While Belarusians are preparing an “anti-Kirovets”, “low power tractors” have begun to be produced in St. Petersburg

Domestic equipment, the K-20 mini-tractor, belongs to the category of small-scale mechanization equipment. Thanks to its high performance characteristics, the small Kirovets K-20 tractor is very popular among representatives of large construction companies, small businesses and private entrepreneurs. Good maneuverability, stability and efficiency allow the K-20 tractor to be used to solve a wide variety of problems that arise in all industries. Despite the fact that this unit has been discontinued, it continues to be actively used in agriculture and public utilities, on construction sites, when laying roads and constructing engineering structures.

History of creation

In January 1992, as part of the Program for the creation and production of a system of machines for peasant farms and agricultural cooperatives, the Government of the Russian Federation issued Decree No. 64 on the creation of an industrial site for the production of the K-20 tractor and related mechanisms. The resolution determined the main one, indicated related products, and prescribed production volumes - 60,000 vehicles.

The same document established tax breaks on profits for the enterprise, subject to the use of freed-up funds for the creation of the Kirovets K-20 tractor, and simplified taxation on finished products. Additionally, for promotion to the market, it was allowed to supply half of the produced K-20 models to the CIS countries at preferential prices.

The tractor turned out to be maneuverable, small-sized, with a convenient all-weather seat for the tractor driver and was positioned for use as an auxiliary traction device on large farms on small plots of land, and for small farms it was offered as the main agricultural machine.

Interesting technical solutions, maneuverability and small size of the tractor found a sales niche, allowed us to start production and produce several pilot batches of machines of the basic K-20V modification. But unsuccessful pricing policies and aggressive marketing by foreign manufacturers led to the ousting of the miniature Kirovets from the agricultural machinery market and the closure of the project.

Modification type K-20VL

The K-20VL type modification for lumberjacks lasted a little longer on the market. This model is designed for use in sanitary and selective felling of forests in small areas. With its help, the selection of branches, the formation of bundles of forest material and skidding transportation from the cutting area to the rafting site or timber warehouse for further removal are carried out.

Description

The Kirovets tractor is produced at the only plant in Russia specializing in the production of powerful agricultural equipment. The Kirovets brand is known far beyond the CIS primarily for its excellent technical characteristics. The launch of mass production began in 1962 and since then the Kirovets brand has been striving to provide its consumers with high-quality and reliable equipment. And another important nuance is that the manufacturer does not forget about the beautiful design and comfort for the operator.

Kirov production is considered the founder of the tractor industry, since the first models were produced in 1924. Currently, Kirovets tractors are produced in several modifications with power from 300 to 450 hp, and each model meets European standards. That is why the units sell well not only on the domestic market, but also far beyond its borders. Participation in international exhibitions provides an opportunity to show products to the world and draw conclusions about their improvement.

In 2014, modern modifications of the tractor rolled off the assembly line, which received updated design and technical characteristics.

The St. Petersburg Tractor Plant has allocated 120,000 sq.m. for the production of tractors. And more than 0.5 billion rubles were spent on its re-equipment.

Purpose

Despite the fact that K-20 tractors have been discontinued, they continue to be actively used in small businesses and private households.

Units are used to perform the following tasks:

• driving on difficult terrain and country roads in spring and autumn;
• transportation of goods in trailers and carts;
• processing of fields and vegetable gardens (ploughing, harrowing, cultivation, hilling);
• planting and harvesting crops on a personal plot and on a farm;
• processing of fields and gardens (weeding, watering, spraying);
• mowing grass using mounted rotary lawn mowers;
• snow removal with a rotary snow blower, brush and front blade;
• digging holes and trenches up to 150 cm deep;
• drilling holes for supports, water wells.

The tractor is distinguished by its simple design, reliability and high strength. You can carry out its maintenance yourself, since all components and assemblies are light in weight. Worn tires are easy to replace, as their production continues today. Comfort is ensured by installing air conditioning and a modern music system.

The smallest Russian tractor Kirovets K-424

The new K-424 model is considered one of the most compact wheeled tractors developed in Russia. The machine is an ideal choice for small farms that need a reliable assistant that is characterized by low fuel consumption and undemanding operating conditions.

The plant began producing the first prototypes in 2015. Subsequent tests proved the promise of the new product, but at the same time revealed a lot of problems. To the credit of the developers, most of the shortcomings were eliminated within two years, after which the machine was sent to the assembly line.

Specifications

The tractor is driven by a three-cylinder, four-stroke, air-cooled D-130 diesel engine. All four wheels are driven, of the same size, steering control is possible through any axis, separately or simultaneously. Simultaneous rotation of the wheels on the front and rear axles allows for “crab” movement, that is, sideways in relation to the axis of the car.

Technical characteristics of the Kirovets K-20 tractor

Parameter Meaning

Transmission and attachments

The manual transmission provides 18 speeds when moving forward and 8 when moving backward. It is equipped with additional engineering devices to increase the efficiency of the tractor engine. Power is taken off to the front and rear mounted mechanisms through two PTOs independent from each other. Connection of hydraulic devices is provided. For the K-20V tractor, the manufacturer has developed a standard set of agricultural implements, focused on vegetable growing and processing of low crops:

• small plow;
• potato digger and potato planter;
• hiller;
• mower;
• dump;
• sprayer;
• trailer.

The K-20VL modification is equipped with special equipment for working in logging areas:

• skidder TP-30;
• special dump.

For safe operation in forest conditions, the cabin of this modification of the machine is equipped with protective grilles, and the external components are covered with additional shields against damage from fallen trees, stumps and branches.

The technical characteristics of the forest modification do not differ from the basic ones, except for a slight increase in size and weight.

Cabin

A well-designed, ergonomic cabin with a large glass area provides excellent visibility. The tractor driver's seat is mounted on shock absorbers to reduce vibration levels. The tightness of joints and moving parts allows year-round operation in all weather conditions.

Cabin of the K-20 tractor

Features of tractor operation

To extend the service life of the main working mechanisms of an agricultural machine, its owner needs to adhere to the basic rules of its operation.

These include:

• refueling the model engine with high-quality diesel fuel. Fuel should not contain a large amount of additives and not freeze at temperatures below 10 ⁰C;
• using oils from trusted manufacturers to lubricate engine parts. It is best to choose special lubricants for 4-stroke diesel internal combustion engines of the Liqui Moly, Mannol and Dynamic brands;
• maintaining the maximum possible load capacity for attachments. Otherwise, the driver risks damaging the supporting frame of the tractor;
• breaks when operating agricultural machinery in hot weather. This will help prevent the motor from overheating and reduce the risk of engine failure.

When operating the K-20 tractor, you must constantly monitor the condition of its body. If pockets of corrosion appear, the metal parts of the unit must be painted, having first coated them with a primer.

Device

Mini-Kirovets was originally developed for the mechanization of agricultural work of the main and auxiliary nature. Gradually, the excellent performance of the machine was appreciated not only by farmers. The K-20 tractor has become in demand in the mining and road industries; country property owners, geologists and the military have become interested in it.

An innovation in the domestic tractor industry was the use of 4 identical wheels. This gave the mini-Kirovets additional stability when driving on the highway and when cornering. All-wheel drive made it possible to use the vehicle in impassable terrain and unstable soil. Deep treads provide excellent traction and prevent slipping.

The gearbox deserves special attention. It has 18 forward and 8 reverse speeds. The presence of limited slip differentials and torque multipliers provides a wide choice of driving modes. The operator can select the optimal speed to perform a specific task with high accuracy.

The small size of the tractor provides excellent maneuverability.

The unit can work in cramped conditions on city streets, a small farm, in the courtyard of a summer house and a private house.

If necessary, Kirovets can perform various tasks in indoor buildings and hangars.

The tractor cabin has panoramic glazing and provides excellent visibility. The designers thought through the issue of sealing and sound insulation. It is possible to heat the interior when using the product in winter. The operator's seat is equipped with springs and several types of adjustment. For work in conditions of limited visibility, there are headlights that provide visibility of up to 20 m when moving forward and backward.

On the front and rear parts of the Kirovets frame there are brackets for installing hitches. You can attach any attachments to them that expand the functionality of the tractor. It can be used for field work, snow removal, terrain grading and moving bulk cargo.

K-703

This machine inherited the properties of the previous two, but had an important difference: a reversible control post, which made it perfectly suitable for the needs of industry. The driver could work comfortably without changing position, regardless of the direction of movement of the equipment.

The K-703 is distinguished by increased suspension rigidity compared to previous ones, the presence of a hydromechanical gearbox and a modified system for working with attachments.

K-703 with attachment for agricultural machinery:

The 703 served as the basis for several types of special vehicles:

• gradedozer LB-30;
• PF-1 loader;
• road car DM-15;
• timber skimmer ML-56;
• timber stacker LT-163 (and its modernized version 195);
• snow blower SFR, etc.

Advantages and disadvantages

The advantages of the model include compactness, maneuverability, maneuverability and versatility of use. Despite the lack of service support, the tractor is bought and sold because it is easy to maintain and repair. Tires according to the standard size of mini-Kirovets wheels are produced and can be easily replaced. The tractor is undemanding when it comes to fuel quality and is suitable for work in all climate zones.

The disadvantages include the relatively low engine power, which was the main reason for the defeat in the market from foreign competitors. Today the technology is already obsolete. The small number of copies produced from the assembly line has led to the fact that there are fewer and fewer donor cars of original spare parts every year, and repairs are gradually becoming more complicated.