Review of Russian mini tractors
If they talk about mini tractors, they usually think exclusively about foreign brands such as Husqvarna, Makita, Stiga and the like. Without any doubt about the quality of Japanese, Chinese or German equipment, one can ask the question: why is so little heard about Russian mini tractors?
Companies that produce this type of special equipment in our country find themselves in conditions of fierce competition. Productive equipment comes from Germany, durable equipment comes from Japan, and the Middle Kingdom offers a wide range of models at an affordable price. We have to withstand competition with both the East and the West in order to defend our rights to the attention of buyers. However, domestic mini tractors also have their advantages.
The main advantage is the favorable price. All other things being equal, a foreign model will cost much more. Some price tags are measured in tens of thousands of dollars, and for most buyers in Russia this is too high a bar. But another, much more important factor is operational endurance, which is laid down by designers based on Russian realities. After all, the expanses of our country are large, and there are few places where you can find land with an area of several hectares that belongs to one person, and not to an organization. At the same time, a tractor in Russia must be universal so that its owner can plant, dig, harrow, and mow. Most foreign models have a narrow specialization, and this is their noticeable disadvantage in comparison with Russian ones.
Below is a brief overview of the most popular models of Russian mini tractors. Having familiarized yourself with the characteristics, it will be possible to answer the question of how competitive they are.
Advantages and disadvantages
The mini-tractor is today recognized as a popular and in-demand model of motor vehicles. It is chosen for purchase by many summer residents who want to significantly facilitate the care of their land. However, before you go to the store for such equipment, it is worth considering its advantages and disadvantages. Below are the advantages of modern compact tractors.
- First of all, it should be noted the small dimensions of such equipment. It is for this reason that it is so convenient to work on it, and you don’t have to allocate a lot of free space for its storage. Moving small motorcycles around the site is simple and fast.
- As a rule, such units are distinguished by their modest weight. Due to this, they turn out to be more maneuverable - they are much easier to control than heavy units. In addition, their impact on the pedosphere is reduced, which has a positive effect on the greening of agricultural production.
- Many summer residents prefer mini-tractors because they are more profitable from an economic point of view. The fuel consumption (gasoline or diesel) of such units is economical.
- Such equipment is characterized by high productivity and efficiency, despite its small dimensions.
- Servicing a mini-tractor will not require a lot of free time and money. Such equipment is considered unpretentious.
- It is impossible not to note the wide range of such agricultural machinery.
- The cost of mini-equipment is much lower than the price of standard large options.
- This is a multifunctional technique that allows you to solve many problems that summer residents face on their land plots.
As you can see, such units have quite a lot of advantages. However, this was not without its drawbacks.
- The size of farming equipment is both a plus and a minus. You don’t need to allocate a lot of free space for this equipment, because it is smaller than standard units, but most models will not fit in a regular garage or shed. Often mini-tractors are larger in size than walk-behind tractors.
- The price of a mini-tractor, which is its advantage, is only pleasing compared to full-size agricultural machinery. In fact, these units are not very cheap.
- Often, summer residents are faced with the problem of unavailability of many spare parts, especially when it comes to branded foreign-made devices. This applies not only to their cost, but also to distribution in retail outlets.
- Some models of mini tractors are not the most convenient to operate. The list of such options includes modern Japanese devices. Of course, they come with an instruction manual, but it is often written in the manufacturer’s language, which also causes many difficulties.
- There may be some difficulties in transporting this equipment. To do this, you may have to resort to the services of special equipment, a truck, or a trailer with an appropriate carrying capacity (for example, a trailer).
Attachments
A cultivator is used for sowing and gardening work. With its help, you can prepare beds, loosen the soil, and weed out weeds. Some models have a fertilizer application function. To clear a site or driveway in winter, a blade, a mounted brush made of thick rubber, or a special snow blower, which do an excellent job of removing snowdrifts and drifts, will be useful.
Mini tractors provide the possibility of installing a mechanical potato planter. It is necessary for cultivating a large plot of land. Such a device simultaneously plows the soil and buries the tubers to the required depth, forming even beds. Hiller is a useful harvesting device. It is compatible with automatic potato planter. For excavation work, you will need an excavator bucket, which is also installed on a mini tractor. It will help you quickly dig a pit, pour a foundation and lay utilities.
Models and their characteristics
There are several subtypes of mini-tractors. They differ in their design and intended purpose.
Rider
This technique can be considered a compact “baby” of a tractor. The rider is aimed at solving a narrow range of tasks, which include transporting and holding attachments. It is intended exclusively for work on the lawn. By removing the mower, you can get self-propelled equipment. Despite the small scope of application, such units are produced by many large factories both in China and in Europe. Today, riders come in a wide range.
Garden
A small garden tractor is very popular among modern summer residents and gardeners. In most cases, this agricultural equipment is produced with a power that does not exceed 15 hp. With. The design is usually made with two cylinders. Garden options are great for occasional and short-term use. For example, they can be used for mowing grass on a flat area, as well as for clearing small amounts of snow. A garden tractor is also suitable for transporting various loads.
The design of the garden tractor is simplified as much as possible. Typically, such equipment contains a large number of plastic parts. The latter fact can be attributed to disadvantages, since plastic is not the most wear-resistant and repairable material. You will have to treat such equipment very carefully and carefully, since repairs can become a real problem. If you work with this equipment, not forgetting about its fragility, then it will last quite a long time.
Many models of mini-garden tractors are distinguished by the fact that they have a special integrated system for cutting, mulching and dumping grass. These options are inexpensive, maneuverable, easy to operate and economical in terms of fuel consumption. However, it must be taken into account that these products are not suitable for continuous use, and there are limitations in attachments.
Modern motor units also differ in the type of chassis. Below are common options for this technique.
Tracked. Many summer residents choose such specimens. Their demand is explained by the fact that they can adapt to surfaces of various types without any problems. A good quality mini tracked tractor will work perfectly and efficiently even on uneven country roads. According to experienced users and specialists, tracked models are the optimal solution for the village.
As for the type of fuel being poured, according to this criterion, agricultural machinery is divided into several types.
Mini tractors are also divided by drive type.
- All-wheel drive. Such units are considered the most maneuverable. They are controlled by four wheels simultaneously.
- Front wheel drive. In these models, only the front wheels are driven.
- Rear wheel drive. Here the rear wheels are driving.
You can also find a belt-driven mini-tractor (with belt-driven wheels) on sale. Such models are characterized by relative simplicity of design and are cheaper. They are also produced by many well-known brands, for example, Snifeng, Fighter and Scout. Separately, it is worth mentioning tractors with hydraulic drive. Many craftsmen make a side turner with their own hands. Also, some independently build an effective unit with a special breakable frame.
Prices and owner reviews
Victor, 42 years old, Voronezh region: “311 has been working for me since the late 2000s. I’ll say this - I’m satisfied. Yes, somewhere the planting depth is not enough, somewhere on uncultivated soil the bridge can be easily damaged, but how much it costs - all is forgiven. There are problems with parts, I even had to go to Moscow. Nowadays everyone chooses “Japanese” or “Chinese”, but for me it’s more common to work with this, although sometimes it breaks down!”
Mikhail, 45 years old, Novosibirsk region: “I hear that now many people are pushing through Chinese tractors. For what? I conclude that we have never sat on the 132N - an unpretentious, efficient tractor, the frame is articulated, comfortable. When you turn off all-wheel drive, fuel is not burned in vain, even though plowing a Chinese plow is a pleasure. It happened, I even mated the wheels and drove through the swamp. It’s a good car, definitely not a “Chinese” car for 3 seasons.”
Prices for the tractors listed range from 200 to 500 thousand rubles, depending on the configuration, the selected model and the conditions of a particular dealer.
Mistakes when choosing technology
When cultivating agricultural crops, the tractor track must be a multiple of the row spacing. If the distance between the rows is 0.6 m, then the interval between the axles of the front wheels should be 1.2 m. If the equipment will perform different types of work, then a model with an adjustable track is required.
Units with a capacity of 12-16 hp. can work continuously for no more than 60 minutes, then they need a break, they are suitable for work in the country. Farmers need more powerful equipment (24-35 hp). If your plans include snow removal, then you need a mini-tractor with all-wheel drive; snowdrifts of any height are not scary with it. For work carried out in winter, a heated cabin is needed.
Often, trying to save money, summer residents buy used equipment. What they buy is not a reliable assistant, but a complex of problems:
- There is no instruction manual;
- spare parts are difficult to find, there is no service;
- difficult to find attachments;
- A complete maintenance is necessary, because hidden breakdowns are possible.
It is difficult for a summer resident who is not technically versed in choosing a mini-tractor. You will have to study the technical characteristics of different models, choose the one that best suits the size of the area being processed and the tasks it will have to perform.
Important!
Belarus-311
The Belarus-311 tractor resembles a classic wheel mechanism to a greater extent than previous models. It is capable of performing work even on wet soils in various climatic conditions. High reliability and efficiency with low operating costs, as well as a high-quality level of performance allow the tractor to be used for any type of work all year round.
The versatility of the Belarus-311 lies in its high attachment capacity, which ensures the use of the tractor with different types of domestic and foreign equipment and other implements.
Like previous models, the tractor is not equipped with a full-fledged driver’s cabin, which is compensated by its wide functionality and powerful 35 hp MMZ-3LD engine. With. The model is equipped with front-wheel drive, but you can choose all-wheel drive if the tasks you perform require it. The steering is equipped with a hydraulic booster for easy control when performing heavy work. The driver's seat has a soft chair with adjustable height and tilt angle.
All the main components that ensure the operation of the tractor are easily accessible, which makes operation convenient and replacement of parts quick. Small dimensions and high power will allow you to carry out work even in small areas using different types of attachments, including snow removal. The mechanical disc transmission with friction clutch operates on an oil bath with three cylinders. The tractor weighs 1450 kg, maximum speed is 25 km/h, fuel tank capacity is 26 liters, and the engine runs on diesel fuel.
How to choose and buy a mini garden tractor?
In short, a reliable and productive mini-tractor will have a diesel engine, all-wheel drive and a power take-off shaft. Small tractors with fewer capabilities are classified as garden tractors. For example, machines from Husqvarna, Partner and other manufacturers are garden tractors with attachments; their capabilities and service life are shorter than that of mini-tractors.
The tractor must not only meet the parameters listed above, but also be suitable for your purposes and operating conditions:
- Dimensions - the car must fit into the garage, pass along the paths without damaging the plantings, and successfully maneuver between the trees in the garden. If the issue of maneuverability is extremely pressing, choose the most compact of the KIOTI tractors - CK22.
- Weight - for harvesting and field work, a heavy tractor is preferable, but on the lawn, a massive tractor can leave marks that will not be overgrown soon. If you plan to work in the garden, choose a machine based on 40–50 kg per 1 hp.
- Transmission - can be hydrostatic (automatic) or mechanical. It is more convenient to do work in the garden with a mechanic, and it is easier to carry out snow removal work with an automatic machine.
Read the article “How to operate a tractor” to learn more about operating a mini-tractor and its technical equipment.
You can buy a garden mini tractor in Moscow immediately with attachments or purchase additional attachments gradually. It is advisable to do this in one place so that the seller can confirm compatibility, install and configure the equipment, show how to use it, install and dismantle it. As a rule, sellers of attachments mark up their goods more than sellers of tractors. Buy a universal mini tractor for your garden and equipment from us without any extra charge.
Crawler compact tractor T-0.2
Mini tractor "T-0.2"
This model has long been known to many Russians. The wheeled-caterpillar mini tractor is produced by the Chelyabinsk Tractor Plant. The manufacturer calls the model universal - it can be used for both public works and agriculture. The mini tractor is equipped with an air-cooled V2Ch 8.2/8.7 diesel engine with a power of 12 horsepower. You can also install a Lister-Petter W2 diesel engine (power - 14.2 horsepower or 16 horsepower), a 16HP Vengard carburetor. The model is equipped with a hydraulic drive, power take-off shaft, and three-point hitch. The gearbox allows you to switch between five forward speeds and one reverse.
The basic package includes a rotary brush and a bulldozer blade. The cabin is convenient and comfortable, with a heated seat and panoramic visibility; in the dark it is illuminated. You can switch from wheeled to tracked, and vice versa. At the same time, the front wheels are blocked, and the rod is detached from the drive system. In order for the minitractor to turn on caterpillar tracks, it is equipped with side friction discs. The working track width is from 94.5 to 112.5 centimeters. But it is worth remembering that this model is no longer produced, and you can only buy it used.
A variety of mini tractors
The modern market offers a wide variety of mini tractors. Each model differs in design features, technical characteristics and purpose. Conventionally, this technique is divided into three groups.
Riders are machines for a specific purpose
Essentially, a rider is an analogue of a lawn mower, only with more power and larger dimensions. The equipment is intended for mowing grass. And if compared with a general-purpose mini-tractor, the rider is inferior in power and size. The unit is needed at the dacha if, instead of a vegetable garden, you have a large recreation area among picturesque nature. The rider will carefully cut the grass without crushing the lawn, help care for the garden, etc. The equipment can work with attachments. Often it comes included, but can be purchased separately. Thanks to attachments, the functionality of the machine is significantly expanded.
Mini tractors for gardening
This type of equipment will perform all garden care work. Its main advantage is its compactness, high maneuverability and the ability to work with a large number of attachments. With a mini-garden tractor you can mow grass, clear snow in winter, arrange the landscape of your summer cottage, spray plantings and other work. Even if you have a small farm on a country plot, the unit will become a reliable assistant for farming.
General purpose mini tractors
This category includes multifunctional high-power equipment. Such mini-tractors are needed at the dacha if: you have a farm, more than 1 hectare of arable land, or construction work is planned. In fact, the unit has the capabilities of a large tractor. The equipment will cope with all the work associated with cultivating the land, helping to harvest crops, dig a trench, tighten piles, transport cargo, etc.
This is interesting: Top 4 domestic bulldozers, their technical parameters and modifications
What benefits does a tractor bring to the garden?
You can use a mini-tractor for your garden all year round.
Winter work
The main problem on the site in winter is snow. A mini tractor for a summer residence with attachments will perform any snow removal work: from cleaning light powder to eliminating old snowdrifts.
- Blade - equipment for clearing roads. To ensure the equipment works efficiently, choose the width of the blade taking into account the weight, horsepower and width of the tractor. The tractor should not be wider than the blade, the weight of the machine should be from 40 kg per 1 hp. and more.
- The brush collects a thin layer of snow, cleans out the residue after plow work until the road is perfectly clean. If the snow thickness is more than 3–5 cm, the brush will not help.
- A snow blower removes compacted snow that is difficult to remove with a brush or blade. These can be snowdrifts as high as the tractor rotor; the performance of a mini-tractor with a snow blower located at the rear is limited by the ground clearance of the machine. For example, a rotary snow blower mounted on a KIOTI garden mini tractor will remove compacted snowdrifts up to 50 cm high.
- Spreader - fans out sand and de-icing agents.
An all-wheel drive garden tractor can be used in winter not only as a mini snow blower, but also as an all-terrain vehicle. You can drive it through snowdrifts and use it to pull out stuck cars. The heated cabin will make it possible to perform any work in the cold for as long as necessary.
Summer work
The warm season shows the maximum capabilities of a universal mini-tractor for a summer residence. By choosing attachments for specific tasks, you can automate a lot of gardening and construction work on the site.
- Land cultivation. 1- and 2-furrow plows will be required for cultivating the land in the fall and spring. A 1.25–1.68 m wide rotary cultivator will loosen, mix the soil and destroy weeds. If you are growing potatoes, you will need hillers, a potato digger and a potato planter.
- Garden work. A flail or rotary mower will be needed to level the lawn; a mower with lawn wheels will carefully move over the turf without destroying the roots of the grass. A garden tractor with a flail mower will be able to mow not only grass, but also thickets of weeds, bushes and undergrowth; the compact size of the mower makes it precise and maneuverable. The excavator can be used to transplant trees and can be used to dig a hole up to 1.7 m deep.
- Construction. The front loader turns a mini-tractor for a garden and garden into a universal machine for loading bulk materials, transporting goods and digging ponds. With the help of an excavator, the tractor owner will be able to dig a foundation hole and a trench for laying cables and pipes. In addition, a drill, a concrete mixer, or a trailer can be used in construction work.
Belarus-320
After the latest modernization, the Belarus-320 tractor has become a full-fledged agricultural machine. In addition to all the characteristics inherent in the above models, the tractor has a four-stroke engine with a power of 36 hp. s., which is equipped with three cylinders, and the PTO operates in two speed modes, which will help perform work on an area of 20 hectares per shift.
A full-fledged cabin with an installed heating system and an adjustable driver's seat appeared in the assembly of this model. In addition, the cabin has a ventilation system and a sunroof, and the windshield is equipped with an electric washer and wiper.
The automatic transmission has 16 forward gears and 8 reverse gears, a maximum speed of 35 km/h in forward gear and 13 km/h in reverse gear. The tractor weighs 1,700 kg, but it is small in size, which allows it to be used even for municipal work: it will not damage the sidewalk, and its moderate dimensions allow it to operate in narrow passages. The fuel tank capacity is 32 liters, the engine runs on diesel fuel.
Tips for choosing
As mentioned above, the selection of a suitable mini-tractor that will cope with all the tasks assigned to it should be approached thoroughly
It is important to weigh the pros and cons, and also pay special attention to a number of the most significant criteria. Before you go to a specialized store to buy a tractor, you need to decide in advance what purposes it will be used for. If you plan to work on this unit in a small area, the area of which is less than 5 hectares, then it is better to buy a simple and lightweight device
It may not be the most powerful. These options are usually inexpensive. If the equipment will work in a larger area, then it is better to buy a model that is more powerful and reliable.
If you plan to work on this unit in a small area, the area of which is less than 5 hectares, then it is better to buy a simple and lightweight device. It may not be the most powerful. These options are usually inexpensive. If the equipment will work in a larger area, then it is better to buy a more powerful and reliable model.
It is also important to consider the type of engine of the device. The choice here is not that wide
It is believed that the diesel engine is the most reliable and durable, but it is very noisy and does not like low temperatures, which cannot be avoided in our country. The gasoline version does not make noise and is not afraid of cold weather, but it consumes more fuel. The optimal engine option should be selected based on these characteristics.
The engine manufacturer must be well-known. For example, units from the Lifan brand are widespread today, as well as high-quality Japanese copies
It is worth paying attention to the build quality of the equipment. A tractor (three-wheeled, caterpillar or four-wheeled) must be assembled to last
There should be no backlash, loose or creaky parts. The entire design must inspire confidence. If you have the slightest doubt, it is better to refuse the purchase.
You should also consider the type of drive of the selected equipment. All-wheel drive mini-tractors, which in most cases are equipped with a diesel engine, are more functional, maneuverable and productive. If you are selecting a unit solely for transporting goods, improving lawn grass or caring for plantings, then you can take a closer look at more affordable rear-wheel drive products.
It is equally important to consider the size and weight of the small tractor you choose. It is worth considering that equipment should not only move freely around the site, but also easily enter the garage or shed allocated for its storage
You also need to remember that the weight of a mini-tractor is associated with its level of performance. If the volume of planned work is not very large, then it is advisable to buy a model whose weight is less than 1 ton. To calculate the optimal weight of such equipment, you should rely on the following proportion: per 1 liter. With. should account for about 50 kg of weight.
It is worth deciding which gearbox is more suitable. Of course, a manual transmission is a universal solution. But for solving simple problems, you can get by with an automatic one. We must not forget about the configuration of the selected equipment. Many brands produce models that are initially equipped with a number of additional components that simplify land work on a summer cottage. You can buy an equipped device right away, or you can opt for a more affordable option, which you can later equip yourself.
It is advisable to buy only branded models of small tractors. Fortunately, today many well-known companies produce this equipment, so the choice is unlimited. In addition, branded units are covered by a warranty from the manufacturer, and the risk of buying a defective product is minimal. You need to purchase tractors at specialized retail outlets. You should not buy such equipment in obscure stores with a dubious reputation. Of course, in the latter, equipment may cost much less, but it will not last long, and the warranty may not apply to it.
When choosing the optimal agricultural equipment, you should take into account all of the recommendations listed above. Fortunately, today buyers have plenty to choose from, because the range of this equipment is large. If you plan to make a small tractor yourself, then you should buy branded and high-quality parts for its assembly. This list includes all the main structural elements: brakes, gearbox, engine and battery.
Uralets 220
The best mini tractor in today's rating. The model is assembled in Russia, but some of the components are not original. The cost of the device is 300,000 rubles. Lighting is implemented, as in most models, throughout the body with two headlights at the front. The fuel tank holds up to 8 liters of fuel. The maximum speed that the unit is capable of developing is 27.35 km/h. The turning radius of the front wheels is 3.9 m. The power unit is diesel with a vertical type water cooler installed.
The engine has 2 cylinders, power is 22 hp. The transmission is rear-wheel drive, with a stepped gearbox. Six gears are responsible for forward movement and two for reverse. Starting is carried out using an electric starter. The power take-off shaft has only one operating speed. The device is equipped with separate braking of the rear wheels. The package includes electric power steering and a reclining driver's seat.
The weight of the device excluding attachments is 960 kg. The best device in today's rating. Suitable for work outside the city, on the site and in the field, as well as in urban environments.
- high-quality case material;
- domestic manufacturer;
- reliable internal combustion engine;
- full PTO;
- low diesel consumption;
- quality RM;
- separate rear wheel braking system.
- there is no full-fledged cabin;
- The gearbox requires periodic maintenance;
- mediocre operation of the electric starter in winter.
Prices for Uralets 220:
Series of mini tractors “Ussuriets”
Minitractor "Ussuriets"
This mini tractor is produced at the Ussuri Automobile Repair Plant. The series is relatively young; it was presented only at the end of 2010. Experienced engineers and designers from China participated in the development of the concept. Today there are eighteen basic modifications, and they all differ from each other in their scope of application.
For example, the TS 18DB model is equipped with a low-power KM138.1 engine (only 24 horses). The wheels have sizes 4.5-14/9.5-20, the model is equipped with a rear PTO and 2WD drive. They are also equipped with two other models - TY 220A and TY 220AA-2. The main difference between them is the presence of a cabin and the size of the wheels. All other models have a two-speed power take-off shaft and 4WD drive. There are models with capacities from 30 to 85 horsepower. The largest model - SWT 854 - is equipped with an LR4A3Z-T92B.4 engine, and the wheels have dimensions of 11.2-24/16.9-34, so some even believe that it is not right to call it a mini tractor.
Among the “Ussurians” you can choose a model that will ideally meet the customer’s needs. The plant guarantees the quality of each mini tractor, produces mounted implements, and delivers spare parts to Russian regions.
Description of the mini tractor
Mini tractors are universal devices that, thanks to the ability to use various attachments, can be used for making hay, harvesting, hilling and high-quality cultivation of the land.
In their appearance and design, such garden mini tractors are a smaller copy of full-size equipment. At the same time, due to its small size, its use is significantly simplified, so even novice gardeners can cope with the management and operation of such units.
If we talk about the advantages of such tractors, we can note the following:
- Small dimensions of the equipment;
- Affordable price;
- Excellent performance;
- Minimum fuel consumption;
- Light weight;
- Simplicity and cost-effectiveness of maintenance.
The versatility of using this type of equipment is largely due to the possibility of installing various additional attachments on a minitractor. Therefore, the unit can be used for cultivating land, transporting various goods and for various other agricultural and construction purposes.
The lineup
Minsk Tractor Plant has a rich history and has long established itself as a reliable supplier of tractors, attachments and other agricultural machinery. The MTZ minitractor is the simplest model of machines produced by the plant, however, the devices are reliable and unpretentious in operation. All models of MTZ mini tractors are distinguished by their low market value and the availability of universal capabilities.
Belarusian-made machines are common not only in Russia, but also in a number of European and CIS countries, being in demand due to their ease of operation and accessibility to technical use.
The full range consists of more than 30 tractors, varying in power, range of functions and technical characteristics.
Advantages and disadvantages
Mini tractors from different manufacturers have an almost identical set of advantages. Each model meets the requirements for machines of its class and performs the full range of tasks required of it. But with the Urals the situation is different: these cars differ from their analogues for the better:
- They are equipped with Russian-made rubber, wear-resistant and with treads that provide high-quality grip on the ground and road surface.
- Tractors of any series are equipped with Russian batteries with high starting current.
- The Urals have electrical wiring protection, which is the weak point of all Chinese mini-tractors.
- The manufacturer offers additional options such as a sound signal and the installation of wings for the front wheels.
- Repairing special equipment is simple; spare parts for Uralets walk-behind tractors are available and inexpensive.
- The power plants of all models have a cold start function.
- All gears of manual transmissions undergo a cementation process, which increases the wear resistance of the metal.
- Welded muffler pipe.
- Separate braking, for which the brake system has 2 pedals.
- Trailer control using hydraulics.
- Adjustable driver's seat position.