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"Crow's feet" for a walk-behind tractor. Milling cutter for walk-behind tractor: varieties, application and maintenance Do-it-yourself crow's feet cutter

An agricultural device such as a walk-behind tractor has not lost its popularity over time. On the contrary, the development of technology has ensured the emergence of new popular mechanisms with a wider range of functionality.

As you know, with this machine you can perform whole line tasks: transport cargo, cultivate soil and simply use it as vehicle. Since this equipment is most widespread in rural areas, you should figure out exactly how to make such a part as a cutter for a walk-behind tractor with your own hands. This structural element has many useful properties, but acquire finished device quite unprofitable from a financial point of view, which explains the need for self-installation.

The main functions of cutters for a walk-behind tractor

This type of equipment is hinged, so it can be dismantled and replaced at any time. Milling cutter - extremely important detail walk-behind tractor, since during operation it directly affects many factors:

Quality of tillage;

Ease of driving;

Condition of the walk-behind tractor transmission;

Stability of the vehicle engine.

It’s no wonder that many owners wonder how to assemble a cutter on a walk-behind tractor with their own hands. Only with the help of this element can you qualitatively loosen the soil and prepare it for sowing, while simultaneously removing all the weeds.

The main part of any soil cutter is the knives. For walk-behind milling cutters you can find different samples, manufactured, however, using similar technology. The quality and depth of tillage directly depends on what material is used in the production process.

Advantages of cutters for walk-behind tractors

Among the undeniable advantages that these parts have, it is worth highlighting the following:

  • cutters do an excellent job with weeds, destroying them without a trace;
  • soil treated with such an element is well loosened, which promotes mixing of its layers and has a positive effect on fertility indicators;
  • With the help of such knives you can easily distribute fertilizers.

In addition, when making a part such as a milling cutter, you can be sure that it will cope with absolutely any type of soil, be it clayey, moist or very hard soil. Due to this, walk-behind tractors equipped similar devices, are common in regions with very different climates and natural conditions.

Types of cutters for motor cultivators

The development was also reflected in the design of such equipment. So, there are several types of cutters, but the most common of them are two:

  1. System with saber-shaped knives.
  2. Milling cutters are referred to among consumers as “Crow’s feet”, which is due to their unusual shape.

The first product is extremely common among consumers, largely due to the fact that it can be used to perform almost any task. At the same time, you can assemble a saber-shaped cutter for a walk-behind tractor with your own hands without any difficulties. One of the advantages of its design is the ability to remove the knives at any time, since they are made of steel, which, as we know, cannot be processed by welding.

Milling cutters for the walk-behind tractor "Crow's feet" are more modern products. The main purpose of such a mechanism is processing hard rock soil. When using this model, it is important to remember that you need to work with it only on level and clean ground, otherwise there is a possibility that weeds will constantly wrap around the knives. This product is perfect for planting crops and can be used even in the cold season.

Materials for assembling cutters

Before assembling the cutter on a walk-behind tractor, it is necessary to measure the parameters of the area that is planned to be processed, and only then, based on the data obtained, assemble the mechanism. To make the design as correct as possible, you need to have the following list of materials available:

  • not a very long metal tube with a diameter of 42 mm;
  • parts that will act as elements for loosening the earth;
  • welding machine;
  • Bulgarian.

When figuring out how to properly assemble cutters on a walk-behind tractor, many owners wonder about the design of soil rippers. The basis of these parts may well be car springs, which are bent and then welded to the main pipe at the desired angle.

The process of assembling cutters for a walk-behind tractor

As mentioned earlier, you need to start work by taking measurements of the site. After completing all the calculations, you can begin assembly. With help welding machine The knives of the future cutter should be attached to a pre-prepared pipe. You can first sharpen the edges of the elements to the desired degree.

The resulting mechanism is fixed on the coupling unit, and the work can be considered complete. To ensure that the entire system is functioning, you can perform a test run and adjust the device.

When assembling such a structure as a cutter for a walk-behind tractor with your own hands, it is worth remembering that to achieve the maximum long term Service of the product is possible only by strictly observing all the rules for its operation. When turning on the mechanism, the knives must be held up and under no circumstances allowed to touch the ground. Having started the walk-behind tractor, you can slowly lower the cutter and get to work.

The easiest way to assemble such a device would be for someone who has some experience in the field of metalworking. A pre-compiled diagram will allow you to simplify the installation process, as well as quality tools and materials.

When deciding how to properly assemble cutters on a walk-behind tractor, many owners are faced with the problem of not being able to make small and shaped parts of the structure themselves. To do this, it is best to seek help from a professional blacksmith, who will do this work much faster and with better quality.

In addition, do not forget that an incorrectly assembled system entails a change in the direction of rotation of the knives, which, in turn, can lead to equipment breakdown.

Having studied all the recommendations described above, we can conclude that it is absolutely possible to construct a mechanism such as a milling cutter for a walk-behind tractor on your own; it is only important to observe all the details of the work, and then the device will last for decades without the need for repairs.

A walk-behind tractor is one of the popular means of mechanization, used today in both small and large farms. The unit allows the use of various replaceable modules, due to which its use is widespread in rural areas. The main purpose of such equipment is considered to be tillage. Due to this, the cutter is considered the most popular module. It can be purchased at ready-made version or do it yourself, for example, “ crow's feet» for walk-behind tractor. In the latter case, knowledge and skills in working with the tool will be required.

By design, earth cutters are a set of knives that are mounted on a rotating axis. They are designed to loosen the soil. A similar element consists of several parts:

  1. Conventional types are mounted directly onto the shaft drive coming from the wheels. Due to this, such devices are able to move independently during the cultivation process.
  2. There are also mounted options, where power is transferred to rotational movements via a shaft from the walk-behind tractor itself.

There are no particularly serious differences between mounted and conventional types of cutters. However, to use options equipped with independent rotation, it is important to make a separate model that has a shaft drive, as well as an additional angular double-sided gearbox.

“Crow's feet”

It is worth examining in detail the main options for cutters used for walk-behind tractors.

Active

Each block of knives in “saber” models has 4 cutting elements, each of which is at an angle of 90˚ to the nearest one. In total, 3 or more such blocks are installed per drive.

The number and width of the knives used is determined by the weight, as well as the power of the unit itself.

Each of the cutting elements in this design are curved strips made of strong alloy steel. In order to independently create such elements, spring steel is used, which is subjected to heat treatment and then hardening. In this case, the bends of the cutting elements alternate in direction.

The use of the active cutter design is possible in areas where there are stones or roots, without fear of breaking the knives. However, it is recommended to use this type on light soil.

"Crow's Feet"

This version of cutters, made in the shape of a triangle, is installed on each stand. As a result of this arrangement, these models received their characteristic name. Each of the cutting elements is made of durable steel. Similar to active cutters, the length, as well as the number of blocks with knives used, depend on the mass, as well as the power of the power unit of the walk-behind tractor. There are at least 4 cutting elements around the circumference in one block. And the more there are, the better the soil is crushed. However, to increase their number, the engine power requirements also increase.

Made according to classic designs, crow's feet cutters are used to process heavy types of soil, as well as virgin soil. But when used on the ground, where it is located a large number of roots, cause the module to clog and require subsequent cleaning.

Each of the listed options for cultivation elements for a walk-behind tractor has its own advantages and disadvantages. Therefore, when choosing a suitable model, it is worth considering the type of cultivated soil where it will be used.

It is recommended to manufacture crow's feet cultivators according to the drawings using low-carbon steel. The knives in such units are self-sharpening, so if the device is used correctly, they do not need sharpening.

Crow's feet diagram

Creating crow's feet

The widespread use of models of this type began in the mid-80s of the 20th century. Their appearance occurred as a stage in the development of small-scale mechanization, after which the milling cutter showed its viability, as well as high efficiency. By its design, this option is divided into certain elements, which can be created separately. Before starting assembly, it is recommended to study finished goods. This will give you the opportunity to become familiar with all the features of a particular type of working tool. As a result, it will be possible to draw up drawings of “crow’s feet” for a walk-behind tractor with your own hands.

After determining the design type of the future unit, you need to prepare the materials necessary for assembly. If the variant you are interested in contains certain shaped parts, it is worth ordering their production from a specialist. If you know how to work with forging equipment, you can create it yourself.

All other details can be easily done with your own hands. During the process of assembling crow's feet, it is important to carefully approach the installation of each element. Deviations during installation must not be allowed, because as a result of this, the axis of the walk-behind tractor itself may be disrupted and a tilt will appear in one direction.

Drive sleeve

The creation of a soil cutter begins with the drive bushing. Due to the fact that this element will constantly be subject to severe loads, it is made using a lathe. So, the wall thickness should be approximately 7-9 mm, and its internal hole must be cut carefully to ensure free fitting on the drive shaft. There should be no backlash. A hole is created on the back side where the axial pipe will be inserted, the insertion depth of which will be approximately 35 mm. This design of the element allows you to create a connection that is completely aligned along its axis.

Additionally, you need to make a hole where the fixing pin will be inserted.

Axial tube

Such a part can be created in a collapsible form or not. If it is necessary to change the number of knife blocks over time, it is recommended to give preference to options that can be disassembled. In the process of creating such a structure, the connecting sleeves should be machined. Subsequently, they are half-installed onto the axle, after which they are secured by welding or special rivets. The part of the element that will protrude allows you to connect another similar element.

How such a cutter will behave in operation is determined only during field testing. The result may not always correspond to desires.

After that, a flange is welded to the created axial pipe, which will be used for the purpose of installing knife racks. You can make this element at lathe or weld from strips of metal having a thickness of about 5 mm. A hole is drilled in it to create a future connection with the racks.

Due to the increased load, the elements must be fastened with rivets or bolts. How long the tube will be is determined by the location, as well as the width of the knives used. Their quantity also determines how many blanks need to be made.

Cutting elements

In order to create future knives for walk-behind milling cutters, it is important to use strong steel with a thickness of at least 5 mm. The most optimal is the triangular shape of the cutting elements. This allows you to create the least resistance as it enters the ground. Often, cutting elements taken from a segment mower are used for this purpose. But in this case, before welding, you will need to pre-harden the knives. It is recommended to use models equipped with such cutting elements only on clean soil. To work on virgin soil or other heavy soils, it is necessary to use more durable knives.

The width of the knives should be between 50-90 mm. Too much great options create increased resistance and lead to their frequent breakdown.

Crow's feet assembly

Cutter post

The part of the edge touching the soil needs to be sharpened, and then holes must be made through which it will be mounted on the installed flange. At the end, knives are welded to it, and then they are hardened.

Knife block

The last element is the connection of the resulting blocks of cutting elements directly with the drive bushing. Here it is important to strictly adhere to the drawings to prevent damage to materials.

Assembly of the active cutter

Thanks to the simple technology of creation, this type of cutter is widely used. In it, knives and stands are a single element. For its manufacture, a single piece of metal made of high-strength steel is used. The use of such units is considered safer compared to crow's feet, and there is also less risk of injury to a person during their use. Due to the sequential placement of the cutting elements, they smoothly enter the ground without impact. The manufacturing process until the creation of a pipe with a flange is completely similar to the “crawler feet”.

It is worth taking a closer look at how knives are made. First, after heating, the strip of metal is bent so that the length of the resulting curved part is no more than 80 mm. After this, the fastening element is drilled, as well as the workpiece is cooled. Finally, the element is hardened and mounted on the flange.

Independent production of a cutter for use on a walk-behind tractor requires the availability of tools and the ability to work with them. In addition, it is necessary to draw up drawings of the product being created and strictly adhere to them. Any deviations in details may cause future crow's feet to not work correctly.

When making a crow's foot cutter with your own hands, the drawings are prepared after determining the type of structure:

  • with 3 rows (axis diameter 25 mm);
  • with 4 rows (axis diameter 30 mm).

Structural elements

Before making a cutter for a walk-behind tractor with your own hands, study the design diagram. The product is installed on a walk-behind tractor or a walk-behind cultivator with the appropriate axle diameter. The downside of the cutter is the lack of sharp edges and weeds getting wrapped around the blades. If necessary, install on a self-made structure additional elements. You can independently make a tool with solid and non-separable “crow’s feet”.

To make the shaped parts of a cutter for a walk-behind tractor with your own hands, you will need forging equipment. Special attention Experts recommend paying attention to the assembly of the structure. Otherwise, the axis of the walk-behind tractor will be damaged. During installation of the product, the direction of rotation of the teeth is taken into account.

The crow's feet structure is assembled from elements with a diameter of up to 500 mm. Such size restrictions allow the tool to penetrate the soil 260 mm. Knives homemade design must enter the ground consistently, without jerking or hitting. To ensure that the product can be used for a long time, experts advise adhering to certain rules. When starting the unit, the crow's feet are placed above the ground. Then the revolutions are started, slowly lowering the blades into the ground.

To do simple design, use:

  • metal pipe with a diameter of less than 42 mm;
  • welding machine;
  • parts used for digging up soil;
  • Bulgarian

Car springs can be used as plowing elements. The blades are adjusted according to parameters and bent in the desired direction. Using a welding machine, the elements are attached to the pipe from different sides. Blades are sharpened in the direction of their movement. The resulting structure is fixed to the walk-behind tractor. If irregularities in the operation of the unit are detected, it will need to be removed and adjusted.

A saber cutter is capable of performing almost all types of work due to the shape of its blades.

In order for the equipment to plow the ground and destroy weeds at the same time, experts recommend making a soil cutter. This tool is used in spring for sowing. Unlike crow's feet, the soil structure is presented in the form of bent sabers, which are fixed to the shaft in in the right order. In this case, the shaft rotation speed is 200 rpm. The tool is installed on the back of the equipment. The operation of the unit depends on the power take-off shaft.

The crow's foot cutter for a mini-tractor is presented in the form of a rotating shaft with blades. Due to the drive, the structure is immersed in the soil, lifting and shifting it. The width of each blade should not exceed 100 cm, weight is 16 kg, rotation speed is 2-5 km/h, length is 38 cm, height is 38 cm. Using such a tool, a farmer can make beds and loosen the soil.

The blades for the device are made of steel 12 mm thick. Additionally, the material undergoes thermal hardening and high-frequency current treatment. Knots and connections are installed as rigidly as possible. Experts recommend using the PK-1.6 pick-up stacker as a gearbox. A non-separable cutter has higher strength than a collapsible tool. To cultivate clay soil, it is recommended to make 2 crow's feet cutters. The same applies to early tillage.

To change the depth of the blade, an adjustable coulter is made.

This durable plate is welded to the walk-behind tractor vertically. To the final tillage depth direct influence is the diameter of the tool.

Conclusion on the topic

The saber-shaped legs provide safe work on a walk-behind tractor. When hitting a tree root, the tool lifts it. At the same time, soil cultivation continues. If you make a straight cutter, it will catch on a stone or other obstacle, knocking over the walk-behind tractor. The operator may lose his balance.

To ensure that the crow's feet penetrate the soil smoothly, it is recommended to attach them to plastic. The last elements are welded to the shafts at a certain angle. This method of manufacturing and assembling the cutter has a positive effect on the transmission of the walk-behind tractor. Knives can be made of carbon steel or springs.

Other structural elements are made of steel ST-25, 20 and 10. These grades are easily welding work. If the diameter of the structure is 25 mm, then such cutters are installed on the Texas, Krot, Neva motor-cultivator.” Four-row analogues are mounted on the Salyut, Farmer, and Cascade walk-behind tractors. At self-production cutters must have experience and skills in working with a welding machine. When fixing elements, it is recommended to follow safety precautions (use a welding helmet).

Cultivation or milling of soil is one of the the most important stages processing land plot. During the milling process, the soil is loosened and mixed. The choice of depth for such cultivation is very important; up to 25 cm will be optimal. Thus, the properties of the soil, its fertility are improved, and the land area is leveled. This process is also often combined with the application of fertilizers.

For owners of dachas and vegetable gardens, mechanization of this process has become more accessible with the advent of walk-behind tractors. The choice between a shovel and a walk-behind tractor with a milling cutter became obvious. The power of the walk-behind tractor is quite enough to process not only sandy soils, but also virgin soil. The main thing here is to competently approach the choice of additional equipment.

What depends on the correct choice of cutter for a walk-behind tractor:

  • Quality of cultivation. In most cases, you can even do without a plow;
  • Your strength and time that you will spend on completing a certain amount of work;
  • Ease of control of the walk-behind tractor and load on the operator during milling;
  • Load on the walk-behind tractor, in particular on the gearbox.

Today, it is already possible to choose cutters with which your walk-behind tractor will be aggregated, depending on its power and the type of cultivated soil.

Factory cutter

Most walk-behind tractors and cultivators are equipped with such cutters when sold. Depending on the situation, they can be assembled or disassembled. You can choose any walk-behind tractor you want, but unfortunately, you cannot choose which cutter to equip it with initially.

The design consists of an axis with welded plates, to which saber-shaped knives are directly attached. The finished cutter can consist of several such sections connected to each other using bolts. By adding or removing a section, you can adjust the width of the cultivation.

Pros and cons of a factory cutter:

The most important plus is that it comes immediately complete with the walk-behind tractor. The cutter copes well with its main task, provided that the work is carried out on a previously processed area.

Now about the realities. When it comes to Chinese walk-behind tractors, the cutter blades are their weak point. Bad metal will make itself felt, perhaps even in the first season; bolts and welding joints also leave much to be desired. If you cultivate virgin land or where there is a lot of grass, the process will not be pleasant. It will be difficult to hold the walk-behind tractor, and the load on the gearbox will be high.

But don’t rush to get upset, it’s no longer a problem to find quality knives Polish or Ukrainian production, there is plenty to choose from, the issue with bolts is even easier to solve. And making a better welded joint is not a problem for our brother either.

Such a cutter is an all-welded structure, an axis and knives welded to it, with triangular tips or, as they are called, crow's feet.

Pros and cons of the crow's feet cutter

The main disadvantage is the non-collapsible design. But this is not significant if you choose a high-quality cutter.

But there are many advantages:

  • You yourself choose the number of sections to install on the walk-behind tractor. Depending on the technical characteristics your walk-behind tractor and your requirements, thus adjusting the milling width.
  • Can handle harder soils.
  • It breaks up plant residues better.
  • The bushing can be hexagonal or round. Important point when choosing attachments, due to which it can be used on different models walk-behind tractors.
  • Reduces the load on the gearbox.
  • Significantly facilitates handling.

Based on our experience, it is the crow's feet cutter that is optimal choice for an air-cooled walk-behind tractor. Largely due to its versatility, reliability and practicality.

“Virgin” - spiral cutter for walk-behind tractor


If you need to cultivate virgin land, best choice there will be a spiral cutter. Like the Crow's Feet, the Tselina has an all-welded design, this was done specifically to strengthen it and allow it to withstand higher loads. Spiral-welded knives are equipped with “virgin” type tips.

Pros and cons of the Celina cutter

The disadvantages, perhaps, include more slow work, but it’s no wonder, you can’t accelerate on virgin soil. As a disadvantage, it can be noted that during the cultivation process, the soil is pushed from the center to the edges. A small ditch will form and the land will require subsequent leveling.

The advantages are difficult to overestimate:

  • It copes with virgin soil better than other existing cutters.
  • Great depth of cultivation.
  • Excellent soil loosening.
  • Very reliable and durable design.

So, we can safely conclude that for better processing of your land, you should not opt ​​for a factory cutter. If you want to increase productivity, reduce the load on the walk-behind tractor and save time and effort, we recommend choosing a crow’s foot cutter. If you are faced with difficult development of virgin land, the “Virgin” soil cutter is your choice.

Milling cutters for walk-behind tractor. Choice, comparison. was last modified: April 24th, 2018 by administrator

Crow's feet cutters for walk-behind tractors are usually included in the factory supply along with the unit itself. But they are not universal. Some types of work cannot be performed with their help. Many walk-behind tractor owners make crow's feet with their own hands.

Purpose of cutters for walk-behind tractor

Regardless of type, cutters are designed to perform agricultural work:

  • loosening and leveling the soil;
  • crushing earth clods;
  • mixing soil layers;
  • mixing fertilizers;
  • destroying weeds.

Initially, only universal collapsible cutters with saber-shaped knives were included with walk-behind tractors. They coped with almost all types of work on soft soils.

Crow's feet for walk-behind tractors have appeared recently. This non-separable device has proven itself effectively when processing hard soils due to its unique shape and mechanical strength of the material and the entire structure. What sets them apart from saber cutters is that they pull out weeds by the roots.

They are often used to cultivate areas during the first frost to destroy weed seedlings and wintering insect pests.

Disadvantages of industrial crow's feet cutters:

  1. Roots and stems of weeds are constantly wound on them. Since the cutter has a non-separable design, cleaning it after cultivation will be problematic.
  2. Often, cutters are made of low-quality material, so they often break during operation.

How to make homemade cutters with your own hands

If the cutters are worn out or there is a need to upgrade the cultivator, for example, to increase or decrease the depth and width of cultivation, you can make them yourself.

In many cases, such an improvement makes it possible to improve the quality of tillage and complete the work faster.

The design of these parts is simple, so you can make them yourself.

The easiest way to design homemade crow's feet cutters for a walk-behind tractor with your own hands is to study the design of industrial cutters and make your necessary changes.

It should be noted that when the crow's feet cutter is made by hand, the drawings for different types motoblocks are developed individually.

The figure shows classic version 4-row industrial cutter.

Essential elements:

  1. Sleeve. To make it, you will need a pipe with a diameter of 50 mm and a wall thickness of at least 4 mm.
  2. Flange. Made from steel sheet 5-15 mm thick. It can be shaped like a circle, but it is easier to make it in the shape of a square.
  3. Knife stand. Material - steel corner with shelves 63x40 mm. Can be used automotive springs. Often the stand is made of steel strip. This is the cheapest option, but also the most unreliable. During operation, the stand plays the role of a vertical plane cutter.
  4. Far left knife.
  5. Medium knife.

Knives are made of tool steel. Many craftsmen use car springs to make knives. Knife shapes can vary significantly. Their sharpening angle is usually 45°. During operation, knives become dull, so they need to be sharpened periodically.

Using a welding machine, the knives are welded to the posts, the posts to the flanges, and the flanges to the bushing. This is how a non-demountable structure is assembled. Some craftsmen prefer bolted connections. This design is less reliable, but makes it easy to remove and change the racks. A collapsible cutter is easier to clean from dirt and weeds wrapped around it.

One of the disadvantages of crow's feet is that they become very deep during operation, which is not always necessary. There is additional force on the walk-behind tractor engine, and the operator gets tired. To reduce the depth, wheels are installed on the axle on both sides, acting as limiters.

In this case, only upper layer soil. This processing method is very convenient for heavily overgrown and turfy soils. After the first pass, the turf is destroyed. Then the wheels are removed and re-cultivation is carried out to the required depth.

If the crow's feet cutters are made by hand, the drawings are carefully thought out and the materials are selected correctly, then they are not inferior in quality to industrial ones.