Add On Yoke Boosts Tractor Pulling Power

1988 - Volume #12, Issue #3, Page #23

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Small to medium-size tractors can pull even the biggest tillage equipment with the help of a new self-propelled tow-behind power "yoke" developed in England.
The 110-hp. turbocharged power unit can turn a 90-hp. 2-WD tractor into a 200 hp. 4-WD articulated drive power unit. The power Yoke, as it's called, lets farmers use the biggest tillage equipment but still keep their small to mid-sized tractors. The flexibility it provides between power units and tillage tools makes the combination more valuable than a single, high-horsepower tractor, according to the designers.
The add-on unit is fully automatic thanks to a hydrostatic transmission and sensing equipment that ensures that it'll exactly match the forward speed of the towing tractor. It mounts on the lead tractor's 3-pt. hitch. All three link arms connect at the same level on the unit's heavy-duty draw-bar which allows the Yoke to pivot freely. Check chains keep the Yoke from "sliding wide" on turns. A pivot point located half-way between the tractor and the Yoke drive wheels allows the unit to articulate as needed on corners so there's no need for the tractor operator to leave wider than normal headlands.
The Yoke is powered by a Caterpillar D4 engine coupled to a hydrostatic pump that feeds directly to wheel motors. An adjust-able load sensor on the Yoke's drawbar monitors the work load and increases the speed of the Yoke engine to match the power requirement of the implement while at the same time adapting to the tractor.
Yoke Traction, the manufacturer, also plans to offer a conversion package that will turn the yoke into a self-propelled power unit as necessary. It includes a cab and castor wheel. The self-propelled Yoke could be used to power a baler, swather, forage harvester or other equipment. Then it could be quicikly converted back for use behind a tractor.
The Yoke is scheduled to go into full production this year. It sells for around $27,000.
For more information, contact: FARM SHOW Followup, Yoke Traction, Bythom, Cambridgeshire, England.

Story and photos reprinted courtesy Power Farming Magazine.

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Add on yoke boosts tractor pulling power TILLAGE EUIPMENT Accessories 12-3-23 Small to medium-size tractors can pull even the biggest tillage equipment with the help of a new self-propelled tow-behind power "yoke" developed in England. The 110-hp. turbocharged power unit can turn a 90-hp. 2-WD tractor into a 200 hp. 4-WD articulated drive power unit. The power Yoke, as it's called, lets farmers use the biggest tillage equipment but still keep their small to mid-sized tractors. The flexibility it provides between power units and tillage tools makes the combination more valuable than a single, high-horsepower tractor, according to the designers. The add-on unit is fully automatic thanks to a hydrostatic transmission and sensing equipment that ensures that it'll exactly match the forward speed of the towing tractor. It mounts on the lead tractor's 3-pt. hitch. All three link arms connect at the same level on the unit's heavy-duty draw-bar which allows the Yoke to pivot freely. Check chains keep the Yoke from "sliding wide" on turns. A pivot point located half-way between the tractor and the Yoke drive wheels allows the unit to articulate as needed on corners so there's no need for the tractor operator to leave wider than normal headlands. The Yoke is powered by a Caterpillar D4 engine coupled to a hydrostatic pump that feeds directly to wheel motors. An adjust-able load sensor on the Yoke's drawbar monitors the work load and increases the speed of the Yoke engine to match the power requirement of the implement while at the same time adapting to the tractor. Yoke Traction, the manufacturer, also plans to offer a conversion package that will turn the yoke into a self-propelled power unit as necessary. It includes a cab and castor wheel. The self-propelled Yoke could be used to power a baler, swather, forage harvester or other equipment. Then it could be quicikly converted back for use behind a tractor. The Yoke is scheduled to go into full production this year. It sells for around $27,000. For more information, contact: FARM SHOW Followup, Yoke Traction, Bythom, Cambridgeshire, England. Story and photos reprinted courtesy Power Farming Magazine.

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