Engineer Shrinks Combine

Engineer Shrinks Combine COMBINES Modifications 28-1-5 When it comes to combines, not too many people have a better track record than Alan VanNahmen, Columbus, Ind. During his career as an ag engineer, Alan has worked on several combine "firsts" including Deere's 6620's in 1978, Claas 228CS mobil-trac track combines in 1990, the revolutionary Bi-Rotor combine in Kansas in 1993, and the Cat Lexion combines in 1999 in Nebraska. Recently, Alan decided to "downsize" the modern combine, building a 1/4 scale Deere STS that looks so real some people ask if it's in production. The mini machine has a working header and a swing-out auger. He built the combine on the frame of a Deere front-mount mower, using 1-in. square tubing for the frame, pvc pipe for the unloading auger tube, and 1/8-in. poly for the skin. In December, Alan took the combine to a Christmas parade and it was a big hit with an animated monkey in the driver seat that was wired to wave, steer and wiggle his ears. The actual driver sat in the grain tank wearing a large grain-covered straw hat so it looked like the tank was full of grain. Alan's producing ready-to-assemble kits for anyone wanting to build their own mini combine. He can also provide Cat Lexion and Case AFX 8010 versions. Contact: Alan VanNahmen, FarmBuddy Co., Box 647, Columbus, Ind. 47201 (ph 812 342-7608).

To read the rest of this story, download this issue below or click here to register with your account number.