1987 - Volume #11, Issue #5, Page #33

[ Sample Stories From This Issue | List of All Stories In This Issue ]

    «Previous    Next»

Farmer built ditcher throws dirt 150 ft

Farmer built ditcher throws dirt 150 ft MISCELLANEOUS EQUIPMENT Earth Movers 11-5-33 "We originally built it for maintaining ditches and waterways in ridge till fields but we've sold them to farmers for just about any ditch digging or cleaning chore," says Wayne Summer, a Chokio, Minn., farmer who, together with fellow farmer Keith Stromman, invented and now manufactures a ditcher that he says "outperforms any other ditcher on the market". Their machine uses a 450-lb. flywheel to cut out smooth-sloped ditches up to 18 in. wide and 12 in. deep in one pass. The ditcher will clean waterways with as much as 2 in. of water in them or work through up to 6 in. of frost. With a 140-hp. tractor, Summer says it'll work at speeds from 3 to 5 mph and throw dirt out over a 150-ft. area. Requires a minimum 100 hp. tractor. "Compared to other ditchers on the market, our ditcher cuts a wider, smoother ditch and spreads dirt farther. Our one-of-a-kind pivoting 3-pt. hitch allows for precise control of the depth of the cut independent of the position of the tractor. The direct drive pto is simple and maintenance-free compared to all other rotary ditchers that have gear and chain drives. And because it's 3-pt. mounted, you can turn short and work in tight places," says Summer. The Keway Ditcher sells for $3,200. For more information, contact: FARM SHOW Followup, Keway Ditchers, Inc., Box 80, Chokio, Minn. 56221 (ph 612 324-2639 or 324-7256).