In the arsenal of agricultural machinery mini-tractor are in particular demand, because they are relatively low cost, cost-effectiveness and versatility. The newly emerged domestic tractor KMZ-012 managed to outshine its import competitors and became a real indispensable assistant for public utilities, small farms or ordinary villagers.
Manufacturer
The appearance of the mini-tractor KMZ-012 must engineers Kurgan Machine Works. For an enterprise that was not previously known to a wide range of consumers, the technology has become a debut model, positioning itself as a simple and practical assistant of universal designation for performing agricultural works of varying complexity. Earlier, the Kurgan Machine-Building Plant was known exclusively for the production of military equipment, in particular, BMP, which was supplied to more than 23 world states. 
For the first time the tractor was introduced in 2002 and soon gained success among consumers not only in Russia, but also in Poland, Romania, Ukraine, Belarus, Moldova, etc. The management of the organization decided to release agricultural machinery in difficult times - times of crisis when exported products were not able to cover the costs of its manufacture. Thus, a universal domestic unit emerged that competed with technology from the Celestial Empire, since it performed all the same functions as the foreign “colleagues”, but was much cheaper.
Did you know? Today, the number of tractors of all kinds on the planet exceeds 16 million copies.
Specifications
KMZ-012 is a small tractor with a wide range of capabilities. It is used to perform digging and planting work, for tillage, as a freight transport or for construction work. The unit can be equipped with a plow, mower, cultivator and other mounted equipment, which significantly expands its scope.
Dimensions
By its dimensions, the mini-tractor KMZ-012 is as compact as possible. Its length without a front suspension, the width and height without a roof are: 1972 mm / 960 mm / 1975 mm respectively.
Given the roof and mounted elements, these parameters increase: 2310 mm / 960 mm / 2040 mm. 
Machine weight may vary. from 697 kg to 732 kg depending on the type of motor installed on it, the average value of the traction force reaches 2.1 kN. Track width can be adjusted and implies two positions: 700 mm and 900 mm. Agrotech educational model is 300 mm, the depth of the ford, which can be overcome by the technique, is 380 mm.
Familiarize yourself with the advantages of using a mini-tractor in your backyard.
Engine
The mini-tractor KMZ-012 is produced in four trim levels, which involve the use of various power plants:
- SK-12. This type of motor was part of the basic model. The carburetor engine, which operates on gasoline, has two cylinders placed in a row, and the function of air cooling.
Its specifications:
- Power: 8,82 / 12 kW / hp
- Torque: 24 Nm.
- Gasoline consumption: 335 g / kW, 248 g / hp. at one o'clock.
- Turns of the motor: 3100 rpm.
- Weight: 49 kg.
Did you know? The world's largest tractor has dimensions of 8.2 x 6 x 4.2 m, and its power was 900 horsepower. is he was created in a single copy in 1977 for a personal farm in America.
- "V2CH". A little later, the manufacturer replaced the carburetor engine with a diesel two-cylinder "B2C", which turned out to be more profitable, practical and economical. This model was developed by Chelyabinsk enterprise "ChTZ-Uraltrak". The engine has air-cooled air and a V-shaped cylinder placement.
Main parameters:
- Power: 8,82 / 12 kW / hp
- Turns of the motor: 3000 rpm.
- DT consumption: 258 g / kW, 190 g / hp. at one o'clock.
- "VANGUARD 16HP 305447". The American-made engine is distinguished by a V-shaped arrangement of cylinders, the presence of a function of air cooling and a carburetor system for injecting gasoline. The four-stroke model is a product of the famous American brand "Briggs & Stratton".
Properties:
- Power: 10,66 / 14,5 kW / hp
- Turns of the motor: 3000 rpm.
- Gasoline consumption: 381 g / kW, 280 g / hp. at one o'clock.
- "HATZ 1D81Z". The model also has a "shtatovskoe" origin, but its authors are the developers of the company "Motorenfabrik Hatz". The four-stroke engine, which operates on diesel fuel, has one cylinder, located vertically, and an air cooling system. Its advantage is considered to be simplicity and low requirements in use, excellent economy.
Technical specifications:
- Power: 10,5 / 14,3 kW / hp
- Turns of the motor: 3000 rpm.
- DT consumption: 255 g / kW, 187.5 g / hp. at one o'clock.
Important! Mini-tractors with diesel engines differ from models with carburetor installations with higher power, reliability in operation, efficiency in fuel consumption and at the same time ease of maintenance and repair.
Transmission
The very first modification of the car was equipped with five forward gears and one - rear. Later, the manufacturer rebuilt the gearbox on this principle: four front and two rear. Modern tractor models possess six-speed manual gearbox with two-stage main gear - cylindrical and conical.
Indicators of the speed of the unit are:
- back - 4.49 km / h;
- front least - 1.42 km / h;
- front working maximum - 6.82 km / h;
- the largest front is 15.18 km / h.
The transmission of the mini-tractor is also manual with a dry single-plate clutch, which uses a six-speed gearbox. This makes it possible to develop KMZ-012 forward speed of up to 15 km / h, rear speed up to 4.49 km / h.
In addition, the transmission includes:
- brakes, which are located in the gearbox housing;
- dry clutch friction clutch through which torque is transmitted from the flywheel;
- disc brake system.
The Kurgan is equipped with two power shafts, which are necessary when working with mounted devices. 
Tank capacity and fuel consumption
KMZ-012 is available in four versions, including the base. There are no significant differences between the models, the developers did not touch the dimensions of the machine and its mass. The Kurgan was staffed with several models of engines, depending on the company that developed them. The volume of the fuel tank in the technique is 20 liters, while the fuel consumption at rated power is equal depending on the type of engine:
- "SK-12" - 335 g / kW, 248 g / hp. per hour of gasoline;
- "V2CH" - 258 g / kW, 190 g / hp. per hour of diesel fuel;
- "VANGUARD 16HP 305447" - 381 g / kW, 280 g / hp. per hour of gasoline;
- "HATZ 1D81Z" - 255 g / kW, 187.5 g / hp. per hour of diesel.
Read also about the technical characteristics of the mini-tractors MTZ-320, "Uralets-220", "Bulat-120", "Belarus-132n".
Steering and brakes
The tractor is equipped with disc brakes placed in the gearbox housing, functioning in oil and operating from the control pedals. In the depressed position, when the pedals are locked with the latch, the brakes are in the parking position. Separate braking is also possible.
Standard equipment does not imply a cab for the driver, but for a fee it can be purchased. The work area is equipped with a chair with springs, which can be adjusted. In front of the mechanic there is a control panel with various sensors. In the central part of the panel is placed the steering column, which can be adjusted. Under the seat is the fuel tank and batteries. 
Running system
The Kurgans running system is built according to the 4 x 2 scheme, that is, the rear wheels are the main wheels. KMZ-012 - rear-wheel drive unit, all-wheel drive model has never been released.
The front wheels, which are driven, have a smaller diameter and are fixed on a swinging beam, which acts as a bridge, which allows smoothing smooth road irregularities when driving. The width of both wheels, if necessary, can be adjusted in two positions from 70 cm to 90 cm.
Learn how to make a homemade mini-tractor with a breaking frame and of the motoblock.
Hydraulic system
Considering the fact that the mini-tractor can use mounted devices, the manufacturer supplied it with two hydraulic slings - front and rear, with the function of fasteners at three points. Front hydraulics provides the movement of the machine to the right by 50-100 mm, the rear moves to the right and left at the same distance.
Important! A significant drawback of the hydraulic system is that the hydraulic pump begins to function by means of a transmission, and if the clutch is squeezed "to the maximum", the hydraulics do not start. Because of this, control of the linkage (lowering or raising it) requires certain skills from the driver.
Adjustment of the front and rear suspension cylinders is performed using a hydraulic spool valve. 
Scope of application
The mini-tractor of the Kurgan plant is designed for work on small land areas of up to 5 hectares. It is effectively used as a cultivator, mower, hay and snow cleaner. However, the scope of its application is not limited to this. The production of equipment is carried out in two versions - with an open or closed cabin, depending on the weather conditions in which it will be operated. This makes it possible to use the tractor in all climatic conditions: rain, wind, snow, etc.
Learn more about the possibilities and advantages of using tractors in agriculture: Kirovets K-700, K-744, K-9000, MTZ-1523, MTZ-80, Belarus MTZ 1221, MTZ 82 (Belarus), T-25, T-150 , DT-20.
With the help of the unit you can:
- cultivate and plow the soil;
- make furrows;
- spud plantings, dig and plant potatoes;
- mow the grass and lawns;
- to clean the area of snow, foliage and debris.
Video: KMZ-012 with potato planter
Small farms use the technique also for harvesting hay and plowing plots, the larger complexes using a tractor feed the animals. In addition, through KMZ-012, you can interfere with concrete, sweep, transport various bulk or solid cargoes.
Its compact dimensions make it possible to carry out work not only on the field, but also in enclosed spaces, for example, covered greenhouses, farmer buildings.
Important! Kurgan is not suitable for plowing heavy, rough lands. For these purposes, it is recommended to use more powerful wheelworms, for example, MTZ.
Attachment Equipment
The design features of the equipment allow to install on it about 23 units of attachments.
In most cases, a tractor is used:
- mower (cantilever, rotary);
- potato digger and potato planter;
- snow removal device;
- plow-hiller and plow-harrow;
- rotary blade;
- cultivator;
- rake;
- concrete mixer;
- comb former.
Most often the mini-tractor is used for work in private farms and small farmer complexes. Every year the manufacturer increases the list of used mounted devices, which makes it possible to significantly expand the scope of application of technology. 
Advantages and disadvantages
Mini-tractor KMZ-012 - a functional, practical and economical model, featuring a number of key merits:
- profitability in the expense;
- safety in use;
- universality in application;
- small weight and size;
- wide functionality;
- good maintainability;
- availability of spare parts and accessories;
- low cost compared to similar models of foreign production;
- convenience and driving comfort;
- good maneuverability and use in indoor buildings.
Read also about the capabilities of "Zubr JR-Q12E", "Salyut-100", "Centaur 1081D", "Cascade", "Neva MB 2" power tillers.
Practice has shown that technology is not without certain deficiencies:
- inconvenient fuel tank layout;
- the dependence of the hydraulic pump on the transmission, since the hydraulics stop working with maximum clutch release;
- not very high quality casting gearbox elements.
The last drawback is easily resolved by changing the gasket element to the oil and applying a special sealant.
Video: mini tractor KMZ-012 in work
KMZ-012 is a reliable, versatile, economical and agile agrotechnology that deserves proper attention. The engine of the tractor and the gearbox with proper timely care can fully function for many years. And if necessary, to repair the device is easy, because the spare parts necessary for its operation are available and inexpensive.
