What is the difference between a walk-behind tractor and a cultivator?

During the long winter, gardeners and gardeners are thinking about buying equipment to make their life easier during the seasonal planting period. Often the choice falls on a walk-behind tractor or cultivator. But not everyone understands the difference in these devices and is able to understand the differences between the devices.

Cultivator and walk-behind tractor: what is the difference?

Experts note that both units have significant weight. The buyer facing a choice must understand that the devices only help to complete the job faster, but do not reduce the operator’s energy costs.

If an elderly person or woman buys a device for the garden, it is better to pay attention to a household mini-cultivator. This model will make the job a little easier, but will not be able to do it quickly.

What is a walk-behind tractor?

It runs on gasoline or diesel fuel, is equipped with a powerful engine and a large wheelbase, and is multifunctional. Usually, when purchased, it is equipped with rotating cutters, which allow you to immediately begin loosening the soil.

The walk-behind tractor is also capable of:

• mow the grass;
• remove snow;
• destroy weeds.

Depending on the equipment, the device performs the corresponding functions and is considered a useful acquisition for a private farmstead.

What is a cultivator?

It is a device equipped with rotating cutters that loosen and plow the soil for subsequent planting.The wheels are very small and are intended exclusively for transporting equipment.

The operating principle of the device is extremely simple. Under its own weight, it crashes into the ground, turning the cutters and thus loosening the soil. Some manufacturers supply heavy-duty cultivators with body kits that perform the tasks of a plow, hiller or potato digger, depending on the attachment.

What is the difference between a cultivator and a walk-behind tractor?

The main difference between the devices is functionality. Cultivator used exclusively for cultivating beds to provide future plantings with well-plowed, loose soil. The walk-behind tractor has wide functionality due to pneumatic wheels and the ability to install attachments.

Consultants highlight the following differences:

1. Weight. A walk-behind tractor is a heavy machine, their weight exceeds 70 kg, and sometimes reaches 300 kg. Cultivators are mobile and lightweight, only some models weigh 60 kg.
2. Transmission. The multifunctional machine has a gear shift mode. As a rule, there are three of them - two front and one rear.
3. Pneumatic wheels. Necessary for the operation of complex equipment and transportation of heavy instruments. The cultivators have only small wheels for ease of movement.

Of course, the numerous attachments of a walk-behind tractor distinguish it from a cultivator. But before purchasing, it is important to assess the amount of work that garden equipment will have to handle. You should not spend money on purchasing a universal device if the processing area is small.