4-WD Tractor Built Out Of Corn Detasseling Machine

4-WD Tractor Built Out Of Corn Detasseling Machine TRACTORS Made-It-Myself 27-4-33 "Our local seed corn company was liquidating old detasseling machines so I was able to buy one for only $100. It became a challenge to see what I could build out of it," says Marshall Litchfield, Macomb, Ill., who converted the rig into a small, 4-WD, hydrostatic drive tractor. It's powered by an electric start, 2-cyl. motor. "I call it my ædonkey' because it isn't big enough to be a mule. It works well for pulling a big lawn mower that I built out of an old Woods belly-mounted mower. I also use it to pull a homemade lawn sprayer. Our yard has a slope to it so the 4-WD is a real advantage," says Litchfield. The mower deck's rear wheels are the gauge wheels off an old corn planter. Litchfield added a tongue on front. Power is provided by an 18 hp vertical shaft Briggs & Stratton gas engine. The engine slides forward and backward to tighten and loosen the belt that drives the mower blades. Up-and-down adjustment of the deck is accomplished with an electric trailer jack. The battery box is an old toolbox, and there's a gas can that lifts off to fill. The fuel line disconnect is from a boat motor. "The mower pulls harder than I had anticipated, but it works well," says Litchfield. Contact: FARM SHOW Followup, Marshall Litchfield, 15340 N 700th Rd., Macomb, Ill. 61455 (ph 209 254-3481).

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