When there are too many tractors and not enough walk-behind tractor: we choose a minitractor

In practice, walk-behind tractors, which are equipped with attachments for performing various technological tasks, have become widely used in farms with small areas operations
For small farms, the area of which is 0.5-10 hectares, the walk-behind tractor may be too weak, and the conventional tractor too powerful, the best solution is a mini-tractor.

Purpose of mini-tractors

Mini-tractors are used in farms to perform various operations. For this purpose, they are equipped with appropriate attachments:

• plows;
• cultivators;
• harrows;
• planters andplanters;
• spreaders doriv;
• sprayers;
• mowers;
• rakes;
• potato diggers;
• loaders;
• milling machines and others tools.

Cultivator

Potato digger

Mini-tractors are also used in the communal economy for cleaning sidewalks and roads and removing snow. Mini-tractors with trailers are an efficient means of transporting various loads. It is important that the implements and the load capacity of the trailer correspond to the engine power of the mini tractor.

Design features of mini tractors

The main design features of a mini tractor are the presence of:

• diesel or gasoline engine;
• mechanical or hydrostatic transmission;
• wheeled or crawler chassis;
• trailer equipment;
• trailer device;
• hydraulic equipment for working with tools equipped with working hydraulics;
• power take-off shaft to drive trailer machinery with a rotation frequency of 540 or 1000 rpm;
• cabins with control bodies;
• braking system, the most appropriate are separate brakes for the front and rear axles;
• cruise control to stabilize engine revolutions (especially during long-term operation).

High power, performance, functionality, durability and economy are characteristic of diesel engines. But gasoline ones are easier to operate and maintain. In addition, gasoline engines work efficiently both at low and high temperatures with minimal noise.

Depending on engine power, mini tractors are divided into the following types:

• light with engine power no more than 15 hp;
• medium with power in the range of 15…30 hp;
• heavy with engines more than 30 hp

Light and medium mini-tractors are quite maneuverable and it is advisable to use them on homesteads. Their use allows mechanization of various processes in the economy. In addition, they can develop high speeds on roads and be used for transportation.

Heavy mini-tractors are used on larger areas and with more productive attachments.
Depending on the treated area, it is advisable to use:

• on areas up to 1.5 hectares - mini-tractors with an engine power of up to 12 hp;
• for an area of 1.5...3 hectares - mini-tractors with a power of 12...20 hp;
• on an area of 3...5 hectares - mini-tractors with an engine power of 20...25 hp;
• on an area of 4...7 hectares - mini-tractors with an engine power of 25...46 hp;
• for areas up to 10 ha - mini-tractors with a power of up to 45...50 hp

The power of the mini-tractor engine also determines the width of the attachment to be used. Mini-tractors up to 15 hp. used with implements with a grip width of up to 1.5 m. More powerful mini-tractors are also used for wider-grip implements.

For efficient, economical work (even at low engine speeds), it is advisable to have a hydrostatic transmission on a mini-tractor. Such a transmission is reliable and more durable in operation.

The tracked undercarriage provides higher passability, and the wheeled one provides maneuverability, lower weight and dimensions.

The attachment equipment of the mini-tractor must ensure the presence of a three-point attachment scheme for all attachments with which the mini-tractor is intended to work

For comfortable work, the cabin must have heating and air conditioning systems. Seats must be adjustable and cushioned. Joysticks can be effectively used to control attachments. It is advisable to use the steering with a hydraulic amplifier. The specified devices allow to significantly facilitate work under various conditions.

Criteria for choosing a mini tractor

When choosing a mini tractor, it is important to pay attention to the following basic features:

• purpose and functionality;
• engine power;
• dimensions;
• tractor weight;
• turning radius (for work on small and inconvenient areas – 2...4 m is advisable);
• availability of hitch system and power take-off shaft.

Regarding the weight of the mini-tractor, there is a recommendation: the optimal weight should be 40...50 kg per 1 hp. engine power. Although in practice experts recommend mini-tractors weighing more than 1 ton.
It is also advisable to take into account the possible working conditions. If there is a need for inter-row crop cultivation, it is advisable to have a mini-tractor with an adjustable track and appropriate clearance. For stability when transporting cargo with trailers, you need to use mini tractors with a large track, a sufficiently powerful engine and a reliable frame.

Competition of mini and motorcycle tractors

In general, a mini tractor is a regular tractor, but in a slightly reduced form. The tasks that a mini-tractor is capable of solving are similar to the tasks inherent in conventional tractors, but with smaller volumes and energy consumption.

Motor-tractors can compete to a certain extent with mini-tractors. It is advisable to use them on plots of no more than 10 hectares (whereas for mini-tractors the area is twice as large). A moto-tractor can be irreplaceable and is better suited for working in fields with a complex configuration and variable terrain.
The main characteristic features that distinguish moto-tractors and mini-tractors are:

• motor-tractor has an engine power of up to 25 hp;
• motor-tractor has mainly one-axle drive;
• motor-tractors use a belt drive in the transmission.

Although the motor-tractor has a simpler design compared to a mini-tractor, the forces it develops are much smaller.