Tractor T-25. Overview, characteristics, application and operation features

The T-25 tractor, also known as “Vladimirets”, is equipment for farming and gardening, which is produced at the Vladimir Tractor Plant. Among the advantages of this model are:

• versatility when performing agricultural work;
• reliability and availability of repairs;
• maneuverability due to compact dimensions;
• compatibility with attachments;
• middle price segment.

The T-25 tractor is mainly used in agricultural work. They prepare the land for planting, carry out sowing work, cultivate the rows and harvest the crop. This model is also indispensable in municipal services when removing snow from the streets.

The following are used as additional equipment:

• trailer;
• cultivator;
• landing machine;
• vegetable digger;
• spraying device;
• device for cutting off a layer of soil.

History of appearance

The T-25 tractor is a well-known model of a wheeled device produced today by the Vladimir Motor and Tractor Plant.
An analogue of the Russian model is also produced at the Kharkov Tractor Plant. The T-25 has been produced since 1966. Because of the first place of production, the 25th model received an unspoken “middle name” - Vladimirovets. The popularity of this model is associated with its small dimensions, maneuverability, ease and ease of operation, as well as the convenient design of the cabin and the tractor as a whole.

In addition to other advantages, the cost of this model is also an advantage. For example, in Russia you can buy a T-25 tractor in good condition at a price from 110 to 350 thousand rubles (depending on the configuration, period of previous operation, availability of attachments, condition of spare parts and general technical condition). In Ukraine, you can purchase a T-25 at a price from 78 to 150 thousand hryvnia.

Chassis system

The drive axle of the T-25 tractor is rear, while the front one serves only as a support for the entire structure and, due to the steering, provides the “Vladimirets” with turns. It is a complex of rods and levers of the steering linkage, steering knuckles with holes for adjusting the track, axle rolling axis, steel transverse balancer and wheel hubs.

Rear axle with wheels on stamped discs with rims. Tires with reduced pressure are installed as standard. To improve the vehicle's cross-country ability, the outside tires received a herringbone tread. There are six welded posts on the inside of the rim. The disk is attached to them with bolts. The track of the rear wheels is adjusted by turning the disk towards the axle flange and turning the rim in relation to the disk itself.

The design of the front axle "Vladimirets".

Model range and modifications of T-25

During the existence of the T-25 tractor, the manufacturer developed and launched production of not only the basic model, but also its modifications. Known modifications of the T-25 are:

• T-25A1 (base vehicle with D21A diesel engine);
• T25A2 (model with awning and diesel engine);
• T25-A3 (model with a roll cage and a diesel engine);
• T-30A80 (a more advanced model with a D120 engine, all-wheel drive and a comfortable operator’s cabin). The basis for the development was the same basic model T25.

Some modifications were equipped with two-cylinder, four-stroke, air-cooled engines. Models with two-cylinder two-stroke engines were also produced. As new modifications and improved versions of the T-25 were released, the manufacturer improved the cabin heating system to make the operator more comfortable in the winter.

Tractor T-25

The Scout T-25 mini tractor of the new generation (Generation II) is currently being produced.

Previously, all mini tractors of the Scout line, including the Scout T-15, were produced in blue. The current generation of this equipment, Generation II (2019), is distinguished by an updated design, separate lensed headlights for low and high beams, rear LED optics, and improved controls for the minitractor. The Scouts' signature color is metallic gray.

Now, in the production of this equipment, a new, more advanced type of painting has begun to be used - powder, with preliminary sandblasting of the metal and application of primer. (Bolts and rubber elements are not painted).

The frame (chassis) of the T-25 minitractor, the main load-bearing element, is now being manufactured at a plant in St. Petersburg, from a single sheet of metal 5 millimeters thick. The strength of the frame of the new Scouts has become 35% higher than that of previous Chinese frames. The production technology consists of marking and rolling metal using modern numerically controlled machines.

The fuses provided in the on-board electrical network reliably protect the wiring from the consequences of a short circuit. This is clearly what the previous generation Scout T-25 lacked.

The new generation Scout T-25 minitractor comes with wheels of increased diameter with agricultural tread. The track is adjustable, the distance between the centers of the wheels can be set in the range from 1100 mm to 1510 mm. The front track is adjusted using a telescopic beam, and the rear track is adjusted by reinstalling the wheels along the long axle shafts. Thanks to this, all pressing agricultural tasks (planting, inter-row cultivation and harvesting) for growing possible crops can be performed more efficiently, and the stability of the mini-tractor is further increased when used with a front-end loader and a mini-excavator.

Specifications

The T-25 rear-wheel drive tractor is a universal tool for cultivating any type of land. Plowing of virgin lands is allowed provided proper operation and attachments are used. During operation, it is necessary to take technical breaks to allow the engine to cool.

To improve maneuverability on any type of soil, the T-25 tractor is equipped with smaller front wheels, which makes it easy to maneuver on rows of planted crops, between rows and in small areas, for example, in garden plots.

Hydraulics

The hydraulic system controls the attachments and includes:

• Oil container;
• Oil gear pump;
• Self-propelled power cylinder;
• Hydraulic distributor;
• Oil supply pipes.

Using a pump, the required pressure is created in the system. The pump drives the working fluid from the container into the distributor. Afterwards, the spool directs the fluid into the cavity of the hydraulic cylinder, causing the piston to move in a given direction.

Tractor control

The brakes on the T-25 are of the band type. Turning is accomplished by driving the front wheels (hydraulic power steering). The suspension is rigid, the front axle is balanced. The tractor is controlled according to the user's instructions.

Basic rules for operating equipment of this type:

• do not exceed the tractor’s load capacity (maximum 850 kg);
• monitor the optimal level of diesel fuel and oil;
• It is prohibited to use diesel fuel (since diesel fuel and diesel fuel have different viscosities, the use of diesel fuel can lead to engine breakdown and rapid wear of spare parts);
• start working with the tractor after making sure that all moving parts are in good condition and the bolted connections are secure;
• monitor tire pressure;
• check the operating instructions, do not repair the tractor yourself, if you doubt the level of technical competence, carry out all complex repair work related to the engine, gearbox or other key components of the tractor in specialized service centers.

Engine

In the classic version, “Vladimirets” received a four-stroke two-cylinder engine with air cooling, the consumption of which is only 190 g/hp/h. The volume of each cylinder is 2.08 liters. The engine is distinguished by its unpretentiousness to fuels and lubricants, simplicity of design and absolute maintainability. Design features include a dual pressure and splash lubrication system. Modern T-25s can be equipped with four- and six-cylinder engines.

The motor is mounted on three supports. The two front ones are located on a semi-frame on rubber cushions. They are rigidly attached to the engine. The design is elastic. The rear axle of the motor is secured to the connecting body of the tractor using the flywheel housing flange.

Diesel fuel enters the system using a pump through a distributor. In one stroke, diesel fuel passes sequentially into both cylinders.

Attachments

• tractor blade;
• capacitive sprayer (capacity 300 l);
• mounted rototiller (2.1 m);
• double- or four-furrow plow;

Four-furrow mounted plow PLN 4-35

Mounted tiller

Potato digger DTZ-2T

Rotary mower

Continuous tillage cultivator KSO-2.1

Drill 1W – 30

• potato digger DTZ-1Tm, 2T;
• continuous tillage cultivator (for example, KSO-2.1);
• rotary mower for T-25 tractors;
• disc harrow;
• rotary mower;
• garden tractor drill;
• snow dump;
• segment type mower.

T-25 with sprayer

Exploitation

Like all small wheeled tractors, the T-25 was originally developed for agricultural work. In this area, the tractor can be used for:

• tillage before sowing;
• directly sowing;
• planting vegetable crops;
• crop care;
• inter-row processing of vegetables and similar work in gardens;
• hay harvesting and other work.

The universal machine has become widespread in other areas of management, thanks to its coordinated work in a unit with many different devices, such as a plow, cutter, cultivator and others. In addition, the tractor can be used as a drive for stationary machines and for rigging work. The rear linkage of the T-25 tractor allows it to be used for transporting goods and towing equipment. To do this, a hydraulic hook, an automatic coupling device or a pendulum-type towbar is connected to the tractor.

Over the entire period of production, T-25 tractors have received many awards, titles and even orders. During the existence of the USSR, the Vladimir Tractor Plant received the Order of the Red Banner of Labor and the Order of the October Revolution. T-25 tractors were recognized as the best machines in the industry in 1977. In 1980, the plant’s products were awarded the international Golden Mercury award. Today, the Vladimir Tractor Plant is part of the large Tractor Plants concern and continues to operate successfully. Today, machines manufactured jointly with the Finnish company Sampo Rosenlew are rolling out of its facilities. And T-25 tractors still remain the standard of reliability and performance characteristic of Soviet-era equipment.

Features of operation and maintenance of the T-25

Operating rules for the T-25 tractor:

• cranking the engine with the fuel supply turned on can only be done in the direction of rotation of the crankshaft;
• monitor the readings of the fuel sensors and thermometer, stop the device if the temperature standards are violated or the oil level is below normal;
• the quality of fuel and oil must be high and comply with GOST and the description in the instructions;
• if engine power has decreased, check the operation of the injectors and fuel injection pressure;
• connect to the device attachments corresponding to the traction class of the machine;
• stop the engine before inspecting the tractor or performing maintenance, make sure that the PTO is disengaged and the brake is locked;
• in the hot season, fill the fuel tank to 80% of the maximum - the fuel will increase in volume in the heat; if fuel leaks, immediately wipe off the stain and pour the liquid back to normal;
• do not smoke when filling the fuel tank or working with key parts of the tractor, follow safety precautions when working with the machine - work in closed clothing, use special clothing to repair the tractor;
• switch all levers smoothly;
• When working on dense soil (virgin soil), take breaks from time to time.

Control

The tractor is controlled by pedals. As in any car with a manual transmission, the fuel pedal, clutch and brake are located below. The brakes are divided into right and left pedals, and are connected to each other by a bar. The differential control is located to the left of the seat. In the middle is the gearbox and reverse lever. To the right of the seat is a handle for controlling the fuel supply and a PTO control lever. On the right side of the steering wheel are control handles for hydraulics and hydraulic cylinders. They have four positions: up, neutral, down and floating.

Maintenance schedule for T-25

• tractor maintenance is divided into daily, first (every 50 hours) and second class (every 500 hours);
• during routine maintenance, the oil and fuel levels are checked for leaks, the engine surface is cleaned of fuel stains,
• During the first class service, the fuel filter is cleaned, the pulley mounting bolts and anchor bolts are fixed;
• During the second class service, the following tractor components are additionally checked: fuel injectors, fuel inlet and outlet valve, crankshaft oil seal, cylinder head nuts, flywheel, piston rings.

Prevention and repair of the power unit of the T-25 tractor

To reduce the need to repair the unit, maintain the performance of the diesel engine and increase its service life, regular maintenance is required.
This is inexpensive and is carried out using a primitive washing machine, a metal knitting needle and a wooden scraper:

• ETO is carried out every shift after 10 hours of operation, the level is checked and oil is added to the crankcase;
• TO-1 after 125 days of operation, cleaning the protective mesh of the fan and air cleaner;
• TO-2 and TO-3 after 500/1000 hours of operation at a maintenance point;
• seasonal service station 2 times a year before/at the end of the cold season, seasonal oil is added, the fan disk is removed, and the oil radiator for heating the tractor driver's cab is turned on.

Even reliable equipment breaks down, the diesel D-21A is no exception. The basis for contacting a repair shop/repair base and diagnosing important components of the power plant is:

• difficult starting of the power unit;
• reduction in engine power;
• black (gray) smoky exhaust;
• gradual decrease in traction capabilities;
• metallic or dull sounds in the area of ​​the connecting rod and piston group;
• the diesel engine is peddling (a sharp increase in crankshaft speed);
• interruptions in the operation of D-21A.

Most of the D-21/D-120 malfunctions have been known to operators for a long time. They are easily identified by characteristic external manifestations without the use of diagnostic equipment.

Basic malfunctions and their elimination

Table of main malfunctions of the T-25 tractor and methods for eliminating them.

Table 1.

Transmission and brakes Scout T-25

The gearbox of this mini tractor is driven by three V-belts, size B-3330. The simplest and inexpensive to operate belt drive acts as a fuse: in all cases, as soon as an unexpected overload occurs, the belts take it upon themselves.

In tractors with direct drive, in a similar situation, a gear or shaft will inevitably fail in the gearbox, which is inexpensive, and it is difficult and time-consuming to purchase such a part. But if you have a couple of belts in the glove compartment, you can be guaranteed to complete the planned work on time, without waiting for the necessary spare part to be delivered.

The clutch type of the Scout T-25 minitractor is a two-disc, single-stage, dry, constant engagement, friction type.

A gearbox equipped with a planetary differential helps to significantly reduce the turning radius of the mini tractor and reduce wear on its tires.

The Scout T-25 mini tractors use a double-sided dry brake (classic drum, mechanical).

Reviews

Ivan, Ryazan:

The tractor, as they say, plows and plows. The neighbor has the 25th, plows like a horse, pulls a trailer, hills, sprays. I myself helped spray the potatoes; the plot was large, and the machine was quite working, even though it was no less than 20 years old. If memory serves correctly, the neighbor only has a hectare of potatoes, judging by his words, there are no problems, it works without failures, the grandfather doesn’t even remember if he ever seriously repaired it. And he solves minor problems himself. If you buy a tractor, then definitely only this one!

Scout T-25 in action: real reviews from owners

1. “I would put it this way: Scout T-25 is no longer a walk-behind tractor, but it is far from being a tractor. Even a non-mini tractor, that would be more accurate to say. Not a single normal attachment on this non-minitractor, unless it is brought to life and significantly altered, will work properly.

Instead of a power take-off shaft, there is a gear. The hitch is single-point, just like on a regular walk-behind tractor. For an additional surcharge, however, mini tractor dealers can offer a rather ridiculous three-point adapter, for which you will still have to adjust and modify any of your attachments (and this will cost quite real money and not at all that funny).”

2. I would like to warn all “theoreticians” who have little understanding of hardware in general and technology in particular. This Scout T-25 minitractor is not at all from the category that could be called “sit down and go.” If you don't have "very good" skillful hands" growing from where it is necessary, a workshop and free time - then this is definitely not your case! The T-25 Scout will work well, will not break down all the time and will be of real use only if its owner has strong skills in metalworking, turning and welding.

I'll explain with my own example. Immediately after purchasing and delivering the mini tractor, I had to work closely on bringing the adjustments of its engine, clutch and brakes back to normal, and tightening all the bolted connections without exception: they were all just tightened, but not tightened as they should be. The first gear did not engage, the lower speed range did not engage, and the wheel lock also did not engage at all.

I was able to restore the functionality of the gearbox by partially rebuilding it. I also had to re-tighten the electrics, add fuses and relays to the network, insulating the contacts from external influences. Our immediate plans include replacing the axle shaft seals (they let oil into the brake drums). And many more improvements.”

3. “Of the advantages of the Scout T-25, I would like to note its low price, a fairly powerful and economical diesel engine, and the appearance of the mini tractor is attractive. It is universal and always comes to the rescue in my garden. But - after I brought this mini-tractor to mind.

Because the build quality of the mini tractor is very low, simply ugly, the quality of parts and components is poor. Attachments without certain (sometimes very serious) modifications simply cannot work fully on this mini tractor. Its brakes are weak and there is no handbrake. There are no fuses or relays in the wiring. In this situation, electricians don’t have to live long.”

4. “The build quality is very poor. First of all, I had to crawl through and tighten all the connections. Some bolts were even replaced because they were no good. I didn’t like Scout’s original seat at all – small, hard and terribly uncomfortable. I removed it and replaced it with another, more comfortable one.

The tractor is painted normally, but I don’t know how long it will remain rust-free. The frame, at first visual impression, is somewhat weak. So far I have not done anything with it, but, apparently, sooner or later I will have to strengthen it. The differential lock was not activated on the new tractor. The lever turned about ten degrees, but nothing happened.

It turned out that the assemblers had screwed up. When we removed the top cover with the levers and installed everything as it should be, the lock began to turn on. By the way, this is a useful thing - with it the minitractor walks very confidently along a muddy road.

It’s too early to draw any conclusions about diesel. But the first impression is good - I liked that it does not vibrate particularly strongly, its vibration load is moderate. But you need to get used to the gearbox, because changing gears is very difficult. All that remains is to hope that it will be developed over time.”

5. “The operating manual says that a break-in period of five hours is required. Everything was done as it was written. However, after two engine hours the tension roller began to smoke. He was replaced. After the first run-in of the cutter, the gear in the clutch gear was simply torn apart. They replaced it too. After processing one ordinary standard area of ​​6 acres), the clutch burned out and the hydraulic hose burst. Replaced.

After processing another area (smaller, with an area of ​​4 acres), three more (!) hoses in the engine burst, and all the oil rushed into the engine and flooded the clutch. After that, the clutch disappeared, and then the metal rod on the clutch tore off. Finding spare parts for it turned out to be difficult, one might say impossible. All technical fluids leak from all the cracks and bolts, all the gaskets are squeezed out, and they burn out. My conclusion is this: all the parts are of low quality, “China is China.”

6. “I bought it - the first thing you need to do is lubricate EVERYTHING and turn / tighten it, because the lubricants here are like crazy, and almost all the nuts are not tightened at all. In appearance, of course, this tractor is very nice. But the build quality is poor. If you're lucky, it will work for a long time, but in general the reliability, even compared to some ancient Japanese, is very doubtful. At -10 the Scout will have difficulty starting! When you want to clear the snow, with one bridge it will slip in place - you need chains, and you will have to weigh it down with weights.”

7. “I know examples where Scouts work for at least 2-3 seasons without problems. But I was unlucky. Already during the run-in, the cylinder head gasket broke - 2 times, the head was crooked. Then the ignition switch broke. The tip fell off the horn wire onto the body and melted all the wiring, so I had to retighten it myself. Then the front fender mount broke. When trying to mill a vegetable garden, the drive belts broke.

The double-row chain on the rotary cutter broke, and the rollers on the chain of the rotary cutter itself broke - also in need of replacement. There were difficulties with spare parts; they sent the wrong parts twice, which caused the minitractor to sit for almost a month, in the midst of the required season. The front mower that I bought right with the tractor did not mow at all. I had to do some magic with it - change the knives, weld skis to the gearboxes, attach an automatic belt tensioner.”

8. “My Scout T-25 works fine, but there are a lot of minor problems. After just a week of use, all the wires fell off. Replaced with normal ones. You also need to be prepared to replace the nuts, because the nuts come loose and lie on the mini tractor’s path every 100 meters. And if you buy a spare part or repair the Scout from an “official seller”, it’s such a hassle that it’s almost impossible. Therefore, if some small thing fails, you can miss almost the entire season.”

Engine and transmission

The equipment uses a classic four-stroke 2-cylinder engine D21A1 with a power of 19.5 kW (26 hp). The motor has a simple design and maintenance, and is unpretentious to fuel and lubricants. Equipped with a double lubrication system. Air cooling. The engine is mounted on 3 supports. The two front ones are elastic, tightly attached to the engine, and placed on the semi-frame. The rear part of the power unit is attached to the body.

The generator is built inside the motor fan and located in a closed housing. This is a three-phase device with a rectifier and one-way electromagnetic excitation. A fan rotor is installed on the generator shaft. The generator drive of the T-25 tractor is a belt, the size of which ensures a rotation speed of up to 1500 rpm.

The model is equipped with a manual gearbox with reverse and doubler. There are 8 forward speeds and 6 reverse. The equipment can move and perform work at speeds from 1.5 to 21 km/h. The clutch is single-plate, dry and permanently closed. The gearbox mechanisms are housed in a durable die-cast housing.