Mini tractor from MTZ walk-behind tractor: simple do-it-yourself modification

Converting a mini tractor from a walk-behind tractor is an excellent solution for making a device that could be used to cultivate small plots of land. Since purchasing factory vehicles is quite expensive and not everyone has the opportunity to do so, you have to use your wits and start improvising. In such situations, it is much cheaper and easier to buy an MTZ walk-behind tractor and use it to create a mini tractor, using only your own strength and skills.

The procedure for assembling a homemade tractor

The production of a mini tractor itself occurs as follows: according to the drawing, you weld steel profiles and sheets, forming the frame of the future tractor.
This, in fact, is the body of the machine. Next, the equipment is installed with its “internal organs” – the engine, transmission, and chassis. When installing and fastening these parts, it is extremely important to carry out all work correctly and in full accordance with the drawings. Once you have installed these important parts of the mini tractor, you should add the “cherry on the cake”: install the seat, steering wheel, as well as stops and turn signals if you are going to drive on the roads

Usually the last point is unnecessary, but you may want to make your technique really perfect.

Drawing 1

Agro

However, it is worth considering some features of walk-behind tractors that will manifest themselves when using a mini tractor made from it. Thus, Agro walk-behind tractors have such a disadvantage as weak super-arcs.

For more details about the Agro walk-behind tractor, watch the video:

https://youtube.com/watch?v=GeZfqvZiat8

Of course, this is completely unnoticeable for the walk-behind tractor itself, but for the design of a mini tractor this can be critical, especially if you want to transport heavy equipment on your equipment.

How to make mini tractors from walk-behind tractors of various models?

From the Zubr walk-behind tractor

If you need a mini tractor with high power, then it is best to use a Zubr walk-behind tractor as a base. The drawings that will help you create a small tractor yourself imply the use of the same parts as the previous version.

The manufacturing procedure for this type of equipment is identical to that of an Agro-based mini tractor.

Drawing 2

How to make it yourself from a Neva walk-behind tractor

If you don’t want to spend a lot of money on creating homemade equipment, then you can use the Neva MB 1 walk-behind tractor as a basis for it (see how to make a snow blower from this walk-behind tractor here, as well as how to make an adapter for the Neva walk-behind tractor with your own hands, drawings and dimensions) You can buy this type of walk-behind tractor for pennies, and after your processing it will turn into an indispensable assistant in the household.

The only thing is that it will be difficult to find suitable new parts for it, since MB 1 walk-behind tractors have some design features.

Drawing 3

Fracture from a Cascade walk-behind tractor

If you want to use a new walk-behind tractor, but buy it for little money, then Cascade is one of the best options.

It will also be very profitable to purchase MTZ 05.

Cultivator from the Centaur walk-behind tractor

For those who value maneuverability, power and the ability to perform a wide range of work, we can also recommend the Centaur walk-behind tractor. However, it is worth considering that it is quite expensive. But this base for a mini tractor can be safely called one of the best, because it will work like a clock.

Oka walk-behind tractors are often used as the initial raw material for making mini tractors with your own hands.

The Salyut S walk-behind tractor is also suitable for making a mini tractor.

Here, domestically produced walk-behind tractors are specially selected, since they are cheaper than their foreign counterparts. You hardly want to spend extra money on a product that will continue to be redesigned and improved. Therefore, the models listed above are ideal as a base.

Details

The mini tractor from the MTZ-05 walk-behind tractor is based on several parts. Let's look at each of them.

Frame and body

These two elements are basic for the entire tractor. Everything else will rest on them. Therefore, for the manufacture of the frame it is best to use strong new metal that has not yet been used.

The ideal material for the frame would be iron channel No. 5, or even better, No. 9. And for the body, high-quality steel with a thickness of 3 mm or more is suitable. Do not be afraid of heavy weight, MTZ-05 is designed to work with such loads.

Seat and steering

You can take any car seat and install it behind the engine on a prepared frame.

The steering system will also have to be modernized. To do this, you will need to use an old steering wheel from a car or motorcycle. As practice shows, a motorcycle steering wheel is more convenient to use.

Wheels and tires

This is a special part, since the speed of the mini tractor and its grip on the ground will depend on the quality of the tires. Therefore, it is not recommended to use old, “bald” tires.

Wheels must have high-quality treads to move on any surface.

Installation of levers

The control of the walk-behind tractor also needs to be transferred. Since in the usual form everything was controlled using steering levers, now this will need to be modernized.

Changing control levers:

1. Move the gas and brake under the pedals of the mini tractor.
2. Change gears in the classic way using a lever.
3. Move the ignition button.

Specifications

Engines

One of the main decisions of Salyut engineers is to use not only domestic, but also imported engines from foreign manufacturers (Briggs & Stratton, Honda, Subaru, Lifan, etc.) on a domestically produced frame. Thanks to the use of imported motors, the durability and reliability of the Salyut-5 walk-behind tractor significantly increases, and comfort during operation also improves.

According to reviews from walk-behind tractor owners, the most reliable engines are the American Briggs Stratton and the Japanese Robin Subaru and Honda engines.

The first Salyut 5 models were equipped with Russian-made engines (KaDvi) of the DM series. They were significantly inferior to foreign engines in technical and operational parameters, so in the first half of the 2000s they were completely abandoned.

Gearbox

The pride of the Salyut-5 walk-behind tractor is its gearbox, which has become legendary, the mechanism of which is made entirely of gears. This is the plant’s own development, which was initially manufactured at the main enterprise in Moscow, and then at the facilities of the Omsk Engine-Building Association named after. P. I. Baranova.

The gearbox is made in a single housing, all connections are bolted.

According to Salyut and many users, only a fully gear reducer is the most reliable, durable and maintenance-free for many years

Manufacturers note that during the production of the gear regulator, all technological processes for processing parts are observed, designer supervision and design support of production are carried out. Some factories tried to produce copies of this gearbox, which were significantly inferior to the original - both in service life and in technical and operational qualities

Transmission

On Salyut-5 walk-behind tractors, the transmission consists of a gearbox (gearbox) and a clutch mechanism. Through the V-belt drive and tension roller belts, the drive is driven from the drive pulley to the power take-off pulley (PTO).

The gear shift knob on Salyut-5 is located on the body of the walk-behind tractor, but the company has developed a special gear shift mechanism kit to transfer it to the steering wheel.

The plant has released a special gear shift installation kit, which allows you to move the gear lever to the steering wheel as on the MB Salyut-100.

The speed of movement of the walk-behind tractor and the rotation of the cutters can be adjusted by a 4-groove drive pulley: you need to rotate it relative to the BLOM, unscrew the fastening nut, install the belts in the grooves of a larger diameter and screw the nut back.

The gearbox pulley consists of 3 grooves, the middle one is free for attachments, the other two are for transmission belts.

Description

Human thought does not stand still and is constantly evolving. To make their work easier, many farmers decide to purchase a walk-behind tractor, which not only allows them to cultivate the land faster, but also to cope with the work more efficiently. But just walking behind a walk-behind tractor is difficult, because you need to make an effort to maneuver it. And this affects the overall performance, so some craftsmen came up with the idea of ​​​​converting the MTZ walk-behind tractor into a mini tractor.

There were immediately more positive aspects. Now you don’t have to walk behind the unit, but you can sit comfortably on the seat and just control the steering wheel. Maneuverability has become greater, since it does not depend on the force applied by the farmer. You cannot drive on public roads, but you can get to the field or home by roundabout routes. And the ability to connect a trailer and transport cargo is simply invaluable.

Owner reviews

In order to find out all the necessary information on how to make a mini tractor from a walk-behind tractor, you need to read the comments of the owners on thematic forums.

Vlad:

If you feel the strength and desire to do something yourself, then get started. But keep in mind that it is not easy. I’ve been twisting pieces of iron since childhood, so the idea of ​​making a mini tractor myself was taken for granted. After reviewing what was available from the materials, I bought everything I needed from the disassembly and got started. I found all the necessary drawings on the forums, plus I came up with the idea myself. It turned out to be an excellent unit.

Minitractor from the Neva walk-behind tractor

This homemade tractor is one of the best, as it has compact dimensions and is characterized by high performance. For the conversion, a walk-behind tractor is used as a base, two additional wheels and an axle.

To properly carry out the alteration, you should adhere to the following rules:

• Additional wheels should be between 14 and 18 inches in diameter. Too small ones can throw the tractor over, and large ones will not allow it to move normally.
• The walk-behind tractor engine can be located at the rear. In this case, it is necessary to widen the track width for better balancing.
• Equipment tires are equipped with lugs for higher traction with the ground.

This model is very simple and suitable for conversion. It will be a good option for working in any area.

Nuances of work

When remaking it yourself, you need to think about how stable the resulting structure will be, taking into account its small dimensions, the weight of the attachments and the driver himself. The solution is to install counterweights and widen the wheelbase.

Not all beginning craftsmen have sufficient engineering knowledge and practical skills to set up the coordinated operation of all components and ensure safe operation of the unit for the driver.

You can always buy ready-made, reliable equipment presented in the mini-tractor catalog with delivery to. Call and order by phone numbers +375 (29) 640-25-25, +375 (33) 640-42-49.

All-terrain attachment

Crawler attachments allow you to build a real all-terrain vehicle from an ordinary walk-behind tractor! To do this, there is no need to rebuild anything in the walk-behind tractor itself, or its individual components. Simply remove the regular wheels and install all-terrain tracks in their place.

Crawler attachment for MTZ walk-behind tractor

In our winter conditions, this is simply an irreplaceable assistant; the all-terrain vehicle can be used for driving on snow, for this you can connect an adapter, but not the usual one in the form of a seat and wheels, but in the form of skis.

The track attachment can also be used after rainfall. Ordinary wheels are not designed for driving on wet soil, because even the lugs slip. The tracked all-terrain module allows you to significantly increase the traction capabilities and drive on any surface.

Video review of the MTZ-09N walk-behind tractor on skis

The Russian one offers its all-terrain tracked attachments for MTZ walk-behind tractors. They are designed to work together, because despite the heavy weight, the Krutets console can withstand it.

Features of the Krutets tracked attachment:

• compatible not only with MTZ, but also with other walk-behind tractors. Due to their design, they are ideally suited for the “drilling” of each of them.
• The length of the all-terrain attachment is 140 cm, height – 29 cm, width – 54 cm.
• The weight of the structure is 71 kg.
• The power of the walk-behind tractor allows you to move this equipment without problems.

Video reviews

Review of the operation of an all-terrain vehicle using a MTZ walk-behind tractor in the snow

Review of the Krutets track attachment on a walk-behind tractor

Review of plowing with a homemade mini tractor based on the MTZ walk-behind tractor

Review of the converted MTZ-09N walk-behind tractor into a mini tractor

It is not possible to convert the MTZ-05 walk-behind tractor into a mini tractor without help. Therefore, be sure to take a look at the forums where designers share tips on how to do this:

Vlad_reg84:

“The urge to do something must be in the blood, otherwise it will be financially costly. I can’t pass by any piece of iron, but I always mentally scroll through where it can be attached, this is how design ideas are created. Carefully inspect everything you have, lay it out, figure out what can be made from it, what you would like to see in the end, what else needs to be found, if you can’t imagine it right away, then look at the forums for approximate drawings, and then the picture will become more clear"

Lesha:

“Greetings to everyone reading from the designer of tractor equipment. I would like to give you one piece of practical advice: start making a mini tractor only if you are confident in your abilities and have a lot of time, money and patience. If there is even a drop of doubt, then it’s better not to start! Make a cart or adapter with a seat. And don't bother with 4x4 drive. This is difficult to implement. Equip your Belarusian with an adapter and 7.5x16 tires. And you will run faster, and there will be more traction"

Motoblock "MTZ" 06

A mid-power walk-behind tractor designed to perform a range of field and utility work. It has a uniaxial design typical for MTZ walk-behind tractors, which is driven by a 4-stroke SK-6 gasoline engine with a 245 cm³ cylinder capacity. With gasoline consumption similar to the 5th version, it generates a power of 5.5 hp

Compact, which is important for storage and transportation. Due to the embossed tread of pneumatic tires, the walk-behind tractor overcomes off-road and swampy areas without slipping and does not require the installation of lugs.

Advantages:

• reliability of material and technical equipment, making the unit practically “indestructible”;
• 6 operating modes, including 2 for reverse;
• friction clutch, which is controlled manually;
• a special hitch that makes it easier to hang auxiliary devices;
• reasonable price.

Operating parameters:

• Passage width – 0.45/0.6/0.7 m;
• Load capacity – 650 kg;
• Wheels – 15 x 33 cm;
• Dimensions – 1.8/0.85/1.07 m;
• Weight – 135 kg.

General assembly instructions

The process of converting a mini-tractor from a walk-behind tractor is the same for all the models listed above. In order not to repeat the same information every time, we decided to separate it into a separate block. The exception is a homemade mini-tractor based on the MTZ walk-behind tractor, but we’ll talk about it a little later.

Before starting work, you need to prepare the necessary parts and tools. For convenience, you can purchase a ready-made kit for converting a walk-behind tractor into a mini-tractor. The purchase will cost you approximately 30,000 rubles. From the tool you may need:

• welding machine;
• electric drill with a set of drills;
• wrenches and screwdriver;
• grinder and discs for cutting metal;
• fastening element (bolts and nuts).

Before starting work, it is recommended to calculate in advance the kinematic diagram of the future mini-tractor and make a corresponding drawing. Having prepared everything you need, you can begin assembly.

Adapter for walk-behind tractor Neva

Frame

First you need to supplement the supporting structure, because you will need to install an additional pair of wheels. To do this you will need metal corners or a pipe.

The cross-section of the pipe does not play a big role, the main thing is that it can withstand the expected loads. You can also be creative with the thickness of the walls, because excess weight will only increase the tractor’s grip on the road and will serve as a good help when performing arable work.

The blanks for making the frame are cut with a grinder and fastened together with bolts or electric welding. You can combine the connection. For example, connect the elements together with bolts and additionally weld the seams.

It is recommended to immediately mount an attachment to the frame to work with additional equipment. The hitch can be attached to both the front and rear of the frame. If a homemade mini tractor will work with trailed equipment, a towbar is welded to the rear of the frame.

Chassis

For the front wheels, you can buy two ready-made hubs with brakes. The front wheelset is attached as follows: take a piece of metal pipe that fits the width of the front axle. Wheel hubs are attached to this pipe.

A through hole is drilled in the center, through which fastening to the front frame is carried out. After this, steering rods are mounted, which are connected to the frame through a worm gear. After securing the gearbox, the steering column is installed.

The rear axle is mounted on bearings pressed into bushings. A pulley is installed on the axle to transmit torque from the engine. The wheels can be used from an old passenger car or left “original”, adding another set of wheels from another walk-behind tractor.

Mini-tractor from the Agro walk-behind tractor

Engine

Typically, the power unit is installed on the front of the frame. Thus, the mini-tractor maintains the necessary balance when working with trailed equipment. A mounting system is made at the engine installation site.

Remember that the power take-off shaft must be aligned with the pulley on the rear axle of the machine. The force is transmitted through a belt drive. To facilitate adjustment and tension of belts, it is recommended to make the engine mount floating.

Optional equipment

Having assembled the main structure, they install the brake system and hydraulic distributor for working with attachments. If a homemade mini-tractor will move on the roads, it makes sense to install headlights and side lights. This will avoid problems with traffic police officers and make it easier to work in the dark.

To give the mini-tractor a more attractive look, you can equip the equipment with cladding elements and a sun canopy. Additional tuning is done based on personal preferences.

After assembly, the mini-tractor must be run-in and you can start working.

Mini-tractor from the MTZ-05 walk-behind tractor

Auxiliary diagrams and drawings

On various sites dedicated to walk-behind tractors, there are many topics that reveal the secret of the conversion. In addition to a detailed description, you can find diagrams and drawings that indicate how to correctly assemble a mini tractor from a Belarus walk-behind tractor. The basis is the kinematic chain.

To ensure that the design not only looks good, but also functions, try to first develop an action plan, then assess the likelihood of success, and then get to work. Below is a drawing of the location of all important controls on the future mini tractor. This is one of the options

Carefully assemble the base into a frame, which is the most important part and will have to carry the entire structure. As an option, you can consider buying a ready-made frame, but it is quite possible to make it yourself.

Follow the order when creating the frame:

1. Cut the steel channel in accordance with the drawing and connect all the parts;
2. Attach all the steel plates in front of the motor and on the side for convenience;
3. Drill holes for bolts.

Let's proceed to the assembly stage:

1. Connect the chassis with wheels to the welded frame.
2. Install the engine. Experts recommend installing front-wheel drive, which adds maneuverability to the walk-behind tractor and reduces slipping when driving uphill.
3. Weld the plate for the seat and steering wheel.
4. Connect the steering wheel to the chassis to provide control of the MTZ.
5. Bring all the levers to the front so that you can reach them comfortably. When connecting, follow the diagram above.
6. It is advisable to use all the possibilities and equip the minitractor with a battery to which the car ignition will be connected. With its help, the unit will start easily even in winter at low temperatures. You can also install headlights and move around in the dark.
7. You can install mud flaps that will trap mud clods flying out from under the wheels.
8. The operation of a walk-behind tractor consists precisely in the use of attachments, so it is important for a minitractor to pay enough attention to the hitch and fastening mechanism. It is necessary to extend the power take-off shaft and position it behind the unit.

Transmission diagram

Trailers

Trailers are an integral part of any Belarus and allow you to transport goods over distances.

From the manufacturer

The Smorgon plant offers to buy such a vehicle from them.

The PM-00.000 trailer is a standard type of trailer that is attached to the walk-behind tractor using a hitch. On the front side there is a seat for comfortable movement with cargo and control of the Belarusian steering wheel.

Features of the PM-00.000 trailer

• Its maximum load capacity is 300 kg. And the weight of the trailer itself is 200 kg.
• The trailer is equipped with pneumatic wheels. Ground clearance is 27 cm. And the track size is 120 cm.
• The body is made of high quality steel. Its total area is 2.36 m2, or 0.705 m3 in volume.
• Overall dimensions of the trailer: 308 cm in length, 151 cm in width and 92 cm in height.

This cart has a slight drawback. Its platform is welded to the frame. And you have to unload the cargo yourself.

Analogs

Other manufacturers have a more advanced model - the MP-480 trailer.

Its load capacity is 500 kg. The frame is further strengthened to give the trailer more stable performance properties and prevent it from tipping over during operation.

Trailer MP-480

Features of the MP-480 trailer

• It has a folding side, thanks to which you can easily empty the cargo from the trailer.
• If the body height is not enough, then you can further increase it using special shields that come with the cart.
• Under the seat there is a convenient box for transporting various tools, which allows you to always keep them at hand and, if necessary, carry out repair work on the cart.

There are a large number of trailers for different tastes and colors, for example: TM-360 and 350 produced by Belarusmash, TM 500-700 from the Akimov Metallurgical Plant, etc. But their designs are similar to each other.

The only difference is whether it is a dump truck or not. When choosing a trailer, be sure to take this point into account.

Homemade option

In fact, there is nothing better than something made by yourself. And there are no problems with the trailer. And you don't need to have any special skills. If you have a chassis, metal, an angle grinder and a welding machine on hand, you can make a trailer yourself.

Trailer manufacturing diagram

Trailer device

• First you need to make a frame. It is best to use a square tube for the frame.
• Then we move on to the body. During body assembly, it is necessary to provide for the possibility of folding the sides; this greatly facilitates loading and unloading operations. And if you wish, you can even make a tipper version so that you don’t need to unload.
• Then just put it all together and install a comfortable seat in front, since without it driving an MTZ walk-behind tractor with a trailer will be impossible. The seat distance must be calculated depending on the position of the steering wheel so that control is comfortable.

If you are interested in the issue of making a homemade cart for Belarus, then you can look at the forums, there is a large amount of information there that concerns drawings, diagrams, dimensions of trailers, explains the nuances of assembling dump trucks and conventional carts, and much more.

Video review

Overview of transportation of long cargo (firewood) on a MTZ walk-behind tractor

Sedox:

“I haven’t even considered making it myself; I can handle tools and metal. But there is no time. I work every day and even on weekends. It may not be the best option to buy a new trailer, but in my situation I didn’t see any other option. I chose TS-350. I'm completely satisfied with it. He is able to go up and down a small hill (you just have to drive on a hill). Plus, its small dimensions make it easy to control. A small carrying capacity is not a problem, I don’t need more.”

Valerich:

“I transported potatoes in 10 bags up the mountain. And I want to say that in this case the road must be hard; if the soil is soft, you cannot pass. The walk-behind tractor simply rises up and cannot withstand the load. At least take it and go backwards. I tried that too, but in this case there was not enough grip on the ground and Belarus was slipping. I had to reduce the load and carry five bags at a time. Longer, but still easier than carrying by hand"

The lineup

The first MTZ-05 walk-behind tractor weighing 135 kg was produced from 1978 to 1992 and became the basis for further development of small agricultural machinery. The model was intended for cultivating small plots of land: vegetable gardens, garden and household plots and other individual and municipal lands. The device was equipped with a domestic single-cylinder gasoline engine UD-15.

MTZ-06 is one of the most common walk-behind tractors used on private farms and small farmsteads. Thanks to the improvements adopted, the unit has found wide application in all climatic zones of agriculture. The new closed disc transmission and the presence of differentials on autonomous wheels make it convenient to carry out pre-sowing soil cultivation and other seasonal field work.

In 1992, the MTZ “08N” and “09N” models went into production, similar in production parameters and differing only in engine power. They represent a heavy line of small special equipment with expanded functionality:

• agricultural purposes - plowing, harrowing, hilling, haymaking;
• communal use - snow removal, lawn cultivation, path sweeping;
• transport functions - moving cargo, trawling logs.

Thanks to a wide range of additional equipment and the ability to move the power take-off shaft to the front position, the MTZ Belarus 09N model has become one of the most popular heavy walk-behind tractors on the post-Soviet small agricultural machinery market.

The most powerful modification MTZ-12 is designed to work on heavy and virgin soils. The large mass of a single-axle machine does not allow this model to compete adequately with modern two-axle mini tractors, which are more convenient to operate.