Rules for driving a walk-behind tractor on public roads

This type of equipment is formally a smaller copy of a conventional tractor. As you know, a tractor is a vehicle, and to drive a vehicle you must have a driver's license and liability insurance. But does a similar rule apply to a walk-behind tractor? Of course, even if the answer to this question is positive, few would think of getting a license to drive across fields and beds. But there are often times when people use a walk-behind tractor to go to the nearest building materials store or simply go to throw out large garbage. Since the route will mainly run along public roads, there is a possibility of meeting a traffic inspector. In this case, the legal issue will be quite relevant.

Main characteristics

Powerful and maneuverable walk-behind tractor with 7 hp engine. with a cast iron gearbox, equipped with hardened cutters, which allows it to be used on heavy soils. The presence of pneumatic wheels in the set allows it to be used in conjunction with a trolley.

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The manufacturer reserves the right to change the characteristics of the product, its appearance and completeness without prior notice to the seller.

The offer for the sale of a product is valid for as long as the product is in stock.

At what age can you drive a walk-behind tractor?

There is no information in the operating instructions about at what age you can start operating a walk-behind tractor.

However, if you plan to use it only within your own area, then it is enough to have enough strength to operate it, because many models are quite heavy.

It will be difficult for a 12-year-old child to handle a motor-cultivator, since operation requires certain dexterity, strength, knowledge and ability to operate a mechanized unit.

When planning to use a walk-behind tractor as a cargo carrier, you will have to move along the roadway, and this is precisely why you will need the rights mentioned above. And they are received only upon reaching 18 years of age.

Therefore, when drawing conclusions, it is obvious that when operating a walk-behind tractor within your own area, you do not need rights to operate it.

However, if you have to move along the roadway, it is advisable to obtain driving documents.

What should mini tractor owners do?

When considering this issue, we proceed from the fact that a mini tractor is a self-propelled unit and is a transport vehicle. Therefore, the answer to this question consists of two parts: state registration and obtaining a tractor driver’s license.

Registration, required documents

This procedure is provided for by law and is mandatory. To register a minitractor, you must contact the State Technical Supervision Authority at your place of registration, presenting documents for the equipment regarding the purchase (purchase agreement), a passport for the minitractor, and a copy of the customs declaration. If the self-propelled vehicle was previously registered, provide a certificate of previous registration. You will need to pay a state duty and purchase insurance for units with speeds over 25 km/h.

Those owners who neglect the registration procedure risk getting into a difficult situation: problems with technical inspection, in case of theft, and searching for unregistered equipment will take a long time, at best.

Do you need a license for a mini tractor?

Here the situation is similar with the control of a walk-behind tractor. It is unlikely that you will become a participant in traffic in a field among the stalks of corn, and a strict traffic police inspector will fine you for not fastening your seat belt or lack of a first aid kit. Therefore, if the mini tractor is operated exclusively within the site, you may not need to obtain a license.

But even a minute trip to the highway on a mini tractor radically changes your rights and responsibilities. To legally drive a mini tractor, you need to obtain a tractor driver’s license from the MREO department. The certificate indicates 6 categories of rights, category A - for driving motor sleighs and snowmobiles, category F rights - for large tractors. Licenses of categories B, C, D, E are needed for mini tractors and are determined depending on the engine power of a wheeled or tracked tractor.

Municipal services have mini tractors at their disposal. To travel to the immediate place of work, in addition to the accompanying documents of the service, the operator must have a tractor driver’s license with an open corresponding category of rights. If enterprises use walk-behind tractors, then similar documents must be issued for them.

What is a walk-behind tractor according to traffic regulations?

This is the most important question, the answer to which will give us food for further clarification of whether we need a license for a walk-behind tractor, what category, is it possible to drive it without a driver’s license, drive onto the roadway and, most importantly, will there be a traffic police fine for all this?

So, let's start with the fact that the traffic rules simply do not answer the question posed here! The list of all definitions in the Rules is comprehensively given in paragraph 1.2, and, based on the list, the following conclusions can be safely drawn.

• It would be most logical to classify a walk-behind tractor as a motorcycle - this is not only a 2-wheeled vehicle, but also so-called “quadricycles”, but always with a motorcycle seat and an arc-shaped steering wheel.
• It would be possible to equate it to a moped, if not for one “but” - almost all walk-behind tractors have an engine capacity of over 50 cm3, and for a moped the main condition is up to this value.

Why are there so many “would”s in the paragraphs above? Everything is very simple. We are interested in the question of whether a license is needed to operate a walk-behind tractor and whether it is possible to drive on the road according to traffic rules, not at all in the context of these very traffic rules, but to find out what fine or period of deprivation of rights for certain violations is faced in the event of a violation.

In the Administrative Code, all penalties are provided for driving a vehicle, and its definition is contained in the Note to Article 12.1 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation. According to it, one of the conditions to consider a particular car as a vehicle is its design speed is above 50 km/h. Almost no manual tractor in 2021 will develop this.

But there is one more criterion - in the Code of Administrative Offenses, vehicles also mean self-propelled vehicles. And this could already be subject to fines. It remains to find out whether the walk-behind tractor is suitable for such a car!

The answer to this question is contained in paragraph 2 of Government Decree No. 796 on the rules for admission to driving such machines:

2. Self-propelled vehicles in these Rules mean tractors, self-propelled road-building machines and other ground-based trackless mechanical vehicles with independent drive, having an internal combustion engine with a volume of over 50 cubic meters. centimeters or an electric motor with a maximum power of more than 4 kW (with the exception of motor vehicles intended for driving on public roads with a maximum design speed of more than 50 km/h...)

Mechanical vehicle? Right! Let's return to the traffic rules and see that any mechanism driven by an engine is such.

Thus, one could conclude that the walk-behind tractor is a vehicle. Specifically, a self-propelled vehicle. He could be subject to fines and other penalties provided for when driving such vehicles in the relevant articles of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation: including driving without a driver’s license and not necessarily including driving on public roads. But it's not that simple! Below you will find out that the Code of Administrative Offenses cannot apply to such mechanisms according to the 2021 law.

You will also be interested in:

• What is the fine and what else threatens for forgotten licenses and car documents?
• Where and when is it possible and prohibited to use a sound signal according to traffic regulations?
• Rooms are covered in snow - fine or deprivation? The inspector threatens to revoke your rights

Fines that can be imposed on the driver of a walk-behind tractor

Although the device is neither a vehicle nor a means of transportation, operating it may result in a fine under Article 12.7. But in this case only the driver himself will be to blame. Administrative punishment is easy to avoid. How to do this is described in the section below.

Punishment can only be for the following offenses:

• driving an improvised device;
• driving without a license;
• being on the roadway in a vehicle without permission;
• obstruction of traffic;
• drunk driving.

The main fine, which combines all other points, is the fine for obstructing traffic. In this case, the driver is punished as a pedestrian, since he cannot legally obtain the status of a driver: the equipment does not belong to the category of a vehicle.

And even intoxication is classified as a violation of public order, not traffic rules. But this does not relieve the person of guilt, and he, like the drivers, can be brought to trial and to the confiscation of the technical device.

Don’t think that the fine for driving a walk-behind tractor is small. It can amount to several thousand rubles depending on the situation. In aggravating circumstances: intoxication, causing harm to a pedestrian, you can receive administrative or even criminal liability.

Division into classes

Walk-behind tractors and walk-behind cultivators are divided into three classes. The choice of class depends on the type of soil being cultivated and the area of ​​the site. There are light, medium and heavy cultivators and walk-behind tractors.

• Lungs. Suitable for cultivating light, previously treated soils. They are characterized by low power and weight, as a rule, they have a small processing area in one pass. These are cultivators for a summer house, small garden and vegetable garden with annual tillage. They are characterized by high maneuverability. But, due to their low weight, significant efforts have to be made to stabilize their position. This especially affects working with light motor cultivators - you have to apply good pressure so that the cutter remains at the desired depth. Mastering new areas with equipment of this class is very problematic and can lead to rapid wear. Motor cultivators of different classes
• Average. Suitable for working on medium-density soils. Thanks to its more substantial weight, processing is possible to a greater depth. It can also be used in dachas, but it also works well on medium-heavy loams and fertile soils. Due to the greater weight, the equipment is more stable and does not jump out of the ground during operation. Maneuverability is still high. Medium-class walk-behind tractors are suitable for cultivating plots of up to half a hectare; with motor-cultivators of this type, work goes faster, although they are not designed for cultivating large areas. Walk-behind tractors - light, medium, heavy - for areas of different sizes
• Heavy. Universal units for cultivating any type of soil, including virgin soil cultivation. Suitable for transporting crops and for working with other mounted implements (mower). It is advisable to buy if you are cultivating more than a hectare of heavy soil or two or more hectares of light soil. Due to the greater weight and dimensions, maneuverability is less, but the processing width and possible depth are greater.

In general, it is not difficult to choose walk-behind tractors and walk-behind cultivators by class. Light and medium-sized models of motorized cultivators are suitable for dachas; walk-behind tractors are more suitable for farms. The class will have to be determined by the soil and size of the cultivated area.

Rating of the best walk-behind tractors for summer cottages

To choose a high-quality unit and use it for a long time, you need to decide how much work will be performed. Light and medium models are suitable for small plots of land. For cultivating fields or several acres of land, it is better to choose models with greater weight and a more powerful engine. Below are the TOP 16 best walk-behind tractors in these categories.

Lightweight models

Huter MK-7000 7 hp

A walk-behind tractor model suitable for home use. The walk-behind tractor is equipped with a large fuel tank for long-term operation. Runs on gasoline. For convenience, it has two speeds: forward and reverse. The weight of the unit is 77 kg.

For convenient storage and transportation, it is possible to disassemble the cultivator. The price of the model varies from 30 to 35 thousand rubles.

ADVANTAGES:

• reliable, durable cutters
• adjustment of tillage depth, wide plowing band
• loosens the soil well, does not leave large clods of soil
• economical fuel consumption
• availability of protective devices - shields and disks

FLAWS

• not detected

Huter MK-7000 7 hp

Steher GT-300 7 hp

The walk-behind tractor has a gasoline engine. Used for processing heavy soil. For ease of use, all buttons and levers for control are inserted into the handle.

The weight of the device is 82 kg. Using a special insert, you can adjust the plowing depth. Has large wheels for more reliable grip on the ground.

On the Internet, such a walk-behind tractor can be purchased for 30-33 thousand rubles.

ADVANTAGES:

• quick, easy assembly
• reliable, powerful engine
• low noise
• large wheels - good cross-country ability, handling and maneuverability
• starts easily

FLAWS

• some summer residents shared that the walk-behind tractor is too light, trampled areas have to be passed through twice

Steher GT-300 7 hp

PATRIOT Kaluga (low gear) 7 hp.

Motoblock of domestic production. It has a gasoline engine and a handle height adjuster. For better performance, it has an aluminum chain gearbox and large wheels for balance.

The weight of the device is 70 kg, the plowing depth is 30. This model has a shelf life from the factory of 3 years.

The price varies from components within 30-40 thousand rubles.

ADVANTAGES:

• simplicity and ease of operation, steering wheel tilt is adjustable
• four forward and two reverse gears
• copes with plowing virgin soil
• works quietly
• the power button, gas handle and drive lever are located on the steering wheel

FLAWS

• When cultivating with a milling cutter, there is not enough additional adjustment of the steering wheel to tilt the axis in a vertical position

PATRIOT Kaluga (low gear) 7 hp.

Mobile K MKM-3 COMFORT MBK0018432 7.07 hp

The unit has a reverse speed, a large engine and a 3.1 liter fuel tank.

It is possible to modify the walk-behind tractor by attaching a plow, snow blower, shovel, potato planter and other attachments.

The wheels have a large diameter and are designed to work with an additional trolley.

This model of walk-behind tractor is sold for 40-46 thousand rubles.

ADVANTAGES:

• convenient steering wheel settings
• low gas consumption
• quickly disassembled for transportation, easy to assemble and start, does not overheat
• speeds switch smoothly
• the existing reverse allows you to easily turn around near the fence and drive out of the ground without using much effort

FLAWS

• price

Mobile K MKM-3 COMFORT MBK0018432 7.07 hp

BISON MTB-300 7 hp

Gasoline walk-behind tractor for loosening the soil. It has a special mount for attachments to increase the functions of the walk-behind tractor.

All controls are fixed to the handle. The weight of the apparatus is 78 kg, the plowing depth and width are 35 and 60-80, respectively.

The device costs an average of 37 thousand rubles.

ADVANTAGES:

• processing depth 35 cm.
• 5 year warranty
• presence of reverse
• starts without problems
• easy to control

FLAWS

• small wheels

BISON MTB-300 7 hp

Salyut 100-X-M1 6.5 HP

A domestic walk-behind tractor that performs a range of agricultural work. It has a multi-speed gearbox, 4 forward gears and 2 reverse gears. The cultivator gears are made of durable hardened steel and have a long service life.

For convenient use, the handle has gear switches. The weight of the walk-behind tractor is 60-70 kg, depending on the included components.

You can buy a walk-behind tractor for 40-45 thousand rubles.

ADVANTAGES:

• easy to use
• not heavy
• cultivation depth 30 cm.
• tillage width 90 cm.
• reverse

FLAWS

• poor quality belt, quickly wears out and breaks

Salyut 100-X-M1 6.5 HP

Medium walk-behind tractors

Neva MB-23-Y (MX300) with MultiAgro gearbox 12 hp.

Motoblock for high-quality agricultural work. The steering wheel is adjustable in two planes for convenient use and compact storage.

Due to the balanced shaft it has a low vibration level. The weight of the device is 100 kg. It has 6 speeds, 4 of which are forward and 2 are rear.

The price varies between 83 thousand Russian rubles.

ADVANTAGES:

• powerful and reliable engine
• wide gear range, gear shift without steering wheel, 2 axle unlockers
• there is overload protection - drive shutdown
• large fuel tank - 5.5 liters, gasoline is consumed economically
• starts up very easily

FLAWS

• high center of gravity
• Speeds don't change smoothly

Neva MB-23-Y (MX300) with MultiAgro gearbox 12 hp.

PATRIOT Ural with Extreme wheels (440 10 7581) 7.8 hp

Gasoline walk-behind tractor weighing 105 kg. It has a solid cast iron gearbox, which increases the service life of the walk-behind tractor.

To protect the operator, it has metal mudguards. To increase the volume of work, it has a special mount for attachments.

You can buy a walk-behind tractor for 45,000 rubles.

ADVANTAGES:

• powerful wheels, comfortable steering wheel with adjustments
• easy engine starting
• sufficient power both for working in the garden and for developing virgin lands
• comfortable driving speed in low gears
• possibility of using attachments

FLAWS

• weak welding on the wheel hubs; in reviews, summer residents often say that the wheels fall off while driving

PATRIOT Ural with Extreme wheels (440 10 7581) 7.8 hp

Hyundai T 1300 7 HP

Gasoline walk-behind tractor with reverse. Due to this, it has the ability to easily pass through hard ground.

Has the ability to attach attachments. The weight of the device is 88 kg. Manual transmission and three speeds, two of which are forward and one reverse.

The price for this model without additional equipment is 45 thousand rubles.

ADVANTAGES:

• good quality knots
• convenient steering wheel adjustment
• reliable packaging, set of keys included
• starts first time
• the engine is moved forward, good weight balance

FLAWS

• lack of attachments included and sold
• no gear oil included

Hyundai T 1300 7 HP

Huter MK-8000 8 HP

Agricultural machine for plowing land. Disassembles for storage. Has 3 speeds, 2 forward and 1 reverse.

The walk-behind tractor is equipped with a 4-stroke single-cylinder engine. The weight of the device is 130 kg. Fuel tank 3.6 liters.

The price of a walk-behind tractor on the Internet is 40 thousand rubles.

ADVANTAGES:

• comfortable handles
• sufficient power for developing virgin soil and plowing heavy loam
• easy to disassemble and assemble
• mills well, does not jump
• blades for cutters and a set of brackets included

FLAWS

• uninformative instructions

Huter MK-8000 8 HP

BRAIT BR-135GD 15 HP

Motoblock for working with dense soil. Equipped with a diesel 4-stroke single-cylinder engine with a power of 10 hp.

The model is equipped with manual and electric start. The weight of the device is 148 kg, and the weight that it can transport is 800 kg.

You can buy this walk-behind tractor for around 55 thousand rubles.

ADVANTAGES:

• no belts or chains in the gearbox, everything is on gears
• equipped with a heavy frame and a 15 hp engine.
• cross-country ability is increased by pneumatic wheels measuring 5*12 with a textured tread
• an oil level sensor is provided to prevent engine starting in case of insufficient lubricant
• good maneuverability

FLAWS

• not detected

BRAIT BR-135GD 15 HP

Heavy walk-behind tractors

CHAMPION DC1193E 9.5 HP

Motoblock for agricultural work. With the help of attachments you can expand the functionality: cutting hay, pumping water, harvesting.

The weight of the machine is 177 kg. It has an adjustable plowing depth and a folding parking support. The device runs on diesel fuel.

The price for a walk-behind tractor on the Internet is 80-85 thousand rubles.

ADVANTAGES:

• high-quality assembly, high-quality case materials
• plowing depth adjustment
• large wheels, thanks to which you can freely move it around the site despite its heavy weight
• when starting it starts smoothly, without jerking
• even after a long winter period of inactivity, the engine starts without problems

FLAWS

• no differential
• a bit heavy for older users

CHAMPION DC1193E 9.5 HP

Aurora COUNTRY 1400 MULTI-SHIFT 13 HP

Gasoline walk-behind tractor. Has a professional purpose of agricultural work. Equipped with a low gear for working with attachments. For durability of use it has a gear system.

The width of the plowing land is 170 cm, the depth is 30. The weight of the unit is 162 kg.

You can buy this device for 87,000 rubles.

ADVANTAGES:

• 6 gears: 4 forward, 2 reverse
• reliable PTO mounting unit
• ability to work under heavy load for long periods of time
• repairable, relatively low prices for components
• has wide modernization potential

FLAWS

• ill-conceived design of the steering wheel - its adjustment angles are too large, everything becomes loose over time

Aurora COUNTRY 1400 MULTI-SHIFT 13 HP

PATRIOT Boston 9DE 9 HP

Diesel walk-behind tractor with a tillage reach of up to 125 cm. It weighs 176 kg and has two starters: a manual and an electric starter with a voltage of 12 V.

To protect the engine from lumps of earth and dirt, the cutters are covered with special protection.

Equipped with a special mount for attachments. Has 2 forward speeds and reverse.

The price of this device is 90 thousand rubles.

ADVANTAGES:

• low diesel consumption
• ease of maintenance
• high power, can be used as a mini tractor
• comfortable handles
• cutters included, 10 pcs.

FLAWS

• poor quality of some components, in particular the wheels - the rubber scatters into pieces

PATRIOT Boston 9DE 9 HP

Scout GS 101 D 11 HP

Motoblock for agricultural work. Equipped with a comfortable seat. It is possible to work in the dark due to the front spotlight.

A special water-cooling system protects the walk-behind tractor from overheating. The walk-behind tractor is equipped with a 4-stroke single-cylinder diesel engine.

It has a dead weight of 240 kg, a minimum loading weight of 900 kg.

The price of a walk-behind tractor is 100 thousand rubles.

ADVANTAGES:

• speeds: 6 forward, 2 reverse
• low fuel consumption
• reverse
• ability to work in the dark
• powerful and reliable engine

FLAWS

• there is no possibility of adjusting the start, late start, which is why the exhaust goes not into the pipe, but into the air filter

Scout GS 101 D 11 HP

Huter MK-11000E 11 hp

Walk-behind tractor for various agricultural works, including plowing and loosening the soil. Has a large 6 liter fuel tank.

To increase maneuverability it is equipped with reverse speed. Has automatic low oil level protection and a gasoline engine.

The weight of the device is 132 kg. It has protective wings for cutters, as well as a shield to protect the engine.

The price for this walk-behind tractor varies between 55-60 thousand rubles.

ADVANTAGES:

• 4-stroke engine, starts with an electric starter, does not heat up under increased loads
• depth and width of tillage is adjustable
• starts quickly, easy to operate
• suitable for any type of work in the field and garden
• Despite its heavy weight, it has fairly compact dimensions

FLAWS

• short shift lever

Huter MK-11000E 11 hp

How to choose a walk-behind tractor

In order not to encounter problems on the road, it is better to buy a completely finished walk-behind tractor. Having a license with at least one open category, the owner of such equipment can safely move on public roads. Naturally, we must not forget about traffic rules.

For not too large-scale field work, a 9 liter walk-behind tractor is quite suitable. With. or a slightly more powerful unit. In many cases, a device with a 7 liter engine is sufficient. With.

When choosing a walk-behind tractor, you should first pay attention to:

• gearbox;
• engine;
• power take-off shaft;
• trailer.

The design features of the gearbox largely determine the reliability of all equipment. The service life of the equipment directly depends on the quality of this unit. It is better to refrain from purchasing a model with a non-separable gearbox. Although this option will be cheaper, it can lead to serious problems in the future. Such a gearbox simply cannot be repaired. The only solution to the problem is to buy new equipment. Now such gearboxes are almost never installed even on medium-power walk-behind tractors.

The power take-off shaft expands the range of capabilities of the unit. Thus, it allows you to install an active potato digger, sweeper, chopper, seeder and other attachments on the walk-behind tractor. Many models are not equipped with a shaft. This makes the technology cheaper, but less practical. Yes, the cost of the shaft may be close to the price of the walk-behind tractor itself. But if we are talking about choosing a real assistant in the household, then you should not skimp.

Distinctive features

The power take-off shaft is a mechanism that ensures stable transmission of the energy generated by the engine to the working elements of attachments.

Most modern models are equipped with this element. It is located at the rear of the car. Sometimes the PTO is supplemented by a differential located in the front part.

The main tasks of the power take-off shaft are as follows::

1. Starts mechanical components in attachments. In this case, it is connected to the agricultural machine directly or through additional elements, including a gearbox, cardan shaft and V-belt drives. This is the main purpose of the PTO, since thanks to this the unit can perform additional functions.
2. Starts the hydraulic system of towed equipment. The PTO acts on the equipment pump. For this purpose, the shaft is used less frequently, since farmers do not often use walk-behind tractors in combination with a hydraulic system.

At what age can you drive a walk-behind tractor?

The instruction manual does not contain any information about the age at which you can work with this equipment. If you work with a walk-behind tractor exclusively in the garden or in the garden, then simply enough is enough for you to be able to control it. But, of course, you can’t put a 12-year-old child in charge of a walk-behind tractor; after all, you need both strength to control it and an understanding of safety precautions. If you need to drive a walk-behind tractor to the site along the roadway, then you need to have a license, we talked about this above. And they can only be obtained after reaching 18 years of age.

As a result, we can conclude that when using a walk-behind tractor close to home in a garden or vegetable garden, in principle, it is not necessary to have the right to operate it. But if you constantly drive to the site along the roadway, then having a license is a prerequisite.

Selecting a launch system

Let's consider the features of walk-behind tractor engine starting systems:

1. Manual. It is a flywheel on which a cord with a handle is wound. The cord can be removable or attached to the starter. The advantage of such a system is its autonomy and independence from external power sources. The disadvantage is that it takes a lot of effort to start the engine, especially in winter.
2. Electric. The electric starter makes starting the power plant an easy and quick process. The downside is the need for a charged battery. If the unit has been left idle for a long time, the energy source is discharged, and it may take several hours to bring it back into working condition.
3. Combined. This system is installed on modern models of walk-behind tractors. To prevent battery discharge, generators are installed on them, providing lighting at night. This type of equipment is quite expensive.

Assessing your physical abilities and the state of your wallet will help you make the right choice.

Which engine is better for a walk-behind tractor?

Domestic equipment is equipped with engines from various manufacturers. At first they installed domestic engines, later they began to use Chinese ones. But they were far from perfect. We tried products from American and Japanese manufacturers. These engines for the walk-behind tractor showed their best performance.

Consumers have the impression that Japanese units or American products are of high quality and durability. But it is not always the case. Engine manufacturing companies produce products of varying quality. All motors from these manufacturers are divided into:

• cheap amateur;
• more expensive semi-professional;
• professional.

They differ not only in quality, but also in cost. The most reliable engines are Briggs & Stratton. They work for a long time and do not cause any problems. Engines from the Japanese manufacturer Honda with the designation GX are of high quality. Japanese Robin-Subaru engines are durable and reliable.

If we take into account all the shortcomings, general characteristics and prices of engines, Lifan and Subaru, Briggs & Stratton and Honda come out on top. The Chinese Lifan engine has recently gained popularity due to its high quality and low price.

Sellers overestimate the power of a gasoline walk-behind tractor by citing maximum values. More precise data can be found in the instructions. The price of products with similar characteristics in different stores differs. Therefore, you need to choose a product carefully to avoid deception. Some manufacturers of walk-behind tractors equip them with diesel engines. Instead of mileage, they calculate work in engine hours. It is difficult to find their guaranteed quantity in the passport, instructions or additional literature.

Only the torque developed by the motor is considered objective. In this parameter, the Subaru brand engine is far ahead of its competitors. A longer service life is observed with professional units. They are designed for long-term operation in difficult conditions.

Which walk-behind tractor is better: diesel, gasoline, electric. Most owners choose gasoline devices. They work much quieter, have a lower cost, and are highly maintainable. Most often, installations with Japanese and Chinese engines are chosen.

The quality of Chinese products is inferior to Japanese ones. But their cost is much cheaper. Not only Honda or Subaru are highly popular, but also Dinking and Lianlong. Experts recommend their use. For Russians, models are created with series designations:

• GX is a motor for long-term operation.
• GP - household assistant.
• GC - for use with multi-purpose units.
• IGX are professional engines for working on heavy soils. Each engine is equipped with electronics.

All power units have high performance and are capable of performing almost all garden work. Gasoline engines have 1 or 2 cylinders and an air cooling system. Often a gearbox is included. Honda motors are installed on cultivators, generators, motor pumps, and lawn mowers.

Subaru produces four-stroke engines in three series:

• EY - with valves located on the side;
• EH - valves are on top;
• EX - overhead valve mechanism.

The advantage of American models is an easy setup and start-up system and trouble-free operation. They are mounted on any garden equipment. GreenField, Forza and Agromotor motors are in demand among consumers. They are of high quality and good performance, and are inexpensive.

If desired, you can purchase a diesel walk-behind tractor. This powerful and reliable agricultural machine is a mini-tractor with a large set of attachments. With the help of mounted implements, you can plow and cultivate, pump water, generate electricity, hill up potatoes and harvest them. A seat is attached to the walk-behind tractor and used as a vehicle for transporting various goods.

In summer and autumn you can remove branches and other household and garden debris, and in winter you can deal with snowdrifts. Summer or winter diesel fuel is used as fuel.

The difference between a walk-behind tractor and a walk-behind cultivator

The difference between these tillage machines is the power and features.

Motor cultivators are mini tractors with the ability to cultivate land. They have power up to 6 hp. Modern walk-behind tractors can have a power of up to 12 hp. The productivity of walk-behind tractors is higher due to greater engine power.

Walk-behind tractors have a full-fledged gearbox, while walk-behind cultivators have the ability to operate only at one speed.

Walk-behind tractors have the ability to attach plows, hillers, snow blowers, carts and other attachments. Motor cultivators do not have such equipment.

Motor cultivators have less weight, due to this even women can handle them. But the heavy weight of walk-behind tractors provides greater traction with the soil. Also, the dimensions of walk-behind tractors have large numbers.

Driving on public roads

If a decision is made to acquire rights, then for what category of rights? Is a driver's license necessary for the owner of a motorcycle, and does the license of a tractor correspond to a motorcycle unit? A driver will have no problem meeting with a traffic police inspector if he has a class A driver's license. This is the type. VU gives you the right to ride a motorcycle. The standard motorcycle unit is difficult to identify.

The owner of the motorcycle has the right to ride a motorcycle of this category and confirms that he knows the rules of the road.

When driving on the road, the owner of the car must equip it with front running lights and reflective elements on the sides and on the side of the trailer. If the farmer does not have a driver's license, then in order not to break the law, he should not drive on the road to the place of use. The presence of a VA is a guaranteed insurance policy when meeting with an employee. Traffic police. If the unit is converted into a mini tractor, then you cannot do without an operating license.

How to avoid getting a fine

Although there are some indications that it is necessary to specify the category in the file. VU There are no legal regulations for the management of a motorcycle installation on the track, employees, etc. The traffic police may ask a citizen to present such a document at a meeting. In his absence, the driver must pay a fine to the motorcycle department. The inspector refers to st. 12.11 Code of Administrative Offences. The provisions of this article allow fines to be imposed for obstructing the movement of other vehicles on the highway.

To avoid this, the motorcycle owner must comply with the following requirements of the VU. The driver of this vehicle knows his driver's license. Traffic rules and passed the driving test. It turns out that the law does not provide for a license for motorcycles, but a document is required confirming that the citizen sitting behind the wheel has the following traffic rules and has driving skills. This document is a driver's license.

Is it possible to drive walk-behind tractors on public roads?

But the question of cargo transportation remains open. When transporting cargo when using a trailer or cart, the owner has to travel on public roads.

At the same time, you regularly have to deal with traffic police inspectors who do not bother to remind you with a warning in the form of a fine that a walk-behind tractor has no place on the road. But don’t be upset; on the contrary, it’s better to stock up on the necessary knowledge and hit the road fully armed.

Everyone knows that there is no way to obtain a driver’s license and pass a category exam for driving a motorized tiller. But, having driven onto the road on a walk-behind tractor with a trailer, the driver is automatically considered a road participant.

Therefore, the traffic inspector may ask you to provide the appropriate certificate stating that you are not just familiar with the road rules, but also know them perfectly.

After all, no matter what you drive, you cannot do without this knowledge on the road. In addition, if you travel with passengers in the back, it is likely that everyone will be fined. And the reason is clause 22 of the traffic rules, which states that people can only be transported by vehicles.

To avoid trouble, it is best to prepare and become a full-fledged participant in traffic on the road.

To do this you will need:

1. Open any category, even the smallest A, that allows driving motorcycles. It will be indisputable proof that you are familiar with the rules and know how to react to various road signs and traffic lights.
2. After this, when driving a motor cultivator, take your ID with you and, if necessary, you can present it.
3. If you plan to drive a walk-behind tractor regularly, then put a headlight on it, and cover the trailer with tape that reflects the light of the headlights well.

By following these recommendations, you will not only protect yourself on the highway, but will also be considered a legal participant in traffic.

However, be prepared for the fact that if you break the rules, you, like others, can be held accountable.

What licenses do you need to obtain to drive a mini-tractor and walk-behind tractor with a trailer?

01.12.2017

Question: “How can the owner of a walk-behind tractor or mini-tractor get to his or her personal plot on public roads?” has always been relevant among farmers.

But what if you can only get to the garden/house/plot along the highway, where there is a high probability of meeting representatives of the State Traffic Inspectorate. Of course, it is better to protect yourself from these problems by preparing in advance for this meeting.

The main points that are important to pay attention to are that the walk-behind tractor is not considered a vehicle and a document is not needed to operate it. But this rule does not apply on public roads, since according to the law, a walk-behind tractor with a trailer cannot be operated on the roadway. And transportation is only possible with a trailer-trailer, this is indicated in many equipment passports included in the kit

And transportation is possible only with a trailer-trailer, this is indicated in many equipment passports included in the kit.

firstly, the owner of a walk-behind tractor with a trailer must have a license with category “A” or “A1”. This is necessary so that the traffic police inspector does not have questions that you do not know the rules of the road and you do not have the legal right to drive a vehicle. Of course, when going out on the highway, don’t forget to check if you have your driver’s license with you.

secondly, the walk-behind tractor must comply with environmental requirements and road safety; it must have a full-fledged lighting system (low beam headlights, brake lights, turn signals), a sound signal and other characteristics

Unlike a walk-behind tractor, a minitractor is a self-propelled agricultural machine and belongs to a vehicle. According to the law, a mini-tractor can be driven on the roadway, observing all traffic rules. This type of transport is included in the official list of permission to travel on public roads. The right to drive this type of transport is granted by Gostekhnadzor, after the owner of the tractor has successfully passed the driving test.

How to obtain a tractor driver's license?

First of all, you need to take courses at a driving school; the average course duration is at least 1.5 months (depending on the category). The course program is divided into two parts: theory (traffic rules, equipment design, etc.) and practice (maneuvering, working with cargo). After completing the courses, you need to pass an exam, which consists of two stages (the first on the territory of the training center/driving school, the second on the territory of Gostekhnadzor).

The owner of special equipment and who successfully passes the two-stage exam receives a tractor driver’s license, valid only in Russia, with a certain category.

category “C” for driving wheeled mini tractors and tractors with power units (engine power from 25.7 to 110.3 kW);

category “D” for driving wheeled vehicles (engine power 110.3 kW);

category “E” for driving tracked mini tractors (engine power more than 25.7 kW).

Do you need a license for a homemade mini tractor?

Some master land owners create homemade mini-tractors that successfully cope with basic agricultural work. To drive these vehicles on the roadway, you must register the equipment with Gostekhnadzor.

To register a homemade mini tractor, you need to prepare a set of documents (application for registration of the unit, identification card with permanent and temporary residence, sales receipts for the parts that were used to create the tractor).

After which the homemade mini tractor is tested, and if the unit meets all the requirements, the owner receives a technical passport and a license plate.

What are the fines?

The Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation has an entire chapter number 12, listing traffic police fines for all violations on the road. But it applies to vehicles, and almost every article implies a violation specifically for such transport: driving a vehicle while intoxicated, driving without a license, driving without license plates, outside the cab - also on a vehicle.

So, since our walk-behind tractor is not one, then no fine can apply to it - and it doesn’t matter whether you drive it in front of you and walk on foot, or move on a trailer of a walk-behind tractor... But this is not certain, and that's the problem!

There is a theory - we talked about it above. But there is also practice. And in 2021 it is completely different. And the topic we are discussing is divided into 2 important stages:

1. an employee of the Ministry of Internal Affairs stops you on a walk-behind tractor with or without a trailer on the road and issues a fine, considering it legal,
2. you appeal this punishment in court - in one of the instances, including reaching the Supreme Court (well, or you obediently pay the fine, although considering it illegal, but not wanting to waste time on let the truth be known - we will not consider such a situation for obvious reasons reasons).

So, when communicating with the traffic police or a representative of another police department, anything can happen to you. It is important to understand the legality of the ruling. Otherwise, it must be appealed. And the success of filing a complaint is the main question in our case, and the answer to it, although contradictory, is simple.

Something else useful for you:

• Is it possible to ride an ATV on roads and where not? Is it possible to drive without rights?
• O on a driver's license - what does it mean?
• Pedestrians' light turns green - should they let the car driver complete the maneuver?

Domestic motor cultivators: “Mole” and “Tarpan”

It is not only foreign products that are famous in the market for motor cultivators. You definitely need to know how to choose the best option among them. Buyers claim that the “Mole” model is one of the best motor cultivators on the market. This technique is distinguished by its unpretentiousness and reliability. In addition, you can additionally attach various hillers, a plow, as well as cutters called “crow’s feet” to it. This model is perfect for clay soil and untreated dense soils. It is best to buy such a device if the area of ​​the plot is no more than 10 acres.

Typically the engine is a Honda two-stroke with one cylinder. There is air cooling. The only exception is the V700ii model, which has a domestically produced engine.

The device can process soil to a depth of 12 to 25 cm. The “Mole M” model is considered the most compact. Its power is approximately 5 hp. It can cultivate the soil to a depth of 0.36 m. Models differ in weight and power. For example, if the power is 2.6 hp, then the model weighs no more than 48 kg. For device with 3.5 hp engine. weight is 50 kg. If the power is 4 hp, then the model weighs about 50 kg. Its weight increases to 53 kg with a power of 5.5 hp. At the same time, the width of the processed strip in different models varies from 35 to 60 cm.

Cultivator "Mole" with Sadko 6.5 hp engine in operation (video)

The DDE series is also very popular. In terms of reliability and technical characteristics, it is no worse than foreign analogues. In this series, 3 models with a power of 6.5 hp each were developed. The first model can process a strip 40-60 cm wide, the second - 60 cm, and the third model processes soil 1 m at a time (but this value can be reduced independently).

"Tarpan"

Another popular domestically produced cultivator is the Tarpan. It is great for people who need to cultivate a plot of up to 15 acres. People value such models for their power and engine reliability. “Tarpan” was developed back in 1991 by Tula engineers, but the models became popular only after they were equipped with American-made Briggs & Stratton engines with 5.5 and 6 hp each. Now the manufacturer of such cultivators is the Tulamashzavod enterprise.

According to reviews, Tarpan is distinguished by a worm-type gearbox, which is distinguished by its indestructibility. At the same time, the device itself can easily be decomposed into 2 components in order to be transported in the trunk of a car. In addition, such a unit weighs a little. Another advantage is the ability to attach additional equipment that comes with such models. In addition, the width of the strip can be 35 cm, 0.7 m and 1 m. The model can be controlled by a steering wheel located at a height that everyone can adjust to their own needs.

Thanks to the combination of a powerful foreign-made engine and a durable domestic design, the Tarpan was able to work even on heavy soils. In 1 hour you can plow more than 2 acres without haste. Now you can buy Tarpan models with Zongshen, Champion, Honda and Briggs & Stratton engines. This can be determined by the name of the product, since the name of the model must include the name of the engine itself.

Motoblock selection criteria

To choose a specific walk-behind tractor model, you should pay attention to the following points:

• – engine type and power;
• - Transmission;
• – depth and width of land cultivation;
• – availability of modifications using additional equipment;
• - weight;
• - Country of Origin.

By type, engines are divided into diesel and gasoline. The only difference is the price of fuel. It is cheaper to refuel with diesel, but the price of the unit itself is higher. Gasoline is more expensive than diesel, but the price of a walk-behind tractor is comparatively lower, all other characteristics being equal.

When choosing the power of a walk-behind tractor, you should remember the area of ​​the cultivated area. For example, a walk-behind tractor with a power of up to 5 horsepower is suitable for small farms. To cultivate an area of ​​more than 20 acres, it is better to choose a more powerful model, with a power of up to 12 hp.

As a rule, a walk-behind tractor has a manual gearbox. Mid-price models have two speeds for forward and reverse.

The depth and width of cultivation depends on the quality of the land. If the soil is very dense, then it is better to purchase a model with a depth of up to 35 cm. In other cases, the standard 20-30 cm is suitable. The width of the tillage is, on average, 50-60 cm. This is enough for a standard bed. Wider models are designed to cover larger areas.

In addition to standard tillers for cultivating soil, there are various modifications of walk-behind tractors. As a rule, they are not included in the package. But not all models are equipped with the possibility of modifications. This is worth paying attention to when purchasing.

If a walk-behind tractor is selected for cultivating a small plot of land, then you should pay attention to models weighing up to 60 kg. Heavier walk-behind tractors are designed for working in large fields.

Today there are a large number of manufacturers from different countries on the market. To purchase a quality model, it is better to give preference to proven brands.

Motoblock Law 2021

Since 2021, some amendments have been made to the legislation regarding road users. So, from this year, each category of driver's license provides the right to drive only a certain type of vehicle, so the opening of a new category in the driver's license makes it possible to legally drive a different vehicle. For example, having a category “B” license, a driver cannot drive a walk-behind tractor. At the same time, the old license is withdrawn and a driver’s license is issued instead, indicating all the new categories.

In accordance with the Rules, in order to open another category, you must complete a training course in driving the corresponding vehicle. At the same time, to issue a driver’s license with the opening of lower categories, a certificate from a driving school confirming completion of 20 hours of driving training is sufficient.

The first driver's license is issued for 2 years. If during this time there are fewer than two administrative violations, the driver will be able to exchange his license without passing the theoretical and practical exams. Otherwise, retake the exams.

• The maximum speed in populated areas is set at 50 km/h. From 23.00 to 06.00 the speed limit of 60 km/h continues to apply.
• During vehicle inspection, photo and video recording is now carried out.

What should mini-tractor owners do?

Since, in addition to walk-behind tractors, many farmers have mini-tractors, a similar question arises: do you need a license for a mini-tractor? It is also very relevant. The law establishes that you must have a license to own a mini tractor.

A driver who has undergone training and successfully passed the driving test can drive a mini-tractor on city roads, thereby confirming his qualifications.

A mini-tractor as a transport is more typical for rural areas, where homemade mini-units without registration are often found, the owners of which cannot always boast of the necessary driver’s license

Briefly considering the above-mentioned problem for a person who owns a mini tractor in Russia, it is necessary to take into account the following rules:

1. All factory mini-tractors are subject to mandatory registration;
2. You must obtain a tractor driver's license;
3. Self-made mini-tractors cannot be driven onto highways or public roads.

First of all, the owner of a mini-unit must go through the registration procedure with Gostekhnadzor, and not with the State Traffic Inspectorate, which is quite complicated. The essence of the organization’s work is registration of all types of special equipment. At the same time, an operating permit is issued, with the mini-tractor being registered.

In addition, the equipment undergoes a full technical inspection. The need to perform this procedure is provided regardless of the type of work that the mini-tractor will do. The unit is registered at the place of registration of the owner. The result of the work done will be obtaining a license to drive your vehicle. or a license for a mini tractor.

The category specified in the license will correspond to the engine size of the vehicle. There are 6 categories in total - A, B, C, D, E and F:

1. drivers with category A are allowed to drive off-road motor vehicles (motor sleds, motor sleds, snowmobiles, etc.);
2. open category B gives the right to drive tracked and wheeled vehicles with engine power up to 25.7 kW;
3. category C allows you to easily control wheeled vehicles with engine power from 25.7 to 77.2 kW;
4. a driver with category D can drive wheeled vehicles with an engine power exceeding 77.2 kW;
5. category E allows the driver to control a tracked vehicle with an engine power of over 25.7 kW;
6. the highest category is F, which allows you to drive self-propelled agricultural vehicles.

Riding a homemade walk-behind tractor

According to the Code of Administrative Offences, not a single walk-behind tractor, incl. a device that has a suspension and a power unit, assembled with one’s own hands, is not a vehicle. Another thing is that it is the manufacturer who determines the category of his product. He has the legal right to consider the equipment produced to be a walk-behind tractor, and in the case of handicraft production, when stopped by an inspector, questions may arise: who decided that it was a walk-behind tractor, and why? The inspector may require to present documents for the device or even issue an order to register it, and this leads to certain legal consequences.

In general, the operation of a walk-behind tractor assembled by yourself is no different from one purchased in a store. A question may arise in the area of ​​its belonging to the vehicle category, and then only if the inspector considers it necessary to ask it. Otherwise, all the same rules apply to homemade equipment as to purchased equipment; no additional points are prescribed for its management.

Formally, this is agricultural equipment, the same as a cultivator or lawn mower.

Is a walk-behind tractor classified as a vehicle, what documents are needed?

The factory instruction manual clearly states that the walk-behind tractor is not intended for transporting people, is not a vehicle and cannot be used on public roads. According to the law, he also does not fall into this category.

Therefore, official registration and any state registration for the walk-behind tractor is not required. In his or her personal plot, at a dacha or on a farm, each owner is free to dispose of their own equipment as they see fit. If you have to deliver equipment to your place of work, you can do this in the trunk of a car or trailer.

If we consider a walk-behind tractor as a vehicle, it can be classified into several categories at once, depending on its dimensions. If it is a massive device to which additional equipment is attached using a bracket, then it is equated to the categories of self-propelled vehicles.

Theoretically, this motor vehicle can be equated to horse-drawn vehicles, then it is possible to move freely along the side of the road. You can move along field paths unlimitedly.

A walk-behind tractor with a trailer is a more complex device, and it often has to move along common paths. To do this, you need to have a license of category “D” (the right to drive self-propelled agricultural machines) or “E” (other self-propelled machines). In Russia and Ukraine, category “A” or “A1” will be sufficient, since a walk-behind tractor with a trailer resembles a motorcycle with a sidecar.

In order to obtain a document such as a driver's license, you need to confirm your knowledge of the basic Rules of the Road, pass an exam, and this, as a result, sets an age limit of up to 18 years.

Do I need to register with the traffic police or technical supervision?

No. If we haven’t yet confused you with the abundance of legislative acts in this article, then here’s another one for you!

According to the Rules for Registration of Tractors, Self-Propelled and Other Machines, a walk-behind tractor is not subject to registration with the State Technical Supervision Authority. Thus, paragraph 1.4 of these Rules directly states that tractors (except walk-behind tractors) are subject to registration.

There is no need to register such a car with the traffic police - this seems to be obvious to many of its owners, but we will still give the legal basis. The Federal Registration Act specifies that a vehicle for the purpose of this law is a ground device that reaches a speed of more than 50 km/h. And, since not a single walk-behind tractor is capable of this, then its owner is not subject to the obligation to register (Article 5 of the said Federal Law.

Thus, we can safely conclude that:

• the walk-behind tractor does not need to be registered with the traffic police and you do not need to obtain a driver’s license for it,
• Equally, it does not require a tractor license, and registration with Gostekhnadzor is not required.