The sowing period begins, and every summer resident or villager thinks about how and with what help to cultivate the land. Since digging and cultivating the land by hand is too hard physical labor, and not every person can cope with such a load, walk-behind tractors have increasingly come into use. This is a universal technique that, with the help of various attachments, makes it possible not only to cultivate the soil, but also to remove snow, plant potatoes and other vegetable crops. In addition, you can attach a trailer to powerful walk-behind tractors and transport goods. In order to choose which walk-behind tractor is better to buy, you need to decide on the required characteristics and the intended functions that it will perform.
The article will consider the criteria for choosing a reliable walk-behind tractor, as well as a rating of the best Caiman walk-behind tractors in 2022 - a recognized leader in the production of equipment for agricultural work.
How to choose the right walk-behind tractor?
It is important to take into account the subtleties and nuances in order not to make mistakes when choosing a walk-behind tractor. It is very important to understand how they differ from a motor cultivator. The second one is used for surface tillage, it is much smaller than a walk-behind tractor in size, has not so much functionality and its price is more budgetary compared to its “big brother”. As a rule, walk-behind tractors have two wheels, more often rubber (sometimes metal ones are found). The walk-behind tractor is a miniature model of a tractor that is capable of performing many tasks.
A walk-behind tractor is distinguished from a cultivator by the following features:
- The presence of a reverse gear, as well as several forward ones, in order to properly distribute the load and select the appropriate torque. This implies a full transfer, and not a reverse, which is found in some cultivators.
- It is possible to use attachments.
- Almost all walk-behind tractors are equipped with four-stroke engines (two-stroke engines are used mainly in mini-cultivators).
According to the type of fuel used, the following types of walk-behind tractors are distinguished:
- Petrol. Equipment with this type of engine has a high efficiency, is characterized by relatively quiet operation and costs less than diesel. This is the most popular motoblock model.
- Diesel. These walk-behind tractors are most often bulky, noisy, but at the same time powerful, which allows them to be used in the most difficult work, including on virgin soil. Such equipment is similar in scope to tractors and is almost in no way inferior to them. In addition to high performance, it is worth noting their long service life.
- Specialists separately distinguish walk-behind tractors with a power take-off shaft. This device, together with a special adapter, allows the use of not only passive attachments, but also active ones (such as mowers, wood shredders, etc.), due to which the number of tasks performed by the walk-behind tractor increases and, with additional equipment, this technique becomes simply an indispensable assistant when doing agricultural work.
Depending on the purpose for which the walk-behind tractor is bought, it is recommended to take into account its weight. If the ground is unkempt, heavy, it is better to pay attention to heavy models that will not “jump” out of the rut and will not need to be “pressed” to the ground with great effort. Conversely, if the land is periodically plowed and its area is small, it is recommended to choose light models that will not burrow into the ground due to their weight.
Light class devices have a weight of 20 to 80 kilograms, their power does not exceed 5 hp. Such devices are inexpensive, but at the same time they have little functionality.The mass of medium-sized walk-behind tractors reaches 130-140 kg, and the power is 8 hp. Such devices are already capable of towing a trailer, which makes it possible to transport various goods with it. With some skills, a walk-behind tractor can be turned into a snowmobile with your own hands. Heavy walk-behind tractors are essentially mini-tractors, their weight reaches 300-350 kg, and their power is 9-15 hp. With their help, they develop virgin soil, and also use it as a small truck. The only drawback of such a device is the increased fuel consumption (up to 10 liters per hour).
What else to look for when choosing a walk-behind tractor? No less important characteristics are the capacity of the fuel tank, the type of gearbox used, the speed of movement, the number of speeds, etc.
The capacity of the fuel tank (maximum volume) must be taken into account if it is not possible to use a fuel canister.
There are several types of gearboxes used in walk-behind tractors. The most inexpensive in price is a worm. It is used on small-sized walk-behind tractors and is distinguished by its features: there is no reverse, low efficiency and a small resource, it cannot be used in conjunction with attachments and is prone to overheating (up to jamming). The popularity of models with a chain gearbox is due to a good ratio of low price and durability. In commercial walk-behind tractors, a gear reducer is used. According to reviews, such a gearbox is characterized by reliability, its breakdowns are extremely rare due to the design (in structure, such a gearbox is close to an automobile gearbox.
When choosing a walk-behind tractor, it must be taken into account that the statement that they facilitate physical labor and reduce the effort applied is not entirely true, since significant force is needed to control such equipment, and it will not be easy for a woman or a pensioner to cope with a large walk-behind tractor. This technique allows only to reduce the time of tillage, but does not facilitate heavy physical labor.
When buying a walk-behind tractor, you must also take into account the width of the cultivated soil. It determines the performance of the device. The larger the width, the fewer visits will have to be made. However, it must be borne in mind that a large processing width requires a large motor block engine power. More often they buy equipment with a width in the range of 70-100 cm.
Wheel size. If the equipment is planned to be used as part of a trailer, it is recommended to choose models with large wheels, and small ones in diameter are enough for tillage.
The presence of a battery. Battery powered Caiman walk-behind tractors are not currently on sale, so we will not consider this feature.
Experts advise when choosing a walk-behind tractor to pay attention to the fact that the handles in the proposed model have the ability to be adjusted. This is necessary so that people of different heights and builds can use the equipment.
Many buyers are wondering which company's walk-behind tractor is better. Domestic models have a low price, however, it is not at all necessary to pay attention to how much the unit costs in the first place, since the set of technical characteristics, functionality and reliability of a walk-behind tractor of a particular company are most important.
The French brand Caiman has been on the motoblock market for a long time and is rightfully considered one of the best manufacturers of agricultural machinery.The model range of this manufacturer is quite wide and will satisfy the requirements of any buyer. Motoblocks of the Caiman brand are produced at factories in France, which are owned by the large company Pubert. It produces not only walk-behind tractors, but also other agricultural equipment, including mowers and cultivators. For the manufacture of walk-behind tractors, only the best materials and components are used. You can buy products of this company both in a regular store and by ordering via the Internet.
We recommend reading the article - Rating of the best cultivators and walk-behind tractors for summer cottages.
Rating of high-quality Caiman Vario series walk-behind tractors offered for sale in 2022
A distinctive feature of the motoblocks of this series is the presence of an automatic transmission, which is similar to a car. This allows you to manage the device with great convenience. Speeds are switched quite easily, without any effort. The efficiency of the chain drive is about 99%. The equipment of this series uses the best dust- and moisture-resistant filters and seals, which allow the walk-behind tractor to be operated in difficult conditions (great dustiness, rain and other adverse weather conditions). If the walk-behind tractor is equipped with pneumatic wheels, the abbreviation TWK is indicated in the product labeling. If there is a plow among the additional equipment, the marking contains the word “Plow”.
Caiman Vario 60S TWK+
Let's start the review with the most popular model, which belongs to the light class walk-behind tractors. The unit is designed for processing medium-sized plots (up to 30 acres).The weight of the model is 72 kilograms, making the unit very convenient for plowing and cultivating an average land allotment. The walk-behind tractor is equipped with a Subary engine with a volume of 169 cm3, which has a power of 6 hp. The engine is started manually and is equipped with air protection against overheating. Among the features are handles that are adjustable in three planes. The brakes in the walk-behind tractor are drum. There is a power take-off shaft that allows the use of various attachments. It can be attached both to the front of the unit and to the back. The center of gravity of the device is shifted down, so that the device has good maneuverability. The walk-behind tractor must be accompanied by an instruction, the electronic version of which can be found on the official website of the manufacturer on the Internet. A detailed description of the model can also be found here. The price of the device is 60,000 rubles.
Specifications:
Name | Meaning |
engine's type | petrol |
Number of cycles | 4 |
Number of cylinders | 1 |
Processing width, cm | 30-90 |
Cultivation depth, cm | 32 |
Mill diameter, cm | 32 |
Transmission | automatic |
clutch type | belt |
Number of gears | 2 (and 1 rear) |
Reverse | present |
Noise level | 95 dB |
Fuel tank capacity, l | 3.4 |
Wheel diameter, '' | 15 |
Dimensions, mm | 830x600x820 |
Completeness | walk-behind tractor; soil cutters (3 pairs); 2 wheels 4.0-8 with hubs; protective wings; adjustable coulter; plant protection discs; package with instruction manual; fasteners |
Caiman Vario 60S TWK+
Advantages:
- convenient management;
- reliability and durability of the Japanese engine;
- optimal weight, which allows the walk-behind tractor not to dig into the ground and not jump out of the rut;
- operation with a trailer is possible.
Flaws:
- rather high cost, especially in comparison with domestic counterparts;
- low-quality rubber handles that become unusable after several years of operation;
- the belt periodically breaks and the tension roller fails;
- transmission oil may leak and the gear shifter may stick.
Caiman Vario 60H TWK+
The model differs from the previous one by the installed engine of the Japanese manufacturer Honda, the volume of which is 163 cm3. The power of this engine is 5.5 hp. The walk-behind tractor has a front movement shaft, which allows the use of attachments used in the front. There are 6 cutters in the kit, which are used for soil cultivation and are put on an axle instead of wheels. In front of the unit there is a transport wheel, thanks to which it moves more easily. The cost of a walk-behind tractor is about 65,000 rubles.
Specifications:
Name | Meaning |
engine's type | petrol |
Number of cycles | 4 |
Number of cylinders | 1 |
Processing width, cm | 30-90 |
Cultivation depth, cm | 32 |
Mill diameter, cm | 32 |
Transmission | automatic |
clutch type | belt |
Number of gears | 2 (and 1 rear) |
Reverse | present |
Noise level, dB | no data |
Fuel tank capacity, l | 3.6 |
Wheel diameter, '' | 8 |
Dimensions, mm | 810x590x810 |
Completeness | Motoblock; Soil cutters (3 pairs); 2 wheels 4.0-8 with hubs; Protective wings; Adjustable coulter; Plant protection discs; Package with instruction manual; fastener elements |
HCaiman Vario 60H TWK+
Advantages:
- slightly more compact than the previous model;
- more economical fuel consumption;
- high-quality and reliable engine;
- high maneuverability;
- there are no problems during operation in winter.
Flaws:
- high price compared to domestic models and the average price among imported motoblocks of this class.
Caiman Vario 70S TWK+
The most powerful model of the Vario class, which can process a plot of up to 40 acres. Can be applied on virgin land. To ensure that the walk-behind tractor does not burrow into the ground, special weights are provided on the wheels. The power of this model allows the use of a trailer. Comfortable adjustable handles are available. The unit is equipped with a wear-resistant Robin Subaru carburetor engine with a volume of 211 cm3 and a power of 7 hp, which did not affect the weight - only 70 kg. The chain reducer has rubber seals around the edges to prevent dust, moisture and dirt from entering the device. The cost of the walk-behind tractor is 66,000 rubles.
Specifications:
Name | Meaning |
engine's type | petrol |
Number of cycles | 4 |
Number of cylinders | 1 |
Processing width, cm | 30-90 |
Cultivation depth, cm | 32 |
Mill diameter, cm | 32.5 |
Transmission | automatic |
clutch type | belt |
Number of gears | 2 (and 1 rear) |
Reverse | present |
Noise level, dB | no data |
Fuel tank capacity, l | 3.4 |
Wheel diameter, '' | 8 |
Dimensions, mm | 800x600x800 |
Completeness | Motoblock; Soil cutters (3 pairs); 2 wheels 4.0-8 with hubs; Protective wings; Adjustable coulter; Package with instruction manual; fastener elements |
Caiman Vario 70S TWK+
Advantages:
- reliable and fairly economical engine;
- good performance;
- possibility of application for large areas.
Flaws:
Caiman Quatro Max motoblocks on sale in 2022
This series is characterized by the presence of a power unit that combines the latest technology and high performance. Such engines, due to the presence of a chain drive, completely produce fuel. Such motors are installed on passenger cars and are characterized by high efficiency and good environmental performance. Most models use a reinforced gearbox with 4 forward gears and 2 reverse gears. The best-selling representative of this series is the Quatro Max 60S Plow2 TWK+ walk-behind tractor.
Caiman Quatro Max 60S Plow2 TWK+
This model is supplied complete with a plow, due to which the total weight of the unit is 130 kg. A powerful Subaru-Robin EP17 OHC engine is installed, which has a volume of 169 cm3 and a power of 6 hp. The plow has a special design that allows you to work the land forward and backward, just slightly changing its position and without wasting time on adjustment. The motor in this unit, in addition to its efficiency, is also distinguished by its low noise level and low emissions of harmful substances into the atmosphere. As in other models, there is the possibility of adjusting the handles, which allows you to customize the control of the walk-behind tractor for any person. The cost of the unit is 115,000 rubles.
Specifications:
Name | Meaning |
engine's type | petrol |
Number of cycles | 4 |
Number of cylinders | 1 |
Processing width, cm | up to 90 |
Cultivation depth, cm | 32 |
Mill diameter, cm | 32 |
Transmission | mechanical |
clutch type | belt |
Number of gears | 4 (and 2 rear) |
Reverse | present |
Noise level, dB | no data |
Fuel tank capacity, l | 3.6 |
Wheel diameter, '' | 8 |
Dimensions, mm | no data |
Completeness | tillers, reversible plow, protective wings, adjustable coulter, plant protection discs |
Caiman Quatro Max 60S Plow2 TWK+
Advantages:
- low fuel consumption;
- high performance;
- good maneuverability.
Flaws:
Caiman 320 and 330 series motoblocks on sale in 2022
This is a series of heavyweight motoblocks. They also have a power take-off shaft. These units are adapted to work on large areas and have increased power and throughput.
Caiman 320
The walk-behind tractor belongs to the category of middle-class professional equipment, it is driven by a power unit with a power of 6 hp. It practically excludes various slippage and jamming, thanks to the use of a special mechanism. The power take-off shaft allows you to connect many types of attachments and change them quickly and easily. The center of gravity of the walk-behind tractor is underestimated, which contributes to easy control, both on a flat surface and on slopes. The cost of the device is 180,000 rubles. In its class, the walk-behind tractor is one of the lightest - only 90 kg.
Specifications:
Name | Meaning |
engine's type | petrol |
Number of cycles | 4 |
Number of cylinders | 1 |
Maximum processing width, cm | 22-52 |
Cultivation depth, cm | depending on attachments |
Transmission | mechanical |
clutch type | frictional |
Number of gears | 3 (and 2 rear) |
Reverse | present |
Noise level, dB | no data |
Fuel tank capacity, l | 3.6 |
Wheel diameter, '' | 20 |
Dimensions, mm | 1800x640x1200 |
Completeness | walk-behind tractor; 2 pneumatic wheels; package with instruction manual; fasteners |
Caiman 320
Advantages:
- high power and throughput, according to buyers;
- no belts that require periodic replacement;
- Possibility to buy separately additional cutters.
Flaws:
- not every person can afford such a purchase due to the high cost;
- there may be problems with finding spare parts.
Caiman 330
More powerful motor-block in comparison with the previous model. The engine capacity of this model is 265 cm3 with a power of 9 hp. This unit belongs to the professional series and is used for heavy agricultural work. In order to reduce the cost of this walk-behind tractor, the manufacturer supplies units with a Subaru engine, not a Honda, to the Russian market. There is a differential lock and the ability to brake a certain wheel. The design of the walk-behind tractor allows you to install attachments both in front and behind the unit. The cost of the walk-behind tractor is 220,000 rubles.
Specifications:
Name | Meaning |
engine's type | petrol |
Number of cycles | 4 |
Number of cylinders | 1 |
Maximum processing width, cm | depending on attachments |
Cultivation depth, cm | depending on attachments |
Transmission | mechanical |
clutch type | dry with manual control |
Number of gears | 3 (and 2 rear) |
Reverse | present |
Noise level, dB | no data |
Fuel tank capacity, l | 6.1 |
Caiman 330
Advantages:
- good maneuverability, convenient control;
- the possibility of using a large number of attachments;
- power and good functionality.
Flaws:
Caiman motoblocks of the Atletico series presented for sale in 2022
Another professional series.At their core, they are small multifunctional two-wheeled tractors. Able to cultivate soil up to 90 acres. The units in this series use Honda motors, which are distinguished by quiet operation and high performance. The clutch system and PTO do not require maintenance. For the 340 model, a parking brake is provided, which is convenient to use when transporting goods.
Caiman 328R
The simplest model in the line. The walk-behind tractor uses a Honda engine with a volume of 196 cm3 and a power of 5.5 hp. Due to the fact that the engine is quite compact, the weight of the walk-behind tractor is only 76 kg. The clutch system is multi-plate, with oil bath technology. There is no differential. The cost of the model is 250,000 rubles.
Specifications:
Name | Meaning |
engine's type | petrol |
Number of cycles | 4 |
Number of cylinders | 1 |
Processing width, cm | 80 |
Cultivation depth, cm | 22 |
Transmission | mechanical |
clutch type | disk |
Number of gears | 3 (and 3 rear) |
Reverse | present |
Fuel tank capacity, l | 3.1 |
Wheel diameter, '' | 18 |
Completeness | Supplied without cutters and other attachments |
Caiman 328R
Advantages:
- reliability;
- multifunctionality;
- convenient management.
Flaws:
Caiman 340RD
One of the few diesel models from this manufacturer. This is the top model among the entire line. It features a hydraulic clutch as well as drum brakes with independent brake pads. This walk-behind tractor is used mainly by professionals; it is irrational to buy it for a personal household. The processing area is 100 acres or more. The weight of the unit is 132 kg, the cost is 480,000 rubles.
Specifications:
Name | Meaning |
engine's type | diesel |
Number of cycles | 4 |
Number of cylinders | 1 |
Processing width, cm | 80 |
Cultivation depth, cm | 22 |
Transmission | mechanical |
clutch type | disk |
Number of gears | 3 (and 3 rear) |
Reverse | present |
Fuel tank capacity, l | 5.4 |
Wheel diameter, '' | 20 |
Completeness | Supplied without cutters and other attachments |
Caiman 340RD
Advantages:
- economical fuel consumption;
- versatility and reliability;
- high quality of used spare parts and accessories.
Flaws:
- very high cost, not used for private farm processing.
Conclusion
Buying a walk-behind tractor is an expensive undertaking, so choosing the right model must be approached with all responsibility. First of all, it is recommended to study the offers of sellers on the market, as well as determine the requirements for this technique. It is important to take into account not only the cost of the walk-behind tractor, but also the manufacturer, the reliability of a particular model. It is very important to get acquainted with the reviews of real buyers, as with their help you can learn about the advantages and disadvantages of a particular model. You should not unconditionally believe the advice of consultants in the store, since their main goal is to sell the goods, while they do not hesitate to exaggerate the merits and hide the shortcomings.