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 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.
ICE type
Type of internal combustion engine (gasoline or diesel, see "Engine type") of the cultivator/two-wheel tractor.
— 2-stroke. The advantages of two-stroke engines are simple design (as a result, low cost) and high power. On the other hand, they have high noise and fuel consumption. In addition, there are difficulties with the fuel itself: such engines are refueled with a gasoline-oil mixture, which requires exact proportions, otherwise the engine will either wear out a lot (with a lack of oil) or smoke (with an excess of it). In two-wheel tractors, two-stroke engines are only gasoline, diesel engines of this type are not used.
— 4-stroke. Such engines are more complex in design, more expensive and less powerful (with equal volume) than two-stroke ones. On the other hand, they are less noisy, have lower fuel consumption, and the fuel itself is refueled separately from the oil, and there is no need to bother with the preparation of the mixture when refueling. Also note that diesel engines in two-wheel tractors are made only 4-stroke.
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
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 power
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.
Fuel tank volume
The volume of the fuel tank of the cultivator / two-wheel tractor; knowing this parameter and fuel consumption (see above), it is possible to determine the maximum operating time of the unit on a single refill. If you plan to use the device in large areas or to work for a long time, it makes sense to look for a model with a large tank — it will not have to be filled often. On the other hand, for short-term work in small areas, a large tank is not required — in this case, it only increases the weight and dimensions of the unit.
