The following describes the features of single-axle tractors. Their advantages and disadvantages are also explained.

 Description

1. Features

• Single axle tractors are commonly used in Asia but not in Africa, partly due to harsher conditions and less irrigated land in the latter.
• They range in power from around 1.5 kW to 15 kW, controlled by the operator walking behind them.
• The draught force they exert is low as it is dependent on the weight on the driving wheels and is usually less than the draught force from a good team of oxen.
• Their engine power is most effectively used through a rotovator.
  • The most suitable environment for using rotovators is under wetland or irrigated agriculture, where the soil moisture content can be controlled to suit the use of rotovators.
    • It is also where there is usually an adequate quantity of organic matter to incorporate into the soil to increase soil aggregation.
  • Otherwise, rotovators tend to pulverize the soil, particularly under dry soil conditions, destroying soil aggregates and leaving a high proportion of individual soil particles.
    • This worsens soil structure and leads to a reduced water infiltration rate, higher erosion potential and compaction problems.
• Work rates for shallow secondary tillage, such as weeding, are similar to draught animals.

2. Advantages

• Labour-saving
  • Less drudgery and labour-saving.
  • Reasonably high work rates for tasks such as inter-row weeding.
  • They can be used for multiple tasks from land preparation to post harvest.
• Livelihood resilience strengthening
  • Allows for expansion of cultivated area, improved quality of operations and improved timeliness.
  • Good quality work for seedbed preparation if used under correct moisture conditions.
  • Small size makes them suitable for use on small plot holdings.
  • The improvement of field conditions helps to improve income and food security, thus making livelihoods more resilient.
• Livelihood diversification
  • Opportunity to earn income through hire services and other activities (irrigation pumping, transport, etc.).

3. Disadvantages

• Livelihood
  • Potential damage to pulverize soil, particularly when used under dry soil conditions.
• Equipment
  • Relatively complex, usually imported.
• Cost
  • High ownership costs compared to draught animals and hence high risks for owner.
• Skills
  • Farmers require training in operation and maintenance.
• Risk
  • Risk if viability is dependent on contractual services, but farmers lack cash to pay for such services.
• Infrastructure
  • Considerable established infrastructure support is required for their efficient operation although less than that required for four wheeled tractors.

Figure 1. Single axle tractors with bed planter

©FAO/TECA

4. Agro-ecological zones

• Tropics, warm.

5. Related/associated technologies

• Animal traction and single-axle tractor drawn planters in conservation agriculture: ID 7416.
• Draught animal power technologies in East Africa: ID 4535.
• Development of tools for draught animals: ID 4483.
• Labour-saving technologies and practices: draught animal power and implements: ID 7306.
• Improving the productivity of draught animal power in sub-Saharan Africa: ID 4467.
• Labour-saving technologies and practices: draught animal powered and motorised crop processing: ID 7307.

6. Objectives fulfilled by the project 

6.1 Labour saving technology (LST)

The practice reduces manpower through using motorized tractors.

6.2 Pro-poor technology

The practice improves productivity and allows expansion of cultivated area, improved quality of operations, and improved timeliness.