Make your own crow's feet cutters for a motor cultivator. Cutter for walk-behind tractor: varieties, application and maintenance

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 coated with a layer of grease, and the ends of the shaft are coated 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.

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 with 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. With the aim of self-creation For 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.

The walk-behind tractor has long taken its place in small agricultural mechanization. Compact dimensions, maneuverability, and the ability to install replaceable modules made it popular both in the countryside and in summer cottages. Land cultivation is one of the main purposes of this equipment. In turn, cutters for cultivation are the most popular module that is installed on a walk-behind tractor. On sale, such elements are sold separately from the power unit, and are relatively expensive.

But if you have the necessary skills and knowledge, a tillage cutter can be made with your own hands. It should be noted that some homemade products are much superior in quality and functionality to their factory counterparts.

Types of cutters for walk-behind tractors

Structurally, a soil tiller is a set of tillage knives placed on a rotating axis. This module consists of two parts, which are installed on the wheel drive shafts on both sides of the power unit. Thanks to this arrangement, the walk-behind tractor is able to move independently during cultivation.

You can also distinguish a type of walk-behind tractor with mounted cutters, the rotational movement of which is provided by the power take-off shaft. The module is located behind the power unit and is not involved in the movement. Motoblocks such as MTZ, Neva, Foreman, Sich, Agro are produced in various modifications, with or without a power take-off shaft.

There are practically no differences in the manufacture of both mounted and conventional cutters. But for a milling cutter with independent rotation, a module is additionally manufactured with a drive from the power take-off shaft and a two-way angular gearbox.

Active (saber)

Knife blocks on such cutters consist of four cutting elements located 90˚ from each other. There can be 2, 3 or more such blocks on one side of the drive. The number of knives and the width of the module depend on the weight of the walk-behind tractor and its power.

The knives are curved strips of durable alloy steel. For self-production in the presence of heat treatment followed by hardening, spring steel type 50KhGFA has proven itself well. The bends of the knives have alternately different directions.

The design of the active cutter allows cultivation in areas with stones and roots without the danger of breaking the knives. But it is advisable to use this type of equipment on light cultivated soils.

"Crow's Feet"

The cutting elements of such cutters are made in the form of a triangle made of durable steel, located at the end of the stand. This location was the reason for the appearance of such an extravagant name.

As in the case of active cutters, the width and number of blade blocks is determined by the weight and power of the motor cultivator. The number of cutting elements located around the circumference in the knife block is from 4 or more. An increase in the number of knives implies better grinding of the soil, but the power of the power unit will also need increased power.

These types of cutters are designed for processing heavy types of soil and virgin lands. The presence of branched root systems in the soil leads to frequent clogging of the module.

Both types of tillage cutters have their advantages and disadvantages. When choosing an option for self-production, it is necessary to take into account the structure of the soil, the required degree of soil grinding, the layout and power of the power unit, the complexity and manufacturing method.

Manufacturing of soil milling machines "crow's feet"

Milling cutters of this type began to be widely used in the mid-80s of the last century. This was due to the development of homemade small-scale mechanization at that time. From then until now this design has fully proven its right to exist. Structurally, this module can be divided into several main elements, which are manufactured separately and carry different functionality.

Drive sleeve

It is advisable to start making a soil cutter from this element. Since the bushing is subjected to heavy loads, it is manufactured on a lathe with a wall thickness of at least 5 mm, optimally 7-8 mm. The internal hole on one side is machined so that the cutter fits freely onto the shaft without unnecessary play, a tolerance of approximately 0.5 mm.

On the other side, a groove is made to fit the axial pipe with a depth of 30-40 mm. This will allow you to get an axially aligned connection without any problems. A hole is drilled for the fixing pin.

Axial pipe with flanges

This element is manufactured in collapsible and non-collapsible versions to choose from. But there is one feature in favor of the collapsible option - the ability to install additional block knives or vice versa. How the cutter will behave will be finally clarified only after testing and, as often happens with homemade products, the result does not always meet expectations. For production they are used standard pipesÆ25-32 mm.

When making a collapsible version, it is necessary to machine connecting bushings, which are inserted halfway into the axial pipe and secured through the holes with rivets or electric welding. The protruding part will serve as a connection for a similar element.

A flange is welded onto the axial pipe for fastening the knife stands. It can be turned on a lathe, or it can be made from strips of metal with a thickness of at least 5 mm.

Holes are drilled in the flange for a bolted or riveted connection to the posts. Compound of this node electric welding is undesirable due to increased loads.

The length of the tube is selected depending on the location and width of the cutting elements. The number of blanks must correspond to the number of knife blocks. Two blocks are manufactured with drive bushings.

Cutting element (knife)

It is made of durable, non-fragile steel type 65-70G, 3-5 mm thick. The triangular shape of the knife is considered optimal for the least resistance when entering the ground.

Homemade workers often use the triangular cutting element of a segment mower as a knife. Since the steel of the pillar and segment has a different composition, welding must be done after tempering, followed by hardening. Milling cutters with such knives are used on clean work areas. For heavy, virgin soils, it is recommended to make cutting elements from thicker steel, which will make it possible to make a high-quality welded joint.

As practice shows, the optimal width of knives is 50-80 mm. At large sizes increased soil resistance is created.

Cutting element stand

It is most optimal to use the same steel that was used in the manufacture of knives, but it is quite possible to use strong, alloyed steels with lower physical and technical characteristics.

The houndstooth stand is made from a straight or edge-curved strip. It is advisable to sharpen the edge that is in direct contact with the ground.

Holes are drilled in the rack for mounting on the flange of the axial pipe. The cutting elements are welded and then hardened.

Knife block

By connecting the blade stands and axial tubes, an interchangeable modular cutting element is obtained. Only two blocks with welded-on drive bushings remain individual.

With appropriate qualifications and availability necessary equipment making this element will not be difficult. To avoid damage to materials and to prevent unnecessary movements, it is advisable to draw up before production detailed drawing or use a ready-made one.

How to assemble an active cutter

This type of homemade tillage equipment is most common due to its simpler manufacturing technology. With this arrangement, the cutting element and the stand are one piece and are made from a single piece of high-strength steel strip.

Up to the “axial pipe with flange” stage, the process is identical to the manufacture of a “crow’s foot” cutter for a walk-behind tractor. For this reason, we will consider the manufacture of directly cutting elements.

When heated, the pre-sharpened strip bends 90˚. The length of the bent part usually does not exceed 80 mm. It is advisable to combine cooling of the workpiece with its tempering for comfortable drilling of mounting holes. Upon completion, the axial pipe is hardened and installed on the flange.

When cultivating the soil with any type of milling cultivator, some scattering of the soil results, which makes it a little difficult to determine the boundary between processed and untreated soil. To avoid these problems, marking discs are installed on the edges of the cutter.

A tiller for a walk-behind tractor is used to destroy weeds, intensively crumble soil, mix soil layers, level the field surface and wrap fertilizers. Milling cutters are used especially effectively when heavy, waterlogged soils are processed, silty layers are developed, hummocks are cut off, and meadows and pastures are improved.

Soil mill for walk-behind tractor

A tiller for a walk-behind tractor is used during the pre-sowing period in the spring, after moldboard cultivation. It is not recommended to use cutters on light soils to avoid spattering.

Externally, rototillers look like bent knives or sabers, which are attached to a shaft in a certain order. The shaft rotation speed reaches 200 rpm. It is hung on the back of the walk-behind tractor. The operation of the rototiller depends on the power take-off shaft. The cutter gives better results when the speed of movement increases.

Diagram and device of a cutter for a walk-behind tractor

Thanks to their saber-shaped shape, cutters for walk-behind tractors are safe to use. If the walk-behind tractor hits a root or stone, the cutters lift it like a car wheel, while continuing processing. If the cutters are straight, then they can catch on an obstacle and overturn the walk-behind tractor. The consequence may be the operator losing his balance and possibly falling onto the cutters.

The knives are attached to plates, which are welded to the shafts at various angles. Thanks to this, the cutters enter the soil smoothly, one at a time. This has a positive effect on the transmission of the walk-behind tractor. Carbon steel is used to make knives. If you have access to a forge, using a spring, you can make such knives. For the manufacture of other parts, the following steel grades are used: St-25, St-20, St-10, which are easy to weld.

Soil milling machines with crow's feet for walk-behind tractors

To give greater strength to the cutters, they are made of steel, all-welded and non-separable. These cutters are called crow's foot cutters for walk-behind tractors. They are successfully and effectively used when working with hard soil. They are installed on almost any motor-cultivator or walk-behind tractor.

The main thing is that the axle diameter is correct. Houndstooth cutters are ideally used when there is hard soil to plow it “under potatoes.” They are also used to prevent garden pests(wireworm or Colorado potato beetle) or for quick plowing of the garden.

Crow's feet cutters are divided into 3 and 4 rows. If the axis diameter is 25 mm, 3-row cutters are used for motor cultivators Texas, Krot, Caiman, Neva, and 4-row cutters are used for walk-behind tractors Farmer, Salyut, Favorit. If the axis diameter is 30 mm, 4-row cutters are used for walk-behind tractors Cascade, Pubert, Master Yard, Neva.

Do-it-yourself active cutter for a walk-behind tractor

Typically, an active cutter for a walk-behind tractor is sold complete with the walk-behind tractor. But sometimes you need to get the job done using specialized cutters that are not sold anywhere. In this case, you need to make cutters for the walk-behind tractor yourself.

In this case, you can go two ways: make the cutter yourself or order production from a master. The first option is quite labor-intensive. But a little time and money will be spent on manufacturing the cutter, as well as the cost of materials.

The second option has a number of advantages: the master has all necessary tools and materials, and as a result the cutter will be more practical.

First you need to think about the functionality and design of the cutter. To do this, you should familiarize yourself with the analogues. For achievement maximum functionality and safety, all design details must be taken into account. If this is not taken into account, the cutter will not do necessary work, and all the work to make it will be a waste of time.
Ready necessary materials necessary after the drawings have been prepared. If the cutter design contains figured or pobedite elements, their production is ordered in the workshop. And other elements are bought in the store or those that are available are used.

After all the parts are made, it is necessary to assemble a normally working cutter, which not everyone can do. Assembly must proceed strictly according to the drawings, without any deviations in the design. Otherwise, the cutter will constantly move to the side, which will greatly complicate the work.

After the cutter is assembled, you need to test its operation. If the need arises, we alter the cutter so that it does the required job.

Drawing of cutters for walk-behind tractor

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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 positioned 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).