Features of tracked mini tractors

The owners of agricultural land - large and small - have probably heard about such a miracle of technological progress as a mini-tractor on tracks. This machine has found wide application in arable and harvesting operations (including snow removal). In our article, we will consider the features of mini-tractors, get acquainted with the conditions of their operation and conduct a mini-review of the market for this equipment.

Small tracked tractors have become favorites of farm owners due to their agility and excellent cross-country ability. In addition, such machines produce a minimum of pressure on the soil, which is also their advantage. And crawler mini-tractors have a number of the following features:

• their design is universal, due to which, if desired, instead of tracks, you can put wheels;
• wide area of ​​application: agricultural work, construction, utilities and households;
• the ability to select attachments;
• small dimensions;
• excellent traction;
• economy in fuel consumption;
• easy and affordable repair with a wide range of spare parts;
• the equipment is convenient and easy to operate.

A small crawler tractor can seem like a daunting device. But this is not the case. Its design includes the following - rather complex - mechanisms.

• Frame - what the main load falls on. It has 2 spars and 2 traverses (front and rear).
• Power unit (engine). A very important detail, since it is on him that the operation of the tractor depends. The best for this technique are diesel engines with four cylinders, water cooling and a capacity of 40 "horses".
• Bridge. For mini tractors produced by specialized firms, this part of the machine is quite reliable and of high quality. If you make the unit yourself, you can take the bridge from any Russian-made car. But best of all - from the truck.
• Caterpillars. A tractor on a tracked chassis has 2 varieties: with steel and rubber tracks. Steel tracks are a more common option, but rubber ones often have wheel rollers from which the track can be removed and driven. That is, it becomes possible to move a little faster and on asphalt.
• Clutch, gearbox. Needed to set the mini-tractor in motion.

As for the algorithm for the operation of such a machine, one cannot fail to mention that, in fact, it does not differ from the order of actions of an ordinary tracked tractor. The difference here is only in the size of the device and in a simpler turning system.

• When starting, the engine transmits torque to the gearbox, after which it, entering the differential system, is distributed along the axes.
• The wheels begin to move, transferring it to the tracked belt mechanism, and the machine moves in a given direction.
• Turns the mini-tractor like this: one of the axles brakes, after which the torque is transferred to the other axle. Due to the stop of the caterpillar, the second begins to move, as if bypassing it - and the tractor makes a turn.

On the modern Russian market, there are many domestic and foreign companies offering tracked mini-tractors for sale. The leaders are manufacturers from Russia, China, Japan and the USA. Let's take a quick overview of the brands and models.

• Technique from Of China attracts the user with a relatively low price. But the quality of these machines is sometimes poor. Of the most bought, it is worth noting the Hysoon HY-380 model, whose power is equal to 23 horsepower, as well as the YTO-C602, which is almost 3 times stronger than the previous one (60 hp). Both varieties are considered versatile and perform an extensive list of agricultural work, and there is also a good selection of attachments for them.

• Japan has always been famous for the unsurpassed reliability and durability of its machines. And small tracked tractors are no exception. Among the models presented, one can note an inexpensive, but not too powerful Iseki PTK (15 hp), suitable for work in small areas. The more expensive and powerful Yanmar Morooka MK-50 station wagon (50 hp) also stands out.

• Russia produces mini-tractors adapted to the climate and landscape features of many regions of the country. The best models are "Uralets" (T-0.2.03, UM-400) and "Countryman". "Uralets" stands on a hybrid chassis: wheels + tracks. UM-400 and "Zemlyak" are equipped with a rubber and metal tracked belt mechanism. The power of these machines is from 6 to 15 horsepower.

• American technology also commercially available and in demand. We are now talking about one of the world leaders in the production of agricultural equipment - Caterpillar. It has offices in more than 50 countries around the world. In Russia, the demand is for varieties of Cat 239D and Cat 279D with radial lift, as well as Cat 249D, Cat 259D and Cat 289D - with vertical lift. All these mini-tractors are versatile, perform a wide range of agricultural work, and also have high cross-country ability and stability.

When buying a mini-tractor on a caterpillar track, be guided by the following design nuances.

• Whether or not there is a power take-off shaft - the output from the power unit for connecting attachments (cultivator, mower, chopper, and so on).
• The presence / absence of a three-link hinged block, which is useful for hitching with accessories from other manufacturers. If it is equipped with a cassette mechanism, it will facilitate and speed up the process of removing / installing equipment.
• Gearbox functionality. The hydrostatic transmission is easier to operate (most often there is only one pedal), but the "mechanics" works great on uneven and bumpy terrain with a rocky surface or other obstacles.

• If possible, choose a machine with a mechanical transmission of torque complete with a hydraulic drive. Such a tractor is more functional; it can even be transformed into a front loader or excavator.
• The best fuel for a tracked mini-tractor is diesel fuel. In addition, water cooling is desirable.
• The presence / absence of all-wheel drive. It is better to choose all-wheel drive (subjective recommendation).
• Attachment fastening in three directions: behind the machine, below (between the wheels) and in front.
• The ability to maneuver. If you are the owner of a small area, and even with uneven terrain, choose more compact models of mini-tractors, the weight of which does not exceed 750 kg, and the power is up to 25 hp. with.

A mini-tractor on tracks is an excellent help for a summer resident in processing farmland of any area.It allows you to significantly reduce labor costs, while performing work at a higher level than a person would do using manual labor. But in order for this technical tool to serve you faithfully for many years, it is necessary to properly maintain it. Remember a few simple guidelines.

• Monitor the quality of fuel and engine oil. Check the lubricant level periodically and change it promptly.
• Observe the behavior of your tractor. If you hear a suspicious noise, rattling, squeak, try to find the source in a timely manner and repair or replace the worn part. Otherwise, the machine may fail and repair and restoration work will be more expensive.
• If you want to try your hand at mounting a crawler mini-tractor yourself, then do it. In principle, there is nothing difficult in creating such a machine. However, it is worth remembering that the installation and assembly of any such mechanism is carried out according to clearly defined algorithms, in which there is no place for imagination.

Find suitable drawings on the Internet, purchase the components of the future mini-tractor and mount it. Pay attention to the recommendations of experienced craftsmen on the interchangeability of parts.

• Consider whether you will be using your tractor in the winter, for example, to clear snow. If not, prepare it for winter storage: wash it, drain the oil to avoid thickening, flush the engine. You can lubricate the moving parts so that the next spring launch goes smoothly. Then put the equipment in a garage or other suitable space, cover with a tarp.
• When purchasing a caterpillar mini-tractor, do not forget about the advisability of this purchase. Match your desires with your capabilities. You should not buy a powerful and heavy machine for processing a plot of 6 acres. And also there is no point in purchasing a small budget option for plowing virgin lands.

For information on how to choose a tracked mini tractor, see the next video.