✅ DIY Zhiguli tractor: homemade, VAZ engine, how to make, mini tractor, drawings

You can make a mini tractor with a VAZ engine from virtually all well-known brands. The models most often susceptible to fracture are VAZ-2101, VAZ-2102, VAZ-2104, VAZ-2106, VAZ-2107, VAZ-2108, VAZ-2109. Let's focus on the VAZ-2106 model, which is distinguished by its efficiency and endurance.

Making a mini tractor from a VAZ: step-by-step instructions

A homemade minitratcore with a Zhiguli engine is another popular type of mechanical assistant designed with your own hands.
The reasons for creating such a homemade product are obvious. These are the low cost and availability of the starting material, the reliability and ergonomics of the structure assembled with your own hands, and the ability to mechanize most of the work on your own plot. With the help of a mini tractor from Zhiguli, you can perform soil cultivation and cargo transportation operations. You will also have the opportunity to work with a wide range of attachments - from a sprayer on a mini tractor to rakes. You can make a mini tractor with a VAZ engine from virtually all well-known brands. The models most often susceptible to fracture are VAZ-2101, VAZ-2102, VAZ-2104, VAZ-2106, VAZ-2107, VAZ-2108, VAZ-2109. Let's focus on the VAZ-2106 model, which is distinguished by its efficiency and endurance.

Types of tractors

By and large, a tractor is a very versatile machine. Regardless of what specific tasks you have to perform, you don’t need to seriously change the design. After all, it’s quite simple to purchase and install other attachments.

The tractor can be made on the basis of Zhiguli

Specifications

Characteristics:

length – about 2.5 meters;
width – about 800 mm;
track – 700 mm;
wheelbase –1100 mm;
height (without cabin and with wheels of different sizes) - approximately 1300 mm);
engine capacity – 1200-1800 “cubes”;
maximum power – 64-92 hp.

Preparatory stage of work

Creating a mini tractor with your own hands with a VAZ engine should begin with preparing drawings. As an example, you can use the figure below:

When creating drawings, immediately decide on the location of the gearbox and fuel tank. Provide a protective cover for the motor. It is advisable to strengthen the front suspension and shorten the frame. This will reduce the fuel consumption of the unit.

It is better to take components from one technique. This will facilitate possible repairs and operation in general. But if the quality of some components or parts is in doubt, you can use spare parts from other equipment. For example, the gearbox can be taken from a GAZ-53, and the rear wheels can be taken from a MTZ tractor. The axles, steering wheel and operator's work area can undoubtedly be borrowed from the selected VAZ model.

Work process

If you decide to make a mini tractor from a Zhiguli, then in the end you will get a fairly powerful machine with excellent characteristics. Such a unit will become a real assistant in performing any work on cultivating the land and caring for plants.

So, a mini tractor can be made with an engine from a VAZ 2106 or with an internal combustion engine VAZ 2101, but you will also need the following parts, which can definitely be borrowed from other cars:

The gearbox can be taken from the GAZ-53;
The rear wheels will fit from the MTZ-82, and the front wheels can be wheels from an old motor-cultivator or walk-behind tractor;
From the same VAZ 2106 you can take the steering and driver's seat;
The front and rear axles are taken from the Zhiguli. However, it is important to adjust their dimensions to the dimensions of the future homemade product.

Stages of creating a mini tractor from a VAZ:

A kinetic scheme is created. An important step that should not be skipped;
Making the frame. After adjusting its dimensions, it is necessary to carefully process the welding seams. If you don’t have a ready-made frame, you can easily make one from channels and corners. It is important to inspect the metal for rust after making it. You will also need to prime the frame in several layers;
Let's begin work on manufacturing the chassis. You need to very carefully inspect all components, and also carefully check the brake system;
If you are replacing wheels with bulkier ones, you will need to select suitable axles and brakes;
The engine is mounted;
A protective casing for the engine is created;
The driver's seat is attached;
Steering is installed;
Attachment points are created for future installation of attachments.

How to trim the rear axle of a VAZ for a mini tractor?

When independently constructing a unit from a Zhiguli, we are faced with the need to shorten the VAZ axle for a mini tractor. This is a rather responsible and difficult stage of work. To properly shorten, first read the diagram, which shows all the dimensions of the future structure:

Subsequent work should be performed according to the following algorithm:

The spring cup is cut off and the end flange is removed.
Part of the removed axle shaft is cut off, and a groove is made from the edge.
A hole is drilled inside the cup.
We dock and center the axle shafts, weld them according to the drawings.
We insert the finished part into the bridge.
We weld the bridge on both sides.
Welding seams must be of high quality. At the end of the welding work, the seams are heated and cooled several times.
We attach the bridge to the frame using a V-shaped structure.

For clarity, we also suggest that you watch the video, which shows in detail the process of shortening the VAZ bridge:

To shorten the front axle, you can use the diagram below:

Crazy hybrid

The authors of this work are definitely wasting their engineering talent. It was necessary to make a mega-spinner from 3 Zhiguli!

Do you want to repeat the feat of these heroes? Then follow this algorithm:

find 3 unnecessary front-wheel drive VAZs;
saw off their back parts;
connect the cut body parts into a triangular star.

Voila! Now you are the happy owner of an unusual automobile hybrid. However, do not rush to rejoice too much. The would-be inventors were unable to achieve the expected results. The autospinner still did not spin.

Moreover, the seat of one car fell off, and the threshold of the second one fell off. And then all three of them, as if by prior agreement, began to smoke together. Eh, it’s a pity for the damaged cars, but you could have used them like all normal people do - for driving.

Making a mini tractor based on a Zhiguli

Farm owners and summer residents who have fields larger than 10 acres need the help of agricultural machinery.
Of course, not everyone can afford to buy a factory mini tractor. However, in villages you can often find old Zhigulis that have already outlived their usefulness, but still have hope for a second life. It is on the basis of this car that you can design a wonderful mini tractor, which in its characteristics will not be inferior to purchased copies. A DIY Zhiguli mini tractor is an excellent option for those who do not want to spend money on expensive equipment. Moreover, the engine can be taken from different car models - VAZ 2101, VAZ 2106, VAZ 2109, and many others.

Homemade tractor based on Zhiguli

Despite the availability of inexpensive Chinese and German agricultural machinery on the market, not every domestic farmer can afford to buy a new mini-tractor. The conversion of any existing VAZ car will allow you to fully replace the much-needed unit. Standard spare parts and any components for assembling the unit are easy to find anywhere in the CIS. Moreover, a homemade tractor from a Lada will not be inferior to factory models in terms of power and performance. It can be used when:

plowing the site;
mowing the grass;
planting potatoes;
weeding beds;
applying fertilizers;
transportation of small cargo;
snow removal and other agricultural work.

The only significant drawback of such a homemade product is that a tractor with a Zhiguli engine requires expensive gasoline. But converting an agricultural unit to use a different type of fuel is problematic. However, the high cost of operation is more than covered by the low price of a do-it-yourself VAZ 2109 tractor and the low cost of subsequent repairs. By the way, the engine from the VAZ-2109 is more economical and consumes less fuel than engines from other versions of Zhiguli.

Where to begin?

As a rule, the construction of any homemade product begins with the creation of a drawing. The diagram will help you accurately calculate all dimensions, mark connection points, outline the shape and number of parts. Without a drawing, by eye, you are unlikely to be able to do everything correctly and efficiently the first time. Therefore, do not neglect this stage.

When working on a drawing of a mini tractor from Zhiguli, consider the following points:

the front suspension should be made stronger;
the engine must be placed under the driver's seat;
be sure to indicate changes in the chassis;
the motor in a Zhiguli mini tractor must be covered with a casing;
mark the location where the fuel tank will be located;
if you create a shortened frame, the tractor will be compact and economical in fuel consumption;
if you decide to reduce the frame, then keep in mind that the bridge will also be shifted.

Important points

If you decide to make a homemade mini tractor from a Zhiguli, you should know some important points. This technique will be a great help, and you won’t have to spend a lot on its production. But you should consider some legal important points:

If you buy an old Lada for homemade purposes, then a re-registration procedure must be carried out;
After this procedure, you must notify the traffic police about the planned work. An act of surrender of the rooms will be drawn up there;
After you create a mini tractor from a Zhiguli, you need to register it and get new license plates. But most often, farmers use such transport exclusively within their own area or between fields, so such registration can be avoided.

As you can see, making a mini tractor from a Zhiguli is quite simple. It is only important to think through every moment, prepare all the necessary parts and tools. Many owners of such homemade products note the excellent performance of the machine and its capabilities in working in the fields. But the important thing is that you assembled it yourself, and therefore, if a breakdown occurs, you can easily find and fix it.

Camshaft replacement

The standard camshaft of the VAZ 2107 distributes power approximately equally throughout the entire speed range. To improve power at low speeds, you can install a low-phase shaft, which closes the valves faster. A wide-phase shaft that opens the valves strongly gives an advantage when operating at high speeds.

Therefore, the market offers several camshaft options for tuning the VAZ 2107 engine: top, bottom (lower) and universal shafts.

Installing a low camshaft is convenient for those who often tow or simply do not like to “crank the engine” to high speeds. An overhead camshaft is needed for those who are used to maintaining high engine speeds. It starts working after 3200 rpm, but at low speeds the engine thrust weakens and fuel consumption increases. Therefore, such a camshaft is used only for specialized sports tuning.

Mini tractor from VAZ: advantages of self-assembly

Owners of plots of more than 10 acres often need the help of an agricultural machine. However, not every farmer can afford to buy factory equipment. In this case, you can make a mini tractor with your own hands with a VAZ engine. This will take time and effort, but very soon they will be compensated by the appearance of a reliable assistant on the farm, which can be used not only in the garden, but also in the local area.

Making a mini tractor from a VAZ has a lot of advantages.

These include:

the farmer receives almost unlimited possibilities for adjusting parts as required by specific operating and weather conditions;
Any Zhiguli model is suitable for assembling a mini tractor: VAZ 2101, 2102, 2104, 2106, 2107, 2108, 2109. The engines of all these machines are reliable, durable and unpretentious to the quality of fuels and lubricants. In addition, they are very easy to operate and maintain;
the farmer can choose any type of chassis for a mini tractor - a solid welded structure or a broken one, fastened with hinge mechanisms. This will allow you to operate homemade equipment in different road conditions - on a flat surface or for driving over rough terrain;
during further operation of a mini tractor with a VAZ gearbox and axle, its owner can always purchase any replacement parts in case the standard parts fail.

Of course, assembling a mini tractor will take time and effort. However, this will allow you to save a significant amount, while obtaining a reliable and productive agricultural machine. Provided the correct procedure is followed, the farmer will be able to assemble a high-quality mini tractor, which in terms of characteristics will be practically not inferior to most factory models.

What to consider when preparing for production?

The manufacture of any homemade device begins with searching and studying drawings. Thanks to the diagram, the farmer will be able to accurately calculate the dimensions of the elements, determine their shape and methods of fastening into the overall structure. Without the use of drawings, the VAZ minitractor became unbalanced and unreliable.

When choosing or creating your own scheme, you need to take into account a number of important factors.

These include:

the suspension in the front part of the structure must be reinforced;
all changes in the chassis must be noted in the diagram;
the mini tractor engine must be located under the driver’s seat;
it is necessary to lay a casing on top of the motor;
the drawing should indicate the location of the fuel tank;
so that the mini tractor from the VAZ is economical and maneuverable, its frame can be shortened;
if the frame can be shortened, then the bridge, accordingly, will need to be moved slightly.

By adhering to these rules when creating a scheme, it will be much easier for a farmer to assemble a high-quality and durable mini tractor with good performance parameters. Such an agricultural machine will be able to perform a lot of functions not only in the garden, but also in the local area.

After studying the drawings, you should prepare the elements necessary for assembly.

In addition to the motor, the list of important components includes:

gearbox taken from a GAZ-53 car;
seat and entire steering mechanism from any VAZ model;
a pair of rear wheels - can be taken from an old MTZ-82. In the front of the mini tractor you can install a pair of wheels taken from a walk-behind tractor;
The front and rear axles can be taken from old Zhiguli cars. If necessary, the dimensions of the parts can be adjusted to the overall dimensions of the structure.

After preparing everything you need, you can begin directly assembling a mini tractor from a Zhiguli.

Lightweight valves

Installing lighter than standard valves ensures that the valve closes quickly with a spring. For this purpose, expensive light alloy valves are used. This method of modernization provides greater efficiency and normalization of valve timing at high speeds.

When tuning valves, you can install upgraded valves with a special shape of the disc profile.

Sometimes, instead of using light alloy valves, the valve plates are simply lightened. Less weight requires less camshaft effort to operate. Reduced weight rockers can be used in conjunction with lightweight valves. This will give even more advantages when using the machine at high speeds.

A similar effect can be achieved by installing more powerful valve springs. The valves also begin to close more quickly, but this solution has its drawback: stronger springs place additional stress on the camshaft, reducing its durability.

How to make a mini tractor from a VAZ - assembly steps

The correct sequence of actions when assembling a mini tractor from a VAZ is one of the most important conditions on the path to manufacturing a high-quality machine. To avoid the risk of making a mistake, each of them should be studied in more detail.

Making a strong frame

One of the first and most important procedures. The more reliable and durable the frame, the more stable a homemade mini tractor with a Zhiguli engine will be. Provided that a high-quality and balanced frame is created, the agricultural machine will be able to overcome various obstacles in the form of hummocks, deep puddles and fallen stumps on rough terrain.

Where can you use a homemade mini-tractor?

A homemade mini tractor with a VAZ engine can be used in the garden on large plots of land. The homemade product can perform a large sector of agricultural work: from plowing, harrowing, soil milling, planting and plowing potatoes, snow removal, grass mowing to the most difficult work, such as harvesting and loading hay.

To summarize, we can answer the question of how to make a mini tractor from a Lada with your own hands. Creating such a mini-tractor is not very difficult, as it seems at first glance. After all, it is a very useful machine for farming. Moreover, a device made by yourself is in no way inferior to a factory one. It will be even stronger and more reliable, and most importantly, it will cost much less than in the store.

How to resolve legal issues?

If it was decided to make a mini tractor with a VAZ engine, then the farmer should take into account several important legal nuances.

These include:

if you buy an old Zhiguli car, you must go through the procedure of re-registration;
after this, you need to inform the traffic police representative about further plans for remaking the car;
Upon completion of the assembly of the mini tractor, the farmer will need to register it in his name and obtain new license plates. This is necessary if the agricultural machine will be operated on public roads.

If the owner of a mini tractor does not resolve all these issues, then, at best, he will face a considerable fine. During a repeated violation, traffic police officers have every right to confiscate the unit.

Features of assembling a tractor from a Lada

Before assembling a Zhiguli tractor with your own hands, you need to draw up a diagram. To create it, the manufacturer will need to take into account the dimensions of all installed parts in the plan. In order to prevent mistakes that will adversely affect the design of the homemade product, it is best to paint each of the elements separately. In addition, the manufacturer needs to prepare a separate drawing, which will indicate the features and dimensions of the finished Zhiguli tractor design. It will be possible to navigate by it when welding the supporting structure and manufacturing other components.

How to make a homemade tractor from a Zhiguli?

No less important than the preparation of drawings and components is played by the correct procedure during the assembly of a homemade tractor from a Zhiguli. Having made the slightest mistake during installation, the manufacturer will need to redo half of the structure - this will take a lot of time and effort.

To eliminate this, you need to act in this order:

First you need to create a kinetic scheme. It will tell the manufacturer the best way to transfer the force generated by the motor to the working parts of the homemade product. To do this, the diagram will need to indicate the type of transmission mechanism and the sequence of its operation;
After this, you need to prepare a supporting structure for a homemade product with a VAZ engine. The frame must be as reliable as possible in order to withstand shocks and strong vibration of the engine when it operates at high speeds. As a rule, metal channels and corners are used to assemble the structure. Their surfaces must first be coated with a product that will protect the iron from rust. It is best to apply several layers of primer to the frame parts, and after it dries, paint the structure. After this, the components of the frame will need to be welded together, following the instructions in the drawings;
Then you need to move on to manufacturing the chassis for the tractor from Zhiguli. For it you need to assemble 2 bridges, which will be attached to each other using hinges. The result will be a kind of fracture, which will make the unit more maneuverable and allow it to turn freely in a relatively small area. To prevent the fracture from jamming when turning at an acute angle, it must be generously lubricated with grease;
Next, the mini-tractor will need to be equipped with a braking system. It is best to take it, together with the parking brake mechanism, ready-made from a Zhiguli car;
After this, wheels must be installed on the finished bridges. If a homemade product must be equipped with wheels of large diameter, then the manufacturer must redo the axles and braking system in advance. The wheels must be inflated with air with a pressure of at least 2 atm each;
Then you need to arrange a place to mount the engine. To reduce its vibration, you will need to place a sheet of dense rubber between the motor and the supporting structure. It needs to be secured with self-tapping screws. Then a protective casing is installed on top of the motor, as well as an exhaust system. The main exhaust pipe should be directed away from the operator;
The operator can then proceed to install the seat. It is best to put old car springs under it - they will smooth out road unevenness. A tractor with a Zhiguli engine must also be equipped with steering controls;
At the last stage, the homemade product will need to be equipped with a linkage mechanism. Making it is quite difficult, so you can take a ready-made unit from an old tractor. For stable operation of the hitch, it must be equipped with cylinders and a pump that will pump the finished liquid. As a result, the manufacturer will have a simple hydraulic system. By supplementing it with a PTO operating at a speed of 540 rpm, it will be possible to install a wide range of active and passive mounted implements on the homemade product. Another useful element is a hook for installing a trailer. You can learn more about assembling a Zhiguli tractor from the video.

Before you begin active operation of the Zhiguli unit, it needs to be tested. Some of the units taken to create it could last for several months. They will need to be broken in to get them working again. To do this, you need to fill the tractor with fresh fuel and oil, fill the cooling system, and also add fresh fluid to the hydraulics. After this, you need to ride the homemade product on a flat surface. If the tractor does not make any extraneous noise while driving and quickly picks up speed, then it is completely ready for work.

Self-production of a tractor from SUVs (Niva, UAZ)

The first thing you should do after receiving a used car for conversion is to remove the engine from it, rebuild it and carry out other preventive maintenance. This will significantly increase the service life of this engine. The same should be done for other components of the car (transmission, chassis, etc.).

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Next, you need to draw up a diagram of the future tractor. Drawings must be made taking into account all the wishes and requirements for the future unit.

It is important to have detailed diagrams of the future mini tractor, because some elements may then be difficult to find from memory.

When drawing up a diagram, you should remember that the engine should be located in front of the driver’s “seat” (similar to the tractor arrangement). However, to avoid additional costs and significant rework, it can be left in its original place. You should think about how to cover it: make a casing or use a ready-made one from an old tractor, having previously “optimized” it for your model.

To reduce fuel consumption and make the tractor more compact, it may be necessary to shorten the frame. At the same time, it is important to remember that it is necessary to scald it according to the future dimensions. It should also be remembered that if the frame is reduced, it may be necessary to move the bridge. All these structural alterations must be taken into account when drawing up drawings.

Next, you should determine the location of the fuel tanks. Typically the fuel tank is located behind the driver's seat to ensure quick access. It should be remembered that the front suspension needs strengthening. Changes that will affect the chassis should also be made to the drawings. It is optimal to replace the car wheels with wheels of larger diameter to ensure better maneuverability of the tractor. However, such a replacement will cause a sharp increase in power consumption for rotating the wheels and moving the tractor.

When the drawings are ready, you should begin implementing the mini tractor project.

Execution of work

First you should do a thorough check of the frame. All rusty parts must be sanded down to bare metal (remove rust), then primed in 2 layers. If necessary, the frame is boiled.

Further, if you need to shorten the frame, you must first remove the coating from it at the cutting site, apply markings and divide it using a grinder or a gas cutter. After that, new stiffeners are welded at the cutting site (usually the trimmed frame is cut into metal, which can be used in the future). If necessary, the bridge is also moved.

It should be remembered that welds must be cleaned, welded areas must be degreased, then primed in 2 layers or a special anti-corrosion coating applied.

This will significantly increase the service life of the product by providing additional protection for the metal. If you don’t have a ready-made car frame, you can weld it yourself, using channels and angles for these purposes.

You should make a tractor with your own hands carefully and carefully, since any vehicle is a source of increased danger, and a mistake in its manufacture can be fatal for the driver or a random person.

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The next stage of manufacturing is installation of the chassis. Since the described version uses a frame from a car, it is more logical to take the chassis from the selected car. It is important to check all components and its functioning. Particular attention should be paid to the braking system, because the safe operation of the vehicle depends on it.

It should be remembered that when replacing car wheels with wheels of larger diameter (for a tractor or mini tractor), the brakes from the old chassis system will not work. It will be necessary to purchase new hubs of the selected diameter (the diameter of the hub depends on the diameter of the wheel). It may be necessary to replace the axles if the hubs and wheels are significantly heavier than the previous ones, but this is required extremely rarely, since the wheels for a mini tractor are not significantly heavier than the wheels of SUVs, and in addition, domestic designers have built a large margin of safety into their cars.

In order for a mini tractor, assembled on its own, to perform the functions assigned to it, an already rebuilt engine is installed on it. It makes more sense to install it in the same place where it stood. At the same time, it is important to weld a protective casing for it, because a standard car body will not be able to provide it with proper ventilation - the engine will work with increased load, and it needs additional cooling. To do this, in addition to installing the radiator, you should open the engine from the sides - this will be quite enough to ensure cooling. The mini tractor with the engine is almost ready, all that remains is to install the driver’s seat, controls and determine the mounting points for additional units.

Next, you should place the controls in a convenient place. Their installation location is determined at the design stage according to personal desire. The driver's seat is also installed there. To do this, you can use both car seats and homemade ones. After which the place is closed with a makeshift cabin. To make it, you can use metal left over from the car body.

The last stage is the installation of mounting points for additional equipment. They are usually installed at the front and rear of the tractor.

Capabilities of the Zhiguli tractor

Despite its simplicity and small dimensions, a homemade tractor with a Zhiguli engine will be able to perform the most important agricultural work.

These include:

plowing soft loose and harder soils;
development of small areas with virgin soil;
harrowing and soil cultivation;
sowing seeds and planting grown bushes;
hilling up beds;
spraying of cultivated plants;
harvesting;
mowing grass;
preparation and transportation of bales of hay and straw;
transportation of goods over long distances.

If a homemade Zhiguli tractor has a PTO installed, it can be equipped with a small-sized bucket or bulldozer blade. If necessary, you can also install an excavator boom on the unit, which will allow you to perform loading operations.