Rating of the most popular models of Neva walk-behind tractors for 2022

Neva walk-behind tractors have a reputation as reliable gardening machines due to being equipped with engines from Japanese and American manufacturers, which gives a long service life of the key unit and stable operation under high loads. Powerful power units are capable of confidently pulling the device forward by rotating the wheels, and the power take-off shaft allows you to attach cutters and other active devices. We have prepared a rating of the best Neva walk-behind tractors for plowing, hilling, mowing grass, snow removal, weeding, and transporting goods when connected to a trailer.

Review of Brand Neva walk-behind tractors. Line of models, brand advantages

The history of the emergence of the Neva brand

CJSC "Red October - Neva" is a well-known Russian manufacturer of small-sized agricultural equipment.
CJSC "KO-Neva" is a subsidiary of the famous St. Petersburg manufacturer of aviation equipment SPB OJSC "Red October", which was founded in 1891. Under the Neva brand, a huge range of agricultural equipment is sold on the Russian, Ukrainian and Belarusian markets. Models of walk-behind tractors and walk-behind cultivators from this manufacturer are widely known in Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Moldova, Bulgaria, Armenia and the Baltic countries. The partners are American and Japanese companies, in particular, Briggs & Stratton, Honda, FHI Ltd (Subaru trademark), Lifan. Various types of Neva walk-behind tractors and walk-behind cultivators operate on engines produced by these companies.

The quality certificate assigned to the product is ISO 9001:2008. All equipment manufactured at the plant meets European CE safety requirements.

Advantages of the Robin Subaru engine

Durable housing and long service life. Advanced air purification system, forged steel crankshaft with bearings on both sides. The ignition coil is replaced by electronic ignition, and liners cast from cast iron increase the engine's service life.
Very high reliability. Thanks to special cooling channels in the block and head, the oil does not overheat even under heavy loads. Also, using metal instead of plastic increases reliability.
The engines are assembled in Japan in a factory where a high degree of automation has been achieved, which allows the production of a huge number of parts.

Low oil consumption. Due to the vertically located cylinders, all rubbing parts are uniformly lubricated, thereby achieving a sufficiently large torque on the shaft. The special design of the oil intake ring and excellent crankcase ventilation minimize oil consumption.
Reduced noise due to a rigidly fixed crankshaft and a specially shaped air filter, replacement of the cross section of the piston and camshaft.
Quick start. Due to the large bobbin in the starter, resistance during the starting process is quickly overcome, and automatic compression reduction for the operator makes starting effort easier.
Highly environmentally friendly. Subaru engines are not inferior to European environmental requirements, which were introduced in 2002, and Japanese exhaust gas requirements of 2003.
Compact and lightweight design. Although the strength of the engines is maximum for their size, they are small in size and weight. This is achieved through modern computer technologies. Minimum distances between components and assemblies are achieved using modern housing materials.

Review of the line of models and engines used in Neva walk-behind tractors

Motoblock "NEVA" MB2 "MultiAGRO"

Motoblock MB2-B MultiAGRO (I/C 6.5)

Diesel walk-behind tractor "Neva" MB 23-SD27

Motoblock "Neva" MB1C-6.0

Motoblock "Neva" MB1B-6.0FS

Motoblock "Neva" MB1-N MultiAGRO (GP200)

Motoblock "Neva" MB1-B MultiAGRO (RS950)

Motoblock "Neva" MB 2B-6.5RS

Diesel walk-behind tractor "Neva" MB 23-SD27

Motoblock "Neva" MB23-H9.0 PRO

Motoblock "Neva" MB 23B-10.0

Petrol Motoblock "Neva" MB 23С-9.0PRO

Motoblock Neva MB-Compact MB-S6.0
Motoblocks "Neva" are available in various modifications. Models available for purchase:

line of Neva walk-behind tractors with a classic gearbox (MB-compact, MB-2, MB-23, MB-23SD with various modifications);
“Neva” line with a Multiagro gearbox, the plant’s own patented design (MB-1, MB-2, MB-3 in several modifications).

Types of engines used in the model range of Neva walk-behind tractors:

diesel;
gasoline.

The manufacturer installs engines from the following manufacturers on these models:

Briggs&Stratton (USA, Vanguard engine);
Honda (Japan);
FHI Ltd (Subaru brand, Japan);
Lifan (Lifan Industry Group, China).

Advantages of Chinese engines

Relatively low cost.
Modern designs.
High reliability.
Universal in their purposes.
Availability of spare parts.

Chinese engines for walk-behind tractors have gained great popularity due to their advantages. Depending on their purpose, motors are equipped with additional equipment (gearboxes, starters and others). Only the latest equipment is used in the production of engines. After purchasing such an engine, you can use it immediately, without additional preparation. They are perfect for all types of walk-behind tractors, even homemade ones.

Top models and engines of the Neva brand

The most popular model in Russia and Ukraine is the Neva MB-2, as well as all its modifications (MB2B-6.0FS, MB 2S-6.5PRO, MB 2S-7.5PRO, MB2 GX-200, MB2 B-6.5RS) .

MB-2 belongs to a number of mid-class walk-behind tractors. It is readily purchased by farmers who own garden plots, farms and municipal farms of medium and small area.

Features of the MB-2: versatility, the transmission is selected in such a way that the walk-behind tractor can easily carry out any agricultural and agricultural work on plots of up to 20 acres or even more. MB-2 can reach speeds of up to 12 km/h!

The speed range is adjustable, and the speed of movement can be easily reduced to 2 km/h. Therefore, using the MB-2, you can transport loads around the site, clear the area from leaves or snow, collect hay in a trailer or cart, and also work directly on the ground.

An interesting feature of the MB-2 is its engine. The unit can be purchased with both the domestic DM-1K engine (6.2 hp) and with engines from foreign vehicle manufacturers, for example, from Robin-Subaru, Briggs & Stratton, Tecumseh. The manufacturer notifies on its official website that in the future new modifications of already known walk-behind tractors will be presented to customers.

If desired, in combination with walk-behind tractors, you can use mounted and trailed equipment produced by Russian and other manufacturers, whose equipment is aggregated with this walk-behind tractor. The most common trailed equipment: trailer, cart, plow, hiller, potato planter, snow blower, harrow, rippers.

It is known not only for walk-behind tractors. Motor-cultivators are also very popular - more compact and less heavy equipment, using which you can cultivate summer cottages with an area of up to 10 acres. One of the leading models, leading in popularity, is the MK-200 motor cultivator. The unit is available in three modifications (MK200-B5.0RS, MK200-H5.0, MK200-S6.0).

Each modification is powered by an engine from a different manufacturer - Honda, Subaru or Briggs & Stratton. If you compare their weight with walk-behind tractors, then walk-behind cultivators are, of course, almost twice as light. The only downside can be that they cannot process a large area without frequent breaks.

Engines installed on these units, if the operating rules are properly observed and timely maintenance, will work for many years and delight their owners with high productivity and reliability. You can install the engine yourself - after purchase, if you want to replace it with another, more powerful one, as well as after the engine wears out and the need for its unscheduled replacement.

It’s easy to find a video on the Internet showing how such an installation is carried out. For example:

Below is the Neva walk-behind tractor - a photo of the MB-23 model.

Motoblock "Neva" MB 23B-10.0

How to choose a Neva walk-behind tractor?

In order not to make a mistake with your choice and buy the most suitable Neva walk-behind tractor, it is worth considering the following aspects:

equipment class - light models are suitable for small areas, and for larger ones, in the presence of heavy soil, preference should be given to medium or heavy walk-behind tractors;
cultivation depth - most models provide 20 cm of depth, but professional walk-behind tractors are equipped with larger cutters that allow greater depth;
engine power – for small lands, light compact walk-behind tractors with a power of up to 4.9 hp are suitable, but if there are large areas, for example, on a large summer cottage or on farms, you should give preference to more powerful models;
additional functionality - carried out due to the presence of a universal mount, increased speeds, wheel unlocking, and high engine torque. It will be useful if the walk-behind tractor is intended to be used on farms.

Advantages of the Neva brand

Products of the Neva brand have several significant advantages in comparison with foreign agricultural machinery:

possibility of quick purchase (no need to wait for delivery of orders from abroad);
a wide selection of models operating on different types of fuel;
a wide range of modifications (each is unique!);
availability of service stations in every country where Neva walk-behind tractors or cultivators are used;
the ability to purchase the necessary spare parts or consumables for the maintenance of the walk-behind tractor;
simple and clear instructions in Russian;
stable operation of the walk-behind tractor subject to operating rules (if handled carefully, you can use this unit for many years");
moderate fuel consumption;
powerful gearboxes (classical or Multiagro);
affordable price;
extensive experience of the owners: you can always read reviews from real customers and find out how the Neva walk-behind tractor works. Videos about running in, engine disassembly and other key points of use can also always be found on the Internet;
if necessary, you can install a new engine on the walk-behind tractor to replace the old one, and continue efficient work.

Advantages of the HONDA engine

They have high power, from 1.5 to 12 hp.
They have high performance.
The engines of this company are equipped with a spray lubrication system, which will significantly increase the service life of the motor.
They have forced air cooling, which will allow the engine to work longer. Thanks to this system, the engine does not overheat.
Starting the engine after being idle is quick and easy thanks to automatic decompressors. The system starts manually and the start time does not depend on weather conditions;
Honda engines are reliable and economical and meet environmental standards.

Comparison of Neva walk-behind tractors with other brands

Neva or Oka?

Reviews of Neva walk-behind tractors in comparison with the Oka brand are quite critical. For example, some owners claim that Oka is the most inexpensive analogue. One of the advantages of Oka walk-behind tractors is their low cost, but the Neva has an advantage on the side of powerful and reliable American, Japanese, and Chinese engines.

The disadvantages of Oka walk-behind tractors include:

frequent advantage to one side due to the high center of gravity;
heavy weight (not suitable for a female operator);
rapid wear of drive belts.

So, Neva or Oka walk-behind tractor - which is better? It's up to the buyer to decide, of course. Before purchasing, you need to not only choose the desired walk-behind tractor, but also take into account the cost and practical benefits - the size of the plot, the capabilities of the unit, and personal skills. With proper use, any walk-behind tractor will be useful and will bring maximum results.

Neva or Salyut?

Salute, according to farmers who bought this unit, is a cheaper analogue of the Neva walk-behind tractor. We have collected the most common disadvantages of Salyut walk-behind tractors, according to reviews on farming forums:

factory wheels fly off from factory mounts due to strong vibration;
problematic engine starting in the cold (you have to warm up the engine for a long time, which increases fuel consumption);
sometimes it slips on virgin soil.

“Neva” deserves negative reviews less often, but in comparison with Salyut walk-behind tractors, some owners do not give it a very high rating. The usefulness of a walk-behind tractor can be individual - depending on the type of land, the size of the plot, the strength of the operator and the technical skills of operating the walk-behind tractor.

Neva or Ugra?

The Ugra walk-behind tractor is another domestic agricultural device that works with soils of varying complexity. In comparison with the Neva, the Ugra units are unlikely to cost more; some used models can be purchased at quite reasonable prices: in the range of 15-35 thousand rubles (5-15 thousand hryvnia), new ones will cost 3 times more - from 30 to 50 thousand rubles (10-30 thousand hryvnia).

The main disadvantages of "Ugra":

some models do not have an additional set of cultivators (must be purchased separately);
intense vibration on the steering wheel;
small fuel tank volume;
abrupt activation, lack of smoothness, starts from a place with a jerk.

Neva or Agat?

The Agat walk-behind tractor is a Russian-made technical unit, produced since 2002.

Like the Neva, they are equipped with domestic and foreign engines made in the USA, China, and Japan.

Cons of "Agatha", according to farmers (reviews from forums):

low wheel height compared to Neva;
when installing the trolley, the speed of the walk-behind tractor is very low;
some modifications were noticed to leak oil (weak seals);
the need to extend the starter cord to almost its entire length to start the walk-behind tractor.

In this video you can see a comparison of three types of walk-behind tractors, including “Neva” and “Oka”

Making tracks for a walk-behind tractor with your own hands

If you don’t want to buy a caterpillar drive for Neva walk-behind tractors, but make it yourself, then for this you will need the following materials:

the walk-behind tractor itself, equipped with an axle locking function and a 4-stroke engine;
transport tape or a pair of large-diameter car tires for making tracks;
a pair of extra wheels.

The simplest version of tracks for the Neva walk-behind tractor, reviews of which indicate the high efficiency of the design, is a design made from a transport belt. To make it, you will need a tape with a thickness of at least 7 mm, as well as an additional wheel on each side of the unit. To make the tape track last longer, you can stitch it along the edge with thick fishing line.

On a note! Additional wheels for a crawler walk-behind tractor can be taken from an old car. The main thing is that they exactly match the original wheels in diameter.

To make tracks with your own hands, it is better to use old car tires.

Also, a tracked unit from a Neva walk-behind tractor with an American or Japanese engine can be made using car tires. For this you will need tires with a large diameter and the correct tread pattern. It is best to choose tires from a tractor or large truck for this.

The process of making tracks from tires is divided into the following stages:

Cutting tracks for tracks in tires. To do this, you can use a special shoe knife, which must be moistened with a soap solution to facilitate the process of cutting rubber.
Cutting off the side part from them. This can be done with a fine-toothed jigsaw.
Removing excess parts from the inside of the tire.

The advantage of tracks made from car tires is their increased strength and reliability due to their solid structure. The disadvantage follows from the advantage and is that the length of such a track is strictly limited by the length of the tire.

In addition, tracks for walk-behind tractors can be made from belts or chains. In the first case, it is necessary to connect several belts with a wedge-shaped profile to each other. The connection is made using lugs and rivets. For the second option you will need two chains of the same size.

When installing tracks on a walk-behind tractor, use a water-cooled engine.

Before making tracks for the Neva unit, you need to correctly calculate their parameters. If the caterpillar is too high, the walk-behind tractor may tip over when turning. In addition, when installing tracks, it is better to choose a water-cooled engine model, since this design puts a greater load on the engine and can lead to overheating.

The main disadvantages and “diseases” of the Neva walk-behind tractors

Without the disadvantages, the advantages would not be so noticeable. Let's look at the main disadvantages and “diseases” of the Neva walk-behind tractors.

So, what do owners of Neva walk-behind tractors most often complain about after purchase?

not everyone is satisfied with the price (according to reviews, some buyers risk purchasing used equipment in order to save on a new walk-behind tractor);
Without a weighting agent, some models “jump” when working on the ground, but the problem can be solved - just hang a weighting agent on the walk-behind tractor. The weight of weights sold by manufacturers of attachments starts from 10 kg and above;
the heavy weight of certain Neva models makes them not very maneuverable. However, the large weight of the unit can be an advantage if used correctly;
The walk-behind tractor may not start on the ground with a slope of more than 15 degrees, so it is always recommended to start work on the most flat, horizontal surface possible;
the size of walk-behind tractors is generally compact, but there are also quite bulky models that will not fit in the trunk of a passenger car;
Feedback from farmers on the most common technical shortcomings: rapid wear of the drive belt, noise from the gearbox, bogging of cutters in virgin soil, cultivation of the soil in “waves,” abrasion of clutch cables and the need to replace them with new ones.

Walk-behind tractor functions

The main task of the unit, first of all, is soil cultivation, which includes hilling, harrowing, plowing and much more to prepare the land. The machine can also be used to remove snow in winter and garden waste in spring. 3 groups of attachments can be attached to agricultural equipment:

Front. It is an active tool, in addition to the blade blade, driven by belt transmission of torque from the power take-off shaft to the hitch at the front. This attachment performs the functions of a snow blower and a rotary broom.
Rear. The device is attached to the back of the walk-behind tractor using a special hitch. Such attachments are most often sold separately. It has a fairly wide range of settings and adjustments. With rear attachments you can perform the tasks of a digger, plow and others. It is advisable to additionally install wheels on the walk-behind tractor. Which, due to their metal construction, are securely and tightly coupled with the soil to ensure the best traction.
On the axis. They are installed directly on the axle in the form of cutters or lugs.

Agricultural equipment walk-behind tractor performs the following functions:

Cultivation. To perform this type of work on the unit, the wheels are replaced with sharp cutters, which, when rotating, mix the upper layers of the soil, thereby filling the ground with fresh oxygen. This function is very useful for preparing a vegetable garden or garden for planting agricultural products. This quality of soil preparation cannot be achieved if you use an ordinary shovel.
Plowing. A rear attachment such as a plow is used with a walk-behind tractor. A powerful engine ensures deep plowing and loosening of soil or virgin soil.
Harrowing. A special device with teeth attached to the unit at the back, called a harrow. Processes the edge of the soil, which is hard from the hot sun and dry wind, which prevents the supply of oxygen and water to the roots of plants, which are so necessary for obtaining a rich harvest. An additional advantage of harrowing is the destruction of weeds and grass.
Landing. For example, a device such as a potato planter is mounted to a walk-behind tractor, which has a small container into which about 2 buckets of potatoes are poured. Next, each tuber is placed on a special tape at a certain distance into pre-dug furrows. Special blades, next in the design of the potato planter, bury the potatoes. The almost automated process significantly saves both effort and time.
Care. This function of the unit is carried out using front attachments in the form of a rotary mower, which can easily level the decorative grass of the lawn, and also rid the garden or vegetable garden of unnecessary and interfering shrubs. And if you attach a water pump connected to the engine to the unit, you can water plants and pump out water, for example, from flooded rooms.
Cleaning in spring, summer, autumn. To collect garden waste into heaps, a device such as a shovel blade is used. To sweep, for example, brick or concrete paths, use a device in the form of a brush.
Cleaning in winter. The car copes well with such problems as snow. There are three attachments that help with snow removal: a rotary brush that sweeps away newly fallen snow; a blade shovel that shovels heavy wet snow; a blower that clears snow from concrete or asphalt areas, such as paths or parking lots.
Shipping. This type of work can be carried out by attaching a small trolley to the walk-behind tractor. This allows you to transport various cargoes and remove garbage. There are many types, designs and designs of such trolleys, which have their own load capacity, dimensions and other characteristics. But such additional equipment is not included in the package, but must be purchased separately. Since it may not be suitable due to the engine power and the weight of the unit itself, as well as due to different types of coupling.
Hilling. Basically, this type of work is used for processing potato bushes.

Review of manufacturing companies

The engine is the heart of the Neva walk-behind tractor. They differ in technical characteristics, as well as in the manufacturer and installation method. To understand how to choose a motor, it is necessary, first of all, to clearly define your goals, and secondly, to find out the basic technical details. characteristics of each Niva option, their differences.

Lifan (China)

This line of motors is considered one of the most economical, but their level of wear resistance is low. Such a motor cannot be considered a poor quality Chinese product. Many summer residents buy Lifan engines and use them for many years. Gardeners note the similarity of the engine with the Honda brand product. If you need to change the “native” engine on a Niva, then Lifan is a rational solution. The advantage of such engines is their fashionable design and simple controls. In addition, the farmer does not have problems with repair work.

On a note!

The manufacturer always supplies spare parts to the market, so there is no need to search and wait months for components.

The collection of Lifan motors is impressive. But we can highlight the best models, according to our compatriots:

168F-2. This is a 1-cylinder engine with a horizontal crankshaft. Runs on gasoline.
The 160F gasoline engine is more powerful (up to 4.3 kW) and at the same time economical in fuel consumption.
The 170F motor is suitable if you need an engine for a 4-stroke walk-behind tractor on the Neva. There is a horizontal crankshaft here, and an air cooler is also included.
Engine for walk-behind tractor 2V177F. Cylindrical internal combustion engine. It is considered one of the top characteristics of the Lifan brand.

Motors for Neva walk-behind tractors adapt to the climate in different regions, so rain or wet snow will not interfere with the task.

Briggs and Stratton (Japan)

Another manufacturer of agricultural tools is the Briggs and Stratton brand. Their engines are more powerful than those from China, therefore they are suitable for heavy agricultural manipulations. They are manufactured to the same standards and in the same production facility as Mitsubishi cars. Therefore, they have an impressive service life (4-5 thousand hours) with proper care. Also, all models have a large margin of strength and wear resistance.

One of the collections that has received particular attention among farmers is Vanguard. What makes it different is ease of start-up and a large muffler that guarantees silent operation. Such engines automatically monitor the oil level and will give a signal if it needs to be refilled. Technical characteristics of Vanguard series engines:

Tank volume up to 4 liters.
Weight approximately 4 kg.
Cylindrical sleeve made of cast iron.
Operates on motor oil.
Working volume – 110 cubic cm.
Power – up to 6.5 l/s.

The manufacturer provides a warranty for a certain period, but the ignition coil in the engine receives a lifetime warranty, which confirms the reliability of the technical device.

Yamaha (Japan)

This manufacturer is primarily known as the creator of motorcycles. However, this is not the only equipment; they also make engines for motor cultivators. This high-end engine is designed for very heavy agricultural work. Its power is 10 horses.

Note!

The motors are equipped with a gearbox with powerful traction. The working depth of the cutters is about 360 mm, which makes it possible to quickly plow or hill up the soil.

The control is 6-speed, there is a wheel release and reverse mode. Yes, the engine may seem expensive, but the price will really meet any farmer’s expectations and will more than pay for itself during operation.

Owner reviews

According to reviews from users of these motor cultivators, these are powerful and functional units that are easy to maintain and operate.

Sergey:

“I think that for a small plot or even a medium one - up to 20-25 acres - a cultivator is quite suitable. Of course, if you buy a unit that can only plow the ground, then this is the wrong choice. But Neva motor-cultivators with the capabilities of a walk-behind tractor are the best solution. Firstly, good characteristics, much lighter in weight than a walk-behind tractor. Secondly, it’s cheaper, and thirdly, it has functionality like a walk-behind tractor. And, of course, spare parts, service - all this is nearby. So, I’m happy with my Neva Mk-200 cultivator and recommend it.”