Hydro Kit Beefs Up Specs On Older 4-WD Tractors

Hydro Kit Beefs Up Specs On Older 4-WD Tractors TRACTORS Miscellaneous 33-3-37 Thirteen years ago (Vol. 20, No. 2), FARM SHOW featured an add-on dedicated hydraulic system for older model Versatile tractors, which allowed them to handle modern high-capacity implements. Since then, Atom-Jet Industries Ltd., has added Massey Ferguson, Case IH and Steiger tractors to the list of makes for which their kit is available. The 4000-series Massey Ferguson, 9000-series Case IH, most Versatiles (including Ford-Versatile designation 6 models and 1150's), and several Steigers (with Cummins or Cat engines), can all be upgraded with Atom-Jet's standard open-center system. The bolt-on upgrade kit provides one dedicated high-flow circuit over and above the tractor's existing system. With variable flow rate control of 13 to 26 gpm at 2,000 psi, (controlled by a toggle switch in the cab), you can optimize engine rpm and fan speed, boosting hydraulic power for running high-flow implements such as air seeders. "Installation on Versatiles involves drilling some mounting holes for the pump bracket and making sure the pulley alignment between the crankshaft and the pump is accurate. We have various different ways of mounting on other makes of tractors," says Curtis Gouldie, Hydraulic Specialist with Atom-Jet. "In the typical installation for most other models, the kit's auxiliary pump is driven off the front of the engine and mounts below the crankshaft pulley. A front-mounted 30-gal. oil reservoir offers a dedicated fluid supply." In both configurations, if the producer is handy at all, he can usually do the installation himself. Older tractor owners also have a second option open to them, which is a closed-center alternative with a few more features. "If you require active down pressure, want to pull an air seeder with dual fans, or have variable rate technology, our closed-center kit will fit the bill," Gouldie says. "It's a load-sensing system that boosts maximum flow to 40 gpm with a 3,000 psi rating. It has an in-cab, electric, proportional joystick, so you don't have to plumb hydraulic lines into the cab. It's also much quieter." The open-center kit costs about $6,000 (Can.) and the beefier closed-center kit is priced between $11,000 and $15,000 (Can.), depending on options. Both kits include every part needed for the project, right down to quick-connect couplers. They also come with a 2-yr. parts and labor warranty. Contact: FARM SHOW Followup, Atom-Jet Industries Ltd., 2110 Park Ave., Brandon, Manitoba, Canada R7B 0R9 (ph 800 573-5048 or 204 728-8590; fax 204 726-5734; mail@atomjet.com; www.atomjet.com).

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