Rating of the best adapters for a walk-behind tractor for 2020

When working in rural areas in 2020, it is almost impossible to do without small-scale mechanization tools, such as walk-behind tractors or mini-tractors, which are actively used by farmers as light trucks. In addition to the walk-behind tractor, for convenient movement of the operator, an adapter is used - a two-wheeled trailer, which is attached from the outside.

In this rating, we will consider the best adapters for a walk-behind tractor for 2020, as well as explain how to make such a device yourself, what they are in principle, and what to look for when buying.

Rating of the best models for 2020

If you are not sure if you understand how to make an adapter yourself, then it is better to turn to ready-made options. Today the market offers a wide range of products from the best manufacturers. It makes no sense to ask which manufacturer's adapter is better, since each manufacturer offers a product designed for certain models (although it may also offer universal devices).

There are many varieties of such devices: different carrying capacity, different power, with a body, without a body, long, short, etc. Different models have different functionality and direction of work, as well as a different diameter of the joint mechanism (unless it is a universal coupling mechanism). The most popular are usually suitable for both land cultivation and transportation. They have a body and are more expensive, while bodyless options are only suitable for cultivation and are not so expensive.

This review presents only the best and highest quality (according to buyers and popularity) models available in 2020, as well as our recommendations on how to choose a decent unit at a suitable price.

APM 350 PRO

Another high-quality Russian product manufactured at the machine-building plant in the city of Gagarin (Smolensk region). In terms of purpose, the device does not differ from the two previous models. It is equipped with a mechanism for adjusting the length and height when installing the hitch, which allows it to be equally freely aggregated with any type of MB - from the lightest to the heaviest.

Due to its versatility, the APM 350-PRO is considered a class higher than the already listed devices, although they are in no way inferior to it in terms of functionality. However, this does not affect the cost in any way.

Another important nuance: since the enterprise producing this series is also engaged in the production of Mobile K walk-behind tractors, an attachment was specially released for them from the factory, which greatly simplifies the work with a rotary mower. Most of them have a classic design that is completely unsuitable for connecting rotary mowers, while this model, in combination with the Mobile K series walk-behind tractors, has a special boom that allows you to raise the mower above the mowed area when turning, so you do not need to remove the mower. Very convenient and practical.

Brakes	tape
Length	160 cm
Width	70 cm
Weight	45 Kg
Price	Rub 17,500 / pc

• has a mechanism for adjusting the length and height of the clutch;
• versatile;
• the set includes an attachment for working with a mower on the MB Mobile K.

• not noticed.

APM 350 with a body

Another brainchild of the Gagarin Machine-Building Plant is the APM-350 riding adapter with a body. Many garden equipment owners do not consider the presence of a built-in trailer to be vital, because you can always buy it. The average cost of a trailer varies depending on the total weight of the transported goods and the width of the trailer itself (usually from 260 to 500 kg). The problem is that any owner quickly gets tired of walking after MB, after which he wants to buy a trailer. And this is one of the most common mistakes when choosing adapters.

Since in this article we not only describe the existing types, but also recommend which one is better to buy, here is our advice for those who need a walk-behind tractor with a trailer: buy options immediately with a body! Although its cost will be slightly higher in comparison with an ordinary trailer, it will be much more profitable than buying both the trailer and the adapter separately.

APM-350 is an excellent representative of this "combined" type. Its carrying capacity is 350 kilograms. The body dimensions are 800 x 1000 mm. The design includes the following components: frame, floating attachment, operator's seat, band brakes and body.

The manufacturer guarantees compatibility with MB of the following series: AGAT, OKA, NEVA, AVANTGARDE and Celina. Both passive and active equipment can be installed. It can be easily aggregated with walk-behind tractors equipped with a power take-off shaft such as UGRA and MTZ. However, such devices can only be used with a passive hitch (that is, it does not have moving units and works only with the direct movement of the walk-behind tractor over the field: a plow, a hiller, a ripper, a potato digger, etc.).

Length	160 cm
Width	700 cm
Brakes	tape
Weight	92 kg
Body type	tipper, non-galvanized
Price	Rub 23,120 / pc

• the presence of a body;
• installation of active equipment.

• not found

Celina PM-05

The first in the top is the Celina PM-05 - a classic and inexpensive option for those who need a budget "workhorse" with good driving characteristics. It has a fairly simple design: frame, brakes, seat and lift. The operator's seat is adjustable. "Celina" is completed with wheels 4.00 x 10 or 19 x 7.00 * 8, the set includes wheel weights.

In product reviews, there is a mention of a rather weak braking mechanism and a not very high-quality floating linkage system. Active attachments (that is, all those tools that are driven by a rotating mechanism: a rotary mower, a sweeping brush, a snow blower, etc.) are installed here only on the drawbar, from the front of the walk-behind tractor. Models with this design include units of the series: MB, Neva, Agat, Celina, Avangard, Mobile K.

Length	165 cm
Width	62 cm
Brakes	Tape
Weight	50 Kg
Price	Rub 12,450 / pc
Working speed	10 km / h
Dimensions	165 x 75 x 110 cm

• low price;
• seat adjustment;
• good driving characteristics.

• weak braking mechanism;
• active equipment is mounted on the drawbar.

AM-2 rear with steering wheel

AM-2 has almost the same general characteristics as the already mentioned "Celina", although it has a higher cost. Complete with wheels 4.00 x 8, 4.00 x 10, 5.00 x 10, 5.00 x 12. It is used with any walk-behind tractors over 4 kW (for MTZ, Motor Sich, Grasshopper and others). Has steering, 3 pedals for clutch setting and reverse gear. The gas throttle is installed, the ability to install active attachments is available.

Working with it is simple and there are no additional costs for equipment.It is equipped with a lever for raising / lowering the hitch, which greatly facilitates work in the field and makes it possible to move freely throughout the agricultural area.

Length	120 cm
Width	83 cm
Brakes	disk
Weight	70 kg
Price	Rub 21 490 / pcs.

• equipped with a lever for raising / lowering the attachment.

• Drilling holes in the steering gear are not axially accurate.

AMPK-1 for motor-blocks UGRA

The all-wheel drive AMPK-1 with steering is a development of the Kaluga machine-building company "Kadvi" (Kaluga engine), designed exclusively for motor-blocks UGRA. An important point should be noted about the latter: MB UGRA are equipped with two power take-off shafts at once - upper and lower, while in most cases there is only one leading PTO. The upper shaft is used to connect the hitch, the lower one is designed just for aggregation with AMPK-1 - it is he who transmits the torque.

The device is sold at a fairly high price, but it has all the characteristics of top-end devices: good cross-country ability on almost any soil; the ability to use not only for land cultivation, but also for off-road transportation; general convenience and high quality materials and workmanship; the seat is conveniently located - the operator does not experience discomfort in a sitting position.

AMPK-1 design: frame, operator's seat, drive cardan, gearbox, floating clutch, brakes, wheelset. If we talk about wheels, then the Kaluga machine-building enterprise provides two options for this model: for 4.00 x 10 and 19 x 7.00 * 8.

To summarize, the combination of UGRA and AMPK-1 with the function of off-road driving allows the owner to climb into almost any hard-to-reach places without any problems, due to which it is often compared to a mini-tractor for its purpose (which makes sense, since UGRA has about the same functionality, but at the same time has a cheaper attachment). Thanks to good traction and all-wheel drive, the machine can move freely over uneven terrain. On the land plot, the device manifests itself a little worse: you cannot connect active devices, so if you want to attach a mower, snow blower or potato digger, then for comfortable work you first need to disconnect the adapter and work in the old fashioned way - on foot, dragging the walk-behind tractor. But any passive instruments dock without any problems. So, whether to take it or not depends on your personal selection criteria.

Length	148 cm
Width	116 cm
Weight	80 Kg
Brakes	tape
Price	Rub 34,390 / pc

• good driving characteristics.

• high price;
• inability to connect active equipment.

"TANDEM" PM-06 "Celina"

The TANDEM PM-06 Celina has a body at the front, while the hitch is at the rear. It is designed for arable and off-road use. Machine control - steering.

The module connects to devices of the MB series: OKA, AVANTGARDE, Neva, Celina, AGAT. Its main advantage is that it is front, that is, with a drive to the rear axle, the axis of the walk-behind tractor. Thanks to this property, off-road driving, especially after rain or on country mud, feels much better.

It also has its drawbacks. The most noticeable of them is that the joint between the MB and the adapter is carried out only through the drawbar, that is, the place on which all active tools, such as mowers, snow blowers, brushes, etc. are hung. This means that you cannot use PM-06 and the specified equipment at the same time. will be released (although in the model Celina PM-05 there was such an opportunity).

Thus, we actually have a mini-tractor, to which passive tools are attached for hilling, weeding, loosening the earth, and so on. If you use it for such purposes, then there are not the slightest complaints about quality.If we consider it exclusively as an off-road vehicle, then it can also be rated very high - high maneuverability, excellent cross-country ability. However, the price of this unit is quite high, which is determined by its high carrying capacity (300 kilograms).

Length	175 cm
Width	75 cm
Weight	58 kg
Brakes	disc on the rear axle
Price	Rub 26,290 / pc

• front wheel drive;
• excellent off-road driving.

• inability to use active equipment.

HorsAM IS-2

KhorsAM IS-2 is produced by the Guryev Metallurgical Plant. It is a mini-trailer with a driver's seat and steering. Used for agricultural. work on sites in almost any climate. Docks with MTZ, turning it into a real mini-tractor. The handlebars have a comfortable motorcycle shape and are flush with the seat.

The control system is convenient and intuitive. In addition to passive plowing equipment, it can be used with active attachments. A complete list of available equipment is available on the website.

The IS-2 is notable for its small size, very conveniently executed steering, and has a fairly low weight. In general, it is universal and can be used by both experienced gardeners and beginners.

Length	195 cm
Width	90 cm
Weight	70 kg (+)
Brakes	tape
Price	Rub 36,990 / pc

• compactness and convenience;
• works with active linkage.

• high price.

How to assemble an adapter to a walk-behind tractor with your own hands

Assembling the adapter yourself at home is not so difficult. In fact, it is an ordinary trailed cart. The trailer is designed in such a way that the center of gravity of the entire structure falls on the supporting frame. The most difficult mechanism here is the mechanism of adhesion to the MB, since how long the device will work depends on its strength.

The design of a standard device consists of the following components:

• frame;
• steering wheel;
• pair of wheels;
• operator's seat;
• hitch;
• hitch lifting mechanism;
• brake mechanism.

In the pictures below, you can see the drawings, according to which, with skillful hands, you can build a simple device with your own hands.

Fig 1. Drawing of the footrest and part of the frame of the towed cart

In manufacturing, a metal-profile pipe of a round or rectangular shape or a metal rod is usually used.

Fig 2. Adapter device

The clutch mechanism allows you to fix the attachment + trailer to the walk-behind tractor, provided that the connecting brackets of the walk-behind tractor and the adapter fit each other in diameter.

Fig 3. Drawing of the clutch mechanism

Step-by-step instructions for creating an adapter can be seen in the corresponding video:

Conclusion

It is important to understand that the tips for choosing equipment presented in this article are not universal and are not suitable for every walk-behind tractor owner. It is necessary to choose an aggregate based on specific needs - it may be required in the process of plowing, digging and planting potatoes, hilling beds. And it can be used for snow removal, cleaning the field from debris and getting rid of weeds. And if the first set is available in almost every model, then to use active tools, you need to select the unit to suit your needs.