The main mechanism of any vehicle is the engine, the power and reliability of which determines the life of the vehicle, as a result of which its choice should be taken very seriously.
Today, Chinese and Russian mini tractors have become widespread among farmers, with the help of which they can perform a wide range of agricultural work in a high-quality manner. However, it must be taken into account that a lot here depends on the engine, and therefore anyone who is going to purchase a mini tractor should carefully familiarize themselves with its main characteristics.
Basic parameters of any engine:
- power, measured in horsepower;
- number of cylinders and their volume in cm3;
- fuel used;
- torque;
- level of emissions of harmful substances into the atmosphere;
- fuel consumption.
It is important to understand that a modern engine for a mini tractor is designed taking into account high operating loads, as well as shaft rotation at low frequencies. Moreover, almost all models of such agricultural machines have an additional output shaft with a certain rotation speed. Thanks to it, it is possible to connect such specialized attachments to the minitractor as harrows, potato diggers, seeders, haymaking mechanisms, and so on. It is important to know here that the more powerful the agricultural machinery, the more massive the units can be attached. If the mini tractor engine exceeds 20 hp. pp., then here you can also use a trailer for transporting a wide variety of cargo.
DIY mini tractor. Choosing an engine for a homemade tractor
If you decide to assemble a mini tractor with your own hands, then first of all you need to select a power unit for it. The ZID engine is often used as the latter. This is a four-stroke unit with a volume of 0.52 liters. and a power of 4.5 l/s, which is quite suitable for cultivating 2-3 hectares of land. The engine is easy to maintain, so it is often installed on various home-made equipment; moreover, it is easy to buy on the Internet.
Another option for homemade products is the UD-25 engine. This is a two-cylinder unit with a power of about 12 l/s and a volume of 0.42 l. Although this type of motor has long been discontinued, there are a large number of offers on the Internet for the sale of this unit. It can be bought for approximately 5,000 – 8,000 rubles.
Often, when making homemade tractors, craftsmen use motors from cars. For example, you can find mini tractors with an Oka engine.
This engine has a power of 29.3 l/s and a volume of 0.649 l. In fact, this is a VAZ engine (VAZ 21083), only in a lightweight version, since it weighs 2 times less. A distinctive feature of the Oka engine is its low gasoline consumption and high efficiency.
A more expensive option is a Zhiguli engine. The engines of the VAZ car line have an engine power of 59 l/s (VAZ 2101) and higher. A tractor with a VAZ engine is a fairly powerful unit that can cope with almost any agricultural work.
It is easiest for owners of walk-behind tractors to make a mini tractor for the household, since this unit already has all the necessary control units. All that remains is to make a suitable frame, and the tractor is ready.
Mini tractor with VAZ engine: how to make it yourself
This option is the simplest and most reliable, as it allows you to operate the equipment for quite a long time in the future. In the photo you can see the final result of such a modification. If you plan to install a VAZ engine, you will need:
- Make a mount for the engine. You can use the front beam from the old Moskvich, cutting off the excess.
- Install the fastening using 2 channels.
- Connect the box and the power unit using a metal plate, which must be of sufficient thickness.
- Regrind the input shaft according to the length of the crankshaft.
- The cardan can be used from GAZ.
- Rework the brakes by placing them in the handbrake.
Do-it-yourself mini tractor made from a walk-behind tractor. What you need
Before you begin, you should make sure that you have all the necessary parts, materials, and tools.
So, what is required for work:
- Motoblock. It must be selected taking into account the above recommendations. It is this that will serve as the basis for a homemade mini tractor.
Motoblock Neva - the best option for remodeling
- Additional wheelset with axle. It is necessary to purchase bearings for the wheels, as well as a steering unit.
- Metal sheets, pipes and corners. The material is needed to create the body and frame of the structure.
- Elements for fixing parts and mechanical components. In this case, washers, bolts, nuts, and welding are used.
To carry out the assembly, in addition to the parts, you still need to prepare a number of tools:
- welder;
- drill-driver;
- a set of wrenches of different sizes;
- pliers;
- Bulgarian.
A homemade unit has a number of advantages. First of all, this is the cost. Even if a home craftsman needs to buy a cultivator, he will in any case spend less money. In addition, you can create special equipment of the required size, degree of adhesion to the ground, and performance.
As for the disadvantages, they are that equipment made by hand is much inferior to factory models in terms of reliability. Also, such equipment often requires repair work.
Domestic and foreign engines. What are the similarities and what are the differences?
Traditionally, our compatriots trust foreign engines more, considering them to be of higher quality and more reliable. With regard to Japanese and German technology, there are reasons for this, since when designing engines they use higher quality alloys of steel and brass, all elements undergo appropriate strength tests, and assembly is controlled at a high level. However, conventional engines for mini tractors made in China are not much inferior in quality to Russian ones, so our models here successfully compete with foreign ones. In addition, one should also not forget that domestic engines are designed to withstand extreme winter frosts, and therefore are guaranteed to start at sub-zero temperatures.
In conclusion…
Summarizing the above, we can say that its ability to perform this or that job largely depends on the performance, reliability and power of the mini tractor engine. That is why it is important to choose a model of such a machine, taking into account the goals and tasks that need to be accomplished. The main indicators here are the optimal ratio of power and fuel consumption, since this directly affects the profitability of the equipment. Any farmer understands this very well, and therefore independently determines the ratio that is suitable for him.
Video on the topic:
DIY mini tractor from a walk-behind tractor. Do-it-yourself mini tractor from a walk-behind tractor
For cultivating small plots of land, there is no better solution than a mini tractor made from a walk-behind tractor, made by yourself. Not every site owner can purchase a factory-made model, so they have to look for other solutions. It’s easier, for example, to buy a regular walk-behind tractor and remake it yourself.
Required tools and materials
The first stage of work consists of drawing up the drawing and preparing the equipment. If you have the appropriate skills, you can develop a diagram of components and mechanisms yourself or use those presented below.
As for components, ready-made factory kits for conversion are suitable - in any case, they are cheaper than the mini tractor itself. But this option is only suitable for those who do not want to save on absolutely everything.
Creating a homemade tractor will become impossible without:
- Grinders and discs.
- Fasteners and hardware (bolts and nuts).
- Channels and pipes with a metal base.
- Drills that come with drill bit sets.
- Welding equipment.
- Set with tools.
You can’t do without two suitable wheels along with a hitch and a driver’s seat, a steering mechanism, pedals, and the walk-behind tractor itself. It must have a sufficient level of power.
A heavy class walk-behind tractor with diesel fuel is an ideal option for a homemade mini tractor.
Examples of mini tractor drawings
Overall dimensions of the mini tractor
Layout drawing of the Ant mini-tractor
Kinematic diagram of a mini tractor
Choosing a walk-behind tractor
Among the important parameters for these devices it is worth highlighting:
- Cost and manufacturer.
- Plow size (if the mini tractor will be used to plow the land).
- Type of engine used.
- Weight.
- Power level.
Power. One of the most important parameters, since the performance and strength of a mini tractor directly depends on engine power. The more aggressive and heavier the load on the vehicle, the more powerful the walk-behind tractor needs to be.
Weight. If a homemade mini tractor will be used to plow the land, then the weight of the walk-behind tractor will be a critical parameter. The determining point is the type of land being cultivated: for hard soil varieties, you should not choose too light walk-behind tractors, otherwise the mini tractor will not cope with its purpose.
Although gasoline walk-behind tractors are much quieter, diesel wins in terms of the efficiency of its use: it has stable speeds and increased traction. A diesel engine will cope better with heavy soils and large areas.
In any case, for any purpose, the heavier the walk-behind tractor, the better the performance data of the future mini tractor.
Price and manufacturer. If possible, it is better to choose products from companies that have been on the market for a long time. If financial possibilities are limited, you can get by with cheaper analogues. Russian products will also be the best option for the majority.
Chinese walk-behind tractors
These are mostly copies of Russian models. Their cost is lower due to reduced production resources and savings on materials. This has a somewhat negative impact on the final quality of the product.
At the same time, the functionality does not differ from Russian walk-behind tractors. Recently, products of acceptable quality have appeared, although they are still far from comparable to their analogues from Russia. Popular Chinese walk-behind tractors include the Bison, Farmer, Centaur, Forte, Aurora, Zirka and others.
Russian products
The optimal solution with an affordable price. Motoblocks with a belt drive or with a transmission with the ability to transmit torque to, or. In any case, the process cannot be completed without the participation of a special belt.
A special feature of our developments is the simple design of the clutch system. The only maintenance procedure left is belt replacement. Soviet engineers also designed a gearbox that is recognized as one of the most successful on the market. Professional engines from foreign manufacturers are used. The units are functional and reliable.
DIY mini tractor from Zhiguli. How to make a mini-tractor from a Lada with your own hands
Let's look at how to make a homemade tractor from a VAZ, what materials and tools will be needed. First of all, you need to complete drawings and diagrams of all structural components. To make a mini tractor with your own hands, you need exact dimensions of parts and calculations. Each component must be described separately. And you need a drawing of the assembled tractor. What the homemade tractor with the VAZ 2106 engine will look like depends on the diagrams and drawings made.
While working on the drawing, you should consider the following points:
- it is necessary to determine the location of the gearbox;
- the engine must be covered with a protective casing;
- where will the fuel tank be installed?
- if you shorten the tractor frame, then a homemade mini tractor from a VAZ will consume less fuel;
- The front suspension should be reinforced.
If you decide to create a tractor from a VAZ 2109 or VAZ 2106, then as a result of the work done you will get a fairly powerful unit that will cope with many agricultural jobs and help care for your garden and plants.
So, we begin the actual development and assembly of a homemade tractor based on the VAZ. A mini-tractor can be made with an engine from a VAZ 2022 or VAZ 2106, or borrow additional parts from other car models.
For example, the gearbox can be borrowed from a GAZ-53, the rear wheels can be taken from an MTZ-82 tractor, but the front wheels can be removed from an already inoperative or unnecessary walk-behind tractor or cultivator.
You can also buy them in the store. You can take the steering and driver's seat from any Zhiguli model, or make it yourself. The front and rear axles are taken from the Zhiguli unit.
How to make a mini tractor from a walk-behind tractor with your own hands
Thanks to the mechanization of work on a personal plot, it is possible to turn routine duties into an enjoyable activity. The main task in such a situation is performed by all kinds of technical means, and a person can only manage them. Moreover, from some relatively simple devices you can independently make more complex ones, for example, make a mini tractor from a walk-behind tractor.
Advantages of a mini tractor
Among the main advantages of a homemade technical product, one should first of all note the lower cost in comparison with ready-made analogues. In addition, such a unit will not require much storage space. Now it’s clear why most owners of personal plots want to know how to make a mini tractor from a walk-behind tractor with their own hands.
At the same time, do not forget about the efficiency of a homemade device, because it does not require a lot of fuel
. The prices for spare parts are also quite attractive and they are easy to acquire. If you install tires with a deep tread on a homemade tractor from a walk-behind tractor, the unit will get good cross-country ability. An equally important characteristic of the device is its small dimensions.
To make a mini tractor with your own hands from a walk-behind tractor, you need to have some knowledge and be familiar with tools.
Before starting work on creating this technical tool, it is worth studying several drawings and reading the relevant literature. Units from various manufacturers have unique technical characteristics, which affects the list of necessary modernization work.
Today on the market you can find models equipped with adapters with a seat. As a result, the process of creating a homemade mini tractor from a walk-behind tractor will be even simpler. However, if the adapter is missing, then making it yourself will not be so difficult. Many owners of personal plots prefer Salyut, Neva and some Chinese models. To make a tractor from a walk-behind tractor with your own hands, in addition to the basic device you will need:
- 2 wheels;
- stainless steel sheet, as well as metal corners and pipes;
- welding machine;
- drill;
- armchair;
attachments.
Recommendations for choosing a walk-behind tractor
The choice of the model of the original technical device must be approached with maximum responsibility. Particular attention should be paid to several characteristics:
- Engine power - to cultivate a large plot of land you will need a more powerful walk-behind tractor.
- Fuel - it is advisable to opt for models that use diesel fuel. They are more economical and are great for cultivating large plots of land.
- Weight - the lower this indicator, the easier it is to control the walk-behind tractor. However, if the unit is the basis for a mini tractor, then preference should be given to more massive models.
Cost - you don’t need to focus on expensive units, because it is to save money that a walk-behind tractor is purchased.
Instructions for manufacturing the unit
Having decided on the model of the walk-behind tractor, you can begin to modernize it. This instruction will be useful for owners of Centaur, Agro, and Zubr units.
Creating a Frame
This is the main element of the mini tractor design and it is with its manufacture that one should begin. By extending the frame, it can be equipped with an additional pair of wheels, a seat and steering. To make the frame you will need metal pipes, a channel and a corner. The cross-sectional size of the workpieces is not of fundamental importance. The main thing is that the frame does not deform under loads.
Weighting the entire unit will benefit it, because the grip on the ground will improve. All material must be cut according to the required dimensions and then welded into a rectangular structure. To strengthen it, the joints can be further strengthened using bolted connections.
It is also advisable to install the frame on a cross beam to increase the rigidity of the entire structure. Then all that remains is to attach the suspension, a device for working with attachments, to the frame. If the mini tractor will be used to move cargo, you should also think about a tow bar.
Chassis
The manufacture of this element of the unit should begin with the installation of the front wheels. To do this, you will need two hubs with brakes, which are attached to a piece of metal pipe. A through hole must be drilled strictly in the center of this axis. It is required for attachment to the transverse front element of the frame.
The next step is to install a gearbox equipped with a worm gear. It must be connected via tie rods to the front axle. After this, you can proceed to installing the steering column. The rear axle of the unit is mounted on bearings pre-pressed into steel bushings. In addition, a pulley is attached to it to transmit torque from the power plant to the wheels.
Engine installation
In most cases, on homemade mini tractors, the power plant is located at the front. To do this, special fasteners are welded to the frame. The front engine position will allow the attachments to be balanced. The transmission of movement to the wheels is carried out thanks to a belt drive. To be able to properly tension the belt, all fastening elements should be made adjustable. In addition, when installing the power plant, special attention must be paid to the pulleys, which must be positioned coaxially with each other.
Optional equipment
Once the powertrain is secured to the frame, there are only a few steps left to complete. First of all, the brake system is installed and the reliability of its operation is checked. After this, you should install the hydraulics for working with attachments and secure the seat. To protect the engine and other mechanisms of the unit, it is worth making a casing from thin sheet metal. When the device is assembled, it must be run-in. If no problems arise, you can check its operation under load.
Mini tractor with motor from a walk-behind tractor
If you decide to install a unit from a walk-behind tractor on your mini tractor, then this will not be very wise, since subsequently you will not be able to effectively carry out agricultural work. Therefore, it would be more expedient to convert the walk-behind tractor itself into a mini tractor, which will not take you a lot of time, effort and money. The video provides detailed instructions for the modification.
You can use all the parts (seat, wheels, metal sheets, etc.) from old cars or find them from friends or even in a landfill. A tractor, completely converted from a walk-behind tractor, will become your main assistant for working on the site, especially if you additionally install the appropriate attachments on it.
Breaking a mini tractor with your own hands. Application area
A self-made all-wheel drive mini tractor has quite good off-road characteristics, which gives it the ability to perform virtually the same scope of work as store-bought counterparts, such as Uralets, Kubota, Bulat 120, Yanmar, Belarus 132n, Scout.
Of course, the power of a homemade unit may be somewhat weaker, but at the level of domestic use this fact is almost unnoticeable.
Application area
The main area of application of this DIY unit is agricultural work. This term covers a fairly wide spectrum, including many related works. In other words, a homemade mini tractor is needed for the following purposes:
- plowing of land holdings for the purpose of their further use;
- cultivating the soil and getting rid of weeds;
- harrowing the soil;
- carrying out sowing work on treated soil;
- planting and digging potatoes.
In principle, this is the main purpose of a mini tractor, for which it is made. But, its application can be significantly expanded if a special connection for additional equipment, mounted and trailed, is provided in its design.
If everything is done correctly, then your homemade product can additionally perform the following work:
- transportation of various goods (transportation of firewood, construction waste, etc.);
- mowing lawns and lawns, as well as making hay for livestock.
snow removal in winter;
As we can see, a mini tractor breaking a classic 4x4 with your own hands can significantly make the life of any rural resident easier, because with the help of this equipment it becomes possible to perform all types of work that are required for proper management of a subsidiary farm.
The indispensability of a home-made unit is also due to the fact that its production uses a minimum of investments and funds, which is very important for rural areas.
