Rating of Zubr walk-behind tractors: which device to choose for which tasks?

Brief overview of the manufacturer

is a native Russian developer and manufacturer of a wide range of products, primarily tools for various purposes. And garden equipment is not the last place in the catalog. The Russian manufacturer successfully operates in all main segments of this market, offering a wide range of equipment - from trimmers and brush cutters to powerful lawn mowers and walk-behind tractors.

The company's products are presented not only in Russia, but also abroad. However, the key area of activity for it remains the domestic market. And here it is developing more than successfully. The company was especially proud of receiving the “No. 1 Brand in Russia” award in 2022. Zubr management notes that this is a clear confirmation of customer recognition and trust. And if we take into account the fact that the award winners are chosen directly by consumers, then such a statement looks quite justified.

As representatives of the Russian company have repeatedly stated, it has to work in conditions of high competition from foreign manufacturers. And not least of all, paying great attention to R&D helps Zubr successfully maintain its place in the market. The entire range of products is developed and tested in our own design bureau - the series includes the most polished solutions. Moreover, the emphasis is placed not only on “old school” quality standards, but also on innovative development. The company's engineers successfully implement international best practices and also actively develop their own know-how.

In relation to walk-behind tractors, this means an optimal combination of performance characteristics, high reliability when performing various tasks and overall durability. Devices with the “Zubr” nameplate can withstand loads and do not cause trouble to their owners over many years of operation. This is confirmed by the official 5-year warranty. However, even if repairs or maintenance are necessary, problems do not arise - the company is actively developing its service network, which already covers not only the whole of Russia, but also many neighboring countries.

Thus, we get durable and hardworking units designed to make work easier on personal plots and farmsteads. We will talk about the features of specific models below.

Determining the originality of a walk-behind tractor

Its reliability, durability and safety during operation depend on the authenticity of the purchased equipment.
How to check whether the Zubr walk-behind tractor in front of you is original?

The presence of a voluminous shiny manufacturer's logo on the motor or gearbox. A simple drawn sticker indicates a fake;
On diesel models the logo is poured out. This is done during the manufacture of the unit;
There are various stickers on the equipment with recommendations and tips for starting and using, as well as other useful instructions;
The original units are red, swamp green, orange and blue.

In this simple way, the company protected its client from buying counterfeits. Simple instructions will allow you to purchase a truly high-quality original unit.

MTB-300

Our rating opens with the youngest model in the Zubr catalogue. However, it already implements most of the solutions used in more advanced units. MTB-300 is quite maneuverable and easy to use, does not cause unnecessary trouble.

It is powered by a 4-stroke engine of our own design, providing high performance and low maintenance. The air filter is located in an oil bath - and this is the key to high-quality air purification even from the smallest dust.

Ergonomics are also good here. Good weight distribution makes working with the walk-behind tractor much easier and relieves the load on your hands and lower back. The position of the handles can be adjusted to suit your height and build, as well as the specifics of a particular task. And when storing the walk-behind tractor, you can fold the handles - this way it will take up minimal space.

Key characteristics and features of the model:

Engine – 4-stroke, 212 cc, 7 hp.
Transmission – 3-speed, 2 front + 1 rear.
Gearbox – cast iron gear-chain, hardened 6-sided axle with a cross-section of 23 mm.
Belt drive – toothed wedge-shaped.
Processing width – 85 cm.
Plowing depth – 33 cm.
Self-sharpening cutters.
30mm front pulley and universal rear hitch for mounting additional equipment.
Adjustable coulter.
Reliable protection of the V-belt drive from external influences.
Up to 3.5 hours of operation on 1 refill.

The manufacturer recommends using this unit for loosening and cultivating soil in areas of 15-20 acres. And by replacing the cutters with large pneumatic wheels, you can turn the walk-behind tractor into a mini-tractor or a base for using a wide range of attachments.

Users in reviews note high real power, light weight, and an affordable price tag. Among the disadvantages are the insufficiently large wheels.

MTB-400

Structurally, this model is almost identical to the one discussed above. There are no externally noticeable differences between them. The main highlight of the “four hundred” is the transmission.

If the MTB-300 had 3 gears, then here there are already 4:

3 front;
1 rear.

In practice, this means a more efficient distribution of engine speed. If the “three hundred” in first gear spins the shaft to 82 rpm, and in second to 113, then in the older model these revolutions are achieved in the second and third speeds, respectively. In the first gear, the shaft rotates at a frequency of 37 rpm. This lower gear helps to overcome increased resistance more effectively. This could be, for example, plowing dense and heavy soil, moving with a massive load, downhill or on a loose, viscous surface.

Due to such expanded performance, this walk-behind tractor is recommended for use on plots of over 20 acres, as well as on difficult soils.

The pros and cons according to reviews are the same as the younger model. Additionally, the productive operation of the lower gear is also noted - users say that the traction on it is actually higher. So the addition is really practical.

Attachments

Today, the manufacturer offers a wide range of various auxiliary tools that can expand the functionality of the walk-behind tractor.

These include:

rototillers - the Zubr technique can work with both saber-shaped cutters and parts made in the form of “crow’s feet”;
mowers - these devices can be either rotary, segmented or frontal. The use of mowers allows you to cut grass and hay, collect food for animals;
snow blowers , which can also come in a variety of modifications;
plows , which are one of the most popular additional tools;
lugs , which are analogues of pneumatic wheels and allow you to loosen the ground;
potato harvester and potato planter - this equipment greatly facilitates the process of planting potatoes;
hitch - this auxiliary element, which is used to secure various equipment and tools;
trailers and carts - this equipment allows you to transport various loads;
hiller - this device is used for hilling the soil, as well as removing weeds;
tracked attachment , which may be required for work during the off-season. This attachment improves the vehicle’s maneuverability in snow or heavy soil, so the walk-behind tractor will not get stuck.

MTU-350

Our rating of Zubr walk-behind tractors continues with the youngest model from the MTU series. The letter "U" in the name means "reinforced". Although it can also be understood as “universal”, there is already a power take-off shaft, which allows you to connect active attachments. So this walk-behind tractor can be used for plowing the land, and for harvesting, and as a propulsion unit for a snow blower module, and for other purposes.

As for intensification, it is embodied here in a complex manner. The MTU-350 is noticeably larger and more massive than the MTB models - 90 kg versus 78 for the MTB-300. The engine used here is the same, 7-horsepower 4-stroke “Bison”, but its power is processed through a 6-speed transmission. It received 4 forward and 2 reverse speeds, which expands the possibilities of using this walk-behind tractor.

Other notable features of the MTU-350 include the following:

More spacious fuel tank - 6 liters versus 3.6 for models from the MTB series. And this is a significant increase in autonomy.
Larger wheels with developed tread make them easier to cope with off-road conditions and more powerfully transmit engine traction to the ground.
Reinforced frame, resistant to higher longitudinal/lateral loads.
A protective frame on top of the engine provides additional protection for the power unit from damage.
Reliable 2-groove pulley configuration, with which additional equipment is connected and travel speed is adjusted.
plowing depth up to 35 cm with a width up to 85 cm.

The gearbox here is again a cast iron gear. It is both durable, wear-resistant, and affordable. The coupling device is made according to the same universal design - there will definitely not be any problems with compatibility with attachments.

In general, the MTU-350 is a durable and relatively inexpensive walk-behind tractor, aimed at cultivating areas of 15-20 acres and can even cope with virgin soil.

Users note the excellent performance of this model, ease of control and flexibility of settings for the operator. No noticeable shortcomings were identified.

What can be included with

A wide variety of aggregators can be installed on this motor cultivator; fortunately, torque take-off shafts provide for the installation of complex equipment, including:

plows and cutters of various types
pumps
harrow
potato diggers and potato planters
hillers
seeders
different types of mowers
dumps for earth and snow
cleaning brushes
auger rotors
The installation of an inter-row cultivator is provided; this unit is capable of turning the cultivator into a serious device and competing with small tractors. With this device, the cultivation process is accelerated and the amount of fuel is saved, in this walk-behind tractor - diesel.

Heavy walk-behind tractor Zubr 8

MTU-450

Here the situation is the same as in the MTB line. Externally and in most design features, this model is identical to the previous one. The key difference is the more advanced transmission:

MTU-350 has 3 high (1st from 82 rpm, 2nd from 112.7, rear from 61.5) and 3 low (1st from 60.4 rpm, 2nd from 83.1, rear from 45.3) transmission;
MTU-450 has 4 high (1st from 37.3 rpm, 2nd from 82, 3rd from 112.7, rear from 51.2) and 4 low (1st from 27.5 rpm, 2 -1st from 60.4, 3rd from 83.1, rear from 37.8).

A larger number of working gears again expands the possibilities of using the walk-behind tractor. It can be more flexibly adapted to tasks of varying complexity, while simultaneously increasing the efficiency of their solution and operating equipment at optimal loads. This device will be good in areas with heavy soil with an area of 20 acres or more.

Reviews note high reliability. “Works hard!” — writes one of the users. And our experience confirms that this is indeed the case. Another valuable point, tested in practice, is easy starting in cold weather for use as a snow blower.

Reviews

Denis, 37 years old
At first I doubted the quality of the equipment, as I was confused by the Chinese assembly. As it turned out, it was completely in vain. I bought a JR-Q78, for some reason it was written - made in Belarus, although it is known that this is Chinese equipment. During the first year, the walk-behind tractor worked without breakdowns. A year later I changed the bearing, no more problems. I have been using the equipment for five years, it starts without problems.

Dmitry, 44 years old
I bought an 8 liter ZUBR walk-behind tractor. With. After running it in, I immediately attached the potato digger and tried it out on the field. The device is somewhat heavy to operate, so I am considering purchasing an adapter. There is enough power for work and transportation.
Read also: Do -it-yourself trailer for a walk-behind tractor, drawings of homemade carts

Land owners can choose a suitable Zubr walk-behind tractor. There are equipment on sale with different performance levels. To expand the capabilities of the walk-behind tractor, you can buy attachments.

MTSH-500

This is the starting model in a more advanced line, designated MTS. Its main feature is the presence of a power take-off shaft. This is a drive located coaxially with the engine, designed to transmit the torque of the power plant to active attachments. In other words, here the engine drives not only the walk-behind tractor itself, but also additional equipment. This could be a lawn mower, potato digger, snow blower, etc. – a huge range of active hitch options is offered. Therefore, if you need not just a cultivator, but a device with extremely wide functionality, then choose a walk-behind tractor with a PTO.

As for the MTSH-500 model, this is a good option for relatively small (15-20 acres) areas and not the most difficult tasks. It is based on the already familiar 7-horsepower 212 cc Zubr engine - the same one used in the MTB and MTU series. In combination with a 3-speed transmission (1 low), its performance is sufficient for plowing soil to a depth of 35 cm with a working width of 85 cm.

At the same time, this walk-behind tractor is structurally superior to the younger series. In particular, it uses a more reliable and efficient disc clutch located in an oil bath. It helps convert engine power into motion more efficiently and has decent durability. And the solid cast iron gearbox can withstand high loads and long-term operation.

The main feature of this device is the power take-off shaft with a diameter of 14 mm with a groove of 3 * 5 mm. The design ensures ease of connection and reliable fixation of attachments and stable transmission of motor torque.

Among other features that emphasize the increased “professionalism” of the MTSH-500, it should be noted:

large wheels with toothy tread;
2-sided opener with reinforced design;
powerful frame, resistant to high loads of different directions;
6 cutters with 4 blades each.

In addition to the PTO, the design also includes a coupling unit with standard size studs.

Reviews about this model are mostly positive. Users note the excellent performance of the power take-off shaft and the good compatibility of the MTSh-500 with a wide range of attachments. Again, there are no complaints about the quality of execution. The only nuance that needs to be taken into account is that the engine here is the same as that used in the younger versions. Therefore, in complex work and/or with a heavy “hitch” the walk-behind tractor does not work too quickly. At the same time, the price here is more than reasonable - this is one of the most profitable devices in its class. So, if you do not set any global goals for it, it will almost certainly please you.

User manual

Having made a purchase and brought the walk-behind tractor home, do not rush to put it to work right away. To begin with, be sure to read the detailed operating instructions for the device, which is included in the package.

This manual covers the most important issues that will help extend the life of your motorized device. So, what information is contained in this document:

The design of a specific walk-behind tractor model with drawings, diagrams and descriptions.
Run-in, first launch. The most important chapter, incorrectly performed (or not performed at all) running-in will lead to breakdown of the unit in the very first hours of operation.
The procedure for carrying out maintenance of the unit, which includes changing the oil, cleaning it from contaminants, preserving the walk-behind tractor for periods of inactivity, etc.
Description of the most common faults, their causes and recommendations for repairs.

As for break-in, you first need to completely fill the walk-behind tractor with fuel, add oil, water for cooling (if it is water), lubricate the rubbing parts with oil and check the reliability of fasteners and tension belts. Then let the car run for some time at idle, and, in increasing order, at each of the available speeds (the exact time is indicated in the instructions).

During the break-in process, we check the brake system, steering, etc. Having completed the break-in strictly according to the instructions, we proceed to maintenance.

Maintenance is:

Monitoring the oil and fuel levels in the system. The fuel used is high-quality unleaded gasoline A-92, or diesel for diesel walk-behind tractors.
Control of its quality.
Cleaning all parts of the walk-behind tractor from dust and dirt.
Lubricate the rubbing parts of the unit with appropriate oils (specified in the instructions).

See the table for which oils to use:

Checking and tightening fasteners.
Preservation of the unit in winter.

The instructions describe the most common problems with the walk-behind tractor, indicate their causes and ways to solve the problem.

Here is a video on how to properly start the Zubr walk-behind tractor:

We invite you to watch a video showing how good the Zubr walk-behind tractor is at working with a plow:

MTSH-600

If you need higher performance, then pay attention to the 600th model with a power take-off shaft. This is already a fairly heavy and powerful device, designed to service areas of over 20 acres and perform fairly heavy-duty work.

It uses a more powerful 270 cc engine, developing a power of 9 hp. It is implemented through a disc clutch and a 3-speed gearbox. Its operating speed range is wider than in the box of the younger model:

for MTSH-500 – 93.3 rpm. at first speed, 129.9 at second, 67.8 at reverse;
for MTSH-600 – 83.5 rpm. at first speed, 145.3 at second, 62.6 at reverse.

In practice, this means more powerful thrust in 1st gear and increased operating speed in 2nd. In other words, the “six hundred” copes with heavy tasks more easily and performs simple work faster. The maximum plowing depth is the standard 35 cm, but the passage width has been increased to 110 cm.

The next difference is the increased volume of the fuel tank, 6.5 liters versus 3.6 liters for the previous model. This almost 2-fold increase not only compensates for the increase in power, but also increases the operating time on one refill.

The power take-off shaft here is larger: 18 mm in diameter, groove 3.5 * 6 mm. It is designed to work with heavier attachments, which further increases the productivity of the walk-behind tractor. The wheels of this model are also larger in size, which makes it move more confidently on difficult surfaces.

Overall, the walk-behind tractor turned out to be very practical, functional and easy to use. It really has higher performance and performance. In terms of its capabilities, it surpasses the 500th model not only on paper, but also in the field - tested personally. The price tag for such characteristics is quite affordable.

Analogs

The main analogue is the Neva MB-23S 9.0 . If we compare it with the Bison, it wins primarily due to its more compact dimensions and lighter weight (100 kg), but a gasoline engine with a complex design will cause a lot of trouble, ranging from difficulty in maintenance, to high consumption (versus a diesel engine) and caustic exhaust smell due to the use of gasoline fuel. Another analogue of the Bison is the Centaur MB 1080D ; it’s practically a copy, if not for the even greater weight (205 kg) and smaller gas tank volume (5.5 liters).

MTSH-700

The most advanced model in the Zubr line, its capabilities are not inferior to some models of garden tractors. The device is quite heavy (140 kg), but this is compensated by the 13-horsepower gasoline engine.

The transmission here is already 4-speed:

reduction with a rotation speed of 41 rpm;
main, operating at 78 rpm;
boost, producing 106 revolutions;
rear with 37 revolutions.

The clutch, as in other MTS models, is a disc clutch located in an oil bath. The gearbox is cast iron, solid cast, 6-sided hardened axis with a cross-section of 32 mm.

Structurally, this model is generally not much different from the “six hundredth”: the same 12-inch wheels, a similar 6.5-liter gas tank, and a power take-off shaft stud with the same dimensions. Again, a universal hitch is provided.

However, due to a more powerful engine, it plows the soil with 10 cutters to a width of 135 cm - the maximum among all Zubrovsky walk-behind tractors. This is also the only model in the line of the Russian manufacturer that has in its design an inter-wheel differential with the ability to “disable” one of the wheels by pressing a special lever. As a result, you can turn the walk-behind tractor almost on the spot, without putting any effort into it - the engine will do everything.

In general, the MTSH-700 is the most versatile unit in the Zubr line of gasoline walk-behind tractors. He is capable of almost any task in a garden plot or on a small private farm. It easily copes with plowing large areas, is compatible with a wide range of attachments (both passive and active), and can be used as a powerful mini-tractor for transporting goods.

Zubr models

The manufacturer produces two large groups of walk-behind tractors - those running on diesel fuel and gasoline. Agricultural technology differs in cooling methods. Lighter devices use air-cooled motors. Powerful and heavy units are equipped with water-cooled motors.

Diesel

The Chinese manufacturer offers several models running on diesel fuel. They differ in motor power, type of cooling, starting and cooling methods, and number of speeds.

PS-Q74

This walk-behind tractor has a four-stroke air-cooled engine. Motor power – 4 l. With. Dimensions: LxWxH, cm – 143x52x82, used for processing small plots of land and greenhouses.