4-Wheel Drive For Tractors, Combines

4-Wheel Drives For Tractors TRACTORS Traction Devices 1-4-30 "Last month was our biggest ever," reports Ray Shepard, vice president of marketing for Mud-Hog Drive Systems, manufacturer of a hydraulically operated power package that converts 2-wheel drive tractors, combines, cotton pickers and other specialized equipment to 4-wheel drive. "We've equipped about 230 combines in the last 12 months," Shepard told FARM SHOW. "We've also converted several 2-wheel drive tractors of various makes and models to 4-wheel drive. Our tractor kits, still under engineering development, are available on a limited, custom order basis from dealers set up to make the conversions. Kits for combines and cotton pickers are readily available from participating implement dealers whose mechanics have the necessary equipment and instructions to quickly install the power package in new or used machines." Shepard notes that the Mud-Hog Power Package allows you to harvest under almost any field conditions. "Our tests indicate it increases traction by about 30%. That extra power is just what it takes to move your machine through mud, sand, muck and other adverse conditions. The added traction also carries over into easier steering, turning, backing and unloading." Shepard says dealers often use the following demonstration to show the big difference the Mud-Hog Power Package can make: "They'll drive a combine equipped with a kit through mud until it bogs down, then switch in the power assist drive. It immediately transfers about 30% of the available hp to the combine's rear wheels and moves it right on through the mud." The Power Package consists of a planetary reduction hub, steerable hub mount, hydrostatic piston motor, adjustable tread axle, low pressure motor drain, tire and wheel assembly, and hydraulic hoses, valves and connections. On most vehicles, the existing steering linkage is used. The original wheels and axles are replaced. They can be re-installed if you want to keep your Mud-Hog drive for installation in the new replacement machine. Price of the system varies from machine to machine but is usually not more than 10% of the cost of the original equipment, says Shepard. The basic package, less installation and not including freight, for the following combines is $5,236: IH 715, 815 and 915; Massey Ferguson 750 and 760; Deere 6600 and 7700; White 8600 and 8800; and New Holland 1400 and 1500. Add $300 for axle set-back kits required in adding the Mud-Hog to the Massey Ferguson 510, and $150 for the Allis Chalmers L, M or F to cover the cost of complete new axle assemblies which AC combines require. For more details, contact: FARM SHOW Followup, Mud-Hog Drive Systems Rt. 1, Brookston, Ind. 47923 (ph. 219 279-2632 or 279-2103).

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