Kit Turns Tractors Into High-Clearance Rigs

Kit Turns Tractors Into High-Clearance Rigs TRACTORS Conversions 20-3-2 Here's a just-introduced way to turn an ordinary small tractor into a high-clearance rig for spraying and cultivating tall-growing crops. "We've been on the road with our first converted tractor this spring and response has been fantastic from corn and soybean farmers and specialty crop growers," says Everitt Hunley of Hunley Sales & Service, an Austin, Ind., company that's well-known for its business of repowering older model tractors with new engines. Now, Hunley has developed a system to increase ground clearance on smaller model tractors. He bolts gear boxes on the tractor's rear axle housings. Using gear boxes instead of chain drives as are used on most hi-boy rigs increases reliability and permits the design to be used on bigger tractors, up to 95 hp, Hunley notes. Front axles are raised by installing new drop tubes made of heavy-wall tubing, which provides at least 48 in. ground clearance under the front axle. A new larger spindle shaft attaches to the drop tube and steering linkage. The prototype is fitted with 15.5 by 38-in. rear tires. Larger rear and front tires can be used to raise ground clearance up to 54 in. using the standard gear boxes, Hunley notes. He also plans to build optional gear boxes that will increase ground clearance, he adds. Wheelbase on the first converted tractor - a Massey 383 73 hp - was lengthened to 105 in. for stability by lengthening and reinforcing the tractor's frame with 3/4-in. thick steel. Belly mounted spray tanks are available along with a variety of other equipment. Available for MF 283, 383, and 390T tractors. Hunley will custom-build kits for most other brands. Starts at $16,000. Contact: FARM SHOW Followup, Hunley Sales & Service Inc., 1162 W Booe Rd., Austin, Ind. 47102 (ph 812 794-4714 or 2771).

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