Motoblock MTZ-12. Model description, application features and video reviews

Farmers often ask me about the heavy MTZ-12 walk-behind tractor, its parameters and expanded functionality. It must be said that this is the latest device in the line of single-axle soil-cultivating equipment of the Minsk Tractor Plant.

It is designed for carrying out agricultural activities, transporting goods, and working in the public utilities sector. According to the manufacturer, the machine has been discontinued, which forces owners to repair old equipment, including complete replacement of individual components.

Description

The MTZ-12 walk-behind tractor is considered one of the most powerful units among the models in the line of single-axle machines. The walk-behind tractor is designed to work on an area of ​​up to 5 hectares. The main purpose is to perform various works in agriculture, such as plowing, cultivation, transporting goods, weeding and harvesting. In addition to these functions, the unit can be used by municipal services for cleaning courtyard areas.

Motoblock MTZ-12

It is classified as a powerful heavyweight not only due to its weight of 148 kg, but also due to the presence of a two-cylinder engine with 12 horsepower. The walk-behind tractor runs on gasoline and has no special preferences for fuel quality. The processing width of the unit is significant - 45 cm, allowing you to cultivate a large area in a short time. However, despite the excellent technical characteristics and the presence of large capacities, the walk-behind tractor has not found wide popularity among consumers, unlike other similar, but less powerful models.

Significant competition came from the Centaur MB 1012 and Forte HSD1G-121, which already belong to the class of mini-tractors. They are more convenient to manage and use, and are also economical in fuel consumption.

Motoblock MTZ-12

The MTZ-12 walk-behind tractor has a 6-liter fuel tank, which allows it to work for a long time without refueling. Mechanical transmission with four forward speeds and 2 reverse. The ease of use of the MTZ-12 lies in the fact that, thanks to the features of its design, the machine can be used as a vehicle and for transporting cargo by converting the walk-behind tractor into a mini-tractor. The power take-off shaft with which the unit is equipped plays a significant role in this.

The use of additional equipment is also provided, which significantly increases the functionality of the machine.

Advantages of the MTZ-12 walk-behind tractor

• High maneuverability on the ground;
• Compactness, despite heavy weight;
• Ease of maintenance and repair;
• Versatility of the design, thanks to which you can use various attachments;
• There are no strict requirements for the use of fuel and oil;
• Low cost and availability of components.

Reviews

There are a large number of reviews on the forums regarding working with the Belarus MTZ 12 walk-behind tractor. Here are some of them.

Ivan :

“It has long been unprofitable to carry out agricultural work without a walk-behind tractor. Because he is able to do almost any job for you. I needed a powerful model. While I didn't plan on using it for heavy duty work, I didn't want to worry about overloading it. Of all the numerous models in the store, I chose the MTZ-12 walk-behind tractor. And I never regretted it. Yes, the price was a little higher. But this indicates the quality of the product. Now plowing or milling the soil is not a problem for me"

Vladimir:

“I brought my MTZ-12 walk-behind tractor home in a disassembled state. It wasn't difficult to assemble. When starting it for the first time, the store recommended not to load it too much. And work in a gentle mode for several hours. I did as they said, and a couple of days later I went to the field for plowing (about 0.5 hectares). Previously, I had to either order a tractor for this, and in this case pay for the work, or take a shovel and dig. The first option cost a pretty penny every time, but I don’t have enough health for the second. Using a walk-behind tractor, I was able to complete this task in a day.”

Specifications

Motoblock MTZ 05

The first tillage mechanism produced in Belarus was the MTZ 05 walk-behind tractor. This device was used to facilitate the process of agricultural work, and this equipment coped with the task quite well. Initially, even such a mechanism was accompanied by a special trolley, which also performed some important functions.

MTZ 05 walk-behind tractors are able to demonstrate their work results in small areas, such as a garden, a greenhouse, a personal plot, a vegetable garden. The special properties of the design allow you to work with the beds, since the size of the soil grip can be adjusted independently. There are also other advantages of the unit. Let's take a closer look at the types and descriptions of technical features.

At the moment, this device model is discontinued. Accordingly, in the event of a breakdown, it will be difficult to find spare parts for the MTZ walk-behind tractor; it is necessary to look for a high-quality alternative. A little later, they began to produce a similar version, but more optimized, called MTZ 09N. This device consumes less fuel than a standard MTZ, and is also made from lightweight materials, which makes the walk-behind tractor lighter than its older counterpart.

Motor of the MTZ 05 walk-behind tractor

The engine for the MTZ 05 walk-behind tractor was a single-cylinder gasoline UD 15. It has a self-cooling function and also has a more convenient location of the valves in the upper part of the mechanism. The motor rotates at a speed of 3000 revolutions per minute. This unit is resistant to mechanical damage, unpretentious, and also has a simple design.

Features of operation

Before using the purchased walk-behind tractor for the first time, the following work is performed:

• Check all connections;
• Fill in the required amount of oil and gasoline. The fuel must be free of water and mechanical particles;
• Perform a run-in, as a result of which all parts are broken in and the service life of the device is extended.

After finishing the break-in, which lasts about 50 hours of operation, the following actions are performed:

• Wash the walk-behind tractor;
• Change the oil in the engine sump, wash the oil filter;
• Wash the fuel filter;
• Replace the lubricant in the transmission and gearboxes;
• Check the operation of the clutch and throttle valve control mechanism.
• Inspect all fasteners.

Design and operating principle

All components and assemblies are attached to a cast iron transmission housing. It also houses the differential and multi-plate “wet” clutch.

The device is controlled by means of a remote steering rod. It can be adjusted to the operator by rotating it in the vertical and horizontal plane. All controls are mounted on the steering rod.

Additional weapons

To increase the amount of work performed, the MTZ-12 was equipped with a coupling mechanism. It is necessary for aggregation with soil cultivating and other tools. Depending on the type of implement, the device can:

• plow, cultivate, harrow the land;
• mow the grass;
• plant/dig potatoes;
• hill up plants;
• sweep the streets;
• remove snow.

Adjustment of valves

After prolonged use, during maintenance, it is necessary to check the gaps between the valves of a two-cylinder engine, which, as a rule, change. This occurs due to wear and tear of parts. If the distance is insufficient, then errors occur in the operation of the power unit and the declared power is not produced.

A gap of 0.1 to 0.15 mm is considered correct. To adjust, perform the following steps:

• Disassemble the casing and remove the oil bath;
• Using a screwdriver, loosen the nut, then insert the blade and tighten it;
• Focusing on the blade, slowly tighten the nut;
• In this way, adjustments are made until the free movement of the valve is eliminated. Check the density;
• Put back the oil pan and casing.

Below is a video review that demonstrates adjusting the valves on a walk-behind tractor

Basic malfunctions and their elimination

During the active use of the walk-behind tractor, I encountered critical equipment failures several times. It was difficult to start the engine after winter storage; it did not produce the required torque.

There were no problems with the transmission, with the exception of difficult gear shifting. Interruptions in engine operation were eliminated after adjusting the timing belt, installing a spark plug with three side electrodes and a complete revision of the carburetor.

Engine replacement

The standard SK-12 engine has a certain service life, after which it is necessary to give it an overhaul with a complete replacement of the piston group, grinding the head, and grinding the valves.

I have met owners of walk-behind tractors who threw out the standard engine and installed a diesel power unit of similar power in its place.

Such modernization will provide a noticeable increase in torque, productivity, and most importantly, refueling costs will decrease. When replacing an engine, it must be run in and all maintenance requirements must be met.

Equipment that is suitable for MTZ walk-behind tractors

Modernization of the MTZ walk-behind tractor can be done independently; you can add equipment that will expand the range of functions performed:

• hiller;
• single-body plow;
• mounted mower;
• claw cultivator;
• a semi-trailer that can hold half a ton;
• harrow.

All this attachments can be combined to increase the number of functions performed. When selecting an additional part, rely on the tasks that the walk-behind tractor will perform. You can convert it into an ATV, a plow or a potato digger - you should choose the option that is needed in a particular situation. This unit is an excellent working mechanism, and it can be modified at any convenient time; all accessories are purchased separately.

Repair Tips

During operation, various problems and breakdowns may occur. Many of them can be prevented by following the manufacturer's instructions for using the unit.

If you regularly use a walk-behind tractor, as well as when the loads on it are too high, there is a high probability of a problem such as a decrease in the gap between the valves. This manifests itself in interruptions in the operation of the unit and a decrease in the power of the device. In other words, as the inter-valve gaps increase, extraneous noise appears in engine operation. The valves do not open completely, and the supply of fuel to the cylinders is disrupted.

If there is a suspicion that such a situation has arisen, then it is necessary to adjust the valves.

• To do this, it is necessary to remove the casing from the flywheel and first prepare a thin blade with a thickness of 0.1-0.15 mm - this is the normal size of the inter-valve spaces.
• The nut should be unscrewed slightly. Then you need to insert the prepared blade and lightly tighten the nut.
• After this, you need to rotate the flywheel - the valve should move easily, but without gaps.
• If the need arises, it is better to re-adjust.

If the walk-behind tractor moves unevenly, then it is worth checking the tire pressure - most often the cause of such a malfunction is a difference in tire filling. If the unit with attached accessories becomes difficult to control and excessive vibration is felt, you need to check that the attachments are properly secured. Oil leaks if gaskets and seals are ineffective - they should be replaced.

If the box gets very hot, then you need to check the condition of the bearings. If the clutch malfunctions, the cause may be deformation of the friction discs, oil contamination or breakage (loosening) of the cable. Engine malfunction is expressed in reduced power or complete failure to start.

If the engine does not start, then you need to check the condition of the ignition system (to correct the situation, it is necessary to test the contact of the spark plugs with the magneto), whether there is fuel in the tank, how the fuel is transferred to the carburetor, how its damper functions.

A decrease in power may have the following reasons:

• clogging of the ventilation filter;
• poor quality of the fuel mixture;
• exhaust system contamination;
• reducing compression in the cylinder block.

The reason for the first three malfunctions is irregular inspection and untimely preventive procedures, but with the fourth problem everything is not so simple - it shows that the cylinder is worn out and requires repair, possibly even with a complete replacement of the rotor.

A malfunction such as improper functioning of the transmission is also often observed. The reason is wear on the discs and weakening of the spring elements. To eliminate such breakdowns, you need to replace worn components with new parts.

To learn how to make a mini tractor from an MTZ-12 walk-behind tractor, see the following video.

Options

The technical characteristics of the device impressed me: a two-cylinder engine producing 11 hp. p., a high-quality transmission and large wheels create the illusion of a full-fledged tractor. Actually, the walk-behind tractor will be such in conjunction with an adapter designed specifically for it.

As a user, I would like to see a durable power unit made in Europe or Japan in a walk-behind tractor.

However, our engines are less picky about the quality of fuels and lubricants, which is important when working in rural areas and problems with the delivery of technical fluids. In addition, the MTZ-12 can be repaired by a mechanic with minimal skills in repairing gasoline equipment.

Table No. 1. Specifications:

The four-speed manual transmission provides 4 forward and 2 reverse speeds. At the maximum stage, the walk-behind tractor moves at a speed of 9.6 km/h.

Belarus 311

The subcompact Belarus 311 costs 580 thousand rubles. The minitractor received quite decent technical characteristics from the manufacturer, which include the presence of a rigid frame that holds the model weighing 1.67 tons. There are copies available for sale with a single-seat cabin, a plastic awning or with a roll bar.

Belarus 311

A 33-horsepower Laidong 3T30 diesel engine is installed. The fuel tank capacity is 26 liters, which allows you to work all day without being distracted by refueling at a consumption rate of 258 g/kWh. The 12-volt battery ensures a quick start even in the cold season.

Transmission 12-speed, 8 speeds – front. This allows you to reach speeds of up to 25 km/h. Disc brakes are located in an oil bath to ensure maximum heat dissipation. The parking brake has a mechanical lock.

High standardization of parts and components increases the maintainability of the mini tractor. These Belarusian agricultural aids combine well with foreign attachments. The manufacturer can supplement the equipment with a special kit in the form of ballasts, brackets, a pneumatic system, etc.

Operating instructions Belarus 311

Ignition settings

The ignition setting has a set order. First you need to check the performance of the spark plug.

Important! Whatever the settings, the spark plugs used must be working. To do this, they are pre-checked. It is also important to change them in a timely manner. Normal replacement is done once a quarter. If there is constant operation, then the spark plug should be changed more often.

The adjustment must be carried out with running-in. Any process of running-in equipment, including after inactivity, requires setting the ignition on the walk-behind tractor.

Setting plan:

• the spark plug is checked, which must be clean and also in working condition;
• All carbon deposits from the candle are removed if necessary. The distance between the top (central) and side contact is adjustable;
• a cap is placed on the top of the candle;
• the motor is started manually. In this case, the candle is brought to the body;
• the spark should be good and bright; if there is no spark or it is weak, then the ignition system and its parts will need to be replaced.

The remaining parts of the ignition system are checked in the same way. The entire procedure is carried out until the ignition is installed correctly, which will allow the walk-behind tractor to start quickly. This has a positive effect on the absence of wear on parts, as well as on operating efficiency.