Comparison Kentavr MB-1010-3 vs Forte SH-81E

The maximum width of the strip of land processed by the machine in one pass.

The large width makes it easier to work in large open areas, allowing them to be dealt with faster. At the same time, it is easier to deal with bottlenecks and hard-to-reach nooks and crannies with a small working width — a large unit may simply not fit where a smaller one will pass without problems. So it is worth choosing according to this indicator, taking into account the features of the planned work. If we talk about specific numbers, then in the smallest models the capture width does not exceed 50 cm, in the largest it can be 1 m or more, a value from 50 to 75 cm can be called average, and from 75 cm to 1 m — above average.

Also note that some models allow you to expand the processing width by installing additional cutters. However, note that the wider the band, the more power is needed for efficient operation. It is believed that for the full use of the two-wheel tractor, it must produce at least 1 hp. for every 20 cm of width; however, for loose soils and shallow depths, smaller values are sufficient.

The maximum working depth provided by the unit. In cultivators with non-replaceable cutters, this parameter is determined primarily by the diameter of the cutter, in walk-behind tractors designed for active cutters (see below) - by design features (in such models, even high power does not guarantee a large working depth). The most limited indicator in modern walk-behind tractors is up to 20 cm, and a value from 21 to 25 cm can be called small. However, often even such opportunities are quite enough. Depth from 26 to 30 cm already provides quite extensive opportunities, and the most advanced models are able to “bite into the ground” by more than 30 cm.

Be that as it may, the optimal depth of processing depends on the type and condition of the soil, as well as the crops for which the soil is being prepared; detailed recommendations on this subject can be found in special sources. So it does not always make sense to look for a model with maximum depth - especially since such capabilities require high power. Also note that in many units the depth can be adjusted.

Motoblocks designed for use with the so-called. active soil rotators. The cutter itself is most often included in the delivery package, but it would not hurt to clarify this point separately.

There are two main types of cutters used in walk-behind tractors. The simplest option is an axial cutter (with passive feed), installed directly on the power axis of the walk-behind tractor and actually playing the role of wheels. Figuratively speaking, a walk-behind tractor of a similar design (motor-cultivator) “rides on a cutter” during operation, and the speed of movement depends on the speed of rotation of the nozzle. The second option is active feed, in which the walk-behind tractor has separate wheels, and the cutter itself is made in the form of an attachment. Units with such cutters are more bulky, heavy and expensive than models with passive feed, but they are more productive and provide better processing quality. In addition, the active cutter does not affect the speed of movement, so it can be spun up to fairly high speeds without fear that the user will have to run after the walk-behind tractor.

As a rule, the presence of an active cutter is a sign of heavy productive equipment designed for large areas of land.

— Power take-off shaft. The presence of a power take-off shaft in the design of a two-wheel tractor. Such a shaft provides the transmission of rotation from the engine to additional equipment used with a two-wheel tractor — seeders, mowers, mulchers, harvesters and other units that require a mechanical drive for operation. Thus, this function significantly expands the capabilities of the two-wheel tractor and the range of equipment compatible with it. On the other hand, it complicates the design, increases its weight, and most importantly, the price. It is also worth considering that different external units may have different types of tails for the power take-off shaft and different requirements for rotation speed; compatibility on these points must be clarified separately.

— Power take-off pulley. The function is similar to that described above — the power take-off shaft. A distinctive feature is its location and, accordingly, the method of hanging additional equipment. The shaft is located behind the rear end, while the pulley is on the side of the housing.

— Transport wheels. The presence in the design of the cultivator / two-wheel tractor of a special wheel (wheels), facilitating the transportation of the unit during non-working hours. In cultivators, such wheels allow you not to drag the device directly on the ground (which can damage the working tool) or...in your hands (which is inconvenient due to the large weight), and in two-wheel tractors they provide an additional point of support for both moving and parking. These wheels should not be confused with the main wheels of the device: the unit moves to the main wheels during operation (and in many models — all the time), while the transport wheels are used exclusively during non-working hours.

— Reverse. The possibility of moving the unit in reverse — for this, the direction of rotation of the wheels or the cutter is reversed. This function gives additional features for manoeuvring; it is especially useful in heavy equipment that would be inconvenient to pull on yourself manually.

— Differential lock. The ability to turn off the differential in the two-wheel tractor is a special mechanism designed to “coordinate” the movement of the wheels with each other when turning. The differential is necessary for normal handling on relatively flat ground, but it worsens the overall patency — these are the technical features of the mechanism. Therefore, in some two-wheel tractors, it may be possible to block the differential; this can be useful both in rough terrain and in some jobs with high and uneven wheel loads.

— Protections for plants. Special devices, also called "cutting guards". They usually look like two metal discs on either end of the axle where the cutters are located. These discs prevent plants from getting into the working tool and allow you to work the land in the immediate vicinity of already planted plants without fear of damaging them with the cultivator's cutters. You should definitely pay attention to the presence of such protection if you are going to use the device for inter-row cultivation.

— Height adjustable handle. The ability to change the height at which the handles of the two-wheel tractor are located. This feature is designed to adjust the handles to the height of the operator — for people of different heights, the most comfortable height will also be different.

— Lateral rotation of the handle. The ability to turn the handle of the two-wheel tractor to the side — so that the operator can go not behind the unit, but next to it. This function will be useful in cases where it is inconvenient or undesirable for the user to be behind the two-wheel tractor — for example, if it is impossible to trample on cultivated land, if the applied nozzle throws soil or grass back, or if this nozzle protrudes strongly backwards, and because of it it is not up to the handles reach out.

— Headlights. The presence of headlights will allow you to work with a cultivator / two-wheel tractor, regardless of the time of day and external light sources — in the dark, just turn on the headlights. They may also be required when using a two-wheel tractor as a tractor — both at night, and in some other cases provided for by traffic rules.

Model of the engine installed in the two-wheel tractor / cultivator. The main performance data of the engine is usually indicated in the general data for the unit. However, knowing the exact name of the motor, you can find more detailed information on it — starting from specific data like torque or revolutions and ending with reviews and reviews. Also, data on the engine model can be useful when searching for spare parts or consumables.

The working volume of the gasoline or diesel engine of the cultivator / two-wheel tractor. For an internal combustion engine of the same type (see "Type of internal combustion engine"), power and fuel consumption usually directly depend on the volume. Also, the classification of a two-wheel tractor as a vehicle according to the traffic rules of a particular country may depend on the engine volume; you should pay attention to this if you plan to use the unit as a tractor and drive on roads.

Engine power of the cultivator / walk-behind tractor in horsepower. The basic unit of power these days is the watt, but gasoline and diesel engines (see "Engine type") often use the more traditional horsepower designation. 1 hp is approximately equal to 735 watts.

A more powerful engine allows you to achieve higher productivity, width and depth of processing. On the other hand, high power significantly affects the price, weight and dimensions of the unit, as well as electricity / fuel consumption. In light of this, the characteristics of the engine are selected by the manufacturer, taking into account which “weight category” the walk-behind tractor belongs to. The most limited modern units have a power of up to 2 hp., in the most severe and advanced, this figure can exceed 13 hp. ; 4 - 7 HP can be called an average, and 2 - 4 hp. and 7 - 13 hp respectively below and above average.

Detailed recommendations on the optimal power for a particular situation can be found in special sources.

Motor block / cultivator engine power in watts. This designation is normally used for electric engines, but can also be used for gasoline/diesel engines, along with horsepower (for these, see Engine Power above).

A more powerful engine allows you to achieve higher productivity, width and depth of processing. On the other hand, high power significantly affects the price, weight and dimensions of the unit, as well as electricity / fuel consumption. In light of this, the engine power is selected by the manufacturer, taking into account which “weight category” the walk-behind tractor belongs to, what characteristics it should show. So, the lightest models have a power of up to 1.5 kW, just such a device is best suited for a small area of 6 - 8 acres. Motoblocks up to 3 kW are already able to cope with 10 - 15 acres, a power of 3.5 - 5 kW is suitable for a plot from 50 acres to a couple of hectares. Units for 5 - 10 kW already belong to the professional level, they are "too tough" open spaces of 7 - 10 hectares; and the heaviest and most powerful modern walk-behind tractors have a power of more than 10 kW.

Starting method of the gasoline or diesel engine (see "Engine type") provided in the unit.

— Manual. Starting due to the muscular strength of a person: the operator pulls a special cable or turns the handle, due to which the shaft turns and the engine receives the initial impulse necessary for operation. Manual start systems are inexpensive, light and compact, and do not depend on batteries that can run out at the worst possible moment. On the other hand, the starting process itself can require considerable effort, especially in a heavy, powerful engine. Therefore, this option is used mainly in relatively low-power models.

— Electric starter. Starting due to the starter — a small electric motor powered by a battery. Such systems are much more convenient than manual ones — the operator actually only needs to press a button or turn a key; at the same time they are suitable even for the most powerful motors. On the other hand, a starter with a battery significantly increases the weight, dimensions and cost of the entire unit, and with a long idle time, the battery may run out and the system will become useless (however, a spare manual "starter" may be provided for this case). Therefore, this starting method is used exclusively in heavy equipment, for which the ability to do without manual start is more important than the described disadvantages.