Big Loader Tractor Works Great For Moving Snow

Big Loader Tractor Works Great for Moving Snow TRACTORS Loaders 13-5-11 "I've made seven of these tractors and sold them all except for one that I still use," says Archie Smith, Mora, Minn., about his big home-built 4-WD loader tractor. Smith designed the tractor specifically for loader work with the cab up front just behind the 9-ft. wide loader bucket for excellent visibility and with the engine at the rear to counterbalance the loader. Articulated steering makes for easy manueverability and4-WD gives it plenty of power and traction. The tractor is powered by a 6-cyl. Chevrolet truck engine and 4-speed transmission coupled to a homemade transfer case. The two drive axles were both taken from WC Allis tractors. Smith says the WC axles work great because they're designed so that the differentials can be pulled off. On most tractors the differential and transmission are in one unit. Two hydraulic cylinders provide the articulated steering at a center pivot point, regulated by a hydraulic control valve on the steering wheel. The cab is heated for wintertime comfort and the tractor is equipped with floodlights for nighttime work. Smith did the sheet metal work around the engine and cab himself. "It works great for moving snow be-cause of the outstanding traction and visibility," he says, noting that the tractor moves down the road at up to 18 mph. Contact: FARM SHOW Followup, Archie Smith, Rt. 3, Box 601, Mora, Minn. 55051 (ph 612 679-2304).

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