Working width
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.
Working depth
The maximum processing depth provided by the unit. In cultivators with non-replaceable cutters, this parameter is determined primarily by the cutter diameter, 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 capabilities are quite sufficient. A depth of
26 to 30 cm already provides quite extensive capabilities, and the most advanced models are capable of "biting into the ground"
more than 30 cm.
In any case, the optimal processing depth 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 matter can be found in specialized sources. So it does not always make sense to look for a model with maximum depth - especially since such capabilities require high power. It should also be noted that in many units the depth can be adjusted.
Motor model
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.
Engine size
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.
Motor power
Horsepower of two-wheel tractor/cultivator motor. The basic unit of power nowadays is watt, however for petrol and diesel engines (see "Motor type") the more traditional designation in horsepower is often used. 1 hp is approximately equal to 735 watts.
More powerful motor allows achieving 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 the consumption of electricity/fuel. In light of this, the engine characteristics are selected by the manufacturer taking into account what "weight category" the walk-behind tractor belongs to. The most limited modern units have a power of
up to 2 hp, in the heaviest and most advanced this figure can
exceed 13 hp ;
4 - 7 hp can be called an average indicator, and
2 - 4 hp and
7 - 13 hp are below and above average, respectively.
Detailed recommendations on the optimal power for a given situation can be found in specialized sources.
Motor power
The power of the two-wheel tractor/cultivator engine in watts. This designation is usually used for electric engines, but can also be used for petrol/diesel engines, along with horsepower (for more information, see the "Motor power" section above).
More powerful motor allows achieving 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 the consumption of electricity / fuel. In light of this, the engine power is selected by the manufacturer taking into account what "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, this is the device that is best suited for a small area of 6 - 8 acres. Walk-behind tractors
up to 3 kW can cope with 10 - 15 acres, a power of
3.5 - 5 kW is suitable for a plot of 50 acres to a couple of hectares. Units
for 5 - 10 kW are already classified as professional level, they can "tame" spaces of 7 - 10 hectares; and the heaviest and most powerful modern walk-behind tractors have a power
of more than 10 kW.
Start type
The method of starting a petrol or diesel engine (see "Motor type") provided in the unit.
— Manual. Starting by human muscle power: the operator pulls a special cable or turns a handle, which causes the shaft to rotate and the engine to receive the initial impulse necessary for operation. Manual starting systems are inexpensive, lightweight and compact, and do not depend on batteries that can run out at the most inopportune moment. On the other hand, the starting process itself may require significant effort, especially in a heavy, powerful engine. Therefore, this option is used mainly in relatively low-power models.
—
Electric . Starting with starter — small electric motor powered by a battery. Such systems are much more convenient than manual ones — the operator is actually required to press a button or turn a key; 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 if left idle for a long time, the battery may run down, 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 starting is more important than the described disadvantages.
Fuel consumption
The average amount of fuel consumed by the gasoline or diesel engine (see "Engine type") of the cultivator/two-wheel tractor per hour of operation. This value is rather conditional, because depending on the mode of operation, fuel consumption may vary in one direction or another; however, in general, it provides an estimate of the approximate amount of fuel required for a given operating time.
Crankcase oil capacity
The nominal volume of oil in the crankcase, in other words, is the amount of oil that must be in the engine for its normal operation. This parameter is relevant mainly for four-stroke units (see "Type of internal combustion engine") — in two-stroke units, usually, gasoline and oil are poured in the form of a mixture, and there is no separate container for lubrication. Certain deviations from this volume are allowed, but in general they are undesirable.
