"I started working on it 10 years ago, building my own parts or searching junkyards for whatever I needed," says Carroll Neuhalfen, Coleridge, Neb., who built a pint-sized version of a Deere 4400 combine that works just like the factory versions -- only not quite as fast.

The combine features a 6-ft. header, a 7 bu. grain tank, an unloading auger, hydrostatic drive and steering, and a cab. The header raises and lowers and is controlled with an electric clutch, just like the big machines. The combine is powered by a 2-cyl. Wisconsin engine.

"I have over 3,000 hrs. in it, and I wouldn't trade it for a new full-sized combine if someone offered me one," states Neuhalfen. "I will probably use the machine for harvesting clover and alfalfa seed but it can harvest any small grain. Mostly, though, the machine will be used for parades and shows."

To build the concave and rasp bars, Neuhalfen cut down parts from other combines and made some of the parts himself. The machine is authentic even down to the half-size grease gun used for lubrication.

Neuhalfen is building other miniature equipment besides the combine. In fact, he has plans to build an entire "pint-sized" farm. "I've started on a small-sized corn planter, a small dozer, a half-size tandem disc, a half-size  Deere 4020 tractor, and some other equipment," he notes. Besides his hobby, Neuhalfen builds much of his own full-size farm equipment, including a 4-WD tractor. He also builds power tools, including a power hacksaw, metal turning lathe, a milling machine, and a hydraulic break, which he used to bend tin for his small-sized combine.