultivators. Only those that caught my eye and had good reviews.