Minitractor "Centaur T-18": reviews

Centaur T 224 (4 by 4 wheel arrangement) is a popular middle-class mini tractor. The machine is produced at the Brest Tractor Plant, located in Belarus. Compact dimensions and a powerful Japanese engine make the vehicle popular throughout the post-Soviet space. The model is multifunctional and does not require specialized maintenance. The Centaur T 224 is distinguished by significant maneuverability due to large wheels, all-wheel drive and a stable chassis. When creating, the manufacturer took into account the wishes of customers and the main disadvantages inherent in competitors. The result is affordable and reliable special equipment with enormous potential.

Design Features

The Centaur T-18 is based on a reinforced frame, such as on tractors with a power of 24 horsepower or more. It increases the weight of the equipment, which has a positive effect on its maneuverability. Also, the available safety margin allows you to increase the maximum loads and use heavier attachments in conjunction with the tractor.

The attention of potential buyers is focused on the fact that all the most important elements of this model, subject to increased loads, are made of high-strength alloys. For example, the gearbox is made from an alloy of cast iron and graphite marked “QT-500”, which perfectly withstands load changes and does not deform or break. And the gears are made of ultra-strong alloy steel “20CrMn”.

Hydraulics

A hydraulic system with a forced deepening function appeared in the Centaur T-18 several years ago, after restyling and modernization. All mini tractors have it, starting with the “Centaur T-18C” version and further, “according to the English alphabet.”

This absolutely necessary option allows you to work with mounted units weighing up to 150 kilograms, ensuring their necessary penetration into the soil without additional weight. Another advantage of such hydraulics is the upper location of the hydraulic cylinder, which ensures its greater stroke and minimal exposure to dust.

An advertisement for a mini tractor, where it is depicted with a tiller, a plow and a hiller.

The hydraulic distributor in the Centaur T-18 is designed for three positions: forced deepening, lifting and “floating position”. The “floating position” function of the hydraulics allows you to increase the efficiency of tillage, regardless of differences in the surface of the site, since the units copy the terrain during operation, ensuring a uniform tillage depth over the entire area.

The T-18 hydraulic distributor is a dual-circuit one, allowing you to simultaneously control two mounted implements. For example, a mower and a rake. To do this, you do not need to rearrange the hydraulic hoses and drain the hydraulic oil from the system, but you can simply connect both implements at once.

Updated models, starting with the T-18S, in addition to the rear one, are also immediately equipped with a front hydraulic hose with a cylinder for connecting and controlling the mower or blade.

Starter, V-belt and chain drives

Thanks to the electric starter, the power unit of this equipment is started with the ignition key. A decompression valve is also provided, which, in the event of low battery voltage, allows the engine to be started using a “crooked starter”.

To ensure that the V-belt drive belt does not slip under high loads, the manufacturer installed special tension rollers that ensure constant tension from the engine. Thus, this made it possible to minimize the occurrence of slipping on the pulleys. The V-belt not only does not slip, but also does not twist or fray during operation, which significantly increases their service life.

The manual differential unlocking function has a positive effect on the cross-country ability of the Centaur T-18 tractor. It also provides decent maneuverability, a minimum turning radius, reduces tire wear when driving on roads, and helps avoid slipping when cultivating soil.

Manufacturers and traders draw the attention of potential buyers to the fact that the soil tiller chain on the Centaur T-18 is double. This drive element is constantly subject to heavy loads during operation and operates in dusty and dirty conditions. The double chain, in any case, guarantees enhanced strength and durability of the important element.

Brake control, adjustable track

The dual design of the brake pedals allows both wheels to brake simultaneously or each wheel independently. When braking with one wheel, the turning radius decreases, so the Centaur T-18 maneuvers freely in a limited area and when changing to another lane.

By adjusting the rear and front tracks, this mini tractor is suitable for row processing of a wide variety of crops. The Centaur T-18 is equipped with extended shafts and universal hubs with holes provided for fixation. Thanks to this, the track can be adjusted from one meter to 1,200 m. Therefore, the mini tractor is suitable for both continuous (with a narrow track installed), but also for inter-row cultivation and harvesting (with a wide track).

Brand history

The Centaur trademark has been known in Ukraine for many years. This technology has been sold in Belarus since 2010. The Centaur brand produces a wide range of mini tractors and tractors used for specialized soil cultivation (plowing, cultivation, harrowing, etc.), as well as for other tasks, for example, use in the construction, municipal, and household sectors.

includes not only tractors and mini-tractors, the company successfully produces and sells equipment such as garden equipment (mowers, seeders, pruning shears, brush cutters, electric mowers, chain saws, electric saws, as well as electrical equipment for gardening and processing trees, bushes, lawns), construction equipment .

Among other things, a variety of electrical equipment comes off the assembly line: chainsaws, circular saws, drills, welding machines, screwdrivers, grinders, vibrating plates, compressors and more.

In the markets of Belarus, Russia and Ukraine, the equipment is known for its fair ratio of quality and price, as well as for the high-quality materials used in production. All metal parts of mini tractors and walk-behind tractors from this brand are made of high-strength metal alloys, which is why the Centaur equipment is an order of magnitude heavier than its Chinese or Korean counterparts in terms of power.

Thanks to a wide network of service centers, both in Belarus and outside the country, Centaur mini tractors, like other equipment from the manufacturer, are easy to repair and maintain. All equipment is supplied with clear and detailed instructions in Russian; in addition, on the manufacturer’s website you can get online feedback and clarify your question.

The warranty on the Centaur minitractor, depending on the model, ranges from 12 to 24 months.

Possibility of working with additional equipment

Usually, when selling a Centaur T-18 minitractor, sellers add to it “as a gift” two of the most necessary and sought-after attachments: a double-furrow plow; an active rototiller. Some people also add a hiller to these “bonuses”. Also included with the tractor is a set of spare parts.

Motoblock mounted implements are connected to the Centaur T-18. They are inexpensive: cheaper than tractor ones, but are capable of performing site processing tasks quite effectively.

Attachments can be connected both from the rear - from the gearbox and from the overrunning clutch through the belt, and from the front - from the pulley through the belt. Other popular additional equipment is a towed disc harrow, as well as, of course, a mower and a rake.

In addition, “Centaur T-18” can work with light sowing units for grain and vegetable crops, potato planters and root crop diggers, mounted cultivators, utility brushes, frontal blades of rotary and non-rotary types.

Purpose

For farms, this mini tractor will be an indispensable assistant, as it will allow you to perform a wide range of work. However, the scope of application of the equipment is much wider than that of basic low-power machines, which is explained by the huge range of trailed and mounted equipment. The Centaur T 224 gained the greatest popularity in private households, on farms and with public utilities. The minitractor copes well with a variety of operations: sowing grain crops, plowing various types of soil, harrowing, cultivating, harvesting, spraying, spreading fertilizer, mowing, cleaning areas and transporting materials, grown products and various items.

The Centaur T 224 is characterized by mobility and maneuverability. The model works equally effectively on large areas and in limited spaces.

Modifications

In addition to the basic modification, the Centaur T-18 minitractor has four modernized ones.

"Centaur T-18V" is equipped with a more efficient gear-type hydraulic pump and a two-vector hydraulic switch.
“Centaur T-18S” has an updated design of the external appearance of the mini tractor, the main drive parts - V-belts, drive chains, tension rollers - with an increased durability.
"Centaur T-18D" is distinguished by a reinforced frame and overall design.
“Centaur T-18E” - V-belts of higher strength are used, with an extended service life; the “floating” hydraulic mode has been improved.

Engine and transmission of the Centaur T-18 minitractor

Minitractors "Centaur T-18" are equipped with four-stroke single-cylinder power units of Japanese origin brand "Kama", brand "R196NDL". The working volume of such an engine is 0.79 liters, and the rated power is 13.24 kilowatts, or 18 horsepower. The cooling system is liquid type. Hourly fuel consumption is, “according to the passport,” 350 grams of diesel fuel per kilowatt.

Owners of the Centaur T-18 mini tractors note that an important advantage of this engine is its ability to maintain high traction at low speeds. Thanks to this property, the 18-horsepower engine at low speeds corresponds in power to a gasoline engine of 26 horsepower.

Mini tractors “Centaur T-18” are equipped with a 6-speed gearbox: three low and three high gears “forward”, plus two more “backward”. The speed range is from 2 km/h to 40 km/h.

User manual

This document must be studied by all new owners of Centaur mini tractors in order to understand its technical characteristics and operating principle.

Instructions for first start-up and running-in

The key to long-term use of Centaur mini tractors is the correct first start. The machine must be assembled strictly in accordance with the requirements of the operating instructions.

After this, you need to add oil and fuel! Because many owners forget about this.

For the first 8 hours, the Centaur minitractor should work in a gentle engine run-in mode. This is done so that the motor parts are lubricated on all sides and fit into the corresponding grooves.
It is recommended to carry out running-in by driving with an empty trailer or using cutters at a depth of up to 5 cm.
Some showrooms offer automatic break-in on special machines.
After this, the oil should be changed, since a large number of mechanical impurities will accumulate in it, and with further use they can damage the Centaur minitractor.

Conservation

If you do not plan to use the Centaur mini tractor for 2 months or more, it is recommended to preserve the unit. For this you need:

drain the oil and fuel (they will still gain moisture during this period and become unusable),
disconnect the wires from the spark plugs,
lubricate the gearbox (to prevent them from jamming),
cover and place the machine in a dry place protected from sunlight (to prevent corrosion).

Service

Centaur tractors are unpretentious in everyday use.

Before leaving, you should visually inspect the condition of the Centaur minitractor, check the operation of the steering and brake systems, and check the presence of fuel and oil.
It is recommended to change the engine oil once every 100 hours of operation. The manufacturer recommends using M-10G2 as a replacement.
Transmission oil must be changed once before starting spring work or after 1000 hours of operation. It is recommended to use Tap-15V.
Centaur diesel mini tractors. And an important factor in maintaining their technical characteristics is the use of high-quality and fresh diesel.
It is also necessary to periodically check the condition of spark plugs, fuel and air filters, tires, etc.

Basic faults and repairs

Repairing Centaur mini tractors may cause difficulties for some owners, although the main faults can be easily resolved on your own:

If the hydraulic system of the mini tractor does not lift the attachment:

The oil level may have dropped (it needs to be topped up);
The hydraulic pump is turned off (turn it on);
The hydraulic safety valve is stuck (disassemble and clean the valve).

If the engine is not running stably, here are the possible reasons:

The fuel level has dropped below the minimum mark (you need to top it up);
Belt stretch (must be set correctly);
Fuel or air filters are clogged (clean them);
The carburetor is clogged due to dirt (it must be disassembled, washed and cleaned);
Problems with the ignition system (most often the spark plug comes off or it has become unusable).

If the brakes don't work:

The free play of the pedal has increased (adjust its position);
The brake disc or pad is worn out (replace the relevant parts).

If the transmission overheats:

Small gear or bearing clearance (adjust);
Lack of oil or its low quality (add oil that is suitable for this model to the required level);

If the starter does not work:

Broken or poor contact of the wire (solder or connect it);
Weak battery charge (charge it);
Short circuit (clean the commutator surface or replace the brushes);
Poor contact of the magnetic switch (tighten the switch travel by 2-3 turns).

Technical specifications in numbers

Length – 2,520 m, width at wheels – 1,360 m, height – 1,300 m.
Ground clearance – 240 millimeters.
The structural weight of the mini tractor is 640 kilograms.
The width of the cultivated area is 1,100 m.
The depth of soil cultivation is 20 centimeters.
The maximum weight of the attachments used is no more than 150 kilograms.
The track width is from 1 to 1.2 m.
The width of the front wheels is 4.00 inches, the rear wheels are 6.50 inches.
The radius of the front wheels is 12 inches, the rear wheels are 16 inches.
Wheel formula 4×2 (rear-wheel drive).
Battery – 12

"Centaur T-18" in action, according to reviews from owners

So, let's get behind the wheel of the Centaur T-18. By the way, doing this out of habit is extremely inconvenient: in order to get into the saddle and get comfortable on it, “you have to be a virtuoso,” according to reviews from the owners. But it’s okay, then you get used to it and adapt.

The seat can’t be called comfortable either: it’s actually a piece of board covered with leatherette. You can’t sit in such a “saddle” for long. But, again, only at first. Later you can somehow adapt.

Before your eyes, on the dashboard - an ammeter, a coolant temperature sensor, an oil pressure sensor, an engine hour meter. There is also a horn. Lighting devices - two headlights, high and low beam, turn signals, dimensions.

Go! The gearbox, according to the unanimous opinion of the owners of the Centaurs, is extremely tight. The speeds are switched on with great difficulty, which only a person with extraordinary physical strength can do. By the end of the work, you may get a “bruise” on your arm. The hope that “it will work out later” is not justified: shifting gears remains difficult as before.

Floating two-vector hydraulics is really one of the advantages of this model: it allows you to connect two mounted units to the minitractor at once. Another plus is the adjustable track, which makes it possible to use the “Centaur T-18” not only for continuous cultivation, but also between rows.

The owners of these tractors really like the performance of the durable and productive Kama R196NDL engine. It starts well from the starter, even in winter. Subjectively, it is quite powerful and at the same time economical. But the V-belt drive, contrary to the assurances of manufacturers and sellers, still shows itself to be unimportant in practice. When operating under load, it is quite common for these belts to fly off or become twisted.

In general, the operation of the V-belt drive is called the main problem of the T-18 Centaurs. According to a number of owners of these mini tractors, initially their design was made in such a way that when loaded, the belts periodically fly off or twist (or jump on one another), as a result of which the work takes the form: passed a couple of rows - stop, loosen the tension roller, twist belt to the desired position, and so on constantly. Although without load the belts did not fly off or twist.

Experimentally, a “folk remedy” was found in which the belts stop flying off altogether (but sometimes continue to twist). This is setting the rear roller not in the “bottom of the belt” position, but in the “top of the belt” position. But, however, in this case it will not be possible to install the protective casing back, because the roller will interfere (and working without a casing is, in a sense, dangerous). Another solution is to install another support roller from below. Belts also stop flying off and twisting.

In some cases, it is necessary to align all the rollers of the transmitting and receiving shafts - along the same line. Since the tension and guide rollers are not made in one line, which is why the belt, when it is tensioned, rubs on its sides against these rollers. As a result, it can become so frayed after just one plowing that it will require replacement. Take a crowbar and use it to align the guide plates on which the roller is installed, plus adjust the position of the engine, which is attached to the frame with four bolts.

According to owners' reviews, sometimes the following problem occurs with the engine of the Centaur T-18 minitractor: water begins to get into the oil. It begins to enter the oil crankcase either through the cylinder head gasket (included in the delivery kit) or through the liner gasket, or rather the O-ring.

Many owners have noted problems with the electrical equipment of these mini tractors. The fuses blow (by the way, they are all dangling in their sockets), the light in the headlights disappears, and the engine begins to have trouble starting with the starter. You have to do the rebuilding, re-stretching and bringing the electrical wiring into “divine form” yourself: you won’t get help from the service, no matter what the sellers “sing” before selling the mini tractor.

After purchasing a new mini tractor “Centaur T-18”, it is imperative to tighten absolutely all bolts throughout its entire structure. All owners say that for some reason this “option” is not produced where the tractor is assembled.

The tiller that comes with the mini tractor works very well. BUT! Provided it is assembled correctly. Half of the cutters leave the factory assembled incorrectly. After installation, it becomes obvious that “there is no gear engagement at all!” (i.e. the cutter was mounted at the factory so that the gears could not contact each other in any of the shift knob positions).

We took it to the service station (+100 km of travel) - the mechanic looked at it and said it was assembled incorrectly at the factory: the “gears” were placed on the wrong side. We rearranged it and everything became normal.” This is by no means an isolated case: this is often observed with cutters for “Centaurs”.

Regarding the plow included in the kit, it is adjustable and works fine. In principle, it could have been larger in size; this minitractor could have pulled it like that. It would also not hurt to provide a thrust wheel for this plow. Because quite often during the plowing process the plow buries itself in the ground, causing the wheels to start spinning until you lift it up with hydraulics. That is, while working with the plow, you constantly have to keep your hand on the hydraulic control lever. But you can “live” with this.

As already noted, the engine starts without problems with the starter. But if you still have to use the manual start handle, then don’t be surprised if it breaks the first time you use it: according to reviews from the owners of the T-18 Centaurs, it is made of some kind of “rotten” and fragile metal.

Cost of mini tractor "Centaur T-18"

Agricultural equipment dealers offer new mini tractors “Centaur T-18” at prices starting from 170,000 rubles. A used version in working condition can be found ranging from 70 to 120 thousand rubles.

In general, the Centaur T-18 is a fairly budget-friendly version of a typical Chinese small/medium class mini tractor. It is designed for cultivating land plots up to 2 hectares with light, non-waterlogged soils.

Capable of transporting loads weighing up to 1.8 tons on a trailer. Useful for growing potatoes and other root crops; at the hay harvest. The quality leaves much to be desired, but all shortcomings can be eliminated with our “Kulibins”!

Characteristics of models T-24, T-20, T-220

The T-24 minitractor is a model from a series of small-sized equipment that copes with a plot of 6 hectares. A minitractor is used to transport heavy loads, mow grass, harvest crops, sow seeds, etc. This technique can be used for almost any job. Its small dimensions make it easy to store it in a garage or other room with a small area.

The car's engine is four-stroke and runs on diesel fuel, which makes the car very economical due to low fuel consumption. Water cooling of the motor protects the unit even in very hot weather. The engine is started manually and with an electric starter. The operating speed can be adjusted immediately thanks to the gearbox. The tractor has a very convenient function - manual throttle. It frees the driver from having to keep his foot on the gas pedal to maintain the same speed.

The Centaur T-24 tractor is a multifunctional piece of equipment. It can work with many implement attachments, which are much less expensive than larger equipment. Large wheels give the car reliability, making it passable and more maneuverable.

Consider the Centaur T-20 minitractor. This model appeared in the production line of Centaur equipment in 2016. The designers added power to the car by strengthening the drive axle. Due to this, the mass of equipment has increased, ensuring safety when performing work with attachments. As a tractor, the unit can transport a trailer weighing 1.5-1.7 tons.

Like all Centaur models, the T-20 is equipped with a Japanese engine from Kama. It has proven itself to be a powerful, durable, durable and economical engine. The track of the unit is also convenient, which can change the width from 900 to 1200 mm.

The Centaur T-220 minitractor is a fairly powerful machine designed for excavation work, harvesting, transporting goods, caring for plantings and other work. As an addition, the tractor owner can purchase hubs to change the track size. Such a purchase will cost slightly more, approximately $70 of the basic cost. The installed engine has two cylinders providing a power of 22 hp. An important feature is the presence of an electric starter, which plays an important role when starting the engine in conditions of low air temperature.