Stripped-Down Van Fitted With Bale Loader

Stripped-Down Van Fitted With Bale Loader BALE HANDLING Bale Handling (31B) 24-2-13 John Maxfield, Admire, Kan., converted a 1978 Ford van with 351 cu. in. engine and auto transmission into a maneuverable, comfortable handling rig. Maxfield built the rig for less than $1,000 out-of-pocket. He stripped off the back of the van and fitted it with a Farmhand F11 loader. He welded the loader to a frame that straddles the van frame and is bolted in place. Hydraulics are provided by a 16-gal. vane pump. He raised the radiator and installed two electric cooling fans for extra cooling. He can fit the loader with a bale spear to haul big round bales, or equip it with a Farmhand 8-bale grapple fork. "Because it rides so smooth, I can make a round trip with 8 bales from the far corner of a moderately rough 1/2 section of land to the barn on the other corner in less than 5 min.," says Maxfield. Contact: FARM SHOW Followup, John Maxfield, Lucky 7 Ranch, 1407 Road 280, Admire, Kan. 66830 (ph 316 528-3476).

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