Diesel engine for a walk-behind tractor - which is better for a walk-behind cultivator and what is a gasoline engine

Today, almost every owner of a summer cottage buys a walk-behind tractor. Because it is a convenient and practical technique that will last a long period and guarantees quick completion of work. But even this device breaks down from time to time. Mostly all faults are related to the motor. Since not all owners maintain it correctly or operate it to its maximum capabilities. Replacing it is easy, the main thing is to choose the right option.

The editors of the YaNashla website have prepared for you a rating of the best engines for walk-behind tractors for 2022.

Device

The classic walk-behind tractor engine is a single-cylinder, four-stroke internal combustion engine.

Engines

The crankshaft of this engine is mounted in two ball main bearings and, on one side, has a landing cone for the flywheel, also known as an ignition rotor and cooling fan, and on the other, a conical or cylindrical fit for a pulley or clutch.

The connecting rod of a walk-behind tractor is a detachable structure that works directly along the crankshaft journal as a plain bearing.

The friction pair is lubricated by an oil-catching protrusion on the bottom cover of the connecting rod; forced oil supply from the pump is not provided.

The cylinder is installed at a slight angle to the horizontal, its cooling jacket is cast integrally with the crankcase, and a cast-iron sleeve is pressed into it. This solution reduces the cost of engine production, but makes its repair more difficult, since replacing the cylinder is impossible.

The cylinder-piston group is lubricated by oil splashes created by the connecting rod and the crankshaft counterweights as it rotates. First of all, you need to know what kind of oil to pour into the walk-behind tractor, what kind of oil is poured into the gearbox and into the 4-stroke engine.

For more information about the operation of a single-cylinder engine, watch the video:

Depending on the layout of the gas distribution mechanism, the engine can be:

• Overhead valve (SV) - the camshaft is located in the crankcase and, through short pushers, directly drives the valves located on the side of the cylinder. The cylinder head in such engines is a simple casting with a combustion chamber of a specific (cardiod) shape.
• The bottom valve arrangement is the oldest used in our time, it is almost a hundred years old. Due to their extreme simplicity, such motors are cheap and reliable, but their main drawback is their low power density.
• The incorrect term “side-valve engine” is also often used, which appeared as a literal translation of the English side-valve due to ignorance of the term “lower-valve”, which has been adopted in Russian since the 30s of the twentieth century.
• Overhead valve (OHV) engines also have a camshaft mounted in the crankcase, but the valves themselves are already in the cylinder head and are actuated by long rods through rocker arms.
• Due to the more compact and advantageous shape of the combustion chamber, overhead valve engines are noticeably more powerful than lower valve engines, but at the same time they are easy to assemble and configure. This is the most common type of motor in garden equipment.
• Overhead (OHC) engines differ in that the camshaft is moved to the cylinder head. They are more complex compared to OHV engines, and they gain in power only at high speeds, which is of little relevance for walk-behind tractors. Nevertheless, some manufacturers, for example Subaru-Robin, use this scheme.

Engines of relatively large volume (from 200 cm3, as well as diesel) have a manual or automatic decompressor as part of the gas distribution mechanism - a device that at low speeds increases the opening time of the exhaust valve, thereby reducing the effort to manually start the engine.

Top quality petrol options

ELECTROLITE LT 170F (7 hp, 19mm shaft)

A reliable 4-stroke model that starts quickly and without problems. The product is of high-quality assembly and is suitable for installation on almost any walk-behind tractor. The capacity of the fuel tank is 3.6 liters, which is a good indicator, since the level of gasoline consumption is low. Device power – 7 hp.

Also, the product is small in size and weight, so there will be no problems with installation, even if a person carries it out at home. In addition to being used in walk-behind tractors, the motor is actively used in haymowers, cultivators, etc. Therefore, the product can be called universal. The body is made of reliable metal that does not overheat and does not deteriorate due to exposure to rain.

Sold at a price: from 6,700 rubles.

ELECTROLITE LT 170F (7 hp, 19mm shaft)

Advantages:

• Low cost;
• Versatility;
• Professional assembly;
• Reliability;
• With periodic maintenance it will last a long time.

Flaws:

• There are no significant ones.

Lifan (Piran) 168F on MB-1 (Cascade), MB-2 (Neva)

A reliable model that has high-quality air cooling and an affordable price. The shaft location is horizontal. The design feature of this option is the favorable location of the fuel valve and the presence of a cast iron cylinder liner. Thanks to the latter, it increases the service life of the motor.

Also, most users like the low noise level and the ability to work even on low-quality fuel. The product is small in size and light in weight. The starter is completely manual, but there are no problems with this, since the device starts with half a turn. The product is easy to maintain and if you do not forget about it, the model will last for a long period.

The average cost is 8,050 rubles.

Lifan (Piran) 168F on MB-1 (Cascade), MB-2 (Neva)

Advantages:

• Cost-effective;
• Stable operation on fuel of any quality;
• Small dimensions;
• Minimal noise;
• Practicality;
• Easy to use;
• Does not require complex maintenance.

Flaws:

• Not found.

Agromotor 190 F

A good option that impresses with its technical characteristics. The assembly is done level, so nothing will fall off during operation. The capacity of the fuel tank is 6.5 liters, while fuel consumption is only 380 grams per hour, which is an excellent indicator. Shaft – 25 mm keyed. Crankcase volume – 1.1. l.

In the manufacture of the case, durable metal was used, which does not deteriorate over time and ensures a long service life. No corrosion is harmful to the equipment if it is used and not left in one place for several months. There is forced air cooling, which has good efficiency.

Sold at a price: from 15,500 rubles.

Agromotor 190 F

Advantages:

• Quiet operation;
• Dry weight – 34 kg;
• High power;
• Low consumption;
• Fuel tank capacity;
• High-quality cooling;
• Durable housing.

Flaws:

• Not found.

CHAMPION G270-1HK

A universal option that can be used in walk-behind tractors, and is also suitable for motor pumps, vibrating saws, etc. The case is made of reliable and durable material that can withstand constant load and does not break. The product is characterized by low consumption and impressive convenience. A person does not have to spend a lot of time on maintenance, especially if he constantly takes care of the condition of the motor.

The shaft fit is keyed, since the diameter is 25.4 mm. The starter type is manual, but, like the previous copy, starting does not take time. The motor location is horizontal, which is a classic option. The cooling system is air, and the device cools down quickly, so no overheating will occur.

The average price is 14,300 rubles.

CHAMPION G270-1HK

Advantages:

• Convenient accommodation;
• Maximum number of revolutions – 3600;
• The sound pressure level is 80 dB, which is a good indicator for such equipment;
• Ease of maintenance;
• High reliability;
• Performance.

Flaws:

• Not detected.

Engines made in China

Chinese motors for walk-behind tractors are most common on budget vehicles and can differ noticeably in quality.

Chinese motor

If units from major manufacturers (Lifan, Zongshen) copied from the Honda GX are close to the Japanese original in quality and durability, then cheaper ones, often not even labeled by the manufacturer, still retain the famous lottery “Chinese quality”.

Many manufacturers of cheap walk-behind tractors, when ordering such motors, put their brand markings on them.

Let's look at the most common types of engines (since the same engine can be produced by a dozen companies, it is pointless to distinguish Chinese engines by brand in this regard):

160F

The lowest power (4 hp) engine for light walk-behind tractors and cultivators. The model for its creation was the Honda GX120 engine.

It is also the cheapest Chinese motor - it costs no more than 5-6 thousand rubles.

168F

The most popular engine model copied from the Honda GX160. This is a gasoline engine with a power of 5.5 horsepower and a displacement of 163 cm3.

Thanks to its simple and reliable design, this motor can be found on walk-behind tractors, cultivators, gas generators, motor pumps and many other units with gasoline engines.

Mini-class equipment is widely used in personal plots and even in public utilities. Mini tractor Bulat 120 is an indispensable assistant for farmers and summer residents.

The chainsaw has become an indispensable and important tool in the daily life of every owner. Here are the causes of malfunctions and repairs of the Husqvarna 137 chainsaw.

Lawn mowers have become one of the most popular tools for lawn work. Here are all the main characteristics of the Champion lawn mower.

This engine can only be started with a manual starter. The gas distribution system is OHV; thanks to the successful layout, adjusting the valve clearances is very simple and quick. The engine can be additionally equipped with an oil level sensor and a generator light winding.

Produced by almost all Chinese factories: Lifan, Zongshen, Loncin and so on. The price can range from 5 to 9 thousand rubles, depending on the manufacturer and additional equipment: reduction gear, oil level sensor, and so on. The Lifan engine is installed on the Mole, Lifan, Oka walk-behind tractor.

Zongshen

168F-1, 168F-2

A more powerful version of the 168F engine, a copy of the Honda GX200. Thanks to the volume increased to 196 cm3, it develops 6.5 hp. Otherwise, it is a complete analogue of the 168F motor.

The price is a little more expensive, depending on the manufacturer, it can be 8-10 thousand.

170F

A seven-horsepower version of the 168F engine, which has no direct analogue in the Honda GX family. The working volume is 212 cm3 (in fact, this is a slightly bored out 168F-1 engine). The piston from this motor can be used when repairing a 6.5 hp motor, since repair dimensions are not provided by the manufacturer.

The thickness of the cast iron sleeve on most Chinese engines allows this.

The price range is the same - from 8 to 10 thousand rubles.

177F

A fairly powerful (9 hp) gasoline engine, which can be found on heavy walk-behind tractors and mini tractors. Copied from Honda GX270.

Price – from 15 to 18 thousand.

182F

An eleven-horsepower engine with a displacement of 340 cm3, similar to the Honda GX340. In the line of most manufacturers of motors for walk-behind tractors, this is the most powerful motor produced.

Price – from 17 to 19 thousand rubles.

170F(A), 170FE, 170FS

A diesel engine for a walk-behind tractor, the price of which, depending on the configuration, is 26-34 thousand rubles. The working volume of these engines is 211 cm3, the developed power is around 4 horsepower. Thanks to the lubrication of the crankshaft under pressure, these engines have a noticeably longer service life than gasoline engines, although they are significantly more expensive.

The letter E in the model designation (as in Chinese gasoline engines) means the presence of an electric starter and, accordingly, a 12-volt generator coil.

Criterias of choice

When choosing an engine for a walk-behind tractor, you should pay attention to several characteristics. First you need to decide on the type of engine.

Walk-behind tractors use both gasoline and diesel units. The table shows their advantages:

The second criterion when choosing a Chinese engine is power:

• On a light walk-behind tractor it will be enough to install a device with a power of up to 4 liters. With.;
• medium ones require an engine with 4–7 liters. With.;
• for heavy walk-behind tractors, a 7 hp unit is required. With. and more.

You also need to pay attention to the following characteristics:

• Crankshaft output. The most common ones are with a key, and those often used are with a splined exit. Less commonly used is a conical shaft overhang.
• Oil level sensor. This will prevent damage to the device.
• The presence of an electric starter will make it much easier to start the engine when it comes to gasoline units. Diesel engines are more suitable for manual starting.
• Air filter. It comes with an oil bath and double cleaning.
• Motor resource . Models where this criterion reaches 3000 operating hours or more are recommended.

Related video: How to choose a gasoline engine: 5 tips

Publications on the topic

Characteristics of the most powerful walk-behind tractors

Opportunities and advantages of operating walk-behind tractors with a Honda engine

Rules for selecting and installing an engine for the Mole walk-behind tractor

GreenField

The “GreenField” trademark belongs to the Russian TechnoGroup LLC. Since 2005, under it, a variety of garden equipment, gas-powered tools, and power electrical equipment have been supplied to the Russian market.

When buying a motor for a Greenfield walk-behind tractor, you need to understand that the Russian brand in this case is simply applied to a Chinese product, the selling company only carries out quality control on the products supplied to it from China.

Naturally, Greenfield engines, like other Chinese products, are either completely copied from Honda GX engines (GreenField GF series), or based on their design with minor changes (GreenField PRO). However, PRO engines do not have options with an electric starter or reduction gearbox.

The company also supplies diesel engines with power from 2.8 hp. (GF170F) up to 11 hp (GF188FDE). Prices vary quite a lot between stores, but in general they are comparable to Lifan motors.

GF series motors:

GF motors with reduction gear:

PRO series motors:

Greenfield diesel engines:

Why is it worth ordering an engine for a walk-behind tractor from us?

• Highest quality products. The engines presented in the catalog comply with international norms and quality standards. All products are guaranteed with the possibility of replacement or return of goods with manufacturing defects.
• Affordable prices. We offer only the best products at the best prices. There is a special price for wholesale customers.
• No minimum order. Unlike other online stores, we do not require you to purchase goods for a certain fixed amount - from us you can buy only what you need, saving.
• Fast delivery. The equipment is delivered in the shortest possible time throughout Russia using a transport service convenient for the client. Residents of Moscow and Voronezh have access to pickup from our stores and office warehouse.
• Individual approach. You can always count on the help of our professional consultants and information support at all stages of the purchase - from placing an order to receiving the goods.

You can order an engine for a walk-behind tractor in our online store through the convenient website menu, as well as by contacting us in any way convenient for you (by phone, email).

Neva

Walk-behind tractors under the Neva brand are produced, as is easy to understand, in St. Petersburg. The manufacturer uses only third-party engines in production. Since the unification among them is extremely wide, a wide list of replacements with Chinese analogues is possible.

We also recommend reading our article on how to choose a walk-behind tractor and get acquainted with such a device as a mini petrol manual cultivator for a summer residence.

The motor for the Neva walk-behind tractor, the price of which on the official website of the manufacturer’s online store motoblok.ru ranges from 15,800 to 27,900 rubles, can be produced by the following companies:

• BRIGGS & STRATTON 6.5 RS is the cheapest engine in the line (RUR 15,800). Its working volume is 205 cm3, and its power is 6.5 hp.

• HONDA GX-200 is a popular engine with a power of 5.5 hp that needs no introduction, its price is 24,500 rubles.

• SUBARU EX-27 PREMIUM is a powerful nine-horsepower power unit with a displacement of 265 cm3.

Top diesel engines for walk-behind tractors

WEIMA WM 178 F

A popular option that is popular among motorcycle enthusiasts. Some install it in many devices, as they consider the product one of the best in its segment. The device is characterized by minimal emissions of harmful substances and efficiency, which is typical for diesel models. The product can work with both gardening equipment and construction units, and no problems will arise.

The outer part is made of durable metal, which does not deteriorate from mechanical shock and is comfortable. The engine also has good wear resistance and high service life.

The average cost is 31,900 rubles.

WEIMA WM 178 F

Advantages:

• Universal application;
• Cost-effective;
• Reliability;
• No installation problems;
• Does not require complex care;
• Quality.

Flaws:

• Price.

GROST 186F (G1 type cone 105.3mm)

An excellent option that stands out with power. The product is suitable for various equipment. Fuel consumption is minimal, but it is important to understand that the noise level is high. This is due to the features of the design itself.

The drive is suitable for both walk-behind tractors and mini tractors. The weight of the product is 58 kg, so if maneuverability is important to a person, it is better to find a simpler model. This device is best used in the professional field. The launch is carried out manually.

Sold at a price: from 25,000 rubles.

GROST 186F (G1 type cone 105.3mm)

Advantages:

• Durable housing;
• Reliability;
• Convenient engine location;
• Cost-effective;
• Universal application.

Flaws:

• Weight.

"LIFAN" C192FD

A high-quality option that has a power rating of 15 hp, which is an excellent result and helps to cope with almost any task. Cylinder displacement – ​​499 cubic meters. cm. The model combines durability and efficiency. At the same time, it is easy to use; any user can handle it. The capacity of the fuel tank is 5.5 liters.

Sold at a price: from 35,000 rubles.

"LIFAN" C192FD

Advantages:

• Coil - 6 A;
• High power;
• Easy start;
• Not demanding care;
• Fuel consumption.

Flaws:

• Price.

Firework

The motor for the Salyut walk-behind tractor is either LIFAN 168F-2B, installed on the Salyut-100, or Briggs&Stratton Vanguard 6.5, which is used on the Salyut-100-BS-V walk-behind tractor.

The characteristics and price of the first engine for the Salyut walk-behind tractor are described in the “Chinese engines” section, while the second is practically the same engine, but with a slightly larger displacement (205 cm3) and with a compression ratio increased from 8.5 to 9. Therefore, it is slightly more economical than the Lifan engine, but develops maximum thrust at higher speeds.

It is also almost twice as expensive as a Chinese engine - its price is around 15 thousand rubles.

You may also be interested in an article about attachments for the Salyut walk-behind tractor.

Subaru

Subaru (more precisely, a subsidiary of Subaru-Robin) is one of the most famous manufacturers of engines for a variety of motorized vehicles. When purchasing a Subaru motor for a walk-behind tractor, you can be sure of the long service life and reliability of the power unit.

There are several series of engines, labeled as follows:

• EC – light two-stroke engines, not used on walk-behind tractors;
• EY – lower valve engines;
• EH – overhead valve (OHV) engines;
• EX – overhead (OHC) motors. Subaru is one of the few suppliers of engines of this type for garden equipment;
• DY – diesel engines.

The following Subaru engines are most often used on walk-behind tractors:

Honda

It was the GX engine family developed by Honda that became, in fact, the standard for engines of this class and a subject for constant copying.

The Honda motor for the walk-behind tractor is part of the GX line, from the compact GX120 to the quite serious GX390, although the company also produces more powerful versions of this engine.

Champion

Champion engines have nothing to do with the well-known manufacturer of automotive components - this company is located in St. Petersburg, and any Champion engine for a walk-behind tractor is made in China.

Like other Chinese engines, these are clones of Honda engines.

The model taken to follow is directly indicated in the marking: for example, the Champion G200HK motor is a copy of the Honda GX200. However, there are also engines that are “intermediate” in terms of performance, like the G180HK; there is no direct analogue in the Honda line; it is something intermediate between the Chinese 168F and 168F-2 engines.

The G210HT engine is a version of the base engine with the output shaft seating reduced from 19 to 16 mm. The most powerful G390HK engine is equipped with an electric starter (HKE). This engine is installed on the Champion walk-behind tractor.