How to make a mini-tractor from the Neva walk-behind tractor?

The existence of a walk-behind tractor greatly facilitates the cultivation of a land plot. Only it is not very convenient to walk after him in the process of work. Taking into account that most of the modifications are endowed with decent power, their owners strive to improve the unit. Even for specialists it will be useful to know that it is not very difficult to convert the Neva walk-behind tractor into a mini-tractor. Schemes and drawings for this will become the alphabet, making it possible to create a durable and multi-purpose unit.

First, you need to navigate the choice of a suitable modification of the unit. He must have the necessary resource reserve in order to provide the required traction for cultivating the soil by means of attachments - a hiller, a plow, and the like.

To find out what is required to create a full-fledged mini-tractor, you must first consider its basic components.

1. Chassis. It is made from improvised rolled metal.
2. Rotary device.
3. Simple disc brakes.
4. Seat and body parts.
5. Coupling device for mounting attachments, a system of levers for controlling it.

The first step is to decide on the options that the mini-tractor will perform. Generally, a multipurpose practice is preferred, which involves cultivating the soil and transporting goods. For the 2nd option, you will need a cart, which you can make on your own or buy an already working model.

For the correct installation of all structural elements, a graphic diagram of the display of working units and mechanism blocks is being developed. It reflects in detail the areas of merging of the walk-behind tractor shaft with the chassis. It is necessary that all the elements of the unit are correctly selected. If necessary, you can process them on turning equipment. We must not forget that the service life and operating parameters of the unit under construction directly depend on the quality of the elements.

When creating a drawing, you need to pay attention to the rotary device. This node is of 2 types.

• Breaking frame. It is characterized by strength, but at the same time the steering rack must be directly above the assembly. An agricultural machine created using this method will have little mobility when turning.
• Tie Rod. Its installation requires more time and additional industrial parts. However, it will be possible to choose the mounting location (on the front or rear axle), in addition, the degree of rotation will increase significantly.

Having completed the optimal scheme, you can start creating the unit.

Before you start creating a mini-tractor based on a walk-behind tractor, you will need to prepare the tool you need for the event. Conversion kit contains:

• welder;
• screwdrivers and wrenches;
• electric drill and a set of different drills;
• an angle grinder and a set of discs for working with iron;
• bolts and nuts.

Redistribution of a walk-behind tractor into a mini-tractor is carried out in the following sequence.

• The unit on a motoblock base, of course, must be equipped with a strong, durable chassis.It must carry the auxiliary pair of wheels plus the load moved in the tractor, which will exert pressure on the supporting frame. To create a strong frame, a corner or steel pipes are the best options. Keep in mind that the heavier the frame, the more effective the machine will adhere to the ground and the better the plowing of the soil will be. The thickness of the frame walls does not really matter, the main condition is that they do not bend under the influence of the transported load. You can cut elements to create a frame using an angle grinder. After that, all the elements are assembled together, first with the help of bolts, and then overhauled. To make the frame stronger and more reliable, equip it with a crossbar.

• Immediately after the chassis is created, it can be equipped with an attachment, with the help of which the miniature tractor will be provided with auxiliary devices. Attachments can be mounted both in front and behind the carrier system. If the unit being created later is planned to be used in conjunction with a cart, then a towing hitch must be welded to the rear of its frame.

• In the next stage, the homemade unit is equipped with front wheels. To do this, it is advisable to equip the assembled mini-tractor with 2 already prepared hubs with a brake system pre-installed on them. Then you need to fix the wheels themselves. For this, a piece of iron pipe is taken, the diameter of which will fit the front axle. Then the wheel hubs are fixed to the pipe. In the middle of the pipe, make a hole that you need to mount the product to the front of the frame. Install the tie rods and adjust them relative to the frame using a worm gear reducer. After installing the gearbox, install the steering column or rack (if the option with the steering rack is selected). The axle at the rear is installed through press-fit bearing bushings.

• At the next stage, it is required to equip the unit with a motor from a walk-behind tractor. The most optimal option would be to install the engine in the front of the structure, since in this way you will increase the balance of the agricultural machine when using it with a loaded bogie. Prepare a solid mounting system to mount the motor. When installing the engine, remember that the output splined shaft (or PTO) must be fixed on the same axis with the pulley located on the rear axle of the mini-tractor. The force on the chassis must be transmitted by means of a V-belt transmission.

The created mini-tractor remains to be provided with a good braking system and a high-quality hydraulic distributor., which is required for the uninterrupted use of the unit with attachments. And also equip with a driver's seat, lighting devices and dimensions. The driver's seat is placed on a sled welded to the chassis.

The body can be put on the front of the mini-tractor. This will not only give the unit a nice appearance, but also protect the components from dust, climatic and mechanical influences. In this case, stainless steel sheets are used. The mini-tractor can be put on a caterpillar track.

To make a 4x4 break, you will need to develop a diagram and study the structural characteristics of the unit.

• A classic example of agricultural machinery is carried out using a welding unit, a circular saw and an electric drill. The layout of the device starts with the creation of the frame. It includes a side member, front and rear cross member. We construct a spar from a 10 channel or a profile pipe 80x80 millimeters. Any motor will do for a breakdown of a 4x4.The best option is 40 horsepower. We take the clutch (friction clutch) from the GAZ-52, and the gearbox from the GAZ-53.
• To combine the motor and basket, a new flywheel needs to be made. A bridge of any size is taken and placed in the device. We make up the cardan from various cars.

• For breaking the 4x4, the front axle is made in-house. For optimal cushioning, 18-inch tires are used. The front axle is fitted with 14-inch wheels. If you put wheels of smaller size, then a 4x4 fracture will be "buried" in the ground or the technique will be difficult to control.
• It is advisable to equip a mini-tractor 4x4 with hydraulics. It can be borrowed from used agricultural machinery.
• In all units, the gearbox is placed closer to the driver and fixed on the frame. For the pedal control system, drum hydraulic brakes should be installed. The steering rack and pedal control system can be used from a VAZ car.

• The elements of the unit are mated with bolts or electric welding. Sometimes a combined connection of elements is allowed.
• It is very important to correctly position the seat removed from the car. The next step is to install the engine. To securely fix the engine to the chassis, you will need to use a specialized slotted plate.
• Further, the mechanical and electrical systems are laid. To competently perform this work, compare your wiring diagram with a diagram of factory units.
• Then we sew and equip the body and combine it with the engine.

To learn how to make a mini-tractor from the "Neva" walk-behind tractor, see the next video.