Any beginning farmer is faced with the problem of labor mechanization. It is impossible in principle to cultivate a crop area of several hectares of land using an entrenching tool.
Hiring labor is unprofitable - the costs will not pay off even over a long period of time. The best option is to purchase heavy equipment, which, with the help of various attachments, will help perform a full cycle of agricultural work.
However, the price of such machines is steep, so novice farmers cannot afford such an expensive purchase. In addition, using heavy tractors on small and medium-sized crop areas is unprofitable.
Therefore, mini-tractors are very popular in farms and farmsteads. This category of small-sized equipment is not much inferior to its “big brothers” in terms of performance, while the price of the machines and maintenance costs remain quite acceptable.
In this article, we will look at one of the representatives of this family - the Scout mini-tractor.
Minitractor Scout T-24
The wheeled vehicle is equipped with a 1-cylinder engine producing 24 hp. with compression ignition. The cooling system of the ZS1115NLD motor is liquid and consists of a jacket, radiator and connecting pipes. Average diesel fuel consumption does not exceed 2.8 liters per hour (when operating at 80% of the nominal load). The capacity of the fuel tank installed above the engine is 9 liters. The engine gas distribution system includes 2 valves. The valves are driven by a rod, from a camshaft installed in the cylinder block.
The transmission is 2-band, provides 6 forward speeds. Drive belts are used to transmit torque from the engine to the clutch. The tractor uses a power take-off pulley designed to drive front mowers, rotary snow blowers and other equipment. There is a separate shaft on the back of the box.
The machine is equipped with an electrical system with 2 power sources - a battery and an alternator located in the engine flywheel. The front part of the tractor is equipped with headlights equipped with low and high beam lamps.
A design feature of the Scout-24 tractor is the adjustable track of the front and rear wheels. It is adjustable in steps in the range of 1100-1500 mm. To drive attachments, a standard hydraulic system equipped with 2 circuits is used.
Types of attachments
Mini tractors are usually equipped with a rotary cutter, but the following attachments can be installed on them:
- Brush – designed for municipal services to carry out cleaning work in yards.
- A hydraulic blade is necessary to clear the area of snow.
- A snow blower is a special device that makes snow removal easier.
- The plow, single-body and double-body, allows you to quickly and efficiently plow even very dense soil.
- A tedder is used to turn hay.
- Potato planter – makes it easier to plant potatoes.
- Triple hiller - hills the rows, carefully raking the ground.
- Potato digger - allows you to quickly harvest potatoes.
- Weeding and hilling kit.
- Seeder – makes it easier and faster to sow seeds into the soil.
- Garlic planter.
- Cultivator - allows you to easily and quickly cultivate the soil.
- Trailer - load capacity depends on the capabilities of the mini tractor.
- Rotary mower – makes mowing grass and grain crops easier.
- Rake - there are different types: for tedding and for collecting mowed grass.
Blade shovel for mini tractor 2.0 LZ Double-furrow plow Bomet 2-25
Single-row potato planter DTZ KS-3
Potato digger for mini tractor 4UD-1
Weeding and hilling kit
Single-body mounted plow PL-130
Trailer Scout 1500 for mini tractor
Garlic planter, two-row, mounted
Rotary cutter Scout-120
Rear rotary mower SCOUT BRM-80
Mounted sweeping brush SCOUT FB-130
Triple hiller for mini tractor
Minitractor Scout T-15
A wheeled tractor of the 0.2 t category is equipped with a diesel engine model XT-15, which has a power of 15 hp. with a cylinder volume of 815 cm³. The engine is equipped with a pump that supplies fuel under pressure to the nozzle installed in the head, where there are also 2 valves of the gas distribution system. The engine is started using an electric starter or manually. In operating mode, the engine consumes 1.5 liters of diesel fuel per hour. The fuel reserve in the tank is enough for 4 hours of operation.
A belt drive is installed between the engine and the clutch. The engine flywheel contains an alternator that charges the battery while driving and provides electricity to consumers. The characteristics of the Scout T-15 minitractor are provided by a 2-band 3-speed transmission. The hydraulics are equipped with a distributor that allows the use of only the rear linkage of the equipment.
The owner has the ability to adjust the track width in the range of 1100-1400 mm. The adjustment is done manually by moving parts of the front axle and reinstalling the wheel hubs on the rear axle.
Several modifications of the tractor are produced, differing in the equipment of the operator's seat. In front of it there is an instrument panel, on which there is an hour meter, an ammeter, an oil pressure indicator in the engine lubrication system and a temperature indicator. The set of control devices is determined by the buyer. The operator's seat as standard is equipped with adjustments in 2 directions.
Run-in
- Start the engine and leave it running at medium to low speed. After 5-10 minutes, increase the speed. However, you should not leave the engine running at too high speeds.
- Carry out the inspection while the engine is running. This is necessary in order to promptly detect possible leaks of liquid, oil or air. Check if sensors and devices are working.
- Perform gas release for 7 minutes. Running in is considered complete after 20-30 minutes.
- If you hear vibrations and noise, then do not worry, because they will go away after completing all procedures and manipulations, as well as after changing the oil.
- The tractor arrives to the buyer with oil filled at the factory. After the break-in is completed, this oil is drained and semi-synthetic oil of type GL-4 or GL-5 (TM-4 or TM-5) is filled in. It is recommended to choose oil type SAE80W90.
- For mechanisms operating on the basis of hydraulics, medium-viscosity oils are used - MGE-4A or MGE-10A.
- The cooling system must be filled with antifreeze or antifreeze.
After completing the break-in procedure, you must perform the following actions:
- Replace all used oils.
- Lubricate the rollers that have the most wear.
- Check if the fuel filter is clean. Replace if necessary.
- Clean the air filter.
- Drain the coolant and flush the system.
- Make sure all fastenings are secure.
- Make sure the pedals have free play.
- Lubricate all components, especially in areas of heavy wear.
Minitractor Scout T-18
Technically, the Scout T-18 minitractor is a wheeled vehicle of a classic layout, belonging to the 0.2 tonne towing class. The T-18 uses a ZS1115 diesel engine as a power plant. The motor has 1 cylinder mounted horizontally to reduce overall height. The engine is equipped with a forced liquid cooling system.
The engine is connected to the clutch by a belt drive consisting of 2 belts and 2 pulleys. During operation, it is necessary to maintain belt tension. The clutch consists of several discs equipped with friction linings. As the load increases, the discs begin to slip, protecting the engine from damage. The clutch stops working only when changing gears. The clutch is controlled using a lever that is connected to a ratchet clutch and a release bearing.
The machine's transmission consists of a 2-range, 3-speed gearbox with 1 reverse gear. The design of the box uses cylindrical gears with straight teeth, which reduced the cost of manufacturing the unit. From the gearbox, torque is transmitted to the rear axle axle shafts. The main pair is equipped with bevel gears. The gearbox design includes a differential with a forced manual locking system, which is recommended for use during field work and driving on soft ground.
An hour meter is installed on the dashboard. It makes it easier to track maintenance intervals. Additionally, an oil pressure gauge, an engine temperature indicator and a battery charge indicator are installed. On the basic version there is no pressure gauge; it is replaced by a movable engine breather. At normal pressure, the breather moves out of the housing; at low pressure, it is located inside the housing.
Description
The Scout T-25 minitractor is a model that is fully adapted for performing not only agricultural work, but also for solving other problems. The engine is located horizontally and its power is 24 hp.
Minitractor Scout T-25
It is started in two redundant ways - using an electric starter and a manual starter in the form of a handle. The gearbox is mechanical and has 6 forward speeds and 2 reverse, which to some extent compensates for the lack of reverse. The chassis has rear-wheel drive, and the front track width is adjustable using a telescopic mechanism.
In order to increase the unit's cross-country ability in off-road conditions, the designers prudently equipped it with the ability to manually lock the differential.
Minitractor Scout T-25
Thanks to its efficiency and ease of operation, the unit quickly and efficiently established itself as a reliable farmer’s assistant. Elimination of the shortcomings of the previous design entailed an increase in consumer demand.
Among the advantages of the Scout T-25 minitractor are the following:
- Meets all modern requirements imposed on modern technology.
- A wide range of attachments, which also includes older models.
- It is possible to use spare parts from other manufacturers.
- The simplicity of the design and operation of the mechanisms allows repairs to be carried out without resorting to services.
Minitractor Scout T-25
At the front of the machine is a 1-cylinder 24-horsepower diesel engine CL-25, equipped with a liquid heat exchanger. The volume of the power unit is 1280 cm³. During continuous operation, no more than 2.8 liters of diesel fuel are consumed per hour. The fuel capacity on board is 9 liters. The motor is equipped with an oil sump and a gear pump that supplies lubricant to the loaded points. The power unit is started using an electric starter or manually using a lever.
The motor is connected to the clutch by a belt drive equipped with 3 belts. During operation, it is necessary to ensure the alignment of the pulleys, as well as control the belt tension. When the units are distorted and the tension is weakened, the belts slip and come off.
The transmission has 3 forward speeds and an additional low range. There are 2 gears for reverse. The box is equipped with 2 control levers - for switching rows and for selecting speeds. The drive axle is equipped with a differential, which has a mechanical lock. The locking is controlled from the operator's workplace using a lever. Differential locking improves cross-country ability, but causes increased stress on the transmission.
To work with mounted and trailed equipment, 2-channel hydraulics are used, equipped with a reservoir with a capacity of 2-5 liters. The tank capacity depends on the type of attachment used.
Hydraulics allow simultaneous use of a hitch mounted on the front and rear of the machine.
Hydraulics, according to reviews from owners, cope with controlling a plow or snow blade. The factory guarantees a load capacity of the rear cylinder of at least 780 kg.
The power take-off shaft allows you to connect equipment to pulleys on the crankshaft, on the gearbox and to the shaft output on the rear of the box. When using the rear shaft, it is necessary to install the adapter gear included in the delivery kit.
The chassis includes a front and rear axle equipped with wheels with pneumatic tires. The design does not provide for suspension. The tractor is equipped with a track adjustment system within the range of 1100-1400 mm. The front wheels move apart by moving part of the axle. The rear track is adjusted by reinstalling the discs and hubs. The front wheels are equipped with 12-inch discs, while the rear wheels are equipped with 20-inch discs. The wheels provide the car with a ground clearance of 300 mm. The weight of the tractor without attachments is 720 kg, the weight of the trailer is 2000 kg.
Device Features
The Scout T-12 minitractor is based on a classic chassis for this type of equipment with a four-by-two wheel arrangement. The rear axle is driven, so this element was equipped with a planetary-type locking differential. The cross-country ability was also affected by the tires used and the 180 mm agricultural clearance.
The track can be adjusted from 800 millimeters to 1250 millimeters. This function is most in demand when working between rows. Also, changing the widening of the track can affect the safety of the driver when driving on uneven soils, since this increases the stability of the tractor.
Currently, mass production of this mini tractor is not carried out, but the equipment did not disappear without a trace, but served as the basis for many modernized versions that are currently being produced. The most popular and successful, according to experts, were:
Modification Scout T-12DIF-VT. As standard, this minitractor model is equipped with a protective bar, a modernized hydraulic system with separate control of front and rear mounted units. In addition, a floating mode was added to the hydraulic distributor, thanks to which soil cultivation is more efficient. The gear changing mechanism was also improved, making it impossible to engage two gears at the same time.
Modification of Scout T-12DIF. Individual components and assemblies of the mini tractor have been significantly improved, as a result of which their reliability and operating efficiency have been increased. The standard equipment of this version includes a branded plow and a wide-cut tillage cutter.
It should be noted that the minitractor has the ability to be aggregated with more than 50 types of mounted and trailed equipment, distinguishable by performance and purpose.
Reliability
Scout T-12 can work under high loads for quite a long time. This is due to the fact that the power plant has an effective liquid cooling system. As for the winter period of operation, there will also not be any problems here, since all components and assemblies of the equipment function properly even at low air temperatures.
Repair features
The service of this mini tractor is performed at a high level. But in addition to this, the owner can independently carry out maintenance and repair work, since the design of the model is distinguished by its simplicity. Consumables can be purchased at the same service centers or placed an order at home.
Minitractor Garden Scout T-12
The R195ANE engine develops power of 12 hp. At the toe of the crankshaft there is a pulley that connects the power unit to the multi-plate clutch. Torque is transmitted by 2 drive belts under constant tension.
The Garden T-12 tractor is equipped with a manual transmission. It consists of the main part and a 2-stage range amplifier. The transmission provides 6 forward speeds. For maneuvering there are 2 reverse gears. The gearbox and range crankcases are combined and have a common oil bath that holds 4.5 liters of oil. The box is equipped with an attachment drive shaft, rotating at a frequency of 1176 rpm.
The axles of the garden machine have a fixed track, which is equal to 1050 mm (along the outside of the tires). The diameter of the front wheel rims is 12 inches, the rear wheels are 16 inches. The drive axle is equipped with a differential with forced mechanical locking. The design has a lock that allows you to hold the lever in the locked position. Dry brakes are used to stop the tractor.
The machine's hydraulics are equipped with a floating mode, in which the cylinder rod moves freely, allowing the attachment to follow the terrain of the soil. Standard hydraulics are equipped with 1 outlet. Upon request, a distributor can be installed that allows the front and rear linkages to be used simultaneously.
The operator's workplace is equipped with an adjustable seat and steering wheel. The tractor uses a pedal assembly equipped with gas, brake and clutch pedals. At the buyer's request, it is possible to install a safety cage and a tarpaulin canopy that protects the operator from the sun and precipitation. The safety frame is an arch installed behind the seat.
Device Features
The gearbox, used not only in this model, but also in all Scout brand products, has a planetary differential. This element made it possible to reduce the turning radius to 1900 millimeters and reduce tire wear. A tractor differential works similarly to a car differential, namely, when the vehicle turns, one of the wheels rotates in the opposite direction, and in the event of slipping, the gearbox is blocked and ensures the simultaneous rotation of both wheels. It is worth noting that the blocking is activated manually if necessary.
The Scout T-15 minitractor uses V-belts as the main drive. This is precisely a certain advantage, since the belts have an increased service life and are quite affordable. Also, replacing them will not cause any difficulties. In order to provide increased traction, the manufacturer installed modified drive pulleys, which as a result made the machine ideal for plowing and other similar work.
For additional convenience during operation, it was decided to make the front and rear tracks the same in width. Moreover, their value can be adjusted depending on the type of work. The front wheels are equipped with higher profile tires and a larger tread, which ensures smooth movement and high cross-country ability, since the front axle is driven.
The standard equipment is equipped with rear-view mirrors and lighting fixtures with low and high beams. Also included as standard is a sound signal, which together guarantees safe movement on public roads.
In terms of operating time, the Scout T-15 minitractor has no special restrictions, since the machine can be used throughout the year. In autumn, spring and summer, the equipment performs its main tasks, when in winter it is used to remove snow. Quite good traction characteristics allow you to tow a single-axle trailer weighing up to 1000 kilograms.
The main advantages of this mini tractor are:
- Increased service life of all elements and mechanisms.
- Excellent cross-country ability and maneuverability.
- Simple and intuitive controls.
- Modern and very nice design.
- Compact dimensions.
- No costly maintenance.
- Versatility.
Reliability
The manufacturer paid quite a lot of attention to the quality of the assembly and the parts used, which guarantees long-term operation and high reliability. The most important components of the Scout T-15 minitractor are made of durable materials
At the assembly stage, the alignment of the V-belts is carefully checked. With timely maintenance, the machine can remain in fully operational condition for a very long time. Moreover, compared to similar mini tractors, this one is perfectly adapted to work in harsh conditions. Starting the power plant can occur quite easily and quickly at a temperature of minus 20 degrees Celsius, but the mini tractor can also operate at lower temperatures (down to minus 30 degrees Celsius).
Repair features
The most replaceable elements, as in many other special equipment, are consumables, namely filter elements and drive belts. Replacing them is quite simple, since they are located very well. The V-belt has an increased service life, which directly depends on the degree of load during operation. The cost of a new belt is more than affordable, which has a positive effect on cost-effectiveness during maintenance.
Advantages and disadvantages
Owners of Scout equipment note the advantages of the machines:
- ability to work with various attachments;
- affordable price;
- ability to work with 2-axle vehicle trailers.
However, there are many complaints:
- standard drive belts are of low quality;
- generator breakdown;
- hydraulic leaks on rubber cuffs and connections;
- oil leaks through the engine crankcase and gearbox gaskets;
- sagging of the floor in front of the operator's workplace;
- the starter clutch does not coincide with the flywheel ring gear;
- The operator's seat adjustment range is not wide enough.
Prices
The cost of popular models is:
- T-12 - 168 thousand rubles;
- T-15 - 187.2 thousand rubles;
- T-18 - 184.9 thousand rubles;
- T-24 - 272 thousand rubles.
The tractors are equipped with a soil tiller. Installing a canvas canopy over the operator’s workplace will cost 10 thousand rubles. When tractors are sold by official representatives, preparation is offered, including checking fluid levels and tightening threaded connections. The cost of pre-sale preparation is 4 thousand rubles.
On the secondary market, the cost of Scout tractors starts from 60 thousand rubles. For this price, cars with a lot of operating time are sold, requiring repair of the frame and transmission units. Tractors in good condition are valued at 120 thousand rubles and more.
