Working on a farm, maintaining your own plot, cultivating the land - all this is extremely labor-intensive work, for which today so-called motorized blocks are used. With their help, a person significantly speeds up the process of completing the work he has planned and spends much less of his physical strength. This article will discuss a unit called the Neva walk-behind tractor, all models of which will be examined and analyzed in detail. Such information will be useful and interesting to gardeners, farmers and ordinary people.
Creator's story
So, let's start with the fact that the described unit is produced by an enterprise called “Red October - Neva”. This plant in its modern form was founded in 2002, and its history began back in 1891 in St. Petersburg. At that time, the factory was involved in a very young industry - electrical engineering. She took part in the production of the country's first electric power station.
Since 1940, the company has been serving the aviation industry, which, in fact, continues to do to this day. In 1985, the first Neva walk-behind tractors saw the light of day. All models (a description of the modern ones will be presented below) at that time were, of course, not as numerous as they are today.
In 2002, these machines received a modern design and continue to roll off the assembly line to the delight of numerous consumers.
Purpose
Motoblocks "Neva" (all models, descriptions of new models will be given below) have received excellent user reviews and have an unblemished reputation due to their unpretentiousness, reliability and durability. What types of work can such a walk-behind tractor perform? Among its capabilities are:
- Cultivation and plowing of the land.
- Cutting furrows and hilling.
- Pumping water and watering sown areas.
- Mowing the grass.
- Planting or digging up potatoes.
- Cleaning various areas at any time of the year.
- Transportation of goods.
Scope of application
Small peasant lands, vegetable gardens, estates - any Neva walk-behind tractor can be used in these areas. All its models are adapted to work in these conditions. Due to the fact that the machines consistently demonstrate low fuel consumption, it makes sense to use them for work in the fields and in the process of making hay. Accordingly, the payback on these units is also one hundred percent. Driving the Neva is quite simple, but due to its impressive weight, it will only be subdued by a physically strong man. This walk-behind tractor is not suitable for a woman.
Homemade tractor from a Neva walk-behind tractor: reviews from owners and manufacturing instructions
The main disadvantage of any model of walk-behind tractor is that you need to walk to use it. When processing large areas, this quickly leads to fatigue. You can get rid of this problem if you make a mini version of the tractor from the Neva walk-behind tractor with your own hands. Videos of this process can be found in large quantities on the Internet, so there should be no problems with improving the design.
Of course, an additional module for seated control can be purchased. However, it is much more economical to do it yourself. The homemade design includes a conventional frame made of rolled metal with attached wheels and a seat.
To make this design you will need the following components:
- Rolled metal for the frame - a metal corner, tee or half-tee, as well as a square or channel are suitable for these purposes.
- A pair of wheels with a solid axle or two axle axles.
- Welding machine and consumables for welding work.
- Bearings and fastenings.
- Sitting.
- Lubricants and paints and varnishes.
You can create a convenient mini-tractor based on any walk-behind tractor.
In addition, the following tools will be useful to you:
- grinder or other tool for cutting metal;
- plumbing tools such as screwdrivers, hammer, chisel, wrenches or adjustable wrenches;
- dies and taps for marking cut metal products;
- electric drill and drill set;
- brushes and rollers for applying lubricants and paint.
When manufacturing a tractor from a walk-behind tractor, the kinematic diagram is first designed. It is designed to ensure that the resulting structure maintains balance and does not overload the walk-behind tractor. After this, the frame is made from rolled metal. At this stage it is very important to consider the location of the fork and bushing for turning the trailer. After this, you can begin manufacturing the body. The best material option for it is steel sheet.
After creating the frame and body, the driver's seat and attachments, if necessary, are attached to the resulting structure. Upon completion of the installation work, you can begin painting the finished mini-tractor.
The mini-tractor is convenient to use for harvesting large areas.
Reviews from owners of home-made units indicate that you can create a mini-tractor based on any walk-behind tractor, and it will cost much less than buying it. Neva walk-behind tractors with a Subaru engine, for example, can be converted into a miniature tractor with minimal investment of money and time.
On a note! Transforming the Neva walk-behind tractor into a mini-tractor will help you solve the problem of insufficient weight of the unit. The trailer and the driver weigh the block so much that the traction of its wheels with the ground is significantly improved. This, in turn, increases maneuverability and efficiency of land cultivation.
A few words about the engine and gearbox
The Japanese power plant is what the Neva walk-behind tractor can boast of. All models in the series are equipped with Subaru engines and the American Briggs and Stratton engine. All of the listed motors have high traction force and long service life.
In addition, the real pride of the walk-behind tractor manufacturer is its very easy-to-use and functional gearbox. It allows the operator to select the optimal speed for a particular type of work performed.
Walk-behind tractor series
Today the company offers a huge number of models of walk-behind tractors, the main difference of which is the type of engine used.
There are several main model ranges of walk-behind tractors:
- MB-1 - walk-behind tractors of this class belong to the medium type, are distinguished by their compactness and small dimensions and are the first to be produced by the company;
- MB-2K - this series is equipped with an engine from a domestic manufacturer, is characterized by low cost and long service life;
- MB-2 - belongs to the medium type of walk-behind tractor; the first representative of this series was released back in the 1980s;
- MB-23 - heavy and powerful units for agricultural work. Models in the series differ in their size, engine, speed and weight.
Types of complete sets of walk-behind tractors
The manufacturer does not release new models of Neva walk-behind tractors very often. The last update occurred approximately 10 years ago. And all because the company is not focused on expanding the line of equipment produced, but on improving existing options. At the same time, the units are almost continuously refined, improved and supplemented in their structural elements. Such company activities, of course, always remain noticed by consumers and are the best type of marketing.
Do-it-yourself snow removal attachments for walk-behind tractors
The disadvantage of all options for winter attachments is the rather high cost of snow blowers for Neva walk-behind tractors. Not everyone can afford to buy such equipment, but this problem can be overcome if you have the necessary skills and tools.
The simplest version of a homemade snow blower for the Neva MB 2 walk-behind tractor and other models is a bulldozer-type blade. To create it, you will need a special adapter that is attached to the unit and a metal sheet with a pointed edge that will act as a snow blade. All parts of the structure are cut out of steel and connected to each other using rods and brackets.
The second, slightly more complex option is a rotary nozzle. It is made from a pipe into which snow is thrown, a box, a gearbox, a shaft and an auger. To make such a nozzle, you will need a welding machine, as well as detailed instructions, which can be found in large quantities on the Internet.
You can make snow removal attachments yourself or purchase them in specialized stores.
The third type of snow removal equipment for the Neva walk-behind tractor is a snow thrower that operates on the principle of a fan. This design is quite complex, so it is recommended to find instructions or a video to create it. Neva walk-behind tractors with a fan attachment are designed to work with soft, not yet compacted snow.
The most complex version of the snow removal attachment that you can make with your own hands is the auger-fan one. It works well on packed and icy snow and can cover a large area, but you will need specialized knowledge and tools to make it.
Some subtleties of working with technology
What special feature does the Neva walk-behind tractor have? All models of the unit can be produced in several versions. In particular, the Pro version is equipped with a headlight and an electric engine starter. However, from a practical point of view, this lighting device makes no sense. Yes, at night you may need a headlight, but it is not very strong and it is much easier to replace it with an LED analogue with a built-in battery. If we talk about the starter button, users noted that it is not worth the money that car sellers ask for it.
Making tracks for a walk-behind tractor with your own hands
If you don’t want to buy a caterpillar drive for Neva walk-behind tractors, but make it yourself, then for this you will need the following materials:
- the walk-behind tractor itself, equipped with an axle locking function and a 4-stroke engine;
- transport tape or a pair of large-diameter car tires for making tracks;
- a pair of extra wheels.
The simplest version of tracks for the Neva walk-behind tractor, reviews of which indicate the high efficiency of the design, is a design made from a transport belt. To make it, you will need a tape with a thickness of at least 7 mm, as well as an additional wheel on each side of the unit. To make the tape track last longer, you can stitch it along the edge with thick fishing line.
On a note! Additional wheels for a crawler walk-behind tractor can be taken from an old car. The main thing is that they exactly match the original wheels in diameter.
To make tracks with your own hands, it is better to use old car tires.
Also, a tracked unit from a Neva walk-behind tractor with an American or Japanese engine can be made using car tires. For this you will need tires with a large diameter and the correct tread pattern. It is best to choose tires from a tractor or large truck for this.
The process of making tracks from tires is divided into the following stages:
- Cutting tracks for tracks in tires. To do this, you can use a special shoe knife, which must be moistened with a soap solution to facilitate the process of cutting rubber.
- Cutting off the side part from them. This can be done with a fine-toothed jigsaw.
- Removing excess parts from the inside of the tire.
The advantage of tracks made from car tires is their increased strength and reliability due to their solid structure. The disadvantage follows from the advantage and is that the length of such a track is strictly limited by the length of the tire.
In addition, tracks for walk-behind tractors can be made from belts or chains. In the first case, it is necessary to connect several belts with a wedge-shaped profile to each other. The connection is made using lugs and rivets. For the second option you will need two chains of the same size.
When installing tracks on a walk-behind tractor, use a water-cooled engine.
Before making tracks for the Neva unit, you need to correctly calculate their parameters. If the caterpillar is too high, the walk-behind tractor may tip over when turning. In addition, when installing tracks, it is better to choose a water-cooled engine model, since this design puts a greater load on the engine and can lead to overheating.
Advantages of walk-behind tractors
The current characteristics of all models of Neva walk-behind tractors give them the following advantages:
- Only high-quality motors are used as power plants, among which there are no Chinese copies.
- The machines have the ability to operate with a whole range of auxiliary attachments: snow blower, adapter, cart, rake and more. All this allows the unit to operate without problems, regardless of the season.
- If necessary, the user can easily set the steering wheel to the desired position. When a high lug is installed on the walk-behind tractor, the steering wheel can be operated in such a way that the equipment will in no way spoil the already formed furrow.
- The body of the unit is quite reliable and convenient. It well protects all control mechanisms from damage and dust penetration. To eliminate the impact of vibration on human hands, the steering wheel handles have special rubberized gaskets.
- Excellent maneuverability, which became possible thanks to the technical ability to disconnect one of the machine’s drive shafts.
The Neva walk-behind tractor can be transported in any vehicle. There are also no problems with finding components and spare parts. All this can be easily found anywhere in our country and in neighboring countries.
All about walk-behind tractors "Neva"
One of the largest factories in Russia producing walk-behind tractors is. The brand has been producing devices such as walk-behind tractors of various brands under the name “Neva” (Niva) for more than ten years. At the same time, the equipment has undergone no modernization, and now has a huge number of different attachments and meets all the requirements of farmers from all over the world. Such equipment is capable of performing any work on land cultivation, as well as work in animal husbandry, which makes it indispensable in personal subsidiary plots.
Negative user reviews about the technology
The Neva walk-behind tractor, all new models of which, like earlier ones, also have certain disadvantages, is still not ideal. Among its negative qualities, users note the following:
- The machine is quite compact, but with the same power rating you can buy smaller walk-behind tractors from other manufacturers.
- As a motorized plow, the Neva does not work very well. But even here, folk craftsmen found a way out: they began to hang a weighting agent weighing 25 kilograms on the front pin.
- The equipment is quite heavy, and therefore women cannot handle it.
- On uneven ground, the walk-behind tractor is sometimes unstable. This problem is solved by installing higher wheels.
How to choose a Neva walk-behind tractor?
When choosing a power tool for Neva garden plots, you need to take into account the main criteria so that the device works for a long time, quietly, economically and efficiently.
- Weight class . Lightweight machines are suitable for small areas and low density soils. Medium walk-behind tractors are designed for an area of up to 5 acres. Heavy walk-behind tractors have the heaviest weight and impressive dimensions, cope well with very dense, problematic soils and are intended for professional use or use on large areas.
- Power . For personal use in a garden, country house, or personal plot, a power of 5-9 hp will be sufficient. When working in difficult areas or virgin soil, you need to pay attention to more powerful models.
- Fuel tank volume . The larger it is, the longer the process of continuous cultivation of the territory.
- Fuel type . Diesel units are more expensive, but more powerful and more economical. In terms of maintenance, according to users, gasoline walk-behind tractors are less profitable.
- Wheels . The best cross-country ability and maneuverability are demonstrated by devices equipped with large, powerful wheels with an aggressive tread pattern.
- Adjustable handle . The handle, which can be adjusted in height, is more convenient, because the walk-behind tractor can be controlled by several people of different heights.
- Fastening for additional equipment . If the device is equipped with fasteners for installing attachments, its functionality expands: you can remove snow, transport cargo, dig up potatoes and perform other work on the site.
Gearbox features
The Neva motorized unit is equipped with a fully sealed gear-chain gearbox, the crankcase of which is filled with high-quality oil. The whole structure is quite reliable. The gear housing is made of durable and lightweight aluminum. The mechanism itself is capable of developing a force of over 180 kgf, and therefore ensures uninterrupted operation of the machine on almost all types of soil.
In addition, there is also a mechanism that allows you to decouple the operation of the axle shafts. Due to this, the drive can act on only one wheel, which greatly simplifies the control of the unit in some situations.
Motoblock Neva and attachments for it: care and safety precautions
No matter what model of walk-behind tractor you use, it needs regular maintenance and repair to ensure maximum longevity. First of all, the engine of the unit needs regular diagnostics and cleaning. The part that wears out the most quickly here is the air filter. It must be cleaned after every 25 hours of use of the walk-behind tractor, and the cartridge in it must be changed every 100 hours. If work is carried out in particularly dusty conditions, then this must be done more often.
The Neva walk-behind tractor is easy to use, but requires regular maintenance.
The motor cooling fins and the mesh at the inlet of the air cooling fan also need regular cleaning. Before cleaning them, the walk-behind tractor must be turned off. In addition, check the oil level every day and completely change it every 25 hours of operation. Replacement must be carried out when the engine is warm.
Before working with a walk-behind tractor, make sure that you know the purpose of all its controls, adjust the height of the steering handles to your height, and disconnect the power drive from the engine. Carefully monitor the condition of the mechanism's wheels; low pressure in them can lead to slipping and a significant reduction in the maneuverability and efficiency of the unit.
If you own a large plot of land, then you should definitely buy a Neva walk-behind tractor. Prices for various models of this unit are relatively low, and the difference between using a walk-behind tractor and manual labor will be felt immediately.
Review of models and their parameters
Let us now study the technical characteristics of all models of Neva walk-behind tractors. It is worth immediately noting that the variety of these walk-behind tractors is quite large.
MB-compact
The simplest version of the light class, its weight is 70 kilograms. It is used to cultivate soils that are not too complex. Has a 205 cc engine. see produced by Briggs & Stratton. The fuel tank has a capacity of 3 liters, and the number of gears is 6. The working cutter can rotate at a frequency of 28 to 1200 revolutions per minute. The walk-behind tractor puts minimal stress on the operator.
MB-1
Almost identical to the first option. This unit differs from the Compact model in its transmission. The gearbox has a higher traction capability. Overall, it provides an excellent opportunity to achieve more power with less energy. The machine performs deep tillage of the soil. The kit may also include a headlight with an electric starter. The weight of the unit is 75 kilograms.
MB-2
A 100-kilogram walk-behind tractor driven by a 208 cc engine. cm. Engine power is 6.5 horsepower. There is also an independent wheel release system, but the starter and headlight are missing. On light soils, the block is used with 8 cutters. The linear dimensions of the machine are 1740/1300/650 mm. Ground clearance – 140 mm.
MB-23
The unit is powered by a Briggs&Stratton engine with a power of 10 horsepower. This walk-behind tractor is used for cultivating virgin soil and heavy types of soil. The weight of the car is within 105 kilograms. The gearbox has 4 forward and 2 reverse gears. The maximum speed is 12.3 km/h. The separation of the wheels makes the car more mobile. Gasoline grades 92 and 95 are used as fuel.
MB-23 SD
This is the only Neva walk-behind tractor (all models, their photos are analyzed in the article), powered by a diesel engine manufactured by Subaru. This power plant has enormous torque and resource. The weight of the walk-behind tractor is 115 kilograms. The engine power is 5.4 horsepower. There are six gears, two of which are for reverse.
MB-2S
The engine capacity in this walk-behind tractor is 211 cubic meters. cm. This power plant has a service life of about 3,500 hours and is equipped with an automatic decompressor and an electronic ignition system. The walk-behind tractor itself is very compact: 174x65x130 cm, weight - 88 kilograms. The volume of the fuel tank is 2.8 liters. Travel speed – 12 km/h.
MB-2N
A very easy to use agricultural unit with a 196 cc engine. see. The motor is equipped with an air cooling system. Machine dimensions: 1740x650x1300 mm. Operating weight – 107 kilograms. Ground clearance is within 140 mm.
MB-2B
The unit is designed for high-intensity work and can be used on almost any soil, including virgin soil. The design of the walk-behind tractor provides dimensions of 1740/1300/650 mm, weight - in the range from 93 to 103 kilograms. The maximum speed of movement is no more than 12 km/h.
Top models and engines of the Neva brand
The most popular model in Russia and Ukraine is the Neva MB-2, as well as all its modifications (MB2B-6.0FS, MB 2S-6.5PRO, MB 2S-7.5PRO, MB2 GX-200, MB2 B-6.5RS) .
MB-2 belongs to a number of mid-class walk-behind tractors. It is readily purchased by farmers who own garden plots, farms and municipal farms of medium and small area.
Features of the MB-2: versatility, the transmission is selected in such a way that the walk-behind tractor can easily carry out any agricultural and agricultural work on plots of up to 20 acres or even more. MB-2 can reach speeds of up to 12 km/h!
The speed range is adjustable, and the speed of movement can be easily reduced to 2 km/h. Therefore, using the MB-2, you can transport loads around the site, clear the area from leaves or snow, collect hay in a trailer or cart, and also work directly on the ground.
An interesting feature of the MB-2 is its engine. The unit can be purchased with both the domestic DM-1K engine (6.2 hp) and with engines from foreign vehicle manufacturers, for example, from Robin-Subaru, Briggs & Stratton, Tecumseh. The manufacturer notifies on its official website that in the future new modifications of already known walk-behind tractors will be presented to customers.
If desired, in combination with walk-behind tractors, you can use mounted and trailed equipment produced by Russian and other manufacturers, whose equipment is aggregated with this walk-behind tractor. The most common trailed equipment: trailer, cart, plow, hiller, potato planter, snow blower, harrow, rippers.
It is known not only for walk-behind tractors. Motor-cultivators are also very popular - more compact and less heavy equipment, using which you can cultivate summer cottages with an area of up to 10 acres. One of the leading models, leading in popularity, is the MK-200 motor cultivator. The unit is available in three modifications (MK200-B5.0RS, MK200-H5.0, MK200-S6.0).
Each modification is powered by an engine from a different manufacturer - Honda, Subaru or Briggs & Stratton. If you compare their weight with walk-behind tractors, then walk-behind cultivators are, of course, almost twice as light. The only downside can be that they cannot process a large area without frequent breaks.
Engines installed on these units, if the operating rules are properly observed and timely maintenance, will work for many years and delight their owners with high productivity and reliability. You can install the engine yourself - after purchase, if you want to replace it with another, more powerful one, as well as after the engine wears out and the need for its unscheduled replacement.
It’s easy to find a video on the Internet showing how such an installation is carried out. For example:
Below is the Neva walk-behind tractor - a photo of the MB-23 model.
Motoblock "Neva" MB 23B-10.0
Consumer Opinion
What emotions did the Neva walk-behind tractor evoke in users? All models, reviews of which are mostly positive, have generally proven themselves very well during use. Among the strengths of the machine, people note its efficiency, the possibility of year-round operation, and a high level of reliability. But there are also some negative reviews that say that in winter the walk-behind tractor starts up quite problematically, due to its large dead weight, it sometimes quickly tires a person’s hands, and tends to fall to the side on uneven ground.
Which walk-behind tractor from NEVA should you choose?
NEVA walk-behind tractors have a lot of advantages, which has made the products of the domestic brand a leader. When deciding which one is better to buy for a summer cottage or cottage plot, you should pay attention to:
- engine type and power;
- number of speeds;
- cultivation depth;
- complete set;
- additional functionality and features - high torque, increased speeds, wheel unlocking.
The class of equipment is also important - the rating from our editors will help you choose the best heavy walk-behind tractor or middle-class unit. However, the brand also has light modifications, characterized by small dimensions and low performance.
The best NEVA brand walk-behind tractors for a summer cottage or field cultivation, presented in the rating, will be the right choice when purchasing. Each of them has been tested in practice more than once, as evidenced by reviews on the Internet. At the same time, the owners note the stable quality and reliability of NEVA products, which easily competes with European American brands.