Oversize Skid Steer Wheels Speed Up Loader Work

Oversize Skid Steer Wheels Speed Up Loader Work TRACTORS Skid Steer Loaders 29-6-4 "Our new oversize wheels and 8-ft. bucket let a skid steer do the work of a much larger tractor," says Sylvan Yoder, Beaver Fence LLC, McVeytown, Penn. Yoder's company does general contractor work involving a lot of digging and hauling. They decided to put big wheels on their Case 95XT skid loader to speed it up. The idea worked so well they put together what they call a "Speedo kit" that includes specially built oversized wheel rims for 17.5L24 (24-in. high) backhoe tires, and a big 96-in. ripper bucket. The tall wheels raise the skid loader 8 in. higher off the ground, which would have prevented the loader's hydraulic cylinders from lowering a conventional bucket all the way to the ground. So they built the oversized bucket, which is equipped with heavy duty teeth on front. "We've used the wheels and bucket for six years, and it has really stepped up our production. It works so well that we recently started building the kit for other people," says Yoder. "With the transmission in high range the loader can go 18 mph, which compares to about 10 mph with conventional wheels. It makes a big difference on some jobs. For example, when you're building fence and going back and forth all the time to get a new bundle of posts. The faster speed also comes in handy when moving snow. "The big wheels have a lot more traction in mud and snow. To install the bigger wheels you need a skid loader with a minimum wheelbase of 51 in. from center to center, which includes the Gehl Mustang and the Case 95XT." The Speedo kit sells for $6,200. Contact: FARM SHOW Followup, Beaver Fence LLC, 145 Jack Mountain Rd., McVeytown, Penn. 17051 (ph 717 899-7617 or 717 250-4828; beaverfence@afo.net)

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