For cultivating small plots of land, it is optimal to use small-sized tractors. The cost of factory-made products is quite high, so many rural residents create a homemade mini tractor from a walk-behind tractor. Through the use of multi-speed gearboxes, it is possible to expand the traction range and cultivate the soil with agricultural implements with an increased working area.
Choosing a walk-behind tractor for a mini tractor
Before you make a mini tractor from a walk-behind tractor, you need to select the initial model. When selecting, a number of parameters should be taken into account:
- engine power and number of strokes;
- engine type (diesel or gasoline);
- weight of the original product;
- dimensions of a standard plow;
- price;
- place of production, since for a number of imported products there may be interruptions in the supply of spare parts.
For conversion to tractors, products of domestic, Chinese and Belarusian production are used.
Chinese
Chinese walk-behind tractors are copies of Russian products. Engines of our own design and production are used as power plants, which are somewhat different from Russian units. The advantage of the models is the price, which is reduced by simplifying the design and saving on materials. Because of this, there were complaints about the quality of the products, but the latest models are largely free of this drawback. Improvements in manufacturing and assembly quality have caused the growing popularity of Chinese products.
The functions, engine parameters and weight characteristics of Chinese equipment differ little from their Russian counterparts. Common brands include products under the brands Zubr, Centaur, Aurora.
Russian
Motoblocks produced by Russian factories are among the more popular models. Accordingly, they are more often used as a starting point for building homemade tractors. A design feature is a belt clutch in the transmission and a drive system for attachments from a separate pulley (hay mowers or soil tillers).
Imported engines (for example, Lifan), identical to those used in Chinese equipment, are often used as power units. Due to this solution, it was possible to reduce the cost of products and improve a number of characteristics. The engines have a small volume and flexible power and torque characteristics. At the same time, a long service life and good fuel efficiency are ensured.
In addition to Russian-made products, there are walk-behind tractors on the market assembled at the Minsk Tractor Plant (MTZ). In terms of their characteristics, they are not inferior to their Russian counterparts. The equipment uses Honda or Weima power units, developing up to 13 hp. A design feature is the use of a motorcycle-type multi-plate wet clutch and differential. To drive additional units, a splined shaft is used.
Design Features
Converting a walk-behind tractor into a mini tractor does not require the owner to prepare technical documentation and register the vehicle with the traffic police. A common feature for home-made designs is the frame on which the power unit, rear axle and control units are rigidly mounted. When assembling a tractor, ready-made components from production cars and tractors are used.
For those who want to save time, ready-made kits are available for converting a walk-behind tractor into a mini tractor.
An example is a kit for converting Crosser equipment with an average cost of 60 thousand rubles.
There are more affordable kits that are manufactured by small workshops. The kits include a frame, drives and brake mechanism, fenders, as well as a seat and steering linkage. The cost of the kit is in the range of 16-18 thousand rubles. The advantage of such a set is its versatility - the buyer customizes it to fit an existing walk-behind tractor in accordance with his preferences.
Four-stroke carburetor engines with a cylinder volume of up to 250 cm³ and developing up to 10-13 hp are used as standard power units. Diesels with similar characteristics are less common. Gearboxes have up to four speeds and are connected to the drive wheels by a belt drive. Gear or chain reducers are used to drive the wheels. Standard transmissions often lack a differential.
An additional pair of wheels installed on a minitractor can be used to control the direction of movement. Theoretically, it can be equipped with a drive, but the transmission circuit will become more complicated. To implement all-wheel drive, the use of constant velocity joints on the steered wheels and a differential is required. Otherwise, all-wheel drive will impair cross-country ability and reduce transmission reliability.
Depending on the purpose of the minitractor, the frame design is selected. If the tractor is used for row cropping or other agricultural work, then a closed rectangular frame made of steel profile will be optimal. The frame must have sufficient strength to withstand the weight of the tractor mechanisms, as well as the loads that arise during operation.
If the mini tractor is intended to be used as a means of transportation, then it is recommended to use a broken frame consisting of two parts. The frame elements are connected to each other by a hinge joint. The difficulty of creating such a design is the transmission. To transmit torque to the drive wheels, you will have to use a driveshaft or place the engine together with the drive wheels on one part of the frame. The second option is simpler, but does not ensure uniform loading of the tractor wheels.
It is possible to install crossbars for rear mounting of auxiliary agricultural equipment. To tow trailers, ready-made adapters or home-made units created taking into account the characteristics of the trailer are used.
Engine for a homemade tractor
Depending on the engine power, there are light (up to 5 kW), medium (up to 15 kW) and heavy (up to 50 kW) mini-tractors. When choosing an engine for your tractor, you should clearly understand what functions it will perform for you.
Since there is no point in making powerful equipment for working in small areas. Photos of various DIY mini-tractor designs are shown below.
For light and medium-sized mini-tractors, engines from walk-behind tractors, which have now become popular, are best suited.
For a homemade heavy mini-tractor, made with your own hands, an engine from passenger cars, or from T-25, T-30 tractors and their modern analogues, is suitable. Such engines can be purchased inexpensively on the secondary market along with a clutch and gearbox.
Mini tractor made from a walk-behind tractor
Before starting work, it is necessary to determine in which area the work will be carried out using a motor tractor. To cultivate dense and dry soil, you need a heavy cultivator, so the engine must have sufficient power, and the base in the form of a frame must be strong to withstand the weight of all components and the additional load during operation.
In order to make a mini tractor with your own hands, you need the following:
- wheels
- hitch
- steering gear
- pedals
- driver's seat
- walk-behind tractor
- metal pipes
- tools (drill, grinder, welding)
The very name “perelomka” indicates a special type of frame: it does not consist of a single piece of metal profile or pipe, but is divided into two parts. This design increases the mobility of the device and allows the use of a mini tractor with a trailer.
Frame drawings and dimensions:
The fracture unit can be made from the front hub of any car. To secure the wheels, it is necessary to use shortened axles. Photos and videos with a detailed analysis of how to properly shorten bridges can be easily found on the Internet.
For a mini-tractor, a walk-behind tractor with a single-cylinder diesel engine is suitable, which is economical. It is better to install such a walk-behind tractor from the front, which ensures the balance of all equipment during operation.
Minitractor from the Centaur walk-behind tractor
The most reliable and practical homemade tractors are those created on the basis of professional or semi-professional walk-behind tractors. The products have a high cost, which is compensated by their resource and versatility.
The advantage of a tractor based on a Centaur walk-behind tractor is a diesel engine with a power of up to 9 hp. The engine is installed in the front of a homemade frame. The frame is assembled from channel scraps or corners. To transmit torque to the rear drive wheels, a belt or gear drive is used. The rotating elements of the kinematic chain should be covered with protective covers that will prevent the operator’s clothing from being pulled in during operation.
Since the diesel engine is heavy, you should pay attention to the weight distribution of the tractor. If it is necessary to tow trailers, it is recommended to increase the load on the rear drive wheels. The front axle is not equipped with suspension and is rotary. Gearboxes from passenger cars are used for the control mechanism. When operating with a full load, the axle must have reliable contact with the road, otherwise the tractor will be uncontrollable.
Brake mechanisms of shoe or belt type with a mechanical drive are located on the engine output shaft or on the drive axle shafts. It is recommended to equip the operator's workplace with a soft seat with an adjustable shock absorption system (from tractors or trucks). This solution will improve the driver’s working conditions, since the homemade tractor does not have a suspension.
Installation of the brake system and electrical equipment
Once the engine is installed, you need to work on the brake system. You can use new brakes or use this component of a passenger car.
Initially, according to the diagram, you need to determine the place where the brake pedal will appear in a homemade mini tractor. The mount for it and the main brake cylinder should be installed on it. After this, connect it to the brake drums located on the front wheels using hoses
Attention!
Immediately after the procedure, you need to check the system for leaks. If it is violated, everything must be redone.
But in order for a mini-tractor made at home to be fully functional, you will need to connect electrical equipment and display sensors on the instrument panel. This is necessary to ensure the safety of the operator when operating the machine.
Mintractor from the Zubr walk-behind tractor
Chinese Zubr walk-behind tractors are equipped with gasoline and diesel engines of varying power. To build a tractor, heavy diesel walk-behind tractors, which are equipped with a liquid cooling system, are recommended. Due to this, the tractor will be able to operate for a long time in conditions of elevated ambient temperatures.
To make a tractor from a walk-behind tractor with your own hands, you will need to make a frame from a 50 mm steel angle. On the front of the frame there are cross members for installing the engine. The frame is additionally reinforced with cross members and jibs, which increase torsional rigidity.
The engine is rigidly mounted on the frame, so fatigue cracks may appear under the mounting points. The torque from the engine is transmitted by a pair of belts to a gearbox located above the rear axle. The belt operating area is covered with a metal shield (to protect the operator’s left leg) and a crossbar (to protect the hand from injury).
The steering gearbox from the “classic” VAZ models is installed on a bracket next to the pedal assembly. For the turning mechanism, serial parts of steering mechanisms of domestic and imported cars are used.
Mechanical band brakes are used to stop. The drums are made from cylindrical steel blanks (for example, old gas cylinders). Installation of levers and pedals is done on bushings located on the frame. Brake actuators are adjustable in length to compensate for pad wear and vary braking intensity.
Advantages and disadvantages of a homemade mini tractor
Now you know how to make a mini tractor from a walk-behind tractor with your own hands.
But what is the advantage of such a transformation? Firstly, financial savings. After all, compact tractors on the market are expensive, so it will be much cheaper to buy a walk-behind tractor and modify it yourself. If you follow the instructions and drawings, it's not that difficult. Secondly, you will know the design of your equipment 100%, so you will be able to fix almost any problems yourself. That is, you don’t have to contact services, which will save time and money.
Thirdly, you will gain a very useful experience, so you can deservedly call yourself the Kulibin of our time. After all, not everyone can do such a modification, so if you succeeded, then this may well be considered a well-deserved reason for pride.
The disadvantages of homemade mini tractors with your own hands include the fact that with your own hands you will hardly be able to make a mini tractor that is similar in reliability to a factory one. Therefore, you should prepare for fairly frequent repairs and further improvement of your own equipment.
In addition, you may get injured during the process of altering the walk-behind tractor. What to pay attention to when remodeling?
It is necessary to take into account that a walk-behind tractor and a minitractor are types of equipment of different designs, therefore, when turning one type of equipment into another, you must take into account some of the features that the minitractor has.
So, you will sit on this type of equipment, which will significantly increase the center of gravity. This can have a negative impact on cornering, as your tractor may simply roll over. To avoid this, you need to widen the driven axle.
Then the area of the minitractor will also increase, and stability will accordingly increase. In addition, the wheelbase will clearly need to be expanded. Especially for this purpose, you can find bushings on sale that allow you to make the mini tractor more stable and wider without turning.
Motoblock destroys differential
Also, on small and medium-sized walk-behind tractors there is often no differential. To replace it, the easiest way is to install locking wheel extensions.
You also need to adhere to safety rules during the alteration itself, so as not to get injured. Work strictly according to the drawings, because this is a guarantee that everything will turn out right.
A mini tractor made from a walk-behind tractor with your own hands will become not just agricultural machinery, but also a real source of pride for any man.
Therefore, anyone who needs such a technique should try to make it themselves. Fortunately, all the necessary information for this is available, and materials are easy to purchase. Walk-behind tractors are very useful on the farm. But it often happens that people do not use old models.
The fate of such equipment very often is aimless stay in the garage and gradual rusting. The problem is that many people do not know that even old-style walk-behind tractors can be used to build the necessary equipment, for example, a mini tractor.
This machine will be extremely useful in agriculture, because it can be used to do a wide range of work. Therefore, even old walk-behind tractors can be very successfully used to create mini tractors that will be more than useful to you.
You can do this from a new walk-behind tractor if you think you need a compact tractor more.
Min tractor from Agro walk-behind tractor
When building a tractor based on Agro, it is necessary to take into account the low fracture strength of the standard axle. There have been cases of axle failures when operating a walk-behind tractor without additional weight, and with increased load the risk of unit destruction increases. To reduce the risk of breakdown, modernized wheel gearboxes (from UAZ or LuAZ vehicles) are used. When installing gearboxes, it is possible to change the gear ratio, which allows you to increase the traction range.
Before you make a homemade tractor, you need to decide on the location of the engine: front or rear.
The construction process is as follows:
- Make the frame and front axle from metal profiles according to the drawings.
- Attach the wheel hub to the front axle blank. The hubs are equipped with brakes with mechanical or hydraulic drive.
- Mount the axle. If a composite frame is used, the axle is attached rigidly to the front half. To rotate, the entire part of the frame is tilted.
- Install the steering gearbox on the frame and connect it with the steering knuckles using the steering rod.
- Mount the steering column and check the operation of the controls.
- Place the rear axle in its original place. It is attached to the frame using two cages with bearings. The axle has a pulley for transmitting torque from the engine.
- Mount the engine and wheels in their original place.
- Place the operator's seat and pedal assembly in accordance with the drawings.
- Adjust the operation of tractor components.
Mintractor from the Neva walk-behind tractor
Equipment under the Neva brand is equipped with a number of engines developing 5.5-10 hp. The engines are equipped with gearboxes with two or four gears (plus reverse). The wheels are driven by a combination gearbox (gears and chain). For a homemade tractor from a Neva walk-behind tractor, it is preferable to use models with a powerful engine.
The design of Neva walk-behind tractors includes a standard hitch, which is designed for attaching a plow, harrow and other agricultural devices. The coupling device is transferred to a homemade tractor without changes. The construction of tractors based on the Neva is carried out according to drawings that were published in periodicals.
Among the DIY designs, there is a design based on a borrowed front suspension and steering rack from the Oka compact car. To manufacture the rear axle, a unit from Niva is used.
Rational and productive
Factory versions of mini tractors are expensive. For beginning farmers, such a machine is not always available due to limited financial resources. At the same time, if a mini tractor is made from an MTZ walk-behind tractor, it will cost less. In this case, the machine will perform all the functions assigned to it. New spare parts for walk-behind tractors are always on sale; replacing them will not cause any problems, the main thing is to choose a reliable supplier.
The obvious advantage of walk-behind tractors over tractors is their lower price. For small cultivated areas, dimensions are important: the more compact and maneuverable the machine, the more efficient the plowing. Such equipment can easily enter greenhouses to carry out work. Based on this, a homemade tractor from a walk-behind tractor, also called a “perelomka”, is certainly a profitable solution for independent farmers. On it, as needed, attachments can be easily changed, as a result, the machine is multitasking.
Mintractor from MTZ walk-behind tractor
When building a tractor based on an MTZ walk-behind tractor, a powerful frame made of square steel profile is used. The wheels and engine are covered with homemade steel sheet hoods. It is recommended to cover the cabin floor with a rubber sheet, which will protect the metal from damage and premature corrosion. A feature of tractor designs based on MTZ equipment is the possibility of reverse conversion.
In the scheme of a heavy homemade tractor, a hydraulic drive of auxiliary mechanisms (plow or blade) is used. The hydraulics are constantly powered by a gear pump, which is driven by a separate belt from a pulley located on the extended output shaft of the gearbox. The hydraulic drive is controlled through a spool valve. It is possible to use a hydraulic cylinder in the steering, which facilitates rotation of the steering wheel.
The dimensions and power of the engine make it possible to install a car generator that will work in conjunction with the battery. In this case, the tractor is equipped with external lighting equipment (headlights, direction indicators, dimensions), and it can be operated at night.
Mini tractor made from a Cascade walk-behind tractor
Homemade tractors based on the Cascade are structurally little different from the others. The engine is located in the front part of the frame and drives the wheels of the rear axle. The design of the rear axle can use a gearbox and shortened stockings from the axle of rear-wheel drive VAZ or Moskvich models. The rear axle retains the standard main gear and differential. By shortening the stocking, the track is reduced to the required parameters. The stockings are fitted with standard hubs and rims with tires from the specified vehicles.
To control the tractor from the Cascade motor cultivator, a rotating front beam is used, built on the basis of the crosspieces of the PAZ bus. The steering hubs and steering gear are taken from VAZ cars.
The engine transmits torque through a belt drive to a four-speed gearbox, borrowed from the Lada (it is possible to use boxes from the Moskvich). The box is connected to the rear axle by a short cardan shaft. The disadvantage of this scheme is the increased weight and low maneuverability of the tractor on wet ground.
Mini tractor from Oka walk-behind tractor
Equipment under the Oka brand is equipped with two-speed reversible gearboxes and gearboxes with a chain torque transmission circuit. Engine output reaches 9 hp. Homemade mini tractors from the Oka walk-behind tractor can be equipped with a two-part frame and a 4x4 all-wheel drive system. The engine is located on the front of the frame and is covered on top by a standard hood. The frame halves are connected by a universal joint from a truck.
A transfer case is installed on the rear of the frame. The drive of the front and rear axles is carried out by cardan shafts, which drive standard chain gearboxes.
Minitractor from the Salyut walk-behind tractor
Products under the Salyut brand are equipped with engines from Briggs&Stratton, Kohler Courage, Honda and others. The power of the units is 6-7.5 hp. The units are equipped with a mechanical two-speed gearbox with reverse and an additional reduction gear. Torque is transmitted by a V-belt transmission to a mechanical gearbox connected to the drive axle shafts. The kinematic design uses two belts, which reduces the risk of slipping under load, increases service life and transmitted torque.
Due to the transmission features, Salyuts are often used as starting materials for the construction of tractors with two or four wheel drive. Before converting a walk-behind tractor into a mini tractor with your own hands, the owner can purchase a ready-made set of parts for conversion.
When upgrading the Salyut into a mini tractor, it is recommended:
- widen the front axle track to 1200 mm (to improve stability);
- increase the track of the rear base axle by installing homemade or factory axle shafts;
- use standard tires as drive wheels.
Description
Human thought does not stand still and is constantly evolving. To make their work easier, many farmers decide to purchase a walk-behind tractor, which not only allows them to cultivate the land faster, but also to cope with the work more efficiently. But just walking behind a walk-behind tractor is difficult, because you need to make an effort to maneuver it. And this affects the overall performance, so some craftsmen came up with the idea of converting the MTZ walk-behind tractor into a mini tractor.
There were immediately more positive aspects. Now you don’t have to walk behind the unit, but you can sit comfortably on the seat and just control the steering wheel. Maneuverability has become greater, since it does not depend on the force applied by the farmer. You cannot drive on public roads, but you can get to the field or home by roundabout routes. And the ability to connect a trailer and transport cargo is simply invaluable.
Mini tractor made from Agat walk-behind tractor
Agate walk-behind tractors are equipped with engines from various manufacturers with a power of 6.5 hp. (there are models with lower power, maximum – 8 hp). The main advantage of this company’s walk-behind tractors is the gear reducer, which is the most reliable type of transmission. Units with gear reduction operate smoothly and are designed for long-term operation.
The relatively low power of Agat walk-behind tractor models suggests that a minitractor based on it will be used for simple work. For example, there may not be enough power to plow the land. When using attachments or trailers, it is important to consider the design. If accessories are heavy enough and attached to the rear of the tractor, overall performance may be reduced and balance may be affected. Such motor tractors are best used with attachments that are mounted at the front (snow removal).
Creating a mini tractor from an Agat walk-behind tractor is not difficult; you just need to have the necessary materials and watch several videos on assembling similar structures, which are available for free.
Important points
When making a mini tractor with your own hands, remember: full-fledged, special equipment that gives high results will only be possible when you take a massive MTZ walk-behind tractor or another model as the starting base. The weight of the device should not be less than 100 kg. Such mini tractors demonstrate high productivity, plowing even hard soil quickly and easily. When choosing, you should also focus on the motor power: the greater the amount of work, the higher this indicator should be.
Before making a mini tractor from an MTZ walk-behind tractor, spend time planning the work, relying on information from numerous drawings and diagrams that are freely available. For example, control levers must be output in strict accordance with the kinematic diagram. When installing headlights, use a battery with the car ignition connected to it. This way, you will ensure reliable lighting when working in winter, in low temperature conditions. One of the main tasks of a mini tractor is its operation with attachments. If a standard hitch is not provided, consider ways to connect the machine with additional working devices.
It is very important to follow safety regulations when manufacturing a tractor. You only need to work with a serviceable tool, wearing protective clothing and goggles. It is important to take care of the safe operation of the mini tractor itself. For example, it is very important that both the engine and the gas tank (in order to prevent accidental fire) are hidden. If the package does not include a factory casing, it makes sense to make it yourself. It is advisable to equip the wheels with mudguards. This will prevent dirt from being thrown around while driving.
The front-engine option on a mini tractor was not chosen by chance. The resulting design improves its balancing on the ground. In order to prevent premature wear of the belt drive, it is necessary to install a power take-off shaft (PTO). It must be positioned parallel to the rear axle pulley.
What to pay attention to when remodeling
When creating a mini tractor, you should choose walk-behind tractors with a structure weight of at least 100 kg. In this case, it will be possible to create a full-fledged four-wheeled vehicle. It is recommended to widen the wheel track, since the equipment has a high center of gravity and can easily tip over. This is especially true for an all-wheel drive mini tractor with a moblock engine.
The wheelbase should not be greatly increased, as problems will arise with geometric maneuverability and torque transmission. The use of long belts is undesirable, since they easily jump off the pulleys.
To carry out the work yourself, you will need various tools and welding equipment. When carrying out welding and installation work, it is necessary to comply with safety regulations.
It should be remembered that there is no single standard for the construction of tractors. Each author develops an individual layout scheme, borrowing solutions from similar designs.
Which walk-behind tractor is most suitable for creating a mini-tractor?
Schemes for constructing a mini tractor
At the very beginning of work, you need to disassemble the diagrams of your planned mini tractor. You can create drawings and calculate dimensions yourself; this does not require any special skills, just a pen, pencil and logical thinking. The main thing in this is to maintain a clear balance so that no emergency incidents occur in further work.
