1986 - Volume #10, Issue #4, Page #32
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Lawn Mower Powers Bean Rider
"I figured everyone has a lawn tractor so why not use it?" says inventor Jim Miller who at one time worked for a manufacturer of high-boy tractors and now manufactures the new high-clearance spot sprayer.
The sprayer frame has 40 in. of clearance and is 80 in. wide at its widest. Fitted with two outrigger seats, it can be used to spot spray 12 30-in. rows at once, or 9 40-in. rows. The frame can be narrowed-up to adapt to row spacing.
The mower or garden tractor ù it requires about 7 hp. minimum ù is simply hoisted up onto the frame. Miller says you can use a chain hoist tied to a tree or rafter. The mower deck must be removed. The front wheels are disconnected and the steering rods connected to the bean rider, a process that takes just minutes. Then, the double-V drive belts are put in place over the rear drive wheels and you're ready to go. The drive belts power a jack shaft that turns a sprocket that chain-drives the rear wheels of the sprayer.
"Once connected, everything operates as it normally would, including the forward and reverse gears," explains Miller.
The bean sprayer is fitted with a self-steer disc assembly for no-hands steering. Two outrigger seats carry two other spot-spray operators. Miller notes that height of the frame can be custom-built for more clearance, if needed.
Miller recommends the high clearance sprayer for farmers who own front-ride lawn mowers rather than tractor style garden tractors with a rear seat. Tractor-style mowers work fine but visibility is poor, making it difficult to spray from that position.
The new high-clearance, mower-powered sprayer sells for $1,974.
For more information, contact: FARM SHOW Followup, Jim Miller, Miller Manufactured Systems, P.O. Box 1685, Plainview, Tex. 79073 (ph 806 293-1304).
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