Plowing the land with a walk-behind tractor has many advantages. This procedure helps saturate the soil with oxygen and clear it of weeds. It also helps to increase the duration of snow cover preservation. Using a walk-behind tractor makes plowing a large area much easier. In this case, it is important to properly prepare the unit and pay attention to the choice of method for plowing the beds.
Choosing a walk-behind tractor
The walk-behind tractor is a multi-functional device that is capable of performing several different operations.It is used for plowing soil, planting vegetables, weeding beds, hilling potatoes, harvesting, and mowing grass.
In addition, walk-behind tractors are often used for collecting garbage, clearing snow and transporting various goods. In order for the product to give the desired result, it is important to use it correctly, taking into account a number of rules and recommendations. The correct choice of device is of great importance.
Lungs
In most cases, gasoline walk-behind tractors are called light. However, sometimes diesel devices are also found. Lightweight models for plowing land are considered economical. In addition, they have a low price. Such devices are used for cultivating soil to medium depths. Many of them can be supplemented with static attachments - a plow, hiller, potato digger.
It is important to consider that such devices will not be able to cope with unplowed soil. They will jump. In addition, the cutters will not be able to reach the depth.
Average
Such devices for the garden are considered more serious. Their advantages include the ability to combine with various equipment, including active components. These include: rotary mower, brush, water pump, snow auger.
Heavy
This category includes the most expensive and functional models for a summer cottage. They are heavy and large in size. Such devices cope well with dynamic hitches and are equipped with extremely powerful diesel engines, which are water-cooled. This ensures long-lasting impact on any type of soil.Such walk-behind tractors have powerful steel cutters with active feed.
Advantages and disadvantages of mechanical plowing
The main advantages of using a walk-behind tractor include the following:
- the need for a minimum amount of physical and time expenditure for plowing the soil - this helps to significantly increase the level of productivity;
- the possibility of parallel additional work along with plowing - this helps to simultaneously introduce the necessary fertilizers into the soil;
- the ability to plow the soil evenly and deeply, improving its condition and structure;
- saturating the soil with a sufficient amount of oxygen and achieving an optimal level of moisture;
- slowing down the growth and development of weeds;
- almost doubling the yield parameters.
At the same time, using a walk-behind tractor for plowing also has certain disadvantages. These include the impossibility of using technology for virgin lands with deep roots. In such a situation, it is necessary to remove long rhizomes manually.
In addition, with the annual use of deep plowing, there is a loss of natural fertility in the upper layer of soil. As a result, it is necessary to apply fertilizers and give the soil periodic rest.
Preparing for work
To cultivate the soil with a walk-behind tractor, you need to be properly prepared. To do this, it is recommended to do the following:
- Install the grouser. These are metal wheels with a diameter of up to 60 centimeters and a width of 17-20 centimeters. There are also thinner samples on sale, but you shouldn’t buy them. They will not help make an even furrow.
- Install and adjust the plow. It needs to be fixed with special couplings, which are attached to the unit with a king pin. The connection between the hitch and the unit should be carried out with a backlash of 5-6 degrees.When fixed, the walk-behind tractor will swing in different directions. It is not necessary to tighten the nuts completely, since the fixation will have to be strengthened or loosened.
- Start the unit. Before doing this, it is important to check the oil level and fill the tank with fuel. When refueling the device with diesel fuel, it is worth considering the temperature regime. In winter it is important to use winter diesel fuel. Before starting, it is important to evaluate the performance of the steering wheel, reverse, gas, and clutch.
How to plow with a walk-behind tractor?
To properly plow a plot, it needs to be properly prepared. To do this, it is recommended to stretch a cord along the borders as a guide. This is especially important for people who will be carrying out work for the first time.
Then you should manually collect large stones and remove stumps and snags. After preparing the area and starting the engine, it is recommended to turn on the speed and begin plowing.
The procedure should be carried out at second speed. However, when the depth of exposure changes or the soil changes, the first one is also required.
The first furrow should be driven in a low gear. This is due to the need for even and neat formation of the row. This will then become a guide for subsequent furrows.
After completing the first row, it is worth assessing the plowing depth. It should be 20 centimeters. After which you need to turn the walk-behind tractor, install the right lug in the furrow, turn on first speed and change direction.
Plowing methods
It is permissible to plow the soil in different ways. The main options include the following:
- Dump. When using this method, it is recommended to start moving from the central part of the site.After reaching its edge, the unit needs to be turned around, install the right lug in the furrow and begin to move back to the central part. This creates a large ridge of earth. If there is snow on the site, it penetrates into the furrows and does not melt for a long time, which helps saturate the soil with moisture. The method is practically free of drawbacks. Therefore, it is considered popular among many farmers.
- Waddle. In this case, you should start moving from the right side of the site. After reaching the end of the row, the walk-behind tractor must be moved to the left side of the site and begin to move in the opposite direction. Using this method, it is worth digging up the entire area until the rows close together. The use of this method makes it possible to turn over the soil and fill it with previously used fertilizers.
- Before winter. It is permissible to plow the garden with a walk-behind tractor 2 times a year. This is done in the spring - before planting. The procedure can also be carried out in the fall - after harvesting. Autumn processing is considered the most important. It helps to completely get rid of weeds and successfully loosen the soil. Thanks to this, it is possible to improve air exchange, achieve high-quality drainage and avoid the formation of mold. The period of autumn plowing is influenced by the climatic conditions of the region. However, in any case, it is recommended to do this before the first frost.
