Overview of the characteristics of the Centaur mini tractor model range

Currently, mini tractors, whose rated power is about 12 horsepower, often fade into the background, because because of this, some restrictions have been placed on the equipment in terms of operation and efficiency. Although such machines have a very attractive cost and efficiency, this still cannot compensate for the existing traction characteristics. Moreover, they lack front-wheel drive, which significantly affects cross-country ability, as well as many functional options that are typical of more powerful cars.

In this regard, the greatest demand was for special equipment with a capacity of 20 horsepower and above. This became especially noticeable after the massive appearance on the markets of cars with increased displacement. It is worth noting that now many manufacturers are aimed specifically at this segment.

According to experts, the most successful model in terms of technical and operational characteristics is the product of the Brest Tractor Plant - the Centaur T-224 minitractor. In addition, it also has a relatively low price tag and increased efficiency.

In the process of developing this mini-tractor, the manufacturer relied on the experience gained when using equipment in very difficult conditions, as well as from numerous reviews coming from owners from many regions. In addition, the model was equipped with many original technical solutions that influenced the popularization of technology.

Purpose

The scope of application of the Centaur T-224 minitractor is much wider than that of low-power models. This is primarily due to the increased range of additional mounted and trailed equipment, which makes it possible to perform almost all tasks in small areas. Maneuverability and maneuverability also contributed to this, due to which the minitractor is used on sites with limited working space and on heavy soils.

Frequent use of this tractor is observed mainly on farms and agriculture, private plots, vegetable gardens, gardens and public utilities. A mini tractor is often used for plowing various types of soil, cultivating, harrowing, hilling, cultivating the fertile layer of soil for sowing, sowing grain crops and planting various root crops, spraying useful vegetation, spreading fertilizers, harvesting, mowing hay, as well as for transporting grown products to storage places or for subsequent processing.

In the field of public utilities, the model is sometimes used to clear any areas of debris, various contaminants and snow, as well as for mowing lawns. The equipment does the same on private plots.

Service

For normal operation of the Centaur T15D minitractor, it is necessary to periodically replace the engine oil.

The manufacturer recommends doing this every 100 hours of operation. It is recommended to use M-10G2 or its analogues.

• Transmission oil must be changed once in the spring before starting field work or, for year-round use, every 1000 hours of operation. The operating instructions recommend that owners use Tap-15v.
• It is necessary to regularly clean the body of the minitractor from dust and oil stains, monitor the tire pressure, and also adjust the clutch and brake pedals every 50-100 hours of operation;
• At the end of field work, conservation is carried out, namely: the tractor is cleaned of dirt, dried, drained of oil and fuel, parts are lubricated to prevent corrosion from forming, covered and placed in a dry place.

Attachments

The Centaur T-224 minitractor is equipped with a three-point linkage system for various units. This device allows you to combine equipment with a variety of tractor implements, which have increased efficiency, which is explained by the ability to process large areas and more linear movement on the ground.

The range of additional attachments is quite diverse, making it much easier for the owner of a mini tractor to decide on the choice of working units. For the Centaur T-224 model, additional equipment is provided such as:

1. Single-body plow unit.
2. Double-body plow unit.
3. Three-body plow unit.
4. Hilling tools.
5. Various cultivators and harrows.
6. Potato diggers and potato planters, which in addition to potatoes can also be used for beets, garlic and other root vegetables.
7. Hay mowers.
8. Sprayers.
9. Rake.
10. Dumpboards and utility brushes designed for cleaning any areas.

Specifications

Dimensions:

• The construction length of the mini tractor is 2600 millimeters.
• The total width of the body is 1400 millimeters.
• Total height – 1350 millimeters.
• The lowest ground clearance under the rear axle is 280 millimeters.
• The smallest track width of the front axle is 1000 millimeters.
• The smallest track width of the rear axle is 1000 millimeters.
• The maximum track width of the front axle is 1200 millimeters.
• The maximum track width of the rear axle is 1200 millimeters.
• Wheelbase (longitudinal) – 1300 millimeters.

Engine characteristics:

• The type of engine installed is diesel, in-line.
• The brand of the installed engine is TY295IT.
• The manufacturer of the installed engine is KAMA.
• Number of cylinders – 3 cylinders.
• Maximum power – 22 horsepower/16.8 kilowatts.
• The highest crankshaft rotation speed is 2400 rpm.
• The total volume of the cylinders is 1530 cubic meters.
• Type of cooling system – liquid.
• Starting system type – electric starter or manual.
• Type of fuel supply system – electronic.
• Type of lubrication system – combined.

Transmission characteristics:

• The type of gearbox installed is mechanical.
• Drive type – cardan drive.
• The differential lock is mechanical.
• Number of forward gears – 6.
• Number of reverse gears – 2.
• Clutch type - dry, friction single-disc, permanently closed.

Power take-off shaft characteristics:

• The type of PTO installed is independent.
• Number of power take-off shaft speeds – 1.
• Control is mechanical.
• The lowest PTO rotation speed is 540 rpm.

Performance characteristics

• The structural weight of the mini tractor is 1250 kilograms.
• The type of hydraulic system used is three-point.
• Brake type: drum.
• The lowest speed of independent forward movement is 2.5 kilometers per hour.
• The highest speed of independent forward movement is 40 kilometers per hour.
• Lowest fuel consumption per hour of operation – 1.8 liters
• The highest fuel consumption per hour of operation is 2.2 liters.
• Front wheel size – 6.00-14.
• Rear wheel size – 9.50-20.
• Power steering type – hydraulic.

Device Features

The Centaur T-224 minitractor has modern functionality and differs from most other similar models in the following:

• The equipment is equipped with an improved power plant, in which power and traction characteristics, as well as reliability, have been significantly increased.
• The model uses an all-wheel drive chassis, thanks to which excellent maneuverability was achieved.
• Unlike low-power mini tractors, this one has a cardan transmission of torque to the transmission system.
• The gearbox used has been significantly modified.
• The mini tractor can be used in rather difficult conditions, in particular on loose soil and off-road conditions.

The ability to combine with a large number of different additional units was ensured due to the powerful on-board hydraulic system and three-point hitch. All installed working equipment can operate from a cardan drive of the rear power take-off shaft, which is, in principle, characteristic of almost all modern models of mini tractors. The on-board battery has an increased capacity, thanks to which the power plant can be started at temperatures down to minus 15 degrees Celsius. If the air temperature is lower, there may be some difficulty starting the engine.

This mini tractor is equipped with an economical and easy-to-maintain three-cylinder power unit that uses diesel fuel for operation. The engine is manufactured by the Japanese manufacturer KAMA, which already speaks of the high reliability of this motor. The working volume of all cylinders is 1530 cubic meters and with this indicator the unit develops a rated power of 22 horsepower or 16.8 kilowatts. Among the key advantages of this installation, the following should be highlighted:

• The engine has a low noise level and flexible traction characteristics.
• Equipped with an effective combined lubrication system.
• There is a reliable liquid cooling system that allows you to operate the equipment for quite a long time without stopping.
• The fuel injectors have been redesigned to prevent coking of the nozzles when low-quality diesel fuel is used.

The transmission system includes a dry friction clutch in a permanently closed position. There is also a mechanical control, a cardan drive and a gearbox containing two operating ranges (3 low and 3 high forward gears).

Among other features of the Centaur T-224 minitractor, the following should be highlighted:

1. The presence of six gears to move the equipment forward. With this set, the driver has a fairly wide speed range, namely from 2.5 kilometers per hour to 40 kilometers per hour. For reverse gear, only 2 gears are available, however, this is quite enough for full-fledged work.
2. Thanks to the all-wheel drive chassis, the equipment has excellent maneuverability. In the basic version, the tractor has a track of 1000 millimeters. In order for the machine to perform any tasks between rows, a special set of additional hubs is provided, with which you can increase the track width to 1200 millimeters.
3. The drive axle of the minitractor is equipped with a reliable locking center differential, which comes into effect automatically, thereby increasing cross-country ability.

Reliability

Thanks to the presence of improved fuel injectors, the equipment has become more resistant to the quality of the fuel used. The modified design prevents coking of the nozzles, thereby ensuring increased service life of the fuel system and the entire engine. Also, the unit can operate around the clock, since it has an improved liquid-type cooling system, thanks to which the engine will not overheat even under fairly high loads. For winter operation, a so-called key start was installed, that is, an electric starter, which allows the unit to be started at temperatures down to minus 15 degrees Celsius.

Repair features

Most of the elements included in the design of the Centaur T-224 minitractor are affordable, which has a positive effect on equipment maintenance. The owner can independently eliminate this or that malfunction even in the field, since the simplified design of the equipment provides such an opportunity.

Description

Centaur mini tractors are made in China. They are successfully used on farm plots up to 6 hectares. In addition, they are used by utility companies to clean streets and maintain park areas.

The popularity of Centaur mini tractors is due to a number of reasons:

• High quality hydraulic system

In all mini tractors of the Centaur brand, the hydraulic cylinder is located on top, which prevents dirt and dust from getting into it. It also has 3 positions, so you can choose a comfortable mode for a specific task.

• Increased service life of drive belts

The tension rollers have a special shape that will prevent the drive belts from twisting or chafing.

• Universal hitch

Thanks to this, Centaur mini tractors can operate attachments not only from a Chinese manufacturer, but also from third-party ones.

• Engine Kama

All mini tractors of the Centaur model range have Kama diesel engines. They are distinguished by their reliability and increased service life. It is capable of working for 10 hours without stopping. Fuel consumption depends on the power of the mini tractor. On average it is about 1.5 liters per hour.

• Cutter drive chain

When cultivating the soil with a milling cutter, a large load is placed on the drive belt, so they often break and become unusable. In Centaur mini tractors, the cutter is driven by a double chain.

• Track size

When processing already sprouted crops, an important factor is not to damage them. Centaur mini tractors allow their owners to set the wheel spacing from 1 to 1.2 m.

• Materials

The Chinese manufacturer tried to extend the service life of the mini tractor as much as possible by using only high-quality consumables. For example, the gearbox is made of an alloy of steel and cast iron, which increases strength and resistance to differential loads.

The greatest load when operating the Centaur minitractor goes to the frame and axle; they have been additionally reinforced to prevent damage during operation.

Owner reviews

• The Centaur T-224, in my opinion, is much better than its Chinese counterparts, because it is very easy to maintain, in particular, finding the necessary spare parts. The machine works well with heavy equipment and shows very excellent efficiency. The machine worked for the first year on a potato plantation with an area of ​​3 hectares. During this time there were some breakdowns, but minor ones. After all, the equipment was only being tested. This year the car was subjected to a serious load and, surprisingly, the mini tractor withstood everything. In the future, however, it will be necessary to expand the track, since I got it without additional hubs.
• The model is truly one of the best produced in Brest, at least in my opinion. Two such hard workers were purchased for our farm. The amount of work is quite large, but the purchase of large tractors was considered unprofitable due to the high costs of maintenance and service.

Price

The cost of a new tractor without mileage starts from 160 thousand rubles and ends at 240 thousand Russian rubles. The price tag is affected by the year of production, modification, and equipment, including the presence or absence of a light cabin, equipment and other various equipment.

Among used equipment, the Centaur T-18 minitractor also stands out well, because considering its performance it has a very reasonable price, and besides, there are currently enough such machines, which also affected the price. Thus, in normal working condition, the Centaur T-18 can be purchased at a price ranging from 70 thousand rubles to 130 thousand Russian rubles.