Viking walk-behind tractors - models, their features and capabilities

Viking walk-behind tractors and cultivators are reliable and productive small agricultural equipment. Produced since the early 80s. last century in Austria. For the last twenty years, this brand has been part of the Shtil corporation, which became the impetus for subsequent innovative discoveries and expansion of the range.

Viking walk-behind tractors are units of various power levels, adapted for performing various technological operations with soil. Depending on the technical features, they are distinguished:

walk-behind tractors themselves are wheeled self-propelled and non-self-propelled devices that functionally replace a mini tractor. Most have a power take-off shaft (pulley), which ensures aggregation with auxiliary attachments;
cultivators are small-sized and easy-to-use devices designed for loosening and cultivating soil with a milling cutter. They are characterized by limited functionality, but are attractive due to their low cost and ease of maintenance.

Features of Viking motor cultivators:

durable Austrian-made gasoline engines, trouble-free in hot and cold weather;
simplified “Smart-Choke” starting system;
reversible gearbox with a service life of up to 3 thousand hours;
tool-free adjustment of the handles, which can be performed without special technical training;
effective vibration-noise absorption system;
modified cutters for plowing on any substrate;
compatibility with all kinds of auxiliary equipment, allowing the walk-behind tractor to perform a dozen tasks.

The capabilities of Viking walk-behind tractors depend on attachment adapters, which can be:

disc or switch hillers;
plows;
potato and garlic planters;
seeders of various rows and purposes;
harvesting attachments;
adapters with seat;
trailers;
lugs and weights;
rakes;
mowers;
utility and snow removal equipment.

A short overview of Viking walk-behind tractors is presented in the video.

Cultivator "Viking" 585

Maneuverable gasoline unit of household power level. Equipped with a 4-stroke Kohler Courage engine with a thrust of 2.3 kW. It operates in 2 modes, allowing you to move forward and backward using a comfortable steering wheel. Thanks to the 2-position adjustment, its height can be adjusted to the individual requirements of the operator.

Peculiarities:

economical gasoline engine with a perfect cooling system;
ergonomic folding steering wheel with side swivel, equipped with anti-slip pads;
wear-resistant worm gearbox connected to a belt clutch;
compact metal body, complemented on the sides with plastic protective covers;
reduced starting resistance of the starter cable;
a special form of row-crop knives, covered with discs on the sides to protect plants.

Technical characteristics of the Viking HB-585 motor-cultivator:

Torque – 3 thousand rpm;
Wide grip – 0.6/0.86 m;
Processing depth – up to 320 mm;
Gas tank – 1.1 l;
Weight – 49 kg.

The lineup

The evolution of the model range affected many components and design features of the Vikings, but some things remained unchanged - the green body, the V-shaped handle and the cutter design. Let's look at the most notable models of this brand.

Viking 445. A compact and maneuverable motorized device made in Germany, it has an adjustable working width (about 45-60 centimeters). Engine power - 1.9 liters. With. There are built-in travel switches. The sparkling body and attractive design complete the picture.

Photo of Viking 445 cultivator

Viking 540. A powerful cultivator capable of coping with serious volumes of agricultural work. Impressive dimensions, 6 cutters, reliable assembly, aggressive external contours. Engine power - 5.5 l. With. The mechanism moves with the help of row-crop knives, and its chassis consists of wheels with a 20-centimeter diameter.

Photo of Viking 540 cultivator

Viking 560. This cultivator became the prototype of a series that is as close as possible to current models. The traditional Briggs engines were retired and replaced by the mighty Kohler Courage. The number of knives has also increased - now there are six. The working width is 60 centimeters. The package does not include attachments, but they can be purchased additionally.

Viking 560

Viking 585. The design is similar to the previous model, but the power of the unit has increased significantly. Also, the processing width has increased to 80 centimeters, and the package includes weights that will have to be hung when processing hard soil. The weight of the mechanism has also remained within the same limits - today it is 49 kg (early models weighed approximately 3-6 kilograms less).

Viking 585

Viking 685. This model has been sold since 2013, but has already managed to gain a leading position in the agricultural machinery market. The price ranges around $1,000 (this is a hundred “greenbacks” more expensive than the previous modification). Engine power, processing width and number of knives have remained unchanged.

Viking 685

Viking lineup (five-point ratings)

Cultivator "Viking" 540

Medium-power walk-behind tractor "Viking" 540. Its first models were produced with American power plants, which were later replaced with Austrian ones. Features a rigid steel body that is well centered to handle rough terrain. Designed for refueling with AI-92 gasoline, the consumption of which is about 2 l/h. Supplied with 2 cm tubed transport wheels with smooth tread.

Advantages:

single-cylinder engine with overhead valves;
spacious gas tank for 1.5 hours of continuous operation;
convenient location of control levers;
reverse motion;
possibility of additional installation of a 3rd support wheel and coulter, allowing you to set the exact cultivation depth;
complete set with 6 ripper stars, capturing 86 cm of area at a time.

Operating parameters of the Viking 540 motor-cultivator:

Strength – 6 hp;
Cutter diameter – 32 cm;
Load capacity – 6 c;
Dimensions – 155 x 87 x 86 cm;
Weight – 56 kg.

Viking walk-behind tractor equipment

All models of Viking motor cultivators are equipped with a full set of devices for soil cultivation. If necessary, you can purchase pneumatic wheels with deep tread. The cutters have a special shape that allows you to loosen the soil evenly and to a great depth. On the right and left, the teeth of the cutters enter the ground alternately and synchronously, which ensures a smooth forward movement. The ends of the teeth are sharpened so as not to cut weeds, but to remove them from the ground along with the roots. The cutters themselves are prefabricated, and the width is adjusted by adding or removing sections from both edges of the tool. The sections are fastened using cotter pins.

The removable handle of the unit is adjustable in height and width. This design solution ensures that the steering rods can be adjusted to suit a person of any size. In addition, it is possible to tilt the steering wheel to the side. This option is enabled to ensure that the operator does not step on the plowed ground while moving along the path between the beds. The booms are equipped with inserts to absorb vibration, which significantly increases the ease of control of the motor cultivator and reduces operator fatigue. The employee's palm areas are equipped with silicone pads with a grooved surface. For transportation and storage, the handles are folded onto the unit body or completely removed.

The product comes with a warranty card, instruction manual and lubrication card. The kit includes a set of tools for setting up, disassembling, assembling and repairing the motor cultivator. The goods are sold assembled or in factory packaging after a preliminary check of completeness and functionality.

Cultivator "Viking" 445

Lightweight amateur motorized cultivator “Viking”, suitable for work in a summer cottage or small garden (less than 10 acres). It is characterized by comfort and simple controls that even a woman can do. It has a classic design for this type of walk-behind tractor in black and green color, with stable wheels located at the back. 2 handles, which can be folded or rotated to the sides, allow you to set the trajectory of movement.

Advantages:

easy start functionality that allows you to turn on the device in a minute;
2-speed transmission with reverse gear;
a separable set of rototillers, by hanging which the required plowing width is set;
built-in anti-vibration dampers that absorb mechanical vibrations before they are transmitted to the handles;
a decompression valve that preserves the starter cable from premature breakage;
minimal care that does not require special skills.

Operating properties of the Viking HB 445 R cultivator:

Force – 1.9 kW;
Cylinder – 149 cm3;
Fuel tank – 900 ml;
Plowing (width/depth) – 0.46/0.3 m;
Weight – 41 kg.

User manual

The operating instructions for the Viking walk-behind tractor are a document that the owner receives complete with the device and a warranty card. The manufacturer also does not recommend using attachments from heavy walk-behind tractors from other companies. It is prohibited to operate a walk-behind tractor without the appropriate skills and to violate the operating rules.

Service

Engine oil is selected based on the season. Oil type: high quality oils for gasoline four-stroke engines. Fuel: 92 or 95 gasoline.

Motor cultivator "Viking" 685

A popular model released in 2013. It is in high demand among summer residents and farmers with small landholdings. According to owner reviews, it copes well with dense soils. After hanging weights (12 or 18 kg), you can even plow virgin soil with it. It has a wheelbase adjustable in 2 positions: 60 and 86 cm for narrow and wide areas. Due to the protective discs, which are hung on the side of the row crop set, it is gentle on neighboring crops.

Peculiarities:

reinforced drive belt, allowing you to save on spare parts;
multi-circuit air intake system that prevents dust from entering the engine;
low center of gravity for stability on slopes and hills;
2-speed gearbox with the ability to lock the idle mode;
light strat;
transport wheels that do not need to be dismantled.

Technical characteristics of the Viking HB-685 cultivator:

Power – 3.9 hp;
Fuel tank – 1.9 l;
Cutter section – 320 mm;
Capture width – 85 cm;
Weight – 49 kg.

Attachments

Viking walk-behind tractors, despite their low weight and average power, are in demand and popular. Attachments can significantly expand the functionality of the units, and good build quality and engine parameters make this equipment a reliable assistant at any time of the year. The manufacturer offers a wide selection of tools for this type of motorcycle.

Milling cutter

Viking are equipped with 4 or 6 cutters (depending on the walk-behind tractor model). Additionally, you can purchase cutters in sets: Viking ABS 400, Viking AHV 600, Viking AEM 500 and others.

Milling cutters

The assembly and installation of cutters on these units is similar to the installation of cutters on other light and medium weight walk-behind tractors. Figure 1 shows the cutter assembly diagram.

Hiller

The manufacturer offers the following models of hillers for working with the Viking walk-behind tractor: Viking ABU 440 (for models VH 400, 440), Viking ABU 500 (for models VH 540, 660), Viking AHK 701 (for walk-behind tractor models from the HB series - 560, 585, 685).

Walk-behind tractor "Viking" 440

Household tillage machine “Viking”, which makes it easier for farmers in pre-sowing and stubble tillage. It is small in size, which, together with the folding design of the steering wheel, makes it easy to store and transport in the back of a car. Works in 2-speed modes with reverse functionality. It is equipped with separate rotary cutters consisting of 4 star-shaped knives, the shape of which facilitates consistent insertion into the substrate.

Advantages:

stable engine that does not require preparation of the fuel mixture;
3rd front support wheel against tipping over on uneven areas;
vertically and horizontally adjustable steering wheel with control levers;
steel knives of rototillers, resistant to deformation and destruction;
maneuverability in confined spaces;
18 cm tires.

Operating parameters of the Viking 440 cultivator:

Traction - 3.5 hp;
Carter – 600 ml;
Plowing width/depth – 0.42/0.32 m;
Dimensions – 143 x 49 x 82 cm;
Weight – 39 kg.

Models of Viking motor cultivators

The Viking 440 cultivator is equipped with a Briggs&Stratton 475 series engine with a power of 3.5 liters. with., easy start system. The unit belongs to a series of lightweight machines used for working in confined spaces. It has compact cutters with a working width of 42 cm. The maximum working depth is 32 cm, adjustable with a coulter. The density of the soil is not an obstacle; the cutters will fluff up the trampled area. Forward and reverse travel will allow you to go through compacted soil several times; the reverse switch control is located on the handle. The handle is height adjustable for easy grip and folds flat for transport.

The cutters are equipped with knives with a lifetime guarantee against destruction. Protective cutters are mounted along the edges of the cutting mechanism. For transportation at the front there is a folding wheel. The cultivator is an improved HB 400 and performs the same functions.

The model weighs 39 kg and can be easily transported in the trunk of a car.

The Viking 445 cultivator is available in 2 modifications. The HB 45 and HB 45 R cultivators are distinguished by the presence of reverse gear in the modernized model. Users note the smooth entry of the cutters into the ground, because they first go deep and then gain momentum. The handle has three height levels, so you can easily choose a comfortable position. You can also unscrew the handle so as not to step on the arable land, and the mechanism will go straight.

The robust body is made of aluminum, the worm shaft is made of special steel, and the worm is made of bronze. The video shows how the Viking cultivator works easily:

A variety of trailed equipment can be used with this unit. When plowing dense soil, you can hang loads, use a harrow, grousers, hiller and other standard equipment.

Specifications:

engine - B&S I/C 450 Series (USA);
total power -3.5, effective - 1.9 liters. With.;
processing strip width - 25-60 cm:
gearbox – worm with belt drive
plowing depth – 30 cm;
weight 40 kg;
price - 35990 rub.

Viking 540, the cultivator is equipped with a 5.5 liter engine. With. The unit looks powerful and aggressive, but is easy to operate. Transport wheels have a diameter of 20 cm and are moved across the field on cutters. The device is designed to work over a large area with a grip of up to 90 cm. At the same time, it has forward and reverse movement and the ability to work with various trailed implements.

The Viking 540 cultivator is distinguished by easy starting of the powerful B&S 800 Series OHV engine with a combustion chamber volume of 205 cm3. The four-stroke engine runs on AI92 and AI95 gasoline. A combined lever for rear and forward movement is installed on the handle. The chain drive is covered by a removable bolted aluminum housing.

The cutters have a lifetime warranty from the manufacturer. The set includes 6 cutters, with easy mounting units without additional keys.

The product weighs 56 kg and has a folding handle.

The Viking 560, cultivator and heavier models of such equipment are equipped with a Kohler Courtage XT6 OHV engine. The effective shaft power is 2.4 kW, with a speed of 3000 rpm. At the same time, the service life of equipment increases by 26%. The working width has changed. It is not adjustable and is 60 cm. The front wheel was removed as unnecessary, the unit moves easily on knives. The auxiliary wheels are mounted behind, closer to the operator. Torque is transmitted through a belt transmission to a reversible gearbox. This is how the movement of the cultivator’s working units changes. The case, made of metal, will withstand any load. With all its power, the unit is lighter than the HB 540, weighing 46 kg. A set of attachments will expand the scope of use of the equipment. The price of the device from the manufacturer is 38,990 rubles.

The Viking 585 cultivator is also equipped with a new Kohler engine. The powerful machine easily cultivates fallow soil, with a grip of 85 cm. It is important to equip the cultivator with mounted implements so that its power serves not only during the spring harvest. The entire Viking line is designed to perform the toughest jobs. The choice depends on the conditions in which the equipment will be operated.

The more attachments included in the set, the more efficiently the unit is used.

Technical specifications:

effective power – 2.4 kW;
processing strip width – 85 cm;
handle adjustment – 3 positions;
drive – 2 speeds, forward and reverse;
gearbox – worm with belt drive;
plowing depth – 32 cm;
weight – 49 kg.

The model costs 39,990 rubles.

The Viking 685 cultivator is the most powerful unit supplied from Russia. It is equipped with a new power unit and is suitable for processing large areas. It differs only in its power; the plowing width has not increased and the owner is left to decide for himself where to use such power.

In conclusion, it is necessary to warn owners of Viking cultivators about one feature. The vulnerable link of expensive equipment is the gearbox. Therefore, even at the purchase stage, you must ask to disassemble the gearbox, open the cover, and make sure that it is kept dry. In the future, you yourself need to take care of sealing the valves. The tool should be stored in a dry, heated room, at least the gearbox.

Cultivator "Viking" 560

An amateur unit powered by a small-displacement gasoline engine. The presence of a forged crankshaft and cylinder liner extends its service life for decades. The design is designed for any operating conditions: for transportation between fields there are small pneumatic tires that are enough to lift to start cultivation. Instead of a rototiller, you can install a single-furrow plow on a cultivator, which will ensure not only loosening, but also turnover of the soil layer.

Advantages:

durable power plant;
brake spur, simplifying the operation process;
gasoline and air filter with pre-cleaning system;
U-shaped steering wheel with independent adjustment of the right and left sides;
worm transmission with forward and reverse speeds;
minimized noise level, which does not exceed 93 dBA.

Performance characteristics:

Thrust – 2.4 kW;
Cylinder – 140 cm3;
Gas tank – 1.1 l;
Cultivation depth/width – 32/60 cm;
Weight – 46 kg.

Technical characteristics of the Viking walk-behind tractor

The main characteristics of Viking cultivators include:

Tillage width.
Diameter of cutters
Their total number is included.
Engine's type.
Manufacturer and model of the motor, as well as its power.
Transmission.
Number of gears and presence of reverse.

Be sure to read: Technical characteristics of Agros walk-behind tractors

All of the above parameters fully characterize the Viking cultivator, allowing you to choose the best option from the entire variety of models presented. A correct assessment of the merits of this mechanism will be helped by taking into account secondary characteristics, such as weight, dimensions and noise level.