Micro-tillers, powered by small diesel or gasoline engines, are characterized by their light weight, compact size, and simple structure. They are widely applicable to dry land, paddy fields, orchards, and other areas in plains, mountains, and hills. Equipped with corresponding tools, micro-tillers can perform tasks such as water pumping, power generation, pesticide spraying, and irrigation. They can also tow trailers for short-distance transportation. Micro-tillers can move freely in the fields, making them easy to use and store for users. They eliminate the trouble of large agricultural machinery being unable to enter mountainous fields and are the best choice for farmers to replace oxen for tilling.
There are primarily two models of micro-tillers produced and sold domestically in China: one model is powered by an air-cooled gasoline engine or a water-cooled diesel engine, with a belt or chain gearbox as the transmission device, and equipped with rotary tilling tools with a tilling width of 500-1200mm. The price is generally between 2,000-3,500 yuan, offering good economic efficiency, but with limited multi-purpose expansion capabilities and a relatively simple structure. It is suitable for use in areas with poor economic conditions and simple applications.
The manufacturers are primarily located in Shandong, Chongqing, Hunan, Hebei, Hubei, Sichuan, and other regions. The other model utilizes an air-cooled diesel engine or a high-horsepower air-cooled gasoline engine as the power source, with a full-shaft, full-gear gearbox serving as the transmission device. It is equipped with rotary tilling tools with a tilling width ranging from 800mm to 1350mm. The price typically falls between 4,500 yuan and 6,000 yuan. The entire machine adopts gear transmission, ensuring no loss of power. It boasts a wide tilling width, deep tilling depth, strong adaptability to various soil types, good steel quality of components, and a long service life.
Many machine operators simply do not understand the concept and significance of break-in, believing that it is both time-consuming and fuel-wasting, and thus “not cost-effective”. Some directly use the machine at high throttle and high speed without break-in, eager to recoup all their investment in one day; others, unaware of the concept of break-in, think that letting it idle for 2-3 hours after returning home is sufficient. In fact, break-in is a gradual process that must start with low throttle, low speed, low gear, and low load, gradually increasing to high speed, high gear, and high load. Its purpose is to gradually wear away the uneven parts of the mating surfaces of the parts through slowly increasing the load under good technical and lubrication conditions, laying a good foundation for the normal use and extended lifespan of the machine. Therefore, machine operators must strictly follow the instructions for necessary break-in. Guo Zhuling from Baihe Village, Yaqueling Town, bought a new micro-tiller in 2012 and started helping others plow the land the next day. Within just one month, he earned more than 3,000 yuan. However, due to poor break-in, the machine began emitting blue smoke after a month, and the cylinder liner, piston, and piston ring were severely worn. As a result, he spent both money and time, which was more than he gained.
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