Comparison Husqvarna TF545DE vs Forte 1350-3

The number of cutters that the two-wheel tractor is equipped with. Note that for models with active rototillers (see below), this parameter is not indicated: such attachments are removable, and active rototillers with different performance characteristics can be installed on one unit.

Speaking of quantity, a cutter means a separate "asterisk" of several curved knives installed on the working axis of the unit. The number of such “stars” is selected depending on the processing width that the manufacturer wants to provide: one cutter captures a strip on average from 12 to 18 cm, and several of them are needed for a more or less decent working width.

The speed of rotation of the cutters provided by the two-wheel tractor in normal operation. For models with several gears and, accordingly, several speed options, this paragraph usually gives the maximum speed.

The value of this parameter directly depends on the type of cutter used in the two-wheel tractor. In models with active rototillers (see below), only the intensity of cultivation and the degree of crushing of the soil depend on the rotation speed; it is believed that it should be at least 270 – 280 rpm. And in motor cultivators, where the cutter is installed on the power axis of the unit (the so-called axial structure), the overall speed of movement will also depend on its speed — and it should not be too high, otherwise the user simply will not keep up with the unit. In such models, manufacturers select the rotation speed depending on the diameter of the cutter so that the speed of the machine in the end is less than 6 – 7 km/h. Therefore, in large motor cultivators, the rotation speed usually does not exceed 130 rpm, and in compact battery models with small diameter cutters, it can reach 300 rpm and even more.

The number of gears provided in a self-propelled cultivator/motor-block, put simply, is the number of movement speeds. There are models as simple as motor-blocks with 1 gear or 2 gears, as well as more advanced ones with three, four, and even 6 gears. Lower gears are not fast but allow you to handle high loads effectively and are better suited for starting from a stop; higher gears provide low traction effort but good speed. Thus, having multiple gears allows for adjusting the machine's operation mode to suit the situation's specifics.

It is worth noting that some models have the ability to move the machine in reverse—this is done by changing the direction of wheel or cutter rotation to the opposite. This function provides additional maneuverability options; it is especially useful in heavy machinery, which would be inconvenient to pull manually. The number of gears is also relevant for reverse movement, as there are motor-blocks and cultivators with 1 gear and more for reverse as well.

The working volume of the gasoline or diesel engine of the cultivator / two-wheel tractor. For an internal combustion engine of the same type (see "Type of internal combustion engine"), power and fuel consumption usually directly depend on the volume. Also, the classification of a two-wheel tractor as a vehicle according to the traffic rules of a particular country may depend on the engine volume; you should pay attention to this if you plan to use the unit as a tractor and drive on roads.

Horsepower of two-wheel tractor/cultivator motor. The basic unit of power nowadays is watt, however for petrol and diesel engines (see "Motor type") the more traditional designation in horsepower is often used. 1 hp is approximately equal to 735 watts.

More powerful motor allows achieving higher productivity, width and depth of processing. On the other hand, high power significantly affects the price, weight and dimensions of the unit, as well as the consumption of electricity/fuel. In light of this, the engine characteristics are selected by the manufacturer taking into account what "weight category" the walk-behind tractor belongs to. The most limited modern units have a power of up to 2 hp, in the heaviest and most advanced this figure can exceed 13 hp ; 4 - 7 hp can be called an average indicator, and 2 - 4 hp and 7 - 13 hp are below and above average, respectively.

Detailed recommendations on the optimal power for a given situation can be found in specialized sources.

The power of the two-wheel tractor/cultivator engine in watts. This designation is usually used for electric engines, but can also be used for petrol/diesel engines, along with horsepower (for more information, see the "Motor power" section above).

More powerful motor allows achieving higher productivity, width and depth of processing. On the other hand, high power significantly affects the price, weight and dimensions of the unit, as well as the consumption of electricity / fuel. In light of this, the engine power is selected by the manufacturer taking into account what "weight category" the walk-behind tractor belongs to, what characteristics it should show. So, the lightest models have a power of up to 1.5 kW, this is the device that is best suited for a small area of 6 - 8 acres. Walk-behind tractors up to 3 kW can cope with 10 - 15 acres, a power of 3.5 - 5 kW is suitable for a plot of 50 acres to a couple of hectares. Units for 5 - 10 kW are already classified as professional level, they can "tame" spaces of 7 - 10 hectares; and the heaviest and most powerful modern walk-behind tractors have a power of more than 10 kW.

The volume of the fuel tank of the cultivator / two-wheel tractor; knowing this parameter and fuel consumption (see above), it is possible to determine the maximum operating time of the unit on a single refill. If you plan to use the device in large areas or to work for a long time, it makes sense to look for a model with a large tank — it will not have to be filled often. On the other hand, for short-term work in small areas, a large tank is not required — in this case, it only increases the weight and dimensions of the unit.

The nominal volume of oil in the crankcase, in other words, is the amount of oil that must be in the engine for its normal operation. This parameter is relevant mainly for four-stroke units (see "Type of internal combustion engine") — in two-stroke units, usually, gasoline and oil are poured in the form of a mixture, and there is no separate container for lubrication. Certain deviations from this volume are allowed, but in general they are undesirable.

The method of starting a petrol or diesel engine (see "Motor type") provided in the unit.

— Manual. Starting by human muscle power: the operator pulls a special cable or turns a handle, which causes the shaft to rotate and the engine to receive the initial impulse necessary for operation. Manual starting systems are inexpensive, lightweight and compact, and do not depend on batteries that can run out at the most inopportune moment. On the other hand, the starting process itself may require significant effort, especially in a heavy, powerful engine. Therefore, this option is used mainly in relatively low-power models.

— Electric . Starting with starter — small electric motor powered by a battery. Such systems are much more convenient than manual ones — the operator is actually required to press a button or turn a key; they are suitable even for the most powerful motors. On the other hand, a starter with a battery significantly increases the weight, dimensions and cost of the entire unit, and if left idle for a long time, the battery may run down, and the system will become useless (however, a spare manual "starter" may be provided for this case). Therefore, this starting method is used exclusively in heavy equipment, for which the ability to do without manual starting is more important than the described disadvantages.