What is the difference between a walk-behind tractor and a cultivator reviews. The difference between a walk-behind tractor and a cultivator

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Owners of country and garden plots know very well how difficult it can be to dig them up after winter. That's why many people resort to help special equipment- a walk-behind tractor or cultivator - to not only prepare the land for planting, but also to work throughout the entire season: hilling, loosening, harvesting, etc. We just mentioned two units - a walk-behind tractor and a cultivator. The question arises: what to choose. To answer it, we will have to figure out how one differs from the other.

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

Even though the functionality of a cultivator and a walk-behind tractor is similar, there are still differences between them.

At first glance, it is easy to notice that cultivators are smaller and lighter. Motoblocks are heavier and larger, but at the same time they are more powerful. As a rule, cultivators are equipped with an engine of no more than 6 hp, while the engine power of a walk-behind tractor can reach 12 hp. and even more. Although some motor-cultivators are closer in weight and dimensions to walk-behind tractors.

The most important difference is functionality: for a cultivator, the main operation is to cultivate the soil using a cutter; a walk-behind tractor can also loosen the soil with a cutter, but it is often used with a heavier plow for deep plowing. Therefore, the walk-behind tractor will be useful on virgin lands, and will also allow you to perform many more different operations thanks to additional attachments. You can attach a mower, potato digger, cart, snow thrower, etc. to the unit.

A cultivator differs from a walk-behind tractor in the type of gearbox. Typically, cultivators are equipped with chain, sometimes gear-chain, and worm gearboxes. Walk-behind tractors are most often equipped with a reliable gear-chain reducer.

When to use a cultivator

The main working element of the cultivator is a sectional rotating cutter with a width of 35 to 100 cm, because the main function of the unit is soil cultivation by milling. Thanks to removable sections, the width of the cutter can be adjusted depending on the processing of different crops. Due to the engagement of the cutter with the ground, forward movement occurs.

Motor cultivators are usually equipped with a 3-6 hp gasoline engine, and their weight starts from about 20 kg.

All these features determine the functionality of cultivators. With their help they perform:

plowing,
weeding,
inter-row processing,
sometimes - hilling.

Small, lightweight cultivators – about 20 kg – are indispensable when cultivating flower beds and greenhouses.

If it is necessary to process a country house or garden plot up to 15–20 acres, cultivators weighing from 40 kg are suitable.

Heavier cultivators (from 50 kg) are similar in function to light walk-behind tractors. Sometimes they are equipped with gearboxes, so it is possible to work with attachments: lug wheels, a plow, and hillers. Although in terms of processing quality they are still inferior to walk-behind tractors.

Motorized cultivators prove themselves in small areas and in greenhouses. For such conditions, they are preferable to walk-behind tractors, since there is no need for intensive work and deep plowing, and their price is much lower. And the cultivators do an excellent job of loosening the soil with a milling cutter and cultivating row spacing.

What problems does a walk-behind tractor solve?

Motoblocks are heavier - their weight can reach 150 kg or more. Some models are equipped not with gasoline, but with more powerful diesel engines.

Transport wheels, reverse gearbox, ability to work with wide range attachments make walk-behind tractors more functional compared to cultivators.

The locking differential on medium and heavy walk-behind tractors allows you to work on virgin lands, wet grass, and move along arable land or washed-out roads. The heaviest models are comparable in functionality to mini garden tractors.

Choose a walk-behind tractor if the plot has an area of more than 0.5 hectares; in addition, it involves not only cultivating the soil, but also deep plowing, especially virgin soil, mowing grass, removing snow, and transporting goods.

To work with a plow, choose walk-behind tractors weighing 100–120 kg. It is important to remember: heavier walk-behind tractors work easier with rear mounted equipment, but due to their weight and dimensions they are much less convenient for milling.

If you have a vegetable garden, a small plot or even a farm, you have definitely heard about equipment such as walk-behind tractors and motor-cultivators. They are both aimed at facilitating human work on the land and on the site, but at the same time they differ from each other in some parameters. It is incorrect to consider them as one unit.

What's the difference? You can, for example, compare them with modern mobile phone and the old one, which was used 15 years ago. It seems that both are calling, but at the same time modern models can act as a TV, a computer, or a player. That is, the technology is essentially the same, but the capabilities are different. But first things first.

What is a motor cultivator?

A motor cultivator is a technique designed for cultivating land. It can be gasoline or electric. At the same time, it has a lot of advantages, as well as characteristics that you should pay attention to before purchasing.

So, gasoline motor cultivators are the most powerful, and they come in the following types:

Ultralight. They weigh about fifteen kilograms, their power is no more than 1.6 horsepower. Designed for small gardens. They have the most minimal set of attachments. And, of course, the price is also small;
Lungs. The weight is already about forty kilograms, and the power is up to 4.5 horsepower;
Average. Weight is about 60 kilograms, and power can already reach 6 horsepower;
Heavy. Already considered professional. The power is above 6 horsepower and the weight depends on what tools you use on it. Designed for heavy soil types.

Electric cultivators are distinguished by the fact that they can only cultivate small areas. In addition, you will always be connected to the power grid. However, caring for such equipment is very simple, and management will not cause any difficulties. Therefore, if you have a very small garden, there is no point in overpaying.

Find out these points before purchasing. What angle of soil can it handle? Usually this is no more than 20 degrees, but there are models designed for a greater slope. Also find out if there is a cutter that allows you to work on complex types soil Experts and consumers recommend purchasing equipment that has several speeds. This will allow you to control the work process.

Are walk-behind tractors a better deal or a waste of money?

Walk-behind tractors are more functional agricultural machinery. That is, with such a unit you will be able to perform faster and better more different works.

With a motor-cultivator you can only cultivate the land, but the main difference between a walk-behind tractor is its versatility. You can water the plants, plant and harvest crops, mow the grass, remove snow, transport cargo... The list goes on and on. In addition, the power of such machines is an order of magnitude higher, but fuel costs will also be higher.

Walk-behind tractors are real hard workers that make life much easier for farmers. If your site has enough large sizes, then a motor cultivator simply won’t suit you - it won’t cope with the loads.

Walk-behind tractors are also available different types, and run on diesel or gasoline. It all depends on your financial capabilities, as well as on the tasks that the machine will have to cope with.

What is better - a walk-behind tractor or a walk-behind cultivator?

There is simply no clear answer to this question. Both techniques cope well with the tasks assigned to them. The power and functionality of the technology is another matter. After all, everyone has different areas, different soils, various works and different needs.

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

A walk-behind tractor costs much more than a walk-behind cultivator. Therefore, there is no point in overpaying if the equipment does not have to do many different jobs;
The walk-behind tractor can be upgraded - you can use attachments to turn it into a mower, a snowblower, a brush for sweeping the area, a potato planter or a potato digger. Moreover, the walk-behind tractor can be converted into a mini tractor. A motor cultivator cannot boast of this;
The weight of the walk-behind tractor is greater. Sometimes this is good, but sometimes there are problems with plowing the field when it is advisable to use lighter equipment;
The cultivator is less powerful, therefore, it will plow the ground more slowly and will only cope with light work.

Another difference between a motor-cultivator and a walk-behind tractor is that it operates on electricity. It is not only convenient, but also does not harm environment. In addition, gasoline is quite expensive today.

Which unit to choose is, of course, your decision. However, remember, if you take a weak technique for complex work, it can simply quickly fail due to overloads. And complex equipment is not cheap and requires expensive maintenance, which may simply not pay off. Approach the issue of choice thoughtfully and wisely.

Modern technology can make human physical labor easier. Depending on the area of the plot, as well as the type of agricultural work, it is worth choosing an “iron assistant”. Let's look at the difference between a walk-behind tractor and a cultivator and the main criteria that you need to rely on when choosing.

Walk-behind tractor

A walk-behind tractor is a self-propelled unit with a built-in engine, which is also called a miniature tractor prototype. It has multiple speeds, can move back and forth, and depending on the attachment that is attached to it, can perform different functions.

Before deciding whether to choose a walk-behind tractor or a cultivator, it is important to evaluate the capabilities of the first option. The weight of the walk-behind tractor is rather large (up to 100 kg), but the load it can pull is on average 4 times its weight. It is intended primarily for plowing the land, but depending on the modification it can be a universal assistant and perform various agricultural work in the country house or garden.

The power of the engine with which the equipment is equipped depends on the size of the area where it will be used. So, for a garden of 20 acres in size you need a walk-behind tractor with a power of 3.5 hp, 60 acres - 4 hp, 1 hectare - up to 6 hp, 4 hectares - 9 hp. The equipment runs on gasoline, which consumes a lot.

Or Ukrainian ones are affordable, but inferior in quality to their Italian and German counterparts. They fail more often and require regular repairs. When choosing, you need to pay attention to the equipment’s equipment and service life.

Cultivator

Before we understand what the difference is and how a walk-behind tractor differs from a cultivator, let’s look at the second option.

A cultivator is a lightweight or simplified version of a walk-behind tractor, which costs in a lower price category and consumes less energy. In terms of dimensions, such equipment is small; the main working tool in this case is cutters for loosening and plowing the soil. Many models do not provide for mounting additional elements, so this type cannot be classified as a universal device.

The weight of the cultivator is on average 50 kg; there are also models weighing only 20 kg and an engine power of up to 4 hp. The depth of the plowed land can reach 18 cm. Medium cultivators weigh up to 90 kg and power up to 7 hp. they are more stable and more convenient to work with, but if you need to plow a narrow area, the equipment may not fit there. There are also models for continuous and long-term operation weighing more than 90 kg and 8 hp. When choosing, you should be guided by the amount of work that you plan to entrust to the cultivator.

The difference between a walk-behind tractor and a cultivator

The main difference between a cultivator and a walk-behind tractor is the functionality of the devices. For small summer cottage Most often, a cultivator is chosen, which is smaller in volume, copes well with the function of plowing the land and removing weeds. Both women and men can work on it. The engine of this equipment can run on gasoline or be electric.

The difference between a walk-behind tractor and a cultivator is that the first option belongs to a number of multifunctional and universal equipment. With the help of additional attachments, it can perform various tasks in the country house or garden. Works this technique on gasoline or diesel fuel. The price of the model depends on the availability of functions and engine power. In addition, you can always attach a seat to the back and do all the work while sitting.

Cultivators are cheaper than walk-behind tractors, but they are designed to work in a small area and only perform a specific task. At the same time, the walk-behind tractor is much larger and heavier.

To summarize, how a walk-behind tractor differs from a cultivator, we can say that it is in functionality, size, weight and ability to work on an area of a certain size.

Selection criteria

When choosing equipment for a summer house or garden, it is important to be guided by certain criteria.

Size of the plot (for a vegetable garden with an area of up to 8 acres, a medium cultivator is suitable; if the plot is more than 12 acres, then it is better to take a walk-behind tractor).
Tillage (here it all depends on the quality of the soil and necessary work which the equipment will perform: if the soil is heavy, more powerful device, knowing the difference between a walk-behind tractor and a cultivator, the summer resident will make a choice towards the first option).
Additional work(a cultivator is intended only for certain types of work, while a walk-behind tractor is more versatile and multifunctional).
Physical capabilities of the worker (a walk-behind tractor is a large and powerful piece of equipment that can only be handled physically strong man, women can easily operate a small or medium cultivator).
Manufacturer (European companies produce higher quality products with a longer service life, Chinese ones are not reliable, and it is also impossible to find spare parts for such devices in case of repair).

Conclusion

Having understood the difference between a walk-behind tractor and a cultivator, every summer resident, farmer or gardener will be able to choose for his plot exactly the option that suits him best. It is important to decide what kind of work the “iron assistant” will do in the garden.

Many gardeners use electric cultivators and walk-behind tractors, but not everyone can give a comprehensive answer as to how a walk-behind tractor differs from a walk-behind cultivator. Before finding out what the difference is between these two devices, you should take a closer look at what each of the designated units can do.

Cultivator capabilities

A cultivator is a gardening equipment used to cultivate the soil. For those who have a summer house, a personal plot, or at least one hundred square meters of land, this unit is simply irreplaceable. In fact, a cultivator can completely replace a shovel. Many even call it a mechanized shovel. You can use your device to perform the following tasks:

loosening the soil;
plowing the soil;
hilling;
cutting furrows;
weeding, etc.

The main difference between a cultivator and a walk-behind tractor is its compactness. That is why the equipment is often used in hard-to-reach places. Operating the cultivator is also easier.

Walk-behind tractor and cultivator

Motoblock capabilities

When answering the question of how exactly a walk-behind tractor differs from a walk-behind cultivator, you should immediately make a reservation that the units have quite a lot in common. But there is still a difference: although the walk-behind tractor is capable of performing similar functions, it has more power. In addition to cultivating the soil, you can use a walk-behind tractor to remove snow, mow grass, etc.

Walk-behind tractor

A walk-behind tractor can be distinguished from a cultivator by the presence of wheels. It is to them that the motor drive is connected in most models. internal combustion. This allows the unit to be used, including as a mini-tractor or even as an almost full-fledged vehicle, if you equip the walk-behind tractor with a trailer (for example, to transport something over a relatively short distance). Depending on the modification, you can select additional equipment for the walk-behind tractor attachments: plows, hillers, grass cutters and much more.

Interesting! In walk-behind tractors high power apply large size cutters, which allows you to reach a plowing depth of up to 25 or even 30 cm, which is quite comparable to plowing a field with a standard tractor.

Differences between a motor cultivator and a multifunctional walk-behind tractor

The choice between a motor cultivator and a multifunctional walk-behind tractor may not be too obvious - the units may differ very insignificantly. However, there is a difference:

The main function of motorized cultivators is pre-planting soil cultivation, while walk-behind tractors have a much broader functionality, including chopping firewood, removing snow, cleaning the area and transporting goods (if appropriate attachments are available);
The cultivator runs on electricity, the walk-behind tractor runs on gasoline or diesel fuel;
The power ratings of cultivators are an order of magnitude lower, but they are more compact and better suited for working in a small space;
The weight of walk-behind tractors is significantly higher (this is necessary for performing complex work in which there is a risk of the machine overturning; in addition, heavy weight creates better grip on the surface);
The cost of a motor cultivator is much lower.

Walk-behind tractors are most often purchased by owners of small farms and serious farms. For country needs, a simpler unit is usually sufficient.

Choosing between a cultivator and a walk-behind tractor

When purchasing equipment for cultivating a plot of land, many gardeners and gardeners wonder whether it is better to choose a cultivator or a walk-behind tractor.

Cultivator

A clear answer to this question does not exist. Today, the indicated equipment is incredibly widely available on sale, so you should approach your purchase wisely. There are a number of criteria that should be given particular attention.

Manufacturer

The first thing you need to do is decide which brand of walk-behind tractor or cultivator you should buy. It must be a reliable brand that has not only proven itself well, but has also been on the market for quite a long period of time. In addition, you should select units for which the manufacturer offers a warranty and which have a service book. It is equally important that service center servicing the brand was somewhere nearby.

Seller's choice

Not only the equipment manufacturer, but also the equipment seller must be reliable. In this regard, the optimal place to purchase will be a specialized retail outlet with experienced salespeople. If a walk-behind tractor or cultivator is purchased remotely, it is best to make a purchase on the manufacturer’s website or its official representative. Only in this case can you be sure of the originality and decent quality of the purchased product and its components.

Model

At this stage, the buyer will have to decide: what to choose: a walk-behind tractor or a walk-behind cultivator. There are several criteria here:

planned functionality of the unit;
the size of the area where work with equipment is planned;
price.

Note! For country needs and working only with soil, it is better to use a cultivator. For more serious farms, the optimal technical parameters The model is worth choosing among walk-behind tractors.

There are some other characteristics that, although they do not have direct influence on the operation of the equipment, but can significantly simplify operation. For example, the presence of a steering wheel will make it possible to adjust the height of the unit and its angle of inclination; the presence of a reverse gear will provide the opportunity to re-process the most difficult areas without the need to turn the machine. In the same way, the presence of a transport wheel will significantly simplify the process of moving equipment around the site.

Some owners prefer not to raise the question bluntly about which type of equipment to choose, and purchase both devices: a motor-cultivator and a walk-behind tractor. Under some circumstances, this option turns out to be quite reasonable.

Practice shows that it is one thing to be able to distinguish a cultivator from a walk-behind tractor, quite another thing to choose correct technique for specific purposes. In this regard, it is worth paying attention to the selection process maximum quantity time and attention. If the relevant experience and knowledge is lacking, it will be much more advisable to take the help of experienced professionals. They will not only help you understand the difference between a walk-behind tractor and a cultivator, but will also choose the most suitable model.

Only more powerful - run away from such a would-be specialist. Yes, powerful and heavy cultivators are sometimes called walk-behind tractors, meaning the range of their capabilities, but in reality they are different mechanisms.

1. Design: how they differ

In appearance, the design of these units is very similar. Except that the walk-behind tractor looks more solid and larger. Although, some models of heavy gasoline cultivators are not inferior to it in size and weight. So what is the difference between a cultivator and a walk-behind tractor?

To put it very simply:

The cultivator loosens top layer soil. Moves forward due to the rotation of the cutter. With attachments, it hills, flies between rows, and digs up root crops.
Motoblock is self-propelled vehicles with drive to the wheel shaft. It can move forward and backward (essentially it is a vehicle). And then, depending on the installed attachment, it does everything that is needed on plot of land. And not only on land. He will remove snow, mow grass, sow and harvest crops and transport cargo.

As you can see, a walk-behind tractor is a much more complex technique. Practically, this is a small tractor, or rather its front half. It’s not for nothing that people affectionately call such a machine a “tractor.” And, even if such a device looks lighter and smaller than gasoline cultivator, it is still on wheels and has the ability to drive on its own, and quickly. It also demonstrates the ability to drive back and, if the wheels are locked, to turn around in place in a few seconds.
The engine of the walk-behind tractor is internal combustion only. There are no electric models, unlike the cultivator. The most powerful units are equipped with water-cooled diesel engines. Light vehicles are usually equipped with a four-stroke gasoline engine with air cooled. Expensive devices have a unique element - the power take-off shaft. It significantly expands the functionality, allowing you to attach complex attachments.We decided to compare the walk-behind tractor and cultivator according to the most important parameters, which will definitely help you with your choice.

Power

High productivity is the prerogative of walk-behind tractors, since their operating speed is incomparably higher. But it is a mistake to think that this unit is only for large areas. The fact is that, like cultivators, walk-behind tractors vary in engine power. The power of a cultivator is, on average, from 1 to 6 hp, and the power of a walk-behind tractor is on average from 6 to 13 hp. Electric cultivator models are characterized by a power of up to 2.5 kW. Therefore, the cultivator cannot compete with heavy and powerful walk-behind tractors in terms of power and productivity. Moreover, if the land is virgin (uncultivated), then only the most powerful soil cultivator can pull it out, and even then it will be an extra load for it, but the walk-behind tractor copes without problems.

Processing area

The cultivation area is also very different: cultivators can work on areas only up to 20 acres, but walk-behind tractors can handle areas over 30 acres. If in simple words- then the cultivator is ideal for owners of dachas and suburban areas, and the walk-behind tractor will help small farmers in rural areas cope with the tasks.

Width and depth of cultivation

The cultivation width of cultivators varies from 15 to 90 cm (in the most powerful models); for walk-behind tractors, the grip reaches 130 cm. Adjustment of the cultivation width is possible on both one and the second unit. The cultivation depth of walk-behind tractors is similarly higher. This is justified by the large weight and power indicators.

Travel speed

The default walk-behind tractor is a vehicle for moving on wheels; its speed is much higher. It can be used as vehicle, and also as a unit for transporting goods. They also have a larger speed adjustment range - up to 6 gears. The cultivator moves due to the rotation of the cutters, its speed is low, it is designed for movement in small areas.

3. Control: complexity and convenience

But driving a mini-tractor requires special skills and physical strength. Yes, he performs complex maneuvers and performs tasks unimaginable for a cultivator, but you need to master the science of performing them. In this sense, a cultivator is simpler and lighter. And its dimensions are always more compact. Low- and medium-power models of motor cultivators can be easily transported in the trunk of a car.

To make it easier to operate the walk-behind tractor, manufacturers equip the models with:

Electric starter. It allows easy starting with the starter key in any conditions.
Differential lock. One wheel stands still, the other rotates. In this case, the unit easily rotates around its axis without much effort.

4. Attachments: which ones are installed?

Not every cultivator can work with attachments. There are low-power models with a worm gear that only loosen the soil. Those devices to which attachments can be attached perform separate work: hilling, weeding, harrowing, digging, plowing. However, they need lugs (metal wheels) to increase the severity of the pressure on the soil.

But what distinguishes the “tractor” is that, with the ability to attach attachments, it is a perfect machine. It will perform all of the above tasks. And, in addition, models with a power take-off shaft (PTO) cope well with the so-called “active” hitches. With them they:

Clean the snow (plough or brush);
Sow grain (seeder);
Water the land (irrigator);
Sweep and wash the street, yard and sidewalk (rotary brush);
Mow the grass (rotary mower);
They pierce the lawn to enrich the grass roots with air (aerator shaft);
They transport cargo to the desired location, weighing 2-3 times more than the unit itself (trailer).

6. Price: which costs less

The design of the cultivator is simpler. The motor, as a rule, is lighter and weaker, which is why this equipment costs less. The difference in price with a walk-behind tractor of similar power is 1.5-2 times.

A heavy six-horsepower cultivator costs about $250, and a 6-horsepower walk-behind tractor of the same power. - 500 USD Electric cultivator You can buy it for around $100, but for a gasoline one you will have to pay at least $200. Diesel models are even more expensive. Decide what is best to choose based on your financial capabilities.