What is the difference between a walk-behind tractor and a cultivator? Carrying out a test drive – Setafi

Even consultants in specialized stores cannot give an exact answer about the difference between a walk-behind tractor and a cultivator. Often, they are even put in one place. But this is far from being the case, because the difference can be enormous.

In our article, we will try to tell as much as possible how a walk-behind tractor differs from a cultivator and in what situations this or that type of agricultural equipment is needed.

The design of a walk-behind tractor and a cultivator: which is better in the line

If we talk about the design, then a walk-behind tractor or a cultivator is no different. Only it can be that the first one is much larger in size. And that's all. Although, even some models of cultivators give a light to walk-behind tractors. What is the difference between a walk-behind tractor and a cultivator - you won’t understand right away. Let's understand in more detail.

There are several differences between a walk-behind tractor and a cultivator settings:

• The cultivator works only on the upper layers of the earth. The movement of the nozzle is forward. If you install attachments, you can dig beds, tuck the ground and do other tasks in the garden.
• Motoblock is a technique that can move itself. To do this, it has a mount under the chassis (wheels). In fact, this is a real vehicle for transporting materials and cleaning the garden. Depending on the installed equipment, it can clean the snow and remove the leaves from the garden. Works not only in the field.

As you can see, the difference between a walk-behind tractor and a motor-cultivator is that the first one is a more complex mechanism in terms of performing tasks. To be precise, it is almost a small tractor. What is installed - on that and plows.

Yes, it can be smaller in size and weight than a cultivator. But, you can still hang a trailer and drive on it. And calmly travel around the expanses of the garden or even along the highway.

Another feature - some models can take back. And if there is also a chassis lock, then turn around in one place. Marvelous!

The motor in motoblocks is internal combustion. The design simply does not provide for other options (models with an electric motor can be found in cultivators).

The most powerful representatives of the line - with a diesel engine. Simpler options have four-stroke engines.

An addition to expensive models is a power take-off shaft. What it is about: You can significantly increase the threshold of components by hanging a few more accessories.

We compare the performance characteristics of the cultivator and walk-behind tractor, determine the difference

Consider several characteristics that significantly affect the performance of both systems.

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

Speed ​​and productivity are the winning position of the walk-behind tractor, because its characteristics are much higher than the cultivator system. But, using it only on large sites is an omission.

The thing is that there are different devices in terms of power. The average mark for cultivators is from 1 to 6 horsepower. Powerful models of motoblocks - up to 13-15 horses. Electrical analogues of cultivators give out no more than 3 kW.

Thus, the cultivator has nothing to compete with overall walk-behind tractors. Also, if the earth is not loose, but overdried, then only a professional walk-behind tractor can cope with this. For the cultivation system, this will be a big burden. It may not be possible without breakage.

Cultivator or walk-behind tractor on the processing area: what to choose

Here, the indicators are also different: if cultivators work without problems in gardens up to 20-30 acres, then motoblock systems “plow” without problems on both 30 and 50 acres.

Simply put, when choosing a walk-behind tractor or a motor-cultivator, pay attention to the cultivated area: the first is suitable for a small farm, and the second for a suburban area, garden or cottage.

How wide and deep do the walk-behind tractor and cultivator enter the ground

For the latter, the width indicator depends on the power of the model. The average value is from 15 cm to a meter. In a walk-behind tractor, the capture of the territory can reach 100-130 cm.

The plowing width, depending on the model, is adjustable on both device variants. As we said earlier, cultivators lose out in digging depth. It turns out that here the walk-behind tractor won.

What is the difference in travel speed between a walk-behind tractor and a walk-behind tractor

Motoblock is a technique that can attach a chassis to itself and move on wheels. Therefore, the speed of its movement will be slightly higher than the cultivator. It is used as a means of processing the site, and transport. Carrying cargo is not a problem at all.

The gear setting range of the walk-behind tractor is also higher - you can adjust the movement up to 6 gears.

The cultivator moves only with loosening the earth, with a cutter - its speed depends only on soil moisture and does not reach the speed of a walk-behind tractor.

What is the difference between a cultivator and a walk-behind tractor - is it possible to install additional attachments

Now we will talk about accessories that can be useful to us both on the field and in everyday life.

Not every cultivator can work with attachments. Devices of low power can, perhaps, spud the earth. And that's all. The remaining segments - to perform work only in one area. What they set, they do: they spud, weed, plow, etc. If you plow the beds, then without chains on the harrow are indispensable - otherwise you will get stuck in the garden and it will be impossible to pull out the device yourself.

But what is the difference between a universal walk-behind tractor. With the possibility of attaching additional parts, it can do anything. What task just don’t give him: hang the nozzle and move it with pleasure. Here is just a little of what the device is capable of in action:

1. Snow removal;
2. Sowing crops
3.  Watering beds;
4.  Cleaning the garden, yard, street from leaves and dust;
5.  Mowing thickets;
6.  Lawn aerator;
7.  Transportation of goods.

At the same time, the maximum weight of the load can be 2 or even 3 times more than the mass of a walk-behind tractor with a trailer.

Motoblock or cultivator which is better to manage on the site

The only place where a mini tractor can lose is the need for physical effort and special skills. If you started the car the first time and drive it confidently, congratulations. You are Hercules!

Yes, the walk-behind tractor maneuvers and moves perfectly. You just need to learn how to turn them, move them back and control the nozzle.

The cultivator is easier to manage. Its dimensions and weight allow you to even transport the product in the trunk of your car.

But, not everything with walk-behind tractors is so sad. Some additions will help improve vehicle control:

• Electric ignition - allows you to turn on the transport at any time. And effortlessly.
• Differential lock is a process in which one chassis becomes locked, and the second one rotates freely. Good for sharp turns and skidding.

Applying these tips or not is up to you. Our goal is to provide useful advice.

How to choose a cultivator or walk-behind tractor in the price category

Since the design of the hiller is simpler, its cost is lower than the walk-behind tractor. The motor in the first system is also simpler, which affects the price tag in the store. And it can be 2-3 times cheaper than a mini tractor.

For example: a heavy category cultivator with an engine for 6 horses will cost, on average, about $ 300, while a walk-behind tractor with a similar engine will cost five thousand.

Electric options are even cheaper - no more than $ 100-150. For a gasoline engine, you will have to pay an extra 100 bucks.

Which type of equipment and engine is best for you - decide based on the budget and the need for device performance.

conclusions

To summarize, which is better: a walk-behind tractor or a walk-behind tractor? There is no clear and obvious answer on the surface and never will be. You need to look at the specific situation and choose according to your needs.

For example, for a small garden or garden, an electric cultivator is perfect. It takes up little space and is energy efficient.

For a garden of more than 6 acres, you can take a medium-power cultivator. There is only a gasoline engine here.

For complex purposes - cleaning the territory, working in the beds, transporting goods - only a walk-behind tractor is suitable. It is versatile, but big and heavy. Yes, and not economical on gasoline.

What do you recommend: a cultivator or a walk-behind tractor? What is the difference for you between the technique and which option do you use yourself? Write to us in the comments!