Hybridized Tractor Rides On Half-Tracks

Hybridized Tractor Rides On Half-Tracks TRACTORS New Tractors 5-5-16 Removing the rear tires and wheels from an International 1586 and installing a set of half-tracks has solved soil compaction problems and improved traction for the Pieper brothers, Mike, Matt and Bill, of Wever, Iowa. According to Mike Pieper, the hybridized tractor exerts only about 2 1/2 lbs. of weight per sq. in. of track while conventional tires exert about 50 lbs. per sq. in. Also, large flotation tires have been installed on the front of the tractor, reducing compaction there. "When crossing a field with the cultivator raised, and riding on its wheels, the wheels press in about 2 in.," explains Mike. "The tractor half-tracks, on the other hand, ride right on top of the ground and hardly sink in at all." Weight of the half-tracks is about 4,000 lbs., says Mike, so deducting weight of the original wheels and tires gives a net tractor weight gain of 2,000 to 3,000 lbs. "The set-up also increases traction quite a bit," Mike told FARM SHOW. "We can pull more. We're pulling a 35-ft. field cultivator with a 165-hp. tractor. The tracks also help in fall plowing, when it's slick or muddy." Another benefit, according to Mike, is that stress on the tractor's drive train is decreased considerably because a 12-MPH gear moves the hybridized tractor along at only 6 MPH. The drive sprocket on the tracks is about half the diameter of the original tractor tires. Top road speed of the tractor is now about 12 MPH. The half-track tractor has been driven on blacktop roads without damaging them, says Mike. "Handling the tractor is no problem. This same idea would work on most makes of tractors and also on combines", he points out. The tracks used are a size D-5, measuring 34 in. wide by 110 in. long. Hubs, gears and rollers were built from scratch, or modified to fit. A subframe mounted under the tractor and involving a solid 5-in. steel shaft carries the track assembly. The tractor axles carry none of the track assembly weight and serve only to turn the crawlers. The Pieper Brothers and their father, William, farm 3,000 acres, raising corn, soybeans and hogs. While the farming comes first, says Mike, they are making the half-track assemblies available to other interested farmers. "We have the capability to manufacture some units, and may make do-it-yourself plans available as well," he points out. Price of the half-tracks assembly will be about $10,000. For more information, contact: FARM SHOW Followup, Mike Pieper, Box 195-A, Wever, Iowa 52658 (ph 319 372- 3033)

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