Domestic walk-behind tractors have always been distinguished by reliability and high performance, ahead of imported models. With their help, the direct function of cultivating the land in several modes was performed qualitatively. However, in terms of additional equipment and ease of use, they seriously lagged behind. The situation changed when the heavy centaur walk-behind tractor appeared. The diesel power unit allows the equipment to cope with the cultivation of the land, and the wide possibilities for installing auxiliary equipment have also increased the functionality of the model.
General information about the walk-behind tractor
Diesel "Centaur" is designed for processing areas up to 3 hectares. In addition to direct loosening of the soil, it also acts as a good assistant in transporting goods over short distances, mowing grass, cleaning snow cover and other economic activities. Thanks to the advanced capabilities of the six-speed gearbox, the operator can diversify cultivation modes. Steering is facilitated by a well-thought-out steering mechanism with the possibility of unlocking the differential. This means that the Centaur walk-behind tractor can be deployed right on the spot. In addition, the model is equipped with headlights that allow you to work in the evening and even at night.
Technical data
There are two versions of the walk-behind tractor - with diesel and gasoline engines. Although this difference causes some differences in power indicators, by design, walk-behind tractors have similar performance in many parameters:
- The model is equipped with a dual function of transmission and traction.
- Dimensional parameters: 218 cm long, 89 cm wide and 125 cm high.
- Track size: 65 and 73 cm.
- Minimum ground clearance: 20.4 cm.
- Machine structure weight (chassis only): 155 kg.
- Weight including chassis, plow and fuel: 186 kg.
- Control: toe.
- Brakes: Ring type, equipped with expansion pads inside.
Engine specifications
The engine range of the diesel power plant is also diverse - the engine of the Centaur D 185 walk-behind tractor is considered the most powerful, which has the following characteristics:
- Power: 6.6HP s.
- RPM: 2400;.
- Weight: 90 kg.
- Gearbox oil capacity: 2.8L.
- Crankcase oil volume: 1.8L.
Other modifications have a lower power potential, the minimum of which is 4.4 liters. with. This power is enough to process small areas, but for areas larger than 1 ha, it is advisable to prefer versions that provide at least 5 hp. with. By the way, low consumptionfuel is one of the advantages of diesel "Centaurs", since several areas can be processed at one gas station.
Attachments
The variety of additional equipment that can be equipped with the Centaur walk-behind tractor is one of the most important advantages of the model. Among the most common options, it is worth highlighting adapters, harrows, rakes and potato diggers. It is with the help of the adapter that the user gets the opportunity to install various equipment on the walk-behind tractor. There are also models that make a real tractor out of the unit, allowing the operator to sit in the process.
The harrow also belongs to specialized attachments. This is the best option if you want to break down the land tubers when plowing is completed. In turn, a mechanized rake will ensure fast and high-quality raking of grass after mowing. Well, the potato digger will be an invaluable assistant if you need to serve potato ridges or dig up other types of root crops.
The equipment for the Centaur walk-behind tractor is not limited to the devices described. Trailers, pneumatic wheels, seeders and soil cutters can also be useful for gardeners and farmers - such devices will expand the functionality of the walk-behind tractor and make it work more efficiently.
Motoblock run-in
In order to extend the operational life of the walk-behind tractor, it is recommended to run in before it is included in the workflow. By the way, it is required not only fornew units, but also for equipment that has just been overhauled. Before starting the break-in, all tightening elements, including screws and docking components, must be securely fastened. The run-in is carried out in each gear and with different degrees of loading in order to fully work out the Centaur walk-behind tractor. The diesel engine, in the process of a comprehensive test of its capabilities, will acquire the optimal state already for the maximum load “in the field.”
The apparatus is filled with fuel and oil, after which it is cooled with water. The tire pressure and drive belt tension must be the same as specified in the instructions. During the running-in process, it is necessary to evaluate the performance of the steering and brake mechanisms - these parameters are most important so that the Centaur walk-behind tractor does not fail at a crucial moment on the furrow. Also during the test, the condition of the steering wheel of the walk-behind tractor is checked. When the break-in is completed, it is necessary to carry out maintenance and inspection of the equipment, as well as change the oil.
Adjusting the main mechanisms
For the initial endowment of the walk-behind tractor with optimal performance, it is required to configure some of its systems and mechanisms. In particular, the adjustment applies to the drive belt, clutch, steering wheel and brake system.
The drive belt must have sufficient tension, otherwise its slack will affect the power, as a result of which the Centaur walk-behind tractor will not be able to transfer sufficient force to the working bodies. To ensure proper tension,vary the degree of tightening of the four screws under the engine. The release brackets will help you adjust the clutch. To adjust the brake, it is necessary to tension the spring of the mechanism, having previously moved the clamping lever. The steering adjustment is carried out as follows: the kingpin and cotter pin are loosened on the lever, after which the steering traction extension is adjusted.
Preparing for operation and operation
Before cultivating the land, it is necessary to properly prepare the Centaur walk-behind tractor. The diesel engine must be provided with a sufficient level of fuel and oil, and bolts and other fasteners must be securely tightened. Before starting, you need to raise the bumper. Then the gas gradually increases - for this it is necessary to slowly move the clutch handle to the working position.
Motoblock turns are performed either by manual manipulation of the pedal, or by means of a special lever if the model has a rear wheel. But in both cases, before the maneuver, you should reduce the speed, otherwise the device may tip over. If the control is carried out when moving down a steep descent, then it is desirable to make turns with the steering wheel. It is important to note that the action of the handle has the opposite effect when turning on flat ground and on slopes - that is, its tilt to the left means that the walk-behind tractor will head to the right, and vice versa.
Maintenance
Regardless of the operating conditions, the walk-behind tractor must be regularly subjected to technical checks, identifying possible problems and setting it upunits and assemblies.
The first thing to do during such inspections is a basic cleaning - wipe all surfaces of the device, simultaneously inspecting them for fuel or oil leaks.
Next, you should check all the joining sections where the supporting structure, chassis and gearbox were fixed with bolts and nuts. With regard to engine maintenance, the Centaur walk-behind tractor is similar to its diesel counterpart and also requires more serious diagnostics if suspicious noise is detected during operation. By the way, by uncharacteristic sounds and vibrations, you can identify problems in the exhaust pipe and problems with the gearbox.
Faults and repairs
Among the common problems with a walk-behind tractor are problems with the clutch, gearbox, slippage of the drive belt, the mentioned noises and, of course, a whole range of engine malfunctions. Fortunately, most breakdowns with equipment help to eliminate spare parts for the Centaur walk-behind tractor, including clutch release bearings, a V-belt, a friction disc mechanism, expanding brackets and oil seals.
In other situations, it may be necessary to reconfigure the brake system (spring adjustment), if there are problems with the gearbox, then you will have to check each stage separately, and in case of problems with the drive belt, you will have to reconsider the position of the engine itself or adjust the tension. Clutch problems are detected when it slips or does not fully disengage. To restore the mechanismthorough cleaning of the clutch elements, replacement of the spring or friction disc will be required.
Reviews
The unit as a whole leaves a positive impression on the owners. Speaking in general terms, it is the performance that distinguishes the Centaur walk-behind tractor that comes to the fore. Reviews indicate that he successfully copes with large holdings from 1 hectare. Of course, even in small areas it will show the same result in terms of quality, but its capabilities will probably exceed the requirements of small private farms many times over. The owners also note the versatility of the device: hilling the garden, mowing the grass, cutting furrows and transporting the dug and harvested root crops to them is not a problem for the Centaur.
But there are also negative reviews. For example, there are many complaints about the work of the cutter, which shows an unsatisfactory result in neglected areas where you need to get rid of excess weeds. In particular, many people note that the grass literally wraps around the working body, causing the motor to stop. But on the other hand, this is rather a problem of improper maintenance of the cutter, since in an optimally sharpened state it cuts even some varieties of shrubs well.
