Skidsteer Earth Movers

Skidsteer Earth Movers TRACTORS Skid Steer Loaders 31-2-17 The Ground Hog 2500 from Ashland Earthmovers grabbed a lot of attention at recent farm shows in Des Moines, Iowa and Louisville, Ky. The 2 1/2-sq. yd. scraper mounts to the quick-tach plate on skid steer loader arms. Caster wheels on the front end of the scraper help carry three to four times the load a conventional bucket could handle. "We recognized that the larger track skid steers on the market could be effective earth moving machines," says Randy Rust, president, Ashland Industries. Ashland has applied for patents not only on the Ground Hog 2500, but also on the concept of mounting caster wheel-equipped implements on skidsteer and tractor loader arms. The caster wheels are mounted on an oscillating beam at the front of the scraper. The beam can rotate up to 38 degrees, allowing the wheels to ride over curbs or other objects while maintaining a uniform cut with the scraper. The scraper is operated with loader arms down and against the frame. This reduces stress on the loader arms. Two 3 1/2 by 16-in. hydraulic cylinders provide lift. Running on a single remote, the Ground Hog 2500 is easy to control. The multi-purpose unit can place dirt, grade, strip sod or backfill curbs. "We've had a very positive reaction to the Ground Hog so far," says Rust. "Everyone who has seen it is impressed with how it works. We're working to make it more laser ready for customers wanting to do grade control." The Ground Hog 2500 takes a 72-in. cut and has a transport weight of just 2,900 lbs. Lists for $15,450. Contact: FARM SHOW Followup, Ashland Industries, P.O. Box 717, 1115 Rail Dr., Ashland, Wis. 54806 (ph 715 682-4622 or 877 634-4622; fax 715 682-9717; kmelling @ashlandind.com; www.ashlandind.com).

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