What is a walk-behind tractor?

The walk-behind tractor is a type of equipment that can effectively replace more “primitive” devices - shovels, rakes. It does a good job of cultivating the area. And some models are even capable of transporting cargo. To understand whether a farmer needs such a technique, one should understand its features.

What is a walk-behind tractor, its structure

A walk-behind tractor is a unit designed for various types of agricultural work and has many functions. Has a wide scope of application. Can cultivate, fertilize and plow the soil. Some models are capable of clearing snow from an area and transporting cargo.

The technology is mobile. Its functionality can be compared to a mini-tractor.

There is a wide selection of unit models on the market. Their main difference is in size and number of functions. The device of one type or another does not differ significantly.

The design of any walk-behind tractor includes an engine, control system, chassis and transmission. Each element has its own characteristics.

For such equipment, engines are used - diesel or gasoline. Light models are often equipped with the latter. Diesel engines are used in heavy walk-behind tractors due to their greater power. Starting the motor can be manual or electric.

A transmission is needed to change the speed of a vehicle.Heavy models are equipped with a differential that allows left and right wheels to rotate at different rates. This function is necessary for processing complex land areas. The transmission has a gearbox. The number of its forward gears can reach six.

The design of the unit also includes:

1. Chassis. It is a strong frame made of steel, where the main components and wheel rims are fixed. Additional equipment may include lugs. These are special metal rims necessary to increase the weight of the equipment. They also improve traction while working.
2. Control system. This is a set of elements that allow you to regulate speed and choose direction. This system includes the steering wheel, gear shift levers, emergency braking button, etc.

This is the main set of elements that is included in each walk-behind tractor. It is worth noting that in some models the steering wheel can be adjusted in height, adjusting its position to the operator.

The wide selection of types of walk-behind tractors on the market can confuse the buyer. To choose the right model, it is recommended to consider the following parameters:

1. Engine power, which varies from 3.5 to 15 hp. For seasonal work, it is worth choosing simpler models. The larger the area that needs to be processed, the more powerful the motor must be.
2. Engine's type. It was noted that it can be gasoline or diesel. Most light models run on gasoline. A diesel engine has more power, but is also heavier and larger. These are recommended to be chosen for complex agricultural work.
3. Grip depth. This parameter is affected by engine power.The minimum gripping depth is 20 cm and the maximum is 35 cm.

It is worth focusing on fuel consumption. This affects the efficiency of using the equipment.

Why do you need a walk-behind tractor, what functions can it perform?

Most of those who have not used a walk-behind tractor believe that its purpose is only to tillage. But the range of its capabilities is much wider. It's worth taking a closer look at them.

Plowing the land

To perform such a task you will need a special plow compact size. This is an attachment for machinery that allows you to plow the ground. The efficiency of the process depends on the power.

The walk-behind tractor helps not only quickly, but also plow the soil efficiently. You don’t have to use a shovel or hire a tractor specially for this. After using a walk-behind tractor, the quality of the soil is much better due to the fact that it lifts deep layers of soil and thoroughly mixes the soil. This contributes to good saturation of the land with oxygen, increasing its productivity.

Harrowing

The harrow is another type of attachment. This is a special nozzle with teeth. When harrowing with a walk-behind tractor, the top layer of soil is crushed. It is formed due to the fact that the earth dries out from regular exposure to sunlight.

Harrowing is one of the most effective ways to get rid of weeds. This allows oxygen to penetrate much better to the roots.

Refusal to harrow can provoke disturbances in the saturation of moisture in the root system of plants.

Hilling

This function is necessary for those who grow potatoes, strawberries, etc. Using special attachments, the walk-behind tractor raises the furrows to provide ventilation to the tubers.

Planting and harvesting

For these operations there is also mounted equipment. It makes planting crops and then harvesting them several times more convenient. You can also purchase special seeders that allow you to effectively and conveniently sow seeds of almost any plant for your garden.

Shipping

It is enough to add a trailer to the walk-behind tractor and you will get something like a motor scooter. Don't expect great speed. But it will be able to transport cargo, including cement, bags of fertilizer, and the crop itself. This is much easier and more convenient than carrying everything by hand.

Winter operation of the walk-behind tractor

During the winter, there is also work for equipment. It won't gather dust in the closet. The walk-behind tractor is capable of clearing the area of ​​snow. There are several types of attachments for these purposes. For example, a snow blower, which is used after heavy snowfalls. It helps clear footpaths even if the snow is deep. When working, the walk-behind tractor throws everything to the side of the road.

After a light snowfall, special brushes for cleaning snow are suitable. They are also used for cleaning footpaths. In difficult cases, when the snow has accumulated and become hard, it is recommended to use a special shovel. Its peculiarity is the presence of knives that help remove ice.

A walk-behind tractor is a popular piece of equipment that can be used to solve many simple agricultural problems. The presence of additional hanging elements allows you to expand the range of functions. In addition to direct actions for caring for the soil and cultivating it, it allows you to transport goods, clear the area of ​​snow, etc.