Mini tractors for households: features, how to choose

A mini tractor is a universal medium-sized agricultural unit equipped with an internal combustion engine with an output of up to 40 horsepower.
Technicians consider it an intermediate link between a walk-behind tractor for plowing a garden and a full-fledged heavy-duty tractor. Most often, such agricultural machinery does not have a cabin, although even with this drawback, the working process on a mini tractor seems much more comfortable than for a conventional walk-behind tractor: the operator gets the opportunity to sit down and control the machine with levers.

Many inexperienced users believe that the terms “mini tractor” and “motor tractor” are identical and interchangeable concepts. In reality, everything is not so: a motorized tractor is a tractor adapted from a walk-behind tractor. Even the best motorized tractor cannot technically compare with a real mini tractor.

The leading unit of such units is a walk-behind motor, the force of which is in the range of 10-25 hp. They also have a walk-behind transmission, a weak wheel frame, and only one cylinder, while all mini tractors are characterized by a three-cylinder design.

So that such confusion does not arise, and the need to choose this technique is based on clear knowledge and not on guesswork, we will try to shed light on this topic and answer the most frequently asked questions from users.

Advantages of mini tractor equipment and scope of its application

A minitractor for a summer residence, being a multifunctional device, in addition to the basic agricultural operations - plowing, harrowing the surface layer of the earth, performs the following work:

• mowing grass for the purpose of preparing it for hay or haylage;
• improvement of lawns;
• placement of fertilizers and seed material;
• irrigation of the utility plot;
• formation of beds;
• extraction of root crops from the soil;
• snow removal of areas of personal and industrial significance;
• laying trenches of various configurations and depths;
• digging holes for planting fruit tree seedlings;
• transportation of goods between fields, farms and settlements;
• unloading and loading tasks.

Of course, there is no better assistant for a farmer.

The advantages of mini tractors are:

• compactness;
• light weight – provides high maneuverability, ease of control, reduced impact on the pedosphere, which is no less important in the context of greening agricultural production;
• economical consumption of fuels and lubricants;
• labor productivity;
• ease of maintenance;
• reasonable price: a mini tractor is cheaper than conventional tractors.

It is also important that it is advisable to use mini tractors not only on the scale of a small personal household, but also in agricultural firms whose area reaches 20 hectares. In addition, as cargo carriers they can handle weights of up to 1.2 tons.

Producing countries

Every year thousands of tractors are produced for sale around the world. The leading countries producing motorcycles are China, Korea and Belarus. Their pricing policies vary significantly. If Chinese and Belarusian mini tractors can be classified as budget equipment, then Korean ones are equipment of a higher price category. The Chinese and Belarusians focus on simplicity of design and try to maintain affordable prices. While the Koreans create a higher quality and more technologically advanced product. However, Russian consumers prefer practical and inexpensive mini tractors.

The Gardenshop online store presents all the most popular models of mini tractors with descriptions, photos, characteristics and prices.

Types of mini tractor equipment

Functionally they are divided into:

• garden mini tractors;

• riders.

The latter are small-sized special equipment adapted for mowing grass. Their main drawback is their meager set of operational functions.

Compared to a rider, a garden tractor is a real professional in gardening work. Replaces many technical equipment - cultivator, walk-behind tractor, snow blower, forage harvester, frigate, etc. Mini tractors can be equipped with any auxiliary equipment - a rake, cart, harrow, seeder or snow brush (as in the photo below), which makes the range of their applications unlimited.

They differ not only functionally, but also structurally: the riders’ engine is rear-located.

According to the type of chassis of the mini tractor there are:

• tracked - perfectly adapt to any type of surface and are quite maneuverable on uneven country roads. Good option for the village;

• wheeled - move faster and are easier to control.

Depending on the type of fuel being filled:

• diesel - an agricultural machine with a diesel engine is more economical in consumption and exhibits good wear-resistant properties. The main disadvantage of diesel mini tractors is the strong noise they make during operation, and the expensive spare parts and repairs themselves. The power of diesel mini tractors is up to 12 hp;
• gasoline ones are adapted for any time of the year, are quiet and more profitable in terms of troubleshooting: repairs will cost less than with diesel options. A nuance that may confuse you is the high consumption of gasoline, which is becoming more expensive every year. Their traction potential prevails over diesel: they are capable of developing power up to 18 hp.

By drive type:

• all-wheel drive – all-wheel drive for a minitractor provides high maneuverability due to controllability of all 4 wheels at the same time;
• front-wheel drive – driving front wheels;
• rear-wheel drive - drive only to the rear wheels.

The last classification we will focus on will be based on traction force:

• lightweight mini tractors (with a motor up to 5 kW) - ideal for areas of 2 hectares, fast on dirt roads. Use fuel rationally;

• average 9 5-13 kW) - suitable for agricultural farms with an area of ​​5 hectares, large garden plots. Popular not only among farmers, but also among gardeners;

• heavy (13-40 kW) - their operating parameters are similar to conventional tractors.

As a separate non-classification item, we can name homemade mini tractors made at home. You can see examples of some of them in the pictures below.

Conversions with a breakable 4x4 frame are considered quite popular. Craftsmen have learned to make all-wheel drive models. An all-wheel drive mini tractor, even if it is a homemade one, can withstand hard work better.

A popular homemade product today is a mini tractor made from spare parts of used cars: A mini tractor for the household with your own hands will cost much less than purchasing a factory analogue.

Top 7 most popular models

Manufacturers of agricultural machinery from different countries offer dozens of models of mini tractors to choose from, designed to help in the household. All models can be placed in three price segments:

• Budget. They have a minimal set of functions and low power. Does not come with any accessory. Well suited for small households, for example, a vegetable garden. Power is 12-25 hp. With. They cost about 150-200 thousand rubles.
• Modifications of equipment with an average cost. They have increased power and functionality. Often supplied with attachments. The cost is in the range of 250-500 thousand rubles.
• Expensive. Equipped with a powerful engine with 2-3 cylinders, a three-point device for fixing pendant devices and a gearbox with the ability to lock the differential. The price starts from 500 thousand rubles. and can reach 1.5 million rubles.

Centaur T-24 (Belarus)

Centaur T-24
This is an improved mini tractor based on the Centaur T-15 with a Japanese Toyokawa Japan engine and an increased service life. The model has a full hydraulic system and a reliable belt drive. The equipment has a water cooling system designed for 10 hours of uninterrupted operation. Detailed parameters:

• price: RUB 234,500;
• characteristics: engine – diesel 4-stroke, power – 24 hp. s., volume – 980 cm3, fuel consumption – 400 g/1 hour, clutch – dry disc, number of gears – 5 forward, 2 reverse, width and depth of cultivation – 1200x200 mm, ground clearance – 350 mm, speed – up to 45 km /h, dimensions – 2.53x1.22x1.35 m, weight – 630 kg, equipment – ​​plow, cutter, zip;
• scope of application: well suited for areas up to 6 hectares;
• advantages: full hydraulics, liquid cooling, small turning radius, large wheels, adjustable track width;
• disadvantages: lack of a cabin, which limits the scope of application in cold weather.

Belarus 112H-01 (Belarus)

Minitractor Belarus 112H-01
Another Belarusian household unit, which is an improved model of the Belarus-132H minitractor. The equipment is equipped with a Japanese Honda GX390 engine with increased efficiency and long service life. The frameless design provides good maneuverability. Detailed parameters:

• price: RUB 289,990;
• characteristics: engine – gasoline 4-stroke, power – 13 hp. s., drive type – full, number of speeds – 4 forward and 3 reverse, dimensions – 2.5x1x2 m, weight – 389 kg, gearbox – mechanical, cooling system – air;
• scope of application: a wide range of municipal and agricultural work, cargo transportation;
• advantages: all-wheel drive, front axle locking, can work with a wide range of attachments, maneuverable;
• disadvantages: low power, overpriced, no cabin for that price.

Garden Scout T18 (Russia)

Garden Scout T18

A good Russian-made mini tractor that can be used even in street or courtyard areas. The center differential lock and deep tire tread add cross-country ability. Suitable for regions with different climates. Detailed Specifications:

• price: RUB 185,900;
• characteristics: engine – diesel ZS1100-T, power – 18 hp. s., weight – 615 kg, dimensions – 2.5x1.3x1.3 m, road sag (clearance) – 27 cm, gearbox – mechanical, gears – 6 front, 2 rear, drive – 2WD rear, track – 110- 145 cm, turning radius (min.) – 200 cm, lifting capacity of the mounted system (single-point) – up to 190 kg;
• scope of application: working with soil on an area of ​​up to 3 hectares, transporting goods, cleaning areas;
• advantages: reasonable price, lockable differential, easy to turn, good maneuverability and controllability;
• disadvantages: low power, no power steering.

Mitrax T10 (Russia)

Mitrax T10
This garden mini tractor is equipped with a 15 hp Lifan 190FDC engine. With. It was developed by Russian engineers and designers taking into account the peculiarities of operation in Russia. The advantage is its modest size, providing excellent maneuverability. Detailed parameters:

• price: 257,000 rub.;
• characteristics: engine – gasoline 4-stroke, power – 15 hp. s., volume – 420 cm3, forward speed – up to 9.9 km/h, reverse – up to 2.4 km/h, fuel tank volume – 6.5 l, transmission – mechanical, cutting width – 95 cm, deck knives – 3, dimensions – 179x88x102 cm, weight – 270 kg;
• scope of application: recommended mowing area 1000-2500 m2;
• advantages: compact, maneuverable, easy to control, powerful mud wheels as standard;
• disadvantages: low power, low speed, no cabin.

XINGTAI XT-244 (China)

XINGTAI XT-244
A mini tractor model with a cabin, invented by Chinese engineers. This is a reliable and high-quality equipment, under the hood of which there is a two-cylinder engine. Well suited for households, forestry and public utilities. Detailed parameters:

• price: RUB 593,620;
• characteristics: engine – four-stroke diesel, power – 24 hp. s., speed up to 31.66 km/h, track (front, rear) – 106 and 102 cm, wheelbase – 165 cm, transmission – 4WD, turning radius – 4.5 m, dimensions – 2.87x1.38x1.9 m, weight – 1210 kg;
• scope of application: for households up to 10 hectares;
• advantages: powerful, cabin, three-point clutch;
• disadvantages: high cost, may be inconvenient in small areas.

Fighter T-15 with rotary cutter (China)

Fighter T-15 with rototiller
An inexpensive mini tractor with a powerful rear hydraulic cylinder, which helps to deepen or lift attachments high. It has a gearbox with a differential lock, separate for each wheel. Well suited for household use, including plowing and cleaning the area. Detailed parameters:

• price: RUB 142,800;
• characteristics: engine – diesel, power – 15 hp. s., volume – 998 cm3, transmission – mechanical, fuel tank volume – 6 l, cooling – water, gears (forward and reverse) – 3 and 1, speed – up to 17 km/h, wheelbase – 105 cm, dimensions – 1.15x1.5x2.1 m, weight – 490 kg;
• scope of application: for households up to 5 hectares;
• advantages: affordable cost, maneuverability, presence of a rototiller, powerful hydraulic cylinder;
• disadvantages: small number of gears, low power generator.

Kubota GL-25 D 4WD (Japan)

Kubota GL-25 D 4WD
A powerful and efficient mini tractor for households from Japanese manufacturers. The unit has a differential lock and power steering. Detailed parameters:

• price: 510,000 rub.;
• characteristics: engine – diesel, power – 25 hp. s., fuel tank volume – 20 l, gearbox – mechanical, speeds (forward, reverse) – 16 each, drive – wheel 4WD or switch 2WD, hitch system – three-point, cutter – 170 cm, dimensions – 3.05x1.35x1 .45 m, weight – 934 kg;
• scope of application: for large areas;
• advantages: power steering, powerful, copes well with the task;
• disadvantages: no cabin for this price, difficult to find.

Which mini tractor to choose?

This question is asked by everyone who decides to purchase such a garden assistant.
Experts advise when choosing a mini tractor to be guided by the following criteria:

• Purpose of purchase - if mini-equipment is purchased for small areas of land up to 5 hectares, it is better to choose a light option in terms of power; for professional intensive tasks you need to choose a more powerful model.
• For a standard garden plot, you can choose a motorized tractor, the differences from a minitractor which we discussed at the beginning of the article.
• engine type - the choice here is not so wide, but you can say without a doubt which minitractor is the most reliable. Mini tractors equipped with diesel engines are still considered the most durable and reliable;
• drive feature - all-wheel drive tractors, which by the way most often come with a diesel engine system, are more functional than other options. For cargo transportation, improving lawns and caring for row crops, it is still better to pay attention to rear-wheel drive mini-units;
• dimensions and weight of the equipment - remember that your tractor must not only move freely across the existing field or garden, but also drive into the garage or other room where it will be stored. Tractor weight has a lot to do with performance. But if the future volume of work is not so high, it is best to choose a machine weighing up to 1 ton. The proportion will help you choose the optimal weight of a mini tractor: per 1 hp. must account for 50 kg of the weight of the unit;
• gearbox – mechanics are more versatile, and that’s a fact. Although for light options you can opt for an automatic transmission;
• complete set - includes not only the mini tractor itself, but also everything that comes with it. Some companies initially supply such agricultural equipment with certain adapters, but most often they have to be purchased separately.
• functionality - it increases if the minitractor has: a power take-off shaft (PTO) - a guarantee of trouble-free mounting of auxiliary equipment (plow, harrow, etc.);
• three-position hitch;
• hydraulic box;
• comfort options - ergonomic cabin for the tractor driver, additional lighting, power steering, on-board computer, etc. The best models found on the domestic market have similar functionality.

Attachments

A cultivator is used for sowing and gardening work. With its help, you can prepare beds, loosen the soil, and weed out weeds. Some models have a fertilizer application function. To clear a site or driveway in winter, a blade, a mounted brush made of thick rubber, or a special snow blower, which do an excellent job of removing snowdrifts and drifts, will be useful.

Mini tractors provide the possibility of installing a mechanical potato planter. It is necessary for cultivating a large plot of land. Such a device simultaneously plows the soil and buries the tubers to the required depth, forming even beds. Hiller is a useful harvesting device. It is compatible with automatic potato planter. For excavation work, you will need an excavator bucket, which is also installed on a mini tractor. It will help you quickly dig a pit, pour a foundation and lay utilities.

Rating of the best garden mini tractors

The top best equipment manufacturers now include not only foreign modifications, but also domestic brands.

• Garden Scout GS-T12DIF;
• Belarus 132H;
• KMZ-012N;
• Xingtai XT-220;
• Jinma JM 244;
• Garden Scout T12;
• Dongfeng DF 244;
• PRORAB TY 244;
• MasterYard M244 4WD;
• LS Tractor J27 HST.

Many modern farmers have appreciated the advantages of Chinese mini tractors from the companies Jinma, Dongfeng and Xingtai.
An important advantage of all of their models is the price, which is acceptable for a limited budget with high build quality and wide operational capabilities. Domestic manufacturers also keep up with modern trends, which is why models such as Garden Scout T25 and TS 18DB are bestsellers in Eastern Europe. We can talk a lot more about how to choose a mini tractor. The main thing in this is to correctly correlate your budget, the area of ​​the plot and the functions that the future tractor will need to perform. If this is done correctly, you will enjoy your purchase for many decades to come.

Main manufacturers

Many mini tractors of various brands have been created. Buyers prefer Chinese or Ukrainian-made equipment. Famous manufacturers are also striving to occupy this niche, but prices for analogues from Europe are much higher. Approximate model range of popular mini tractors in Russia:

• “Belarus-132H” (Belarus, Smorgonsky aggregate (Kurgan);
• “Uralets T-0.2” (Chelyabinsk tractor (Prikarpatets);
• "Belarus-310/MTZ-310" (Minsk);
• Garden Scout T-12, T-25 (manufactured in China, assembled in Russia);
• Fighter T-15, T-22 (China - Russia).

One of the leaders in the Russian production of mini tractors, spare parts and attachments for equipment is LLC.

As for Chinese production, there are about 20 factories from China in Russia. You can purchase both expensive models of equipment (Jinma, Foton, YTO, Dong Feng, Xingtai) and more affordable models from Dong Feng and Jinma. Some of the cheapest models are mini tractors from the Catmann line. But it is worth considering that low-price Chinese equipment is not provided with spare parts.

Japanese-made Kubota mini tractors have proven themselves well. Used models have earned a huge share of sales in Russia, thanks to their excellent quality and long service life. From the higher price segment of equipment, we can name mini tractors made in Korea (Branson, KIOTI), as well as Italian models of mini tractors in Russia (BCS, FERRARI, PASQUALI).

Rating of the most affordable mini tractors adapted to Russian conditions, which have received many positive reviews:

• JINMA-244;
• KUBOTA B2420;
• Bulat-404;
• MTZ (Belarus) 132M;
• Centaur T-224.

Buy new or used

Equipment in the store is expensive, so buyers are often inclined to purchase cars on the used market. Various technical, operational and functional problems may arise with them. The cost benefit is minimal.

If, nevertheless, the choice fell on equipment that was used by another owner, then it is advisable to at least use it with original attachments. Most Chinese cars are sold on the used market, for which it is difficult to find spare parts, not to mention service and the fact that the warranty period for such a unit has long expired.

This garden mini tractor or walk-behind tractor comes without instructions or even notes in English. There is a high probability that the buyer will receive a car with half-worn hieroglyphs and in an uncertain technical condition.

In most cases, this is a model that has been discontinued for a long time. Repairing it will be difficult and unprofitable. The safety of operation of such units is questionable. When purchasing such a machine, it is necessary to do a thorough technical examination. But even this will not guarantee the absence of hidden breakdowns and dangerous defects.

Alternative to a mini tractor

The minitractor is not the best suited for solving specific household and agricultural problems. Therefore, when choosing, it is advisable to consider alternative options.

Country walk-behind tractors

Such devices are simpler than mini tractors. Their functionality is completely sufficient for loosening, planting crops, mowing grass, snow removal and other activities in a small area. The garden walk-behind tractor is easy to maintain and store.

Loaders for cottages

If construction is planned on the site or a wholesale trade business is being developed, you will need a compact and maneuverable loader. Models of Chinese dacha equipment will perfectly cope with all the tasks assigned. These are multi-purpose units that can minimize the amount of manual labor. They are tracked or wheeled. It is easy to select the necessary attachments for them.

Hydraulic tractor

This is a practical and multifunctional machine with a large number of compatible accessories and units. It is suitable for both everyday country work and for use in small-scale construction. It is convenient to transport cargo on a hydraulic tractor, including bulk cargo (provided that the appropriate equipment is installed). It is capable of cultivating and loosening the soil, hilling crops.

Branson 5220C

Branson 5220C can be classified as the most expensive. And this is quite understandable. The agricultural all-wheel drive motor allows you to cultivate large areas. The mini-tractor is suitable for use both on the farm and in larger-scale projects. The engine runs entirely on diesel fuel. The engine of the device has 4 cylinders and its power reaches 55 hp. It is thanks to it that the mini-tractor can accelerate to 23.8 km/h. The mini-tractor's gearbox has 24 speeds - 12 forward and 12 rear.

The appearance of the mini-tractor is also pleasantly surprising. It is somewhat similar to the Grasshopper GH 220 tractor, but differs in build quality. There is no doubt about the reliability of this unit. The dimensions are 331.6 × 132-182 × 236 cm. It is worth noting that the cabin here is completely closed, and its height can be changed at your discretion. That is, when ordering a mini-tractor, you must immediately indicate the desired height.

The cabin has a full heating system, as well as air conditioning. The seat is as comfortable as possible to reduce the load on the driver's back. Due to the fact that the cabin of the mini-tractor is completely sealed, you can work on it at any time of the year.