According to farmers and summer residents, a walk-behind tractor is the best assistant for cultivating a small plot of land. Such equipment is small-sized, durable, convenient and economical to operate, and unpretentious in repair and maintenance. To choose the best machine model, we compare ten popular models of walk-behind tractors according to their characteristics and reliability.
It is important to remember that different types of soil require different machines. It is also better to take prices and reviews into account based on this. Thus, it will be possible to determine the most effective models of equipment that show good results under the most similar conditions.
Types of walk-behind tractors
Walk-behind tractors are classified according to two parameters: the type of fuel used and structural weight. These two parameters are interdependent - a gasoline engine weighs less than a diesel engine, so most cars with gasoline engines are classified as light and medium class.
In addition, depending on the class of the walk-behind tractor, various equipment can be attached to it. For example, light units are used for cultivating small plots of land in a village. The standard equipment of their device includes a set of cutters (from 2 to 6 units) and a depth limiter (coulter). The main function of such a unit is to loosen the top layer of soil. The technology helps to destroy weeds, distribute fertilizer evenly on the surface, improve the structure of the soil and more thoroughly prepare it for sowing.
Heavy diesel walk-behind tractors use a wide range of attachments, making the unit a multifunctional machine that allows not only to cultivate land plots, but also to clear the territory of snow, plant and harvest root crops in the country, move loads, and mow grass. With the help of technology, it is possible to mechanize heavy agricultural work, on plots of several hundred and even hectares, without the use of a tractor or other bulky equipment.
By weight
Depending on the structural weight, there are three classes of walk-behind tractors:
Light class is a machine weighing up to 80 kg. The equipment is suitable for working on plots of up to 40 acres. You need to work on such a machine periodically so that the engine does not overheat. Basically, cutters are connected instead of wheels, and attachments will not provide great productivity.
The middle class is a compromise between a light and a heavy car. The weight of such a machine is up to 120 kg. It is mainly equipped with gasoline engines, but there are also models with a diesel engine. The middle class walk-behind tractor is designed to work with a plot of up to 1 hectare. The equipment copes with agricultural work in various areas: plowing, hilling, harrowing and sowing. For operation, additional attachments are connected to the machine.
The heavy class is an analogue of a mini-tractor. The weight of such a machine is up to 350 kg. The equipment is suitable for agricultural and municipal work on plots of up to 5 hectares. The walk-behind tractor works non-stop, and its heavy weight helps to plow virgin soil. The engine power on such a machine is up to 16 hp. With. The equipment is intended for farms where it is necessary to constantly work with the soil and perform additional utility tasks, for example, transporting cargo and removing snow.
What is the difference between a light walk-behind tractor and a medium, heavy one?
The main difference between light walk-behind tractors and medium and heavy devices is their weight. Their weight rarely exceeds 100 kg, therefore the power is lower than in models of the middle and heavy class.
It should also be taken into account that light walk-behind tractors have a limited service life . As a rule, it is 400-600 operating hours.
In practice, this means that over time the device will need replacement or major repairs.
This feature of light walk-behind tractors must be taken into account when purchasing.
In other words, this technique is only suitable for small greenhouses and vegetable gardens, which are processed 2-3 times a year.
How to choose a walk-behind tractor
Before buying a walk-behind tractor, you need to ask yourself a few questions:
- for what purposes the equipment is purchased;
- what is the size of the cultivated area and type of soil;
- Do you need additional attachments?
If a machine is purchased for periodic work on a summer cottage, then you should choose light-class equipment. To develop new plots of land, it is better to purchase a middle-class machine, because tillage will be more productive and will not take much time. To work on areas larger than 1 hectare, you should opt for a heavy diesel walk-behind tractor - it works smoothly and can be used for utility tasks.
The best light-duty walk-behind tractors
The light class consists of gasoline-powered vehicles that operate on plots of up to 40 acres and weigh up to 80 kg. Basically, they are equipped with an engine of up to 10 liters. With. Attachments are connected instead of walk-behind tractor wheels. This technique is used for plowing and milling the soil. These are the most purchased units.
Patriot Victory
The Patriot company was founded in 1973 in the USA, but it appeared on the Russian market only in 1999. Then the rights to the brand were purchased and the company was registered. In 2016, the production of walk-behind tractors began. In addition to motorized equipment, Patriot produces power tools, lawn mowers and snow blowers.
The walk-behind tractor is equipped with a four-stroke gasoline engine with a capacity of 7 liters. With. The manufacturer recommends refueling the car with AI-92 gasoline. Using low-quality fuel can lead to clogging of the fuel filter, which will have to be replaced with a new one.
The Patriot walk-behind tractor is designed for work in small and medium-sized summer cottages. The gearbox consists of four forward and two reverse speeds. To shift to a lower or higher gear, you need to throw the pulley. The steering wheel is adjustable and, if necessary, folds for transport in a car. Machine weight - 78 kg.
Attachments are connected at the front and rear, and cutters are installed instead of wheels. With cutters, the machine covers an area up to 90 cm wide. Torque is transmitted to active equipment, such as a snow blower, using a three-groove pulley. The plow or seat adapter is connected to the trailer unit. The peculiarity of the Patriot walk-behind tractor is that it is connected to a tracked attachment, which can be used to move through deep snow.
Advantages:
- transforms into a towing vehicle;
- has a powerful engine for its class;
- budget and inexpensive.
Flaws:
- it is inconvenient to pour oil into the engine;
- The steering wheel adjustment unit needs to be tightened frequently.
Cost from 30,000 ₽.
Mobile K MKM-3
was founded in 1988 and a year later began producing attachments for walk-behind tractors. Mobil K produces equipment for, Krasny Oktyabr-Neva and Salyut. In 2007, the company released its first model of the MKM-3 walk-behind tractor.
The MKM-3 walk-behind tractor is sold in three trim levels: COMFORT, PRO and PREMIUM. The equipment differs from each other in the installed engines:
- The KOMOFRT is equipped with a Dinking DK170F engine with a power of 7 horsepower.
- The missile defense is equipped with engines: Loncin G200FA, Briggs&Stratton RS950, Honda GP200 or Kohler SH-265 with a power of 6.5 liters. With.
- PREMIUM engines are equipped with: Subaru EX-17, Kohler CH270, Honda GX200, Subaru EX-21 with power from 6 to 7 hp. With.
Also, on COMFORT the cultivation width is smaller - 73 cm, and on PRO and PREMIUM - 105 cm.
The MKM-3 walk-behind tractor is a new generation of the MKM-3 Lander-Plowman. The machine is equipped with a collapsible gearbox in an aluminum casing, which only requires adding oil. The chain in the gearbox can withstand a breaking force of 3.2 tons. The design is designed in such a way that the machine does not tip forward or backward, which reduces the load on the operator. The steering wheel of the unit is adjustable in horizontal and vertical positions, and for transportation around the site, transport wheels are installed on it. Gearbox with two forward and one reverse speeds. The unit meets the requirements of the GOST R ISO 11449-99 standard. Machine weight - 67 kg.
Milling cutters are connected instead of wheels, on COMFORT the processing width reaches 73 cm, and on PRO and PREMIUM models - 105 cm. Agricultural equipment is connected to the rear of the walk-behind tractor, and a special pulley is provided for active attachments. The manufacturer recommends using the equipment on a plot of up to 45 acres.
Advantages:
- every detail is thought out;
- complies with GOST;
- large selection of installed engines.
Flaws:
- little weight;
- high speed for working with a snow blower.
Cost from 50,000 ₽.
Huter MK-7000
Huter is a German company that produces electric generators and gardening equipment. It appeared on the domestic market in 2004. The Huter MK-7000 motor-cultivator is designed for cultivating soil in a small summer cottage.
The walk-behind tractor is equipped with a four-stroke single-cylinder engine with a power of 7 liters. With. The motor automatically adjusts the speed, making the operator's work easier. The torque from the engine is transmitted to the working shaft by the gearbox and clutch. The fuel tank volume is 3.6 liters.
The transmission is based on a chain drive and gearbox, which provide two forward and one reverse speeds. The support wheel is installed at the front, and the center of gravity is shifted closer to the cutters, which allows the walk-behind tractor to go deeper under its own weight. The steering wheel handle is adjustable and can be removed if necessary for transportation. Machine weight - 72 kg.
Milling cutters are installed instead of wheels; cultivation width is up to 100 cm. The coulter on the walk-behind tractor helps set the desired cultivation depth. Other attachments are not connected.
Advantages:
- mobility;
- simple design;
- adjustable tillage depth.
Flaws:
- uncomfortable gear shift knob;
- attachments are not connected.
Cost from 30,000 ₽.
Rating of the best mini-cultivators for the garden
| Nomination | Place | Name | Price |
| The best gasoline mini-cultivators | 1 | ECHO TC-210 1.02 HP | 39 100 ₽ |
| 2 | Huter GMC-1.8 1.25 hp | 14 841 ₽ | |
| 3 | Daewoo Power Products DAT 3530 3.5 HP | 14 990 ₽ | |
| 4 | Hammer RT-20 2 hp | 12 486 ₽ | |
| 5 | CHAMPION GC2G3E 1.7 HP | 15 400 ₽ | |
| The best electric mini-cultivators | 1 | Daewoo Power Products DAT 2000E 2 kW | 13 490 ₽ |
| 2 | Greenworks G-MAX 40V G40TL (27087) | 13 990 ₽ | |
| 3 | Hyundai T 1820E 1.5 kW | 10 293 ₽ | |
| 4 | CHAMPION EC1400 1.4 kW | 10 100 ₽ |
The best mid-class walk-behind tractors
The middle class includes cars with a gasoline or diesel engine with a power of up to 10 hp. With. and weighing up to 120 kg. The equipment is capable of processing areas of more than 50 acres. The attachment is connected to the power take-off shaft, if installed. The equipment will fit perfectly into the area where crops are constantly planted. In addition, such a walk-behind tractor can already be used multifunctionally by connecting various equipment to it, such as a snow blower or a blade. A good model for a home garden.
Neva MB-2 KS
Motoblocks "Neva" have been produced in St. Petersburg since 1985. During this time, the company's name became a household name, becoming on a par with the Belarus tractor. The company produces cars with gasoline engines of small and medium class.
The Neva MB-2 KS walk-behind tractor is supplied in two configurations: MB2 KS-(168FA) and MB2 KS-DM196. These models differ in the engines installed on them. The MB2 KS-(168FA) is equipped with a KS168FA engine of the Kasei brand (motor power 6.5 hp), and the MB2 KS-DM196 is equipped with a branded engine of the Neva brand KS168FADM196 (motor power 6.5 hp). ). The rest of the machines are designed similarly.
The engine is mounted directly on the frame, without an additional platform, to reduce vibration during operation. The gear chain reducer is protected from mechanical influences by an aluminum housing. The number of gears is (2+1)x2, and the gearbox itself is of a mechanical type. The steering handles are individually adjustable so that the walk-behind tractor does not fall over when moving along a furrow. Machine weight - 85 kg.
Attachments are connected both instead of wheels and using a coupling device. Cultivation cutters are installed instead of wheels: the number of mounted cutters varies from four to six. To plow the land with a plow, lugs are installed instead of wheels for more reliable traction with the ground. The steering column of the walk-behind tractor is reinforced in order to correctly feel the movement of the machine during operation. A plow, potato planter, garden mower, trailer with a seat, etc. are connected to the unit. The active equipment is connected using a belt drive.
Advantages:
- steering wheel tilt adjustment;
- convenient location of control elements;
- quick engine start.
Flaws:
- strong vibration on uneven ground;
- There is no function to disable the axle shafts.
Cost from 46,000 ₽.
Motoblock Agat BS1 (Vanguard 6.5)
The equipment has been produced since 2002 in the Yaroslavl region at JSC Gavrilov-Yamsky Machine-Building Plant. At first, the plant assembled Salyut walk-behind tractors to order, but then established its own production. American, Japanese and Chinese engines with a power of up to 7 liters are installed on the structural base of the machines. With.
The Agat BS1 walk-behind tractor is equipped with a four-stroke single-cylinder Briggs&Stratton Vanguard series engine, engine power - 6.5 liters. With. The engine is installed in such a way that the center of gravity of the machine is shifted forward. This design adds stability and prevents the unit from collapsing when working in the garden.
The walk-behind tractor is equipped with a gear reducer with a V-belt drive. The gearbox consists of two forward and one reverse speeds. Gears are switched using a lever located on the gearbox housing. The weight of the machine is 84.7 kg.
Milling cutters are connected instead of wheels in the number of four to six sections. The maximum cultivation width is 80 cm, and the processing depth is up to 25 cm. The rest of the equipment is connected to the coupling device and takes power through a belt drive. You can connect to the walk-behind tractor: a plow, hiller, mower, snow blower, etc.
Advantages:
- reliable engine;
- low fuel consumption;
- large cultivation width.
Flaws:
- there is no oil dipstick on the gearbox;
- Due to the design feature, oil “leaks”.
Cost from 47,000 ₽.
Oka MB-1D1M10
Oka walk-behind tractors have been produced since 1991 in Kaluga at PJSC Kaluga Engine. Until 2011, the unit was called KADVI MB-1, but then it was given its own name “Oka”. produces Oka, Ugra, Avangard walk-behind tractors, Sadovnik walk-behind tractors and attachments for agricultural machinery.
The Oka MB-1D1M10 walk-behind tractor is equipped with a Chinese Lifan 168F-2 engine with a power of 6.5 liters. With. This engine is one of the most common for use in motorized vehicles - it is a single-cylinder, four-stroke, air-cooled. The engine starts easily and consumes fuel economically.
The machine is equipped with a chain gearbox with V-belt transmission. It is responsible for smooth operation when cultivating the soil. The steering wheel is adjustable to suit the operator's personal preferences. The engine and components of the walk-behind tractor are protected from clods of earth by metal wings. The gearbox is mechanical with two forward and two reverse speeds. Machine weight - 90 kg.
Milling cutters are installed instead of wheels; the number of installed cutters is adjustable from four to six. Attachments are connected using a pin on the front of the frame. Rotation to active equipment, such as a mower, is transmitted through a V-belt drive from the drive shaft pulley. The machine is also used for snow removal in winter.
Advantages:
- simple and reliable design;
- popular and high-quality motor;
- The gearbox produces stable power.
Flaws:
- sometimes oil leaks from the chain gear;
- When belts break, you definitely need to keep spare ones on hand.
Price from 37,000 ₽.
Ugra NMB-1N7
Ugra walk-behind tractors have been produced in Kaluga at Kaluga Engine PJSC since 2009. The peculiarity of the Ugra technology is that it complies with European safety standards: the machine can be stopped quickly and safely. also produces motorized equipment under the Oka, Avangard, Sadovnik brands and attachments for its units.
The characteristics of the machine are similar to the Oka cultivator. The Ugra NMB-1N7 walk-behind tractor is equipped with a four-stroke LIFAN engine model 168F-2A with a power of 6.5 hp. With. Lifan engines are often used on motorized equipment. They are reliable and unpretentious in operation. Fuel tank capacity 3.6 liters.
Gearbox (3+1) with metal-ceramic disc clutch. The peculiarity of this model is that it does not have drive V-belts, so maintenance is simplified several times. The steering wheel of the car is adjustable in the horizontal and vertical plane, and it is also equipped with vibration protection. The walk-behind tractor is made in accordance with European safety standards: special levers are provided for emergency engine stop and reverse clutch locking. Machine weight - 85 kg.
Cultivating cutters are connected instead of wheels, cultivation width is up to 90 cm, and processing depth is up to 32 cm. Attachments are connected to a splined power take-off shaft, which transmits rotation from the engine to the attachment. The walk-behind tractor aggregates a plow, various planters, mowers and a snow blower. A trailer with a seat for transporting goods is connected to the unit.
Pros:
- reliable engine;
- simple design without belts;
- complies with European safety standards.
Minuses:
- The caliper seal is leaking;
- The clutch requires “tuning”.
Cost from 44,000 ₽.
Specifications
| Parameter | Description |
| engine's type | 4-stroke petrol |
| Engine power | 4-7.0hp |
| Engine capacity | 160-198cm³ |
| Fuel tank volume | 3.6l |
| Processing width | up to 100cm |
| Processing depth | up to 32cm |
| Clutch | belt |
| Gearbox | chain |
| Pneumatic wheels | 4.00-8 |
| Number of speeds | 4 forward/2 reverse |
| Milling cutter diameter | 30cm |
| Milling speed | up to 156 rpm |
| Connecting an active hitch | pulley |
| Weight | 40-130 kg |
The best heavy-duty walk-behind tractors
Heavy walk-behind tractors are almost like mini-tractors, because they are equipped with diesel engines from 10 liters. s., and the weight of the unit can reach 400 kg. Such a machine is capable of plowing virgin soil, transporting cargo and removing snow on areas of up to 5 hectares. The peculiarity of such a walk-behind tractor is that you can connect an adapter seat to it and work while sitting, rather than following the machine. The variety of characteristics of these machines is much wider than that of other classes.
SCOUT 15DE
Walk-behind tractors are produced in China at . And in Russia the technique has been known since 2008. The plant also produces mini-tractors and tractors for agricultural and utility purposes. In China, farmers are more likely to use heavy diesel units than tractors. This is due to the fact that most crops are grown on hilly surfaces, where more mobile equipment is needed.
SCOUT 15DE is the most powerful model from the entire SCOUT line of equipment. The walk-behind tractor is equipped with a single-cylinder four-stroke diesel engine R195-T with a power of 15 hp. With. The engine is started using an electric starter. The engine is equipped with a water cooling system, which allows you to use the machine non-stop for a long time. The volume of the fuel tank is 6 liters.
The dimensions of the SCOUT 15DE walk-behind tractor are impressive; it looks more like a “single-axle tractor”. Gearbox (3+1)x2 with low and high gears. The differential locking system significantly increases the maneuverability of the machine, and the division of the lock on each wheel allows you to use the equipment in a limited area. The car is equipped with 12-inch all-terrain wheels. The installed adapter seat allows you to use the unit as a mini-tractor, which is very convenient during long work. Machine weight - 310 kg.
To connect attachments, the machine is equipped with a single-point hitch, a splined power take-off shaft and a belt drive. The equipment is connected to a huge list of attachments: a plow, a rotary cutter, a hay mower, diggers and vegetable planters, a snow blower and a trailer for transporting goods. The universal walk-behind tractor is designed to work on plots of up to 5 hectares, which is quite enough for a household.
Advantages:
- powerful engine;
- huge selection of attachments;
- heavy weight.
Flaws:
- not suitable for small areas;
- strong vibration.
The cost of SCOUT walk-behind tractors starts from 89,900 ₽.
MTZ-09N (Belarus)
Minsk Tractor Plant was founded in 1946. It produces tractors, motorized equipment and implements. The Belarus brand equipment has become a cult favorite and is a standard for farmers. Motoblocks are not the main production line for MTZ; the first model came off the assembly line only in 1985, and the Belarus MTZ-09N model has been produced since 1992.
The walk-behind tractor is equipped with a Japanese four-stroke gasoline engine HONDA GX 270 with a power of 9 hp. With. This engine is often used in the production of gardening and construction equipment. A protective arc is installed at the bottom and front of the engine. The engine starts manually, but an electric starter can be installed as an option. The fuel tank volume is 5.3 liters.
Model MTZ-09N is a vehicle with a 2x2 wheel arrangement. Before the mass distribution of walk-behind tractors, it was called a “single-axle tractor.” The unit was designed for use with an active rotary cultivator, so its center of gravity is shifted forward. Gearbox with four forward and two reverse speeds. The installed differential ensures that the wheels move at different angular speeds for comfortable movement over rough terrain and when turning. The weight of the car is 176 kg.
To transmit torque from the engine to attachments, a power take-off shaft is installed. Rotation speed - 1200 rpm. The attachment is connected at the rear to the towbar, and at the front it is connected to the PTO. MTZ is a good walk-behind tractor because it aggregates agricultural and municipal equipment: a plow, cultivator, snow blower, trailer, etc. The unit can easily be used for plowing virgin soil, and its versatility is not inferior to mini-tractors.
Advantages:
- powerful Japanese engine;
- full power take-off shaft;
- The manufacturer is time-tested.
Flaws:
- difficult to find spare parts;
- uncomfortable steering wheel.
Price from 95,000 ₽.
Caiman 340 PRO
In 2004, Subaru and Pubert decided to join forces to enter the garden equipment market. This is how the Caiman brand appeared, which includes European and Japanese product quality. Foreign manufacturing plants are located in France, Italy, Russia, the Czech Republic, Germany, Great Britain and Japan. The high-quality Caiman 340 PRO walk-behind tractor is the most powerful model of the entire product line.
The Cayman walk-behind tractor is equipped with a Subaru EX40 four-stroke gasoline engine with a power of 14 hp. With. The motor is protected from overheating by a forced air cooling system. The engine is located at the front of the machine and is protected from below by a steel plate. The volume of the fuel tank is 7 liters. The quality of the machine meets all European standards.
The gearbox consists of four forward and reverse speeds. The professional walk-behind tractor is equipped with a differential lock, which allows it to turn around in confined spaces. The ergonomic steering wheel is adjustable in height and laterally, which allows you to set the optimal position for the operator. For emergency stopping of the machine, two levers are provided: one completely stops the machine, and the second blocks reverse gear when working with a rotary cultivator. The weight of the unit is 150 kg.
The stationary attachments are connected to the towing eye, and the active implements are connected to the power take-off shaft at 990 rpm. The walk-behind tractor uses a large number of attachments, among which are: a cultivator, a snow blade, a snow blower, etc. To cultivate the land, a plow and a hiller are connected to the machine, and the wheels are replaced with modern lugs for reliable traction with the ground. Green is the signature color of Caiman units.
Advantages:
- convenient control;
- high power;
- every detail is thought out.
Flaws:
- expensive, high cost;
- difficult to find spare parts.
Cost from 300,000 ₽.
conclusions
So we have compiled a rating of the best walk-behind tractors in terms of reliability and popularity. When choosing equipment, focus on average prices. We recommend taking into account reviews only from owners of land plots with similar conditions - then they will be as objective as possible. And be sure to watch the video review about the operation of the equipment.
If you want to make a profitable purchase, then here is a piece of advice: choose a device from the list offered on our website! Almost all models have a hitch for towing a trailer and a power take-off shaft (or several shafts), which allows the cultivator to be mounted with suspended equipment. Of course, the higher the performance of walk-behind tractors, the more expensive it will cost. Consider all the criteria, and your purchase will certainly become useful and rational!
Additional features and functionality
PTO
This device takes power from the engine and transfers it to additional attachments, such as a mower or seeder. That is, the engine will not only move the walk-behind tractor forward, but also ensure the operation of additional equipment. This device provides the walk-behind tractor with wider application.
Speed adjustment
At a minimum, each walk-behind tractor has one forward speed and one reverse speed. However, there are units with a large number of speeds, the adjustment of which will make it as convenient as possible to customize the unit to your needs. When starting from a standstill, it is more convenient to use lower gears, which provide a large traction force, and already in motion, when a lot of effort is not needed, switch to a higher gear. For example, the Neva MB1B MA has as many as 6 forward and 2 reverse gears.
Availability of differential
This mechanism makes both wheels of the walk-behind tractor independent of each other and allows one of them to be blocked. That is, when turning, one wheel can be blocked, while the other will continue to move, which makes turning the device easier. Only a few models are equipped with a differential. If you need a powerful, heavy unit (heavier than 100 kg) to plow an area of more than 1 hectare, take a model with a differential.
