Minitractor Centaur T 18. Overview, characteristics, operating features

The Centaur T-18 minitractor is the most popular model, based on a walk-behind tractor and without a cabin, at least among its line. The equipment is intended for use in small farms, where it performs a lot of different agricultural work. This class of mini tractors is an excellent alternative to heavy diesel walk-behind tractors with a liquid cooling system, since here physical stress has been minimized. The standard equipment of the machine has an active rototiller, the working width of which is 1000 millimeters, as well as a pair of hydraulic drives used to raise and lower the installed working equipment. It should be noted that with all this, the Centaur T-18 minitractor has a very affordable price, which is what influenced the popularity of the model. The key feature of the model is that it is capable of using attachments designed for use on a heavy diesel walk-behind tractor. Not every modern model can boast of such an opportunity.

Description

Minitractors Centaur T 18 stand out among other similar units of domestic and foreign production.
They are in the middle price range, have high quality and durable components. These devices are simple and cheap to maintain.

The T18 minitractor is widely used in gardens and farms, during construction and in public utilities. This is achieved through a wide range of compatible attachments. In particular, these include:

• Plows;
• Mills;
• Mowers;
• Harrows;
• Cultivators;
• Trailers;
• Utility brushes;
• Potato diggers and potato planters;
• Hillers of agricultural crops;
• Snow blowers;
• Blade-shovels.

Attachments

The model is most often used with the following additional attachments:

1. Plow.
2. Cultivator.
3. Harrow.
4. Active rototiller.
5. Potato digger.
6. Potato planter.
7. Various sprayers.
8. Front blade.
9. Hillers.
10. Sprayer.
11. Hay mowers.
12. Lawn mowers.

The lineup

The range of mini tractors Centaur T18 has 4 models. Their technical characteristics are shown in the table below.

1. The Centaur T 18 E model has improved drive belts. It also has a floating hydraulic drive mode for attachments. In this position, the hitch follows the terrain, and the working depth is the same everywhere;
2. When creating model D, customer wishes and international standards were taken into account. Centaur T 18 D has an improved frame and the ability to change the wheel-to-wheel distance;
3. The T 18 V provides the possibility of using not only rear, but also front attachments.
4. Centaur T 18 C is the highest quality and modified model. When creating it, we took into account the disadvantages of previous mini tractors and corrected them, created an organic design, increased the service life of the belt and chain drive, and also modernized the tension rollers.

Basic equipment

In the basic configuration, the Centaur comes from the factory already assembled. The product comes with instructions and a 12 month warranty. Additionally, a plow and an active milling cutter for cultivating the soil may be supplied.

Device Features

Centaur T-18 has a pair of hydraulic drives that allow you to raise or lower the attachments you use, making the performance of any work much easier. The hydraulic oil sump was located behind the driver's seat. Despite its small overall dimensions, the equipment has excellent maneuverability. This is largely due to the presence of large wheels (12-radius in front, 16-radius in the rear). The tread of the tires used is wide enough, which allows the machine to easily move on difficult and viscous soils. The operator's workplace includes all the necessary controls, operating indicators and sensors, as well as a soft seat mounted on special shock absorbers. In addition, the standard equipment of the mini-tractor includes powerful headlights with two lighting modes, which is a necessary element for traveling on public roads at night.

The minitractor uses a gearbox similar to other models developed on the basis of walk-behind tractors. The gearbox range includes 8 gears, 6 of which allow the mini-tractor to move forward, and 2 are intended for reverse. The first three and one reverse gear are low gears, when all the others are intended for normal driving. This solution is used in all modern mini-tractors, both foreign and domestic. There is also a locking differential, which additionally provides increased cross-country ability and increased traction force, since it minimizes slipping of the drive wheels. The machine is ideal for working in gardens, small beds, among trees and other places with limited work space. This is due to the small turning radius.

The manufacturer presented 4 modified versions of the Centaur T-18 mini-tractor:

1. Modification of the Centaur T-18E. The main changes in this modification were aimed at the durability of the equipment. The belts and bush-roller chain of the active rototiller drive were replaced with higher quality ones, which increased the service life of the model. The hydraulic system also received a float mode switch, which allows the tillage equipment to copy the topography of the cultivated area, which ensures the same cultivation depth.
2. Modification of the Centaur T-18D. This modification has also been significantly improved. The design of the mini-tractor has an increased safety margin. In addition, a very convenient feature has appeared, which is to adjust the track width. Thus, the driver can improve certain characteristics of the vehicle by experimenting with the track. Moreover, thanks to this, the machine can be used on any beds. As time has shown, almost all consumers liked this improvement.
3. Modification of the Centaur T-18V. A distinctive feature of this version is the presence of a powerful hydraulic pump, which allows the simultaneous use of front and rear attachments. The model was also equipped with a two-vector hydraulic switch.
4. Modification of the Centaur T-18S. The version with index B, that is, the previous one, was taken as the basis for this modification. As a result, the design of the mini-tractor was changed, and the service life was increased, since the previous components, including V-belts, tension rollers and drive chains, were replaced with more reliable and durable ones.

Reliability

Due to the fact that the manufacturer uses high-quality materials, the equipment has a very long service life and, most importantly, high reliability. The V-belt and drive chain used are characterized by increased durability. Each modified version released surpasses the previous one precisely in terms of reliability, which is explained by the replacement of any elements or the improvement of existing ones.

Repair features

In terms of repairs, this minitractor is somewhat similar to a walk-behind tractor; accordingly, some of its elements can be used. The design of the entire machine is distinguished by its simplicity, which allows the owner to eliminate various malfunctions without much difficulty.

Specifications

Features of application

Minitractors Centaur T 18 are representatives of classic diesel machines.

Due to their small dimensions, they are capable of not only carrying out work on land plots in the open air, but also in closed spaces (barns, garages, greenhouses, etc.).

Before leaving, be sure to check the availability of fuel and oil. When the fuel tank is maximally filled, the Centaur T 18 minitractor can be operated for more than 8 hours continuously.

Description of the Centaur mini tractor

Mini tractors of the Centaur model range are compact and very easy to use. They are quite hardy and durable. All models are made of high-strength materials, have a wide speed range, are easy to start with keys or an electric starter and are quite simple to operate.

All models have a stable chassis and comfortable wheels, which can be doubled if necessary. This gives mini tractors high maneuverability, which is important when working on open ground.

All models are equipped with hydraulics, which makes it easier to perform tasks with attachments.

Despite the positive characteristics, the Centaur motor tractor has different reviews. Many people liked it, but there are buyers who expect more from it.

Tractors perform many functions without requiring high maintenance costs. Before using the equipment, carefully read the operating instructions.

The model range includes the following brands of mini-tractors:

• T 18;
• T 15;
• T 24;
• T 20;
• T 220;
• T 224;
• T 244.

There is a large selection of tractors, so buyers can always choose the right option. Let's consider the most popular models of mini tractors that have proven themselves on the positive side.

User manual

New owners of the Centaur T 18 mini tractors should definitely read the user manual. This will help them understand the principle of its design, the assembly process, running-in, maintenance and repair.

All Centaur T 18 minitractors must be run-in. This can be done automatically or manually. Running in involves using a mini tractor at minimum power. This is done to ensure that the motor parts are lubricated and fit securely into the corresponding grooves. After break-in, the engine oil needs to be changed.

Characteristics of the T-15 tractor

Consider the Centaur T-15 minitractor. The main value of this model is the R195N (NM) engine with a power of 15 hp. The engine is very durable and quite resistant to temperature changes and high humidity. Thanks to the liquid cooling of the engine, the minitractor copes with the assigned tasks, working uninterruptedly for 10 hours.

The engine is four-stroke, runs on diesel fuel. At low speeds the car has excellent traction. Fuel is consumed very economically, and there is no emission of toxic substances from the exhaust gases. Another advantage is the silent operation of the unit.

There are different reviews about the Centaur T-15 mini tractor. The motor fully corresponds to the manufacturer’s description: powerful and economical. From the starter it starts the first time. Thanks to hydraulics, it easily lifts a heavy cutter.

The kit includes a plow for plowing the land, which sometimes buries itself in the ground during operation, so you can use the hydraulic control handle to lift it. Among the shortcomings, we should note the twisting and unreliability of the belt. Under light load it sometimes falls off, then you need to install an additional roller.

Mini tractor maintenance

The Centaur T18 minitractor is easy to maintain. It is enough to change the engine oil on time (after 80 hours of operation on the M-10G2), fill in high-quality fuel (diesel must be clean and free of impurities), and check the condition of the fuel and air filters.

If it is necessary to preserve the Centaur T18 mini tractor for a couple of months, it is recommended to disconnect the spark plugs and drain the oil and gasoline (during this time they will take on water and become unusable). After this, clean the tractor, lubricate all parts with oil to prevent corrosion, cover and store in a dry place.

Owner reviews

Ivan Andreevich, Sumy:

“I ordered the T 18d model on the Internet. I picked it up from the region myself. Overall I'm pleased with the car, but there are some drawbacks!

The disadvantages are the following: the spring-summer season is incomplete - and the drive belts fly off. Also, the cutter had to be taken to a service center because the gears did not mesh. The reason turned out to be a faulty alignment of the pulleys; they repaired it without payment, since the mini tractor was under warranty, and this made me very happy.

There are also advantages: power, maneuverability, speed. The cutter is working now. This season I’ve already used it for cleaning the yard, and in winter I cleared snow with a small blade.”