Parascender Powered Parachute

Parascender Powered Parachute FARM HOME recreation 23-3-16 Michael Thomas, Oakford, Ill.: Michael likes his Parascender powered parachute so much he became a dealer (Parascender Technologies Inc., 1818 E. Bronson Hwy., Kissimmee, Fla. 34744-3726; ph 407 935-0775; fax 0778; website: www.iag.net/~para; E-mail: para@iag.et). The machine is powered by a 52 hp twin-ignition Rotax engine and 5 1/2-ft. propeller. The back seat was removed to install a 30-gal. tank and 35-ft. spray boom equipped with four electronic rotary disc nozzles that apply chemicals at ultra-low rates. It features a 520 sq. ft. parachute and is capable of carrying a 550-lb. payload. "Typically, I use it on 100 to 300 acres a year," Michael says. "I use it mostly to broadcast insecticides for rootworms in corn, weevils in hay and army worms in wheat. But it's also excellent for late-season aerial treatment with 2,4-D in corn, wheat, hay and soybeans, applications that would be impossible with conventional spray equipment. "Compared to a conventional ultra-light aircraft, the powered parachute is safer because it always lands on its wheels. Also, it's easier to store because it's only 9 by 7 ft." Michael's powered parachute cost about $12,000 when he bought it new in 1994. More recent models with bigger, 70 hp engines run about $15,000. Floyd Stivers, Stroud, Okla.: "My only regret is that I didn't buy one years ago," says Floyd, whose "best buy" is a 1997 Westendorf TA26 front end loader. "It's a true quick-tach loader, taking only a few minutes to attach and detach. That makes it practical to take off when it's not needed. I've seen a lot of other so-called æquick-tach' loaders that take two hours or more to install and remove."

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