Hi All,
Today I re-attached my bucket loader to my
C-185 (Wheelhorse) (had it on a E20). I needed to move a few snow piles
from the side of a driveway and this is much better then a shovel. I was
busy so I let Dad run the loader. I was a bit unsure as he is used to a
larger 1953 Golden Jubilee Ford tractor with loader and was not in the
mood for complaints i.e.: its to small, it's to slow, it's not strong
enough blah blah....
I was also a bit unsure as to the performance
since I have not charged the batteries since about September of
99.
Well, to say the least Dad was thrilled and
so was I. The batteries did nicely as did the tractor. I have it set up
with 75 pound wheel weights in the rear and well with Dad on it there was
more then enough weight to move snow. He did say in the beginning that his
Ford would have had the job done in 1/8 the time but was none the less
impressed.
My father was the one who turned me on to the
Elec-trak some years ago and I have not turned off since. The one counter
point I have always made to dad and others is there are few alternatives
to the Elec-trak when it come to versatility.
We all know that to change between a loader,
snow blower, plow, mower, sickle mower, rototiller is less then 3 minutes.
Plus do hedge trimming, welding, drilling, sawing in between all of that.
I was sorry that I didn't bring my camera as
it was a sight to see him on the tractor. I also have to add it took him a
bit to get used to all the switch flipping i.e.: forward, reverse, PTO
on/off, 2 hydraulic handles, brake and accelerator. In time he did just
fine.
I was some time ago going to manufacture a
loader for the Elec-trac but was side lined by DiVoRcE. Never a good word.
There is a company that sells universal plans for small tractor loaders
that need little adaptation for the GE/Wheelhorse units. With the plans
they give you places to buy all the precut materials if you don't have the
shop to make them yourself. The only thing you would need to make up for
our electric's is the motor to run the pump. This is accomplished with the
small 36 volt drive motor from say a E-8.
I have moved 3 times in 4 months and to say
the least I can't find my A** with my 2 hands. I will search for the web
address and post it here for anyone interested. I believe that to buy the
kit and plans would have cost about $800 Don't quote me). You only needed
basic welding skills to build the unit. They also had plans for a back hoe
that I would love to have.
I will get some pics of the loader on my
C-185 if any one is interested.
Thanks for listening.
Walter
web.starlinx.com/dwfh