Low-Cost ATV

Low-Cost ATV ATV'S ATV'S 22-6-27 After searching for a multi-purpose vehicle for use with GPS equipment around the farm, Dave Daugherty, Warren, Ind., decided to modify a Ken-Bar Stalker 2-WD ATV specifically for GPS technology. "It's ideal for transporting soil samples in the field and for doing any kind of field work related to Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) technology," says Daugherty, who as a representative for the Ag Leader yield monitor works a lot with GPS equipment. The "Stalker" is equipped with large storage racks on front for hauling soil samples and a tip-up bed in back for easy access to the 13 hp Tecumseh engine. It comes with mounting brackets on top of the rollbar for a GPS receiver antenna and mounting brackets on the console for a GPS monitor. The rig's 5-speed Peerless transaxle is similar to those used on riding mowers. The rig is mounted on 22/1100 by 8 wheels and is equipped with rack and gear steering and a parking brake. Ground clearance under the frame is 7 in. Suspension is provided by shock absorbers on a torsion arm. "It's built rugged and simple," says Daugherty. "With the transmission in low gear it'll go right up hills. Top speed is about 15 mph. I built it because in my work with GPS I found that a lot of farmers wanted a low cost utility vehicle to complement the GPS technology they're already using with their farm machinery. Other ATVs don't have as much storage area for soil sample bags and aren't as well designed for mounting a GPS receiver and antenna. Also, most of them sell for $6,000 to $8,000. The Stalker sells for $3,995. Another advantage is that the engine mounts way at the back to prevent interference from GPS radio signals. Radio signal interference can be a problem on utility vehicles equipped with mid-mount engines. "It works great for following up on problems that you spot while planting or harvesting," says Daugherty. "For example, if you see a hole in the ground while harvesting - indicating a broken tile - you can push a but-ton to mark the spot on the GPS receiver. Later, you can transfer the receiver to the Stalker and use the GPS signals to guide you to the exact same spot so that you can repair the tile. Or, if you see weed patches while harvesting, you can mark them electronically, then mount the GPS receiver and a sprayer boom on the Stalker and come back later and spray them." Unit comes in black or cameo green. Contact: FARM SHOW Followup, Daugherty, Inc., Box 306, Warren, Ind. 46792 (ph 219 375-2415; fax 3800).

To read the rest of this story, download this issue below or click here to register with your account number.