The crow's feet cutters are working. Do-it-yourself crow's feet cutters for a walk-behind tractor

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 make your own, for example, “crow’s feet” for a 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 listed options cultivation elements for a walk-behind tractor has its own advantages and disadvantages. Therefore, when choosing 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

Cutting element stand

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.

Assembling 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.

It is quite easy to make cutters for a motor cultivator yourself, without resorting to large financial costs. As a rule, they are already present in the set of agricultural machinery, but this attribute does not always have a width suitable for processing. DIY equipment is a great way to get equipment that fits properly. Let's study the types of cutters, the features of their independent production and installation on a cultivator.

Types of cutters for agricultural work

Cultivator cutters perform many different functions. With their help, farmers have the opportunity to:

• Quickly destroy dense thickets of weeds;
• Cultivate the soil;
• Mix layers of soil with fertilizers;
• Level the ground surface.

Milling cutters are especially effective on clayey, waterlogged and woody soil. Mills are also often used for plowing virgin soil in pastures and meadows.

There are several types of cutters. Depending on the form, the following are available for sale:

• Devices with saber-shaped knives - they are in greatest demand among buyers and allow you to perform a wide range of work. The main advantage lies in the shape of the blades and the material - the cutters are made of steel and can be removed at any time. There is practically no vegetation wrapped around them, which allows you to plow the soil many times faster;
• Crawler-foot cutters for cultivators are a new solution on the equipment market. This type of equipment is often used for plowing hard soils. It cannot be disassembled, making it more durable than the first type of cutter. Among the disadvantages is the frequent wrapping of weeds around the blades. Because of this, most farmers use these cutters to work on “clean” soil. Often, “crow's feet” are used for plowing before planting potatoes, as well as for treating the soil to prevent the appearance of Colorado potato beetles and other pests.

Today you can purchase additional cutters of the required width at any gardening equipment store. However, at a reasonable price it is most often possible to buy Chinese products that are not particularly durable. In this regard, it would be quite reasonable to try to make cutters yourself.

The cutters for a motor cultivator are no different complex design. Before you start self-creation elements, you need to carefully study the store options. This will make it possible to take into account everything design features equipment and produce effective inventory.

Before work you need to make a drawing or use one already ready-made circuit. It will need to indicate the material of each of the parts, the sequence and method of fastening.

After this, you need to prepare all the materials. If the design will use curly elements, then it is better to order them immediately from the master.

When creating a cutter, special attention must be paid to correct assembly. Try to avoid any deviations related to the design, because any mistake can significantly reduce the efficiency of the cutters. Moreover, incorrectly assembled equipment will pull the cultivator to the right or left.

An important factor is the location of the teeth. They must be installed in exactly the same position as in the design of store products.

Experts do not recommend making cutters with a diameter of more than 50 cm. Equipment of this size can sink into the ground 26 cm, covering a strip 1 meter wide. This is more than enough for high-quality plowing.

Saber-shaped cutters are considered safer and are not capable of harming the operator if he falls on the structure. The knives on them have a transverse arrangement and consistently sink into the soil, without jerking.

To extend the life of homemade cutters, you must adhere to the rules for using equipment. When starting the cultivator engine, all blades must be positioned above the soil surface. After switching the engine from idle, the blades should be slowly lowered and plowing begins.

Not knowing whether homemade cutters need to be sharpened, many beginners make a lot of mistakes. It must be remembered that the more often sharpening is performed, the better the result of the soil treatment will be, and the longer the knives will not succumb to corrosion.

Creating cutters - a detailed algorithm for beginners

Having understood the secrets of self-production, you can proceed directly to creating the structure. To do this you will need:

• Some metal pipes, with a diameter of no more than 4.2 cm;
• Sharp parts that will act as knives;
• Bulgarian;
• Welding machine.

Old car springs or spare parts from other equipment are suitable for making knives. The blades of the structure must be adjusted to suitable sizes and bent in one direction.

Next, the blades are attached to the pipe from different sides by welding. If you have more time, you can sharpen the blades in the direction of their intended movement. The resulting structure must be installed on the cultivator hitch.

After this, you need to check the operation of the equipment. If during operation you find deformation of the knives or blades, the cutters can be removed and aligned.

The walk-behind tractor is a full-fledged assistant where manual labor in the field or in the garden takes too much time and requires a lot of physical effort. Today, a small-sized unit can be found in almost every yard or household, it is such a useful “thing”. Indeed, the range of tasks that can be easily performed is quite wide, including all kinds of land cultivation, cultivation of beds and even harvesting. And the presence of additional hook-on attachments only enhances the capabilities of the miniature tractor. One of the most effective purchases can be “crow’s feet” for a walk-behind tractor.

Why do walk-behind tractors need crow's feet?

One of the main functions of a walk-behind tractor in a field or garden is high-quality plowing of the land in the area under further landing or sowing. To implement this, cutters are used - the main working element of the walk-behind tractor. This is the name given to the axis on which knives of various configurations are mounted. When rotating around an axis, these knives seem to cut the ground, thereby plowing it. Due to this, cutters are also called soil cutters. When working on a site, not only the soil, but also the plants growing in it can be trimmed. Thus, the cutters plow the soil and also fight weeds.

There are several types of cutters. The most common are saber-shaped, with speaking form knives. As a rule, this is a collapsible design. The “crow’s feet” attachment to the walk-behind tractor, on the contrary, does not disassemble into parts, but has a cast configuration. They are made from carbon steel. main feature“crow's feet” - the triangular shape of the ends of the knives, which ensures sufficient crumbling and mixing of the soil. This continuous configuration is due to the need for strength when working on hard ground, virgin soil, and its cultivation. This can be considered areas where the soil has large clods.

Features of plowing with crow's feet using a walk-behind tractor

Basically, the described attachment is used for plowing a potato plot, when it is necessary to remove large clods of soil or prevent the development of . By the way, gardeners note the fact that weeds are perfectly wrapped around the crow’s feet, but they are not cut down. In this regard, when talking about whether it is necessary to sharpen crow’s feet on a walk-behind tractor, we can recommend performing this procedure. The fact is that manufacturers do not sharpen the edges of the knives of this attachment. After sharpening, you will notice that medium-sized weeds are easier to chop, and working on hard ground is much easier.

How to choose crow's feet cutters?

When choosing this important component of a walk-behind tractor, first of all, it is important to pay attention to the size of the “crow’s feet” for the walk-behind tractor. This is more about matching the diameter of the axis of the landing shaft nozzle to the model of your unit. They are produced in sizes 30 mm and 25 mm. Moreover, three rows of three knives are installed on cutters with a diameter of 25 mm. Such products are suitable for walk-behind tractors such as “Texas”, “Neva”, “Caiman”, “Mole” and others. Models "crow's feet" with an axis diameter of 30 mm are selected for walk-behind tractors such as "Cascade", "Salyut", "Caiman Vario", "Master Yard" and others. This product has not three, but four rows of knives. Moreover, the width of the treated surface is increased.

Another criterion that you should pay attention to when selecting crow’s feet cutters for a walk-behind tractor is outside diameter, which, accordingly, determines the depth of plowing. The larger this diameter, the deeper the knives can cut into the soil. Meanwhile, the quality of the crow's feet must be up to par, otherwise metal breakdown cannot be avoided.

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).

Design 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. Experts recommend paying special 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 the required 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. Do the same when early processing soil.

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 welding machine. When fixing elements, it is recommended to follow safety precautions (use a welding helmet).

The milling cutter is the main working “organ” of the cultivator. With its help, loosening, weeding, and preparing the soil for planting are carried out. For mechanical models, as well as ultra-light and lightweight devices, it acts as the only functional element. In medium and heavy installations, trailer equipment is also used.

Types of cutters

The device consists of four curved knives - “petals”, attached to a shaft. Most of them are directional: when assembling, the direction of movement must be taken into account. Knives are usually bent in both directions, except for those located at the edges of the shaft. There are models in which all the “petals” are bent only towards the gearbox: this prevents damage to plants during loosening. However, in this case the working width is reduced.

Elements are made from stamped steel - for the lightest devices, and from steel strip, often forged. The last option is the most durable. As a rule, the cutter is a separate part, but there are models in which two rotary cutters are mounted on one shaft.

Two types of knives are used.

• Sharpened - the “petal” enters the ground more easily and does not allow adhesion to the soil. Accordingly, the load on the engine is reduced and fuel consumption is reduced. On the other hand, sharp blades cut the roots of weeds, some of them remain in the ground and germinate again. Sharpened cutters must be used with great care.
• With a semicircular edge - they are safer, but when loosening they experience more resistance and are more likely to get stuck. This element removes weeds more effectively, since it does not cut, but wraps the root and pulls it out of the soil.

The diameter of the cutter for the cultivator determines maximum depth plowing. Relative is set by the opener.

The “petals” are connected in two ways:

• on rivets - the element cannot be disassembled. This difficulty is not so much during storage as during transportation;
• bolted - a collapsible part. The photo shows a sample.

Welding is not used for connections - this reduces the strength of the product.

Features of operation

If the diameter determines the depth, then the quantity regulates the width of the grip. The most common option is two or three pairs of elements. There are cultivators with one or four pairs. By changing the number of tillers, you can adjust the width of the processed strip.

The number of elements also depends on the type of soil. To process loose, light soil with your own hands, the maximum number is set. For loam and virgin soil their number decreases.

Assembling cultivator cutters

The most important thing when connecting with your own hands is to follow the direction: the sharpened part of the “petal” should be located in the direction of movement of the cultivator.

1. The number of sections is determined by the type of fastening plates: if they are located equally, then a maximum of three elements are installed. If they are offset relative to each other, then four or six.
2. Knives are marked - for the right and for the left side.
3. The assembly of the cultivator cutter depends on the model - three- or four-blade.
4. Installation of the three-leaf one begins with fixing one knife to the plate - the bolt is not fully tightened at the first stage. The other two are fixed with reverse side plates.
5. Installation of a four-blade or six-blade blade comes down to alternately attaching the right and left blades. It is first recommended to separate the right and left “petals” for each part. An additional section, if needed, is mounted using a pin.
6. Fastening is carried out with bolts as rigidly as possible.
7. The last thing to install on the cultivator shaft is a protective disk: it protects the plants from damage.

In the video, do-it-yourself assembly instructions are presented step by step.

Care instructions

Forged steel is usually used in manufacturing, as it is stronger and more resistant to corrosion, but this does not eliminate the need for maintenance.

After finishing the work, the tillers must be cleared of soil, roots, wire, etc. You can use a rag or brush, but do not use solvents as a cleaning agent.

Before long-term storage, the knives are covered with a layer of grease, and the ends of the shaft are covered with graphite lubricant.

Knife sharpening

The design of the cutters implies self-sharpening. In practice, when working on heavy soil, especially with a large number of stone inclusions, the knives lose their sharpness. According to reviews, sharpening is more effective with a grinder.

Elements with a rounded edge cannot be sharpened.