Semi Tractor Converted To Fertilizer Spreading Truck

Semi Tractor Converted To Fertilizer Spreading Truck TRACTORS Conversions 26-5-15 When Clair and Warren Wilson, Winchester, Ill., bought a used 1980 semi tractor and fifth wheel trailer in the late 1980's, they never guessed that some day they would be able to sell the rig for more than they paid for it. The semi cost $5,500 and was powered by a big 466 cu. in. diesel engine. The cab had recently been in a fire so they had to rebuild it. "We used it to haul fertilizer, grain and machinery. It could pull big cultivators out of fields and down roads much more easily than a pickup ever could have," notes Clair. The Wilsons finally decided to sell the rig. They knew they could get a much better price if the semi tractor was equipped with a box instead of a fifth wheel trailer. They had the bed from an old New Leader single axle, 2-ton fertilizer spreader truck sitting in their shed and decided to install it on the semi tractor's chassis. It fit perfectly. Then they went looking for a buyer. "The buyer we found wanted to use the truck in his custom fertilizer spreading business. He asked us to install a new air-operated pto to drive the belt conveyor and a 2-in. receiver hitch on back, which we did. He uses the hitch to pull machinery on the road during the off-season," says Clair. "We sold the truck for $7,500, and I charged another $250 to install the hitch. The semi tractor probably wouldn't have sold for more than $3,000 if it had still been equipped with the fifth wheel trailer. The buyer says it makes a really good fertilizer spreading truck. It has a lot of power, and has a shorter wheelbase than a single axle 2-ton truck so it can turn short in the field. It also has a heavier rear end and a heavier front axle than a 2-ton truck." Contact: FARM SHOW Followup, Clair and Warren Wilson, 132 Hillview Rd., Winchester, Ill. 62694 (ph 217 742-3918).

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