Loader Upgrade For ATV

Loader Upgrade For ATV ATV S Jim Ruen La Crescent Minn : After 15 years of pushing pulling and lifting with the Groundhog loader and blade on my ATV I replaced it with a Wild Hare ATV System Wild Hare Manufacturing bought the rights to the 3-way lift lower and tilt hydraulic Groundhog system and has made some serious upgrades www wildharemfg com; ph 218 483-1000     “The major change is the electric hydraulic pump At 1 3 gpm at 2500 psi it is more powerful and has a 500-lb maximum lift It also has an optional splitter valve that works with the quick connect hoses This allows you to use the same pump to power the optional 3-pt hitch or other small hydraulic tools When lowered all the way the bucket lifts the front end of my ATV 5 in off the ground     “The pump was the main reason I thought about replacing my old Groundhog system I had banged up the loader and blade plenty but it still did the job However I was having more and more problems with the electric hydraulic pump I took it to a local repair shop but it was a no-go     “When I checked with Wild Hare on a replacement pump it required a new wiring harness controls and hoses They also recommended powering it off a separate 12-volt deep cycle battery as they felt the old system was hard on the ATV’s battery I couldn’t argue considering how many ATV batteries I’d replaced     “The downside to the new pump is that it and the battery box mount to the rear rack instead of the front one This means that instead of one power cable running under the cowling of the ATV I would have 4 hydraulic hoses and a power cable running along the gas tank and seat It also means my rear rack is no longer available for other uses The price tag was going to run close to $1 577     “That got me wondering about replacing the entire loader In addition to the bucket and blade bruises the loader arms had a few added twists not there when I bought it     “The new design is adjustable in both width and length to fit new and larger ATVs It also offers more height to the lift than my old loader     “My old 500 cc Honda Foreman is practically bulletproof but the day may come when I need to replace it It would be nice to know the loader system would fit     “The folks at Wild Hare offer a number of packages with multiple tools In addition to the bucket on the loader they offer a snow blade also works great with dirt disc harrow cultivator box blade attachment lawn basket and rear 3-pt hitch     “I opted for the loader package which includes the electric hydraulic system It’s priced at $3 895 I added the $595 snow blade I was tempted by the 50-in box blade at $695 but left it for another day     “Using the new snow blade will be a real treat this winter The old blade was only 48-in just the width of the ATV It barely cleared the track for my wheels The new one is 57-in and will give my wheels more play when hitting a big drift     “The entire package came on a single extra large pallet It was easy to assemble All the parts were included with the exception of the battery and one small bolt     “I’ve used it for a number of chores over the past month and a half and it lives up to its heritage It gets into those tight places my full-size tractor and loader can’t go I expect that like the old Groundhog the Wild Hare will more than pay its way All that’s left is to find someone to buy the old Groundhog ”

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